Jircniv could see the expressions on the other royals and those affiliated with royals. 'If one single spell can destroy a country, raise an army or destroy one, then it is effectively the end of independence for any kingdom that doesn't do as he likes.'
Queen Draudillon had already taken first prize by acknowledging Momonga as a ruler equal to royalty, but… 'There's still time for me!'
So while they dined, and devoured the demonstration of his supremacy in the form of undreamt of dishes and wine so flawless that it might have come from the vineyard of the gods, in its way, this was more impressive than Momonga's magic. 'The quality of one's food and drinks reflects on the person's wealth. Even I can't manage to refine food to a quality such as this without expense that just… isn't worth it. And yet he does this for a routine meal to greet 'friends'?'
The implications of this, much like the implications of his stunning maids who moved with grace that made Jircniv's staff look like lowly tavern wenches, were far beyond the definition of 'unsettling'.
And as such he did what he could to keep control of his emotions, conversation was pleasant in the extreme, the girl 'Neia' sent a shiver down his spine to look at her, but she spoke with a cheery air, and more than that, as he questioned her and learned of her familial status, not to mention having caught her ear regarding her elevation to working directly in the palace of the Holy Queen… 'She's an up and comer, back her early and I'll have an ally there that may come in handy.'
And so he was his most charming self toward her, she was a very… physical person when she spoke, though clearly using proper etiquette without even thinking of it, thus revealing the truth of her noble heritage, she was also prone to wild gestures when describing physical things, as if she hadn't had much in the way of conversational practice.
"Yes, of course. But is the wall really that big?" He asked with genuine interest. Any emperor worth his salt was concerned with fortifications.
"Yes, and it's not just a wall, it's part of a fortress that guards the narrow gap north. That whole place has been a problem for generations, sometimes they sneak into our territory, sometimes we send people over to theirs, but it's like… I don't know. Not the fires of war, but not-"
"It's like a cold war, you might say?" Jircniv suggested.
"Yes. That." Neia gave a sharp nod, "I've spent a lot of time hunting down those who sneak over the border to try to wreak havoc. Most of us have. Our whole kingdom is just one big armed camp at this point."
"I see. Well, perhaps I can lend you some support, with a little help from our friend here." He inclined his head toward Momonga, who in turn paused in his conversation with Fluder.
After a quick explanation to catch him up, Momonga rubbed his jaw, "Yes… yes, I can see how that would be a problem. Well, I wouldn't be much of a friend if I just let you die now, would I? I'll send Cocytus to bring peace to the Abelion hills. Which brings me to something I might as well discuss now."
Momonga tapped his goblet several times and the idle chatter over dinner paused.
"As some of you know, I'm not human. And for those of you who do not know," he swept a hand across his face to reveal the three holes of a doppleganger, "now you do. If that repulses you to know, please, rise from my table, I will send you home, and you need never return again."
Nobody moved, and his face reformed itself. "I'm well aware of the nature of the dominant religion among humanity, and while I take no issue with most of it… their belief in the extermination of nonhumans… obviously presents a problem. So there are three things I want to see change."
He raised one finger, "The first is, I want an end to war. To aid in that, I offer my home as a place to speak on neutral ground in any dispute between kingdoms. The second, I want to see the faith of mankind become something… else. Something more welcoming, I will not have my friend's precious creations, or my future children, residing in the world that hates them. IF you call yourselves my friends, I ask that you do what you can to amend that situation. The third… I ask your help in taking myself and my power 'public' to the rest of the surrounding countries. To the Slane Theocracy, to the Holy Kingdom, to the dragons, dwarves, elves… among them all there must be worthy people who deserve not only the true bonds of camaraderie, but who are also fit to rule and lead, who will work for peace between borders. Can I count upon you all?" Momonga asked.
And Jircniv saw his chance.
"Yes, but if I may, my good friend, Momonga." The Bloody Emperor stood from his seat and held his silver cup out before him, "I believe the most effective way to do that is if you were to found a true nation. Your power is substantial, as is your wealth, you have the support of this table, I'm sure." He gestured toward Draudillon, Renner, and Gazef. Brain remained an enigma, but listening to the man converse it wasn't hard to work out that he represented a kind of 'underworld' leadership, another valuable thing in and of itself.
"If you were to found a proper country and I were to say, offer my own as a vassal state-" Jircniv suggested and let the statement hang.
"I would not take the homes of my friends." Momonga said a moment later.
"Then make it hegemonic. Provide simple directives and goals and allow subordinate nations to govern themselves accordingly." Jircniv suggested, he felt victory land into his palms and recalled his thoughts before coming.
'Victory has several conditions. The first is that I leave with a deal in place. The second is that this deal benefits the empire with myself still in charge of it. The final is that I come out ahead of all others…'
It hadn't been quite the perfect victory.
Queen Draudillon had gotten one up on him by addressing him as if he were royalty. But in all else? 'I have won.' The Bloody Emperor reckoned.
"There is a thought… yes… Princess Renner, would you be able to ensure a similar welcome from your Kingdom?" Momonga asked.
And Renner bowed her head, "Sadly, my father died last night, and my brothers have somehow mysteriously disappeared. My Climb foiled an attempted kidnapping of myself as well. Strangely enough, my sisters also perished shortly after my return. I may very well be the last of my line. So I can't offer what you ask until I'm confirmed as the Queen."
She hid her smile flawlessly as she bowed her head and briefly swept away a stray tear, casting it down to the pale stone floor. "I had no desire to bring my troubles up to you, my friend. But since you ask, I don't wish to promise what I can't deliver."
"I'll provide a bodyguard of sufficient 'discretion' to protect you." Momonga promised, "I'm sorry for your loss." He bowed his head toward her, "Should you require anything, call on me."
"I will, my friend." She said while sweetly fluttering her eyes, "My Kingdom has no tradition of ruling Queens, so if I need help confirming myself on the throne… I don't expect it, nobody will want a civil war. But if I do?"
"Of course." Momonga said at once.
"As I promised you, Princess, I will protect you against any threat, no matter how grave, in honor of your father." Gazef vowed.
"See Cocytus before you leave, ask for some equipment befitting your purpose." Momonga suggested. "I believe you'll find that will make your job much easier."
"I-I thank you." Gazef said without hesitation.
"While they settle that matter, I can promise my nation will also support you, and to be a vassal to the one who saved my country… how could I say no?" The Draconic Queen said matter-of-factly as if she were just describing the weather and not taking part in the foundation of an empire larger than any the world had ever seen… over dinner.
His promise to assist in securing Renner's throne was as good as a guarantee. Which meant… 'He's also guaranteeing all of our stations, all our lineages, he has a sharp political mind to go with his sovereign power, nobody can stand against him in skill or power… to join with him is to be completely secure… I would be daft to not get in early…'
"I have none of the standing of the others," Neia pointed out, "but when I'm settled into the palace I'd be happy to bring my knowledge of you up to the Holy Queen. I'm sure she'll be very taken with you, just as I have been." Neia grinned, nay, beamed at him.
And it wasn't hard for Renner to see what that meant. 'Within a year, that one will be the Holy Queen, five years if she's duller than she looks.'
From there it was the details of the agreement that would follow… but before they left the table, an agreement… there… would… be.