The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

Chapter 97 Clash of Mothers

"...seventy-five thousand bushels of grain, sixteen thousand barrels of livestock, ten thousand barrels of oil, and three thousand five hundred gold coins. As usual, my region continues to report the best returns and contributions as we thrive through trade and industry, and my people have delivered beyond expectations."

A ripple of silence crossed the room. It was not unusual but Guinevere's returns were higher than even Aurora's, and everyone, even Aurora, had managed to have an increase this year in comparison to the last.

So it was quite commendable that Mother Guinevere had managed to still have the highest tax returns.

However, the Mother of Moonlight was not especially impressed. Selene's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, and her silver-clad fingers tapped against the table.

"Impressive, Mother Guinevere," she said with an almost cool voice. "But there is a problem that has left me curious and perhaps you could explain it to me. Tell me, Guinevere, why is it that your Region has seen a decrease in your tax returns as compared to last year's?"

Mother Guinevere had a frown on her face that said, 'She can not be serious.' All the other Mothers stayed quiet, eyeing each other silently.

"My Region still has the highest amount of tax returns amongst the rest. By far I might add so that doesn't really matter?"

However, Mother Selene was not letting it go. "I don't see how it doesn't. All the other Regions, mine included, registered an increase in our tax returns compared to last year. Your Region produced lesser offerings for the Realm. Why is that? Especially for a Region so densely populated and bustling with trade. Surely, the taxes you gather should reflect the true wealth of Starlight."

Guinevere's gaze hardened, wanting badly to hurl a fistful of fire at the wretched, cunty Queen. But, she continued to hold herself.

"As you all know," she began after a deep breath. "My Region has suffered the brunt of the beasts and monsters that show the signs of the incoming Wave. Gulydark, as an example, has been unable to produce anything as close to what they did last year."

"Because of this, I have ensured that the burden of taxes does not fall unfairly on my people. While they are industrious, they are not to be exploited. Every bushel, barrel and coin collected comes with their well-being in mind."

Selene's smile turned faintly mocking. "A noble sentiment, but this is not a time for sentiment. It is a time for survival. Perhaps you should reconsider your approach."

"And you fed the body of my loyal spy to sharks!" Selene snapped back. "If I had Erimyra's body, I could have accessed her last memories before she died. I could have seen what truly happened and what she must have seen that drove your abominable son to murder her and lie!"

Flames erupted. One hand of Guinevere had fire and the other had ice steaming out into cold vapor. "You dare call my son a liar?!"

Selene instantly responded by turning her body completely into a form of glistening powerful silver. An entity of pure moonlight energy. "Go ahead, Mother Guinevere! Challenge me if you dare!"

"Enough!" A burst of shadows exploded out of Mother Lylah's body and instantly surrounded the room, causing a rush of strange magical wind that made all their powers summoned to vanish into thin air.

Mother Lylah's eyes were burning black as she did this, and slowly, the blackness faded and returned to their normal color of dark blue as Guinevere and Selene continued to stare each other down.

"Our husband looks down at us with anger and disappointment this very minute!" Mother Lylah said, glaring at both Mothers. "This is a place of the Divine and we can not disrespect it with petty arguments!"

Mother Aurora placed a gentle hand on Guinevere's shoulder, helping the Starlight Queen to calm down while Selene looked at Lylah, realizing that she had overreacted.

She sighed. "You are right, Lylah. I apologize. And I apologize to you as well, Mother Guinevere." She turned to Guinevere and said.

Guinevere looked at her once again, her jaw tight but her resolve unshaken. In the end, with a nod from Aurora, she managed to say; "I apologize to you, fellow Mothers. And to you as well, Mother Selene."

They looked at each other for a while, knowing this wasn't over. Afterwards, Selene looked away and cleared her throat. "Let us move on with the numbers of Knightguards at our disposal. The Moonlight Region had a total of a thousand new recruits amongst men and women. Seven hundred men, and three hundred women. How about you, Mother Aphra?"

The meeting pressed on, but the weight of the confrontation between Mother Guinevere and Mother Selene still lingered like a storm cloud over the council.

Eventually, it was concluded as plans for the upcoming Wave Battle were arranged and the Mothers all returned to their Regions.

Mother Selene returned to Moonlight with a particular thought on her mind.