ushernet Chapter Sixty Two
Chapter Sixty Two
Back in Maple Tree, Kaede wasted no time in calling a meeting three days after Shifu’s return.
The large conference hall was well-lit, its walls lined with banners bearing the sigil of Maple Tree. A red rose at the forefront of a large maple tree.
The long table at the center of the room was filled with an assortment of dishes and drinks, ensuring that those present could eat while they discussed important matters.
Seated at one side of the table were the key leaders of Maple Tree’s growing population.
At the forefront sat Shifu, the ever-loyal ogre who had since evolved into an Oni.
Beside him was Cam, a representative of the Haulia, an evolved race of horned rabbits. While the Haulia Queen, Deborah, remained their official ruler, she had voted for Cam to act as their representative in council meetings, as she chose to focus on raising and nurturing the younger generation of Haulia. On her behalf, Kaede had agreed to this arrangement but ensured that Deborah retained authority over internal affairs. For now, she worked under Hachi and Acer in farm development.
Next to Cam was Delta, the leader and strongest of the Faunus, a newly evolved race that bore strong similarities to beastmen. They had once been predatory monsters, wolves, leopards, and even blood boars, but after Kaede granted them names, they transformed into intelligent humanoids.
Seated beside her was Darius, the newly evolved Goblin King. Unlike the green-skinned goblins of the western Jura, the goblins in the east had originally possessed gray skin. However, after Kaede named them, they evolved into Hobgoblins, with their skin turning a muted blue. Darius, in particular, had grown significantly stronger, his frame larger and more imposing than before.
Next to him was Chibari, the dwarven blacksmith of Maple Tree. She was responsible for overseeing armament production and city defenses, ensuring that the growing nation remained well-equipped. While she focused on weaponry and armor, her children specialized in crafting tools for daily life, including furniture, kitchenware, and infrastructure. Kaede had been particularly pleased when they successfully designed a functional sewage system, ensuring a high standard of cleanliness within the city.
Seated next to her was Edward Vale, the human leader of the elite guard, the Roots, along with his second-in-command, Gaara of the Sand, a dragon newt. Gaara had fully evolved into a humanoid form, with short red hair, a distinct symbol on his forehead, and his signature gourd on his back. However, its previous clay-like color had changed to a sleek metallic sheen.
At the end of the table sat Eryn, a former forest elf who had undergone a remarkable transformation. With Kaede’s title of [Mother of Monsters], the elves had evolved into Dark Elves, a rare B+ Rank race with dark skin and increased magical potential. A handful of them had even broken into A-Rank, marking them as formidable Warriors, Archers and Spellcasters.
On the opposite side of the table sat Kaede’s daughters, Ari, Aurina, Hachi, Crimara, Acer, and Hanae, each playing a crucial role in Maple Tree’s development.
Beside Hanae sat Kaori and her daughter, Momiji. As the leader of the Tengus, Momiji had great responsibilities, yet now she had to nurture her relationship with Ari, to whom she was engaged. Kaori, meanwhile, attended the meeting in her role as Kaede’s advisor, providing counsel where needed.
With food and drinks served, everyone settled in as Shifu began to recount the events that had transpired in Raja.
"I see," Kaede said once Shifu had finished. "This aligns with what Pito and Charlotte discovered as well." She turned to her side. "Pito."
Thwoom!
Ari spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. "Mother, this army has the potential to become a true threat to us. As pitiful as orcs may seem, this... Orc Lord," she spat the name, "has the power to keep growing stronger the more it devours. What’s to say it won’t turn its hunger toward us?"
Kaede’s expression remained calm, her chin resting on her hand. "The orc army is still on the far side of Lake Siss. True, if they come at us, I'll obliterate them instantly. But as long as they stay on the western side, they pose no threat to us." She paused for a moment before continuing, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Besides, I already know how it will unfold."
Internally, she mused, 'I’ll go over there, stop the orcs, and intimidate every monster in the region. They'll fall under my control. I just want a break. Let that other presence deal with the orcs, after all, it’s way stronger.'
Ari smiled knowingly. "Of course, you already know how the invasion will go. As expected of you, Mother."
Kaede raised an eyebrow in confusion. 'What the hell is she talking about?'
Meanwhile, murmurs of agreement filled the room, with everyone praising Kaede's wisdom as they nodded in approval.
Kaede turned to Pito. "Girls, I want you to keep an eye on the orc army." Then, activating her mental link, she added privately, ‘Also, find the strongest monster in the west and monitor them. Protect them if necessary.’
Pito, Charlotte, and the rest of the Leaf disappeared in a whirl of leaves, activating their collective Unique Skill, [Shadow of the Forest].
With their departure, Kaede shifted the discussion. "Now, about Queen Towa’s request. Eryn, what did you find out?"
Eryn straightened before speaking. "Raja is a relatively small nation compared to other human lands. Some of our elves passed through it while searching for a way to repair our barriers."
"Raja is unique in that it accepts most races without prejudice, even placing some demi-humans in high-ranking positions. However, this has made the surrounding nations hostile, always looking for an excuse to stir conflict. Despite the struggles, Raja has endured, at least until a few decades ago, when their mines began poisoning their lakes, worsening their situation. That’s all I could uncover."
Kaede nodded. "Thank you, Eryn." She turned to her subordinates. "It’s safe to assume Queen Towa is seeking aid."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Of course she is," Ari scoffed. "Without someone like Mother, how could they possibly hope to prosper?"
Kaede sighed internally. '
That was... unnecessary.'
"Alright then," she said. "Get ready, we’ll be paying Raja a visit."