Volume 10 - Dream Eater: Chapter 31 The Kings Fiftieth Birthday

The capital of the Asuka Kingdom, Iwaya City, has an intriguing history. The Asuka Tribe originally fled from the Nara Dynasty, the precursor to the Heian Dynasty, crossing the ocean to find refuge. Seeking security, they eventually settled deep within the mountain ranges of Iyo Island and founded what would evolve into Iwaya City, the royal capital. While the location provided safety, it also limited the tribes potential for expansion. The city itself sprawled over several mountains and valleys, its structures ingeniously built into the natural topography.

To the citys west, buildings clung to a mountain wall, dividing the area into two main sectors. The Iwaya Dojo, located on a slope, was considered the most prestigious martial arts inst.i.tution in the Asuka Kingdom. Its current master was Tsukuba Naoya, not only the son of the kingdoms Prime Minister but also the most skilled warrior on Iyo Island. Higher up, the hillside was dotted with residences belonging to the Tsukuba Clan.

Within a three-story pavilion inside this residence, an older man with gray hair and severe eyes paced angrily. This was Tsukuba Arai, the current Prime Minister. d.a.m.n it! What military crisis? Princess Asuka is clearly stalling! he grumbled as he looked out over the city.

Behind him stood a towering figure, Tsukuba Naoya, with dark red hair and dressed in robes that exposed his muscular upper torso. He looked formidable, with a scar running from between his eyes down to his left chin. Father, whats our next course of action? he asked.

Arai furrowed his brows, deep in thought, before responding, Weve already secured control over the royal capital. The moment we receive the Shoguns alliance letter, even if the King opposes us, we can proceed. The problem is Princess Asuka; she has gathered experts from all over the island and mainland. She may not defeat us, but she could prolong this conflict. Relying solely on your strength to quell her wont solve everything.

Naoya nodded. Youre correct. Princess Asuka has substantial military force and even a fortified city. If she decides to resist, she could potentially undermine your influence.

Id prefer to avoid further loss of life. If a marital alliance with you can bring Asuka s.h.i.+zuand by extension, her forces and her cityunder our control, then thats the ideal solution. The women of the Asuka Dynasty are known for their remarkable talents, and Asuka s.h.i.+zu is no exception. Shes a formidable force in both governance and the military, not to mention a swordsmithing prodigy. Turning her into an enemy would be regrettable, and it would certainly disappoint the Shogun of the Heian Dynasty, Arai articulated.

Asuka s.h.i.+zu is surprisingly shrewd, though. On the surface, she seems devoted to her military responsibilities, but the demon presence across Iyo Island gives her an endless list of excuses to delay the wedding. Whats our strategy? Naoya inquired.

My suspicion is that Asuka s.h.i.+zu never planned to adhere to the marriage agreement. Time is not on our side. Consider thisthe Kings fiftieth birthday is next month, Arai responded.

The King himself said that due to the national crisis, the birthday celebrations would be modest, didnt he? Naoya asked.

Originally, yes. But we need to change the narrative. Lets make the celebration as grand as can be to exude the Kings majesty and inspire the public, Arai elaborated.

Naoyas eyes sparkled with realization. So, youre suggesting we use the fiftieth birthday celebration as a pretext to call Asuka s.h.i.+zu back?

Exactly. Its one thing for her to dodge a wedding, but refusing to attend her own fathers milestone birthday? I doubt even she would go to such lengths, Arai confirmed.

Asuka probably never intended to marry me to begin with. Shes even made a public vow to marry any man capable of ridding the world of demons. But shes also deeply devoted to her father. I dont think shell turn down a summons for such an occasion, Naoya conjectured.

Heheh, Arai chuckled softly as his gaze drifted over Iwaya City, enshrouded by dark clouds. His stern eyes transformed, becoming enveloped in an eerie black mist.

At that moment, hundreds of miles from Iwaya City, in Himeji to the north of Iyo Island.

Miss Lily, this is my last Lunar Crystal.

Thank you. As soon as Lily touched the crystal, its immense power coursed through her, captivating her senses. Basking in the moonlight, Lily flawlessly absorbed the Lunar Crystal. The ensuing wave of euphoria nearly overwhelmed her, causing her to almost pa.s.s out in front of everyone.

Little Sister Lil Sister From the depths of darkness, a mournful, distant voice beckoned her, as if from an infinite distance

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.

Who? Lilys eyes snapped open to find everyone staring.

What happened?

Was the absorption successful?

All was quiet now, the mysterious voice gone. The power of the third Lunar Crystal had boosted Lilys strength by an astonis.h.i.+ng 20%. Its integration into her system was eerily seamless, as if the crystal were originally part of her.

I Im fine, Lily a.s.sured, pleased that her strength had increased yet again, nearly reaching the lower limits of a quintuple-soul Big Dipper. Who was calling out to me? she wondered. The voice was faint and far away, almost lost in the haze of her semi-conscious state.

Lily? Ayaka looked concerned as Lily seemed lost in thought.

Im fine, Lily repeated.

Did you grow stronger again? s.h.i.+mizu inquired.

A little, Lily confirmed.

Thats fantastic! s.h.i.+mizu exclaimed. She had once been jealous of Lilys rapid growth, but now she clearly put Lilys needs above her own. This touched Lily deeply, strengthening her resolve to protect s.h.i.+mizu.

Miss Lily, you never cease to amaze. Youve already absorbed another Lunar Crystal, havent you? Asuka observed. According to legend, a Big Dipper can absorb only three. You must be at your limit.

Perhaps, Lily conceded.

Hehehe, even if you wished for more, Im all out. Unbeknownst to her, Lily had only reached the Throned Sovereign Stage. Lily surmised that the constraint in absorbing Lunar Crystals was likely tied to ones personal strength.

Take a look around, Lily. Anything else catches your eye?

Smiling, Lily responded, No, nothing at the moment. Besides, youd want me to top the scoreboard, wouldnt you?

Ah, Lily Asuka was deeply touched. With over 4,000 Shares remaining, Lily could easily acquire a plethora of weapons and consumables. Yet she continued to prioritize Asukas wishes.

In her thoughts, Asuka mused, Shes truly a remarkable personhonorable, pragmatic, strong, spontaneous, a.s.sertive. Shes also gentle and perceptive. If only there were a man as extraordinary as her. If she were a man, perhaps I might even

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Asuka suddenly blushed. What am I even thinking? How odd!

Princess Asuka, is everything alright? Lily inquired, concerned.

Im fine, thank you, Lily, Asuka rea.s.sured her.

Rest a.s.sured, Princess, Im not h.o.a.rding these shares for the sake of it. If something truly catches my eye, I wont hesitate to spend them, Lily said, her smile radiant.

Asuka smiled back, understanding that this encapsulated Lilys genuine selfsomeone who was honest, straightforward, and true to her nature.

Very well, Ill ensure these Kingdom Shares are recorded on your behalf, and Ill ask Reika to update the leaderboard later, Asuka confirmed.

Apart from Lily, no one had the capacity to defeat a triple-soul Big Dipper or dismantle another Yomi Gate. While there were veterans who had ama.s.sed more Kingdom Shares than Lily over years of continuous battles, they had not retained them all, often opting to exchange them for valuable treasures.

Understood, Lily acknowledged with a nod.

Lily, this time Asuka paused, her eyes lingering on Lily as if she wanted to articulate something yet remained silent.

Princess?

Suddenly, Asukas body gave way, and she collapsed to the ground.

Princess!

Everyone rushed to her side. Whats the matter, Princess? Reika questioned, kneeling beside Asuka to support her.

I I cant be sure. It was so abrupt I feel like I should be okay, but Her attempt to rise was unsuccessful.

Reikas voice tinged with worry, Whats happening?

Ayaka knelt next to the fallen Princess, her fingers lightly touching Asukas arm to gauge her pulse. Her expression turned serious. I apologize, Princess, but I need to remove your clothing for a more thorough examination.

There were no objections, given they were all women. Ayaka proceeded to undo Asukas loosely fitting garments, extending her hand to feel her heartbeat. She then moved her hands to Asukas waist and navel, applying some pressure as she rubbed back and forth.

Your Spirit Palace appears to have suffered damage in the previous battle, causing an instability in your spiritual energy. This is likely why youve lost control over your body, Ayaka announced with gravity in her voice.

What should I do now? Asuka questioned.

The condition isnt too severe at the moment, but immediate treatment is crucial to avoid lasting detrimental effects on your training, Ayaka cautioned, her tone still filled with solemnity

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References

Robinxen: Oho? I wonder

Robinxen: Oh no! Shes starting to fall!

Silva: Well, now thats just perfect, now they have legit excuse to skip the birthday