Chapter 16: ~ Meeting of All Rulers

Knock! Knock! Knock! 

Luca entered Belinda's room as there was no answer from inside. When he entered, he saw Belinda asleep on a chair with her head resting on the table.  Her head was resting on a thick book that was still open. 

Luca walked over to her and looked at what she was reading. 

“She's really studying it,” Luca muttered. 

Luca picked up one of the books beside Belinda and opened it. He scanned the pages, which were full of scribbles and notes. Full of diagrams and complicated-looking explanations, the book was definitely not light reading. 

“Even he understands the letters and writings of the Ravis nation. I'm sure, you have something to do with that figure, Bell,” Luca murmured, reaching out his hand to smooth down the lock of hair covering Belinda's face there. 

He smiled a little, certain that Belinda would be of great use to him. 

Without another word, Luca took Belinda into his arms and walked over to the bed. 

Belinda moved her head slightly, but did not wake up. Luca approached again, gazing at her peaceful face. He felt the urge not to wake her so that she could rest well. 

Carefully, Luca lowered Belinda onto the bed. He made sure she was comfortable before covering her body with the blanket. Once Belinda was touched by the blanket, she breathed a sigh of relief and squirmed a little before facing the other side.

Luca watched as Belinda re-entered the realm of sleep. He couldn't help but smile at her adorable face.  

“You look a lot like a tiny wolf,” Luca murmured. 

He decided to sit on the edge of the bed, keeping Belinda quiet in her sleep. While waiting, he picked up the book Belinda had been reading and flicked through the pages full of notes. 

“I have to go home... !!!!” was what was written there. 

Luca understood all the writing. Because he had lived with humanity for one year, he had disguised himself and lived on earth, mingling with humans. Observing and learning the many things humans do. The Ravis were known for their unrivaled Ai intelligence. They would easily absorb and quickly learn new things. And according to Luca, Belinda was doing the same thing that the Ravis had been learning all along. 

In the distance, the sound of a wall clock echoed, reminding him of the passing of time. However, Luca felt as if the world around him had come to a standstill; there was only him and Belinda in this small room, amongst the books and imagined dreams.

“May you have sweet dreams,” he whispered softly before silently reading a few pages from the book in his hand.

In her dreams, Belinda explored an infinite world, like she was witnessing something she had previously read about. She stepped amongst a sea of stars, spoke with foreign figures, and delved into infinite knowledge. With every step, her curiosity grew, giving life to every word and sentence.

Meanwhile, Luca, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Looking at the peaceful Belinda, he felt connected with a strong desire to always be there for her. He marked the last page Belinda read and placed the book beside her, as if saving a place for her to return to when she woke up later.

After a while, Luca could only smile while occasionally glancing at Belinda. He wished he could protect this peace forever. 

***

“Aresh, I entrust Bell to you while I'm gone,” Luca ordered. 

Aresh nodded firmly, looking seriously at Luca. “Take it easy, Lord Luca. I will take excellent care of Miss Bell. She will be safe in my hands.”

Luca felt a sense of relief, knowing that Aresh was not only a warlord but also a trustworthy figure.

“Good. He's very eager to learn about the Bloodmoon Goddess. Don't let him burn out,” Luca ordered.

“Take it easy, Lord,” Aresh replied firmly. 

“In that case, I'll leave now.”

Luca left the place and flew straight into the air with his personal servant, Aur. 

After they had flown for a while, Luca arrived at the conference hall where the rulers of Ravis had gathered. 

With sure and proud steps, Luca stepped into the building. There were many pairs of eyes watching him and whispering. Luca was sure that the other rulers had already arrived and gathered in the meeting room. 

Krieekkk!!! 

The stone door slid open, making a squeaking sound. Luca entered while all the rulers of Ravis were engaged in a heated argument.

"Sorry, I'm late,” Luca said with his trademark smile that brought all eyes to him. 

“Finally, the protagonist has arrived,” said a female ruler named Celestia.

Wordlessly, Luca sat down in one of the three seats. 

Zepon was the first ruler; Arsy was the second; Luca Miller was the third; Orion was the fourth; August/Sein was the fifth; Danica was the sixth; and Celestia was the last.

“Luca, how dare you deceive me!” Arsy immediately raised his voice in exasperation. 

“What kind of insult is this, Lord Luca? You married a lowly human,” Danica quipped. 

“Think again about your decision, Luca. After all, your marriage will embolden the humans,” said August. 

Luca smiled calmly at them one by one, “You are entitled to your views, but love knows no boundaries of race or status. I do not regret my choice. In our differences, there is strength. Let us make this marriage an example of unity unhindered by differences. Let humanity learn to accept, not judge. You may not be supportive, but I'm sure time will prove that this love can overcome everything.” Luca replied with conviction, facing the world that lay ahead of him.

Suddenly Celestia laughed there. ”Love?” she said, still chuckling. 

“Come on, Luca. You're not that kind of creature. Since when do the Ravis fall in love?” asked the woman dismissively of Luca. 

“They can fall in love. You just haven't felt it yet,” Luca replied casually. 

“But that doesn't make sense,” August complained. 

Sein remained silent, seemingly aware of Luca's motivations for wanting to marry Bell.

“Yes, I can believe it. She is truly exceptional. Even when I met her back then, she did look special. Isn't that so, Mr. Luca?” asked Sein with a meaningful smile. 

Luca gave Sein a sharp look. He knew that Sein seemed to have realized something. However, Luca couldn't let him get close to Belinda again. 

“What do you mean, Sein? What's so special about humans? Arsy responded, "They're just weak ants that we have to step on at any time."

Among all of them, only Orion, the ruler, spoke sparingly. However, he maintained his neutrality and avoided forming close relationships with anyone. In every such gathering, he remained silent and simply observed everyone.

“What about this, Zepon? Are you planning on leaving your nephew alone? asked Arsy. 

Luca Miller was Zepon's nephew, the first ruler with the most large and central territory. He also had the most powerful military force of all. 

“What do you think I should do, Arsy?” asked Zepon calmly. 

“Are you going to let your nephew throw a tantrum and embarrass the Ravis?” asked Arsy. 

“Mr. Arsy, my marriage to that human woman is no big deal. Since I'm the one who's infatuated with her, it certainly won't harm the Ravis nation,” said Luca. “Then, what about the ruler who cooperated with Gordon?”

Luca's sarcasm clearly made Danica and Sein turn pale.