With the fathers discussing the future of their three kingdoms, the young heirs followed the Fletchinder maid to the dining hall, where a grand feast would be set up in their honor. Azelia wouldn't stop licking her lips or naming off the delicious foods she wished for while her twin rolled his eyes at her and their older sister chuckling behind her tentacle.

Erasmus and Darby followed behind in close proximity to the knights escorting them. Though they walked in silence, Darby filled the dead air with a cheerful humming complimenting his easygoing mood. Erasmus found it infectious and hummed along, much to Evangelina's amusement.

Asterio groaned and glared at the two. "Must you make such a racket with that incessant noise?"

Evangelina laughed. "Oh Azzy, is it too happy for your devilish, mysterious air? Or is it simply ruining the perpetual gloominess you plague yourself in?"

"Do not mock me, sister."

"You could stand to lighten up. How do you expect the Echo Bell Kingdom to thrive if they will be bowing to such a sad clown? Why, do I hear your first decree as king to change the colorful Misty Lights Carnival into a sad, funeral parade?"

"Hush!" Asterio snapped.

Evangelina raised her tentacles. "If you wish."

Darby laughed aloud. "I see you two have not changed since my last visit." He glanced at a passing Jigglypuff maid and winked at her. The Jigglypuff gasped, then deflated into a happy puddle with a bright red face.

Evangelina rolled her eyes. "Yes, and it appears you have also remained the same, Prince Darby. Tell me, have you secured a wife yet?"

Darby smiled charmingly. "Depends. Are you interested?"

Evangelina threw her head back and laughed. "Ohhhh-ho-ho-ho-ho! In your dreams. I merely wished to ask, dear prince, since you have a reputation as the heart throb of not just your kingdom, but all allied kingdoms. I admit, you are quite the catch. Any one of these women would be thrilled to be your wife. Comes with some excellent perks, not just the handsome stud who gave it to them."

"You flatter me so, Princess Evangelina. I simply believe that all deserve a bit of positive reinforcement. A compliment here, an affectionate gesture there, and you have suddenly brought peace to someone's life. I dare say that maid will be working twice as hard with that positive encouragement."

"Assuming she stops gawking like an idiot," Evangelina grumbled, checking back on the immobilized maid.

Erasmus flicked his fur. "You will find that the Senbo family's staff have been entrusted to carry out all tasks as efficiently as possible. Though the positive encouragement is welcoming, they are already some of the best."

Darby smiled. "I expected nothing less from the great Prince Erasmus and the Talbot family. You truly have earned your right as the mighty stronghold of Virdis."

Azelia clapped excitedly. "Yeah, yeah, yeah! You guys are, like, super strong! There's no kingdom alive brave enough to tear down your walls!"

"Let us not act hasty, sister," Asterio scolded under his breath. "Though a budding ally, bragging leads to destruction."

"It's not bragging, it's a compliment! See, I can do them as well, Darby~!" she sang flirtatiously.

Darby smiled and bowed graciously to her. "And, might I say, you are the kindest heart in all of Virdis, Princess Azelia. You are a beautiful beacon of love."

Azelia covered her cheeks and squealed. "Oh, Prince Darby! How forward of you! HEE!"

The Fletchinder maid stopped at the double doors at the end of the hallway and pushed them open, revealing the grand dining hall for their viewing pleasure. A long stretch table sat in the center of the hall, speedily being prepped by the castle staff. Plates, utensils, and napkins aligned perfectly spaced from each other, not an inch out of place.

Evangelina covered her smirk. "Efficient, indeed."

Erasmus nodded. "We hired only the best to set up the dining hall and prep the greatest meals. Feel free to disarm yourselves while here. We are allies bordering on friends in this room."

The Raboot knight accompanying the Visconti siblings smirked under his balaclava collar. "Yeeeeah, that's not happening, Your Highness. We're under orders. We'll trust the food isn't poisoned, but…"

"Regardless of your kingdom's reputation, we aren't afraid to retaliate," Fulbertus ended dully.

Rikmai, Gaufroi, and Linota glared, reaching for their weapons, but Erasmus raised his paw, ordering them to relax. Erasmus smiled proudly. "How low do you think I am to resort to poisoning? Nay. Such disgraceful execution is beyond me. Besides, we Talbots give our word. If we say we wish to be allies, that is our intention. So please, do try to relax. All of you. Including your guards."

The Raboot and Fulbertus glanced at each other, then shrugged. "Whatever," Raboot dismissed, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Darby chuckled and clapped his wings together. "I expected no less from you, Prince Erasmus. Truly, you are a great man shining above the heavens."

Rikmai inched over to Darby, rubbing up against his body. "Speaking of great men, you mentioned something about seeking a wife, yes? Well, I could—YOW!" Linota pulled on her ear and dragged her back.

"Could you please not push your obsessive compulsion for a husband onto every other guy you meet?" Linota scolded dryly. Rikmai pouted and sat on her haunches.

Darby chuckled. "I would not be opposed to a beauty like yourself." Rikmai squealed and covered her cheeks.

Erasmus coughed into his paw, gathering their attention. "Shall we continue the pleasantries over at the dining table?" The heirs and their guards nodded before walking themselves to the table.

The staff pulled the chairs out and sat the heirs and knights in, then retreated into the kitchen. They returned with carts of food, fresh off the wood stoves. Imitation steak drizzled in a fine berry sauce, a fruit salad, a side of mixed vegetables, and unopened bottles of champagne.

Asterio raised his brow at the bottles. "A little early for a drink, Your Highness."

"I'm not old enough to drink," Azelia pointed out.

Erasmus waved it off. "Come now, what is the harm? I believe one is allowed to exercise their privileges from time to time. A little champagne will not hurt."

"Can't argue with that!" Azelia immediately agreed, slamming her glass down. "Fill me up!"

The staff uncorked the bottles and filled their glasses. Erasmus gestured to the knights, ordering the staff to fill their glasses as well. Raboot held his up and swirled the sparkling drink around. "If anyone ever told me I would be dining with the five heirs of three kingdoms, I may have laughed in their faces. Oh well." He dipped his head back and sucked the drink down.

Evangelina leaned back in her chair and took dainty sips from her glass. "For an isolated kingdom, you sure do know how to welcome guests. I am most impressed so far, Prince Erasmus. I can see why Darby has taken a shine to you."

Erasmus started cutting into his steak and asked, "I take it you all are in frequent contact? You have been close allies for a long time."

"I would not consider us friends, but the Wick Kingdom is a close ally to the Echo Bell Kingdom. We can always rely on Darby to give us an update on their affairs. I suppose our statuses as harbor kingdoms helps elevate our bond, though they certainly hold their own as the superior harbor kingdom."

Darby waved it off. "No need for modesty, Evangelina. Besides, if there is one thing the Echo Bell Kingdom holds over us, it is its rich culture. I am interested in your Misty Lights Carnival. I have never been to one."

Azelia bounced in her seat excited. "You would love it! We celebrate during the second full week of the Red Ash Moon. Everyone's welcomed! Nobles, commoners, prisoners—"

"Uh, not the prisoners," Evangelina quietly corrected. "But yes, she is right. It is the one time of year where everyone is considered an equal. Status simply…disappears during the festivities."

Erasmus perked up at the notion. "No status ties, you say?"

Evangelina shrugged. "Everyone likes to wear masks at the event. You could be the king of a powerful kingdom, but that status simply vanishes once you put on a mask. You are only there for one reason like everyone else: to celebrate and party."

Erasmus blinked, then looked down at the table. "So, it is like a masquerade. Hmm…perhaps you could extend an invitation to me?"

"Go for it. I will not stop you. If you do not have any plans four months from now, that is."

Asterio sighed. "There is a bit more to the history of the Misty Lights Carnival, but I rather not bore you with the details. Perhaps when the time comes around."

"I will certainly try and plan for it." Erasmus picked up his champagne and sipped it. "I must say, I am happy Father is taking our little kingdom out of self-enforced isolation. I would be missing out on so many wonderful opportunities to learn about the other kingdoms. I do possess some rich knowledge of each kingdom's military advancements, but I am drawn to the culture personally."

Evangelina smirked. "You certainly will not find more enriching culture than the Echo Bell Kingdom. No offense to the Wick Kingdom, but it seems to be stuck in its own little world. Almost devoid of life taking resident in the driest part of Virdis, especially with the most criminally infested towns."

Darby laughed it off. "Yes, I suppose that is a problem, but we have not had a revolt concerning the matter. We assure our subjects that their safety is guaranteed. It would not look good if they could not trust their rulers. That is why I make it a personal mission to travel through the Wick Kingdom and visit the numerous towns under our control. I wish to earn the trust of my subjects on a personal level."

Evangelina scoffed, holding her glass to her lips. "Sounds to me like a pointless endeavor. If you have to go out of your way to ensure your subjects that you are fit to rule, what does that say about their trust in you? Or your skills for the job?"

Darby closed his eyes and smiled. "I would not know. I have received nothing but positive approval from my kingdom. Young and old, poor and rich, etc. That is the true test of being a king. Or, I suppose a queen, in your case."

Evangelina smirked. "Flattery may be your greatest strength, but you speak before you think. Besides, I am not next in line to be the ruler of the Echo Bell Kingdom."

Erasmus raised his brow. "I thought you were the eldest."

"I am, but tradition states the eldest son must ascend the throne. I will not be taking the throne, but my only brother will." She glanced at the shiny Frillish, who stared into his champagne. "Of course, you are not exactly befitting of a king. You have been slipping from your lessons. Much prefer training with the knights."

Asterio glared. "None of that stuff matters to me."

"Oh, I am sure it does not, but you have a responsibility the future king. If I am not to become queen, the next best thing I can do is push you towards your destiny."

Azelia raised her tentacle. "Ooh, maybe I can become queen!"

Evangelina smirked. "Bless your heart, dear sister, but you do not have the attention span to be queen."

"Hey, that's not true—" She took a bite of her steak and shivered with delight. "Ooh, this tastes delicious!" She forgot the conversation and dug into her meal.

Evangelina waved her tentacle around. "I have to manage these two and our younger sisters. It is an older sibling's responsibility to see the growth of their younger siblings. If I cannot become queen, I will see to it that Asterio becomes a king that redefines history."

Erasmus frowned. "You certainly have a good head on your shoulders, Evangelina."

"I try to. But I am sure you would know, seeing how you are the oldest of your family."

Erasmus sighed. "I do not have the best relationship with my younger brothers, sadly."

"Oh?"

"I get along fine with my little sister, but my brothers and I do not see eye-to-eye. They are too taken by the privileges of luxury, thus I fear it will corrupt them should they ascend the throne. So, as the first in line to take my father's crown, I pushed myself to become a worthy heir. I had to become a symbol for the Senbo Kingdom. Unwavering perfection fit for the role."

Darby pressed his balled-up wing to his cheek and leaned against the table. "Do my ears deceive me? Was there truly a time you were, dare I ask, humble?"

Erasmus rolled his eyes. "I have always been humble. I simply see myself as above the common folk, and all those around me. If I remain as the perfect symbol of status, the people will respect me. To be above mortal flaw, I must be perfect. I must be kind, authoritative, and just. Though, to answer your question, I suppose I was naïve for time until I realized what I was destined for."

"What brought that around?" Asterio chirped in.

Erasmus swirled his drink around. "I occasionally walk through the capital. I was a bit of a handful, being supremely clever at my age. I even gave my old guard the slip time and time again. Gaufroi here is the only one who could keep up with me. He was much more persistent."

Gaufroi nodded. "It's true."

Erasmus frowned into his drink. "We do not allow many to enter the capital without suspicion, so you can imagine most folk are paranoid of spies from enemy kingdoms. I saw something like that on one of my walks. I happened upon a scene that…changed my perspective on my title."

"Ooh, is it story time?" Azelia gleefully asked.

Darby grinned. "Do not leave us in the dark, my friend. Please, speak."

Erasmus sighed at all the eyes on him, but pressed on. "It was a long time ago, but the emotion I felt is still fresh. A young peasant girl who was visiting extended family was accused of being a spy for the Wick Kingdom."

Darby raised his brow. "How did you deduce that?"

"Aside from asking, her accent gave it away. Like I said, we do not receive many visitors to the Senbo Kingdom, but this was a big exception. The girl got separated from her parents by mistake, then the ruffians of the capital accused her of being a spy. Looking back, the notion makes my blood boil. She was around my age, about nine, and they accused her of an awful crime like that. A prince should not interfere with squabbles like that, but I would have been a lesser man had I let it go uninterrupted. So, I interfered.

"Gaufroi, of course, eventually caught up with me and broke up the fight. The ruffians were let off with a warning and…that was that. That day stuck with me ever since."

Evangelina chuckled and applauded Erasmus with a smirk. "Wonderful tale, Erasmus. It seems you have a soft spot for the common folk. Very admirable."

"And you do not?"

"I have my secrets, too. But why go through the effort of maintaining this higher-than-thou act?"

Erasmus glared. "It is not an act. This is truly who I am. I believe I am above the common folk, and all else, because I am destined to be the pure beacon for my kingdom. Nothing more, and certainly nothing less."

Evangelina shook her head. "Your pride astounds me, but it is an admirable trait. At least you have more conviction than my siblings. Especially my dear sister, who is…slower than the rest."

"Hey!" Azelia exclaimed. "That's not a nice thing to say about Giselle!" Asterio facepalmed and sighed.

Darby chuckled. "You certainly have an interesting perspective on ruling, Erasmus." He perked up as a Slurpuff maid approached their table.

"Would you care for anything else, Prince Darby?" the maid asked.

Darby smiled. "Actually, yes." He turned and cupped her hand into his wings. "I would not mind your company. A fine beauty with a delightful scent working tirelessly to maintain perfection in this lovely castle. You truly radiate the day with your gorgeous glow."

Slurpuff's face turned beet red. She looked away in embarrassment. "O-Oh, I, uh…I don't deserve such high praise. I am just a maid."

"Nonsense. Whether you be a maid or a noblewoman, you are a gift of beauty." He leaned closer, staring deeply into her eyes. "Your status means nothing to me. I see only the true beauty of every individual. Perhaps you could interest me in a private tour of the castle later."

Slurpuff felt her knees weakening as she nervously, but excitedly laughed. "I…I would not mind that at all. I-I would love to…show you around."

"I look forward to it, my dear." He kissed her hand. "Back to work with you." Slurpuff giggled uncontrollably, stumbling backwards as she tried to navigate herself back to the kitchen. Darby chuckled under his breath. "What a gem."

Rikmai pouted. "That's my future husband…" Linota patted her friend's back, though with visible annoyance.

Erasmus smiled a bit. "I must say, Darby, I never realized how much of a flirt you were."

Darby laughed aloud. "I told you earlier, a little positive approval can make someone's day. She was positively glowing."

Evangelina scoffed to herself. "Oh, she certainly was. My advice, Prince Erasmus, do not leave any of your female staff alone with that flirty penguin." She sipped her drink.

Erasmus blinked. "I am sorry?"

Darby smirked. "Jealous, Evangelina?"

Evangelina chuckled. "Hardly. I do not blame you, Erasmus. For as keen as you are, Darby is true to his ideals and intentions. He speaks truly and without fault. Tell me, what were your ideals again? Absolute loyalty, was it? The idea that the key to ruling a stable kingdom is by earning the trust and loyalty of your subjects?"

"Are you proposing my ideals are a farce?" Darby asked with an amused tone.

"Oh no, I truly believe you mean every word of your philosophy." Evangelina finished off her glass and set it down. "Of course, every coin has two faces. Do not think for a moment I am unwise to your…particular talents."

"Talents, you say?" Darby asked.

"Only a weak-willed maid infatuated with the idea of earning the attention of such a beloved prince would fall for such talents." Evangelina glared. "Of course, she and that Jigglypuff from earlier will only see you in rare visits. Same with the staff at my castle. But what about your castle?" Evangelina stared at him judgingly. "What is life like for you there, Prince Charming?"

Erasmus raised a quizzical brow at Darby, as did Asterio, Azelia, and their knights. Only Fulbertus remained uninvested in the conversation, staring absently ahead. Darby stared back at Evangelina, his casual demeanor unfazed. His laidback smile hung comfortably on his beak, though Erasmus couldn't help but view it with an air of skepticism.

Darby closed his eyes and laughed. "You read far too much into little details, Evangelina. Nobles tend to be cruel to the lower class. Is it wrong of me to assure confidence and a little joy into someone's life? What young woman would not be exploding with joy after being acknowledged by a prince? Is that not what any girl wants? To be swept off their feet by the handsome prince?"

Evangelina deepened her glare for a moment before relaxing and throwing her head back in laughter. "Ohhhhh-ho-ho-ho-ho!" She shook her head and grabbed the champagne bottle. "Have it your way, Darby. Just do not pretend I am not watching." She poured herself another glass.

"As you wish." Darby reclined back in his seat and sipped his champagne.

Erasmus narrowed his eyes curiously at Darby. He never had much reason to suspect Darby was lying about anything. He would've seen right through a fake act like that. Then again, according to Evangelina, he wasn't faking anything. He just wasn't…showing something else?

Darby glanced at Erasmus and smiled at his suspicious look. "Come now, Erasmus. Do not let Evangelina's prattle worry you. She has always been paranoid of little details."

Erasmus glared softly. "…Right." He quietly sipped his glass.

Asterio audibly sighed, gathering everyone's attention. "All this talk of succession and birthright does not interest me."

"Is there a problem?" Erasmus asked.

"I hold nothing against you, Your Highness. I simply do not care about my status as the Visconti heir. You are lucky to have ambition for the role. I really could not care less about it."

"Then why are you still in line for the throne? Have you raised this with your father?"

"My father is putting all his hopes into me. As much as I would want to back down, I do care about his opinion." Asterio glared to the side. "Although, I suppose if I must go through with it, I do have one ultimate desire. The Wick Kingdom may have its goons running around in the daytime, but the night is when the crooks of the Echo Bell Kingdom come out to play. The kingdom that celebrates in the day, while the scum plans their revelry in the night."

Darby leaned forward on the table. "Ah yes, I do remember some years ago that your kingdom had many murders committed at night. Stabbing, assault, defilement…such a happy kingdom until you take a trip through their alleyways."

Azelia shivered. "Y-Yeah. We're strictly prohibited from leaving the castle at night. Lots of weirdos prowling the streets. The capital enforces a strict ten o'clock curfew. I can't count how many horrible things are reported by morning."

Asterio sighed. "Of course, as of recent years, things have toned down some. Or at least, criminals are too cowardly to step out into the moonlight."

Erasmus glared. "Would this have anything to do with that particular specter that frequents the Echo Bell Kingdom? Grim Deadlock, I presume?"

"That is the one," Evangelina confirmed. "Mr. Deadlock seems to think himself as a judge, jury, and executioner type. It matters not what crime you commit in the dead of night. Larceny, arson, sexual assault, murder; either one of those gets you a special visit from the specter himself. He does not care who you are. You commit a crime, he cuts you down."

"Admittedly, he has brought down the crime waves that happen at night," Asterio stated. "But now people have a new reason not to go outside. Grim Deadlock is actually considered one of the Three Deadly Storms."

Fulbertus lifted his head some. "The Three Deadly Storms. Three of the most notorious and dangerous criminals of Virdis. They possess either the highest body counts or, more subjectively, a powerful intent to kill. The Fairy Knight, known as the Flash of Lightning. The Roar of the Wastes, known as the Howl of Thunder. And finally, the Specter of Punishment, known as the Reticence of Wind. All three of them are considered the most dangerous criminals in Virdis."

Erasmus glared. "The people of Virdis certainly love romanticizing the criminal underworld."

"I hardly consider those three members of such an underworld." Asterio sighed. "Grim is a problem, plain and simple, but I cannot say I disapprove of his actions. I personally cannot stand our streets being littered with such trash. As long as he does not step out of line, I see no reason to intervene."

Evangelina laughed. "Ah yes, your way of saying you wish to execute every last criminal in the kingdom without dirtying your tentacles. Asterio, just admit you love what that boorish bounty hunter has been doing recently. After all, you also hate what are precious capital has devolved into over the years."

Azelia pouted. "Come on, Eva, Az is not like that. He may hate criminals, but he does not want to execute them for petty things like stealing or littering. Az will make a good king one day! And he has my full support!" Azelia hugged her twin tightly. "King Asterio, all the way!"

"Please do not hug me…" Asterio grumbled, hiding his embarrassed blush.

Erasmus turned to Evangelina. "I am curious. What would you do if you were to become queen?"

Evangelina narrowed her eyes. "What would I do?" She looked into her glass with a bored look. "Who is to say? I am perfectly content right now. If I am destined to act as an advisor to my dear brother, then so be it. I would not mind working behind the curtain. Though, I have certain ambitions for the future. I am not too keen on discussing them, of course. They are my secrets and mine alone." She smiled to herself. "Secrets are an amusing practice."

"A practice?" Darby questioned.

"But of course. We actively keep secrets. We are told at a young age that there are certain parts of our histories and backgrounds that should never see the light of day. We used to live so simply back when tools and modern shelter were considered luxuries. If there is one part of history I look back on with curiosity, it is the Savage Era. Oh, what an interesting time.

"Do not get me wrong, though. I found the time itself boorish and uncultured. If I were there as I was, I would sooner take my life than live through that hell. But see, there is a certain beauty about that time. Simpleminded action carried out for the sake of that action. We never had to jump hurdles just to keep our histories secret. We were once simpleminded creatures. The concept of a secret was beyond us. What did we have to hide from each other? All that mattered was gathering food and avoiding hostile predators.

"Then we evolved. Not in the traditional sense, but our minds developed. We began to see the world differently, a new way of life that is still expanding. Who knows what will become of our world three or four hundred years from now? But, as time progresses, our minds develop further. The problems of old are basically extinct, but now new problems develop. Our ancestors would have scoffed at the idea of dividing each other by something as intangible as class status. Someone has a resource that others cannot readily access, so they become a higher power. Eventually, we develop these invisible walls called class status, where some believe one's blood is purer than the rest. And with those walls, as you live behind them, you are obligated to follow a certain practice. Any of this ring a bell to any of you?"

Erasmus looked off to the side. "Vaguely…"

"What does this have to do with secrets?" Darby asked.

Evangelina smirked. "Well, to put it another way, I love secrets. And I love shattering the walls that keep them from others. People build these invisible walls because they pretend they have some sort of significance and power. Everyone has these walls, and they believe they are impregnable. So, I developed a fun hobby out of it. I want to see how long it takes me to break these walls down and watch the chaos unfold. What will someone do when their precious defenses are down? Will they accept the chaos, or beg and scream for some semblance of order to be restored, even at the expense of their own dignity?"

Erasmus glared a bit. "That sounds like a cruel hobby to take up."

"Perish the thought. As long as you do not flaunt something delectable in my sight, I will not sink my teeth into it. Ohhhhh-ho-ho-ho-ho!"

Darby laughed aloud. "Privacy seems to mean nothing to you."

"Social norms, actually, but I did say I had a fondness for secrets. You never know how far someone will go to uphold those secrets." Evangelina gulped down the rest of her champagne and sighed. "Frankly, those walls can be a detriment. Sometimes you want to forget those divisions exist. Once you realize they are there, however, nothing will ever be the same. So, I guess that is my ambition for the future."

A long silence filled the dining hall as the heirs stared down at their meals. Erasmus narrowed his eyes cautiously at them, save for Azelia who seemed more amused by her food. Something appeared different about each of them with this new information available. Before, he wouldn't have given their bolder behaviors a second thought, but now he could see some twinge of greater purpose beneath what may have been masks.

Indeed, joined at the table was Virdis' hope and future. Brilliant minded heirs with strong ambitions for their kingdoms, but with radically different purposes. That was the solemn truth of an alliance among kingdoms. Ideals could clash, and those kinds of thoughts could lead to the bloodiest wars that would go down in history.

It was then a question of whose ideals were purer, and whose were born of malintent.

A firm clap brought Erasmus out of his daze. All eyes fell on Azelia, smiling as brightly as ever. "I think that's enough of this philosophical melodrama. We're here to enjoy each other's company, fam!"

"…Pardon?" Erasmus asked.

"You heard me! This is a lunch party, right? No more business talk! Only fun stuff!" She pointed to her Raboot knight. "Angelo! Tell everyone about that sculpture you've been working on!"

The Raboot spat his drink onto the table and pounded his chest in a coughing fit. "Agh!" Once he cleared his windpipe, he stared in bewilderment at the princess. "Uh…I rather not talk about my sculpting, Princess."

"Come now, you're so talented! Tell them all about it!" Azelia leaned toward him, eyes sparkling.

Angelo leaned away nervously. "Again, I rather not."

Azelia pouted. "No fun." She pointed at the other knights. "Hobbies! Personal interests! Go!"

Rikmai grinned. "Well, if it's personal interests you want to know, I desire to find a hus—" Linota shoved food into the Vaporeon's mouth.

"Don't get her started," Linota grumbled. Azelia threw her head back and laughed.

Gaufroi sighed. "I suppose jousting would be a worthwhile topic."

"Ooh, you joust?" Azelia asked excitedly.

Gaufroi scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Err, well, used to. See…"

Erasmus smiled to himself as the Ursaring explained his jousting history to the bubbly Frillish. The small bit of tension that was in the dining hall seemed to fade. Azelia didn't seem like the type to rule a kingdom, but she had the heart for it, at least.

Erasmus sighed to himself and stared at the other heirs, all mildly invested in Gaufroi's tale. He had a lot to do if he wanted to make good on their future alliance. He just hoped whatever little quirks the heirs had were nothing to be concerned about once the time to ascend the throne comes.

Until then, he'll do what he does best and watch in silence.

"A new form of transportation?"

Gilbert nodded, sitting at the front of the war room table beside his wife. "These days, to get anywhere around our kingdoms, we rely on the great stamina of certain Pokémon like the Tauros, Mudsdale, and so on. They have shaped our current state of transportation. The service is in high demand, so there are plenty of jobs available. However, the job itself raises concerns among certain communities."

Constance sighed. "It would not be the first time our subjects have raised alarm that these particular Pokémon were being treated as mere tools, even downright accused as slaves. Of course, they are paid for their services. It is a tough job. Not exactly luxurious conditions, but it pays well to balance out the efforts. Still, regardless, many Pokémon see it as unfair treatment. Knights still rely on their steeds to get to certain places, but that is viewed more closely as a partnership. It is not viewed the same as pulling nobles along in carriages."

King Tetrarch huffed. "You honestly listen to such trivial complaints? If the steeds are being paid handsomely for their services, it should not be anyone's concern."

King Visconti rubbed his chin. "A little harsh, do you not think? The people have a right to raise these concerns."

"They are hardly worth the attention being given in this room. Unless one of the carriage workers themselves raised the complaint themselves, the people should not get involved."

Queen Visconti sighed. "You are such a stubborn man, Wilkin. The voice of the people should be considered, not just because you say it does not matter."

The Empoleon huffed. "Our subjects do not have the experience of a royal. They do not have the best judgment for these sorts of things. They base their judgment entirely off raw emotion. That is no way to come to a decision."

King Visconti laughed aloud. "Oh Wilkin, some decisions should be made with a little emotion taken into consideration. Just because the common folk never had the experience of a king or queen does not make their opinions any less valid. If they say we should reconsider transportation, then so be it."

"Even so, there is no natural way to automate a carriage. That kind of advancement is way beyond our resources—"

"Your resources, not ours," Gilbert finally joined back in. He pulled a scroll from his jacket and unfurled it across the table. "The Senbo Kingdom believes in innovation of the natural world. We heard these worries and turned them into the future. I may have something."

The royals leaned over the table and stared at the rough sketch of a strange elongated carriage composed of metal. It was unlike anything they have ever seen. It looked foreign to a modern carriage. Wheels with some kind of bar attached to them, a chimney mounted at the front of the machine, and large grate at the front similar to a knight's helmet.

"What is this strange contraption?" Queen Visconti exclaimed.

"The innovation of fast, reliable transport," Gilbert said. "This will be the future of transportation. No longer do we have to rely on the stamina and strength of mortal Pokémon. This machine can carry not just a whole carriage, but several metallic wagons at once."

The royals gasped. "Impossible!" Wilkin explained. "What could possibly carry that much weight? I doubt even a Mudsdale or two could pull that much."

Gilbert chuckled. "With the right help, of course. See, the disadvantage to modern carriages is that we rely on other Pokémon with the same mortal weaknesses. Eventually, they will run out of energy and will need breaks. While we do not have anything to completely remove ourselves from Pokémon-based assistance, I have found the perfect group of Pokémon capable of making the journey without complaint or exhaustion while achieving speeds far beyond what we have come to expect."

Queen Visconti grabbed the schematics and looked closely. "I must say, it is an impressive invention. If what you propose is true, this could revolutionize travel as we know it. However, why do we need to get involved in this?"

Gilbert sighed. "Well, we have a prototype in the works, but there are some complications with manual steering. It is not very precise with turning, which can lead to some unfortunate circumstances. However, we have a compromise. Much like how mineworkers use rails to maneuver their minecarts, we will be using the same thing for our new transportation."

"One giant, connected minecart," Wilkin surmised. "Now I see. In order to make use out of your invention, you need a suitable destination for the end of the tracks. One of our kingdoms."

Gilbert smiled. "It will bridge our alliance together physically and metaphorically. The first locomotive system in all of Virdis, a symbol of our bond. It is the perfect testament to our cooperation. Do you not agree?"

The royals looked at each other quizzically, then turned back to the Houndoom with firm nods. "If you can get this thing up and, we would not be opposed," Queen Visconti said.

King Visconti clapped excitedly. "This is wonderful! The perfect project between three kingdoms—" He paused for a moment, then pondered it over. "Oh dear, I just realized something. If we are to set the tracks towards our capital, where would we have the stop? I am afraid there are too many waterways to properly set up a track. It would take time to find the perfect spot."

Wilkin sighed. "Then I suppose we can have it built in the Wick capital. There is plenty of space to work with, and it would make for a lovely addition to the city."

Gilbert nodded. "Then it is settled. If we are all in agreement, we shall develop the first connected system between Senbo and Wick Kingdoms."

King Visconti nodded. "I concur."

Queen Visconti squinted at the schematics, then set them down. "King Talbot, a word. What is this strange picture supposed to be?" She tapped on the picture of a large, jagged object pointing toward the middle of the locomotive. It almost looked like a large rock.

"Ah, that. Something we actually discovered quite some time among. That is actually the key to getting the machine moving, but I rather not spoil everything so soon. It will be a big day before it is unveiled."

Wilkin crossed his wings. "So, what do we have to do?"

"First things first, we need to set up the tracks and build a suitable station. We also need to plot out a path for the locomotive. I am thinking through some of my extended territory and some of yours. How does that sound?"

Wilkin huffed and nodded firmly. "Very well. If this works, well, you and I will be getting along nicely."

Gilbert smiled. "Trust me. I have every intention of making this a reality. Virdis will become a powerful region ruled in harmony."

Constance nodded at her husband. "Let us rejoice for a profitable future as allies."

"Here, here!"