Evolution begins with an ant colony

Chapter 295 The Meeting

The moon hung above, casting its silvery glow over the city below, illuminating the aftermath of the recent chaos.

Leandor arrived at the area previously sealed off by the illusion barrier. His heart sank at the sight of bodies strewn across the ground and the solemn figures of beast folk working to clean up the devastation. His mane swayed as he turned, he spotted his liege, Akun, approaching.

"My liege," Leandor began, his voice heavy with remorse, "I am truly sorry that such a thing happened under my watch."

Akun regarded him with a cool gaze. "Apologies now don't change what's already been done," he replied tersely. "Your priority should be ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future."

Leandor nodded, chastened by the reprimand. "Yes, my liege," he murmured, resolving to do better.

Akun turned his attention to the Dryads attending to King Leonheart. "Once he's patched up, wake him," he instructed. "I'll meet with him immediately."

The Dryad nodded in understanding, his ethereal form radiating a sense of calm assurance. Akun then addressed Leandor again. "I'll be using your palace's throne room for the meeting," he stated. "I hope you don't mind."

Leandor bowed deeply. "Of course not, my liege," he replied respectfully. "You may use it as you see fit."

Akun's commanding voice broke the silence, "Good, let's be on our way then." With that, he led the way towards Leandor's palace, his footsteps echoing ominously in the quiet night.

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Moments later, King Leonheart's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurry as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. He found himself lying on a plush bed back in his atire he had on before he doned his golden armor, in a nicly decorated room. The walls were designed with unique art pices showing scenes of nature, and soft candlelight bathed the space in a warm glow.

As he shifted to sit up, his gaze fell upon the figure by the window. The Dryad stood tall and imposing, his green hair flowing loosely around his shoulders like falling leaves. He wore a flowing robe crafted from the finest silk, the vibrant green fabric designed with complex embroidery in shimmering gold thread.

A delicate vine motif could be found on the edges of his robe, accentuating the natural elegance of his attire.

The dryad noticed Leonheart sitting up from the corner of his eye. "Now that you're awake, there's no time to waste," he said, turning to face him. "My liege awaits you."

The dryad strode towards the door of the room, his movements were gracful, given significance by the flowing robes he wore. With a fluid motion, he turned the doorknob and stepped outside into the hallway. As he did, he turned to face Leonheart, who still seemed to be in a daze, lingering on the bed.

"Are you going to make my liege wait?" the dryad asked, his voice carrying a hint of urgency.

As the dryad spoke, Leonheart was momentarily transported back to the moment of Akun's arrival, his imposing presence flooding his thoughts. A shiver ran down his spine at the memory. "I wouldn't dare," he responded quickly, a sense of urgency rising within him. With that, he swiftly rose from the bed and followed the dryad out of the room.

As they stepped into the hall, Leonheart couldn't help but notice the intricate markings adorning the walls, depicting scenes of nature and the history of the beast folk. Beast folk guards stood stationed at multiple doors, their imposing forms a testament to their vigilance. The air was thick with an aura of authority, and every step echoed softly in the grandeur of the palace halls.

With a bit of looking around, Leonheart came to the conclusion. "Is this the castle?" he inquired, his voice filled with awe at the splendor around him.

The dryad leading him nodded, his features serene yet solemn. "Right and wrong," he replied cryptically. "This structure is the Beast Folk Palace, ruled by Lord Leandor."

"Leandor?" Leonheart repeated, his curiosity piqued. "Is that your liege's name?"

The dryad paused, his gaze thoughtful. "No," he answered finally. "The name of our revered liege is Akun. Lord Leandor is simply one of my liege's vassals." He explained.

As they walked, Leonheart couldn't help but voice his thoughts, "If that is so, why are we having the meeting here? I thought it would be at his castle."

The dryad suddenly frowned, his face frowning with an expression of disapproval. Pausing, he turned to face Leonheart, his gaze piercing. "Count yourself lucky our liege has chosen to negotiate with you here," he retorted sharply. "He always has the option of flying over to your nation and enslaving all of its inhabitants. But he has chosen this approach.

Although I don't completely understand his reasons, you should be thankful. You have no right to demand or expect anything... Do you understand?" The intensity in the dryad's eyes sent chills down Leonheart's spine, and he hastily murmured, "I-I understand."

"Good," the dryad responded curtly, resuming his stride towards the throne room.

Upon reaching the grand entrance, marked by massive doors adorned with nice carvings of a lion's head, the dryad halted. He turned to face the doors and announced, "My liege, I have brought the human just as you asked."

From beyond the imposing doors, Akun's voice echoed with authority as he granted permission, "You may come in."

With a swift motion, the cat-men guards, with their pure white fur and piercing blue eyes, pushed open the heavy doors, revealing the magnificent throne room beyond.

The sight that greeted Leonheart was truly awe-inspiring. The massive spece of the throne room stretched before him, designed with luxurious decorations that spoke of royalty and power. Marvelous painting hung from the walls, displaying scenes of mythical creatures and ancient battles.

At the far end of the room, atop a raised platform, sat a magnificent throne crafted from polished black wood. Its backrest was designed with expressive lion carvings, their fierce expressions seemingly watching over the chamber with a powerful aura. The throne was flanked by massive pillars complexly decorated with glyphs and symbols of the beast folk's heritage.

The floor beneath Leonheart's feet was made of polished marble, gleaming under the soft glow of rune chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. Each chandelier was designed with lion motifs, casting a warm and inviting light throughout the room.

On the throne of the room was Akun, his silver hair flowed down his shoulders and back as he sat in the throne with Leandor standing by his side.

After Leonheart stepped into the throne room, the dryad then bowed as he said, "Since I am done here, I will now take my leave." He then turned around and left, with the throne room doors closing behind Leonheart.

Akun then spoke up, saying, "Now, since you are here, why don't we get straight to business?"