After walking for what felt like hours, Alia the elf led Alex up a flight of stairs and finally stopped. Throughout this whole ordeal, Alex wondered if he should take his ring off.
At least I have an escape route if it turns out I am in danger. Though Druella will probably never let me out of her sight ever again.
Finally, the blindfold was removed from his eyes, and Alex blinked a few times as his eyes readjusted to the light.
He was in what appeared to be a lavish office, with a large ornate desk in the middle of the room and a few chairs on the side. And he was not alone. While Alia stood behind him guarding the doorway, standing in front of him was none other than the Court Eunuch from the Steylian throne room.
His name was Ionnes, right? What does he want with me and Drue-"Eudokia"?
"Alia, my dear, I told you to only observe Lady Eudokia and her new assistant. Why did you bring the boy over?"
"This boy was trying to stop some of Lord Phokas' men from starting a riot. If his employer shares his views, we might gain a useful ally against Phokas."
The eunuch raised an eye. "Is that so? In that case, you made the correct decision in bringing him to me." Ionnes then turned to Alex. "Young man, if you are sincere in your desire to maintain peace between humans and monsters in Steylia, then you may be of great help to me."
Alex breathed a sigh of relief at the news- if this eunuch, Ionnes, had a plan that would diffuse the human-monsters tensions in Litanopol, then that would be one step towards preventing Druella from monsterizing the entire country.
"However, there is the matter of Lady Eudokia. Tell me, young man, who is she, really? What is she, really?"
…oh. This could be a problem. How does he know? Did Druella's glamor fail? The rest of the court appeared to be fooled!
Ionnes continued talking. "Young man, I have been Chamberlain for Emperor Andron for nearly a decade, along with another 15 years under his father. I have memorized the faces and mannerisms of nearly everyone that has stood in front of the Steylian Throne, and I could tell that the person claiming to be Eudokia earlier today was not her. It was excellent mimicry, true, but her mannerisms were off just enough for me to notice. Also, Eudokia is far too much of a disciplinarian to bring an assistant to court who cannot bow on time."
What should I say? If I don't salvage this, Druella's cover could be blown. Then this whole mission would be a complete disaster!
The eunuch gave Alex a hard look. "If you do not tell me the truth, young man, then I'll keep you here until you do. Perhaps you'll make good leverage in dealing with this imposter."
Great, there's no convincing him. Maybe I can turn the tables a little.
Alex straightened himself and tried to look as imposing as possible. "My lady does not take kindly to people threatening her servants. If you won't let me go, she will find out, and she will obtain her justice."
The eunuch looked almost amused at Alex's attempt at intimidation. "I've dealt with my share of dangerous individuals, young man. Corrupt nobles, rogue mercenaries, cutthroat diplomats, nothing can faze me. While your attempt at a bluff was admirable if amateur, by all means, let her come."
Shoot, why did I think that was a good idea? I'm not some suave negotiator, I'm just a college student who is in way over his head! I guess I have only one option left- show him that my bluff was not just a bluff.
Alex gave the eunuch a smile. "Alright, if you think you can handle her, here you go!" he exclaimed as he slid the ring off his finger.
It only took about ten seconds of waiting before a shining light emanated through the room. It faded away to reveal a very infuriated Lilim, her eyes glowing with anger.
"Who dares to harm my husban-!" Druella's fury turned to confusion when she noticed that Alex was not tied up or in any obvious danger. Alia had pulled out a dagger, but the look of fear in her eyes suggested that she knew it would not do much to an angry Lilim. Ionnes, meanwhile, was slack-jawed in sheer surprise.
"Alia, Chamberlain Ionnes, meet Druella, Fourth Princess of the Mamono Realm. And my wife."
[]
"Alex, what exactly is going on here?"
Druella had been busy speaking with one her contacts at Litanopol when she sensed the mana marker in Alex's ring activating. After immediately teleporting to the marker, she found herself in a room with an elf, the Court Eunuch from earlier, and Alex, whose expression looked more smug than fearful.
Chamberlain Ionnes was the first to speak. After regaining some of his composure, he peered at Druella with an angry expression on his face.
"So, Lady Eudokia has been replaced by the Conqueror of Lescatie herself. Was Lescatie not enough for you, lilim? If you plan on annexing Steylia, I will warn you right now that we will not submit that easily! Alia, go fetch the guards."
You are very perceptive.
"Wait, Lady Druella is not here to conquer Steylia!" Alex yelled, interrupting Druella before she could respond. "We've heard about The Order army amassing at your borders, and the growing danger to monsters in the city! Druella and I are just here to protect them!"
Alex, what kind of game are you playing? And why are you in a room with the Chamberlain?
The eunuch's anger softened a little, but he remained suspicious. "Not here to conquer? Alex- it is Alex, correct?- I'm well aware of Druella and her exploits, and I know that she never settles for anything short of total domination. We Steylians have faced countless foes over the millenia- former Mamono Lords, the Tazchek Khans, and countless other nations that no longer exist. And yet we have survived them all, and remain as one of the oldest nations to have never fallen to an invader. So even if what you say is true, I will not risk the survival of my homeland until you give me a reason to trust you."
Alia walked over to the eunuch's side, her face one of grim determination. "I swore an oath to the Steylian Emperor when I first began living here. So even if the Mamono Lord herself attacks Steylia, I will defend it together with all the other humans."
How troublesome, I never expected that my mission would become so complicated. You foolish elf, once Litanopol has been converted to a Demon Realm I'll be sure to reeducate-
"I've seen what Phokas has been doing in the streets. Turning humans against monsters, inciting hatred, goading the people into tearing each other apart. If you can just give us a chance to work with you, we will help you take him down before things can get any worse."
Just what was her husband up to? Druella had expected Alex to remain by her side the entire time at Steylia. She had only permitted him to move around on his own with the expectation and trust that he would keep himself out of trouble. And yet here he was, trying to negotiate with a court official.
I will have to keep him on a tighter leash from now on. I understand he is trying to help, but he could have gotten himself killed!
The thought of losing Alex made her shiver. Had the eunuch actually harmed her Alex, he would have lost far more than he already had.
Ionnes stared at her husband for a moment, then his suspicion receded some more. "I can tell when a man is lying, it's obvious in the eyes. But you appear to be sincere. Very well then, while I am unwilling to trust Druella, I will at least give you a chance. If you accomplish a task for me, I'll believe your claims that she will not assault Steylia."
Alex smiled and motioned for the eunuch to continue. Is he trying to cover for me? Alex, while I do appreciate your attempts at misdirection, they are unnecessary.
"Lord Phokas has always harbored a hatred towards monsters, calling them agents of the Mamono Lord sent to covertly take over Steylia. But I believe his recent actions go far beyond that. The arrival of an Order army on our borders at the same time his agents enflame anti-mamono sentiments cannot be mere coincidence. Whatever he is planning cannot be allowed to happen."
"However, what I lack is evidence. I could capture one of his minions, but words will not be enough to convince Emperor Andron. He loves his brother to a fault, and will dismiss all confessions as lies. Thus, if you and Druella truly do wish to protect Steylia, bring me something indisputable, something Andron could not ignore."
I can see why you are worried, Ionnes. This foul man, Phokas, must be brought to heel. But fear not! In just a few days time I will bathe this nation in so many layers of pleasure his plots will never be able to-
"Alright, you have our word! We'll bring you the evidence you're looking for!"
Alex, I have no idea what you are trying to pull, but I will play along for now. We will need to talk later, however.
The eunuch smiled, as did Alia. "Thank you for helping us, Alex. And you as well, Druella. If you do manage to bring us something indisputable, I will be sure to alleviate some of Andron's concerns about Lescatie."
"Before we agree to your proposal," Druella interjected, "I would like to know why you show such concern to the mamono residents of Steylia. What do you gain from stopping Phokas?"
And what gives you the right to assign a task to me!
Alia began to take a more defensive posture, but Ionnes placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's all right, she has a point." Then he unfastened the golden bracelet on his right hand.
The eunuch's body shifted in appearance. The softness of his face vanished, with his jaw becoming more well-defined and his skin far more firm. His body appeared far more muscular than it had before, and despite the golden robes in the way Druella could detect that Ionnes was no longer a true eunuch.
Fufu, so Ionnes has already repaired himself on his own! Thank goodness, no man should be denied the chance to taste true ecstasy!
"The creation of eunuchs has been outlawed in Steylia for decades." said Ionnes in a firm voice, its former softness all but gone. "Unfortunately, that law came too late for me. But then I met Alia, and she took me to a baphomet capable of returning what was lost to me. That moment gave me a new understanding- while the Mamono Lord and her subordinates needed to be observed with caution, individual monsters all deserve the chance to exist and find their happiness, even here in Steylia."
The elf slid closer to Ionnes and rested her head on his shoulder, her cheeks now tinted red.
What a cute little twist! Now I understand why he is so opposed to Phokas- losing the woman who gave him a second chance would devastate him. Very well Alex, though I still do not approve of your brazenness, I will help take down Phokas.
"Very well, my dear ex-eunuch, I accept your offer. You have my word that Phokas will not be allowed to accomplish his goals."
I suppose this could open more opportunities in Steylia. But why did Alex risk his safety trying to find an alternative to conquest? Doesn't he want to see Steylia join the Mamono Realm?
He must be a pacifist. Yes, that must be it.
[]
After saying their farewells, Alex and Druella returned to Eudokia's villa. As they closed the main doors behind them and entered the main hall, Alex could not help but feel elated.
Hah, I knew there'd be a way to resolve this crisis without turning Steylia into a Demon Realm! Once we find something to incriminate Phokas, things in the city might calm down between the residents and the mamono. It won't solve every grievance, but it'll be a step in the right direction. Then we can work together to defeat the army-
"Alex, we need to talk."
Druella's voice broke him right out of his thoughts. As he turned around, he could tell that the Lilim was not happy with him, her eyes literally glowing with disapproval.
"Why were you in a room with the Court Chamberlain? I only allowed you to walk through the city with the expectation and trust that you would keep yourself out of trouble. I gave you far more leeway than many monsters would grant to their husbands, yet you got yourself captured almost immediately."
Oh boy, if I don't explain myself well, I'll be lucky not to be locked up in Lescatie Castle for the next few centuries!
Alex explained how he followed Phokas' thugs after they caused trouble in the marketplace, along with his encounter with Alia and how the Chamberlain already suspected something was off about "Lady Eudokia". After hearing his story, Druella's disapproval only seemed to grow.
"Alex, tell me, what would have happened if Alia was not there to stop you confronting Phokas' men? Or if her intentions along with Ionnes's were more hostile than they turned out to be? You could have gotten yourself KILLED!"
Druella's scolding transformed into a yell at the very end. Any lingering feeling of triumph vanished from Alex's mind, and he realized just how reckless he had truly been.
She's right…what if instead of Alia there was a third Phokas agent at that doorway, late for the rendezvous with the other two? Or even a common street thug? And I sort of did impulsively trust the elf, heading off to meet with a complete stranger. Was I so desperate to find a way to stop Druella's monsterization plans that I abandoned common sense entirely?
Alex looked back at Druella, who had a genuinely hurt expression on her face. While Alex did not regret securing the agreement to stop Phokas, he realized now just how scared the lilim was of losing him.
"I'm sorry, you're right. I did act impulsively out there."
Druella's expression softened a little, and she looked down upon him like a mother would to a repentant child.
"I understand you are trying to help, my sweet, foolish husband. And I do appreciate your efforts- this lead against Phokas may prove useful. But you need not concern yourself with such issues."
The lilim leaned over and gently stroked his hair. "When I claimed you as my husband, I swore to protect you from all harm. To free you from fear, to fill your life with pleasure and endless delight! That is the goal all monsters share- to shower all men in the world with endless love and to free the love present within all women! So you do not have to worry about assisting me in my mission, allowing me to grant you happiness is enough!
While her words were sweet, Alex could not help but feel a little uneasy about them. She might genuinely love him, but she certainly did not see him as an equal.
Am I really your husband or just a human equivalent of a purse puppy, something to pick up and cuddle with love while never allowing it to roam free?
Druella gave Alex a quick kiss on the cheek before standing up. After a brief glow, she was back to masquerading as Lady Eudokia.
"Now Alex, I intend to visit Phokas' mansion to uncover what his intentions truly are. Please remain in the villa until I return. Then we can finally enjoy ourselves!"
As "Lady Eudokia" left the villa, Alex could feel a new sense of determination growing in his heart. There was no way he was just going to sit here, not when the fate of an Empire was at stake!
I'm sorry, Druella, but I'm no purse puppy. I was the one who learned about Phokas, and I'm going to see this to its end!
[]
As Druella entered through the gates of Phokas' mansion, she immediately noticed some peculiarities.
The mansion was a large complex, with a three-story tall main building bedecked with ornate columns and patterned archways, various smaller buildings on the sides, and a large front garden lined with cypress trees and with an elaborate fountain at its center. At the center of the fountain stood a statue of some ancient Steylian hero, water spraying out of his staff as he held it in the air.
But that was not unusual- Druella had seen her fair share of palaces. No, what she noticed was the sheer amount of guards present on the mansion grounds, far too many for a mere security force.
Either Phokas is a truly paranoid man, or these men are here for a different purpose.
As she approached the mansion doors, the man himself came out to greet her.
"Lady Eudokia!" Phokas exclaimed, his lips outstretched in a smile. "I did not expect you to visit! How may I be of service?"
"Lord Phokas, if I am not intruding, I would like to dine with you tonight. The city is in a particularly restless mood, and I was hoping you could provide further insight as to why."
"Why of course, Lady Eudokia! Come follow me, I have not yet begun dinner, and we have so much to discuss!" As the mustached nobleman led Druella inside, a guard closed the door behind her.
"I saw you earlier in court today, Eudokia." Phokas said as they both sat down at a dining room table filled to the brim with exotic dishes. "Did you overhear my argument with that cockless worm?"
And here I was thinking that you might be a pleasant man after all.
"I heard about the instability in the city streets, and the dangerous army from The Order on our borders."
"Bah, dangerous? My brother does not give them enough credit- in the countries beneath their sway, men live free from the venomous influences of monsters, free from the Mamono Lord's machinations! My brother is far too soft for his own good, he does not realize his tolerance of monsters is creating a cancer within our very capital!"
Venomous influences? Perhaps I'll introduce you to some of the meanest, cruelest manticores who ever lived.
"Nevertheless, Phokas, their presence on our borders is alarming. Unless you know something the rest of us do not."
Phokas' eyes narrowed slightly, and he leaned closer to "Eudokia". "You were always so perceptive, Eudokia. I suppose you had to be, or else you never would have gotten as wealthy as you did. Now, tell me, do you wish to see Steylia fall under the same shadow as Lescatie? Or are you willing to perform drastic actions for the sake of stopping the incoming darkness?"
He is trying to bring me into whatever plan he is concocting. Excellent, this may lead me to what I'm looking for. And I didn't even have to hypnotize him first.
Druella/Eudokia gave Phokas a smile. "Very well Phokas, I am listening."
"I knew I could count on you, Eudokia. Come with me to my study. You're about to be on the right side of history."
[]
Alex peered at the entrance to Phokas' mansion. There were two guards stationed at the front gate, and he could see more pacing around within the front garden.
Currently, he was peering out of a nearby alleyway less than 100 yards from the mansion entrance, with the encroaching darkness of night giving him plenty of cover. There were far fewer Steylians roaming the streets here- most had already returned to their homes.
So I'm here, now what? Is there a side entrance I could sneak in? Or maybe it's better to wait until someone else comes out first?
Before he could come up with some hare-brained scheme to infiltrate the mansion, someone yanked him backwards by his collar. Before he could even yelp in terror, he found himself staring into the unamused emerald eyes of Alia the elf.
"Well well well, if it isn't the gallant idiot. I've heard many rumors about Druella, but I never heard that she's unable to control her own husband."
I really need to learn to watch my back. "Oh, um, hello Alia." Alex greeted her sheepishly. "I didn't expect to see you here. Wait, why are you here?"
"Did you really think Ionnes would just sit back and let Druella freely roam about the city?" the elf responded while looking at Alex like he was a complete idiot. "He's willing to entertain the possibility she might have good intentions, but he knows better than to trust her word and the word of a stranger. He sent me to keep an eye on her, and to report back if she's planning anything devious."
The elf's annoyed expression turned into a pensive one. "Though, so far she appears to be pulling through. Perhaps we were both wrong about her. Having a daughter of the Mamono Lord as an ally would certainly be a boon for Steylia."
See, Druella! Diplomacy is better than open war! You can make fruitful long-term relationships without anyone getting raped or corrupted! The roots of an alliance are already beginning to spread.
"But to return to the original topic at hand- your name was Alex, right? Just what do you think you are doing here?"
"Well," Alex responded, "I was hoping to help Druella find evidence that would incriminate Phokas."
The elf gave him a questioning stare. "And just how do you intend to do that? By running right in? Do you even have a plan, Alex?"
Oh. I did it again, huh?
The elf's gaze softened a little, and she placed a hand on his right shoulder. "I can tell that you have a heroic heart, Alex. And a genuine desire to do good. But you cannot just run into danger no matter how righteous you are- you'd only get yourself killed. What you can do, however, is improve yourself until you have the strength and wits to match your heroic drive."
This is the third time today I've been scolded, but she is right. I want to mitigate Druella's worst tendencies, but until I have the means and ability to make that happen, I'll only be a burden to her. Hell, after this trip she probably won't be taking me anywhere for a good while, but I can put that time to good use! Maybe Wilmarina can teach me some sword-fighting skills?
Alex gave Alia a firm nod, and the elf smiled back in affirmation. "Now, how about I escort you back to "Lady Eudokia's" villa? In the meantime, you can tell me how you won the heart of-"
Movement from the front gate caught both of their attention. A gray-hooded man was leaving Phokas' mansion, the same variety present at the market earlier in the day. As he readjusted his cloak, Alex and Alia both noticed the sealed letter fastened to his belt.
"Say, Alia. Ionnes wanted some physical evidence, right? Well, that letter is probably more than just a grocery list."
Alia peered back at him. "Yes, this may be the opportunity we are looking for. Just follow behind me and don't get in my way- don't worry, I'm willing to give you and Druella credit if this proves to be fruitful."
The two followed the gray-hooded man for several blocks as he weaved his way through the streets and alleyways of Litanopol. As he turned into one alley, Alia motioned Alex to wait as she ran in after him. There was a strong "Thud" sound, and when Alex turned the corner he found Alia kneeling over the now-unconscious man as she unfastened the letter.
"Now, let's see what you were trying to deliver so urgently." she said while opening the letter up for both of them to read.
Bardas,
There's been a change of plans. Instead of having you present outside the Temple of Ares to stir the crowds into a riot, I want you to be part of the arson team. Remember- the Temple must burn just before midnight!
Once the building has been set alight and the crowds riled into an anti-monster frenzy, return to the mansion. I'll need you when I break into the palace and capture my brother. The majority of the guard will be drawn away quelling the riots, but I'll still need you to help us avoid any stragglers. If you're successful in all your tasks, I might even give you the honor of blinding him!
Signed, Phokas
Alex and Alia both looked at one another, understanding what the letter implied. Phokas wasn't just putting the human and mamono residents at each other's throats- he was planning to launch a coup!
He's even going to blind his own brother?! How perfectly Byzantine.
"Alia, how long is it until midnight?" Alex asked, his voice slightly shaking.
"We have about just over two hours." the elf replied, her voice a mixture of anger and fear. "But we must hurry quickly, the Temple of Ares is across the city near the Mamono Quarter!"
She grabbed him by the arm. "I'll permit you to come along, but keep yourself out of danger! My husb- I mean my employer will not appreciate it if I earn the wrath of an angry lilim!"
With that, Alia and Alex raced across the city, desperate to stop Phokas' coup before it could have its fiery beginning.
[]
Author's Note: And thus ends Chapter 5! Will Alex, Alia, and Druella stop Phokas? And where does the Order fit into all this? Find out next time.
Besides that, one other thing I'd like to mention- there won't be any harems in this story. Or at least, none involving Alex and Druella. I understand that might be disappointing for some of you, but I'd like to really explore their relationship- adding more women would just complicate things. Though I do hope to incorporate more of the Fallen Brides of Lescatie later on.
Timur Beg- yes, that's the analogy I was going for. It's not a 1:1 comparison, but yeah- Steylians = Byzantines, Order = Crusaders, Lescatie = The Seljuks (an ever present enemy looming over everything), and the resident monsters of Steylia = the Pisan, Genoan, and Venetian merchants who settled in Constantinople in the 1100s. At least until Andronikos killed them all (screw that guy). I didn't really put a direct Venice analogue, but I hope the comparisons added some flavor!
OscuroSignore-51- ah, thanks for reminding me. As for Francisca, I haven't yet decided whether to keep her in the harem with Elt or to pair her with someone in the future, but I have no plans to give Alex a harem. For the moment, she just enjoys teasing poor Alex.
