Chapter 1397: The Alliance Is Unpredictable
Once that was done, Archer teleported them to an empty part of the Domain. This confused Teuila as she asked. ''What just happened? The Desert Wanderers vanished, and we ended up here?''
''Just watch, gorgeous,'' he replied.
He closed his eyes and started recreating the desert they came from. After doing that, he created a massive stone wall that would keep the cow-like monsters safe from the rest of the Domain.
Following that, he looked at Teuila with a confused expression, asking. ''What do they eat, Teu? I'm not too sure.''
The young woman giggled as she answered. ''Desert Grass handsome. They dug just under the surface to get to it.''
''Thank you,'' he replied.
With a sweep of his hand, he made their food sprout across the desert, turning the barren dunes into a lush, green haven just under the surface, making sure the creatures had more food than they needed.
Archer wove sturdy shelters from woven vines and stone, their forms rising seamlessly to shield the roaming beasts from the biting cold. Satisfied, he summoned the cow-like creatures.
Seconds later, they materialized, their nostrils flared, catching the scent of fresh forage all around them. Confusion and wariness flickered in their movements, their low moos tinged with unease as they hesitated at the unexpected bounty.
As Teuila saw this, her eyes widened, and soon she started laughing. ''You never cease to amaze me after eight years, my love,'' she said with a beautiful smile. ''How have you gone and created a damn desert for them!''
Moments later, he grabbed Teuila's arm and teleported them to the nearby wall. Their eyes tracked the Desert Wanderers as they began to explore their new domain in excitement as the babies rushed around.
The creatures moved in loose herds, their broad hooves sinking slightly into the soft earth as they grazed on the fresh grass. As the duo stood there, she gagged, forcing her to be sick over the edge of the wall.
''Are you okay, Teu?'' he asked while rubbing her back.
She nodded with a smile. ''The baby is taking too much energy from me. I constantly feel tired, and my legs ache.''
Archer felt sorry for Teuila and quickly scooped her into a princess carry, which made her beam as she nuzzled into the crook of his neck. He started sending mana into her body and teleporting to the treehouse.
The couple appeared in the bedroom and put the blue-haired woman in bed, but she quickly dragged him in after. Teuila giggled as she started speaking. ''You're not going anywhere, handsome. I want a cuddle.''
Following that, he slipped beside her and became the big spoon as she snuggled into his with a happy smile. Archer looked up only to notice the sunset, moments later, the young woman pushed her ass against him.
This caught his attention as he knew what she wanted, prompting him to bite her ear, whispering. ''Are you sure you want this, Teu?''
She nodded, and they began to make love as she started kissing him, Teuila lying on her side, savoring every moment of the sex. As they finished, the couple drifted into sleep, the storm outside raging against the Domain.
When Archer woke up the next morning, he noticed the blue-haired beauty was gone until the door opened, and she walked in with a smile while wearing a blue nightgown that matched her hair.
''Morning, handsome,'' Teuila said warmly, offering a steaming cup of tea.
He sat up, smiling, and took the cup. ''Thanks, Teu. Anyone downstairs?''
She shook her head. ''Nope, they're all caught up with spring preparations as usual.''
The young woman got back into bed and got comfortable, sipping her tea. ''When can I lead the attack on the Southlands?''
Archer's eyes narrowed. ''You're not fighting Teu; you're carrying our child. You're lucky I'm letting you come to Avidia,'' he warned.
Teuila giggled but reassured him. ''I won't be; that will be left to Lucrezia and Demetra, who said they'd protect me.''
''We'll see,'' he replied. ''The Alliance is unpredictable; they could do anything devious to get the upper hand.''
A giggle escaped her lips as she cuddled up to him. ''You're one to talk, handsome. You've robbed them of so much wealth that rumors say that the imperial family's had to use their gold to help fund the military.''
''That's the plan,'' he replied, finishing his tea and hugging Teuila even tighter, making her happy.
Following this, the two of them went back to sleep as the sun hadn't risen yet, and they were being lazy. By the time he woke up, the light was beaming through the nearby window, this annoyed him.
Archer climbed out of bed as Teuila let out an adorable snore as she curled up under the sheets, thanks to the cold air. He approached the fireplace and sent a steam of dragon fire into it.
Violet flames burst to life and sent hot air flowing through the room, chasing away the frost thanks to winter. He stretched his arms before pulling out some tea he'd stored away in his Item Box.
After this, he leaned back in a cushioned chair by the wide window, a steaming cup of tea cradled in his hands. The violet flames in the hearth crackled softly, casting a warm glow across the room.
Outside, the Domain transformed under a gentle cascade of snow, each flake drifting down to blanket the grounds in pristine white. He took a slow sip, the tea's earthy warmth spreading through him as he watched the snow pile softly on the barren trees.
The silence of the storm was mesmerizing, broken only by the occasional pop of the fire. For once, the weight of his duties felt distant, and he let himself sink into the quiet beauty of the moment.
While sitting there, Archer closed his eyes and scanned the Domain while checking on the monsters that populated the place. So many that he couldn't count, or he wouldn't even to attempt as the thought gave him a headache.
He checked on the chicken island, and what he saw shocked him. The little bastards had been hunting the Boars while tearing apart the Umbraworms he had sent them weeks ago as others sat in the surrounding trees.
Archer noticed the chickens had become more feral as they rushed around the island hunting down any Wild Pigs. This made him laugh when seeing a gang of the little bastards ambushing a family of boars.
Following that, he continued drinking before returning to Emberport City to check on the forts that littered the land. A Gate opened to Avidia, and he stepped through it, only to be hit by the cold air.
'Damn palace is always so cold,' he thought while sending his mana throughout his Avidia home which instantly heated it.
With that finished, Archer left the now-warm palace and streaked toward the first fort guarding Emberport City. He soared through the crisp morning sky, the wind whipping past as he flew toward the distant fort guarding the road to Emberport City.
Below, the landscape unfolded in a patchwork of snow-dusted fields and winding paths. As the fort came into view, its sturdy stone walls loomed proudly against the horizon, banners snapping in the breeze.
Soldiers bustled along the ramparts and at the gates, their armor glinting faintly in the pale sunlight. Patrols marched in disciplined rows while others stood watch, scanning the road for threats.
The fort thrummed with activity, a well-oiled machine of defense, its presence a steadfast shield for the city beyond. He slowed his flight, taking in the sight of their vigilant guard before pressing onward.
'Seems like they're enjoying their jobs,' he thought.
Hovering above the fort, Archer gazed down at the well-maintained road that stretched like a ribbon across the landscape. To the west, it wound through rolling hills, its cobblestones gleaming faintly under the morning sun.
To the east, it cut a straight path toward Emberport City, flanked by sturdy fences and dotted with watchposts. The road was a marvel of upkeep, free of ruts or debris, its edges lined with neatly trimmed grass.
Caravans and patrolling soldiers moved steadily along its length, their orderly procession a testament to the region's vigilance. His eyes traced the road, impressed by its reach and the life it sustained.
Following that, Archer continued flying across his part of Avidia and scanned the rest stops and watchtowers that lined the road. The legions had a heavy presence in every part of Draconia's new lands.
But the one thing he did notice was that the Fire Elves were bothered by it as the children played alongside the forts and other stations. By the time he was done, he landed on a nearby mountain that overlooked the Eastern walls.
The grasslands, rivers and all other landscapes was a barrier between him and the Goldenmane Empire. Archer was making plans on march east to take Nala's Grandmothers realm.
She did tell him the woman was fierce and a powerful Pseudo God in her own right.