"So, tell me of the work you did for Florentia." Corrin asked as he and Niccolo walked through the palace gardens.
Jakob had brought Nicolo before him, saying that the Nestran was offering his services to the Crown. Corrin had decided to conduct a moving interview, walking through the castle, speaking one on one with Nicolo. It was one of Corrin's favorite tactics actually; by making supplicants walk alongside him, and outside the comfort zone of either the court or his office, it put them off their guard and he was able to get a measure of their character.
If Nicolo was caught off guard by this unexpected development, he didn't show it. He had answered all of Corrin's questions swiftly, and professionally.
"As I said, I was a minister of the court." Nicolo explained, "Served for twenty years. I advised the Prince on issues of state, and when he was away, I would govern in his stead."
"Your Prince, was he gone often?"
"Yes. Nestra is unlike your kingdom, or your brother's domains; we are not one realm, just a collection of city-states and principalities. Florentia was constantly at war with our neighbors over territory, and wealth. It is a ruler's responsibility, perhaps their most important in fact, to lead the state in times of war. Everything else is secondary."
"I see." Corrin said. He didn't agree with Nicolo's words. Surely, was not finding a way to preserve peace was a ruler's most important responsibility? Still, there was a cold logic to it…
"Take yourself for instance." Nicolo said, surprising Corrin. He wasn't expecting to be used as an example.
"Myself?"
"You gained your crown and your kingdom through war, throwing down the mad Silent Dragon and taking the throne of Valla for yourself."
"I assure you, that wasn't my intention." Corrin explained, "I just wanted to protect the people I care for, and keep a mad god from destroying the world."
"And for that, I am eternally grateful Your Grace." Nicolo said, "But the fact remains is that you accomplished that with strength of arm. It would not be an exaggeration to say that you are the strongest warrior on the planet."
"You flatter me."
"I never flatter." Nicolo said, "Sycophants flatter in hopes to be rewarded for their honeyed words. I speak the truth, which is rarely pleasant. In this case, the truth is that you are a mighty warrior, the strongest on the planet, for you slew a First Dragon, when no one else could. The whole world knows it… and you must never let them forget it."
"Never let them forget? To what end?"
"To keep your subjects in line." Nicolo stated plainly, "So that they may never rise up against you."
"Rise up against me? Why would they?"
"King Xander and King Ryoma gave you lands from both their realms so that you might forge a new Valla. Two peoples, each possessing a vastly different culture, and who have been in a state of violence for years, will not take well to one another. Such a situation is prone to rebellions."
"Hmm… you speak of things that I am already aware of Nicolo. Instead tell me how I should deal with this situation."
"In Nestra, we would use a show of force. Send an army to the troublesome regions, have them keep the peace… and then have them crush any who revolt."
"Sending an army would step on the toes of many nobles. It wouldn't be a good idea to make enemies out of them."
"It would be worse to allow dissent. It sends a message of weakness that many would take as an opportunity."
"…"
"The decision is yours, but if you want a peaceful realm King Corrin, then sometimes you must draw your sword."
"… You present a compelling argument Nicolo… tell me, why do you want to work for me?"
"I want a high position in government. I want to serve to the best of my abilities. Most of all, I want to pursue my life's calling."
"Then why me? Why not your homeland?"
"Florentia… the new Prince is a damned fool. He surrounds himself with flatterers, unaware of the wolves that circle him. He brushed aside my advice because he found it a distraction from his comforts… and then he brushed me aside as well. After that, I needed to find a new state to serve. I am well known in Nestra, and I've made many enemies there. I wouldn't dare approach any of the other rulers for a post. Nohr was our overlord for decades, and despite the virtues of King Xander, I have no wish to serve those whom were our occupiers. Hoshido does not trust foreigners, despite King Ryoma marrying a Nohrian Princess, and I have no desire to serve so different a court in any case."
"So, I was the last possible choice then?"
"Not at all. You were my first choice. A new kingdom does not simply come into being overnight, but that is exactly what Valla did, at least on paper. You are making history here, and I wish to be a part of it."
Corrin wasn't sure if he believed Nicolo's reasoning. Still, having a minister with twenty years of experience… he'd be a fool if he didn't take that opportunity.
He'd have Kaze keep an eye on him though, just in case.
"Well, I have everything I need from this meeting." Corrin said, "Now, since a decision like this is so important, I would like the Queen's input as well. She will speak to you, and if she approves, we will consider giving you a minister's post."
"Then I shall endeavor to gain Queen Azura's approval." Nicolo said with a bow.