Chapter 18

Wow okay it has been some time people. Sorry for that but life, a scattered brain, reorganization of the story itself. The latter of with I am still working on took up a lot of my time. Anyways for those who do not know I have been rewriting or slightly adjusting past chapters while redoing my notes on the number of OC characters and time period I am in. Which is a lot more work then I thought it would be. With that said while this is mostly a finished chapters I expect to change it to be a bit more detailed on certain locations and what not later on down the road but wanted to get something out there for you fan.

Now on with Q&A.

Blackholelord thank you for the suggestions and I have been trying to do so on another file which is actually helping quite a bit. Which actually made this chapter a bit easier to write. Believe it or not I only started working on it like 3 weeks ago and with the fact that I only really write on the weekend it was down pretty quickly.

Ikasuki thank you.

thank you as well.

SeigZeon thank you and if you have any ideas for character development or back story feel free to pm me. I take all suggestions seriously even if I don't' use them.

Dayside I will be coming back around to chapter 17. Honestly, I need a ghost writer lol.

MasterOfDragonsGod I have not seen you in a while. Happy you are still reading.

yesboss21 your reviews always make me smile. Keep it up because I honestly forgot about the giants of Essos. I can use that, but the question is should I change it up to where a few are still alive in hiding.

shubhendu dutta happy you are enjoying it.

honestly looking back I am not to happy about that as well. There were another ways to go about it but at the time I thought it was the best way to go. Sadly, I was wrong as when I was rewriting that chapter it just didn't vibe like I thought it did. If it was only a few chapters back, I would have changed the whole thing but I have gone to far now sadly to change it.

0Apolonius0 sorry but then the breaks. Honestly, I am trying to slow down more and yes, the Starks are enjoying clear favoritism right now but that won't always be the case. Fyi detail and back story has never been my strong suit and still working on it.

Guest lemons I suck at lemons. Really I need a ghost writing for that. If someone out there is willing to write one for me, I would be happy to add it but god suck at them myself.

And that is it for Q&A again sorry for the wait and just to let you know not a whole lot happens this chapter, but we are going to be speeding up from here into the darker part of the Century of Blood.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

-40 AMH or 47BC-

Everyone hates the tax man. These words were almost as old as mankind itself. From the moment man came up with concept of money they had taxed it and from there those words came in to being. At least that is what Malar Dynaan thought. His whole life he was made to fill like a failure, a disappointment or unwanted child but never had he felt more disliked than when showed up at a business establishment or resident to collect the kingdom's taxes. Don't get him wrong, despite often feeling unwanted or outright hated he wouldn't change his job if he could. Not with all the benefits that came with being a tax collector. Like the respect and bit of fear felt whenever he went to these establishments or residents. While yes, no one liked him, much like any officer of the government, people more often than not tended to bow their heads to him. Something a small and weak looking man like him couldn't have hope to have received in any other profession.

As the youngest of six he was the runt of litter so to speak. The weakest of the six, prone to getting sick a lot he most likely wouldn't have made it out of childhood if it wasn't for the healing temple and its free care system. But even after he made it past the early stages of childhood, his life wasn't easy and had often wished he hadn't lived. As while his brothers and sister were off training with their father so as to prepare them to join the army, he was trapped in their home with little to do but feel ashamed of his own weakness. Well that study what materials he could get his hands on and going to the free lessons at the Sōtō Zen temple. Sadly, even with plenty of time to study he didn't exactly stand out as a once-in-a-lifetime genius. Being average, at best he had barely passed the civil service exam when he was old enough to take it. While all his brothers and sisters were making great strides in the military, he had become little more then what people called a gofer. Or someone whose primary job was to fetch things for his betters.

By the time his sister had achieved the rank of First lieutenant he had just belay gotten his boss to remember his name. It was beyond shameful and really, he would have quit before long if not for just a bit of luck. Every year the Tax Office of the Ministry of Finance had to file detailed paperwork with the Minister of Finance's main office in order to look for any discrepancies in the taxes collected each year. This, as anyone could imagine, was a long and tedious process that bordered on mind numbing. But was also the signal most important task for the Tax Office. For if even one tiny discrepancy was found and went unreported then that could mean not only your job but your life depending on the mistake made.

It was here that fortune finally smiled on him. In the reports that he was going over before they were to be sent to the capital to the Ministry of Finance, he had found what he believed was a minor discrepancy at first. Nothing too serious at first look, as these things happened, and it was his job along with others to find them. So, following proper protocol he reported it to his superior who was supposed to report it to their superior and so on. Afterwards he would be called up to make an official report and get a bonus along with a small amount congratulates for a job well down. Then life would continue on like it always did.

Except that wasn't what happened. Nothing happened in fact and that was enough for him to become suspicious. However, he put his suspicion to the side and just bought up the lack of action back up with his superior who assured him everything was fine. Things were busy enough without having to do extra paperwork during this critical time. So, the problem would be addressed at a later time. That, however, wasn't right. All discrepancies would typically be addressed right away. Any forestalling of said action from taking place was near criminal and could lead to not only job loss but charges of treason being brought against said person or persons.

At the time, however, he had reasoned that his boss was right, and things were too busy to worry about a slight mistake that he was assured would be taken care of. That turned out to be a mistake however as not only was the discrepancy never fixed but as time passed several more showed up. Worse, not only did more show up but in different sections of the report. It was all very wrong, but like a fool he had again brought it up to his superior. Only this time he didn't get any reassurances. No, instead he got a not-so-subtle threat to leave things alone. A threat that may have in fact worked on nearly anyone else. It didn't work on him however as while weak, scrawny and the black sheep of his family he still was raised in a military family.

His father, a retired Colonel, didn't raise him and his siblings to be cowards. Loyal to one's family and to the kingdom where not so kindly beaten into them. That was where his boss and his lackies fucked up the most. His father was a fucking ex-Colonel with close ties to the military. This may have been a strictly government affair but with his father's connections he was able to bypass his boss and get the documents he took from the local tax office and push them up the chain of command. Till they reached the desk of the daimyo himself.

It didn't need to be said that shit quickly made its way downhill. As it only took the Daimyo a moment to realize what the report said. From there everyone was arrested by the Shinsengumi with himself included despite being the one to have sent the report. It was all for show however as the Daimyo didn't want to give away to the criminals that he already knew who the guilty party was. That and the Daimyo wanted to what his mother called clean house. Eliminating all possible rivals or challenges to his power at the time. In many ways he had not only done the kingdom great service but the Daimyo as well for his actions and should receive an equally great reward. And was offered one after all was said and done.

However, during the number of interrogations, he had to go though he had gotten the not so small hint that he had fucked up too. While what he did was a great thing in the political arena, he had stab himself in the foot. Everyone from his boss to his lackies and even some of his coworkers were put under intense investigation. An investigation that ended with his ex-boss and his followers all being executed for their crimes instead of being given the option to commit Seppuku to save their honor. With a number of his fellow co-workers being found guilty of lesser crimes that saw them having to commit Seppuku to escape execution.

Now some would ask how did this affected him? Well, those people had families and allies in the political arena, and they were not happy with him. Any attempt to move up the political ladder wouldn't have been a good idea as even the Daimyo was weary of him for going through the military the way he did. What was to keep him or someone else from doing the same thing to forward their political goals. So, he would get little protection from the Daimyo or anyone else. Realistically if he had tried his hands at politics at that point, he most likely would have been dead within a year. That was why when it came time to choose his reward, he had asked to be given the position of tax collector. A relatively high-ranking position in the Tax Office as well as lucrative one but also a dead end one as well. As he would always be on the move collecting taxes, he wouldn't have time to play the game and move up in the system.

Really it was perfect for him as he was able to bring honor and prestige to his family. Along with securing himself a position of respect while never having to aim higher. Which he really didn't want to do in the first place. Politics had no room for a mediocre man of limited skill like himself. With that said there were some downsides to being a tax collector, other than not being liked by everyone and having no real chance of moving up in position that is. That downside was that while everyone hated the tax man everyone wanted to talk to the tax man. Unlike the magistrates who no one wanted to talk to for obvious reasons and the Shinsengumi members who were just too intimidating to speak with he was sadly approachable.

As while he may be the one collecting the taxes it was the Tax Office that set them. So, while the people resented him for doing the collecting, they recognized that he had little to do with what they had to pay. That was why nearly every day someone would stop him in the middle of his route to ask him about the going on in the inner court. Worrying not unjustly about the potential increases in taxes on their income or rise in cost of goods. So, he did his best to give them the information they sought in order to make his job easier. Despite not really liking having to talk to people.

"Brother." Malar hears the voice of his older brother Shosnol call out to him.

Looking over at his older brother Malar smiles as he sees him dressed in the military style of day. Which consists of a pair of black plain trousers, with a matching shirt and coat. Along with black military boots, and a beret with the symbol of what army he was a part of and his Chief warrant officer 5 patch right on his arm. He was the only one of his siblings to yet reach the rank of commissioned officer. But was well on his way from what he had heard from his oldest sister who had just been promoted again to the rank of Captain.

"Shosnol. What are you doing here?" Malar asks while he shakes his brother's hand firmly as their father had taught them. As he never let them show too much affection towards each other outside of the home.

"I am on leave for the next few weeks, so I thought I come back home to see how everything is going." His older brother says to him.

"I see then let's go get a drink and we can talk and catch up." Malar offers his older brother who happily accepts.

A few minutes later the brothers find themselves in one of the many more upscale taverns in the city. While they are being served their drinks Malar see how the barmaid flirts with his brother. It wasn't a surprise after all it was true what they said after how every woman loved a man in in uniform. Especially if that man had an officer's patch on him. It was not only a symbol of status but one of security as well. While it was a law that any person who did in service to the kingdom would have their family taken care of by the government the amount said family got was completely dependent on what rank said person was upon their death. If you were a low ranking private, your family less than that of an officer. So naturally the higher rank you were the more appealing you were.

When the women leaves Malar says, "Control yourself brother. Remember what father said about fast women and cheap drinks."

"Yes yes, they will ruin your life." Shosnol says while looking at the barmaid's fine backside for a bit longer before turning back to his brother. "Still a bit of fun never hurt anyone."

Hearing his brother's answer Malar just rolls his eyes. While yes older than him Shosnol was in many ways far less mature then he was. Often getting himself in trouble because of his fondness for drinking and fucking loose women. He already had two children out of wedlock that his family was supporting while he pursued his military career. Not that there was anything wrong about that as he fully acknowledged them as his own. It was just that his actions did tend to hurt their family's image.

"Just try and be careful this time. Mother will chop off your cock if you have any more children before you marry." Malar says to his brother in a warning tone of voice.

Waving his brother's concern off Shosnoi's says, "I know, I know don't worry about it I have no plans to have any more children any time soon."

Giving his brother a doubt look Malar just drops it for now. He already gave his brother a warning. It was on him if he didn't listen. So, moving the conversation in a different direction Malar asks, "So how is life in the army treating you brother."

Taking a drink from his cup before he speaks Shosnoi enjoys the favor of the sake than answers, "As well as could be expected. With all that is going on its not too bad."

While his brother's tone is even Malar can tell something is up, "So the military is in disarray as well, is it?"

"Disarray is hardly the term I would use more like, off put. The Kingdom, while relatively young brother, has never been without our rulers. It's understandable that the men are uncertain of the future." Shosnoi says thinking of what had just taken place a few months ago.

It was completely out of the blue when the announcement came that Tenno-sama and Kogo-sama were going on a extended vacation. Whatever n the hell that meant? It was beyond unbelievable that they would just up and leave one day but that was exactly what they did. Leaving her highness Princess Hela in charge. It was to say a completely cluster fuck as no one knew exactly what to do now and while her highness was putting things back in order as quickly as she could the military was concerned. Already they had more than a dozen military court-martials. Nothing too horrible just some cases of absence without leave, contempt towards officials and failure to obey orders and regulations. All small crimes but more than they had to deal with since the founding of the army. It was truly a nightmare and disgrace for the military.

Nodding his head at this Malar says, "It's the same with the civilian population. Since the announcement I have had to deal with endless questions on the tax laws. Will taxes rise, will they fall, can they trust the government to get tax returns done on time and so on. It has been a nightmare without end but as you have pointed out understandable. People wish for stability above all other things and a sudden change in power is not stable. With her highness coming to power unexpectedly and the fact that she is a woman on top of that leaves a lot of people doubting the future."

"Ya it's like they have forgotten that the current Shogun is a woman and that Kogo-sama held just as much power as Tenno-sama. No because her highness is a woman, in their mind she is weaker then our rulers." Shosnoi says sarcastically. While it was true women were physically weaker than their male counterparts that didn't mean all were. Military studies had shown already that women within the military were typically smarter, task oriented and more organize then men. It was little wonder that nearly the whole logistical department of the military was ran by women.

"That is the thing, within the lower parts of the government most believe that Tenno-sama was in control and directing the kingdom since its founding. A belief that has taken hold on a vast majority of the population. People like us who's father is a high ranking military official and knows the truth are in the minority. Even if we were to try and correct this belief no one would truly believe us." Malar says.

Yes, he and his siblings knew the truth of how hands off their rulers really where. While in the early days of the kingdom they were more hands on that had lessened by quite a bit after the birth of Princess Hela. Leaving the day to day up to than Shogun Narbo's for the most part. Then Shogun Narbo created the ministries to help him run the kingdom and that is more or less who ran things. Now that didn't take away the fact that their rulers held absolute power. It just showed that the kingdom could run for the most part without them overlooking everything. People however didn't see it that way and felt more comfortable in thier belief that Tenno-sama was deciding everything. Which was fine so long as Tenno-sama was around. With him and Kogo-sama being gone things were more hectic.

"And no doubt those rats in the upper part of the government are looking to capitalize on them being gone." Shosnoi says.

"Can't say but its most likely a safe bet. I have to say however if the military is having trouble I am sure the Shinsengumi are having a just as bad a time." Malar says.

Letting out a snort of amusement Shosnoi say back, "You can count on that."

-Elsewhere 5 months later-

Standing over the corpse of another former member of the Shinsengumi Lieutenant Wenorlah Forohrin was feeling displease. Yes, displease was the right word for what she was feeling currently. What was once anger and cold fury at the beginning of her investigation into corruption within the Shinsengumi had given way to disappointment. Then from disappointment to displeasure as it was becoming a common theme as of late. As a member of the Internal Investigation unit of the Shinsengumi or AKA the IIS it was her job to weed out corrupt members of the Shinsengumi. So, dealing with and arresting corrupt members of the Shinsengumi was nothing new. In her relatively short time with the Shinsengumi she had personally arrested a good number of corrupt individuals. What was so displeasing was that ever since Tenno-sama and Kogo-sama left on their extended vacation the number of offenders had climbed to numbers never seen before.

In her first three years with the IIS she had arrested a total of three members of the Shinsengumi and killed one who resisted arrest. A relatively average number to be sure. In the last five months however she had arrested six, killed five who resisted arrest and duel two who were under investigation. The last of which was currently face down on the dueling ground dead from stab wound to the chest. As one of the greatest sword masters in the Shinsengumi this duel was honestly a waste of her time. The fool hadn't even been able to give her a decent challenge but then those who were taking part in corrupt practices were becoming desperate.

Cleaning her katana with some paper then tossing said paper on the dead Shinsengumi member in disrespect she walks off the dueling grounds. When she is off the grounds, she is immediately surrounded by her loyal and fellow members of the ISS. All of whom are looking at her pride in their eyes and why shouldn't they. At only 24 years of age, she was the youngest member within the Shinsengumi that has ever been made Lieutenant and had one of the best arrest records to date.

"Congratulations Lieutenant another fine duel." She hears one of her men say to her.

"Hardly a fine duel. "This was little more than a waste of time," Wenorlah says back.

"Agreed, it would have been better to arrest him. At least that way we could have found out who he was in collaborating with." A woman in the group says bitterly.

A feeling Wenorlah was mirroring because the woman was right. If she had been able to arrest the man, she could have done a full-on investigation in to his background and who he was meeting and why. Questioning his family, his friends, getting his financial records from the bank. Anything and everything would have been open to her and IIS without question. But no, the magistrate who had approved the duel had agreed to make it to the death. A duel that she knew, he knew and the man who she fought knew would end in her opponent's death.

Hearing the same man who spoke before spit to the side and say, "Fucking politicians. How much do you what to bet that fucking magistrate was on the take."

"That goes without saying but there is nothing to be done about it." Wenorlah says her tone even despite being bitter herself.

That was one of the problems with duels. When one died in a duel all things concerning why the duel took place was considered closed. By the law she couldn't investigate the deceased man any further and all records of the investigation where to be closed and turned in the Ministry of Law for filing. The only way to reopen the file would be to get special permission from the Minister of Law or from the ruling monarch. Something she wouldn't get for such a small case. It was infuriating as now she would have to find some other avenue to investigate the bureaucrats, she knew were responsible for the corruption.

It didn't take a genius to put two and together and realize what was happening. With Tenno-sama and Kogo-sama gone everyone in any position of power within the upper and lower levels of the government were vying for power. Using not just the Shinsengumi, but every department to move up before her highness Grand Princess Hela had time to solidify her rule. To them it was a window opportunity that they couldn't pass up. Fools all of them. If there was any question that her highness was capable of reining in the various ministers of the kingdom, then they were quickly disappearing. Especially after it came out that the last Minister of Law had committed seppuku after he was found guilty of gross incompetency.

Of course, it was never revealed what it was that he had actually done to the masses. Only that on orders of her highness he was commanded to do so. Orders that any true patriot of the kingdom would follow seeing as to disobey was to admit you were a traitor to Tenno-sama and Kogo-sama. It was even rumored that was why she ordered it. To test to see if the various ministers were loyal to her and by extension the kingdom. Those, however, were only rumors the truth was far darker than that.

It honestly surprised her that only a little over a decade later after the Rebellion of the Dirt King someone would dare to challenge the might of the royal family. It was treason of the highest order but that was what the ex-Minister of Law had tried to do. How the man ever thought that he would get away with it was beyond her, but by the end of his ill advice attempt to limit her Highness power he along with several of his closest allies were now dead leaving what seemed like a open position to gain power.

It wasn't, it was a trap to see who would try to take the position by underhanded means. She knew this because she had already been informed by her captain that a secret dispatch from the capital had been sent to him. Offering him the position of as the next Minister of Law. It was a good pick by her highness if you asked her. Captain Komari Mozumi was the son of immigrants from Yi Ti who according to her captain came to the kingdom fleeing his mother's family. Who saw his father as beneath them and to allow the marriage to stand an insult to their family name.

Born about 5 years after the founding of the kingdom, he could be considered a second-generation citizen. And was an immensely proud man, with a strong sense of justice and loyalty towards the kingdom. From the moment he was promoted to the position of captain he had come down like a hammer on corruption inside the Shinsengumi. Earning him the not so nice nickname Two-Face Mozumi. Because he could smile at you while talking to you like a friend while at the same time investigating you for corruption.

Not matter what they called her captain however he got the job done and was being rewarded for his hard work. As she would once, he was officially promoted to his new position. It was a given that she was the next in line and not just due to rank but record. The number of arrests she had was the highest of any female, as well as one of the highest overall in the Shinsengumi and her duel record was flawless. All she had to do was stay alive long enough and she would be the first female captain in the Shinsengumi. Though that was proving to be very difficult as she still had 3 duels in the next 5 days to fight. All of them to the death.

It was clear to her that someone wanted her dead due to her constant investigations into Ministers of Law. After all there was no feasible way to explain why the Ministers kept judging the duels she was being challenged to as legal. Or how they were all being judged worthy of a duel to the death. Whoever was behind this was getting desperate, however. She could feel it and if she managed to stay alive long enough, she would be able to meet her highness and ask for permission to investigate those who had died at her hands.

Again, however, that all depended on her surviving long enough to make it to the capital for her highness official coronation as Grand Princess of Númenor.

- Minas Tirith-

Letting out a deep sigh, Hela, not for the first time, was feeling more than a bit frustrated with how things were going. Her father had once told her that ruling was not all that it was cracked up to be and those who could challenge your power would. If for no other reason, then to spite you and prove to themselves that you were not all powerful. Now no one could blame her for not taking her father's words at the time too seriously. As she had grown up around people who would bend over backwards to follow her mother and father's orders. It was natural that they would do as told to her then adolescent mind.

But as she grew up, she realized that wasn't the case at all. It wasn't in people to just obey those superior to them without some sort of push back. The only reason people obeyed so readily with her parents was because they were immortals. When faced with a foe that you couldn't ever hope of getting rid of either by assassination, natural causes or whatnot you were only left with being obedient. It also didn't help that her parents acted so above everything, that it actually inspired fear. The thought of gaining their attention kept those who would have felt emboldened by their lack of attention at bay.

She didn't have that option, however. Seeing as she was mortal and worse a woman. Women were simply not taken seriously in the halls of power. Unless they had the backing of powerful man behind them. There were some exceptions of course but those few women who could stand on their own faced more challenges than those who had a man backing them. They were simply thought of as the weaker sex and not without good reason. Women were in fact physically weaker than men. With only one out of 20 being in the Shinsengumi and one out of 50 being in the army being women. As for the royal guard, that ratio was higher but only because of the number of roles the royal guard filled. From the maids to kitchen staff, they were there often hiding in plan site ready to act if needed.

It also didn't help that while women did have equal standing to men in the kingdom few took advantage of that. Preferring to stay home and raise children then go out into the wider world. Outside of those who worked as courtesans the work force was made up of mostly men. As one income even from the lowest job could support a small family. As for those few women who were in the work force, few held positions of authority.

Now all of this could have been irrelevant in her case if she wished to act the tyrant. Her physical strength was mightier than nearly all men in the kingdom. Save the King of the Wind Jin the 2nd son of the former King of the Wind Jin the first and leader of the kings and queens of power. Whose power was greater than his father's and had mastered it to a level that allowed him to overpower her physically. Though if she used her magic, she was still his superior. She was also highly intelligent when it came to political intrigue due to her father's teaching. So, she was more then up for the job but again she was a mortal woman and because she didn't wish to be seen as a tyrant, she had to play the game unlike her mom and dad.

It was why she hadn't outright had that fool Devrim the ex-Minster of Law executed for treason when he tried to usurp some of her power as Grand Princess. Oh, how she wished to have made that fool suffer for daring such a thing. Especially as his actions nearly ruined many of her plans, instead of just setting them back by quite a bit. Lucky enough for both him and her his little stunt didn't involve any violence. Otherwise, she would have had to execute him for treason. Which would have seen his family disgraced and stripped of all their possessions. While also forcing her to side with the Snapping Turtles while stripping the Imperial Lions of a significant part of their political power. Something she didn't wish to do as she was already having enough trouble with that pesky Shogun of hers. Adding in a decline in power for those who would be her biggest supporters in the war to come would be unwise.

Clinching her hands into balled up fists Hela fought hard to keep her anger from taking over at the thought of her Shogun. From the moment that Halldora had been appointed Shogun, Hela could honestly say she wasn't impressed by the women. An option that hadn't gotten any better with time. How Hela wasn't one of those women who looked down upon on or outright dismissed the accomplishments of another woman out of jealousy or some deluded belief in where a women's real place in life was. But nor was she the type to lavish praise or come to the defense of a women just because she was one.

So, while on one hand Hela was quite pleased that another women was in a high position of power, on the other she was quite annoyed. As said women was in the way of Attila's and her ambitions. That wasn't to say that Halldora didn't do her job because she did and did it well, but Halldora disliked the notion of war. Which was strange as before she had become Shogun the women was a Lieutenant General in the army. If anyone should understand Attila and her desire to eliminate all possible enemies around their kingdom it should have been Halldora. But the women were a bleeding-heart pacifist who desired peace more than war and a diplomatic solution towards those who dared to attack the kingdom all those years ago.

A notion Hela didn't understand and had seen her at odds with Halldora from the very moment she took power. Using what was unfortunately good reasons to keep Hela from fully mobilizing the kingdom for war. The civil war in Ibben was still on going with no clear winner in sight. And while Hela and many in the Imperial Lions had hope one side or the other would attack the port they controlled, that had sadly not happened. Giving them no reason to interfere opening in the conflict. Not that Hela felt they needed a reason to pacify or conquer the severely weakened kingdom. It was just easier to come in as liberators of chaos, then conquers. People were after all so much easier to control if they saw you as the hero instead of the villain.

Then there was also the ongoing problem of road construction. Not that the construction itself was a problem. No, the problem lay in the sheer number of villages and towns that were popping up all over the place. Now the next census was near completion and Hela had a feeling the total number of people now living in Numenor was going to be at least double what most believed it would be. The simple fact was that rumors of their kingdom's open border policy had seen an influx of immigrants from all over. Combined with the ongoing baby boom and you had a lot of people living the the kingdom now.

Which was a good thing for their growing kingdom. As they had more than enough food to go around and land to live on. However, kingdom law dictated that a village or town wasn't considered a part of the kingdom till a sufficient road was built between it and the official road network. Taxes couldn't be collected from said village, and protection wouldn't be granted. This was a problem as of the total villages in the kingdom more than 60 percent were still not connected to a main road network and 40 percent of towns as well. The issue had to be solved sooner rather than later. However, with Hela's desire for war and conquest the budget had to be adjusted several times already delaying things by a significant margin.

Another problem that was currently on her list of things to fix was the ongoing public education problem. At the beginning of the kingdom Hela's mother and father had gone around teaching people how to read and write. That way they could teach their own children to do the same and had even gone so far as to making it a kingdom law that required parents to make sure their children were significantly educated. Which was all well and good but again the unexpected inflex of immigrants from other lands had showed that following such a law was near impossible. Seeing as most immigrants couldn't even spell their own names much less read and write.

To fix the problem Hela had suggest a public school system to be introduced. Where people would be paid to teach others how to read and write at no cost to the public or at least little cost. The overall plan was still in its infancy, but it was coming along. The only real problem was that the budget for this year had already been set. Unlike other kingdoms and whatnot, Númenor ran on a very strict budget for each ministry. To pay for public education she would either have to adjust the budget for this year, raise taxes or add funds from the royal treasury. Each of which came with their own set of problems of course.

The first being that changing the budget this far into the year would toss everything into disarray. As each ministry had at this point already set their plans on now to use said funds for the year. If she was to take funds from one ministry to give to another at this point projects that were either about to start or were in motion would have to be stopped. Putting people out of work or causing delays in other areas that could potentially hurt the kingdom as a whole. This was something Hela couldn't allow to happen. At least not in the first year of her rule.

Her next option was to simply raise taxes. Which seemed like a simple and easy solution on the surface. As the kingdom was wealthy and the average commoner had more coin than they knew what to do with. So, any fool would think why not rise taxes in that case. Which would prove they were indeed fools and not just because the people wouldn't like it. The tax system was like the budget scrupulously put together at the start of each year. Changing it now would only invite discord at this point. She wasn't dumb, Hela knew people were worried. There were fewer and fewer people left of the first generation who could remember a time before her mother and father created this kingdom. The rest except the immigrants didn't know a life without them in power. To say they were worried was understating it.

The First National Bank of Numenor that was founded in 11AMH was already feeling the effects of that worry. As instead of people putting their money into the bank, they were starting to pull it out and hording it in fear of an economic collapse. Lucky it wasn't to the point that it hurt the bank to much but if she made any changes that hurt the people's coin purses it could cause a collapse. As for the last option, well it went without saying that if she opened the royal purse strings to give to one ministry the others would follow. That was a headache she didn't want to deal with.

Overall, there were just to many things that needed to be taken care of before she could turn her full attention to war. Which left Attila on his own for at least the next few years till she could get a handle on everything. And while she knew it wasn't rational, she blamed Halldora for it. As she was the one who kept coming up with reasons, and good reasons for Hela not to focus on war. It was so frustrating she wanted to strangle someone.

"Your highness while I understand you wish to project power and authority to everyone around you may I be so bold as to say you look more unhinged right now then anything." A male voice says from across from her.

Speaking of someone to strangle Hela looks at the man before he and feels the need to do so more than simply strangle the man. Honestly her feelings on the former Prince Jaereo Martell, now Baron, were mixed. But not for reasons of actual hate or dislike. The man was amusing if anything and undeserving of the title her mother gave him. His artwork to her was subpar, dark, and to strange for her liking. He had not done anything noteworthy to earn his title. Her mother however felt like granting him a title, as in her words, his artwork instead spoke more to the darker nature of man. Something that would be remembered and not so easily dismissed as time passed.

With all that said like said he was an amusing man and unbelievably charming. It was little wonder why he was one of the few people in the kingdom who had taken full advantage of the kingdom's polygamy laws. Not only could he afford to have more than one spouse but handsome enough and likeable enough to keep them from killing him. A fact that she had learned all too well by the sheer number of times he had pissed her off and somehow managed to make her forgive him. Either by making her laugh or just feeling pity for the man. He was in many ways a breath of fresh air that was often needed after dealing with those who only looked to carry favor with her.

"Perhaps that is the image I am going for Baron Jaereo." Hela snipes at him.

Instead of looking worried at her tone however or backing off Jaereo says, "Yes, well in that case good job. I am sure you children and children's children will love to see now crazy their mother and grandmother truly was."

Feeling her eye twitch at his jab, Hela remembers why he was here and why she had been sitting still for the last two hours. In preparation for her coronation as Grand Princess for the masses someone, Hela couldn't remember who, had the great idea to have portrait done of her. She just agreed to it at the time because it sounded like a good idea. That was till Jaereo ended up being the one to do her portrait.

With an annoyed look on her face Hela tries to settle her face down to have a more calm and collected look but not before saying, "Remind me again how you ended up being the one to do my portrait Baron Jaereo?"

"Simple bad luck your highness. One of my wives put my name in the drawing without my knowledge and was then picked." Jaereo answers with good cheer. As while he wasn't the type to do portraits, knowing that it annoyed Hela made it worth winning the drawing. Ever since he permanently started staying in Numenor he had become a regular visitor to the castle. So, they had gotten to know each other well and while she may deny it, he felt they were friends. Maybe, kind of, well who knew?

"Ah yes, the drawing. If I was any other monarch, I would have had whoever came up with that idea executed." Hela says only half joking.

"Someone is in a bad mood. Let me guess Shogun Halldora has come up with more reasons on why going to war at this point in time would be a bad idea." Jaereo says to her.

Ah yes how could she forget, not only was Jaereo an annoying pest but a also politically astute and perceptive one as well. He may have had no love for the game, but as an ex-Prince of Dorne he was well taught in it. So, while his pollical aspirations were nonexistent he understood well what was going on around the kingdom.

"Indeed, she has. It is infuriating that I cannot just ignore her points or discard them." Hela says to him.

Continuing to paint Jaereo nods his head and says, "If you go looking for reasons not to go to war the list will be endless your highness."

"I know that, but Devrim betrayal did not help matters. Whether or not he meant to do so his actions have led to political instability across the kingdom. Those who were already taking advantage of their positions in the kingdom have started to openly abuse them. Leading to more arrests and vacant positions that need to be filled. I worry that I may be looking at years of political turmoil because of the actions of one miss guided fool." Hela says to her friend/pest.

Hearing this Jaereo again nods his head and once more thinks about how different the Kingdom of Numenor and the Principality of Dorne were. Unlike the Houses that made up the loyal bannermen of Dorne here in Numenor the Clans in Numenor held no real military might. So, they fought back using political turmoil which in away was worse. It was a game of words, ever shifting alliances and duels of honor. If her highness didn't play, then unlike her parents these men and women wouldn't helped her run the kingdom or would but would drag their feet. Making any policy, law or goal she had in mind that much harder to achieve.

"Your highness, forgive me if I am wrong but don't you count some of the most powerful and wealthy people of the kingdom as your allies. Surely with their influence you can force all those other bureaucrats into line." Jaereo says.

Letting out a sigh Hela says, "You would think so wouldn't you Jaereo, but its not that easy. Many of my so-called allies are powerful for one reason and one reason only. My mother or father backed them but with them gone they are for the first time on their own. They are currently too busy defending their own positions from those covet them to help me at this moment."

A good example of this was Countess Kochou Kou, Head of the Kou Clan. While none would dare to challenge the women out in the open seeing as her daughter Shoukun was one of her Onna-musha. Well Onna-musha in training anyways. That didn't mean those seeking her position couldn't do so in the shadows and with her husband having passed away earlier this year she had lost one of her most useful pawns. Which was all Skolsginl Kou was. While a loyal old king of power and of the old guard he was about as sharp as a ball and old to boot. He was already pushing over 30 years before Kochou was even born and by the time they were married and had little Shoukun he was past 50. Everyone knew their marriage was of convenience for Kochou. Having even said as much to Hela years ago.

However, convenience or not the man was well liked by the people, the royal guard, those in the military and even most politicians. His loyalty and compassion to both the kingdom and other people was such that he just made you like him. And while old he was a warrior of great renown. Being counted as the 7th greatest swords men in the kingdom without his geass and holding on to that rank well into his later years. Because Kochou was no warrior he was the one that fought in her place if ever a duel was required. Which was rare as he was just that great of a warrior. With him now gone Kochou had lost at least one third of her power.

Of course, Hela could have sure up Kochou's power base, and made it clear challenging her ally was unwise. But she chooses not to and for several reasons. The first being that Kochou honestly didn't need her help. Anyone who stupidly thought they saw a weakness to exploit clearly didn't understand who they were attempting to fuck with. A woman didn't rise to power in any society without being equal parts cunning and ruthless. Kochou had left more than a few bodies behind in her rise to power and not all of them her enemies. No Kochou would be just fine by the time this all ended.

That, however, was only one reason. The main reason was simply because Kochou had nibbled not bite the hand that fed her. How Hela didn't know if Kochou thought she wouldn't notice her using her own daughter to spy on her or if she did she wouldn't punish little Shoukun for it. But whatever the case may have been the women had forgotten why she was so powerful in the first place and needed to be reminded that without the royal family, manly her at this point she would be nothing more than the owner and madam of a brothel. Spying on her was fine, in fact it was expected even among allies but spying on her just so she could undermine her in one way and support her in another would not be tolerated..

Kochou need to be taught a lesson for using young Shoukun like this who was just the sweetest little girl. The little girl couldn't help but run to her mother every day and tell her about everything that had happened that day. Shoukun had no idea she was being used in this way and while Hela could understand why and even condone such an action if it was some other child. Hela liked Shoukun and wanted to make it clear that this underhand method was not acceptable.

"Too busy are made to seem too busy your highness?" Jaereo asks with a knowing smile.

Laughing a bit Hela say, "Oh I am sure you have guessed that answer Jaereo."

"Indeed, I have your highness, and may I say you are one frighting woman." Jaereo says in good humor.

"Hopefully not too scary. If I am to run the kingdom successfully, I need all the rats or at least a good number of them to come out and play." Hela says, as while so far, her plans had not gone the way she had attended them to she was able to adjust. The more rats that came out to play the more she could remove and replace with her own picks without looking like a tyrant.

-Beyond the Wall-

Hearing the cry of a large animal CC and Lelouch turn around to smile as they see their precious little boy playing with the local wildlife again. While their son Achilles made no secret of his distaste for the cold of the North, he was still finding join in playing with the local bears, wolves, shadowcats and whatever else was foolish enough to think them food. By himself Achilles was strong enough to hurt the local bears and just fast enough that the wolves had trouble attacking him with success. Not that they would allow anything to really hurt their little boy. Whenever they came across any dangerous wildlife, they would allow Achilles to fight them off, with a little help from them of course. After all, while his skin was getting strong and strong with each passing day it was far from being invincible like the Achilles of Greek mythology.

In fact, they wondered if it ever would get to that point and only have a small weakness somewhere on his body somewhere. Or if his skin would become like a 2nd suit of armor but still penetrable. It was hard to say at this point but clearly like Hela his powers were developing along the same lines as his name's sake. Only time would tell how strong their son would truly become.

Hearing the loud crash, they smile at seeing their little boy toss a snow bear to the ground with some effort. Then stands on top of it with a big smile on his face while holding up his hand in the v for victory sign that CC taught him. Not knowing that CC was giving the bear a little nudge, so it didn't get back up.

"Momma did you see that. I tossed the bear clear over my head." Achilles says in great joy.

"Yes, dear I did. You are getting so strong. Soon you will be as strong as Steinporr was." CC says to him while clapping her hands at his accomplishment.

Hearing this makes Achilles smile wider. Of all the kings and queens of power he had read about Steinporr was the one he admired the most. The man's love for life and battle called out to Achilles unlike anything else. He wanted to travel, and fight till he was known as the strongest warrior in the world. Just like his hero was, then go out in a blaze of glory. To have his name carved into the annuals of history was his life's goal.

That way he would know that he had made his father proud, the same father who was also clapping. While Steinporrr was his hero his father would always be the man he aimed to please. Achilles may have only been 10 years old but even he could tell that he wasn't the son that his father had expected to have. His father was very smart and so was his sister. So, his father had believed he would be as well and while not dumb he knew he wasn't nearly as smart as his sister was at his age. And while his father never made him feel like he was a disappointment, Achilles knew his father placed a higher importance on smarts than on strength. So, whenever he saw his father smile or clap his hands at something he had done Achilles few like he had taken a step forward in truly pleasing his father.

"Momma can I keep this one?" Achilles asks for what felt like the 100th time since they had arrived Beyond the Wall. Despite knowing what the answer would be.

"Achilles, we have already talked about this. No, you cannot keep the bear, or wolf or shadowcats we find." CC says giggling at the look of disappointment on her son's face. He was so cute, both of her children were but sadly being a good mother meant not always giving in to your children.

Giving her his best puppy dog eyes, Achilles says, "Pleaseeeee momma?"

This just makes Lelouch laugh a bit. Achilles for some reason didn't think he was a smart young boy, but he clearly was smarter than he realized. As he knew if he wanted a pet, he would have to go to his mother for permission over him. Because in his own words he was a shameless yes man when it came to giving his children small insignificant things. However, his children had learned long ago just became daddy says yes doesn't mean mommy will allow it.

"No Achilles and that is final." CC says not unkindly but letting her son know this discussion was over.

Which made Achilles pout sadly but climb off the bear and make his way over to his mother. Which makes CC bend just a bit, "Oh fine, if we find a cub or something you can keep it but no grown bears. They are harder to train."

Raising his hands in excitement Achilles shouts out, "Yes!"

Rolling her eyes CC looks around her at the men and women who were watching what was going on. Having completely forgotten about them but could she really be blamed for that. They were after all little more than useless barbarians. Smart enough to survive but too dumb to grow pass what they were. They were a testament to what happens to people who are able to fool themselves into believing they were free. They trapped themselves in an endless cycle of stagnation. They would not grow, they would not change, unless someone forced them to. Something Lelouch and her had no attraction in sticking around long enough to do.

So, they had selected the most promising group to help rise above the others. The Thenns while only slightly better than the rest of the free folk where both more organized and disciplined then the rest. Which wasn't really saying a whole lot but with them believing their leader the Magnar was a God they were easily to manipulate. All they really had to do was wait for the right Magnar to come to power, isolate him and then not so gently convince him it was best for him and the Thenns as a whole to do as they told him. Which wasn't easy as even though the current Magnar Jorakmar was a more open minded individual than most of his kind. He was still a stubborn man with a lot of pride.

But a few hours of toying with him and letting Achilles beat the shit out of him had convinced the man to obey. Within reason anyways, as the man would have preferred death to submission to them. Which was fine with them as again they had no desire to rule over these barbarians. Instead, they decided to give Jorakmar a geass and set themselves up as fellow Gods who came to visit the current incarnation of a fellow God. Something the rest of the Thenns easily fell for. While not stupid they were very superstitious. So, they were more than happy to believe what Jorakmar told them.

Speaking of whom was a simple but unique individual. While he was a blunt and honest as one could be Jorakmar was also very practical. He understood all too well that he wasn't really a God despite being raised to believe otherwise. The only reason he pushed such a belief was again he was practical and understood all too well it didn't help anyone to tell the truth. It was way despite being an honest man most of the time he was willing to lie when needed. Like right now he was lying to his people because he knew the cost of not doing so would end with not only him dead but a lot of his people as well. The rewards for lying, however, were high.

Like his geass which turned out to be far more unique than CC or Lelouch would have thought it would have been. As they didn't care enough to intentionally give the man a certain type of geass like they did with their Kings and Queens of Power and let it be more random. Who knew that his geass would allow him to turn the Runes of his people into actual power. If he carved the rune for fire on a stone, then that stone would become like a stove top. Hot enough to cook meat on for as of right now an unspecified amount of time. You could even combine a number of stones to make a forge that required no fuel. It really was quite the power but like all geass had its limits.

For example, it couldn't make water just by inscribing water on a stone. It would pull water from the surrounding area but not make it. And as of right now Jorakmar had yet to fine away to make crops grow faster without killing them. Still little steps were better than none and in the few months they had been in this land the Thenns where thriving. Only time will tell, however, if they would end up being useful to them in the end, when those things in the North stop hiding.

"Achilles, come dear it's time to go inside and get ready for dinner." CC says to her son who was busy jumping for joy still at the thought of getting a new pet.

"Ah momma can't we play for a bit longer?" Achilles asks.

"No dear, how come." CC says gently to her son but gives him that look that all good mothers learn to make their children obey.

"Yes momma," Achilles says and makes his way to his mother.

All the while Lelouch looks towards the frost where he sees a pair of blue eyes watching them. It was of no concern right now as even Lelouch could feel how weak it was. Still, he sends a small blast of his power toward it making it disappear back into the woods with an amused smile.

"That is right creatures of a forgotten age. Watch all you like but understand this. You will die soon enough despite what you may think." Lelouch thinks and turns to leave without a care in the world.

-Decades later Hel-

"Let's not talk about that please. Of all the bad artworks, ideas and what not that came out that time-period those horrible looking mugs are among the worst. If not the worst because they are still around." Hela says to her new friend the Princess Rhaenys and Visenya.

Giggling a bit Rhaenys says while holding up a clay mug with what she would call a cute depiction of a dragon on it up, says, "Come now Hela how can you say that? They are so cute."

Hearing an un-lady like snot coming from her sister Rhaenys hears her sister Visenya say, "No I agree with Hela sister. They are stupid and dumb looking. A dragon is supposed to look fierce and inspire awe and wonder. That ugly thing you are holding is no of those things."

"You two just have no sense of taste or style. I am happy the late Count Jaereo came up with such a wonderful idea. A surprise considering all his other artworks are dark in natural." Rhaenys says.

"Ah yes Count Jaereo Martell. A man who even in my darkest hours could make me smile and laugh." Hela says remembering her old friend/pest with joy.

"Hela may I ask….." Rhaenys starts to say but is quickly interrupted.

"No, despite whatever it is you have heard he was not the father of my son. He was just a friend, a friend that I hope is burning in hell for this horrible idea." She says much to the laughter of the two ladies sitting with her. All the while a mug with the picture of a smiling bear face sits on top of a high mantle. Where it would remain long into her later years and eventual death. A testament to a friendship that lasted for nearly 40 years.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

End chapter