Almort says "Yes, I do. Is that why I am here? Zachariah didn't give me any explanation, he just asked me to come here. Are you looking to join? Or maybe sell your enchanted items to us?"

Zachariah says "I couldn't be sure who else might see my message."

Almort says "Fair enough. So, are you saying there is another reason that you called me here? Because introducing me to the greatest enchanter I have ever seen seems like a good enough reason to invite me."

Zachariah says "Actually, when I sent the message I knew that Ash could make unique items, but I didn't know just how skilled he was. I invited you here because there are some political issues involved. Ash is the king of a small nation that is far from here. He is also not human, but he is not a demon either."

Almort says "That raises all sorts of questions in my mind. I guess the biggest of which is what are you then?"

"Here, it is easier if I just show you."

Standing up, I move over to the emptiest part of the room and drop shapeshift. As soon as he sees me, Almort starts casting a spell, but Zachariah stops him from finishing it. Zachariah manages to calm him down as I resume human form and retake my seat.

Almort says "My apologies for my overreaction. Are you a drake?"

"I am something similar, yes. If I can keep evolving then chances are that I will become an actual drake at some point."

Almort says "And this kingdom of yours, is it made up of similar beings?"

"No. It is populated by beastmen, intelligent beasts, and a few humans. The elves will become part of the population when I return."

Almort says "That is something of a relief. No offense, but a large number of beings like you would be rather scary."

"None taken."

Almort says "And you, ma'am? Are you the same?"

Lin says "No, I am human."

Almort says "Alright. Next question, where is this kingdom and do you have any proof of what you are saying?"

In answer, I tap the table and create an illusionary map on top of it showing the continent. On the map, I color the demon territory red and then highlight the peninsula in blue. I mark Demon Hunter City and the sacred mountain with yellow dots.

"This yellow dot over here is my kingdom."

Almort says "I never knew there was anything that far west. What is the red area?"

"That is the territory controlled by the demons."

Almort says "What?! That big of an area? I thought the demons were almost extinct?!"

"No, not even close. In fact, they are currently gathering their forces in order to invade the peninsula."

Almort says "That is very worrying. Do you have any idea of their numbers?"

"I know there are currently five demon lords. As for the normal demons, they probably have thousands, if not more."

Almort says "How could our information be so wrong?!"

"Probably because the demons want it to be. They have probably been slowly pulling back so that you would lower your guard. Do you send hunters to cast the revealing spell in the empires?"

Almort says "We do, but only to verify the top officials."

"Then chances are that the demons have infiltrated the lower levels and are feeding false information to the upper levels. It is one of the reasons I am so interested in the spell."

Zachariah says "What would be the point of doing all that?"

"Probably to keep the empires from attacking to get more land while the demons are busy with the peninsula. Also, to make it easier for them when they return and attack the empires in force."

Almort says "That would make sense, but this is all speculation. It is not anything that I can take to the association council. Do you have any proof of any of this?"

"Unfortunately, no."

Almort says "In that case, the most I can do on my own authority is have someone check the lower ranks of the empires. If I can prove that demons have infiltrated, maybe the council will listen about the other stuff."

Zachariah says "That would at least prove that they aren't extinct."

Almort says "True. Now, getting back to the original subject, do you have anything to prove you are a king?"

"No, not really. I have been keeping my identity secret while I have been traveling. Zachariah convinced me to tell you who I am because I plan to establish a trade route to this city at some point."

Almort says "That's a shame. While I personally don't think an amazing enchanter like you would need to lie, others won't just take my word for it."

Lin says "Ash, what about your crown?"

"Well, I do have it with me, but anyone can put on a crown."

Lin says "From what Myria told me, it is not just a normal crown."

"That is true, but it still wouldn't count as proof."

Almort says "That depends on the crown. Could I see it?"

With a shrug I take the crown out of my pouch and put it on, but I didn't account for something. The last time I put it on it was just the city recognizing me, there were no elves. Now, even though they aren't with me, there are hundreds of elves who recognize me as the king.

When I place the crown on my head it lights up and fills the room with a rainbow of colors. What's more, it projects the aura of a king and unfortunately that isn't limited to the room we are in. Of course, I don't know about that just yet, all I know is that Zachariah and Almort kneel.

Lin says "Myria didn't mention anything about this aura!"

"That's because it didn't happen last time."

Almort says "Alright, I believe you. Can you please stop?"

"Oh, right."

I take the crown off and put it back into my pouch as the two of them get to their feet. Although, I can't help but wonder what would have happened if I was sitting on the elven throne. It also makes me wonder what might change in the city once the elves are back.

However, that is something for later, right now I need to deal with how Almort is looking at me. Before I can say anything, there is a knock at the door which Zachariah answers. He speaks to someone outside for a minute before nodding and closing the door.

Zachariah says "Well, keeping this quiet isn't an option anymore. That aura of yours had people in the street kneeling."

"Uh, sorry? I had no idea the crown was going to do that. A lot has changed since the last time I put it on. Like I said, I haven't been announcing who I am."