Storm of Gods

Chapter 99 Estella's Gift

Inside the Princess Palace, Estella, with Chris on her shoulder and Klee in her arms, arrived at her treasury. Gifts from her father and mother on birthdays and holidays, as well as gifts from nobles, were stored there. The treasury door was made by a master craftsman and had a barrier on it. The runes to open the barrier were designed by Estella herself.

The ointment formed a symbol in the air, the vault rotated, the chains rattled, and a keyhole slowly appeared. Her vault was rather simple. Estella opened it, and the vault door slowly opened, revealing all sorts of boxes and many rare treasures inside, though they were a bit dusty, perhaps because they hadn't been there for a long time.

Chris flew off Estella's shoulder and stood guard at the door, while Estella carried Klee inside. The gifts that Klee usually liked were left outside, but some that seemed expensive but were not very practical, as well as the larger items, were piled inside.

“Claire, what kind of gift do you think Mr. Gemini would like?” Estella asked. “Someone as learned and artistic as him probably wouldn’t like mundane things.”

Looking at the various gold items that still gleamed despite being covered in dust, Estella thought they were too tacky. Why did these people always like to give such things as gifts? And jewelry, gemstones the size of eggs—what did they look like wearing those?
“This sculpture is quite nice, very artistic. It seems to have been transported from the Central Continent across the Vast Ocean, making it very precious.” Estella looked at it, while Klee tilted her head and shook her head.

“That’s true, Chris definitely wouldn’t want to send something so big.”

Estella spent a long time searching for various precious items but couldn't find anything she liked. With such a magnanimous heart as the Gemini, wouldn't it be an insult for her to choose such items?

He gave her a self-made musical instrument, but she couldn't create a new one. What could she possibly make herself?

For a moment, Estella felt really stupid and knew nothing.

Klee suddenly rubbed against Estella, meowed a few times, looked outside, and pointed her little paws in another direction.

That direction leads to my father's palace.

Estella smiled slyly and patted Klee's head. "You're such a clever little thing. Your father is much richer than me!"

Only three people are allowed to enter King Aura's treasury: the King, the Queen, and Estella. However, Estella has to register when entering, leaving, and taking things, but that's not important. Anyway, she has plenty of ways to deal with her father, mainly through rebellion and never admitting defeat.

Don't just think about it, take action! Let's get this freebie team on our way!
A man, a bird, and a cat charged toward King Aura's palace. The guards at the gate bowed and paid their respects, their eyes filled with respect and admiration for the elegant princess. Now in Moncaleta, the most famous person was no longer the eldest prince, nor the second prince who had returned and wreaked havoc, but their princess, who possessed both beauty and wisdom and was favored by the Earth Mother.

Before they even entered the inner palace, they encountered King Aura and the resentful-looking Grand Scholar Vladimir. Upon seeing Estella, Vladimir's eyes immediately lit up. "Greetings, Your Highness."

King Aura looked at Estella with a serious expression. "Estella, you've come at the right time. The Grand Scholar has a question for you."

“I’m not asking, I’m seeking your advice,” Vladimir said with a serious expression.

Estella bowed. "Grand Scholar, I truly do not know the answer to your question. It was a dream I had, and it is not a question I can answer."

Her mother had mentioned it to her, but she resolutely refused, as this was not knowledge she possessed.

“Your Highness, this matter is very important to the kingdom and to our school of Heavenly Principles. It will also serve as a cornerstone for the future construction and development of the country. Many future systems and implementation plans can refer to these theories. It is no exaggeration to say that it can enhance the nation’s fortune,” Vladimir said.

Not only Estella, but King Aura frowned as well, "Grand Scholar, this is too outrageous."

“Your Majesty, I am not exaggerating or praising. Perhaps it will not have any great effect in the short term, but with time and development, this theory will show its continuous power, like the foundation of a building,” Vladimir said. “So I am willing to risk my reputation and hope that Your Highness will give it a try.”

Seeing Vladimir's seriousness, Aura knew his mentor's temperament well. He had been strict even as a prince, and remained so as king; only the truth could subdue him. "Estella," Aura said, "as the Grand Scholar said, this is a great event that benefits the country and its people. If you dream of such divine favor again, remember to be mindful."

He didn't really believe that Estella could come up with this conclusion, but he still believed in divine favor.

“Father, Grand Scholar, I cannot guarantee it, as it truly requires a special opportunity. If the opportunity arises, I am certainly willing to dedicate myself to the development of the kingdom!” Estella said respectfully.

"Your Highness, thank you." Vladimir bowed respectfully. Whether Your Highness was hiding her talents or was favored by the gods, the truth was the truth.

Watching Vladimir leave, Aura pondered for a moment. The old man had come specifically to find him. The School of Heavenly Principle had indeed made many contributions to the country and played an extremely important role in maintaining the kingdom's rule.

"Why are you here?" Aura asked Estella.

"If you miss your father, come and visit."

Aura nodded, not exposing their ulterior motives. "You need to take the Grand Secretary's matter seriously; you know his character." The King had a lot of things to attend to and didn't linger.

“Yes, Father,” Estella said obediently, then led Chris and Klee excitedly toward the treasure vault.

Her father's treasury was far more magnificent than hers, with several levels. She could only choose from the first level; only the king could enter the others.

The security here was very tight. We were heading underground, and although the surroundings were brightly lit, it still felt a bit chilly. Fortunately, Klee in my arms was warm, and Chris still held her head high with pride.

In the past, exploring this place was a fun way for Estella to satisfy her curiosity, and the treasures themselves weren't that important. But this time was different. When she really had to choose carefully, she found that the treasures her father had were even more vulgar than hers.

A throne made of gold, jewels on a larger scale, various crowns, colorful gemstones, gold swords, and a small golden palace—how could it be so tacky? Of course, the craftsmanship is exquisite, with ingenious patterns and details, but none of it meets Estella's requirements.

Then there are various precious materials, including those used for making magic potions and dragon bones. As the oldest and richest kingdom in the Eastern Continent, it has a great many rare treasures.

"No, this doesn't feel sincere at all. Won't giving these things make Mr. Gemini think I'm a pretentious person?" Estella muttered to herself. "I should give something meaningful."

Why not make it yourself?

If Mr. Gemini made a flute for himself, then he should also make a small harp by hand.
Yes, why not make a harvest harp? It's a very representative instrument of Montecristo, part of the national culture, and most importantly, you understand it!

Thinking of this, Estella immediately led the two generals away from the treasury, finding her father's place even more vulgar than her own.

At this moment, Aklis, seemingly chatting casually with the maids in the princess's palace, was actually observing and getting to know each of them.

The investigation revealed no problems. Those who came to the princess's side were all carefully selected from impeccable families, and there was no sense of any hidden power. It would be very difficult to deceive his deliberate investigation. In addition, the royal palace is protected by divine power, so there is no possibility of such a thing. Perhaps I was being too sensitive.

(End of this chapter)