The Legend of the ruthless Empress Freya

Chapter 115 The Elysium Anthem [Elysium Festival - Part V]

-- POV General --

While Alayna and Luna kissed and Emilia opened her heart to Naia, Freya and Gaya stood among the citizens, sitting in front of the musicians' stage. Although they had wanted to enjoy the atmosphere discreetly, a large space had been created around them as if getting closer was dangerous.

Shiro was no longer with them as she had joined her classmates who were preparing to perform soon. The music had stopped and the musicians were starting to leave the stage to make room for them.

As the show put together by Viana and her team working at the school and orphanage was being put on. The Empress could only wait with anticipation, but not without asking questions of her wife who had helped Shiro rehearse.

___

-- POV Freya --

"It's still not a fight show ?"

[Onee-san stop talking nonsense ! Your daughter will never do that... at least for now. I preferred it to be dancing !]

Many theories were running through our minds as we were more than eager to find out what the surprise was. In the meantime, Kira and I couldn't help but wonder about the performance that Shiro was going to give us with her class.

[Oh mighty Queen Gaya...couldn't we have a clue ?]

"Haha~ corruption doesn't work on me Kira. Anyway, I promised Shiro I wouldn't say anything ! She worked hard for this moment, always making sure to rehearse with me when you were busy. You still don't want to see her disappointed do you ?"

Gaya still wouldn't say anything and as she hit my little sister's weak spot, we could hear her in our minds giving up the fight.

[Arrf you're right I can't do that to her ! I'll be damned if I'm going to bring tears to her little pink cheeks ! Let's be patient, I guess the surprise will be all the better]

*Pfff~*

I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly as Kira was so easy to convince when it came to her beloved little niece. Gaya smiled too as it wasn't hard to understand or exploit especially at a time like this. Silence began to arrive slowly as Viana made her way towards us.

"Your Highness, Queen Gaya, Kira-sa...Kira, the performance is about to begin. Would you like to come a little closer ?"

"Thank you very much Viana"

My wife had answered and as we got up to approach, the last people followed us at a good distance.

*I still won't eat them kufufu~*

[You'd better pffhaha~!]

As we arrived at the last tables, we took our seats in front of the now empty space just before the stage. I could already see among the children, my little moon by the stairs who didn't even look in our direction, seeming even stressed.

[Auntie looks at you ! We're with you, my little love bun !]

*Little... love bun ? Where did you get that from again ?*

[Well...don't you think her chubby little cheeks look like little buns ? Fluffy, adorable aaaww that's almost illegal !]

Once again, Kira never ceased to impress me with her unfathomable admiration for Shiro. Sometimes she was so passionate that I ended up thinking that once I got her out of my mind, she would start a cult to worship her. My wife at my side who could hear our conversation could not help but giggle lightly placing her hand in front of her mouth.

"You don't realize it but you both are really funny haha~"

Gaya had whispered those words as she tried her best not to burst out laughing. I'd never been told I was funny in all my lives, and if Kira had had a body, I was sure we would have looked at each other with a surprised expression. Up until now, my little sister and I had always been like this, and even though sometimes we seemed to argue, it wasn't the case.

[I don't know if the Ice Empress here is funny, but I have to admit that I'm pretty good at making people laugh hihi~ ask little Shiro !]

As I shook my head and rolled my eyes at Kira's statement, I could finally see the children walking onto the large wooden stage.

[It's starting !]

My little moon and her class had apparently prepared this show before they knew there would be a festival. Originally, Viana wanted to present it on a special occasion that turned out to be earlier than expected. Fortunately, the children were all ready and as dozens of them took their places, all our family's thoughts and love went out to Shiro.

"Well..hello everyone ! For those of you who don't know me yet, my name is Viana and I'm the headmistress of the Empire's orphanage and school. Tonight, all the children including our Princess have gathered for a short show but one that I hope you will find entertaining."

Naia's mother had the same hair and eyes as her daughter and as she finished her short presentation, she turned to me and my wife.

"Empress, Queen Gaya, this is the anthem of Elysium."

At that moment the torches that illuminated the center of the Empire were extinguished and only the soft light of the moon remained, falling upon those children in solemn silence. Before us stood a great number of the youth of Elysium, all dressed in white as angels representing innocence.

*Oh~ so it's a song ?*

[I can't wait !]

In front of all these children was our little moon still in her dress that fit her so well, wearing her tiara with pride and smiling awkwardly. She looked stressed and as her violet eyes met mine, I smiled and nodded to give her courage.

[...]

Gaya didn't speak and as she waited patiently, I grabbed her hand discreetly. My heart was beating rapidly in my chest and a new peculiar feeling was gripping my stomach. For the first time I was experiencing stress. I, who always did everything with confidence and determination, was stressed. Seeing my little daughter in front of so many people ready to sing when she had never done so even in front of us, terrified me.

*I hope that...no, everything will be fine. But...*

I was experiencing the worries of a mother for her child, I was both proud to see her standing in front of everyone and at the same time agitated and worried. This was an extremely important moment for Shiro as well as for us and as I tried to calm my heart, I could only hope that my little moon was having a good time and was proud of herself. Even Kira was silent and couldn't speak, gripped by the same worry that was running through me that was uncontrollable.

"Honey...it's okay."

My wife had leaned slightly towards me and whispered these words, squeezing my hand tighter to reassure me. She understood perfectly what was happening to me and as she smiled tenderly at me, I could feel her hands shaking slightly. In reality, Gaya was just as stressed as we were.

So it was with great appreciation and pride that we began to see the children's song rise into the starry sky.

____

" In the western lands just beneath the sun

There is an Empire blessed by Spring

Lost souls, wounded hearts, broken minds run

Where the birds always sing

Though wind may blow and rain may fall

Run, only the will of your heart will remain

Because far over wood and mountain tall

There are lands where freedom reigns

Here there was, an Empress on a carven throne

Where pridly ice and black stone dwell

Beneath the stars of the eternal night in her Empire she shone

Like the sky carrying its lights without farewell "

____

As the other children became silent, my little moon shyly stepped forward to sing alone. She had her two hands on her chest and didn't dare look at anyone because of the stress. Shiro was still trembling a little but at that moment, that little white angel under the moon, for me...was the most beautiful. And as Shiro started to sing, we could all hear her soft, hesitant and cute voice.

____

" Beyond all mountains steep here we are

Beyond all the fears and suffering

Beneath... "

____

Shiro had suddenly stopped at the beginning of one of her sentences as she had reopened her eyes to look at us.

[Wh-what's going on ?]

Without needing one more look, just by looking into her violet eyes, I instantly understood

what was making her panic. As I answered Kira, I continued to stare at my daughter in this difficult moment for her.

"Shiro forgot the rest, she must have a stress-related memory lapse..."

[But... but how will she do it ?]

I didn't know how to respond and as I was about to help her, Gaya's hand came to rest on my shoulder as she shook her head.

"Honey, Shiro asked me not to let you interfere no matter what. She has to finish that hymn, that's what she wants deep down and you know it."

[But...]

"I promised her. Please don't stop the performance."

My wife's eyes were serious, and for the first time, neither I nor Kira wanted to get past her words. As I turned back to Shiro, the center of the Empire was still silent and waiting patiently. My little girl was still as if she was stuck, and even though my heart ached I didn't move.

[You can do it !]

Shiro seemed to be struggling not to cry and ruin the show. Only a few seconds had passed and as the situation became unbearable for me, I quietly snapped my fingers to help my daughter who was making all the effort in the world. I could almost see the tears forming in her eyes as suddenly in front of her appeared an ice bird she knew all too well.

Before the eyes of the spectators, the children and my daughter, Birdy had appeared and was flying happily around her. He flapped his wings innocently to encourage Shiro, who rubbed her eyes before standing up bravely. Her eyes had begun to glow with a determination that made me proud of her at that moment no matter how well she performed as she began to sing again

My little moon's voice was weaker than before and because of that short pause, despite her will, she was still confused because of what had happened. Shiro didn't dare to look at us while I felt that she was probably too ashamed to do so. Her little voice trembled more and more and as I was about to stand up despite the dragoness' warning, something unexpected happened.

My wife, who until now had said nothing, stood up with a big smile as her melodious voice echoed under the starry sky. Gaya was singing. She was singing Shiro's part, which she knew by heart since she'd had it rehearsed. My wife was singing to give our daughter courage, as if her voice was tenderly whispering "I'm here.

At that moment, our little moon raised her head with a radiant smile while her voice had regained all its power, confidence and joy.

___

" Beyond all mountains steep here we are

Beyond all the fears and suffering

Beneath the Sun, beneath the Moon and Stars"

Here, where stands this protective citatum

Listen to these strong and proud voices

Tell you about the story of Elysium".

Listen, can you hear us sing the rise of this gem

As in our hearts and souls forever will resound

The Elysium Anthem "

___

My wife and daughter were both singing under the admiring gaze of the citizens of the Empire who were not expecting to hear the Princess and Queen herself. As they finished their verses, a thunderous applause resounded in the center of Elysium whose anthem had just been sung.

Gaya had joined Shiro while she was singing and from where I was, I could see her hugging her proudly. And on the lips of my little moon, only two sincere words could be read "thank you".

[B...beautiful, magical, powerful...I...]

My little sister and I were both speechless and as I joined my wife and daughter, I couldn't help but hug my little moon.

"Congratulations, sweetie that was absolutely beautiful ! I...I'm so proud of you !"

[We are proud of you little Shiro !]

My heart was still beating rapidly, and under the applause of the citizens of the Empire, I showed a side of myself that many had never seen before. Worry, pride, love...so many feelings overflowed from my heart as Shiro whispered.

"I...I ruined the ending but...thank you..."

"Sshhh you didn't ruin anything...you were perfect and even though you were stuck at first, you had the courage to not break down in tears and stay in front of all those people. Shiro...we can only be proud of you !"

Her little tail swayed back and forth and her ears drooped slightly but as I finished my sentence I caught her in my arms and kissed her tenderly on her blushing cheek. Gaya and I stood by the stage smiling at the children who had also been very brave and as a wave of emotion swept over the Empire, I was happy.

"And uh...thank you Mommy... for Birdy."

My little moon while greeting her audience had just whispered these few words in my ear while her little arms wrapped around my neck. Birdy was still flying by her side and it was with an innocent, sincere, childish and loving smile that Shiro experienced for the first time the feeling of accomplishment.

The center of the Empire was still in applause and ovation for these children and the Princess who had just given us the first anthem of Elysium. This hymn will remain in our hearts and the angelic voice of its interpreter will continue to thrill us even after the party and beyond.

____

FULL STATUS

Name : Freya

Age: 0 years / Mentally: 25 years

Gender: Female

Course : Ice Demon Wolf of chaos - Adult

Race : Imperial Demon

Titles: Blessed by Titania, Goddess of Endless Chaos and Eternal Frozen Hell.

Dragon tamer

Ruthless slayer

Level : 36/70

Exp required for next level: 16 600 / 37 000

HP : 120 000 / 120 000 MP : 60 000 / 60 000

Strength: 500

Defence: 500

Agility: 506

Endurance: 503

Speed: 502

Intelligence: 500

Charisma: 500 (imperial she-wolf)

Attribute points to allocate: 0

Married to : Gaya

Daughter : Shiro

Empire (menu)

Subordinated: 439

Humans killed: 153

Souls: 2/3

Elements: Ice / Chaos

Skills (all):

Attack - Demon Claws (Lvl 5)

- Bite of Hell (Lvl 6)

- Infernal Ice Peaks (Lvl 6)

- Fighting techniques (lvl max)

- Katana mastery (lvl max)

- Demonic Empress aura (lvl 5)

Defense - Ice Demon Wall (Lvl 6)

- Demonic Cloak (lvl 5)

Pain resistance (lvl 4)

Attack/Defense - Ice Empress Domain "frozen wrath" (lvl 2) - (under condition)

Other - Humanoid form

- Ice creation (Lvl 6)

- Storage of chaos (Lvl 4)

- Devouring Chaos (Lvl 5)

- Analysis

- Second soul (lvl max) - unique

- Telepathy

Detection and control of mana (lvl 5)

Master of souls (lvl 1)

Passives - Commander (lvl max)

- Ice Empress's Natural Aura ]