After the alliance between the kingdoms was officially established, the atmosphere inside the hall changed. The initial tension gave way to a feeling of determination. There was still a lot of work ahead, but everyone seemed confident that they were moving in the right direction.
The scribes finished recording all the decisions made during the meeting. The documents were carefully stored by the advisors, who were responsible for sending copies to each allied kingdom.
The human king stood up once again.
"I thank everyone for being here."
"Today we took an important step."
"Now it is time to turn our plans into actions."
The rulers silently agreed.
Shortly afterward, the main meeting was officially concluded.
Even so, no one left the hall immediately.
Small groups began to form to discuss specific details.
Some military commanders analyzed maps of the borders. Others discussed supply routes and troop transportation.
I approached the Dwarven King first.
"Your Majesty."
He smiled.
"Takumi."
"I really liked your proposal."
"Purification could completely change this war."
"I believe that as well."
He crossed his arms.
"While you face the demons directly, we will ensure that our soldiers have the best equipment possible."
I thanked him for his support.
"I am sure that will make a difference."
After saying goodbye, I walked over to where Rai'kanna was talking with her father.
She seemed happy to see him again.
As soon as I approached, the Demi-Dragon King smiled.
"I see you are still taking good care of my daughter."
I looked at Rai'kanna.
"She is a very important companion."
She smiled discreetly.
"I will continue fighting alongside him."
The king nodded with satisfaction.
"That was exactly what I expected to hear."
We talked for a few minutes about the situation in the mountains and the preparation of the demi-dragon soldiers.
Before saying goodbye, he placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I trust you."
"The war will be difficult."
"But I believe you will be able to lead this group."
"I will do my best."
Soon after, I went to the magical communicator where the image of the Elven King was still displayed.
"Your Majesty."
He gave a small bow.
"Takumi."
"If you need support from our mages during the battle, just send a message."
"Thank you."
"I also hope to count on the elven archers."
"You can be certain of that."
"Our best warriors will be present."
The communication ended shortly afterward.
At another point in the hall, the Dragon King was still connected through magic.
I approached him.
"Thank you for your support."
He let out a brief laugh.
"Do you still intend to marry my daughter after all this is over?"
I ended up smiling.
"My answer remains the same."
"First, we will defeat the Demon King."
"Then we will think about the rest."
He seemed satisfied.
"Then come back alive."
"She will be waiting."
I nodded.
"I will return."
The image disappeared when the communication was terminated.
As the kings left the hall, I noticed that my companions were talking among themselves.
Scarlett was the first to approach.
"It went better than I expected."
"I thought so too."
Elara was holding some documents given to us by the advisors.
"Now we know exactly what the role of each kingdom will be."
Liriel seemed thoughtful.
"Our team's responsibility will be enormous."
"Especially because of Purification."
Her assistant agreed.
"I never imagined that this magic would become so important."
Lyannis looked at me.
"You are worried."
I smiled discreetly.
"A little."
"But that's part of it."
Vespera spoke for the first time since the end of the meeting.
"Today we took the first step."
"The next one will be much more difficult."
I agreed.
She was right.
Shortly afterward, we said goodbye to the last advisors and left the castle.
During the journey back, the city continued with its routine as usual.
People walked through the streets.
The shops remained open.
Children played in the squares.
Almost no one imagined that, just a few hours earlier, all the great kingdoms of the continent had formed a historic alliance.
We arrived at the mansion in the late afternoon.
As soon as we entered, some servants came to greet us.
The butler bowed.
"Welcome back."
"Did the meeting go well?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
"It went better than we expected."
After thanking him, we headed to the main room.
We sat down to rest for a while.
The conversation naturally returned to everything that had happened during the council.
Each of them commented on some detail that had caught her attention.
Rai'kanna talked about her conversation with her father.
Liriel commented on the importance of Purification.
Scarlett showed confidence that we would be able to accomplish that mission.
I spent a few minutes simply listening.
It was good to see that everyone remained united.
When night came, I went alone to the balcony on the second floor.
The sky was completely clear.
I watched the stars for a few moments.
Until just a few days ago, there had been nothing but worries and uncertainties.
Now there was a plan.
It was still only the beginning.
But finally, everyone was moving in the same direction.
I took a deep breath.
The war had not truly begun yet.
Even so, its first movements were already taking place.
I returned inside the mansion determined to continue preparing myself.
Deep down, I had the feeling that this period of relative tranquility was coming to an end.
Very soon, the fate of all of us would begin to be put to the test.