After everyone had finished eating their meal, I underwent my transformation into my dragon form, carefully grasping everyone in my claws before launching myself powerfully into the sky and taking flight.
Snow White had been quite scared and frightened by the sudden transformation and flight, but fortunately Elsa and Merida were there to reassure her and calm her nerves. After flying for a considerable while through the air, we finally reached our destination—the castle. The people who were present and saw me descending from the sky immediately knelt down in fear at the sight of my dragon form.
I descended carefully and dropped down to the ground, then extended my massive hand down to the ground level. One by one, each person jumped off from my palm and landed safely on the ground. The people who had gathered were utterly shocked and amazed to see them arriving in this manner.
I then proceeded to transform back into my human form, my body shifting and changing before their eyes. The people watching grew even more shocked and astounded at this display. Now back in my human form, I straightened myself and walked forward with purpose.
"From now on and into the future," I announced as I presented Claude to everyone gathered, "my son shall become the king of this kingdom and rule over these lands."
The queen standing nearby looked shocked and stunned—not by my presence or my transformation, but rather by the particular girl she was staring intently at. She was looking directly at Snow White with wide eyes. She must have been under the impression and belief that Snow had already been killed and was no longer alive.
I turned my attention to Claude, meeting his gaze.
"From now on and moving forward, you will manage things here and oversee the affairs of this kingdom. And as for her," I said with a meaningful look, directing my gaze toward the witch standing before us, "deal with it as you see fit."
He nodded in understanding and acknowledgment, then took out his sword from its sheath with a smooth motion. He walked with determined steps toward the woman and slashed forcefully at the queen with his blade.
I quickly covered Snow's eyes with my hand to shield her from the violence. The queen's eyes widened in shock and desperation, and she desperately cast a magic attack toward him in an attempt to defend herself. But it did nothing to harm him at all. With his extraordinary luck and fortune, the magical attack just flew harmlessly past him, missing its target completely.
The misdirected attack landed elsewhere and sliced cleanly off her arm in the process. Everyone present saw what was happening and unfolding before their eyes but did nothing to intervene or stop it.
"I curse you—I curse you with love and affection! Any woman that you fall for and come to love will hate you in return!" she screamed out desperately with her remaining strength. He paused momentarily at her words, seeming to consider them.
Even I paused and hesitated for a moment. What is it with witches and their obsession with curses of love anyway? It seems to be a recurring pattern.
"Do you think I care about such things? And that low-level curse of yours will never affect me or have any impact on my life," he added dismissively and then cut her throat with a swift, decisive motion.
She covered her throat desperately with her remaining hand and tried frantically to stop the bleeding, but eventually she died from air deprivation and loss of blood.
I burned her body completely with my flames and then removed my hand from Snow's eyes, allowing her to see again. I had made absolutely sure to also place a protective barrier around her to prevent any sound from entering her ears during the execution.
I summoned a bunch of new summons to appear before us, calling them forth from my power.
"They will follow your command and obey your orders without question," I said lightly to Claude.
He nodded in acceptance and understanding, then turned to face the assembled crowd. He pointed deliberately at one particular person standing in the group.
"Show me around the place and give me a proper tour of the castle and its grounds."
The man he had pointed to stood up shakily and shook visibly in fear at being singled out.
"Yes, sir," he said nervously, his voice trembling.
I turned back to face my wives who had been waiting patiently.
"Should we stay here a little longer and remain for a while, or should we keep going and continue our journey?" I asked them, seeking their input.
"I'm tired of human civilization and all its complexities. Let's keep going and move on," Merida said with clear conviction in her voice.
Elsa nodded in agreement with Merida's sentiment, and Luna just mentioned simply that she was hungry and wanted food.
I then turned my attention to Snow, observing her carefully. She was far too innocent and kind-hearted for the harsh realities of the world. I'll leave her here in Claude's care and under his protection. With his natural character and tendency of caring for sisters and being protective of them, Snow might work well under his guardianship.
After saying our goodbyes and farewells to those remaining, I headed off with my wives to continue our travels.
We entered the same forest we had passed through before and walked carefully through the dense trees. This forest is quite huge and expansive in its size. As we walked along the path, I noticed some people in the distance—they were dwarves, small in stature.
I remembered clearly that there were dwarves mentioned in the story and tales. I wondered curiously if they could blacksmith and work with metal. I walked toward them with interest. My considerable height seemed to scare and intimidate them as I approached.
"Who are you?" the toughest and most gruff-looking one among them asked with suspicion.
"I am Erik, and these are my wives—Merida, Elsa, and Luna," I said, introducing everyone properly.
Their eyes widened in surprise at the introduction.
"Quite a lot of wives you have there," they commented with some amazement.
I nodded with a smile, acknowledging their observation.
"So you are dwarves, right? That is your race?"
They nodded in confirmation of their identity.
"Then can you blacksmith and work metal? Do you have that skill?" I asked with genuine curiosity and interest.
"No, not all dwarves are blacksmiths by trade or profession," one of them explained matter-of-factly.
"Oh, I see and understand," I muttered, processing this information.
That was kind of a letdown and disappointment to me. I'd wanted to recruit them if they could work metal and had those valuable skills. But seeing that they had no particular strength or special abilities and couldn't even blacksmith or craft, I just nodded in acceptance.
"Thank you for your time and for speaking with me," I said politely and then walked off to continue our journey.
The dwarves returned to what they were doing previously as we walked away from them and continued down the path.
"I'm hungry," Luna said suddenly, voicing her need.
My mouth twitched in irritation at yet another request for food.
"You've already eaten not long ago," I said, reminding her of the recent meal.
She suddenly jumped on me playfully and swayed back and forth on my back.
"I'm hungry, I'm hungry," she chanted repeatedly like a persistent child.
I just sighed deeply, knowing I couldn't win this argument.
"Fine, alright," I muttered in resignation and handed her some prepared meals from my storage.
She jumped off me excitedly, grabbed the food eagerly, and started eating it immediately with enthusiasm.
"Thank you so much!" she said happily with food flying everywhere and all over my face as she spoke.
I used magic to clean it off my face, removing all the particles.
"Don't talk with your mouth full of food," I reprimanded her gently but firmly.
The other two wives chuckled to themselves at the scene, amused by the interaction. Sigh, this is going to be a long journey ahead of us, I thought to myself.
??? POV
"I will grant you this divorce that you have requested," Mother said coldly, her voice devoid of warmth.
"Thank you, my queen, for granting me this," I said with a mixture of relief and sadness.
I turned slowly and limped away from her presence, my body aching. I had finally divorced my wife after all this time. As I walked away, each step painful, I couldn't help but think deeply about my worth as a person. I am ugly and deformed in appearance. Abandoned by my mother when I was young. My wife had an affair with my own brother, betraying me in the worst way possible.
"What worth do I have in this world?" I muttered to myself, the question echoing in my mind.
I am a curse upon others, bringing nothing but misfortune. I entered the mortal realm, hoping desperately to find some peace and quiet away from everything. As I sat down wearily near a rock to rest, I heard a laugh in the distance.
It sounded so pure and innocent, untainted by the world. Someone like me shouldn't contaminate it with my presence. I stood up with the intention and plan to leave immediately when the girl suddenly saw me before I could escape.
"Hello there," she said cheerfully and warmly.
I covered myself instinctively with my cloak and looked away from her, ashamed of my appearance.
"Oh, hello," I replied hesitantly. "I'm sorry if I intruded on your space. I'll take my leave now and go."
She suddenly ran in front of me, blocking my path, and smiled brightly at me.
"Are you okay? You seem troubled," she asked with genuine concern in her voice.
"I—I'm fine, really," I stuttered, trying to convince both her and myself.
She tilted her head to the side, studying me carefully.
"You're lying to me. And why are you covering your face like that?" she asked curiously.
I shrank back instinctively, my body tensing.
"I'm sorry for my presence."
She tilted her head again, clearly confused by my behavior.
"Why are you apologizing to me?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.
"I am deformed and hideous to look at. My appearance will ruin your day and disturb you," I said, explaining my reasoning.
She looked at me intently and smiled warmly, her expression unchanging.
"Don't be like that or think such things. Everyone is beautiful in their own way," she said with complete sincerity.
I was stunned and taken aback at her words, hardly believing what I was hearing. Does she truly believe that with all her heart? If I were to show my face to her, would she be disgusted and repulsed by what she sees? I gulped nervously and slowly, hesitantly removed my hood to reveal my face.
Seeing my appearance fully revealed, her eyes widened significantly. I knew it—I knew she would react this way.
"Are you okay? It looks painful and like it hurts," she said with deep concern and compassion.
I froze completely at her words, unable to process what I was hearing.
"Are you not afraid of me? Does my appearance not frighten you?" I asked in disbelief.
"Why would I be afraid of you? Your soul—it's beautiful like the sun, radiant and warm," she said, smiling genuinely at me with pure kindness.
My lips quivered uncontrollably as I dropped to my knees before her, holding back tears that threatened to fall. I clenched my hand tightly against my chest, overwhelmed with emotion.
I suddenly felt someone embracing me warmly and gently, their arms wrapping around me.
"There, there, don't cry. Everything will be alright," she said softly as she hummed a soothing melody. But I couldn't help but cry, the tears finally flowing freely. For the first time in my entire life, someone had said I was beautiful and meant it. Someone had not feared me or was disgusted by my appearance and deformities.
Erik's POV
"Let me lay eggs, please," Luna said eagerly, jumping on me with excitement.
"Okay, okay, I understand," I said, trying to calm her enthusiasm.
"Wait, really? You're actually agreeing?" she asked in surprise and disbelief.
I nodded in confirmation. The constant begging and pleading was becoming irritating and tiresome, and I could restart my plan anyway if needed, so it didn't really matter in the long run.
"Yay! I'm so happy!" she celebrated with pure joy.
"But we'll have to wait until night falls and it's dark," I said, setting the condition.
She nodded in acceptance and understanding, though she was clearly very excited about the prospect.
Eventually, we left the forest behind us and came across something even more interesting and intriguing than before.
It was another forest, but this one was completely surrounded by large, thick vines that formed a barrier. They seemed magical in nature and origin. Someone must have created this barrier with powerful magic for a specific purpose.
I decided not to enter for now, choosing to be cautious. Instead, I started setting up our camp on the open field nearby.
After I finished setting everything up properly, I started making dinner for everyone. The forest beyond the vines seemed to have an abundance of magic emanating from within it. Maybe it was cursed or enchanted, but I sensed no evil or malicious intent from it.
Probably a powerful being or entity set up this wall of vines to avoid being disturbed by outsiders. After I finished cooking all the food, I set the table carefully. The ladies all sat down in their places, and we started eating together.
"What's with that strange barrier over there?" Luna asked curiously, pointing at the huge vines surrounding the distant forest.
"I don't know either what it is or its purpose. Either a skilled mage or a powerful witch did that to protect something," I answered while stuffing food into my mouth.
Now that we weren't in the castle anymore, I didn't need to watch how I ate or maintain proper etiquette. No one could tell me what to do or how to behave.
I glanced over at Merida, observing her reaction. She just looked resigned to my way of eating, having given up on correcting me. At least she wasn't stressed about paperwork and royal duties anymore.
"Are we gonna make babies tonight?" Luna suddenly asked out of nowhere.
Pshooo
I spat my food out involuntarily and turned to her in shock.
"Luna, please talk about that at a different time and place. Right now, we're eating dinner," I said, trying to maintain some composure.
Melody's POV
Looking across the vast field of flowers stretching before me, I couldn't help but feel happy and content. There were so many flowers of different varieties, and they were all beautiful and vibrant in their colors.
Moon and Crystal had decided to explore the surrounding area, but I decided to stay here because of the beautiful trees and plants all around. I felt at peace here in this natural setting.
I turned to my new friend standing beside me.
"Thank you so much, Hephaestus," I smiled warmly at him.
He scratched his head somewhat awkwardly and gave a shy smile in return.
"It's no problem at all. It's the least I can do for a friend like you," he said sincerely.
"My lady, dinner is ready and prepared," one of the summons announced formally.
I turned to him with a smile of appreciation, then grabbed Hephaestus's hand eagerly.
"Let's go eat together," I said enthusiastically, dragging him along to a large table that had been set up.
One by one, we all sat down around the table in our places. With the food placed in front of me, I started eating with delight. The summons copied my movements and mannerisms exactly.
I swayed back and forth from the wonderful taste, enjoying every bite.
"Mm, it's so good and delicious," I said happily, taking another bite of the food.
Hephaestus started eating as well, then suddenly froze in place.
"Such incredible taste and flavor. Who made such a divine dish worthy of the gods?" he asked in awe and amazement.
I turned to him with a proud smile and lifted my chin confidently.
"Of course, it's my father who made this. He's the best chef in the entire world," I said with pride. "But this is all pre-prepared and stored, so it might not taste quite as good as when it's completely fresh."
Hephaestus looked surprised and impressed by this information.
"Really? Can I meet such a talented man someday?" he asked with genuine interest.
I rubbed my chin thoughtfully, considering his request.
"As of now, no, unfortunately. He's currently traveling with my mothers on a journey," I said, explaining the situation.
"Mothers? Not just mother, but multiple?" he asked in confusion.
"Yes, that's correct. My father has three wives in total."
"Three wives?" he said in astonishment and shock. "But how is that possible? The vow of marriage—"
"Well, he used to only have one wife initially, but when my mother came into his life, he married her too as well. And recently, just a short time ago, he just married another woman," she said, explaining the progression.
Hephaestus looked shocked and bewildered, and stayed quiet for a moment, processing this information.
"Maybe he's a noble of high standing or a king of sorts with great power," he muttered thoughtfully.
I turned to him with curiosity.
"How did you know that? How did you figure it out?" I asked.
"Well, it's pretty obvious when you think about it. These guards protecting you, and then you telling me your father has multiple wives. No one of low status or common birth could really achieve this or have such privileges," he said, laying out his reasoning.
I paused at his words, thinking about what he said, then nodded in agreement.
"I guess you're right about that," I muttered in acknowledgment.
Claude's POV
"My lord, a prince of a nearby kingdom requests an audience with you," a guard announced formally.
"Just bring him here to me," I said coldly, not bothering with formalities.
Tch, why did I have to do this mundane stuff and deal with these matters? I'm already qualified to have my own territory and rule independently.
This need to understand and resonate with others is beneath me and my capabilities. Soon a man entered the throne room.
He walked to the front of the throne and knelt respectfully.
"Your Majesty, I am Prince Florian of the nearby kingdom," he introduced himself formally.
"What is your purpose for coming here?" I asked directly, straight to the point without pleasantries.
"An alliance between our kingdoms, Your Majesty."
An alliance between us. I tapped my finger thoughtfully against the throne, considering the proposal. Father did say he wanted more kingdoms under his control and influence, and with no wars or conflicts, it would be better for expansion.
"How does this benefit me specifically?"
"We will open more trade routes between our kingdoms and increase the economy in both kingdoms, bringing prosperity."
The economy and trade? I already have more than enough gold stored in my storage ring to fund this entire kingdom for hundreds of years without issue.
I smiled coldly at him.
"How about you surrender your entire kingdom to me instead," I said coldly, making a counteroffer.
He froze in place, his eyes widening in shock and disbelief.
"Your Majesty, this—this is—"
Boom
A guard rushed in urgently and knelt before me.
"Your Majesty, I'm sorry for the intrusion, but something urgent has happened that requires your attention," the guard said quickly, breathing heavily.
"What is it? Speak."
"Princess Snow has fallen ill and collapsed. She ate an apple that was left in the room of the previous queen," he said, delivering the news.
I frowned deeply and stood up from the throne. That stupid brat, causing me trouble and problems. Why did Father even leave her with me in the first place?
I left the throne room, leaving the prince behind without another word. Sensing where she was located, I walked in that direction with purpose.
I soon reached my destination and entered the room where she lay. Seeing her just asleep on the bed, I frowned in suspicion. I used inspect on her to analyze her condition.
Curse: Eternal Sleep
Only true love's kiss can wake her from this curse.
I scowled in annoyance. What's with this stupid curse and its ridiculous mechanics? It has a stupid requirement that makes no sense, and its level is quite low compared to other curses. Something like this is barely a challenge to destroy for someone with strong magic like myself.
I extended my hand toward her, and mana pooled and gathered around my fingers, glowing softly. I condensed it carefully and started writing runes in the air with precise movements.
Though I didn't have much experience with rune magic and its complexities, I could still do this much at least. After I finished the writing and completed the sequence, the glowing runes moved toward Snow's body and entered into her.
Slowly, her body started to glow with a soft light, and then the light gradually receded and faded away. Her body started to move slightly as her eyes slowly blinked open, awakening from the curse.
"Brat," I said simply, addressing her.
She sat up, looking confused and disoriented, and turned to me.
"Uh, yes?" she responded uncertainly.
"Tell me what happened exactly," I ordered her firmly.
"I was cleaning the rooms when I got hungry. Seeing the basket of apples sitting there, I took one and took a bite of it. Then everything went dark and I lost consciousness," she explained what had transpired.
"Cleaning? Who told you to clean the rooms? And why did you eat a fruit from a basket in the room of a witch of all places?" I asked coldly, my irritation clear.
She looked a little afraid at my cold words and harsh tone.
"I was just trying to help and be useful—"
"Help? Are you a maid servant or a princess?" I asked, a hint of annoyance evident in my voice.
Seeing her go silent and not answer my question, I scowled in disapproval.
"From now on, stop doing useless things that don't befit your status. As for that dress you're wearing," I said, taking out a proper dress from my inventory and dropping it in front of her, "wear this instead of those rags."
Then I turned and left the room without waiting for a response. She acts exactly like Melody in her behavior and naivety. Someone like her—I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I have more important matters to attend to and deal with.
Note:Do you like this or do you want me to not do this and return to the previous writing. This has significantly more words so you don't have to worry about the content length. Can't believe it's almost 4k words. Let me know.