Chapter 229: Chapter 229 - The Council of Queens
As planned earlier by Luna and Atlas, they were set to hold another meeting that day with the lords within their alliance. However, during an earlier discussion about where the meeting should take place, Atlas had suggested holding it somewhere other than Gacha Haven.
It was more than just logistics. Atlas wanted an opportunity to visit one of the other islands, particularly those belonging to the other lords in the alliance. It was soon decided that the gathering would take place on Luna’s floating island.
That afternoon, Atlas summoned the Nimbus Carriage once more. As always, Edrik stood ready at his side, and this time Serenith would also be joining them. Given her advanced level, she wasn’t under pressure to rush through progression like the others.
Then, rather unexpectedly, Mira chimed in with a cheerful request to come along. Especially after she’d heard that Luna’s floating island boasted expansive farmland and gardens.
With everyone prepared, they boarded the carriage and settled in comfortably. In an instant, the carriage shot off, streaking through the skies with occasional bursts of thunder as it departed from Gacha Haven. The island shrank rapidly in the distance, appearing almost tiny. Especially when compared to the massive floating mass of Shattered Ember.
The journey to Luna’s island didn’t take long. Thanks to its relative proximity and the sheer speed of the Nimbus Carriage, they reached their destination in just about ten minutes. From the carriage window, the island finally came into view.
At first, it was difficult to make out what lay within due to a protective dome that shielded and concealed the island’s contents. But as they approached, the dome responded, parting open on one side, allowing the carriage to glide smoothly into the interior.
And what awaited them inside was breathtaking.
The island stretched wide beneath them. One section marked by mountains, another blanketed in thick forest, while vast open fields sprawled further beyond. In the distance, they could see two distinct circular areas enclosed by city walls, likely the main residential hubs of the island’s inhabitants.
Mira leaned eagerly toward the window, quickly sliding it open.
"Sera, Sera, look!" she called, pointing outside.
Sera followed her gaze with excitement as the vast farmland came into view. Rows of rice fields, stretches of vegetable gardens, and countless patches of cultivated earth. Further along, they spotted livestock pens and animal enclosures, clearly supporting the island’s own food supply.
"They’re really self-sustaining," Atlas murmured, clearly impressed by the sight.
Edrik gave a small nod. "One thing they don’t have, though. No carrot fields."
Mira’s ears perked up immediately, her face lighting up with passion.
"Yes! Luna absolutely needs to grow carrots too! Good thing I brought the most precious, top-quality carrot seeds from Gacha Haven. They have to have a huge carrot supply. I’ll make sure they have a stock that will never, ever..." —she paused dramatically, "ever run out again."
The carriage sped forward, drawing closer to the heart of the island where the tall white city walls loomed in the distance.
Within the walls, rows of houses with red-tiled roofs came into view. Neatly paved streets divided the residential quarters from other facilities.
At the center, a wide plaza bustled with people, far livelier than the quieter outskirts.
"How many people has Luna managed to shelter here?" Atlas muttered.
At the very core of the city stood a grand white castle, the largest structure of all, adorned with several towers, cascading waterfalls, and sprawling flower gardens on one side. Atlas steered the Nimbus Carriage downward toward the castle courtyard.
The vehicle hovered low as it neared the landing area, where a group of people already waited.
Atlas disembarked first, followed by the others.
"Welcome, Lord Atlas of Gacha Haven, and your loyal subordinates," the greeters called out.
Atlas immediately recognized their attire; these were Luna’s trusted officials. Some among them waved warmly at Mira.
"Hi, Mira... come with us," they beckoned.
Standing close to Atlas, Mira tugged at his left hand, making him glance at her.
"My Lord, may I explore the city?"
"Yes, of course, as long as you do not mind going alone."
"No," she replied with a cheerful shake of her head.
With a bright skip, Mira bounded off to join the others.
Atlas then lifted his gaze toward the castle. From the distance, a girl approached, her short orange-red hair gleaming in the light. Unlike her usual self, Ember was dressed in casual attire instead of her magical girl outfit.
"Hey, Atlas," she called, waving as she drew nearer. She wore a pristine red top paired with a white mini skirt, appearing far more ordinary than usual.
"Hi, Ember."
"Come on, the other lords are already waiting," she said.
Atlas followed Ember, with Edrik and Serenith walking just behind them, their steps echoing softly against the neatly paved white stones beneath their feet.
On either side stretched meticulously arranged flower gardens, every detail perfectly aligned. Atlas had to admit, the beauty here carried a different kind of charm compared to Mira’s gardens.
In Gacha Haven, Mira’s gardens bloomed with a wider mix of flowers and plants, a vibrant explosion of color, though somewhat chaotic in their arrangement. That wildness had its own unique appeal. But here, everything was organized with such precision it almost felt like the work of someone obsessed with perfection.
"So, you have your own carriage now, Atlas? That thing is amazing. Next time, I want to ride it too."
"Yeah, of course. You can try it whenever you like," he replied casually.
They continued walking at an unhurried pace until they reached a broad staircase that split to the right and left, leading up to the towering gate. Guards stood watch on the other side, their presence giving the place an air of regal authority.
It was every bit the image of a royal castle, built with elegance and order. Yet, the thought struck Atlas, it was tragic to imagine a place so serene and beautiful constantly living under the looming threat of destruction whenever the lord battles began.
All this splendor, all this peace, was nothing more than a fragile illusion. It was maintained only by sacrificing those who dared to attack.
Could there ever be a way for this floating island to thrive peacefully with its people, without being haunted by the relentless cycle of lord battles?
It was an irony Atlas was certain every lord secretly wished for, yet the circumstances they had been cast into made such a dream nothing more than a fleeting hope.
They walked on until they reached another set of massive double doors, guarded by two sentries standing tall on either side. As the guards pulled the doors open, Ember led them inside.
The chamber was vast, its ceiling rising high above them. At the center stretched a long table surrounded by many chairs, most of them already occupied.
As Atlas entered, Luna rose from her seat and walked toward him.
"Hey, Atlas, we have been waiting," she said warmly.
But Atlas’s attention was quickly drawn to the others in the room. Nearly a dozen more women stood gathered there. He recognized Brigid and Celestia among them, but the rest were unfamiliar.
Luna smiled at him, as if anticipating his unspoken question.
"I told you before, did I not? Our alliance, even before joining you, was never just three lords. All of them have come today, waiting to decide together how this new alliance will move forward."
Atlas swallowed hard. How many were there, truly? All of them were women. He had not expected their numbers to be this great!