Cursed Empire: Rising against the gods

(Neverport)

"Cj just drop it." Despite Becca's speed in and walking out of her house after dropping the rings home.

Cj just keeps on chasing after her, "No, we should not trust him. Why are you so trusting of a guy who most likely using everyone." Couldn't understand why they need to trust Axel.

Philly was behind them trying to keep up.

Cj's frustration grew as he grabbed Becca's wrist, stopping her completely, "Becca, please just listen to me."

Becca sighed a saddened look on her face, "Ever since he arrived, nothing but good things have been happening. He prevented the heavenly army from taking more lives, helped form a relationship with the druids, and brought magic to the village. Neverport is growing thanks to him. He has a plan, and everyone in the village is starting to see that. I was hoping you would trust him the same way I do, considering we're best friends." she said

Cj let go of her and said, "Sorry but-" but they stopped talking as they heard commotion occurring on the main street.

They immediately rushed to the source of the commotion, where they saw the knights from the kingdom of Sungalepore. However, one figure stood out the most.

The king of Sungalepore, Light Kurtis.

"Why is the king here?" Philly whispered.

"I have no idea?" Becca whispered back.

Light climbed off his horse and looked at his bewildered subjects. He bowed and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you all. For those who don't know me, I am King Kurtis of Sungalepore. I am here to speak with the person in charge of this village." His voice sparked a reaction among the people. Many were confused but some were uninterested.

Becca clenched her fist, stepped forward, and shouted, "I am over here." Everyone turned to Becca, and most of them were wondering where Axel was.

Kurtis appeared uninterested and asked, "I would like to discuss a deal with this village. Can we talk privately?" Becca, perplexed by the unexpected request, replied, "Sure."

Kurtis was eyeing the village and appeared quite intrigued. That's when he noticed the ring on Becca's finger, "You ally with druids."

Becca on the other hand was scared of his presence alone, "Yeah, two weeks ago."

The two walked towards a building known as the Presence Chamber. The chamber featured two wooden chairs designed for Axel and Becca, along with a round table surrounded by multiple chairs and decorations.

"You can sit wherever you like." Becca sat down by the round table and Kurtis sat across from her.

He turned his head toward the two chairs and asked, "Where's the other leader?"

Becca, despite being frightened, remained serious, "He is out at the moment. He said he might be coming back tomorrow morning." Her eyes were laser-focused on his.

She was sweating, and despite her hand being underneath the table, she shook with every passing second.

"I understand, so I'll keep this brief. I want to request permission to use the mines in this area. In exchange for the rights to the raw materials, we will provide this village with five gold coins every month." Said Kurtis.

In an instant, Becca responded by saying, "No, the raw materials will remain under the control of Neverport."

Kurtis stood up and said, "I see, this was a waste of time." As he made his way to the door, "Was using us the only reason you came here?" Becca said aloud.

Which prompted Kurtis to stop moving, "I suggest you be quiet." His voice was growing increasingly furious.

But Becca jumped up and said, "You royals are the same. How's it that when we have a problem and beg for your Kingdom for help? I remember I wrote five letters, basically begging for help. You could have sent a couple of knights to safeguard the area but you didn't. Only when things started improving, did you suddenly show up with your entity ass demanding our main source of income. Why would I accept that" her voice was filled with rage that she just said what was on her mind.

Kurtis turned around and stared intensely at Becca, "You don't have a single clue what running a kingdom requires. Sometimes you can't protect everyone." His eyes were beyond furious.

Becca had to ask, "Can I pose this question to you: Would you rather see Neverport destroyed so you could take the mines for yourself, or would you prefer that we develop a relationship where we sell you our resources?"

Kurtis remained silent, not answering.

Becca walked up to him and looked at him dead in the eyes, "Get the hell out of my Kingdom. You are not welcome here."

Kurtis lightly giggles before saying, "You will regret your behavior towards your king." Afterwards, he left the room.

Leaving Becca alone in the room. After a few seconds of silence, "Hey Becca, you got a second?" Ask Philly rushing inside looking frightened.

"The king said he's going to come back in ten days. What happened?" Cj replied frightened.

Becca looked at them before walking towards them then finally once in range. She pulled both of them for a hug, "Royals just know how to piss me off. I won't let any of them take a din from us. This is our Kingdom and I won't another royal mistreat us. For the sacrifices Johnathan made to bring us here, Gwen for keeping us fed and Leon for protecting us. I won't let their sacrifices go to vain."

Both Cj and Philly looked at each other both holding her tighter, "As always, we stick by your side Becca." Said Cj

"We the three musketeers that never leave a man behind." Response Philly.

Becca showed a weak smile while her head was pressed against their chest.