Weapon seller in the world of magic

Lunaris City, Western Moon kingdom;

Afternoon around 3:30;

At the Royal Palace, the day was going the same way as every other day for Shen Ling.

Unlike in several empires, the Western Moon kingdom gives more freedom and authority to the ladies of the royal and noble families. They could regularly participate in the court affairs, although from curtains behind without showing their faces.

Shen Ling, who had the ambition to succeed her father, was participating in one such discussion.

It was about the construction of a bridge over Cuilian Jiang (Emerald Ripple River) to connect several river islands with each other and to the capital city. However, it is a task that requires heavy funds.

A heavy debate ensued in the courtroom because of it. 

Some ministers suggested taxing wealthy individuals; some suggested confiscating their money from the bank; some wanted to raise the taxes of the public; Shen Ling wanted to put something like toll booths at the bridges to tax the citizens a certain amount of money every time they cross it to come to the capital city; As for the king, he was looking at an option of taking a hefty loan from the Eastern Sun kingdom now that they were in an alliance, but was hesitant to voice it out as it will make him appear weak.

With Mark having been missing for several weeks, he was rather worried lately. Of course, there's Zheng that is protecting the borders and there's 8-circle beast king Manticore protecting the palace, but they weren't loyal to him and they could flip on them at any moment as there was no official relationship established between Mark and Shen Ling yet.

Adding on top of that, not only there is the stability of rule in the Phoenix Empire under Shang Jun's leadership, but the Leon Empire was also getting closer to the southern Empire through the marriage between Shang Jun and the favorite granddaughter of Leon Empire's ruler. It was nothing but bad news to him.

As if that wasn't enough, lately, seeds of rebellion appeared to have been planted in the kingdom. There have been organized attacks on officials, but nothing serious so far to the extent that it is concerning for the Emperor.

There were many things going on in Shen Niu's head and he was rather stressed lately. 

Princess Shen Ling knew what her father going through and she was trying her best to help him, but the ministers were still in favor of Prince Shen Kai, the eight-year-old who is next in line for the throne, now that Shen Niu's twin brother and the nephew were out of race.

With no conclusion coming out of today's discussion, the princess took her leave from the court and started returning to her room.

Shen Ling didn't show her frustrations and acted normally as she always did.

With a smile on her face, she greeted the servants with a smile on her face as she walked in the corridors of the inner quarters.

As usual, she didn't forget to check up on Song Yue, who was spending all of her days in her room.

As she opened the door, her eyes fell on the pale-looking woman with her bones were quite visible at several spots. There was a golden kitten sleeping on her lap. The kitten opened its eyes to see Shen Ling and closed its eyes once again, resuming its sleep.

A look of pity appeared on the princess as she greeted her and sat down on a chair, "Sister Yue, today, there was an interesting case appeared in the court. You know Lord Hua Liang, right? It so happened that he and his eldest son Hua Ming fell in love with the same royal Jiuren (a traditional zither performer)." She let out a chuckle.

However, Song Yue didn't have any reaction. She was silently looking outside from the window. Sheng Ling continued, "She left the decision to his majesty. Both of them were at the court, arguing with each other to marry her. It became a huge headache for the father and the ministers. They keep on… Hmm?"

Shen Ling was explaining the story with cheerfulness to improve her non-biological sister's mood, but she suddenly stopped talking as a glowing scroll appeared before her eyes.

"This communication scroll… It is from Sister Xie," She said as she opened the scroll. Song Yue's expression didn't change a bit.

After reading for a few seconds, Shen Ling stood up on her feet, "Excuse me. I'll be back soon."

Song Yue didn't react to her statement once again.

Shen Ling didn't mind it and rushed outside before rereading it. She then recorded the message and sent it to the sender.

After a while, she returned with a genuine smile on her face. "Sister Yue, a royal guest is coming. Your presence is also requested. Can you please wear your best clothes and wear them? This is important as we are dealing with more than one Supreme realm expert here."

Song Yue didn't turn her head and simply nodded, implying that she understood it.

"I'll return after an hour to pick you up," Shen Ling left the room with a bit of excitement on her face. She was no longer acting.

Once she was gone, Song Yue mumbled weakly, "It is probably great grandfather. What's the use of coming here to console me now when he did nothing to defend my father?"

Roughly 90 minutes later;

Looking like a bag of bones, even with her best attire, Song Yue no longer looked more beautiful than Shen Ling as they stood behind King Shen Niu. Xie Mei dominated both of them in beauty, well, according to the spectators. The servants whispered among themselves about various things, from Song Yue's appearance to the possible identity of the guests.

It was then a black dot appeared in the sky, far away. As seconds passed, it was getting bigger. Within no time, its appearance became clear to the spectators, causing panic among the guards and the servants; of course, the citizens were in a worse condition. 

The giant spider ship with scary-looking long spikes made even Shen Niu let out a gasp but he was clenching his fist and joy was evident on his face. Even Shen Ling and Xie Mei were in the same mood. 

Song Yue, on the other hand, had her sight on the ground. She was already trying her best to stand on her feet.

As the spider ship landed and four guests exited it, the servants couldn't help but whisper a bit loudly. "It's him, isn't he?" "Lord Lu?" "But, who are the other three?" "Lord Lu has returned!" "I thought he died" "Me too" "Wow, she looks like a goddess" "Who are those kids?"

"Lord Lu?" Song Yue's face was raised for the first time since she had been standing there for the past 15 minutes in silence. Her vision looked a bit blurry and she couldn't see the four figures walking toward the palace.

She stepped forward, trying to push forward the King standing in front of her. However, her hand was grabbed by Shen Ling. With a firm grip around her arm, the princess whispered, "Not now."

Song Yue looked at her with tears filled up her eyes, "Please."

Shen Ling looked at her father, glanced at her surroundings, and then at the incoming figures. Letting out a sigh, she freed Song Yue's arm while muttering under her breath, "I shouldn't have agreed to a formal welcome."

As soon as she was freed, Song Yue used all the strength she had in her legs, momentarily forgetting about etiquette and just pushed away the King's shoulder and rushed forward.

Her actions took everyone by surprise, including Mark and the others.

She started climbing down the stairs with nearly 30 steps to the ground as fast as she could. 

However, just after 8 steps, she lost her footing and started falling.

"Sister Yue…" "Lady Song"

King Shen and Shen Ling went alarmed. The nearest guards moved to save her, but before they reached or before she crashed onto one of the steps, a blurry figure reached there and caught her in his arms.

Mark had the look of shock on his face as he saw her appearance. He caressed her face in worry as the latter forced out a smile and weakly spoke, "Markie, you returned…"

Once she spoke those words, Song Yue lost her consciousness right away. "Song Yue…" Mark raised his words as he shook her face.

And before others made any move, another figure appeared beside him. It's Sylvandria. 

Sylvandria took a single look at her and commented, "Her life force looks very weak. Give me a moment."

Mark didn't even react to her comment and she already conjured a ball of light before inserting it into Song Yue's abdomen.

In just an instant, Song Yue's body was covered by divine energy and color returned to her pale face. Her skeletal body had healthy skin. A miracle happened before everyone's face before they realized what happened. Mark felt like Song Yue looked as beautiful as she was at her engagement, although her consciousness has yet to return.

*Clap* Clap*

Shen Ling took action in a calm manner, ordering the servants to bring the litter, a portable bed/couch that is used to transport an unconscious or immobile individual.

The attendants or the eunuch with ether energy usually carry those things in their storage rings all the time.

Once Song Yue was carried away and disappeared from his sight, Mark greeted the King formally before introducing his three companions without forgetting to inform them that they were supreme beings and ask him to look after them very well.

The piece of new information momentarily stunned the King and the other spectators, making them forget about the earlier embarrassing incident for the royal family caused by Song Yue's behavior.