ELFORIA

Imperial Summon

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Eloise' laugh echoed and broke the silence of the night.

She was laughing so much as if she heard something utterly ridiculous and funny. "Hey. Duke of North or something, are you being serious?"

Then, all of a sudden, her gaze turned sharp. "Not until a moment ago when I pulled you inside of my house, you, people of the empire is not even aware and sure about my existence. Then now, you are demanding me to answer to what? An imperial summon?" Eloise chuckled, half-amused.

"The whole empire is being destroyed by monsters, the knights could no longer manage. We are starting to fall apart, everyday hundreds of the citizens are dying. People who posses magic have gone extinct, so there is no one that could help. The other empires and kingdoms have suffered the same fate, so there is no one we could turn to." The man spoke, his voice rigid, yet desperation could be felt on his voice." The Emperor who is known to be the strongest warrior, rumored to be in possession of inhumane strength have gone out of his way to personally solve the program by killing of monsters but to no avail. This empire is falling apart."

Then, his gaze met Eloise's golden orbs." Do you think you'll be able to live by the time all of the seals have broke? "

'Actually, I do and I will.'

It's true, Eloise knew what was happening but she decided not to intervene. This is not her world, doing something she isn't supposed to might turn out to bring more harm that good.

And lastly, she's tired of playing the hero. I've had enough of it.

'Wait, but if everything is destroyed, where will I buy my chocolate drink?!'

Eloise blinked twice, quite concerned this time. The thought deep and hard, considering the pros and cons of meddling with this world's affairs.

'Nah, a measly drink is not enough to change my mind. Worst case scenario, I'll just abandon this world and find another where I can live in peace.'

"Do you think your emperor is powerful enough to summon me in a whim?" Eloise asked, grinning. " Leave, peasant. This isn't a place you could joke aroun---"

"HA! You dare threaten me with a sword?" Eloise wanted to laugh.

"You must come with me." his bravery amazed her. She knew that this Duke knew full well that he doesn't stand a chance against her, but he still have the guts to draw his sword? Is this guy suicidal, or simply stupid?

"Master, should I eat him?" Zero's voice echoed in her mind.

'Oh right, I forgot about them.'

Both her familiars have turned hostile as soon as the Duke drew his sword. Zero, who's in his tiger form bared his fangs. While Vira turned into a Leopard, ready to devour him.

"Nah, let him be. I'll go with him."

"But why, Master?" Vira

" I don't know. 'Cause he's interesting?" It's been more than a year since she came into this world, she's bored.

"Fine. I'll go with you."

***

It's been a few hours since I agreed to come with Dione. We were supposed to depart as he wanted as soon as I said I would come but I refused.

Why?

I just don't feel like it yet. Hmm.

"Can we go now? The journey to the empire is arduous so we must be fully prepared. But we must depart right away for time is of great importance right now." Dione

"Hmm..." I stared at him and clicked my tongue.

'Travelling is so tiring. They already believe that I'm a witch, so...'

I grabbed his wrist, then...

"What?! How did yo---"

"Didn't you call me a witch?" In an instant, we are in the middle of the Krissus Empire, outside the humongous gate of the Imperial Castle.

"You..." He was about to say something, but as if he changed his mind, he just sighed and started to walk telling Eloise to follow him.

'If she could do things like this, then she might really be able to save this empire.' The Duke thought to himself.

The guards and knights immediately let them in as soon as they saw Dione Eisenburg, The Duke of North and the Commander of the Order of the Knights.

"I will be bringing you to the Emperor's Office where the emperor awaits." Dione informed her.

Eloise remained quiet. She actually doesn't care, she was busy looking around.

'This place is covered with gold. I might as well grab a few when I leave. HEHEHE.'

The only reason why she came to this castle is because this said Duke caught her interest. She could care less about meeting the damn emperor who was audacious enough to summon her.

'By the way, who the heck labeled me as an effin' witch? Me? A lowly witch? That's quite insulting.'

Eloise was still stuck in her internal and random turmoil, when her senses suddenly became sensitive. There's a warning bell ringing on her ear.

'This familiar energy...'

Eloise bit her lip and tsked, "Now, this is serious." she murmured.

Every step they take, she's going nearer and nearer the familiar energy. There's no doubt in it, the one who's in possession of that thing is with the Emperor— or the Emperor himself.

Suddenly, she can't wait to arrive at that friggin' office. I need to take it back. This is dangerous.

Her breathing came to a short stop when they finally reached the door to the Emperor's personal working place—the imperial office, and the presence of the thing she've been sensing since earlier also became even clearer and stronger.

"Your highness, it is I." The Duke loudly said before opening the door.

"Is that her?" Danger. That's what her senses has been telling her. This person is strong, but the warning isn't because of him.

From the emperor's red deadly orbs, her eyes drifted away and looked around the office, until her eyes landed on a certain sword just beside his table.

"You gotta be kidding me."