Jin Wang took his leave and despite her busy schedule Princess Helena did as instructed. The grand priestess had told her in person that out of everyone here Jin Wang was perhaps the only one that could be trusted to have their backs.

She sent out messengers for the city elders to gather despite knowing full well that the news would have already reached them well before the official messengers arrived at their doorstep.

She waited at the city gates as they all arrived together through the sea of people, after making her wait for a good 20 minutes or so for no reason. You could say this was their power move. By making a princess wait for them in front of everyone it showed how much value they put on themselves.

There were five individuals, both male, and female but all demihumans. They had everything from beastly tails, ears, snouts, and other facial features to entire limbs of various other species mixed together.

And they were all old, extremely old. They made the Grand Priestess look like a spring chicken.

These five individuals had lived for close to three centuries and were heads of each of their respective clans. Without cultivation to extend their lifespans this was most they could achieve just with the help of medicines and earthly treasures.

Each of their families and clans supported the city of Argham and together governed the day-to-day matters. They had soldiers, more resources they would ever need, and money.

As was the case with most clans even in the greater world, elders like these usually stayed hidden behind closed doors unless there was an emergency.

They were surrounded by a small battalion of personal guards, almost three dozen in number.

"Elders," Princess Helena gave a customary superficial bow to show her respect for them.

Despite having lived for so long technically they were still a tier below her but that didn't stop them from acting high and mighty whenever the opportunity presented itself.

One of them stepped forward breaking free from their formation. It was an old lady with white feline ears and spectacles.

"My dear princess, how have you been?"

Princess Helena finally smiled seeing this person.

"Elder Har," she stepped forward to give her a hug but stopped herself at the last minute.

Elder Har reached out and held Princess Helena's hand, "Your beauty exceeds even that of your grandmother in her prime. It has been far too long, child. Has my son given you any trouble?"

Princess Helena shook her head gently, "Elder Iya has been most helpful in these trying times." (Elder Iya was first mentioned around CH633)

Seeing them chatting without a care in the world another elder stepped forward. A man with a magnificent pair of inverted bull horns hanging from the side of his head. Even at his age he was well built so it was easy to imagine how powerful he was in his prime.

"Why have you summoned us, Princess? I did not think there was a need for you to discuss any matters with our 'great' clans after you opened the city gates without consulting us first."

The other three stayed back but nodded along with him.

Princess Helena stepped back and bowed in the same manner once more, "Elder Achak, that was an order from grandmother herself. If you would like I could pass on your reservations the next time I see her."

Elder Achak snorted loudly, "Don't get smart with me girly. Even your grandmother would not have done something like this without talking to me first. Whatever you are hiding will come to light sooner or later."

Princess Helena sighed loudly. She knew there was nothing she could do to placate their anger but they simply did not grasp the full gravity of the situation.

Having lived for so many years they had seen a great many things and to them, these new invaders were nothing more than miscreants that were being greatly overestimated. They had all heard the stories but it was difficult to believe something like that without seeing it first hand.

"You are right. That's why an esteemed friend wants to meet you today. He wants your advice on some matters."

Elder Achak's eyes narrowed to slits, "Then why can he not visit us inside the city?"

Princess Helena turned around and started walking out.

"You can ask him yourself."

The elders exchanged concerned glances with one another worried about the same thing but Elder Achak waved his hand confidently.

"There is nothing to worry about. These men have been trained my own hands, they can handle any trouble," he said gesturing towards the 25 or so of the guards that were all wearing the same maroon armor.

They all had similar builds and appearance to him with the largest one reaching almost 3 meters in height.

The rest of them all nodded in agreement.

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