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Chapter 17

Diplomacy and Other Gruesome Tortures

The first few weeks of my time as Elincia's bodyguard proved mercifully uneventful. Much of Elincia's time was spent in meetings with nobles and prominent citizens, gathering support for her cause among the upper echelons of Begnion society, while the remainder was, at my insistence, spent within the relative safety of the Mainal Cathedral. I gradually got accustomed to the ins-and-outs of bodyguard work, and while most of it consisted of simply standing around silently while she carried out her talks and negotiations, I still made a point of never letting my guard down. With Nedata's warnings about the Senate and the recent assassinations fresh in my mind, there was plenty to worry about.

I had another bit of luck as well; Ike agreed to assign one other person to the security detail, a female that could stay in the same room as Elincia for security during the night. Obviously, it would be unacceptable for me to do that, and I was instead stationed in the main room of Elincia's guest suite. The less fortunate part was that the list of women Ike was willing to spare from mercenary duties was, well, rather short. First, there was Mist, but she could hardly even pick up a sword, and a little healing magic would do little to stop a determined assassin. Worse yet, she expressed an interest in cooking for Elincia while Oscar was away. Definitely not. I was, after all, supposed to be protecting Elincia.

Astrid, while not particularly skilled in combat, seemed like a good choice at first; After all, she knew the local nobility and customs, and could prove very useful to Elincia as an aide of sorts. Unfortunately, it would seem that she became a knight to escape betrothal to Vice-Minister Lekain, a prominent Senator, and therefore her presence would likely harm the good relations Elincia had been working so hard to build. Likewise, Marcia's recent and rather informal resignation from the Holy Guard created a similar problem.

That left Alarice, who vehemently objected to the assignment right up until the moment I reminded her that the next mission would take the mercenaries into the middle of a scorching desert. After all, warm meals and a few boring meetings certainly beat dehydration and a long, sandy trek. Which now, almost a week after the mercenaries' departure for the desert, brings me to the most clear and present danger to Elincia's safety...

"If you bring that frilly piece of shit anywhere near me I will KILL YOU!" Al screamed, recoiling in disgust from the dress Elincia held out to her and rushing to put a chair between herself and the advancing princess.

"Oh, but Miss Alarice it's made with the finest silk," Elincia protested. "If we are to attend the Duke Numida's ball then you must be presentable-"

"Over my dead body! I'm serious, BACK OFF!" Al shot back, brandishing a candlestick like a club to ward off the princess.

"Oh, for the love of- Al, just put the damn thing on!" I finally cut in. "It can't be that bad."

"Why don't you wear the dress, then?" she snapped. "Seriously, can't I just wear the same thing you are?"

"Sorry dude, I don't make the rules." My outfit honestly wasn't much better; There were no lacy frills, thank god, but I still had to wear a tunic and tabards adorned with the flowery heraldry of Crimea. I wore some leather body armor underneath just in case, but the outfit was a far cry from the tuxedo I was accustomed to back home.

"Please, Lady Alarice, it is important for someone of my station to have retainers at such an event, and there will be many Senators and lords there. I thought you wanted to help our cause..." Elincia said, putting on her disappointed face and sad eyes. Man, she was getting good at playing on the emotions of others. Al grumbled unhappily, but finally lowered the candlestick.

"Fine, I'll wear a dress, but not that one," Al mumbled resentfully. Elincia smiled and waved a chambermaid over, who'd been waiting nervously outside the range of Al's candlestick. The girl cautiously guided Al into the suite's bedroom, jumping when Al added "And no CORSETS!"

I laughed at her misery and just shrugged helplessly when Elincia looked at me in confusion.

"With your permission, m'lady, I'll go check on the carriage while she's getting ready," I said respectfully to my employer, taking a few steps toward the door. I liked to check out any transport before Elincia actually used it, just to be sure everything was in working order; The first time I escorted her to a meeting, the wagon's axle broke, and it wasn't until we'd gotten a second wagon, completed the meeting and returned safely that I was finally convinced the whole thing wasn't a trap. Fortunately, if only for the sake of my own paranoia, everything checked out, and the driver was one I knew. Satisfied that everything was set, I returned to our guest rooms on the fifth floor. Inside, Elincia was trying unsuccessfully to persuade Al to wear perfume.

"Aw look, see? That isn't so bad, now, is it? You almost look, oh what's the word... girly?" I said tauntingly to Al, seeing the (rather simple) dress she'd agreed to wear.

"I'll gut you," she hissed, the venom in her voice matched only by the hateful glare she directed at me and the princess.

I turned to face Elincia, and gave a quick, respectful bow. "The carriage is ready, Your Grace. We can leave whenever you want."

"Well, let's be going then. And please, there's no need to stand on ceremony here. Save it for when there are Senators around," Elincia replied.

"Just practicing," I said as I opened the door for her. She insisted on a certain familiarity with the mercenaries who'd been with her for a long time, but I felt uncomfortable addressing her that way. A princess is still a princess, whether she likes it or not. As soon as she was out the door a trio of guards moved out ahead of her, forming a wall in front of their charge. I fell in just a few steps behind Elincia, walking next to Al.

"You armed?" I asked quietly, careful to keep Elincia from hearing. She hated it when we brought weapons to social events.

"Yup, dagger in my boot," Al replied, gesturing to her feet. I barely suppressed a chuckle; The heavy traveling boots looked a little ridiculous next to the fancy dress, but then I was wearing a flowery emblem on my tunic so I really couldn't say anything. "Expecting trouble?"

"No, but there are a lot of people at this party. Anyone could hide in the crowd, so stay on your guard," I cautioned her, absentmindedly feeling for the knife I had concealed beneath my tabards. The guards led the way outside, positioning themselves around the wagon and opening the carriage door for us. I made sure Al and I were seated protectively on either side of the princess, and banged on the front of the carriage to signal the driver. Time to make a good impression on the Senate.

Numida's party was held at his personal mansion, a palatial dwelling near Sienne's vast market district. It was a short carriage ride from the Mainal Cathedral, and luckily we made it there without the wagon breaking down. I took point, leading the way inside the compound and announcing Elincia to the guards at the main entrance. After a brief and not-very-thorough search for weapons in the villa's massive foyer (I basically just had to leave my sword with the guards. Honestly, I've seen better security at rock concerts), we were shown through a set of ornate doors and into the main hall of Numida's manse. It was a spacious, two-storey hall with tables arranged around an open space for dancing and socializing, while an elaborate staircase at the opposite end of the hall led to a wide balcony that wrapped around the room, providing many good vantage points from which someone could observe the events unfolding down on the main floor. The walls were adorned with huge paintings depicting ancient battles and glorious vistas, the upper balconies were supported with marble pillars that matched the marble floors, and the tables were draped with cloths of the same deep red as the carpet on the stairs. Someone was certainly flaunting his wealth.

"My lords and ladies," the steward who'd led us in announced to the assembled party-goers. "May I present to you Princess Elincia Ridell Crimea, daughter of the late King Ramon and survivor of the recent Daein invasion."

There was a smattering of applause, but the vast majority of those present seemed more interested in their own conversations or the generous helpings of food Duke Numida's servants had set out. Unfazed, Elincia curtsied politely and moved to join the throng while the steward announced other arriving lords. I pulled Al aside before we could get too far into the party.

"Okay, here's the plan; I'll stick close to the princess, you split off and mingle. Keep an eye out for anyone watching Elincia or otherwise taking more interest in her than they should," I ordered. This place was crowded, and some lords were bringing dozens of retainers and bodyguards. "Don't stay in one place too long, we don't want to be too obvious."

"Sure. Why me, though?"

"'Cause you look small, innocent and harmless. No one will be watching you," I replied honestly, instantly regretting my choice of words. Luckily Al just glared at me balefully before disappearing into the crowd. As soon as she was gone, I hurried back to Elincia's side.

"What's the plan, my lady? Do you want to speak to the senators right away, or make inquiries about their stance on our little issue?" I asked, unable to keep a hint of eagerness out of my voice. Elincia was getting pretty good at politics, playing to the ambitions and ideologies of those she tried to persuade, and watching her at work was truly amazing. To my dismay, she shook her head.

"The plan is for you to go eat, mingle, and talk to some of the Senator's aides, Sir Adam. I don't need you hovering over me like some overprotective cloud while I'm trying to make a good impression," she answered in a determined tone.

"Absolutely not," I said casually. This was not an uncommon request; Elincia firmly believed that there was no danger to her in a crowded room, and found bodyguards stifling in a social situation. "Ike said to keep you safe, and that's exactly what I'm doing."

"Need I remind you of what happened two days ago, in the meeting with the merchant's guild?" she replied pointedly.

"I thought it went very well," I lied. Yeah, I did get a little overprotective...

"You put their representative in a wrist lock!"

"He was rude, he was getting way too close, and technically it was a wrist, elbow and shoulder lock, thank you very much," I declared in mock pride, knowing full well that I was very lucky the guild still decided to support her...

"So you plan to injure every person who steps too close to me tonight?" she asked, raising one eyebrow incredulously.

"Oh, he wasn't hurt, just temporarily immobilized. And what do we need merchants for, anyway?"

"The merchants can give us additional funding, and if we do succeed in retaking Crimea, we will need trade agreements, raw materials and food to help us rebuild. Regardless, I am your employer and I am giving you a direct order; Go enjoy yourself, and don't put anyone in a lock without asking my permission first. Am I clear, Sir Adam?" she asked in a tone that told me she would brook no argument. Technically she wasn't my employer, Ike was, but she was his employer so... yeah. I had no comeback.

"Yes, Your Most Royal Highness," I grumbled, overemphasizing the ridiculous title to annoy her. Enjoy myself? No, I'll still keep an eye out for threats, just from a distance. I bowed more-or-less respectfully and left, taking a tall, narrow glass of wine offered by a nearby servant and looking for some place on the ground floor that would let me observe the gathering while still staying reasonably close to Elincia. I accidentally brushed up against another of Numida's guests, and found that it was none other than the mercantile official to whom I'd given a (literal) crash course in wrist locks the other day.

"Nice party, don't you think?" I said, smiling sweetly and waggling my fingers at him. The colour drained from the poor merchant's face and he beat a rapid retreat, stumbling into a few other guests in his haste. I chuckled evilly to myself and returned my attention to the princess.

The next hour was pretty uneventful; I nursed the same glass of wine as I discreetly observed the party, moving from place to place and idly chatting with some of the other lords' aides so I did not draw attention. It was amazing how much those aides were willing to tell a friendly stranger once they'd had a few drinks, and after several conversations I had gleaned some good information. It seemed most of the nobles were waiting to pledge their support to Elincia until some of the bigger players took sides. These were some of the most influential men in Begnion, and three were currently at the party. Duke Numida, a rotund man busy shoveling food into his face, held sway over most of the merchants, but also held the least political influence of the three. His support meant little to our cause at this time, as the merchants (despite my antics at the last meeting) had already pledged their support.

Vice-Minister Lekain of Gaddos, a man I had long ago written off as an obnoxious, boot-licking sycophant, currently stood at the center of a massive crowd of people all trying to get a favor or a moment of his time. He was fantastically wealthy and one of the most influential Senators, but I figured that was due largely to the fact that he kissed the Apostle's arse at every opportunity. Still, of all the Senators he held the most fiefs and land, and his armed forces were very powerful, second only to the Begnion Central Army itself. He was not quite as influential as Prime Minister Sephiran, but Sephiran was currently away, making Gaddos the biggest deal in Sienne at the moment.

The last one was Hetzel, Duke of Asmin, and while he was known for taking sides with the other powerful Senators, he was also know for his wisdom; His word carried great weight no matter where he was or with whom he was speaking. Still, that influence was waning as old age and senility caught up with him, and many of the younger politicians had little respect for him. I had yet to find him in this party, but that was fine; Gaddos was the true prize here, and if Elincia could persuade him to support her cause, scores of lords would follow his lead, giving us sufficient support in the Senate to make an official request for military support.

Unfortunately, Elincia had yet to speak with Lekain and consequently looked to be making little headway with the other nobles, and while she remained outwardly calm she must have actually been quite frustrated. As I watched, Elincia excused herself from conversation with a group of minor lords and ladies, frowning and shaking her head once their backs were turned. Seeing her coming my way, I grabbed two drinks from a passing servant.

"Goddess," she sighed as she took the glass of wine I held out to her. "Nobles can be so tiresome."

"I know, right?" I deadpanned as I surveyed the pompous gathering. "Imagine being cooped up in a guest room with one of them for weeks on end..."

"Surely I am not that terrible," Elincia replied drily, rolling her eyes.

"It was just a joke, Your Grace," I apologized, before adding, "Mostly a joke, at least."

"Much like your bodyguard skills," Elincia continued without missing a beat.

"Ouch. Cold, heartless wretch," I replied dramatically. "Y'know, there are some people over there I think you have a lot in common with." I gestured to the gathering of lords she had just left, finally drawing a laugh from the princess.

"Shall we call it a draw?" Elincia asked.

"Ha! You wish," I answered.

"I am your liege; My wish is your command, so yes, it is a draw," she countered. Her expression suddenly became more serious. "But enough banter."

"Problem?" I asked.

"I am not making any headway here. None." Her refined speech and tone were unusually strained. This was the first time any meeting with nobles had gone badly. "Half of these senators treat me as if I am a beggar looking for scraps, and the ones that are sympathetic are unwilling to pledge their support. Have you learned anything that might help?"

"It's not that the nobles aren't willing to support you, they're just waiting to see what the bigger players do; If they go against the more powerful lords, their own power and influence could suffer. Look for Gaddos; You get him to support you, and all these others will follow along like good little dogs," I explained.

"I've been trying to speak with Lekain for some time, but he always claims to be too busy for an audience," she said. "Even today I am told that he cannot treat with me. I get the impression that he is deliberately keeping me at bay..."

My frown deepened; That did not bode well. "I'd recommend the Duke of Asmin, but no one's seen him here. Maybe you could try Numida?" I suggested, hoping to offer an alternative.

"I already spoke with him; He really only holds sway over the merchants, most of whom were going to support us anyway, so he is of little use to us," Elincia said, but her frustrated expression suddenly changed as she paused thoughtfully. "Hmmm... perhaps I could use the support of the merchants as leverage, forcing Numida to introduce me to Lekain."

"It could work. Or it could just piss him off," I cautioned. Elincia used her charm and wits to negotiate; Threatening someone was not her style at all, but then again her country's fate was at stake here; No support in the Senate meant no army, even if Ike could get the Apostle to side with us. I guess she's willing to do just about anything to protect her people.

"It might, but not if I phrase it just right. Would you look for Hetzel while I do that? His influence could prove useful in changing the opinions of the Senate."

"Yes, milady," I replied as I watched her leave. Before I carried out her orders, I took a moment to observe her exchange with Duke Numida. It looked quite cordial at first, but as soon as Elincia mentioned that the merchants, the base of Numida's wealth and power, were loyal to her, the poor Duke's face turned white and he was practically falling over himself trying to keep he favor. Confident that things were going according to plan, I moved off to find Al, hoping she might have an idea of where this elusive Duke of Asmin was. Before I had made it so much as a few steps, though, someone seized me roughly by the shoulder. I turned around to see a two-hundred-pound slab of muscle at least a head taller than me, obviously a bodyguard of some sort.

"Come with me. My lord wishes to speak with you," he said in deep baritone voice every bit as intimidating as his stature. I forced myself to maintain a neutral expression, and I made no move to follow.

"I'm just a bodyguard, you must have the wrong person," I replied, offering what I hoped was a disarming smile. Damn, this dude has an iron grip.

"My lord asked me to bring you, specifically, to him. He does not make mistakes," the goliath replied, keeping his tone even but tightening his already crushing grip on my shoulder.

"Lead on, then," I grunted, prying his hand away. I followed him up the extravagant staircase to the second level. We stopped at a table, isolated at the far end of one of the balconies that offered a good view of the entire party. An elderly man, his bent posture making him seem small and frail, sat quietly on the far side of that table. I followed his gaze to the lower floor, and saw that he was watching Elincia as a very flustered Duke Numida introduced her to the Vice-Minister.

"Sit,"" the old man said, not looking away from the exchange below as he motioned to a chair. I remained standing.

"Who are you? What's this about?" I asked curtly, stalling for time as I searched the party below. To my relief, Al was conversing with a pair of young barons just a few meters away from Elincia, and she keeping a close eye on the princess.

"Friendly bugger, aren't you?" the old man said drily. He motioned again to the empty chair. I reluctantly took a seat, keeping one eye on the old man's imposing servant. Once I was seated, the man continued. "I am Lord Hetzel, Duke of Asmin and a member of the Imperial Senate. You serve King Ramon's daughter, do you not?"

I perked right up when he introduced himself. This was just the man I wanted to see! I could just picture the look on Elincia's face when I told her that not only did I find the Duke of Asmin so quickly, but I got her an audience with him as well. "I do. I'm sure the princess will be overjoyed to speak with you. I could go tell her you are-"

"No need, I can speak with her whenever I want to. Right now, I am more interested in what you can tell me," Hetzel interrupted. His tone was still cordial and his expression benign, but it struck me as very strange. He took a sip of his drink - water, not wine - before he continued. "You accompany the princess everywhere, or so I am told. Are you one of the Royal Knights?"

I barely kept my shock from showing. "No, far from it. The Royal Knights are indisposed for time being." They're all dead. Remember the invasion? Goddess, I guess he is as senile as the rumors say...

"Ah. You are just a Crimean soldier, then?" Hetzel surmised, either oblivious to my sarcasm or too polite to react. Be diplomatic, Adam, I reminded myself. Sarcasm or disrespect from me could reflect badly on Elincia.

"I am a mercenary, under contract to protect Her Highness," I answered simply, not at all sure what he was getting at.

"I see. A curious choice to protect someone as important as her, to say the least," the Duke observed, one eyebrow raised incredulously.

"The princess doesn't have much choice in companions at the moment, but I assure you I am perfectly capable of protecting her," I lied. No need to tell him I'm still kind of a rookie.

"What I meant is that mercenaries are not always as... reliable as more conventional soldiers. After all, you lot tend to be loyal only to your pocketbooks," Hetzel explained, offering a polite smile that did not reach his eyes.

What are you getting at? Trying to gauge my loyalty? "I'm not going to abandon her when things get dangerous, if that's what you're asking," I replied firmly.

"I just mean that there are many wealthy people in Sienne who do not take kindly to the young princess, especially given the controversy surrounding her father's relations with Gallia." He took another sip of water, but I could see he was watching my reaction closely. It was all I could do just to keep the surprise off my face.

"I'm not sure I get your meaning," I replied coldly, afraid that I got his meaning all too well; Is he really trying to buy me off?

"Oh, but I think you do. There are people in Sienne who would pay quite handsomely for her head. If someone were to offer you..."

I'd heard enough. "This conversation's over. My loyalty is not for sale," I snapped as I stood up to leave. On a signal from Hetzel, the brute guarding him moved to block my path.

"You mistake me," the Senator said, maintaining his calm demeanor. "I am not offering money in exchange for her life, I merely wished to check the integrity of her security."

"I'll bet you were," I replied icily, not buying it for one second. Sure, he never explicitly asked me to betray her, but he'd come way too close to it for my liking. I went to push past the guard and storm off, but I might as well have walked into a brick wall. The man pushed me back a step, trapping me against the table as he advanced. I inched my hand closer to the dagger in my tunic, and I saw a telltale metallic glint at the bottom of the guard's right sleeve.

"I had hoped we could speak at greater length about your employer. I am not your enemy, though I fear we have gotten off on the wrong foot," Hetzel continued.

No way in hell, I thought; The one thing I'd gotten from all his cryptic talk was that Elincia was in danger, possibly - scratch that, probably from the very man I was speaking to, and I had no desire to tell him anything more about her. Unfortunately, there was the small matter of the hulking bodyguard inches away from gutting me.

"Call off your dog, Hetzel, unless you want this to turn into a bloodbath," I bluffed, trying not to let any fear show. The bodyguard bristled with anger when I called him a dog, and his knife dropped into his hand. I pulled my own knife surreptitiously, to emphasize the bluff and make me feel a little less vulnerable. It didn't help much; My palms were sweaty and my hands were shaking. "I'm sure you wouldn't want to explain to the Apostle how you've mistreated one of her guests."

"I'm sure your princess would not like to explain to the Apostle how her soldier was killed after drawing that knife on Duke Hetzel," my adversary countered, holding my stare. We stayed like that for a few seconds before Hetzel finally spoke.

"Let him go," Hetzel said. He didn't sound at all disappointed; In fact, he sounded almost happy, as though I had already answered all his questions. The bodyguard grudgingly let me by, bowing his head in deference to his lord. Not about to question my luck, I sheathed my knife and brushed by the guard, not looking back once. I grabbed a glass of wine from a nearby waiter and drained most of it in one gulp to steady my nerves, then hurried back down to the main floor; Elincia definitely needed to hear this. I was halfway down the staircase when I bumped into Elincia and Al as they were on their way up the stairs.

"Oh, there you are," Al said cheerfully. "Guess what? Ike and the others are back!"

"I've concluded my business here, so I thought we might leave early to greet them," Elincia added eagerly. "Unless you've had any luck finding Lord Hetzel."

"I found him, but he won't be any help to us. C'mon, I'll tell you on the way," I said, overjoyed to have an excuse to leave. The further we get from these Senators, the better.

The Greil Mercenaries were just entering the cathedral when we arrived, and my concern for the princess was overruled by excitement at seeing my friends again; After spending months fighting side by side with them, a week of separation seemed like an eternity. Elincia led us straight towards Ike, intent on joining him in his meeting with the Apostle. I started to follow, but seeing Boyd nearby I excused myself and jogged over to see him.

"You look beautiful, man! That flowery shirt really suits you!" Boyd exclaimed as soon as he saw me.

"Good to see you too, you stupid meathead!" I laughed, clasping hands with my friend and slapping him heartily on the back. "The mission went well, I assume."

"'Bout as well as could be expected when we're stuck fighting a bunch of escaped slaves; They were pretty weak, no challenge at all, but at least we managed to take most of them alive," Boyd said sourly. He brightened suddenly, though. "Oh, but then we got ambushed by slavers on the way back here this morning! Turns out they were friends of that convoy we hit a few weeks ago. It was awesome!"

"Wait, what?" I gasped. "Is everybody okay?"

"There were a couple wounds, nothing serious. That Volke guy saw them coming a mile away and we were ready for'em. I took out four guys before the rest ran, and let me tell ya, nobody else even came close to that number. So, what have you been doing while I was off being heroic?" he asked cockily.

"Oh, you know. Parties, balls, meetings, beating up anyone who looks at Elincia the wrong way; No big deal, really," I said as nonchalantly as I could. Secretly, though, I was worried. The only people who knew about our attack on the slaver convoy, aside from us, were that Apostle and her inner circle. Someone, probably a Senator, must have told the slavers about it and sent them after the mercenaries. Add in the troubling conversation with Hetzel, and it was apparent that someone in Begnion was actively working against us. I had to speak with Ike.

"Heh, nice. Hey, a bunch of us are going over to Nedata's bar for drinks, you should come with us," Boyd suggested. "There's some really cute serving girls there..."

"Right, because you have such a great track record with serving girls," I said sarcastically. "Like that one girl who was definitely not named Cheryl..."

"That was just bad luck, totally not my fault," Boyd answered defensively. "C'mon man, it'll be fun."

"Wish I could, but I gotta talk to Ike first," I replied. Boyd looked dismayed, so I relented. "Alright, maybe I'll drop by once I'm all done here."

"Sounds good, man! Seeya there!" Boyd said before jogging off in the general direction of the notorious captain's bar, not even bothering to change out of his bloody clothes. My smile disappeared as soon as he was gone, and I made my way inside the cathedral to speak with Ike.

A/N

Sorry this is a week behind schedule, but I actually have a legitimate excuse for once; I got my wisdom teeth removed. It was fun. And by fun, I mean I don't remember anything at all from the day of the surgery. Stupid anesthesia! Now that I have mostly recovered, I can eat solid food again, and I don't have ice packs on my face, I can finally get back to writing. Anyway, time for review responses. Oh, and please R&R, I love hearing what you guys think of the fic.

Ronman5: Congrats for noticing that Kezhda is indeed inspired by a little-known cannon character in Fire Emblem. For those who don't know, Kezhda is a laguz who appears as a boss in the third part of RD only if Lethe died in part 2. That being said, anything you know about him is irrelevant here, because I really just needed a decent Gallian name for the character and I'm not actually using the original Kezhda.

Missiletain: Good to see you back on FFNet, dude. Yes, you can still submit an OC if you like. I've got room for three or four more in the fic (they will appear much later, unfortunately), and only two of those have been decided for certain. I'll repost the template on my profile. I apologize in advance for the sheer length of said template.