WH: Side note people, a little backstory on how I started writing. I originally started as a Dungeon Master in Dungeons and Dragons because I love world building and I'm really good at it. Ironically it was character development that came to me last when it came to writing. So I wanted to build the lands of Mewni, as is my innate desire, but how to do it realistically and to make sense. Then I realized, Marco needs to learn about it so why not have him learn about it in person? Well, that's what this chapter is, nothing but world building. Now I do apologize if it sounds too muck like a text book but there's really no other way to paint a picture of the world without images unfortunately. So, if thsi is not your thing I apologize but I did try to mix it up. Anyways on with the show.
Oh and one more thing, to the people who keep on messaging me to 'do more please'... stop making me cry *sob* if you do that too often it makes me sad that I'm not doign this faster like how I used too! *sob*
Janna: Oh now you've done it! If his sobbing wasn't so damn hilarious I'd smack you silly!
SN: Anyways, on with the story.
"Marco, I must say you dress up rather nicely." Marco chuckled and rubbed the back of his head as he replied.
"Thank you To- Your Majesty." Marco bowed to him and went to stand at his left side like an honor guard. As he did so Toffee nodded in approval of him both addressing him as your majesty and where he was standing.
"When we are in public like this you are to address myself, Moon, and Star as Your Majesty for official purposes but I see you figured that out already Marco." Toffee smiled at him briefly before going back to his normal monotone expression. "I suppose you are wondering why I asked you to come here and why I wished for you to stand at attention at my side." Marco nodded and spoke.
"Yes and an additional question your majesty. I heard a rumor from a certain… I think his name is Montague that he was-"
"Engaged to my daughter?" Marco blinked in shock as Toffee rolled his eyes. "Of course Archduke Hatter would try to spread that rumor to try and push Star towards his son. Although admittedly if Star had never gone to earth I would at least have seen if Star and Montague would have gotten along with each other." Marco couldn't keep the shocked look off of his face as Toffee sighed slightly. "I know that look Marco and I will say this now, though we would not have liked it, if you had not come into her life Star's position and our society's current state would have forced our hands eventually." He fixed Marco with a stern sideways glance. "A person in my daughter's position is in a hotly contested area in our society especially now. Are you familiar with what your culture would call a medieval system and how it works?" Marco nodded and spoke up.
"Yes your majesty. My mom actually pushed some of that information on me a bit forcibly." Toffee chuckled at that as he replied.
"Well this is going to be easier for you then because that is why you are here tonight; to learn about how the kingdom of Mewni works and its relations with other nations and races." At those words a light bell tinkled drawing their attention towards Moon who stood a little distance away speaking up as the crowd silenced and seated themselves.
"Good evening everyone and welcome to the 21st biannual Silver Bell Ball. It is a pleasure that all of you could attend whether it be our own nobility in service to us…" She nodded to one rather large group of adults, mostly Mewmans, who nodded back to her. "… or foreign dignitaries come to partake in tonight's festivities." Moon nodded to a far smaller group of individuals who were far more varied in race who nodded back. "Let this event let it be known of the peace that exists between us and the hopes for the future…" Toffee spoke up to Marco as Moon talked to the crowd.
"The basic gist of the speech is this event is meant to solidify alliances between that nations attending and to keep the peace. Originally this event was for only The Butterfly family and foreign nations that had close ties to the Butterfly kingdom as an annual affair but Moon opened it up to a far larger spectrum when all foreign kingdoms south of the Gorge Mountains were invited as well as all of the nobility serving under the Butterfly family. We also made it a biannual affair as many nations could not make the original set date to participate." Marco nodded absorbing all this in.
"So what actually happens here?" Toffee nodded with a smile.
"Quick to learn and move on? I see you are just as intelligent as your grades say you are." Marco chuckled as Toffee got serious. "Originally it was meant to be a ceremonial reassurance of peace but now with so many nobility in attendance it has become a hot bed for political intrigue. Various noble families and foreign powers use their children to send messages to each other and solidify alliances and make deals based on what happens during the main dances." Marco raised his eyebrow at this.
"So this is like Game of Thrones?" Toffee raised his eyebrow at this. "It's basically a tv show, I think based on a book series, which delves into the political jockeying of a medieval world. My mom and dad won't let me watch as it's for mature audiences but that doesn't stop me at times. It's actually pretty good although some people are saying that in its sixth season it's starting to decline…" Toffee stopped Marco before responding.
"Believe it or not I do know what you are talking about Marco, and yes it is just like that. Which means you know fully well why you must step carefully as this is real life?" Marco nodded solemnly but felt a cold sweat suddenly break out as he realized just how close to it he might have come with Montague. "Well you are going to have to get used to it as this will be part of your everyday life so close to the throne." 'No wonder Star likes to avoid big gatherings if this is what she has to attend.' Marco thought to himself as Toffee continued. "Regardless, back to this event. Details of the dance matter to the extreme whether it is what partner is chosen, who approaches whom first, what dance they approach each other in, to the after dance kiss." Marco blinked in confusion on the last one with Toffee not missing a beat. "I will explain what all the parts mean when the first dance begins so we can have a visual explanation so be patient. Any questions so far?" Marco nodded speaking up.
"So how do you fit into this event?" Toffee chuckled as he gestured to the Butterfly family which was sitting just below the King's and Queen's seats.
"Traditionally the king of Mewni was merely a ceremonial head that had no power to speak of which is why I am to the queen's left instead of her right and have no real part in this event aside from 'looking good'. This is why I am able to educate you about this event as I technically have no part." Marco nodded as Toffee gave a wry grin. "Of course that didn't stop Moon from allowing me to participate in the politics of Mewni in other ways. In some manners I would say I am better then Moon at political scheming when needed." At this Toffee signed getting Marco's attention. "My shining Moon has a generous heart, a noble bearing, a good moral compass, and a revolutionary spirt but those will only get you so far in this world. And in some cases can get you killed if you're not careful." Marco remained silent as Toffee seemed to shake off his sudden mood. "Which is why I will be there to insure those jackals amongst the nobility don't hurt or trick them. Can I rely on you to do the same?" Marco nodded quickly with Toffee offering him a small smile as Moon finished up the introductory speech with Manfred speaking up.
"Let the dance of Spring begin." Toffee nodded to the dance floor as music was played with Marco seeing all the young nobility get up and move into something similar to a circle with Toffee explaining.
"There are several dances that will go on over the course of the evening the first being the dance of Spring. This is one that is meant to symbolize a renewal of the peace but is used as a preliminary for establishing new alliances or deals and for mending past grievances between houses and families. This is honestly the most simple of them with if a child accepts a dance from someone happily it means that past grievances will be forgiven. If they accept it coolly it means that they will overlooked for the time being. And if the dance is refused it's a sign that the approaching party needs to sweeten the deal before past grievances can be forgiven or overlooked." Marco took in Toffee's words and watched the royalty dance in a circular and swirling group manner like that he had heard from his mother occurred during festivals. As he watched the dancing royalty he actually got a vague feeling on who was dealing with whom as he asked several questions.
"What does it mean if you ask someone for a dance and how does Star fit into this?" Toffee nodded acknowledging Marco was already asking good questions.
"Here the asking itself means nothing as it is a group effort but in later dances it will mean various things. As for my daughter all she has to do is graciously accept dances for the time being to show the goodwill of the Butterfly family towards our allies and vassals." Marco nodded as he picked up Star who was dancing with various people and while she looked like she was enjoying herself Marco could tell that she was uncomfortable here; and the male members who got a little too close to her told him why. 'Seriously it's not anything special people; don't take Star's friendliness the wrong way.' "*Ahem*" Marco turned towards Toffee who fixed with a stern if understanding look. "Don't stare too hard at the princess; while no ear can hear us keen eyes watch us." Marco looked around the room seeing several nobility glance their way a bit too frequently and avoid Marco's and Toffee's gazes. "And remember, cool as ice. The boys down there won't try anything too much lest they anger the king and queen for being to… presumptive." Marco nodded and felt the cold sweat return as he replied.
"So… what are the other dances?" Toffee nodded as he answered Marco.
"Well in order they are known as The dance of Stone, The dance of The Forest, The dance of Steel, and the dance of Butterflies. Each dance has a symbolic purpose that relates to the unification of peace of the nation's here today although realistically they represent different types of deals being made. For instance the dance of Stone so meant to symbolically show the kinship of the lords with each other and their friendship with foreign allies of the Butterfly family. Realistically they are used to solidify alliances with each other and build trust for future arrangements. When a noble approaches another it is a sign of friendship with that house approaching another with humble deference and depending on the situation approaching to ask for a dance can be conveyed as a sign of subservience. Which is often not a good thing if you are not another's vassal as it can convey meekness although hits like that can be taken. Typically nobles find out about whether or not their request will be accepted in the current dance but at times an outright refusal to dance can occur. It's rare though as here it is considered a great insult so I highly doubt you will see one of those. The amount of time danced and the type of dance they do determine just how deep the friendship goes and how much they can rely on each other, but carefully done as everyone can see the exchange if they look hard enough." At this the dance concluded with the children all bowing to each other and the adults clapping with Moon speaking up after ringing the bell.
"The Dance of Spring has concluded. Let us now begin the dance of Stone to show the strength of our friendship." Toffee spoke to Marco as the music began again.
"Now there are quite a lot of lower nobility so this dance usually takes a while and can get a little… messy with people asking each other to dance and what not." At this Marco realized one important thing Toffee had not yet covered.
"Wait, why are they all doing this through a dance. Wouldn't it be easier and more secure to just sit down and talk about these things?" Toffee threw Marco a lopsided grin as he responded.
"That's detail work; this is mostly to determine the actual relationships between houses. Besides you can't really go into another lord's house unless if he is either your vassal or you are invited to visit. And though many do have scissors they still bring retinues with them which take up space and resources so it's not an easy affair. It's easier to settle these things out in formal events like this." Marco nodded sort of getting it. "Any questions while we wait for the later dances Marco?" Marco pondered all this as The dance of Stone went on in the background just trying to wrap his mind around what Toffee had told him so far.
Just one year ago the most intense things he worked on were his plans on how to win Jackie over and perfecting his Karate so he could beat Jeremy. Usually it was hanging out with his friends or getting good grades so he built up a good future for himself as was pushed onto him by his extended family. Now however he was participating in a real life game of thrones and getting lessons from his princess half-lizard girlfriend's father on how to understand it. 'My life really has changed ever since I met Star.' Marco thought to himself with a rue smile as he noticed Toffee was now looking at him oddly.
"S-sorry your majesty. Just taking in how much my life has changed over these last few months." Toffee nodded and chuckled at that as Moon began saying something in the background.
"I can see why, kind of hits you all at once doesn't it?" Marco chuckled in return.
"But I do have a question. Who are the noble families who are your vassals?" Toffee gave a lopsided grin with a raised eyebrow as he replied.
"If we had a week I would be unable to detail all of the houses and what their standing is so I'm going to just give you the basics." Marco blinked in confusion as Toffee's grin only seemed to grow this time. "What you thought this would be simple? This is going to be anything but." Marco nodded as Toffee's face went Monotone again and he gestured out over the crowd as Manfred made announcements during the dance. "Beneath the Butterfly family there are currently 186 royal houses or families that make up the hierarchy of the kingdom of Mewni consisting of both Mewmans and Monsters. For now you only need to know 5 of them: House Avarius, House Forest, House Miner, House Spiderbite, and House Hatter. They are the 5 Archduchies that answer directly to Queen Moon herself and oversee the realm and lesser lords in her stead. Beneath them are a myriad of different hierarchies with some answering directly to the five houses and others answering to those above them. The hierarchy is… complicated with a myriad of titles including, in order of title from most to least influential: Archdukes, Jarls, Pfalzgrafs, Viscounts, Monster chiefs, Dukes, Herzogs, Fürstin, Marquise, Margraves, Count Palatines, Counts, Earls, Waldgrafs, Burgraves, Castellan, Châtelains, Thanes, Barons, Freiherr, Lenderman, Baronets, feudal Barons, Eques, Ritters, Seigneur, and Lords. Technically knights are included between Barons and Eques but Moon has changed them from nobility into soldiers directly in service to the crown with no lords separating them for loyalty reasons. And there are other noble titles as well although those are just honors and don't come with responsibilities or rewards. Any questions?" Toffee looked at Marco whose eyes were spinning in their sockets as he swayed a little before replying.
"Yeah, how much of this is going to be on the test?" Toffee chuckled as he replied.
"I wouldn't worry about that Marco, nor should you worry about the nobility beneath the Lords who just earned a title for good service to the crown." Marco looked at Toffee a bit unsure. "Honestly you likely won't have to deal with them but you will need to deal with the Archduchies directly most of the time so those you will need to remember." Marco nodded dumbly at this. "So, at risk of sounding like a history tutor, would you like me to elaborate on those houses or cover the foreign nations you will likely be dealing with in the future first? Please note, knowing the relations with foreign powers can help provide context for knowing more about our own noble houses." Marco wrapped his head around all this putting information to the side to be properly digested later before answering.
"Perhaps the foreign nations then." Toffee smiled and nodded as he gestured to the small crowd Moon had nodded to in the beginning that was diverse in species.
"Well first off, our relations with foreign powers are a bit… strained due to recent activity in Mewni ever since Moon ascended. Starting about 4 years after The Red Winter, you are aware of what that was right?" Marco nodded remembering Star's lesson from when he first visited Mewni 'God that seems like a lifetime ago' Marco thought to himself. "Well Moon's rebellion and the Red Winter sent shockwaves of change out across the entire continent reverberating most strongly directly around Mewni itself. By tradition the Queen of the kingdom of Mewni herself is actually a spiritual High Queen that other nations and rulers are meant to look up to as an example to follow. Naturally with her taking down The Shadow Clause, making Monsters and Mewmans equal, establishing a democratic senate, establishing a judicial system meant to interpret laws without political agendas, initiating a multitude of reforms, and taking a Monster for her husband this had some extreme consequences." Marco nodded knowing what Toffee probably meant by that. "Commoners, be they Mewmans or Monsters, began rising up against their rulers in outrage at how they could be treated vs how they were being treated. I will not go into details about what is going on beyond our scope in the lower lands, those areas south of Rimal Bayda' and Ticalla Jungle, but let's just say at times it can get…" Marco nodded speaking up.
"I get the idea. We've had similar situations on earth, the most well-known being The French Revolution and the Communist Revolution in Russia." Toffee sighed and nodded as he continued.
"Well directly around the kingdom of Mewni many different groups and nations wished to join with The Kingdom of Mewni so they tried to join with us. The issue is sometimes there are nations between them and us and many of their own number are against the idea. Civil wars erupt, violence occurs when groups try to flee to Mewni through nations, and even outside groups illegally back The Forest Barbarians actions. Naturally Moon and I both came to the conclusion to interfere if we could, not just to keep people safe from the violence but to secure our own border and insure The Forest Barbarians receive no aid. This has led a series of nasty border wars when nations opposed to Moon's ideals refused to give up without a fight." Toffee sighed and looked at Moon with a sad wistful expression. "Every single one of those conflicts weighs Moon down just a little more when negotiations don't work; she knows they're necessary but she hates doing it." Marco looked at Moon and then at Toffee before speaking.
"If there are so many 'wars' going on how can Moon claim that it's peace time?" Toffee nodded his monotone expression returning as he answered.
"Technicalities my dear Diaz. Moon is quite willing to sue for peace at any given time so long as certain terms are met, quite logical and reasonable ones according to everyone. One of those terms is to hold a democratic election of every person in the nation, noble or commoner, Mewman and Monster, whether to join with The Kingdom of Mewni or not. 9 times out of 10 if Moon has to interfere it means that the people will elect to join with Mewni; especially when I send people out to 'campaign' for the common vote." Marco looked at Toffee with shock as Toffee continued unperturbed. "Sometimes the nation will refuse the vote and try to fight back, with predictable results as they are likely fighting amongst themselves at this point. And in the rare instance they are peaceful AND vote to remain a separate state they remain one. Of course we keep a close eye on them in insure they aren't aiding criminals or Forest Barbarians or even making sneak attacks at us. Often times this awkward set up can even result in an entire nation being surrounded by Mewni which can make things awkward if they are against the ideas of the new world especially if they lack land area. Of course they are free to join whenever they wish which we do remind them of if they are not happy with the current situation." At this point Marco was looking at Toffee in a new light yet again, although this time it wasn't an especially good one. Political maneuvering, interfering with other nations politics, messing with elections, and even hinting at bullying smaller nations into joining with Mewni. Those new thoughts ran through Marco's head as he spoke up.
"Your majesty… with all due respect…" Toffee glanced at Marco raising an eyebrow making him shiver a little. "… isn't this…" Toffee responded before he answered the question.
"Potentially illegal and immoral?" Marco blinked in confusion as Toffee nodded looking back out into the crowd. "Marco, how many times has Star's life been threatened through assassination alone?" Marco blinked at went to respond but Toffee cut him off. "Hint, Star herself doesn't know the actual answer." It took all of Marco's will power to keep himself from going slack in shock. "You heard three from her with an additional one with the shadow knights correct?" Marco nodded dumbly. "Correction, with those 4 it equals 23." Now Marco's jaw went wide but he quickly shut it knowing he was being watched. "And those were just direct attempts against my daughter; do you know how many schemes have been plotted against the Butterfly family since Moon took the throne? Hundreds, and many by the very nations Moon wants to help bring peace too." He looked at Marco eye to eye with a cold calculating indifference that made Marco shiver. "And many will fly your way even when you are just 'a squire' to the king. You cannot afford to always take the moral high ground if you wish to get things done here Marco and I know you didn't 'sign up' for this but by being so close to my daughter it's something that occurs automatically." Marco nodded feeling a bit numb as the implications sunk in. They watched the dancing for a little while with Marco speaking up eventually.
"Is everyone who joins… happy?" Toffee's voice lightened noticeably as he answered.
"For once we have good news there. Due to many revolutionary ideals and techniques Mewni is more prosperous then it has been in generations and what's more the wealth is distributed across many people and not just kept by those in power. Yes there are those who demean the nation of Mewni but they are a distinct minority in most areas if they exist at all. Admittedly there is some of what you might call 'propaganda'…" Marco looked at Toffee still a bit unsure. "… but what nation doesn't do that?" Marco went to answer but found he didn't have any. "Any more questions before we move onto a different topic." Marco responded after a minute.
"I don't think so… man this far heavier than I thought it would be." Toffee sighed as he responded with a heavy voice.
"I know what you mean Marco. I can shrug off these burdens due to my Septarian nature but even I understand what you mean." After another minute Toffee spoke up again. "There are several nations with which we have a special relationship with. 'The Kingdom of the Water folk' and 'The Ponyhead Kingdom' are close allies of ours with which we freely trade and associate with." Toffee gestured across the room to King Ponyhead and a pair of humanoid fish people that looked like a king and queen. "'The Pigeon Kingdom' is a close ally but what makes them different from the earlier two is that their kingdom is rather recent. Though they have been a people for quite some time they have only been recognized as a kingdom since Moon's reign began." He gestured again at a pair of pigeons, not humanoid pigeons but simple pigeons, wearing crowns. "Ornlun or 'The Mountaintop Kingdom' as many refer to it is the home of the Dawi Zharr and is technically a part of The Kingdom of Mewni but Moon has granted them self-governance so long as they don't deviate from the queen's mandates and, more recently, The Mewman Bill of Rights." Toffee gestured across the room to a 9 foot tall and really broad shouldered and squat looking entity with black skin and hair, both head and facial, the color of flames. "The Bill of rights was actually a creation of your principal Mr. Lancer I do believe." Marco smiled at that one as Toffee continued. "Most Monster clans have since been incorporated as a part of the Kingdom of Mewni and their chiefs are with us now…" He gestured to the local nobility with Marco picking out Monsters amongst them. "… but officially they and the Monster druids are still 'separate' from Moon's rule and instead I rule them as a high king to Monster kind." Marco spoke up at this.
"Will this be on the test?" Toffee nodded and chuckled as he answered.
"Yes it actually will be." They shared a chuckle. "Of course they will be official initiated when Star becomes queen as technically she is heir to both Mewmans and Monsters; the morning Star that guides everyone to the future." Marco found himself smiling and glancing at Star who looked a bit tense just sitting on the side for now but seemed to still be enjoying herself taking with Alexis, Ponyhead, and some girl dressed like a goth at a formal spider ball. "And what's more we have a very powerful ally at the very northern edge of the lower lands, Ticalla Jungle home of the seven Monster kingdoms." Toffee gestured across the room to what looked to be an aging Septarian, if that was even possible, with reddish colored skin and a hood like a cobra's. "The ruler of the seven clans is a vocal ally of ours and supplies aid whenever he can which surprises me a bit considering many Septarians hold onto grudges fr long periods of time." Marco raised an eyebrow at this.
"Grudges? After what you and St-The princess keep on saying about her majesty?" Toffee nodded and responded.
"Not all Monsters are happy with the new world Marco as they view incorporating with Mewmans to be a sign of weakness on their part. We should be pushing Mewmans out and not living and breeding with them they claim. There are even fewer of them compared to the total population then Mewmans though and those are restricted to set tribes for the most part. Moon wanted to avoid a conflict with them and they wished to likewise so they agreed to be placed on a reservation where no Mewman or hybrid is to ever trespass without permission from a local." At this Toffee's voice grew foreboding and… 'wait is that nervousness I sense in his voice!?' Marco thought in shock. "Now most rulers I have not named but this one you will need to know." He pointed across the room to the edge of the crowd of nobles where there was an entity wearing a large black cloak covering everything except from a reptilian snout and a smoke pipe. "He is a dangerous Monster, a Septarian, whose grudge and anger against Mewmans is near insatiable. He is one of the few who called me a traitor to Monster kind for marrying Moon and refused to support her in The War of Moonlight Shadow. He is the high chief of the Monster clans who live on the reservation and personally hunts for trespassers himself." As Marco looked at the entity he could feel it's gaze fall onto him like a heavy weight. "He was once… my mentor and sent me to infiltrate the royal family as an advisor to pick out weaknesses until I realized that defeating them in the field was an impossibility. He threw me out when I gave him that information calling me a coward. He goes by many names… but his true name is Seth." Marco spoke to himself at this.
"Seth." Marco saw the pipe light up to reveal for a brief second eyes that glared a cold hatred that would make Toffee's gaze at his most stern seem like a child's. Marco knew just from the way Toffee was reacting and that gaze that Seth was, while not the most powerful, easily the most dangerous entity in the room. Marco reflexively glanced at Star a cold nervousness breaking out. 'Did he try to kill her in the past?' Marco glanced back at Seth whom, and he wasn't entirely sure about this, seemed to grinning ever so slightly from his previous expression. This spell was broken however when a tinkling bell sounded across the room as The dance of Stone concluded with Manfred speaking up.
"The Dance of the Forest is to commence shortly, let everyone take their places." 'Oh right, this is still a formal ball of sorts.' Marco shook himself off asss Toffee spoke up.
"Now here is where I will be education you about the way we do business through this as Star will be participating herself." Marco nodded as he thought to himself. 'Alright I got this; let's see what's going on in the kingdom.'
SN: Hippie... Hippie? Can you come out? It's time for...
Audience: Guest reviews!
Wh: Ok ok, sorry *sniff* it;s just... hard at times. Anyways.
Shiranai Atsune: This is actually kind of lifted from the episode 'Clubsnubbed'. Not surprised you don't remember it, it wasn't too good an episode.
Xzbro: Nice to see you're still here, I'll keep on going.
The Book of Eli: Well yes the lesson is kind of like that. As for the princesses, you'll find out more about that later.
Unnamed (The only one not asking for more): Yeah, I'm diving more into it in the next episode and the one after that. I need to deal with it... and Janjak... and put the spotlight on some other characters as well. I have a lot to do mate. :) *shrugs*