Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

The human realm is home to three major kingdoms, each a cornerstone of its existence. Though humans are fewer in number and weaker in power compared to the other realms, these kingdoms have maintained strong, amicable ties. Bound by mutual need and shared vulnerabilities, their unity has become their greatest strength, allowing them to endure challenges that might have otherwise overwhelmed them.

Initially, there were five kingdoms. However, one of them was defeated and merged with Grimland a few years back. And one of them perished during the great war against the Beast tribe a hundred years ago.

Grimland was majorly known for its variety of artifacts, weapons, and labyrinths. Those who desire to become a strong and competent warrior, often migrate to Grimland.

There is a town devoted to labyrinths, and the number of Hunter's guilds in Grimland easily exceeds what was present in other kingdoms.

Then comes the kingdom of trade and the financial giant of the human realm—Zymeria.

Although a few hands were risen in protest, the Queen of the nation has been running the nation quite brilliantly after her father's demise.

Zymeria was not only involved with trade with other human kingdoms but with elven territories as well—making them the only ones who came in contact with another race regularly.

Then comes the nation with the most military strength and the vanguard of the human realm—Whiteden.

The nation situated in the North is run by three clans, considering their complicated past. Taking geographical areas into consideration then, Whiteden was the largest nation in the human realm.

They have always been secluded from the world, coming in contact most during summits or if there was any war approaching. They don't usually prefer foreign trade unless it's about alcohol.

The military strength of Whiteden easily surpasses Zymeria and Grimland collectively.

If Zymeria was focused on enhancing its finances, then Whiteden always remained determined to extend its forces. That was why, Grimland, the only nation with balance between the two, was the strongest Human Nation among the three.

....

"I always feel so touched seeing the people of Grimland warmly welcoming us...haah." The lady with long brown hair and a pair of slanted green eyes muttered with a soft smile on her face.

The allure of the woman was enough to make the man on her left, avert his eyes in the fret of staring at her longer than what could be regarded as appropriate.

Adolf smiled, "The preparation has been going on for weeks now."

There were only six people present around the table—along with the three nation's rulers, the Arch-Duke of Grimland, the Head Priest of the Cathedral, and, of course, the Saintess.

Apart from them, Devon was also present, but his role was just to observe things, rather than speak.

Naturally, the guards of every being were present nearby as well.

The role of guarding the king was given the redhead commander named, Aborne.

Unlike in the morning, he looked far better. After all his conversation with his daughter assured him that he wasn't completely defeated in life. There still was some hope left for him and he would do his best to bounce back.

Alex was standing on the Saintess's left blank to have his eyes on Sarah and another eye on his surroundings.

Alex's eyes traveled towards the man who hadn't spoken a single word since earlier.

The broadest man in the room, with rough white hair and a pair of blue eyes. His aura radiated cold waves, making one think twice before approaching him.

'It's surprising...' There are three clans running the Whiteden, and in the past, the clan head of the Hebbec clan attended the summit. The Frostbate—the leading of the three clans—never got involved with these meetings.

That's why Alex was not expecting to see his biological father sitting across from him.

"...it's surprising tho, for Sir Eryndor to join the summit." The Queen voiced her opinion while looking at the man with a friendly smile.

The man in question remained stoic as he responded, "I was informed that the Saintess is joining the discussion, so I discerned this must be serious." Turning his eyes toward the Saintess, the man added,

"Isn't it?"

Christopher narrowed his eyes, complaint was written over his face.

Sarah's face was covered, so no one knew where she was looking when she said, "Indeed, there is something I would like to discuss with you all."

Adolf had several other things to discuss related to trade and the common problems each kingdom was facing. However, considering that the Patriarch of the Frostbate clan seemed rather impatient, he decided to let them continue.

"A possible war is approaching," Adolf began, drawing everyone's attention toward him, "We were informed beforehand so we have already started preparation."

The brunette, named Amara Zymeria, frowned, "A war? Against whom?"

"It's uncertain." The blond voiced, "However, the forces behind this would be unimaginably strong...more fiercer and determined than any opponent you have faced until now."

Hearing Adolf's words, Eryndor frowned; this was unexpected. Although he knew that if the Saintess was involved it must be something serious...but this was really unexpected.

An enemy stronger than what they have faced? Is it an exaggeration stemming from a lack of knowledge of what kind of forces Frostbate has faced?

"Can we know more about this enemy?" The silver-haired asked, "With the knowledge of what we should be expecting, it would become a lot more convenient to prepare."

Amara agreed with it, "Indeed if we know what kind of forces we can face, we can at least have a definite direction of our preparation."

Adolf was rendered speechless here, since until now, he also hasn't been provided anything more than this.

Every eye now turned towards the Saintess again.

Alex was surprised that all those eyes weren't making her even flinch as she calmly remained seated here and stated,n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Enemies who can dissect your defenses and strike with precision at your weakest points. Foes capable of overwhelming you with sheer might, yet wielding a pitiful façade that lures compassion—only to seal your downfall."

Taking a pause, she turned her head towards the Frostbate, before adding,

"They are not merely cunning but devastatingly powerful, driven by a singular, unyielding goal: victory at any cost. Honor and chivalry hold no meaning for them; they will defy every code, exploit every weakness, and tread upon every moral boundary. These beings are not just adversaries—they are the greatest nightmare for humanity and every living creature that inhabits this plane."

Those words had a great effect on the people, as the conference hall turned completely silent upon hearing that.

Hearing those words from anyone else had a completely different effect. However, the Saintess had proven her ability to foresee the future more than once. As such it was impossible for them to ignore her words or regard them as exaggeration anymore.

Devon couldn't stop himself from asking, "Are these beings coming in armies or individually?"

His question piqued curiosity from others, as they once again, turned toward the Saintess.

Christopher sneered, "Didn't you hear her? These beings don't hold any ethics, so surely they would attack individually. As such, it becomes necessary for the human factions to prepare their warriors as well."

Although she would have said it more gently, the answer would have remained the same.

Devon didn't look offended since his mind was consumed with thoughts of what they would be facing.

'Individuals with the ability to shake the world?' Eryndor's brows grew closer, as he realized something and voiced it instantly,

"Are they...from another world?"

Devon's eyes narrowed, since he also landed on the same conclusion, and the Queen gasped.

"Othworlder?" The Duke asked, with a look of disbelief on his face.

Adolf hummed before he spoke with a thoughtful look, "Considering Supreme Grace said that they are dangerous for everyone, it's highly unlikely that these beings are from any faction."

His eyes traveled towards the Saintess before he asked the same thing, "Are they from any other plain, Your Holiness?"

The Saintess remained silent for a moment before voicing, "Any further information would be counterproductive."

That made them back off immediately. They wanted to attain as much information as they could, however, not by paying a price.

Adolf suddenly leaned back in his seat and stated, "How about we take a break and then continue this discussion."

"I concur." Amara agreed, given there was a lot to digest before she could make any decision.

Eryndor also didn't say anything, showing that this much was indeed not something he ever expected.

On that note, everyone dispersed, isolating them for an hour so they think about the information they just received.

Sarah chose to relax in her room for the time being.

"Please take care of yourself, Your Holiness." Christopher voiced with a concerned look on his face.

He glared at Alex before muttering, "Safely escort her to her room."

Alex wanted to chuckle, but he held it in and nodded.

En route, when they were alone Alex couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't you tell them that they are from the other world?"

Sarah revealed her face from behind the veil. A mischievous smirk danced on her lips as she stated,

"Isn't it fun to make it all mysterious?"

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A/N:- The second half of the meeting will be finished in the next chapter. Thanks for reading.

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