The Golden Throne

Chapter 17: Patching up

"So you're telling me that the three of you, with only a Bisharp, a Conkeldurr and a Golurk were able to prove a match to the 200 or so Zaff hoodlums?!" The Emperor gasped in amazement.

"Your excellency," Ripley interrupted, "technically, it was just the two of them. I was more of a freeloader; hovering over their shoulders for safety and abandoning them for the nearest cover whenever things were turning bad."

"Marvelous! Stupendous! Simply fantastic!" The Emperor stood up from his dinner chair and clapped his hands in applause.

After returning to Errion, the Emperor requested a royal banquet in the palace to celebrate Ripley's safe return. It was twilight, and they were having their dinner at a roofless veranda overlooking the sea. The sun had set minutes ago- all that was left of it was a pink afterglow at the edge of the horizon. A refreshing breeze blew from the ocean.

From up here, one would see the glittering lights of Errion City to his right and a few scattered ships on the sea to his left. The long, ironwood banquet table they were sitting on was covered with the finest silk tablecloth and had lit up candles with silver holders that were spread out evenly on top of it. Sitting at the far end was the Emperor, his wife, the beloved Empress Helena and their four young children; Dominik, Valentina, Johanna and Marcel. Marcel was busy putting butter on Valentina's hair while Dominik and Johanna were arguing about which Pokemon was the coolest- Diglett or Slakoth.

Sitting just by the side of the royal family were Hilbert, Hilda, Ripley and across the trio was Lucius. Besides them, the others who were part of the royal feast were the officials of Odara. The sweet and pleasant smell of baked Corphish was enough to make Hilbert's mouth water. A small orchestra was playing a lovely tune as the entertainment for the night.

"Lucius, what has your task force uncovered so far from that cave?" her majesty, Empress Helena inquired. She was beautiful and young like her husband. She looked to be around her late twenties. Her short hair was braided neatly. She had sharp features and her eyes were a sapphire blue.

"My team is investigating the place as we speak. So far, they've managed to recover ledgers that belonged to the Zaff, their weapons supply, personal records, and documents regarding the Aeri tragedy- which will definitely aid us in the future. But no word of any future terror attacks," Lucius said.

"Your men aren't working hard enough," her majesty told him bluntly.

"Love, don't say that. I'm sure these men are putting all they can into gathering Zaff intel," the Emperor told her.

"Hmp. Well, two children accomplished in two days what the Silver Guards never could in ten years," she said matter-of-factly.

Eh? Children? Hilbert murmured. Lucius blushed while Ripley made a titter and covered her smile with her hand.

"Eheh, please, don't mind her. She can be a little..." the Emperor did a twirling motion with his fingers next his head. The Empress smacked him on the shoulder.

"But I believe that there are more Zaff bases scattered throughout the Empire. It's just a matter of time before we learn more, find them, and bring them to justice," he stated proudly.

"Hey, Hilda," Hilbert turned to Hilda who was sitting beside him. "I--"

Before Hilbert could finish his sentence; Hilda stood up and walked away.

"It looks like someone is mad at you," Ripley muttered next to his ear.

"What? Yeah right, as if you can tell. I don't remember doing anything wrong," Hilbert sunk back into his chair and folded his hands behind his head.

"You sure wiseguy?" Ripley rolled her eyes. "I'm a lady too alright. And I know a pissed off lady when I see one. You should talk to her about it."

"Gee, thanks for the therapy session. How much would that cost?" Hilbert said sarcastically.

"I'm serious okay! Stop being so cheesy." Ripley punched Hilbert on the shoulder. "You should ask her what's up."

"Ow!" Hilbert rubbed his shoulder apologetically. "Fine, fine. You don't have to go all Primape on me,"

"Ugh!" Ripley rolled her eyes and folded her arms, "you have a lot to learn about girls."