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The Four Noble Houses
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The crown hangs heavy
With the weight of its people
And the lands of its Kingdom.
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Yang opened her eyes and found herself in the bedroom of a woodland cabin.
Three cots lay before her: one big, one medium, one small. She knew who they belonged to. She had known them, loved them, and they cared for her in return.
Above the headboards, three large letters were engraved: B, W, and R.
But the owners of the beds were not the ones in them now. Instead, they were taken by three other figures. Porridge dripped across the sheets as the intruders scarfed their bowls messily.
"What are you looking at?" Emerald growled.
The girl, Mercury, and Neo bore their normal appearances, except for a pair of bear ears stuck on each of their heads..
You can destroy them, if they anger you so.
It would be so easy.
A dour voice crept from Yang's side.
Her eyes drifted there and saw what used to be her right hand. Now, a limb grossly giant and draconic. Its claw and scales dyed in ebony finish and gold encrust. The hand curled into a fist, seeking a subject for its wrath.
Just as Yang was compelled to move, she felt something cupped in her left palm. She uncurled her fingers and saw it was an egg.
The sight of it stopped her, making her think twice. Any violent movement, and the egg would surely break. A faint warmth emanated from the fragile little thing.
Then, a crack appeared across its shell. Soft ticks chipped away at the surface, a beak poking out from within. Young chirps rung pleasant in Yang's ears, as a head of gold peeked out and stared deep into her eyes.
Demanding Yang's attention once again, the beast in her right arm snarled.
I can give you power. Strength unrivaled and unmatched.
A weapon capable of felling any foe.
It enticed her to the point Yang could taste blood on her lips. The lives that could be crushed between her fingers.
Just then, another voice came. Light and veiled, like a far-off echo.
I can gift you the strength to endure.
The tiny chick spoke to her. Somehow the thoughts of the newborn bird resonating her mind.
Precious and eternal.
It answers the noble, the willing, and the valiant.
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X
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Yang blinked her eyes open, and came face to face with Neo standing over her. A sight she was fairly used to by now.
The concrete floor of the training room felt cool against her back. There was a soreness in her body, but she paid it little mind. She was accustomed to more serious injury by now.
In fact, Yang started to develop a dissatisfaction with their team's practices of late. The hits she took rung dull and hollow. They lacked any true threat or danger to them. And her body, as well as her soul, craved something that would push her to new heights.
Yang sat up. Noticing something strange with her hair, she ran her hands through it, and found they were tied into pigtails.
"Neo did that," said the mint-haired girl sitting next to her. "Guess she wanted you two to match."
A towel hung around Emerald's shoulders, which she used to wipe the sweat from her forehead.
Beside her, Mercury was lying flat on his back. A towel covering his face, giving him the appearance of a corpse. Yang resisted the temptation to light some candles and incense around him.
She stared at her hands, contemplating the dream she had while unconscious. Her real fingers operated the clamps on her prosthesis and unlatched the arm, putting it to the side.
"Hey, Em. I can't help but notice we haven't had any gigs lately," Yang started. "Where are the real fights at? Feels like I'm losing my edge just sparring every day."
"What do you expect? We're famous now—The Heroes of Dracul," Emerald grimaced sarcastically. "Who in their right minds would hire us after that? Too high-profile and too much liability."
"Huh. I liked it better when we were anonymous."
"You have no idea."
"So, no job requests? None? Not even contracts from the military or my mom?"
"Some small-time stuff for chump change. Not worth our time."
Yang thought that was a little unusual. Their team had taken plenty of jobs for little pay before. Becoming famous shouldn't have made that much a difference.
"This is fine, isn't it?" Emerald continued. "Training is better than any experience we'd get hunting Grimm, or smacking around some washed-up Huntsmen or Huntresses."
"That's another thing," Yang brought up. "Since when have you and Mercury been unlazy enough to train? You guys hate putting in extra effort just for the sake of it."
"Enough with the questions, already. If you hadn't noticed, we barely made it through the sitch in Dracul. I don't know where we're being sent off next, so I want to make sure we're ready for that fight when it comes. So, training, capiche?"
Yang thought for a moment. Then, shook her head.
"I don't buy it. You're lying about something."
"Oh, seriously? What would I be lying about?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Yang persisted. "But you're definitely lying. I can tell."
"I'm NOT lying."
"What are you trying to hide?"
"Nothing, bonehead. Look, I'm warning you," Emerald said with a bite. "You're starting to piss me off."
"Em. Just talk to me. What is it? Does it have something to do with Cinder? I promised you a long time ago I'd help with anything—"
The mention of Cinder triggered Emerald's frustrations, and she threw Yang a glare of pure venom.
"You think just because we're on the same team, we're all buddy-buddies now? You don't know a damn thing about me, or us. And you sure as hell haven't smartened up enough to tell when I'm lying to your ass."
"I can tell just fine," Yang continued stubbornly. "How much do you think we've been through? Fought through, together? You're all preparing for something. But, what? How come you haven't let me in on it?"
"You're deluded," Emerald tried to wave off. "There's nothing to tell, blondie. And you know what? If you're so sick of sparring, go pick a real fight—but go do it alone. Our team will do better without you messing up our tempo. That's how it was before we took you in, and that's how it'll be when we finally get rid of you."
As Emerald got up to storm from the hall, Yang reached out to grab her.
"—Yang," Mercury's voice stopped her mid-motion. His tone uncharacteristically imploring. "Let her go. I'm asking you."
"Mercury…?"
Emerald strode from the sparring room and left the rest in silence.
Outside, she turned the corner and angrily kicked the first thing she saw.
The trashcan flew, spilling garbage all over the floor. Blood rushed to her head, making her dizzy. Her breath became short and the inside of her throat went taut and dry.
I can't believe I'm wasting my time getting pissed off over this!
What do I care?!
With her thoughts consumed in anger, Emerald failed to notice the figure standing behind her.
"—Have I caught you at an inconvenient time?"
Emerald wheeled at the sudden voice. Then, calmed at recognizing its owner.
"Oh, it's you," Emerald said with deadpan. "So, you finally come to collect the lion queen?"
Meanwhile, back in the training hall.
"What is it that you can't tell me?" Yang interrogated Mercury.
"It's nothing."
"It's obviously something—something big. We're a team. You guys told me I was one of you."
"…"
"And I know that wasn't a lie."
Mercury remained quiet.
Still unsatisfied, Yang turned to Neo, but the small girl only smiled at her. A superficial smile that revealed no emotion. The kind she put on when using her silence to dodge an inconvenient subject. It added more fuel to Yang's frustrations.
As she was about to launch into a tirade, Emerald returned—and not alone.
A familiar-looking butler accompanied her.
With his slick-back hair and long cloth draped over his arm, Peafowl made a gracious bow. His voice sounded with polite formality,
"Good evening to you all. My employer has cordially requested the presence of Ms. Yang Xiao Long—extended parties also welcome."
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X
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Resting at the heart of Mistral's capital, was its House of Parliament.
Centered between the four major districts, it was filled with busied government officials and politicians. Vassals of noble families walked its halls in arrogantly purposed fashion. Diplomacy and aristocratic supremacy seeped from its stones and foundations.
And in its inner-most sanctum, a lone chamber stood, where the fate of Mistral tipped on the scales.
The room was dark and almost empty, save for four towering thrones. The seats of which, elevated a full story off the ground like private mountains. Narrow stairs curled their base. Each chair adorned with a banner and shield of heraldry marking their faction.
House Argent Claw to the West.
House Vermillion Wing to the South.
House Sable Shell to the North.
House Azure Scale to the East.
It was here, the four leaders of Mistral sat in judgment. The fate of their people, theirs to determine.
By unspoken tradition, only the Heads of each faction were allowed to attend the chamber, and only in the most exceptional of circumstances was this rule circumvented. Such a case was made by Mistral's current Prime Minister Argent, as Raven Branwen stood next to his throne. Though she did not actively participate in the discussion, she added counsel when called upon.
Amidst the leaders' discussion, a plump, balding man commanded their attention. Wearing a business black suit likened to the CEO of a conglomerate, he rotated one of the fat rings on his fingers. This was the Head of House Sable.
"Now that present matters have been settled, I'd like to call the next subject into question. One that has been long overdue," his thin eyes shifted to the Prime Minister on his right. "I think I speak for the council, when I ask why it was never revealed we could control the Grimm."
"Surely, you could guess," Argent responded, his hands folded before him. "What would you have said, if I proposed using Grimm to partner our military in defending the Dracul Isles?"
"We shall never know, because you deemed it unnecessary to inform us."
"You would have said the risk was too great."
"We would have rightfully asked for tests."
"There were, and you'd still have said it not enough. And in the time it took to confirm its reliability, we would have lost immeasurable ground in this war. You know this, I know this. Let us not pretend we are ignorant."
Argent glanced to the other two councilors observing in silent judgment.
"I didn't have time, nor the spare effort, to persuade you all. So I decided to prove the application in a manner that would expel all doubts. And at the same time, demonstrate Bean's absolute control over them."
"You employed an experimental weapon on a live battlefield without oversight," Sable spat back. "You manipulated the situation and its outcome, so that your proposals to utilize the Grimm in the future would go uncontested. You've made our soldiers and the people dependent on your weapon. Because you knew they would never accept it otherwise."
"I did what was required to ensure Mistral's victory. Just as I have by making alliances with the White Fang. I saw to it that our Kingdom would never fall to the likes of Atlas or Vale!"
"Dress it however you like, Prime Minister," Sable sneered. "But in the end, you exploited Mistral's people and manipulated their fears to suit your agenda! Such an act is usually called, Treason."
"DO NOT ACCUSE ME OF TREASON!" Argent roared, pounding a fist on his armrest. "I fight for our Kingdom with all my heart and soul! Even for an ingrate like you, I would gladly bear any sin, resort to whatever measure to see you safe, if not for you to carry out your duty to Mistral. You do not accuse me of treason...!"
"—Enough," a female voice cut through them.
The woman was dressed in flowing red garments and possessed long-curled eyelashes. Heavy gold bracelets adorned her wrists, but never shifted clumsily. She was the Head of House Vermillion.
"Any reprimand for crimes committed during the War can be dealt with after its conclusion. We should only discuss what is pertinent to the here and now."
"This is pertinent to the here and now," Sable pressed. "Our Prime Minister is abusing his power, and if it is not addressed sooner, we may never see an end to his term."
Vermillion weighed his words and found some truth in them. She turned to Argent.
"You have been granted an extended term and emergency powers, due to the occurrence of the War, Prime Minister. I believe if you explained your plans for transitioning power, Sable would not be so…agitative. And the rest of us could proceed with more ease."
"You suspect me of power hunger?" Argent's temper rose. "You truly think I would throw away our Kingdom's traditions just to inflate myself?"
"Then, please. Dispel our doubts."
"There is no foreseeable future for me to step down as Prime Minister. Not until this war is won."
"Remnant's conflict has reached a stable impasse," Sable interrupted. "Now, is the time to resume the cycle."
"Now?! That is ridiculous!"
"What say the rest of the Houses?"
Argent blinked, then addressed the other two.
"You cannot possibly agree. If leadership is to be transferred to House Sable now, we'd lose our strategic edge against Atlas and Vale. Sable would adopt a defensive stance. Mistral must launch an attack of its own in the coming months. This is no time to resume the cycle!"
"A disquiet forms amongst our people," Vermillion said with a patient tone. "They worry House Argent will not release its grips on power. In all of Mistral's history, no faction or Head of House has ever possessed as much influence as you do now. Even if we are not worried, the ones below are not so easily tided."
"This is outrageous! I will relinquish my seat and usher the cycle's continuation, but only when this war is finished."
"Are you sure that is the case, Argent?" the tone of Vermillion resonated deeper. "I am not in complete agreement with Sable, but the longer your reign continues, the more space grows between the cracks. Vassals of your faction have begun flaunting their newfound influence in less than acceptable manners. Our people have felt this. And the members of my household, who I am responsible for have felt this too."
"I-It cannot be helped," he stuttered. "You have my word, I will distribute punishment to anyone abusing their positions. But this and the issue of leadership are separate."
"—Perhaps, if I could offer a solution," a youthful voice spoke up.
The young boy was dressed in a formal hakama dyed in dark sapphire. An ornamental hat sat upon his head that draped aqua tassels and beads. He was only fourteen years old, but regardless, he was the Interim-Head of House Azure.
"Would it be possible to share the Prime Minister seat, and then transition?" the boy suggested.
"A naïve idea," Argent shook his head. "Only chaos would stem from a split command. Our army and our nation must stand united, under one leader."
"Then, perhaps a form of oversight by House Vermillion, who is impartial to the current succession?"
"The other three Houses are the oversight, young Azure." Argent's voice took on the cadence of a teacher. "You are new to your duty—I understand. But you must know that the council of four keep each other in check. You and the others have the right to question and refute my methods, just as I reserve the right to defend them."
"Until we no longer have the power carry out that duty," Sable added with a scoff. "A time that is quickly approaching."
"I've had enough. You argue principle and cast accusation, but you are the most corrupt of all. The only reason you advocate the cycle's continuation is so your House can regain influence. This meeting is adjourned," Argent stood from his chair and began making his way down.
"This is not over, Argent! You will be held accountable by this council!"
"If you wish to detain me, you may try, but I would not advise it. I bid you all fair health until the next meeting."
The Prime Minister exited the chamber with Raven following just behind.
A small glance was spared to the Head of House Vermillion. Their eyes met briefly, before Raven turned away, and the two exited into the halls.
"Those ignorant fools," Argent muttered. "Are they truly so blind to the plight we face?"
"I'll be honest, Argent," Raven crossed her arms. "I wasn't too happy when you kept Bean a secret from me either."
"But you understand why I had to."
"Yes, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. And by the way, I still think you're playing with fire."
"We face the might of the other Kingdoms and a Witch, who commands calamity at her fingertips. Having my hands singed is the least of my worries."
"Salem—she won't stay quiet for long. And I doubt she believes we're still her allies."
"I must ask, are you sure Temujin will not enter the fray?"
"Not unless someone attacks Vacuo first," Raven dismissed the idea. "Make no mistake, Salem is the real gamechanger here. The war started with her, and that's where it'll end."
"Indeed," Argent scratched his beard. "The other Heads remain unwary of the threat the Witch presents. Complacent they are in thinking she will stay on her little island forever."
"That, or…"
"Hm," he nodded. "We are of the same mind."
"Only half trusts, Argent. We don't know who Salem has snuggled between her legs."
"The obvious suspect being Sable. The man exhales ulterior motives with every breath he speaks." The Prime Minister gave Raven a long look. A hint of doubt traced his face. "You would stop me, if I strayed from the correct course, would you not?"
"Without hesitation," she answered. "I'd put you down. So trust in the path you're walking, Argent—"
"—You have a responsibility to see this through to the end."
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X
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It was late in the evening, when Team ENMY and Peafowl arrived in the Vermillion District.
Much like the Sable District, which Mercury and Emerald visited previously, the residential area seemed to reek of high society. They could see it in the mansions, the tailor-fit clothes, the inexplicable amount of water fountains and shiny cars.
Oddly enough, Team ENMY actually blended into the scenery around them.
As per his employer's instruction, Peafowl drove the four in a luxury limousine. While Mercury and Emerald donned the uniforms Haven Academy reserved for formal events, Yang was "persuaded" to wear a long, white cheongsam a proper lady would usually wear. Neo on the other hand, had a maid outfit, which gave her the impression of being Yang's personal attendant.
In the limo's long carriage, Yang scooched beside Mercury to whisper in his ear.
"Hey. Do you know what this is about?"
"I have an idea," he muttered.
"Another thing you guys can't tell me?"
"What, you don't know? Seriously, Raven or Emerald haven't said anything?"
"What? What does my mom have to do with this?"
"I'm not really the one you should be asking. Don't have the whole picture myself. Em does."
"Fine… Guess, I'll go ask."
Yang hesitated. The aftermath of her and Emerald exploding on each other a short time ago was still fresh. Regardless, she crossed the limo's seats to the other side.
"Hey, Em."
"What do you want?" the girl asked without looking at her. Emerald's hand tucked under her chin, staring out the window.
"Okay, so I put on the dress and am now letting myself be kidnapped to who knows where. Can you at least tell me what this is about? Is it related to the other thing?"
"For the last time, there is no 'other thing'," Emerald groaned. "I guess this was long overdue. Figured Raven would've mentioned it by now."
"It's not like I see her a lot."
"Right, real mother-of-the-year material. I keep forgetting—Tell me, what do you know about Mistral's governing body?"
"You mean, Parliament?"
"That would be the one."
"Well, the Prime Minister is Argent Claw, right?"
"Yes, very good," Emerald clapped sarcastically.
"Shut up. What do you want me to say?"
"Why don't you try telling me what you know, so I can tell you what you don't, without wasting my time? Starting with Parliament's formation and structure."
"O…kay."
Yang took a deep breath.
…
Well, it's commonly believed that Mistral was the first true city of civilization.
Its government is run by Parliament, which is the collective leadership of the Four Noble Houses: Argent, Azure, Sable, and Vermillion.
The history books say that when the Kingdom was still young, the people had trouble coping with the changing seasons. This was important since, depending on what time of the year it was; food, life style, labor, and even the species of Grimm varied in different ways. Especially on the continent of Mistral, where the extremes of every season occurred. The hottest summers, the coldest winters, and everything in between.
To combat the problem, the ancestors of Mistral came up with an idea.
That was to have different clans in charge of managing each different season. The Heads of their respective clans became the undisputed ruler of the whole during their assigned term of the year. This position would one day become the seat of Prime Minister.
As time went on and technology advanced, surviving the changing seasons became less difficult and the constant switching of leadership became troublesome. So, instead of trading off every few months a year, they began cycling Prime Ministers in years of four. The order of succession remained since ancient times, and so did the Four Noble Houses.
Azure – Spring
Vermillion – Summer
Argent – Fall
Sable – Winter
So, Mistral thrived under this system of governance.
It wasn't perfect.
For one thing, the Kingdom worked on a strict caste system. Meaning the poor usually stayed poor and the rich usually stayed rich. Origins of birth and reputation determined almost everything, with little chance to advance society's ranks.
At the pinnacle, the Four Noble Houses commanded the families below. Vassals closer to the original bloodline had greater chances of being named Head of their faction, a position most sought.
When a leader rose to the top, they took the name of the main Household. Ergo, the present Vermillion Wing took over and was named such, after the previous Vermillion Wing retired.
Currently, the Prime Minister of the Mistral Kingdom is Argent. Although he was only supposed to hold his position for four years, an extension was made. This was due to the emergence of the Second Great War.
Along with a number of questionable decisions made during his term, the ones that stand out are the allegiances made with the White Fang, specifically with Raven Branwen and Adam Taurus; and the decision to use Grimm as a military asset. There's also a growing list of Faunus reforms being approved and passed through Parliament, many on his forced word. Some say this was done as part of a deal he struck with the White Fang, while others believe Argent is trying to generate support from the lower social castes.
Whatever the case, there is a large consensus arguing for and against the idea of continuing the cycle of leadership with Argent vacating his seat.
Yang slowed her breath after ending her explanation.
"Not bad for the highlights. I thought you knew a lot less," Emerald paid the offhand compliment. "You know the names of the families under the four major Houses?"
"Uh…not really. Aren't there, like, hundreds?"
"Yeah, wouldn't expect you to. Funnily enough, one of them is 'Peacock'," she glanced at their driver. "Usually the ones with bird names fall under Vermillion's jurisdiction."
"Oh!" The thought clicked for Yang. "So, Peafowl is—"
But she stopped midsentence.
One of the things they heard the butler mention was of his employer not being of the Vermillion Faction.
"Well, there are reasons why someone could be exiled or removed from their House," Emerald scoffed.
"Peafowl's isn't the first case. There's a lot of competition, whole families getting removed. In fact…another name pops to mind, when the topic of exiled families comes up."
She looked at Yang straight-on, for the first time since their argument.
"It was the Branwens."
The car pulled through a grand gate and into a wide courtyard.
What lay ahead of them was the residence belonging to the Head of Vermillion Wing.
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NOTE
-The four noble houses mentioned in this chapter are based on the Four Mythical Beasts/Symbols present in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese folklore. Depicted as a Dragon, Tiger, Tortoise, and Phoenix, each of them have actual directions, colors, seasons, and type of animals they are in charge of.
-The Tower of Alexandria mentioned in previous Blake chapters references to the Library of Alexandria.
-The Sphinx Grimm named Giza is based on the Sphinx statue located in Giza.
-Temujin is the actual/childhood name of Genghis Khan.
-The Hanging Gardens in Vacuo are based on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. One of the Seven Wonders of the World.
-The character Papyrus in charge of the Tower is based on the Egyptian deity, Seshat. Goddess of writing and scribing(record keeping). Also known as a deity of libraries. Papyrus also being a type of parchment.
-The Jotunn Grimm in the Weiss Chapters are based on the Giants of Norse Mythology.
-Kori, the Winter Maiden is based on the Greek mythical figure Persephone(Kori or Kore translates roughly to "maiden" in Greek and also an alternate name for the goddess). According to one of the most famous stories concerning her, she is kidnapped by Hades and brought to the Underworld. This abduction causes the season of Winter.
-Neo's past is based partly on The Ugly Duckling.
I think that about does it for the references so far.
Extra chapter released.