CHAPTER 17

Tomorrow morning, Prince Arthur bowed before King Bartholomeo, who was sitting on his throne.

"Father, I am so relieved that you allowed my warriors to become part of our defense strategy even though they only act as reserve forces," said Prince Arthur.

"When I left you yesterday evening, I watched over my window and saw the cooperation of your zodiac warriors. Although they are undeniably strong, I have doubt in my mind that it wouldn't be enough to defeat powerful enemies!"

"So who are the warriors you'd like to be the front liners, or should I say guard the entrance of our Kingdom?" asked Prince Arthur.

"I have spotted some great warriories in Alabama who have incredible strength and swordsmanship," answered the King. "I want them to guard every route going inside the Kingdom!"

Prince Arthur raised his head to his father. "What do you mean, warrioress, father?"

"Female warriors also known as warrioress can fight evenly against the werewolves. As a matter of fact, this group called themselves Amazonas. Their greatest strength is their flexible bodies and expertise in using deadly weapons!"

"Father, I am not trying to underestimate their abilities... but we are dealing with werewolves. They stand no chance against them," complains Prince Arthur.

"I know you'd disagree with me, my son. I swear to you, I've been in your shoes... I also underestimated female warriors until I met these amazing 12 Amazonas!"

Prince Arthur nodded and clenched his fist in anger. The king's sharp eyes noticed it though.

"What is wrong, my son? Are you not convinced by what I say?"

The angry prince spoke in a calm voice, trying to sound respectful to avoid pissing off his father. "I-I have no objection, my father, though I want to put them through a difficult training as well because we don't have any more time."

The King leaned on his throne, rested his face on his chin, and looked at his son solemnly. "While I have no complaint with your wish, I still want to know if that is the only reason why you want them to undergo another difficult training!"

Prince Arthur stared at his father's eyes to convince him that he was telling the truth. "My father, aside from that, there is nothing more to it. Is it too much to ask for a little favor from you?"

"As I told you, I am giving you the benefit of the doubt. Go ahead and do whatever you want, just come back here before dawn, as our visitors from another planet are expected to arrive when the sun disappears. As we've discussed these last few days, I want you to take care of them. Remember, you will inherit this kingdom soon, so it's a good thing that you are establishing a good relationship with our friends outside the planet because it is beneficial to us!"

"My father, can you reveal their identity to me?" asked Prince Arthur.

"Well then, I no longer see any point in hiding it. Those visitors are the King of Neptune named Malik and the King of Uranus, Baron!"

"And how did your paths cross?"

"I met them through the Celestial Spirit King... before your mother conceived you. We used to go to the celestial Kingdom and meet several kings from other planets. Among all the visitors, we became friends with the King of Uranus and Neptune," explained King Bartholomeo.

Prince Arthur exhaled a sigh of relief. "That is great! Now we have more allies to rely on if our nation is in great danger!"

"You've got a wrong idea, my son," the King disagreed. "They are not going to meddle if a war erupts between the werewolf tribe and our nation."

Prince Arthur frowned. "Why is that? It makes no sense to me? You told me that befriending them is beneficial to us, Father?"

"The Celestial Spirit King himself made some important rules that set boundaries for each planet, and one of those is forbidding each planet to either intrude, intervene, or, in some cases, invade other planets to maintain the tranquility and harmony of the galaxy planets. Anyone who dares to violate his law will have his planet destroyed, including all of its living creatures. Though, it's still allowed to visit other planets at any time, therefore strengthening the relationship between the Kings!"

"Is that so? What if the werewolves attack and kill them?" asked Prince Arthur.

"Killing them, intentionally or unintentionally, is a great sin, and the atonement for that is the destruction of the planet. Regardless of any circumstances therein!"

"Then that must be a great opportunity to redeem my zodiac warriors from humiliation!"

"Do you want them to guard the two kings to ensure their safety?"

"Yes, my father... if that is fine with you?"

King Bartholomeo strongly opposed him by raising his eyebrows and rolling up his eyes. "I'm afraid I cannot grant your request. King Abaddon won't be stupid enough to do such a reckless action. He knew the rules as well and won't attempt to harm them by any means. It has no benefits for him!"

"So he is afraid of the Celestial King after all?" wondered Prince Arthur.

"Indeed, the Celestial Spirit King is the greatest creature and every planet has to submit themselves to him. If you see the wrath of him, you will surely tremble in fear!"

"Then I guess we need to put our faith in our own warriors and warrioresses, my father!"

"Indeed, we are an independent nation, and I take pride in protecting it by any means necessary. Depending on allies is a sign of a weak ruler, and you know my blood boils if someone calls me that!"

"Yes your father... absolutely. By the way, I would like to ask where are these Amazonians right now?"

"They are waiting for you outside the Kingdom... and also, you can pick any of them whom you find attractive. I am permitting you to fall in love and it's much better if it's one of them!"

"I have no interest in that thing called love... I already set aside my personal feelings to prioritize the welfare of our nation...if it's okay with you... I would like to go now and meet these Amazonas, my father!"

"Go ahead and meet them!"

Prince Arthur got up and King watched him walk on the hallway until he disappeared behind the door.