The Legend of the ruthless Empress Freya

- POV Freya -

"Your Highness, everything is ready"

Full mid-afternoon, the sun was shining high in the sky and all the staff of the mansion were standing in front, on the place where my wedding reception was held. The time of departure had finally arrived and many were taking care that everything was perfect even if it was already. A large and rather simple carriage was parked in front of the stairs leading to the mansion made of ice, alternating black and light blue structures.

As we were going to travel with the children, the carriage favored comfort over discretion, which was difficult to have since we would be crossing human roads. It was nevertheless quite special for various reasons and the security was assured, which was the most important. Inferno my stallion and Pearl Gaya's mare were going to be the two horses chosen to pull the cart, not counting the others ridden by Kira and her squad.

Lia the young butler woman who accompanied us to take care of the little ones was at the front doing the last checks. My wife was with Kalaa, Angel, Shiro and the twins placed in a wicker basket for more comfort. On my side, I was with my little sister, June and May who were both going to ensure our safety by riding their respective horses next to the carriage.

"Well, then if everything is ready we have to get out of the forest and not waste any more time"

Everything had been loaded on the carriage and horses, we knew we wouldn't lack for anything especially since I was there, so we could leave serenely. With my skill of "storage of chaos" I was able to take a lot of things with me that otherwise wouldn't have been able to. There were books, stuffed animals, food, water, weapons and almost enough to replicate a family room in the middle of nowhere.

*On the road to adventure once again*

Our destination was quite simple: "the underground lands" located in the territory of the Vancesia Empire where my dragoness and her little brother were originally from. It was still early to say what we would find there, so I remained silent, but I hoped for nothing less. This trip was certainly part of an important operation concerning our Empire and its survival but I wanted to do something special.

While I was lost in my thoughts, I could see the children, Lia, Kalaa and Gaya getting into the cart before I heard their gasp of surprise. My face remained closed but I was eager to discover this other invention that I had not been able to test before today. Developed by Yuric and his master blacksmiths under my guidance, I trusted him enough to know that it had to be perfectly made.

"Empress, here the prisoner."

Suddenly, Naïa one of my Commanders approached with Jade Wolfury formerly known as Erina Velfury, Knight Mage of the Kingdom of Zal. To tell the truth, it was because of my encounter with her that this unexpected journey had suddenly taken place. The revelations that the disguised vampire had made to me were crazy but since nothing was certain, some things remained between us, Gaya and Kira.

"Untie her, she'll be fine."

Without hesitation, I ordered her cuffs and chains to be removed because even though she had been a prisoner for a while, she wasn't really. I didn't trust her totally, but if what Jade had told me was true, she had no reason to betray us. Besides, I couldn't explain it, but ever since we met we had a special feeling, like a kind of rivalry that was more friendly than hostile.

As Naïa untied her and Jade rubbed her sore wrists, I whistled to everyone around me. The next moment, June and May went to the front to guide the cart, Kira was riding her white horse and Jade was waiting for my instructions. That was it, we were going to leave and it would be a lie to say that I was not looking forward to it. I could see Shiro sticking her little head out the window in wonder as my subordinates spoke.

"Have a safe trip and may you return safely !"

Fear could be seen in many eyes as this was the first time that those who represented the Empire to the people, were absent. I was confident of this but it was a blessing in disguise, I wanted everyone to realize that they were not dependent on me or my wife. Everyone had become stronger, not just the warriors who protected what we had built, but all its people as well.

The Imperial family was leaving for the first time, but I had confidence in those I had sworn to protect even at the risk of my life. All of them could hold their heads high and the fire in their hearts that animated them more and more each day and that would continue to push them further and further. Those who remained on the side were all kneeling as the carriage drove away under the warm goodbye of the little Princess with bright eyes.

"We will watch over Elysium until you return, your Highness."

The 9 Commanders, all in front of the crowd of people stood up, gotten used to staying in this position for only a short time to my surprise. If there was anyone I could trust with my life outside of my family, it was them because they had my full confidence. Without me, I knew perfectly well that the city would be safe and with the section leaders that everything would be well organized...I was sure of it.

The cart had already entered the main cobblestone street but I stood there without a word looking at them one by one as a sign of respect that was shared. And, without understanding why myself, I straightened up before putting my fist over my heart in a military salute. The next moment, all of them stood up and did the same before I said the last words, which in my opinion were the most important and the strongest.

"Commanders, citizens of Elysium...I entrust the Empire to you."

The next moment, not wanting to linger, I spread my wings of ice before propelling myself into the sky at a speed that always gave me chills. As I rose higher and higher, I could see the faces turned in my direction disappear little by little until they were nothing but dots. I could see the Empire from high above and the carriage in a very small way already reaching the gates as a voice echoed in my mind.

[You couldn't help yourself, could you, onee-san ?]

*I don't know what you're talking about*

[But of course hahaha~]

Kira, who still in a way I didn't understand, had seen this rather classy departure that I was not unproud of and felt compelled to comment. As I glided through the air following the currents, a sincere smile appeared on my face at the idea of this new future full of surprises. We were going to learn more about the world, my origins and the secrets that remained around my existence and we were going to do it as a family.

______

- POV General -

Nightfall had already arrived and the sun was setting on the horizon, bathing the land of Kleisaria one last time with its blazing rays. On earth as in the sky, a warm and soothing light shone on the world without distinction of race, religion or ideas. The light-bearing star shone for all one last time before the moon took over with its divine white light, cold but beams of hope.

The carriage had already been moving for several hours through the mountains after crossing the Dark Forest from the east instead of the south on the main road. The small convoy was now among the rocks that had housed the former rebel camp fighting against the adventurers. It was here that Freya had met her commanders and the very first subordinates who had pledged their allegiance to her, here in these mountains.

The timeless rock had not changed through the bad weather and the passing months carrying important memories. Everything was silent, not counting the sound of wheels and hooves that echoed like an infinite sound bouncing against these natural walls. Shiro's little head was still out the window, looking with wonder at this place that she had also known well months ago.

The interior of the carriage was lit with mana-absorbing moonstones to stay bright and everything was designed for a pleasant ride. The space was larger than seen from the outside and the walls and seats were lined with red and gold cushions as soft as silk. There were two distinct areas, one with a table between the seats that faced each other and another built for the children to sleep in as bunks.

Inside, there was Gaya still watching over the two twins, Lia, Shiro, Angel, Kira and Jade who watched in a corner in silence. The fox girl had left her place outside to her two older sisters while June and May were a little further away as scouts. Although the vampire was a total stranger, the excitement of the trip washed away any sense of unease, everyone  too busy thinking about future adventures.

"Say Mom ? Do you think one day I'll be able to fly like you and Mommy ?"

"Well...yes I think it's possible. Freya would be able to find a way to make that happen no matter what, sweetie~"

The little moon of the Empire had suddenly asked this question without warning, tucking her little head in after watching the sky change from the ground. Her tail and ears couldn't help but wag as her big violet eyes shone with hope. So when Gaya had answered her, Shiro had jumped for joy still too small to touch the ceiling with her little head that wore a heart-warming smile.

"Is it true, is it true ??? Yippeeeee !!! Angel, Titi and Ati can fly too so I...well...I didn't want to feel...a-all alone..."

"EH ! You're not alone, little bun with white cheese baked in the oven on a nice winter evening ! I can't fly either..."

Kira who had been watching silently had finally come forward with a dramatic face and a long-winded nickname that only she had the secret to. At her words, Jade, who only knew the young woman in her role as Princess, almost choked on the name. Gaya and Lia beside her hid their laughter while the young woman with silver hair stuck out her tongue before continuing in a happier tone.

"But your mom is right, Freya-sama always finds a solution and in no time she will allow us to fly to the end of the world ! She's the strongest hahahaha~"

"Umu ! Mommy she's the strongest hihihi~ And...and...With all the adventures we're going to have, by the time w-we get home I'll have become as strong as her and you hehehe~ !"

Once again, Shiro had stood up on the bench where she was, bulging her small chest and showing muscles she didn't have yet. Angel who was to her right still said nothing however was nodding his head, still naive and totally convinced that this would be the case. The adults, on the other hand, were a little more down to earth and preferred to remain solemnly silent, enjoying every second of this cute scene.

"Y-You'll see ! Hmpf !"

Not getting the reaction she was hoping for, the little Princess crossed her arms as she sulked, sitting back on her cushion before turning her head outward. It was hard to take her seriously as her chubby little cheeks were all red with embarrassment and her tail kept wagging. Yet, Kira who was her niece's number one fan after carving that image into her soul, raised her voice again with an air of challenge.

"To become as strong as your mother you will have to surpass me, the Commander of the strongest squadron in the whole Empire ! Can you defeat me, brave warrior ? Because I for one would love to eat a cute little girl for dinner tonight MWAHAHAHA~"

At her words, Shiro couldn't help but smile madly despite her attempts to hide it and stay in her sulky character. Her aunt on the other hand continued to challenge her while laughing which soon made her react, much too attracted by the idea of being able to play. Without warning, the little white-haired girl turned around before jumping on Kira letting out a little grunt much too adorable to be terrifying.

"Grrrrrr !!!"

"Oh no ! There she is ! The one that will take me down ! But I will fight to the end hahaha~"

"Hihihi~"

Soon, the interior of the carriage was filled with laughter coming to cover the deafening silence of the mounts while darkness finally pointed the tip of its nose. Little Shiro had once again managed to wring a smile even from those who didn't speak, bringing joy. Even outside, Freya and Kalaa holding the reindeer wore sweet smiles, their hearts filled with an indescribable but soothing and familiar warmth.

"Is she always like this ?"

"Umu. Just like her other mother, our little moon is a real little ray of sunshine."

The white-haired young woman had asked the question with a soft and loving voice despite the relationship she had for the moment with the little girl. So the Empress had answered with sincerity, love and pride that her big sister didn't think she was capable before today. However, as they smiled in silence, it was broken again by Kalaa who suddenly brought up a serious subject concerning Shiro, changing Freya again.

"Freya..."

"..."

"I need to talk to you about your daughter's powers...they are more dangerous than you think."

___

FULL STATUS

Names : Freya / Lucifer Nightshade

Age : 0 year old / Mentally : 25 years old

Sex : Female

Course: Ice Demon Wolf of Chaos - Adult

Race : Imperial Demon

Titles :

- Demon Goddess of Primordial Blood and Death (former - until all powers are recovered) - 30%.

- Wrathful Lucifer (7th Sin) - Master of the uniques Sins Demons (to unlock it, please gather the other 6 - 3/6 - (locked)

- Dragon tamer

- Ruthless slayer

Level : 45/70

Exp needed for next level: 0 / 46 000

HP : 170 000 / 170 000 MP : 85 000 / 85 000. BLOOD : 100 / 100

Strength: 660

Defense : 660

Agility : 666

Endurance: 663

Speed : 662

Intelligence: 660

Charisma: 500 (imperial she-wolf)

Attribute points to allocate : 0

Married to : Gaya Nightshade

Daughter : Shiro Nightshade

Twins (son & daughter) : Tyle & Altaïs Nightshade

Little sister : Kira Nightshade (Greedy Fox)

Big sister : Kalaa Nightshade

Empire (menu)

Subordinates: 5865 (keep growing)

Humans killed: 153

Souls: 0/3

Elements: Ice / Chaos (Freya) - Blood / Death (Lucifer)

Skills (all):

Attacks :

- Demon Claws (Lvl 5)

- Bite of hell (Lvl 6)

- Infernal ice spikes (Lvl 6)

- Fighting techniques (Lvl max)

- Mastery of the katana (lvl max)

- Demonic Empress aura (lvl 7)

Défense :

- Ice demon wall (Lvl 6)

- Demonic Cloak (lvl 5)

- Pain Resistance (lvl 6)

Attack/Defense :

- Domain of the Ice Empress "Frozen Wrath" (lvl 4)

- Death Gaze (lvl 1)

Others :

- Humanoid form

- Demonic form (linked to the title so incomplete) - 20%.

- Ice creation (Lvl 6)

- Detection and control of mana (lvl 6)

- Storage of chaos (Lvl 4)

- Devouring Chaos (Lvl 5)

- Master of Souls (lvl 3)

- Lucifer's Threads of Blood (lvl 3)

- Healing Blood (lvl 3)

- Analysis

- Telepathy

Passives :

- Commander (lvl max)

- Natural Aura of the Ice Empress ]