This is the only city in the Fairy Country of Britain that was built like a fortress.
Unlike cities that serve various functions and are managed by clan chiefs or nobility from various major clans, Camelot’s steel exterior was constructed entirely with battle and warfare in mind. It is not only covered in spear-like spikes but is also particularly thick, creating an overwhelming first impression.
Apart from a few special beings, most of the fairies in Fairy Country are intolerant of iron, which is as poisonous to them as actual poison. To these fairies, Camelot, with its iron shell, is undoubtedly a devil’s castle, which is why some fairies see it as a city of evil.
But, it cannot be denied that this fortress-city is the capital of Fairy Country Britain, where the queen’s palace is located.
At the very top of such a palace, a council meeting was in progress.
Two fairies, with the heads of horses and clad in bronze-like armor, holding great axe-spears, stood to the left and right of a magnificent and luxurious throne, singing loudly to everyone in the great hall before them.
"Chiefs of the great clans and various emissaries assembled here, bow your heads."
"The king who expanded the territories."
"The king who built the Fairy Nation."
"Here is your supreme ruler, the highest queen, right before your eyes."
"Ladies and gentlemen, applaud the king’s presence."
Along with such singing, a figure appeared on the throne.
Almost at the same time, all the fairies in the Throne Hall knelt in unison.
They came from various major clans, some were fairies of the Clan of Wind, some of the Clan of Earth, and some of the Tusk Clan, truly a diverse gathering.
Yet at that moment, the diverse fairies from the various clans, unanimously and with the utmost devotion, offered their praises to the figure on the throne.
"We are your most loyal servants, lives offered up to you."
Voices in unison praising rang throughout the Throne Hall, intertwining, spreading a sacred atmosphere mixed with an eerie feeling, filling the entire space.
The figure on the throne watched the scene with a disdainful gaze, her eyes cold and even filled with deep contempt, as if the fairies praying below her were not living beings but mere tools, making it intimidating to meet her gaze.
The highest ruler of this nation, who had attained the position of queen, had no intention of allowing the kneeling fairies to rise, and spoke directly.
"State any important matters now."
Although the queen had thus allowed it, the kneeling fairies did not raise their heads to speak.
Because they were well aware that in this setting, it was not their place to speak.
They were just messengers and officials tasked with minor duties, not nobles free to speak before the queen’s throne.
In this setting, the only ones eligible to speak were the chiefs of the four magically-projected fairy clans gathered there, and two Elf Knights who kneeled on one knee in front of the throne, not needing to bow down completely.
Thus, a scribe standing by the queen’s side stepped forward.
"According to the order of the meeting, please allow the lord of the Clan of Earth, the lord of Norich, Lord Spurgen, to speak first."
Upon hearing this, one of the magic projections moved.
"Oh? Is it my turn first again?"
The chief of the Clan of Earth, Lord of Norich—Spurgen—pretentiously smiled.
"Though I feel honored, the topic I need to raise has already been mentioned at the last meeting, concerning the ’Calamity,’" Spurgen said in a rather relaxed manner, "Recently, signs that the ’Calamity’ gathering in Norich is growing stronger have been observed. According to soldier reports, the frequency of Moors appearing in and around Norich has become increasingly high, leading to concerns that the ’Calamity’ accumulated in Norich might burst out all at once soon."
While saying this, the chief of the Clan of Earth, who was also the lord of the port city of Norich, casually looked around.
"Of course, even though I say this, you probably won’t take the problem of Norich too seriously, right?"
Immediately, someone echoed his sentiment.
"Isn’t that obvious?"
It was a particularly crisp voice, sounding almost like a little girl singing a rhyme, very melodious and extraordinarily innocent and lovely.
The owner of the voice was one of the two Elf Knights kneeling in front of the throne.
She possessed a tall figure and bright red long hair, clad in court attire with red as the primary color. At first glance, she did not give off the impression of a powerful knight but rather seemed like a delicate princess who needed protection.
However, the princess with such a lovely voice and pitiful appearance spoke quite harshly.
"It’s just the ’Calamity’ after all. With Mother here, even a casual flick of her fingers could solve it. Why bother bringing it up again and again at the meetings?"