Chapter 1: Reign of the Marchioness
By SodiumChloride12, derived from Fire Emblem, owned by Nintendo.
A/N: Been MIA for a bit. In that time, I had the idea to write this. It's a 10 chapter series, I hope y'all enjoy.
The day is May 7th, year 993. Ten years ago, the brave and dedicated forces of three Lycian lords, Lord Eliwood of Pherae, Lord Hector of Ostia, and Lady Lyndis of Caelin banded together to banish an evil that threatened to destroy their world. This evil came in the form of Nergal and his many morph creations. Though daunting as and enemy, in the end, it took the efforts of a traitor alongside his newfound friends to bring him down. This morph was named Samuel, a being whose soul transcended dimensions and hailed from a mysterious land named Earth.
Regardless, this story isn't about Earth, or even of Nergal. Rather, the focus is on the present. Nestled in the continent of Elibe lies a familiar place, a canton named Caelin. This canton is rather insignificant when it comes the affairs of the realm is hails from, Lycia. Small, rural, dotted with several villages, and barely mustering a population of five thousand, the medieval march hardly has anything of note. Compounding this with their flat terrain and lack of geographical barriers, Caelin often found itself at the mercy of its bigger, much more powerful neighbors. Simply existing requires a tedious balance of creating alliances, breaking them, and diplomacy rare among individuals. However, despite this, Caelin stood tall for centuries. It's current monarch, Lady Lyndis, is the very definition of defiance in the face of adversity.
A woman of mixed Sacaen and Lycian heritage, the marchioness had to go through much to be in the position she is today. Level-headed, occasionally brash, and confidant, she only received this opportunity after being found in Sacae by a pair of traveling knights. They took her and her companion, Samuel, back to Caelin, where she dealt with her ambitious grand uncle in bloody, pitched combat. Afterward, she settled in Caelin for a year, took on more responsibilities as the crown princess, all the while struggling with the cultural barriers imposed by her new home.
For her, the customs brought upon by the Lycian society brought upon much stress. She struggled with formal schooling, failing to comprehend subjects pertaining to the arts, history, and algebra. Her feet could not move elegantly in ballroom dance as she could with a sword, of which she was discouraged to train with. She was instructed by her governess to tone down her outward personality, lower her head, and be a more submissive human being.
"A Lycian nobleman will never want to marry you the way you are now. She said while puffing up smoke from her pipe. Women do not rule cantons. It is your duty to attract a competent husband for that purpose. That is your goal alongside continuing your bloodline."
Lyn protested she viewed marriage as a romantic partnership, rather than a political one. But, the governess disapproved of these thoughts. "The court will make sure you marry a man for the betterment of your people." She said. "Our lives as women are meaningless with the members of the male sex. Remember that...always."
Lyn didn't like her governess, but she wasn't the reason she stayed in Caelin then. She wanted to be close with her grandfather, the last family she had left. She resolved to bear this treatment just to be with him, but eventually, she found that it began to change her. Her confidence waned, her step changed, and she found herself wanting to put on Lycian dress in place of her familiar Sacaen garb. Lyn still considered herself distinctly Lorcan, but she no longer possessed the strength to be proud of it. The governess had gotten to her, much to her and the court's enjoyment.
But, things changed. One day, Caelin came under attack, and thus began her journey to save the world. When she returned, her grandfather had passed away, and she realized she could not fulfill her purpose as dictated by the governess and court. She abdicated her throne, gave all of her titles to Hector of Ostia, married her lover and tactician, and returned to her homeland. They stayed there for five years in peace with their adopted niece until yet another event created a fork in her path.
An impulsive soul, much like his spouse, Samuel had partaken in a wager that involved them traveling around Elibe. They accomplished the task after much struggle and pleasantries, though along the way they stopped in Caelin. While there, they found Lyn's former retainer, Sir Kent, had been appointed steward of the domain in Hector's stead. They sat down for dinner in the castle Lyn once called home.
"It pleases me to see you two have returned." Kent said. "The people of Caelin miss you both, though much more for their former princess."
Lyn inquired why, and Kent reminded her of all the good she did while in the canton. She arranged housing for the homeless, aided the peasantry in their harvest, and wore a smile every time she saw her subjects. To them, she was a princess filled with hope, somebody who cared for their needs. This is why they miss you, Lady Lyn. I regularly receive messages that they wish to be led by you, not me. They don't care if you are not a man, for you are a leader who would bring the land happiness and prosperity."
Lyn...felt touched by those words, almost to the point of dropping her silver spoon. She understood that her former subjects loved her, but to the point of requesting she come back? She recalled the moment her people were nearly wiped out, when she attempted to rally the survivors around her. Despite her heart and passion to keep the tribe together, they declined due to her the fact she was a woman. For the people of Caelin to want her when her own tribe didn't...was something that utterly shocked her.
When Lyn, Samuel, and Lani departed Caelin, they did so with a large gathering of people waiting to see them off. They shouted her name first, and then her husband's in loud succession. They applauded and shouted compliments. Although Kent said Lord Hector would gladly restore her title if she so desired, Lyn didn't accept due to conflicting emotions in her heart. But this display planted a seed of doubt in her mind. By the time they reached Bern, she'd already made up her mind. She would return to Caelin, well-travelled and in the burgeoning stages of pregnancy, to become their marchioness.
It has been over five years since Lyn claimed her birthright for the second time. Now, as the morning sun rises over Castle Caelin, she must work to ensure her people's love for her is founded. As is a day in the life of Marchioness Caelin.
"...Lyn? Honey...come on. Wake up, we have a meeting with the court coming soon."
Lyn groans as she moves to cover her face with pillow's fabric. Wincing as she uses it to block out the sun's rays, she tries to ignore the honeyed words of her husband. Her body resembles a stone statue when she lulls back to sleep, up to the point she feels a warm hand on the left side of her stomach. It presses firmly on her skin, expressing a sense of want and love only present among lovers.
She mutters, "...Do you like the feeling of caressing my body?"
Samuel chuckles, "Of course I do. You have the curves of a goddess, my liege."
Lyn rolls over and sits up, laying her head against Samuel's chest. He raises his right, gloved hand to protest, but says nothing when he feels her soft chest press up against his lower half. Lyn yawns and playfully threads her fingers across the skin of Samuel's toned upper body. A mischievous smile appears across her face.
Samuel says, "What—what's with that look, Lyn?"
Lyn presses her lips together as her index finger stops over a deep scar over Samuel's right pec. She remembers how he'd gotten it, when he stood between her and a sharp axe in a frigid fortress in Ilia. "Oh, nothing. Just returning the favor. It's a shame you don't want anymore children, Samuel. If I had it my way, we'd have a dozen bustling little heads with hair as curly as their father."
Samuel sighs and takes Lyn's hand into his own. He rests his eyes with her's for a moment before kissing his wife. This was a morning routine both were glad to have established. Releasing her, Lyn feels a burst of energy to come upon her.
Samuel says, "You say that now, but you were screaming for me to promise I wouldn't lay my seed in you again when you gave me Carvel and Carmel. I've kept my promise despite..." Samuel looks away, as if biting his lip. "...How difficult it can be to do so. Besides, I'm content with the three we have already. I'd rather we raise our children ourselves, you know."
Lyn frowns solemnly, but nods her head. Truth is, convincing Samuel to start a family was an endeavor on its own. When he was younger, he was a free, rebellious spirit, much like her. Samuel had wanted their unit to only include them both, up to the point his niece Laniakea entered his life. After that, Samuel loosened up to the idea of rearing children, and thus their fraternal twins were born. Due to his own upbringing, Samuel never liked having a hired hand taking care of his kin, so he opted they take care of all three themselves.
Lyn says, "I suppose you're right. If we had more, we might find it difficult to balance our duties alongside our parental obligations." Lyn shifts her head over towards a small bed at nearly hidden by the front of their bed's frame. "Speaking of which, I wonder how our little tikes are doing?"
Samuel and Lyn stand up, the former hastily putting on a shirt while the latter tightens the string holding together her robe. They approach their children's bedside, which had green blankets, the color of the realm. There, they find Laniakea holding her five-year-old cousins tightly in her embrace. Her snowy white hair contrasts with Carvel and Carmel's dark green and moth grey. She's smiling, a sign of her pride in her role as not only their pseudo older sibling, but supreme guardian.
Samuel raises his brow as he touches the top of his daughter's head. A single stand of hair sticks onto his hand as he pulls back. "Hmm...that's interesting. Do you notice it, too?"
Lyn takes a closer look at Carmel's head. Her eyes widen when she realizes her husband's keen eye is correct. "No...I didn't but—wasn't Carmel's hair color the same as Lani's last night?
Indeed. Prior, Carmel possessed the same snowy white hair as both her cousin and father. Yet, now it was a darker, moth grey. It's possible neither had noticed it until now, especially since Lani and Carmel were so close.
Samuel replies, "It was. For some reason, her hair is darkening up. What a peculiar development."
Feeling her motherly instincts take hold, Lyn places her hand over Carmel's forehead. The child wriggles a little as she feels her mother's touch. "...Thank Father Sky and Mother Earth. No fever, and judging by how soundly she's asleep, I don't think she's ill."
"Yes but, this is still cause for concern." Samuel reaches over towards a table and grabs a pencil and notepad. "I will send for an expert to check up on her. If we're fortunate, we might be able to catch Erk or Serra at a blip in their schedule. I doubt we'll see my old friend, but his wife hasn't been doing anything as of late."
The image of the pink banshee appears in Lyn's mind, causing her to shake. Her loud, pervasive banters with the young mage still keeps her up at night. "Eh...well, the lady is an interesting character. Rather talkative...too..." Lyn takes in a deep breath to compose herself. "Despite her...qualities... her aid in Erk's research has made her one of the most knowledgeable clerics in the continent. I'm sure she'll figure out what's going on with our child."
!
"...mmph..."
The pair pause as they hear a murmur. It's from Laniakea, who was beginning to waken despite their efforts in keeping their voices down. They frantically look to each other before resting their eyes on their niece's moving body.
Acting quickly, Samuel whispers honeyed words into Lani's ear. It's the break of dawn, and the children didn't need to wake for another couple of hours. "Shhh. Baby girl...go back to sleep. Everything's okay."
His words soothe her, and her stirring ceases. Her breathing calms as she returns to sleep. Content with a dodged bullet, Lyn and Samuel breathe a sigh of relief.
Lyn says, "I don't think I could have asked for anyone better as a husband. Thank you."
"And I, a wife."
Samuel reaches over to the table again and grabs his pocket watch. It's silver frame shines under the morning light, making Lyn marvel on how good he'd taken care of it over the many years it's been in his possession. Although it can no longer initiate time travel like it did before, it still made for a fantastic timepiece.
Samuel snaps his fingers. "Drat!" He immediately lowers his voice when Lani stirs again. He looks over at his wife with haste in his eyes. "We have to go, Lyn. We've only half an hour to get ready before the meeting starts. Forgive me, my love. We might have to skip breakfast..."
Fortunately, the couple didn't skip breakfast. Unfortunately, between having Lyn put on her royal dress, and Samuel arranging for someone to look over their children, they were only able to choke down a couple hard boiled eggs and a banana before barely reaching the throne room in time. They took their respective places with Lyn in her throne and Samuel at her side, the rest of the court standing before them both.
Resetting his eyes under the contrasting light, Samuel takes a moment to observe his surroundings. He notes the high, imposing ceiling above, and the glass chandelier made by an expert smith from Badon. Looking towards the walls, he sees the paintings depicting the likenesses of past monarchs. Banners flying the colors of House Caelin standstill in the absence of wind. More importantly, he focuses on the ten individuals making up Lyn's court, a group making up a total of sixteen with five absent.
The first is a face he'd known nearly as long as Lyn, Sir Kent. Like Samuel, he's at around his lower thirties. His role as steward and retainer of Lyn when she was first a princess had earned him the position of marshal, one of the five roles held among the high council, the most important members of the court. A lowborn solider, Lyn faced a lot of friction in convincing her peers in pushing through this appointment, but there wasn't a doubt in her mind that Kent was the most qualified for the job. Despite his relatively young age, Kent had plenty of wartime experience under his belt, a luxury scarce in the Caelic army. He would need this since his position placed him in the highest rung of rank, meaning he holds authority in military matters second only to Lyn herself. He also holds the position of vice regent, a duty that would make him the ruler of Caelin should both Lyn and Samuel find themselves incapacitated.
The second is a man he'd seen many times, much like Kent. The green knight Sain stood at his best friend's right side, his beard neatly trimmed to abide by disciplinary protocols. Due to his important, yet lesser role to Lyn during their initial time together, Sain was one of Lyn's commanders, a lieutenant, and honorary "Keeper of the Horse". Although he doesn't wield nearly as much respect or authority as Kent, he still holds a voice in court. Or at least as much of a voice as a mute man can muster. He may be silent, but none doubts his dedication and loyalty to Caelin and her marchioness.
The third is someone he'd held a good relationship with while in the army. The former traboudour, Priscilla (formerly of House Caeleron), is the Court Chaplain. She'd come here after she renounced her ties to her former house so she could elope with her husband, Guy. Although her parents approved of the relationship, the court in House Caeleron could not allow for such an affair to happen, so they forced the red-haired healer to choose love or her nobility. She chose the former, and after being recruited by Samuel to attend head Caelin's religious matters (only possible after recent reforms in the Eliminite Church), she became one of Lyn's loyal and competent confidants. Like Kent, her position affords her one seat in the high council.
The fourth is the first to not have been involved in the war, though the first with a landed title. His name is Dimitri of the sub-house Truinsce, the family once headed by his late father, General Eagler. As a baron with his own castle and lands at the eastern border of Caelin, his position near one of the realm's few natural barriers, the Eastern Mountains, makes him instrumental in the canton's defense. Because of this, the young twenty-five-year-old man holds the important position of Chief Minister, the official second only to Lyn on matters of domestic affairs. He's in charge of organizing the many positions within the canton, enforcing appointments, taxation, among other things. He holds a seat in the high council and possesses a decent friendship with Samuel.
The fifth is the former chancellor-turned Steward, Reissmann. As the oldest and most senior member of the court, he represents the old guard leftover from Hausen's reign. Like Dimitri, his family had been serving House Caelin for generations, though never afforded a landed title. His graying teal beard and wrinkled skin had plenty of experience and familiarity within the realm. Due to his seniority and position in organizing the castle's affairs, he was afforded a seat in the high council, being one of the wisest voice in a room full of mostly young people.
The sixth doesn't hold an important state position, but towards Lyn and Samuel is priceless in regards to their children's development. Her name is Mary, the cyan-haired, amicable governess that replaced the distasteful Estelle who nearly costed Caelin their marchioness. A lowborn woman hailing from Kafti, Samuel and Lyn had met her during their journey around the continent. Back then, she was a teacher's assistant at a local university studying to become a philosopher. When she was expelled from the domain due to...unfortunate circumstances, she asked her acquaintances for a teaching position in Caelin. Thus, they made her the court tutor, her main role pertaining to the education of the three royals, alongside that of the other children in the castle. She is by far the most popular member in the court, usually free from the politics that muddle whoever is involved.
The seventh is Lewis, an older man and the High Judge of the court. Samuel doesn't know much about him, other than that he's probably the most bougie and gluttonous member of court. As the High Judge of Caelin, he's the supreme authority of the land's judicial system, a great honor that awarded its occupant a gorgeous manor off the side of the River Poros. Although technically a landed title, he neither wielded the prestige nor authority necessary to pressure the marchioness, at least not on his own. Personally, Samuel doesn't like him, as he had a habit of arguing about the legality of his policy proposals. He is also very persuasive and a little charismatic. During Lyn's stint as Crown Princess, Lewis was the man who tried to mold Lyn into the woman he thought would attract a "suitable" ruler. Although he pinned most of the blame on Estelle, when Lyn returned she begged his liege for forgiveness. Lyn gave it to him, though Samuel still hasn't.
The eighth, ninth, and tenth are all landed nobles and commanders from the northern, southern, and western portions respectively. Their names are Euphant, Thomas, and Angelica. None hold any honorary titles within the court, but are important due to their administration of their respective regions and military contributions. Unfortunately for Samuel, they're also very conservative individuals who value force over diplomacy, arms buildup over trade, and are very resilient towards change. Their triumvirate represents the largest obstacle to Samuel's goals, much to his annoyance.
Finally, there's Samuel himself. As Chancellor of Caelin, he is the chief minister in charge of all official documents, diplomatic affairs, trade, and science. He is Lyn's closest advisor, and main source of reformation from within the canton. As a very ambitious individual, his goal is to make his subject's lives as prosperous as possible. Due to his role in the war, and his journey across the continent, he has contacts to states all throughout the continent. He's also the queen's consort (all titles passing matrilineally due to their marriage) and regent. As the queen's husband and father to her children, he holds rank second only to Lyn herself, though he often tries to undermine this as much as possible. When announced in court, his only title read aloud is his position of Chancellor, per his request.
Samuel watches as Reissmann steps forward and bows before his marchioness. As Steward, it was his role to initiate every court meeting. He retrieves a small scroll from his pocket and unrolls it so he may read its contents. He clears his throat. "Marchioness Lyndis, rightful ruler of Caelin, mother of crown prince Carvel, mother of princess Carmen, esteemed wielder of the Mani Katti, grand–"
Lyn raises her hand, and Reissmann ceases his speech. Samuel sees the life drain from the man's eyes as Lyn's gaze burns through him with annoyance. Atop her throne, she straightens out her back and speaks with a tone that's polite, yet assertive. "Reissmann. I explained to you that you need only refer to me by my title of Marchioness. Have I not done this many times before?"
Reissmann looks at Lyn, and then at his scroll. He pauses for a moment, his mind working to get past the decades of court customs nailed into his consciousness. The other members of the court stare at him with a mixture of confusion and pity. Eventually, the steward composes himself, and then puts his scroll back into his pocket.
Evidently, he memorized the agenda of this meeting. Samuel thinks while trying to hold in a chuckle. He only needed that scroll to recite everyone's titles.
Reissmann bows his head again. "Forgive me, my liege. My memory has been...shaky as of late due to my old age."
"It's okay, my steward. You are valuable to me and my people. Please, continue."
!
"Your highness, if I may?"
A scruffy voice intercedes, and all eyes shift over towards Baron Thomas. He has his hand raised in accordance with court customs. Due to his etiquette and Lyn's relatively good mood, Lyn nods her head to allow him to speak. All voices are allowed to be heard in her court.
"My Marchioness, I believe it is important, with respect to the grand tradition of this land, that you allow Reissmann to recite all of your titles. This was the way with your grandfather and his father, going back to when the first ruler of Caelin. For this to end after generations upon generations would be a great travesty to your reign."
Lyn looks at the baron and then sighs as she presses her fingers against her temple. She knew of the man's stubbornness towards these sorts of things, but for him to protest on something as minor as this presented a problem. Out of all the members of her court, men like Thomas were major contributors to her stress.
She says, "My Baron, may I explain something to you?"
"Of course. You may speak to me about anything, my esteemed ruler."
"These...titles. You understand they take a great deal of time for Reissmann to recite? This is not his fault, as custom dictates he say so at a decent speed to prevent a slight. By your estimates, how long does he take to do this duty?"
Thomas scratches his beard while conducting some quick math in his head. "Hmm...with you about three minutes. For the Chancellor it's two, and everyone else takes a single minute. Usually, we have about ten or twelve members for our daily meetings. So...about fifteen minutes?"
Lyn nods, her eyes gliding towards Samuel. He nods at her slightly as he reads her mind on the point she is trying to get across. "So...fifteen minutes on average. We meet every day barring weekends and holidays. So, about two hundred and fifty days. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
"...No, I don't."
Lyn silently groans, audible for only Samuel to hear. Recognizing his opportunity, he steps forward to address her troublesome subject. "Baron Thomas, what my w—what Marchioness Lyndis is trying to say, is that we waste a lot of time fiddling with these trivialities. We only meet an hour every morning. If we waste fifteen minutes, or a quarter of our time each time, we lose productivity. When we lose productivity, our subjects suffer for it." Samuel takes out his notepad and jots down some quick calculations. "By my hand, I've deduced that we waste about sixty-two-and-a-half hours every year. In that time, we could be discussing ways to prevent the next famine, new technologies to aid our blacksmiths, or do something about lowering our poverty rate."
Thomas shakes his head, "But our land is nothing without our traditions. We must honor the grand inheritance left by our forefathers!"
Samuel's left eye twitches, an indication of his thinning patience. "It sounds like to me you're more interested in holding onto some past fantasy than improving the present!"
!
"Cease!"
Lyn raises her voice, compelling both the chancellor and baron to stop their banter. This cools Samuel's hot temper, who lowers his head in shame towards bringing embarrassment to his wife. The baron, meanwhile, keeps his head high, as is customary in receiving an order.
Lyn says, "You two, the matter ends here. We will now proceed to the agenda. Reissmann, if you may?"
Reissmann's eyes widen with surprise, but they relax when he returns to his earlier rhythm. Meanwhile, Samuel's mind begins to dull as intrusive thoughts of his mistake fill him. I really messed up. Lyn's not going to like me for that. Oh my, nothing scares me more than seeing her mad! I'm so screwed!
Reissmann says, "Today, we will hear about improvements in wheat production throughout the canton. According to the minister of agriculture, we are currently at a low risk of famine over the next three years. However, hunger rate continues to neither improve nor worsen. Later, we will also hear about the Chancellor's ambitious proposal to introduce public schooling for all children in Caelin, alongside the formation of a new ministry. He will dwell into the specifics with matters of logistics, personnel, and funding..."
Later...
"Honey, why the glum look?"
Samuel raises his head, his mouth chewing on an omelet. He looks at his companion for midday brunch, Lyn. Uncomfortably resetting his position on his seat, he rests his elbows on the dining room table. His eyes shift pass the candle in between them as does his best to put together a reply.
"It's just...you must be upset with me, my love. I embarrassed you in court. I've been thinking about it all day."
Lyn pauses for a moment, wiping her fingers with a napkin. Although Lyn had been taught to use eating utensils in her training, in the private settings like these, she still preferred to use her fingers. It's a habit picked up from her Sacaen upbringing, and it brings her much comfort.
Lyn replies warmly, "It's okay, Samuel. Everyone makes mistakes. Besides, I think your words were ones that many had in their minds. Despite the baron's protests, the fact that no one else backed him in court tells me his position was unpopular. I think you did the right thing, even if the execution was a little flawed."
She reaches over touches Samuel's hand. The feeling compels him to blush the same shade of red as the fruit juice in his cup. "I will never be embarrassed of you. But, be aware you must quell your belligerence towards your opponents. I'd rather that my court meeting not turn into a shouting match, okay?"
"O-Okay..."
Lyn reaches over and gives her husband a brief smooch. "I love you. I'm glad you're here with me. I doubt I'd be able to manage if you weren't."
Lyn leans back in her chair and clasps her hands together. This gives Samuel enough repose to calm himself, his heartbeat returning to normal. Despite their years together, it never felt like they lost any of the luster in their relationship. Both are deeply in love with each other, a testament to their closeness and happiness.
Samuel says, "Anyway, about this session's proposed reforms. I did my best to sell the idea of public schooling, but none of the landed nobility besides you and Dimitri are in favor. I think I might be able to get Reissman to smooth Angelica over, but right now it appears we have a long road to pushing this through."
Lyn closes her eyes as she thinks about the four barons. As the four other major landed nobles in the canton, they would bear much of the cost for any policy implemented by the court. In terms of land ownership, Caelin is a very unequal place. She and the barons hold about 80% of the land in the realm, while the assorted guilds own 10%, and the church 5%. Only about 5% of land are owned by private citizens. This poses a problem when it comes to trying to get any policy implemented, since nothing could go through without the approval of two of the four barons.
Lyn says, "Hmm. Angelica is an intriguing character. Her parents were once lowborn commoners until they were appointed by my grandfather to rule the vacant landholdings in the west. She's around my age, too. You'd think she'd be open to change, but she consistently sides with the other baron's politics."
Samuel scoffs, "To think everything we do has to be done through her. She fancies herself a moderate and a swing vote on our council. What she is a damn hypocrite."
Samuel grits his teeth, and passive-aggressively uses his spoon to grind his omelet into mush. "I can understand the viewpoints of the Euphant and Thomas. Their families have a long history among the elite in this realm. But Angelica? I'm utterly baffled. If history went any differently, she'd be the one working the fields with the other peasants."
Lyn works to cool her husband's temper. "I'm sure Angelica has her reasons for acting the way she does. Regardless, I'm sure we can get her to look our way. We've accomplished much of your reforms under your approval." She sighs and takes a sip of water. "I'm sure they think the same way about Dimitri. Despite his status, he's one of our biggest supporters. He's voted for every single one of your policies, down to putting his signature proudly underneath yours."
The mention of Dimitri brings a smile onto Samuel's face. He'd first met the man long ago when he was a mere teenager under Lundgren's imprisonment. He didn't know his name then, nor of his relation to General Eagler, but the two formed an amicable friendship when he entered court. The two are very like-minded individuals, more committed to improving the welfare of their subjects than their own.
Samuel says, "I love that man. Smart, friendly, and every bit as dedicated as his father. If it weren't for him, we'd get nothing done around here."
Lyn chuckles, "Careful there. Keep talking like that, and I might have to divorce you."
"I'm sure some members of court would like that, wouldn't they?"
The two break into laughter. It's nice to share moments like these at times. Especially since their lives can be so stressful. There's nothing sweeter than bonding with one's significant other.
Wiping a tear from his eye, Samuel says, "I love you too much. This sort of thing should be illegal."
Lyn smacks her lips together. Her eyes radiate with an innate sense of appreciation. "As ruler of this land, I declare such a thing to be illegal under the eyes of the law. The punishment is that the offender must father another child with his marchioness."
Samuel rolls his eyes, "Not in your wildest dreams. You're hilarious, really. Is that beverage alcoholic? I never took you for a wine mom."
Lyn lifts her beverage and shows it to Samuel. "Nope, I'm completely sober. It's just water—"
Lyn stops mid-sentence when she hears a knock on the door. It's light and feeble, like it belonged to someone lacking much confidence. She and Samuel take a brief second to break out of lover mode and into a more professional version of themselves. Upon doing this, Samuel rises to open the door.
"Ahem, you may come in, Doctor Parah."
The Court Physician, Parah, obliges and walks into view, her steps cool and methodical. She's a beautiful young woman with sparkling cyan hair and fair skin, though no one could know that based on her outfit. Coming from the same school of thought as the former physician, the late Dr. Swift, she wore a plague doctor outfit identical to his. She wears a long, black coat paired with matching thick, wool pants. A single top hat rests on her head, alongside the trademark white beak. One could hardly identify her if it weren't for her piercing blue eyes visible through her mask.
She speaks with a muffled, slightly accented voice. "Um...I'm just...here. I'd like...to tell you I will be going to the village named Antioch...now. I'll be going...to deal with the...tuberculosis outbreak...as you ordered me to."
Lyn's eyes soften. Her mannerisms remind her of her friend Florina, of whom was wed with Lord Hector in Ostia. She still writes to her from time to time, though nowadays she's busy tending to her daughter, Lilina. Perhaps this was the reason she enjoyed being around her physician. She reminded her of her best friend, a person of which she spent more time with.
Samuel replies, "Good work, Parah. The Marchioness and I will be excited to see your return."
Parah freezes, and although her mask did much to conceal her emotions, Samuel can still see the redness in her cheeks. Privately, Samuel wonders if this was the true reason she bore the mask so often. It concealed the extremities of her emotions, a shortcoming unable to be remedied by her own accord.
Parah bows, "T-Thank you. I...I apologize for not being able...to aid your daughter's d-diagnosis. I am an expert in...physical diseases and ailments, but I'm quite... clueless in magical matters. I haven't...a magical bone in my body."
Samuel replies, "It's okay. I won't burden you with something you cannot do. I've sent for Lady Serra to come her when she can. She will do."
"O-Okay." She turns to walk away, but then stops. The scene immediately becomes awkward as she tries to remember what she wanted to say. "I...guess I'll be going now. Farewell."
She leaves, allowing Samuel to close the door. He returns to his seat. "That Parah...she's lucky we care more about her ability than etiquette."
Lyn replies, "She's rather capable. She managed to control a cholera outbreak last winter before it ravaged the canton. I do wonder why she didn't come to court, though. The other four members were out of town."
As the court physician, Parah holds the right to come to court meetings. Yet, she rarely does. As an anxious individual, she loathes speaking in front of a group, preferring instead to report directly to Samuel in private settings like these. Neither Samuel nor Lyn mind, though certain members of court do.
Samuel says, "Kent keeps asking for me to force her to come to meetings, but he just won't understand. I agree with him on many things, but this isn't one of them."
Lyn shrugs her shoulders, "There's nothing he can do about it. Besides, there are more important things to attend to." She leans back and puts her feet into her table. If this were a royal function, the response would be fierce. Fortunately, it isn't. "Now, inform me on the goings on the realm. Summarize to me what Reismann was talking about. The important parts."
Samuel obliges and clears his throat. "As you wish. As Parah had mentioned earlier, there is an outbreak of influenza occurring in a village south of here. Fortunately, it's well under control, and she should be back shortly."
"That's why we employ her. She should give herself more credit, she's good at her job."
Samuel nods his head and continues. "For our foreign affairs, the greater nations continue to be relatively stable. However, one of our neighbors has been giving us disturbing posturing. Our former ally, Santaruz, has instructed their merchants to refrain from trading with us. The reasoning is unknown, though my agents have been trying to find out why."
"...We'll have to see how the situation develops. Update me on this when you can."
Samuel nods again and then shifts over to his next topic. He breaks into a light smile, displaying to Lyn that this was one he enjoyed. "Next, I'm glad to announce that I've begun steps to democratize our realm. The mayor of our largest city, Morgantown, had passed away recently. Although tradition dictates we appoint his son to replace him, next week I intend to travel to Morgantown to inform him we will hold popular elections to determine his replacement. Whoever wins the election will earn your blessing, backed by your divine right to rule."
"...Excellent. I do not think the son will take the news well, but I trust you will handle the situation competently. Do not fail, my chancellor. As our first dabble into this experiment, it's important we do everything important. No fraud and no collusion must occur. This election must be free and fair."
Samuel places his hand over his heart. "This issue takes personal importance to me. I will not fail, know that."
He clears his throat. "Although I promised you would not leave the castle until the election affair, I'm afraid I have something brief I need to attend to. There's a village north of here, about a three hours ride by horse. The local magistrate and blacksmith are having a dispute that for the matter of bias, my aid has been called. I will be gone no longer than a day, hopefully."
Samuel notices a frown on Lyn's face, her sadness at the thought of being separated from her husband obvious to him. Samuel reciprocates the emotion and lowers his head.
Lyn says, "I...I had prepared myself for you to be gone for the election, but not this. I am...sorrowful that I won't be sleeping with you at my side tonight."
"...I'll do my best to be there when you wake up. Take care of yourself and our children, my liege. I will be leaving immediately."
Samuel stands up and kisses his wife one last time before disappearing through the door. Lyn closes her eyes and listens as his footsteps echo through the hallways, fading away like a midsummer storm. When they at last disappear, she sighs.
"What a pity." She mutters. "I suppose I should get to work too. There's much to do today."
"Oh? What are you two doing here?"
Samuel was about to pass through the castle gates when he finds two familiar faces waiting for him. They're Fiora and Sain, both mounted in their respective steeds.
Fiora says, "The Marchioness has requested we accompany you on your journey. For your safety, since it would pain her if anything happened to you."
Samuel nods his head in understanding. A retinue wouldn't hurt, since highway bandits did occasionally roam the countryside. Even so, he has concerns for his to-be companions' respective families.
He asks, "But, what of Leo? Also, I'm sure Sain's wife wouldn't like him to be gone for long."
Fiora replies, "Leo still has his father. He might be the Marshal, but he's every bit as capable of taking care of him. Besides, I'll only be gone a day. I'm sure he'll manage."
"...All right. How about you, Sain?"
Sain stares at him and shrugs his shoulders. Although the man had lost his voice long ago, he still had ways of communicating his will. By his mannerisms, Samuel deduced something along the lines of: "She'll be okay."
Satisfied with the affair of things, Samuel buckles his horse and moves forward. It would be a long ride to the village, but at least he won't be going alone.
