With the immediate problem dealt with I could now focus a bit more on the bigger picture. So I held a meeting with my people. Lily, Iris, Minerva, Ash, Lucy, Sandra, Kira and even Shani were here.

I explained what had happened and that Liandra was currently recovering. Right now she was kind of a guest under house arrest.

"Shadow magic bypassing the grove is concerning. We should study her powers. We could demand Liandra as satisfaction from the High Queen." Ash proposed.

"No, we don't want to start trouble with the Dominion and we don't experiment on Liandra. But we should work on our defences. We have some ancient demon lords to deal with, after all. Lilith has offered greater cooperation, I think we should accept." I replied.

"What are your intentions towards the Dominion?" Kira asked.

"Intentions? Well, we are part of it." I replied.

"Technically, yes." Iris said. "However, your power exceeds theirs. Are you Amaya the Countess, or Amaya the Archfey?"

I scratched my head. "Um, both?"

"You have to choose how to handle this." Iris said. "As a countess it would be embarrassing for the Dominion that you caught their spy, but it would be within the rights of the High Queen to monitor her subjects. As an archfey you could claim it was a hostile act and demand satisfaction."

"I like being part of the Dominion. Spying aside, they have treated me, us, fairly. They have put up with my whims so far and I intend to improve things with the train network. I kind of want to build a prosperous town, help the people, and make something nice. I want it to be part of the Dominion, so far they haven't given me a reason to break with them." I said.

"I am not sure how I feel about people spying from the shadows." Lucy mused. "But I would not escalate things. Maybe just ask the High Queen to not do it again?"

"I could slaughter the next spy!" Shani suggested.

"No slaughtering, for now." I replied.

Shani's ears drooped.

"How do you want to welcome the High Queen then?" Sandra asked.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"We could put on a show of force." Minerva suggested.

"The whole ritual is that, kind of. I don't think she will underestimate us after the visit. I was hoping to have a friendly chat and show her the benefits of trading with hell…" I said.

"You should negotiate your status with her and establish yourself as somewhat independent at least." Iris proposed.

"Hm. A formal treaty could be good. I don't want a border, I am also ok with paying taxes but I am the highest authority inside my county. I don't think I would obey a Dominion law if I considered it too harmful to me, or my people."

"Lady Amaya, you are the Lady of Storms. Why are you so concerned about the Dominion?" Ash wondered.

I looked at her, she seemed genuinely confused. I guess she was a dryad who lived her entire life by the law of strength.

"Because I do care about the people. I am not going to start a conflict if I can easily avoid it. Fighting just leads to suffering. I have no intention of ruling the Dominion, or subjugating it. I am happy with my little town and a few projects to improve things overall." I tried to explain my point of view. It was not my goal to force my version of an utopia on people. I just wanted to enjoy my life and build something nice.

I was not sure if Ash understood me but she nodded.

"Back to the High Queen, how shall we greet her? I can arrange some soldiers and maid knights to escort her to the castle. Will there be a banquet? Are you planning any speeches?" Iris asked.

"You could greet them with your aura. You can make it feel nice and at the same time remind them of who you are. This is your domain. Make sure the High Queen does not forget that." Lily suggested.

"Hm. I could welcome her personally with an honour guard. Greet her with my aura, then lead her to the castle. I am not that fond of formal receptions. Maybe we will have a big meal and then I will invite her to a private discussion. And we will give her Liandra back once she is at the castle." I proposed.

"Maybe you should have some advisors when you negotiate with her…" Sandra suggested.

"I will definitely consult with all of you before I sign anything." I assured her.

"You could offer her a proper blood bath! Ohhh, you should fill the hot tubs with blood!" Shani suggested.

"I do not think that would send the right message." Minerva commented, with a smile.

"But it's great for the skin! Just look at mine!" Shani countered.

"No to the blood, but we can serve the High Queen some of the demonic beasts you have slain." I said.

"What about overall security? You proposed a cooperation with Lilith. Does she have magic to counter another infiltrator?" Lucy asked.

"I am not sure. I guess we also have to consider normal infiltration. The baker is a spy too, for example. But that is to be expected. We have to make sure no one can magically sneak into places they are not supposed to be. Adding the naiads will strengthen the land and the grove. Maybe there are other fey we can add. Or maybe monsters? Could we domesticate some spiders?" I wondered.

"What you need is someone or something that can fly." Kira said.

"I don't think that helps against shadow magic." I replied.

"No, but it would allow for a rapid response and good scouting. While a shadow elf slipped past your defences it does not mean they are the only threat." Kira pointed out.

"A valid point. Do you have any suggestions for a flying monster we could domesticate?" I asked.

Kira snorted. "Why monsters? Recruit some storm fey, or succubi with wings. Or anyone capable of a flight spell, really. Actually, you should train your maid knights in detection magic."

"They are not mages though, they have no control over the powers the bond grants them. Flight might be an option though. Hey, maybe we can create some form of magical glasses that help with detection? Or maybe we can attach some sensors to the magical root network…" I did have an electrical network. I had intended it to run street lamps and appliances in homes. But what about a few sensors along the walls? And the gate. I should definitely increase security around the gate.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.