Dinner and news

The dinner is lovely, and Sella keeps conversation light and pleasant until the food is finished. As you push your plate away, however, she becomes more serious.

“So, I have good news and bad news.”

You sigh. “Nothing good ever comes from conversations that start like that.”

Sella nods. “First, some good news, King Trevor has implemented some changes, outlawing the mistreatment of monster girls and demi-humans.”

“Demi-humans?”

Maya responds. “Races that have both male and female members with non human traits. Elves, dwarves, orcs, goblins, races like that.”

Sella smiles. “Exactly. Anyway, it was very well received among the people. Halid was not a popular ruler, and Trevor is well respected. The other good news is that the demon lord’s armies have pulled back. It seems they’re under attack from behind.”

Sighing, she continues. “Which is also bad news. The Abandoned Empire is no longer abandoned. The Triumvirate has returned.”

You nod. “They came through my portal. Add it to our enemies pile, I guess.”

She nods. “Might as well as the other half of the Allied Kingdoms as well. With the demon lord backing off, they turned on us, something about ‘moral degeneracy’, and ‘human purity’.”

You share glances with Rachel and Maya, before addressing Kali. “I guess you missed a few when you purged the HPP.”

Kali nods. “My father’s doing. He had agents send some through to seed among the population to sow discord.”

You nod. “Makes sense. At least we know what we’re up against. Can we still make it south?”

Sella speaks. “Yes, if you cut through Mermouthia.”

You chuckle. “We were headed there anyway. Are they a threat?”

Sella shakes her head. “Not with the dwarves on our side. I’ll send a message. Don’t worry about us, but please hurry. I don’t want you walking back into a war.”

You sigh.