The Guardian gods-Chapter 494

To put it simply, their appearance was something that should never have crossed the sea and yet here they are and were being welcomed.

And then it happened.

A few members of the envoy looked directly at them.

Not by accident.

They smiled. Bowed, even.

Not in jest, not in mere diplomacy—but in recognition.

One of them, a keen-eyed apeling named Irema, narrowed their gaze as they scanned the visitors. Their faces stiffened. A few members of the envoy’s delegation—dressed more plainly, perhaps attendants or guards—had turned their heads toward the apelings. Not by accident. Not in passing. Their eyes found them directly, and held their gaze. One even smiled gently and offered a respectful bow.

The apelings, trained for centuries in discipline and spiritual control, responded as they had been taught—smiling in return, tilting their heads in polite acknowledgment. But the moment they turned their backs, their expressions fell.

Irema’s voice was a low whisper, tight with urgency. "We need to inform the king."

The others nodded, their expressions grave. They did not speak again, slipping back into their roles as shadows among the faithful, heading toward the hidden temple where the sacred flame still burned.

Unbeknownst to them, they too were being watched.

High above, cloaked in the lattice of shadow and sunlight, Princess Nwadimma observed the interaction with hawk-like precision. She crouched in the narrow upper corridors of the outer palace wall, surrounded by a small team of elite watchers—silent, skilled, and sworn to her command. Her eyes flicked between the departing apelings and the envoy’s rear guard. She missed nothing.

This was her mission, entrusted by her brother, King Nwadiebube, though truth be told, she would have taken it upon herself even if he had not asked. freёnovelkiss.com

Nwadiebube was arrogant, yes, but he was not foolish. His grand welcome of the southern envoy—the public spectacle, the golden banners, the ceremonial dancers, the fire-singers—all of it had been orchestrated with precision. It served two purposes.

First, to announce to the rest of the eastern human nations that Omadi was now a diplomatic gatekeeper to a foreign power. Prestige. Position. Influence.

Second—and more subtly—to observe the apelings.

He knew he lacked intelligence about the southern continent, and while the envoys could lie with smiles and flatter with honeyed words, the apelings’ reactions would not lie. If they recognized something—or someone—he would know. And now, the test had yielded results.

Princess Nwadimma exhaled slowly. She could sense the unease in the apelings’ retreat and the veiled acknowledgment from the visitors. It confirmed what they feared: something else had come with the envoys.

"They know each other, or at least recognize a kindred presence," she whispered to her second-in-command. "And that smile—that bow—it wasn’t diplomatic. It was reverent."

Her gaze shifted to the palace gates, just as they closed behind the envoy’s last guard.

"Something else walks among them."

The princess and those with her took a step back and was gone into the shadows.

Nwadiebube gestured with a sweeping hand towards the grand entrance of the Royal Dining Hall. Its towering oak doors, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and depicting scenes of legendary hunts, were held open by liveried guards.

"Please," Nwadiebube said, his voice smooth and inviting, "join us within. Refresh yourselves after your long journey. Let us break bread together and begin to know one another in comfort."

The envoy leader offered a gracious nod and, followed by their entourage, stepped into the hall. The interior was breathtaking. High vaulted ceilings were adorned with intricate frescoes depicting celestial events. Sunlight streamed through massive stained-glass windows, casting kaleidoscopic patterns on the polished marble floors. A long, ornate table, laden with an array of delicacies – roasted meats, platters of colorful fruits, fragrant cheeses, and decanters of rich wine – stretched across the length of the hall.

Nwadiebube led the envoy leader to the head of the table, seating them to his right. His most trusted councilmen, their faces a carefully neutral blend of curiosity and caution, took their places along the table, interspersed with the key members of the envoy’s entourage. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken questions, a delicate balance between polite hospitality and the underlying tension of two powerful entities meeting for the first time.

As servants moved silently, offering refreshments, the initial exchanges were carefully curated.

"The journey must have been arduous," Nwadiebube began, his tone conversational. "The eastern coast, while beautiful, can be... unforgiving to travelers unfamiliar with its terrain."

"Indeed, Your Majesty," the envoy leader replied, accepting a goblet of crimson wine. "Your guards were exemplary guides. Their knowledge of the land and their unwavering vigilance were most appreciated." A subtle emphasis on "vigilance" did not go unnoticed by Nwadiebube.

One of Nwadiebube’s senior councilmen, a wizened scholar named Obi, interjected with a seemingly innocuous query. "We were fascinated by the descriptions of your vessels, which arrived at the port. Their design is... unlike anything we have seen in our waters. They spoke of sails that harnessed the very breath of the sea in a unique manner."

A member of the envoy’s party, a man with keen eyes and an air of quiet intelligence, responded. "Our shipwrights have spent generations perfecting their craft. We have learned to read the currents and the winds in ways that allow us to traverse vast distances with efficiency." A slight pause. "The seas to the south can be... unpredictable. Necessity breeds innovation."

Another councilman, a shrewd and new upcoming strategist named Adebayo, steered the conversation towards more cultural aspects. "Your garments are exquisite. The intricate embroidery and the vibrant hues speak of a rich artistic tradition. The symbols woven into the fabric... do they hold particular significance?"

A woman from the envoy’s delegation, adorned with intricate silver jewelry, smiled gently. "Indeed. Each motif tells a story, represents an aspect of our history, our beliefs, our connection to the land. Just as I am sure the gold and crimson of your banners hold deep meaning for your people."

Nwadiebube observed these exchanges, a silent conductor orchestrating the flow of conversation. He noted the subtle pauses, the carefully chosen words, the almost imperceptible shifts in posture. Each pleasantry was a probe, a delicate attempt to glean information without revealing too much in return. The envoy was clearly as cautious and observant as he was.

He himself offered a seemingly casual remark. "We were intrigued by the accounts of the flora and fauna of your continent. Tales of vibrant jungles and creatures unlike any found in our northern climes have long been whispered in our lore."

The envoy leader’s eyes flickered momentarily. "The Southern Lands are indeed blessed with a unique ecology. Life flourishes in abundance, though it also presents its own... challenges. The balance of nature is a delicate thing, something we have learned to respect."

The meal progressed in this manner, a tapestry of polite inquiries and carefully veiled responses. They spoke of the weather, of the beauty of the capital, of the long journey. Each side offered glimpses into their culture and customs, but steered clear of any substantial revelations about their resources, their military strength, or their true political intentions.

The dinner passed in a blur of pleasantries—casual conversations, harmless jests, and the clinking of goblets echoing softly against marble columns. Nwadiebube played the perfect host, smiling when he was expected to, nodding thoughtfully at stories of southern cities, and laughing—just enough to appear sincere. But beneath the surface, his thoughts stirred restlessly.

As the final course was cleared and the musicians began to play something soft and slow, the king gave a courteous farewell. The palace maids, dressed in ivory linens with gold-threaded hems, moved with practiced grace to lead the envoy and their entourage to their prepared chambers in the east wing.

Nwadiebube said nothing as he turned down the hall toward his private wing. The corridors were quiet now, torchlight flickering gently against the intricately carved walls, casting long shadows that danced with secrets. When he reached the door to his study, he paused only briefly before opening it.

The scent of red plum and cardamom wafted through the air. He stepped inside, and his eyes immediately found the princess seated comfortably in one of the leather armchairs beside his desk, already pouring herself a glass of wine. The bottle—an old vintage he had been saving—sat beside her, uncorked.

His eyes flicked to the ornate shelf near the window. One bottle missing.

He sighed.

Nwadiebube crossed the room, snatched the bottle from her hand—not too roughly, but with the annoyance of familiarity—and poured himself a generous cup.

"You couldn’t have asked?" he muttered, settling into the seat across from her.

"I did," she said dryly, lifting her own glass to her lips. "You weren’t here."

For a moment, they sat in silence. The fire crackled softly in the hearth behind them. Nwadiebube sipped, then set his cup down with a quiet clink.

"What did you find?" he asked, his voice low and even.

Across from him, Nwadimma leaned back, cradling her glass with a pensive expression. She didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, she asked, "What do you want to know?"

His gaze sharpened. "I want to know about their interactions. Their expressions. What did they convey?"