Elysia in Another World

Chapter 2 - First Dungeon Dive P7

One week later, the royal council members were gathered in front of the tower-esque entrance to second dungeon. Initially, only Kye and Alethea were allowed to be there among their group, but Kye demanded that her four friends be allowed to come along. Together, the group of six children and twenty-five adult royals prepared to enter the dungeon.

"Let's get this farce over with," said one of the elder royals and one of the founding members of the current Atlantis Empire, Adalric Knight.

"There's no need for that, Adalric," said Edward Barrett, reigning King of Alcanus, Kye's great-grandfather on her mother's side, and also a founder. "This is part of the job."

"This is as pointless as calling water wet," said Kolodka Romanov, an elder royal and member of the Romanov family.

"I don't disagree that this is pointless," said Alexandra Romanov, an elder and founder. "However, we should not discount the possibility of the claim being true. You were there when Goddess Eve appeared at the end of World War III. Deities are real."

"I don't accept that this child is the creator," he shot back.

"If you have nothing but poison to spew, then keep your mouth shut," Allison said, earning a gasp from a few of the other royals. Allison had a reputation for her silence, only ever speaking when necessary and never taking part in small talk. Her saying that took them by surprise.

"I will say what-"

"Kolodka," said Atalante, quickly earning both his attention and silence. "The child you are speaking of is engaged to my daughter, to be married upon their eighteenth birthday. The moment they became engaged, she became an imperial. I suggest you take Allison's advice. Mine will not be so tame."

Atalante stepping up for Kye took even the young blonde by surprise.

"Quite," Astraia added. "Need I remind you who developed Aethersteel and for what reason? If her existing accomplishments are not sufficient to gain some modicum of respect, I question your qualification to be on the council."

Another round of gasps filled the air around them.

Kye sighed and glanced toward Kolodka. "Allison, Atalante, Astraia, it's fine. Let him say what he wants. Let whoever else say what they want. Such nonsense shows their character. The naysayers will learn soon enough."

Ginchiyo rushed over to Kye and scooped her up in a hug. "Oh my sweet great-granddaughter, you show such maturity in the face of toxicity. I'm so proud of you!"

A raven-haired woman approached them, an open fan in her hand hiding her mouth. "Enough, Ginchiyo. You're coddling her."

"So what if I am?"

"Royal and imperial children need proper educations and preparation to assume their duties after the academy. You only spoil them."

"Left to you, none of these children would have any individuality or personality. I do teach them. Quite well, mind you."

"That remains to be seen."

"Enough," Kye said. "Chiyo let me down."

The white-haired woman gently let her down, and the girl started walking toward the entrance.

"Let's get this over with."

The large group followed her in, and just like in the Asphodel Dungeon, they were greeted in a light blue cubic room.

"How is this going to work?" Atalante asked. "We were told you would be taking us to the top floor. Even the strongest among us has only ever been a little more halfway up."