To summarize what Wistorina told him (Hessinia was still unconscious at the time) when they got back to a panicked Siana who thought he was dead:
1. The princess was captured once before when Hessinia told her their objective, most likely in an attempt to gain her cooperation, and to ensure her that she and her father may live in the end. According to the young princess, her father still hasn't been found so he's most likely hiding but still looking for her.
2. Princess Wistorina is from an extinct tribe that was related to three incarnation factors that the Timeline Gods took control over to seal away the Star Beast.
3. Every member of the tribe is capable of translating the Dark Scroll, an ancient record that had every happening and dictates everything that will ever happen. It is time itself, created by the Timeline Gods when they created the realms.
4. Somewhere in the Dark Scroll, it is recorded how to summon a certain Divine Tree but Hessinia never mentioned its name. Arnold was only aware of the Spirit Tree in the Spirit Realm as the only other "actual" Divine Tree besides the World Tree. But Hessinia did give it a strange name: The "Inverted Root".
5. Wistorina is supposed to read from the Dark Scroll to summon this tree in a ritual.
--
That's about it.
Arnold was considering using the Future Letter to ask future Wistorina about this but he needs to talk to Selia about it first. She's lived for probably thousands of years so she might know more than he does.
'Do you know anything about this Inverted Root, System?'
-Answer: Inverted Root is not recognized as a name for any type of three that exists. It is most likely a given name used by humans and not by the gods.
'Hessinia probably doesn't know more about it since she's just an underling. Maybe if I find out who is spiritually bound to the tree… The World Tree has the Elven Mother, the Spirit Tree has the Spirit King… What else could there be?'
A divine tree must be connected to a divine host to maintain its form. If the host dies, the tree dies. If this tree could allow mass extinction from its mere existence in the material world, could it even be considered a "Divine Tree" and have the same aforementioned characteristic?
'Hessinia must be considered dead by Serz now that she hasn't sent any news back. Maybe there's a way to use her to get into the organization.'
He didn't know where to find Liumiala. Even her signature was nowhere to be found in his warrior sense's range. Either she has a magic item meant to oppose warrior sense or she wasn't anywhere nearby. He could sense as far as Royagard Kingdom with his newfound power so he could only assume Liumiala was working in some other state.
He should assume she's working with Hessinia and is an enemy.
'We'll need to use Hessinia to get in.' but in order to do that, he would need to fool her higher-ups.
"Hnn~" Siana moaned next to him when sunlight hit her face. She cowered under the blanket and put her arm over Arnold's bare chest.
"We should go take a bath." He pulled down the blanket.
"Nnnnoooo~" she proceeded to yank it over her head again.
The two were naked, after a night of passionate lovemaking. Despite the unfortunate events, Siana wanted to continue their date when he was done talking to Wistorina. Like a good wife, she was waiting for him in the room, wearing slutty lingerie you wouldn't expect an elegant woman like her would wear.
It's official—Siana is his second wife. But since she has a higher standing than Victoria, she may be made the First Lady for political reasons. Well, there's Celeste also…
Arnold climbed out of bed even as Siana moaned for him to come back and cuddle with her.
He casually glanced at the door.
'It feels weird that Celeste was watching us have sex the whole time.'
He could remember her signature right outside the door. It was there for about an hour before it left. He had no idea why she would peep in... And why was she there for an hour!?
This isn't the first time it has happened… She should be aware that Arnold can sense people by their unique signatures so she was probably doing it on purpose.
'I can't ignore that engagement for much longer… Dammit, Vance you bastard.'
The door suddenly creaked open while he was putting on his pants.
"P…P… Pa… P… P…."
"Huh?" caught off-guard, he looked towards the door, spotting a familiar person.
"Papaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!" Ceru moved like lightning and jumped on him, her breasts smothering his face.
**
"….."
Gathered at the dinner table were Siana, Celeste, Arnold, Wistorina, Lunaria and… Ceru.
Celeste was glaring at Ceru the whole time.
Why?
Well, like a spoiled child, she was sitting on Arnold lap but at the same time feeding him like a "Mama Bird". He was doing his best not to get an erection. That was quite difficult with how "gifted" Ceru was and how she was grinding on him the whole time.
He was worried about Ceru being visible… but maybe she trusts everyone here enough to show her real body.
In any case, Arnold sent out messages to his nobles to gather at the palace at the end of the week. He had a lot he wanted to discuss and a lot of people he needed to meet so he extended that to one day,
Of course, Tyran's situation will also be handled. Concerning Hessinia, she apparently cursed herself with a paralysis spell using "hand signs" so they couldn't gather information. For now, her hands were bound apart so that she can't do that anymore. This paralysis spell had the following effect: she can't eat, move or excrete. Upon inspecting her body, it was found that she couldn't even metabolize her food properly.
She was most likely trying to kill herself. So, that was troublesome for the maids and Lunaria's "Devil Doctors" who had to do the work for Hessinia (something not even human doctors are currently capable of). Since she's paralyzed, she can't talk either, only cry as she suffers in quiet remorse at her failed demise. She should've brought along a poison pill instead.
They decided to wait until the spell's effects wear off. The system confirmed that it will only be two and a half days until it wears off.
Arnold will just see how it all plays out this week while in the empire.
"—Miss Wistorina, you said you were in the sixth year back at your old school, correct?" Lunaria's question quelled the awkward atmosphere.
"…Yes. I studied Alchemy and Herbalism. I can't exactly use my magic publicly but I love making potions. There are hundreds of potions that only my tribe uses so I am eager to share them with the world once I get my license to sell."
"I see. I will make sure you enroll in the Ardark Academy as a sixth year. They have workshops where students can distribute their potions so you don't need a license but a professor needs to verify that they are safe."
"E-Eh? Is that possible? B-But why would you do this for me?"
"It is on my order," Arnold said in place of Lunaria, "You will need to be close to me at all times so that I can protect you."
"Arnold, isn't it safer for her to stay here…? Serz could've predicted this outcome and planted spies among the students…" Siana expressed her worry as she placed a hand on Wistorina's shoulder.
"I informed Vetis of the incident and he said he'll put an army of red knights in the castle within the next week or so upon their completion." Lunaria added, "I would say we have double the military strength of the whole empire at our disposal."
"it's fine. I can handle anyone, even if Serz sends their strongest to capture Wistorina."
"That's right! Papa is the strongest! No one can beat him!"
'Uh, that's not entirely true…' He didn't want to ruin her proud declaration so he spoke inwardly instead.
No one at the table seemed to doubt Ceru's words, though.
"T-Then I am in your care, Lord Arnold…"
"In the meantime, I'll have someone look for your father. How much destruction did Serz cause in your nation? Any confirmed casualties?"
"…They launched a large-scale assault that surrounded the whole capital so I fear more than half of my people were killed. They also used large monsters, much like what was seen in the monster wave, to breach the walls."
'The system showed that Hessinia is a summoner type dark magician so that was her doing. I should assume whatever she summoned weren't ordinary monsters.'
"Word should reach the empire and other nations soon. Many of them will send support troops to the Republic." Lunaria said just what Arnold was thinking, "I suggest we get a headstart on whichever messenger they send."
"Why is that? Isn't it a good thing to let the other nations handle Serz?" Siana asked.
"We will but we can't let the reason for the invasion slip. You must know how valuable the Dark Scroll is, correct?"
"…Yes, even if this world is not my birth world, I do remember hearing about its legends. So, there are always going to be people, even among allies, who want to use her gift."
"Exactly. Serz's final goal is world domination. Who is standing in their way? That would be the dragon lords. We can use the Republic's destruction to explain that it was meant to act as a lure for the dragon lords while excluding that their goal is the princess. The timing is excellent as well since the dragon lords are holding a summit somewhere deep in the mountains, which they used to strike."
It's strange how the dragon lords will just leave things as they are and go to this summit. Usually, one of them stays behind but all of them were in those mountains out of the reach of ordinary humans. Arnold knew that a third party was involved in this. It's far too strange.
"Who will act the part of messenger then?" asked Siana again.
"I will." Lunaria answered, "I will tell the emperor directly once I sneak into his room at night, when he has less guards around him. I will do the same for the other monarchs."
'A trip from the Republic to the empire takes about three days, even longer with a small troop. If they send someone ahead of the army then that takes half the amount of time away so we need to intercept that messenger and slow down the spread of the news. They will definitely send people with high status ahead to plead with the emperor and other monarchs.'
They don't have to rush but it will be beneficial to inform the monarchs as soon as possible.
That's what Arnold would've said but—
"We'll infiltrate Serz first to find out more information."
"W-What?" Celeste was the first to give a reaction, "W-Why? That's suicide you know…"
"Like I just said: information so we won't have a direct confrontation unless necessary. Wistorina being in my lands essentially places a target on my back and we all know Serz won't give up so we should expect a bigger force next time. While Vetis gets the city defenses ready, Lunaria and I will infiltrate. As a half succubus, Lunaria possesses transformation magic that can shape her face and body to another person's sexual desire by reading their minds so we will use that ability to make her transform into Wistorina since I don't want the princess to go instead."
Lunaria is the key in making sure a fight doesn't break out. It's just a simple in and out operation.
If she's anything like full-blood succubi, Lunaria has a mind-reading ability that's linked to the biochemical state of her targets. When a person experiences sexual arousal, their brain releases a surge of neurochemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, and norepinephrine—that lower inhibitions and weaken the mental barriers protecting private thoughts. This chemical cocktail makes the mind more transparent, exposing desires and subconscious fantasies. She could play with these fantasies, making the target think they're having sex with her—or rather their ideal sexual partner—while they're actually being sucked on through a straw.
And the one holding that straw is Lunaria.
"A brilliant plan and countermeasure, Milord!" Caerwyn said with sparkling eyes after Arnold explained the above, "Lord Arnold is strong but we don't know what other bizarre abilities the members of Serz have."
"Exactly. But Lunaria and I will be enough as a combat force. We'll also use Hessinia."
"To avoid her breaking free from conventional mind control spells, I can use my own abilities to brainwash her." Lunaria added.
"Another succubus ability, huh…" the other women looked at Lunaria weirdly.
"…Yes." He could see a faint blush on her cheeks. She was certainly not proud of the abilities but they could come in handy here.
'I wonder if she uses this to get mana from people without them knowing.'
Sexually, of course. Succubi and Incubi alike have weak mana restoration so they rely on the lifeforce of other beings to regenerate their mana faster. Usually, they carry around live animals in small special cages that can shrink but body fluids provide the richest lifeforce, which can typically be found on bigger animals or even humanoids. The lifeforce in semen, bloods and even the air a person exhales, isn't a lot but it's enough to fully restore a succubus' mana.
Arnold never would've guessed the first time he would request a succubus' services, it would be non-sexual. A major disappointment but he had two wonderful and beautiful women to make love to so he has enough. Still, their abilities seem tempting…
"I'll let my nobles in on the plan in two days at our weekly meeting. That same night, we will execute the plan. Lunaria should be able to brainwash Hessinia into giving up a hideout and once we find out where Serz's base is, I'll teleport us there. For now, don't let any of this spread outside this room."
All of them nodded in unison and then they continued enjoying their breakfast.
**
A knock came from the door while Arnold was busy sorting through paperwork. He was eager to begin working on official business so he came here right after breakfast. Strangely, he didn't think this sort of work interfered with his vacation.
Since the door was locked so that no one can disturb his peace, he stood up to answer the door.
"Celeste?"
After entering, she stated her reason for coming here before he could even offer her a seat and drink: "Al, there is something I need to speak to you about privately. Sorry but it can't wait since I have to leave for some urgent business soon."
'Didn't she say she'll help me sort out the paperwork? I guess it's urgent.'
"Alright."
"I am aware that you have impregnated several girls and women during these last five years."
"…What about it?"
"How much does Duke Marcus give to each of the mothers?"
"I don't know. Last I heard, they wanted more than fifty gold every month."
It was a ridiculous amount of money but his father was more than capable of paying for it. Once he's financially stable, the responsibility falls to him. It was something he felt bitter about, regretting every time he impregnated a lover in bed.
"And this has been going on for years… That is enough money to buy a small house in the capital."
"Why did you bring this up? It's not like I'm planning to marry any of them so you don't need to worry about that."
"No, I suspect none of them actually had your children. You, of all people, should've suspected this kind of thing since none of them allows your family to see the children? And the Berkley Family respects this decision and never once doubted them."
"…."
Arnold suddenly stiffened. How could he forget an important detail that crushes all these rumors that he has a bunch of illegitimate children!?
…He's part dragon, a half human so technically it's highly unlikely he can impregnate a human unless she has very strong genes. There isn't a definitive answer as to what strong genes actually are. Maybe the woman comes from a long lineage of elves but since too many of her ancestors copulated with humans, she could no longer be classified as an elf or half elf but just a human related to elves.
While not physical similar to elves, she could have their healing factor or use elementals from birth.
Evelyn is a good example of this… Her late uncle wasn't the only Elf in her family.
Arnold realized only now that these women had taken advantage of his family for years. He only recently found out he was part dragon so the fault doesn't lay with him for not knowing and since he had been through so much, he didn't have the leeway to think that those women were fooling him for money.
"Newly-manufactured contraception methods that guarantee a 100% prevention rate while being extremely cheap and accessible gained wide popularity a few years ago so maybe they did fall pregnant but started using contraceptives." Lost in thought, Celeste continued babbling, "Or they found out too late that they were pregnant and disposed of the children during gestation."
Arnold cleared his throat and gave a lopsided smile, eyes narrowing just slightly as he looked at her.
"A-Ahem, you're right to suspect them. As expected of Big Sis. You've always been sharp. I should've known you'd be the one to see through all of it."
Celeste blinked, caught off guard by the sudden praise.
"You really pieced it together well... Honestly, I wouldn't have figured it out myself. Not like this."
He gave her an appreciative glance. "It must've taken a lot for you to even bring this up."
Her composure faltered, and a faint pink bloomed across her cheeks.
"I… I just didn't want you to keep living with that burden."
She looked down, fingers gripping her sleeve. He could see her ears turn red.
"T-They were using you, Al. I—I wanted to protect you. That's all."
Arnold smiled faintly.
"I know. You always do. Ah, but there's one woman I know had my child."
"What?" Celeste's voice turned icy cold.
"D-Don't worry, she doesn't force my father to pay her. In fact, I had Lunaria track her down and confirmed she is living comfortably and raising my son well." Arnold's eyes turned somber as he glanced out the window, "To be honest, I've always wanted to meet him, my son… He was a mistake I burdened Denise with for all these years. It wouldn't hurt to give him everything he needs to live a fulfilling life, right?"
"Al…" Seeing his soft expression, her cold eyes wavered.
Jealousy burned deep within her heart but she expelled all that frustration with a soft sigh, "…I would like to meet this woman first, if you don't mind."
"Huh, why?"
"Because I don't think she'd want to see you. Not after all this time. She never brought the child to Berkley Castle. Never wrote. She must carry resentment."
"You're right about that…"
"I'll ask Lunaria what she found out then visit her later this week."
Celeste walked around his desk and bent down, planting a kiss on his forehead.
"I'll come get you for your appointment with the Vice President of the Student Disciplinary Committee tomorrow. Make sure you're ready."
"…Alright."
This wasn't the first time she's given him a forehead kiss. In fact, she's been doing it since childhood and only to him.
What was weird was how she was holding onto his cheeks while staring at him intensely. Or to be specific, his lips.
"…Didn't you say you had urgent business?"
"…Right. I'll see you soon then." She slowly stepped back before turning around and leaving the room.
"…"
He wasn't so dense to not know why she was acting so strange. He just started a new relationship with a stranger she never met, right after he and Victoria became a couple.
"Should I sign the contract for her?"
He wasn't attracted to her romantically in the slightest but he definitely sees her as an attractive woman. And to be quite honest, she's about the only person who could make him flustered. It's happened several times in the past but he was quite used to her seduction so he could play it cool now.
He had nothing to lose by accepting this engagement to make her First Lady and then Queen of his new kingdom.
Of course, the obstacle is Selia who humans are wary off and who will harbor malice towards any who ally themselves with her nation.
Selia mentioned doing something major that will make humans view her more favorably but he still hasn't heard what it was. Whatever it is, he'll have to support it since he needs her military power while he's away from the city.
In any case, what could those humans do to him anyway if they found out now? Before he entered the dungeon, he was waiting for the right moment to reveal his affiliation with her which is right when his crystal trade kicks off but things are different now that he stands at the pinnacle of humanity, quite literally.
"I'll need a new household name when I take over the Peston Household and turn it into a royal house." He sat back in the chair, "…I'll think about it later."
He shrugged then got back into the mountains of paperwork.