A Journey That Changed The World

Chapter 1442: Escorted By My Guards

Archer looked at the Empress Malakia and shook his head. ’’Nothing, I thought you two resemble each other, just opposite skin tones.’’

When the older woman heard this, she giggled, revealing. ’’Yes, not many like my brown skin, but my long-gone husband was like Nala. Golden blonde hair but green eyes, many of our children came out light-skinned, and they went on to marry their other half, producing this little cub.’’

Malakia ruffled Nala’s hair, causing her to laugh. ’’Grandmother, stop treating me like a little girl, I’ve grown up now and even have a husband,’’ she said.

’’Regardless of age, you will always be my little cub,’’ she revealed warmly before shaking her head. ’’But now for business.’’

The older lioness turned to him, a serious expression crossing her face. ’’I heard Empress Colestah joined your side, and the Fire Elves are scrambling for peace. That leaves my realm and the Demons in the north.’’

Archer nodded, his gaze steady. ’’Yes, she will serve as a queen under my rule. Just as the other empires and kingdoms that chose to surrender. I have no shortage of strength or time; I could wage war for decades if I wished. But conquest isn’t my true goal.’’

He paused, voice deepening. ’’I’d rather work alongside rulers who have the wisdom to yield. Together, we could elevate these lands to something far greater than they’ve ever known.’’

As the words left his lips, the two lionesses looked fascinated, but Nala jumped up. ’’Arch! I’m going to see Ella and Sia, they want to have dinner,’’ she suddenly exclaimed with a knowing smile.

Archer couldn’t help but chuckle as the young woman vanished, causing the air to change in an instant. Just then, he was grabbed by the throat and pinned against the beam holding the tent up.

’’You were stupid for letting my granddaughter leave, now you’re alone, dragon,’’ Malakia said wildly.

Her blue eyes gleamed, enraged as she continued. ’’You and your devilish empire have killed tens of thousands of my soldiers, decimated half my army, and conquered my lands to harm my citizens.’’

A sudden surge of power flared from Malakia, washing over the space like a wave of heat. Archer’s skin tingled at the sensation, an involuntary reaction. She stepped closer, eyes gleaming, as her aura pressed against his.

’’Now,’’ she purred. ’’I have you trapped… and completely at my mercy.’’

Archer threw his head back and laughed—a deep, unbothered sound that echoed through the camp. The unexpected reaction caused Malakia to hesitate, a flicker of confusion crossing her face.

Still grinning, he made no move to defend himself physically. Instead, he raised a hand and summoned a shimmering mana screen beside them, shocking the lioness, who tightened her grip.

A projection burst to life before them, cast in the air by Archer’s mana screen. Panoramic views of cities and villages flourishing under his rule. Towering citadels gleamed beneath the sun, surrounded by well-kept roads and lush farmland.

Prosperous towns thrived with movement, children laughing as they ran through cobbled streets, artisans showcasing their crafts, merchants calling out prices in crowded, colorful markets.

’’Take a good look,’’ Archer said calmly. ’’These are the lands I’ve claimed. Do they look like people cowering under tyranny? Do you see fear… or progress?’’

He moved the picture to one of dozens of apartment blocks that touched the clouds and were protected by shields. When Malakia saw this, her eyes widened in shock, but her grip didn’t ease.

The older woman turned to him and questioned. ’’Why are you showing me this? Do you think it will stop me from killing you, dragon? You came to my camp alone like a fool.’’

Archer couldn’t help but laugh even more as his shadow grew and millions of rage-filled eyes appeared. They stared at Malakia, who froze in fear when noticing the army below her, only for her to let him go when a massive troll-like monster appeared.

It radiated the power of a Demi-God, but when more appeared, the lioness backed off, but he dismissed it. The deathly aura vanished, allowing the woman to breathe as he spoke. ’’Yes, I may have killed your people. Remember, you slew thousands of my soldiers in ambushes and battles.’’

When Malakia heard this, she glanced at him, nodding. ’’Yes, you’re right, if I join your side, what do I get?’’

’’No longer need to fight,’’ he answered, dismissing the screen. ’’None of your people will starve in the winter. Ask the Water Elves about my food, it’s the reason they survived the previous bad weather. I also repaired their dying land.’’

The older lioness looked shocked but pointed toward a chair. ’’Sit down, I want to get to know you better. I believed the rumors spread about you, they were lies and propaganda by the Church of Light.’’

Archer agreed, sitting down while speaking about his experiences. ’’Yes, Pope Jeremiah and Emperor Anatoly. Both are idiots who have been hunting me for years, it’s become annoying, so I decided to fight back.’’

When Malakia heard this, she agreed with a tired sigh. ’’I agree, they keep sending our armies against you only to get wiped out as Draconia is normally defending itself.’’

’’It’s why I always build forts and walls all over the place,’’ he revealed. ’’It helps when the enemy is attacking from several directions.’’

The empress giggled before sitting down in his lap, causing Archer to stiffen, his eyes narrowed before questioning. ’’What are you doing?’’

’’Getting comfortable,’’ she said, her voice smooth as silk, laced with a dangerous edge.

Her predator-like eyes locked onto his with a knowing glint, the kind that hinted at both challenge and curiosity. ’’Tell me,’’ she continued, leaning closer. ’’If I choose to join your side… do I still get to rule? Or will you demand I bend the knee like the others?’’

Archer began laughing. ’’Yes, you’ll rule over the Goldenmane Empire. Pay tax and accept my legions on your land. In time, your soldiers can join once they’ve accepted the situation,’’ he answered.

This made Malakia nod in understanding and stand up, giving him a coy grin. ’’Would you like some of my empire’s famous ale? I can smell it on you, so I thought I’d offer.’’

Following that, the two of them continued chatting about the benefits he could bring to her realm. When the older lioness heard this, she was amazed and wanted to experience it herself before making her decision.

When Archer learned this, he summoned Nala and Ella, who appeared from a portal. The young lioness glanced at him, beaming. ’’Looks like you two are getting along well, I thought she’d try to kill you once I left.’’

The duo began laughing at her words at Malakia stood up and straightened out her dress causing her big boobs to jiggle around. This instantly caught his attention just as the Half-Elf commented. ’’Hello, Arch, it’s good to get out of the palace. It’s starting to get suffocating.’’

Following that, the trio started speaking with the older woman, listening intently as the two younger ones gossiped. After some time, Nala turned to him, tail swaying side to side in excitement.

’’Can I show grandmother the palace?’’ she asked, excitedly. ’’Then we can get the Mana Airship to Dragonheart City.’’

Archer agreed with a nod. ’’That’s fine, it’s a good way for Malakia to experience Draconia for the first time. Remember some of the other girls’ families’ reactions?’’

Ella couldn’t help but giggle. ’’Yes, that’s right, remember Teu’s parents? They believed it was another world.’’

When Malakia heard this, she grew interested and quickly aired her opinion. ’’That would be good, could I bring some of my staff so they can witness it as well?’’

’’Yes, but you will be escorted by my guards,’’ he answered while stepping outside and summoning four Oathkeeper Knights.

Thalion knelt in respect as Archer commanded. ’’Guard the Goldenmane delegation and make sure none of them go exploring in places they’re not meant to be.’’

’’Yes, my emperor,’’ the man’s voice boomed back in response.

As more knights emerged, Malakia’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. The ground seemed to hum beneath their synchronized steps, the sheer force of their aura pressing against the air.

For a moment, she was silent, taking it all in. Then a slow, impressed smile curved across her striking face.

’’These men…’’ she murmured, voice filled with awe. ’’They’re formidable. If an army of this caliber marched together, the Alliance wouldn’t stand a chance. They’d be crushed without mercy.’’

Following that, the three women left after he opened a portal for them to return to the palace on Draconia. Malakia made sure to bring along five of her underlings after avoiding his gaze when passing by.

Once the knights had departed, Archer made his way back to the great wall where Elara, Valariana, and Aeliana awaited him. The moment he arrived, his eyes swept over the scene with sharp precision.

The defenses had already been restored, reinforced stone, fresh barricades, and newly-anchored weapons lined the battlements.