Eostia: Harem Quest

by EostianScribe

The Gods have given mortals the power of The Gamer as a pass time. A hobby. A means to compete and relax. One goddess, however, sees it as a means of salvation; starting with one world. As such, she rolls the dice... (Harem, Citrus and Eventual Dark Content Warning)

30. Act II-Ch IX: Fe-Oh My Lord

[ - Author's Note - ]

Well we've escaped Ur and moved onto Feoh. Part of me is worried I'll either spend too long or not long enough in each kingdom. Ah well, I'll try and work it out.

The newest poll is going slower then normal. Maybe because I posted it on an Interlude chapter? I dunno. Either way the voting for the best of Ur's banners is still up and while I'm unsurprised by one of the leaders a couple others on the board are a surprise. Please vote! I have fun seeing what people like!

Anyway, we're heading off to Feoh in this chapter and the plot will start to pick up a bit as we meet a few characters, one most who know Kuroinu would be expecting and... Another surprise introduction... Plus a hint to another character...

Let's start!

[ - Act II - Chapter IX: Fe-Oh My Lord - ]

With fertile mines with ores aplenty and next to the Great Atlas River leading to the seas and deeper into the continent, Feoh is as prosperous as her sister Great Kingdoms in Eostia, despite being the smallest of them. Rich thanks to the bounty of land, trade and people she had known many troubles; even before the conquest of Verlangen. As such much of the minerals dug from the earth was repurposed to make arms and armor to defend the land.

Boasting many of the finest knights of the realm it's name would be taken from one of the Rebellion's heroes during The Battle of Arndale, Kendrick Feoh. Kendrick led a small part of the rebel army to hold off Verlangen's reinforcements from joining him and despite the bad odds of facing a thousand troops with only three hundred had stalled them for a full hour. When Deborah needed a name for the new kingdom she chose his as a reminder to all; of what one man's bravery can accomplish.

With a basis in tradition and pride it also boasts one of the great, three Cathedrals of Larentia, the Sancta Vox located in Feoh's capital, Lancefort. In addition they are led by House Arcturus; the only family that has led any territory of Eostia from founding to the current day after Deborah married into it weeks before the final battle against Verlangen. Today with their protection Feoh has continued to be prosperous and proud.

Should Deborah's spirit ever chance to look over to the land she founded there is no doubt she would be filled with pride.

~Dominic James Pencraft, The Eostia Historia

[-]

In terms of placement Feoh was right next door to Ur; more or less. The other Seven Kingdoms had one of the smaller states between them but not Ur and Feoh suggesting why they were the closest of the seven. In fact Samuel's sister was the wife of Feoh's king, although she died in childbirth sadly. That is, sadly, the way of things at times.

The road we rode on was wider then most and very well paved; the road wasn't just for economics but to rapidly move troops from point to point as needed. This major road connected the Seven Kingdom's capitals and was made by Verlangen to get his men where the needed to go to put down rebellions back in the day. Patrols passed by us as we passed two towns, one on each side of the border. We rode faster then normal thanks to the smooth roads so we arrived early in the afternoon near Feoh's capital; Lancefort City.

Lancefort was a major city back in the days of the Unitum Imperium and was called Tertius City; the Third City. The city walls were white washed with towers peaked with wooden roofs to shield the people and equipment in them from the elements although we turned away and towards the structure overlooking the city; Fortress Feoh.

If Fortress Ur was the most defensively powerful of the Seven Fortresses then Fortress Feoh was the most offensively powerful. The first, white washed wall was fifty feet tall and surrounded by a wide moat for extra defense. At ten feet thick it wasn't as durable as Ur's first wall but wasn't the main part of the defenses. As we passed the drawbridge and two portcullis gates we then had to turn to the left to go around the wall to the other gate in the second wall's rear. If one were to turn to the right they'd find a dead end; a waste of time for those going that way and more time for defenders to pick them apart.

The second wall, however, was something else entirely. Eighty feet tall with heavy ballista mounted near the top in what was essentially pill boxes with cannons being mounted beside them and catapults on the roof the walls most notable feature of it was being sixty five feet thick. No, that is not a joke. The first thirty feet was solid wall save for the siege weapon's level as well as thin passages leading to slits for arrow fire. The inside of the walls were, meanwhile, barracks. Yes, the soldier's barracks were inside the very walls of Fortress Feoh. This meant that the fortress could house thousands of troops at once if need be. Additionally the castle kept stables able to house one hundred horses comfortably and five hundred if forced to. Additionally the passage through the second wall to the courtyard boasted not one, not two, not three, but four portcullis gates with the final one twice as thick as normal and as we passed by I could sense more then a few spell stones in front of it in the ceiling. What they did I don't know but I would apply much fire spell there myself.

Sieges usually had their mounted knights rushing out to harass and annoy those laying siege while under supporting fire from the walls before retreating. Additionally they can house so many men that it was nearly absurd. You would need a man (Or several) on the inside to stand a chance at getting in. As we passed the second wall we could see the keep. It wasn't as large as Fortress Ur's keep but it boasted a very wide tower in the middle that seemed nearly one hundred feet tall. The keep, towers and walls were all white washed with blue roofs with gold colored trim.

We had called ahead so Alicia knew to expect us but as we approached the keep I noticed we had a warmer welcome then expected. Standing on the path to the keep was two lines of knights in full plate armor. Over their plate they wore tabards over their armor that was white and bore a symbol; a vertical, yellow bar trimmed with gold going upwards for a bit and sticking into a pair of crescent moons stuck back to back in the same color and trim; the sigil of Saint Iris. In addition each bore a shield that matched a banner that hung off a pole at the end of the line of knights.

The shield was your standard knight's shield with three points but the middle point was raised a bit higher and flattened at the top. The outline was a thick blue followed by a yellow one inside of it about half as thick, a thinner blue line inside of that and one last blue line going down the middle, bisecting the shield. The left side was colored sky blue and right side white. The white side bore the emblem of Saint Iris with the sky blue bore a crescent moon made in a weaving, Celtic like design with curved points. The points were indigo and violet with red and blue inside of them, orange and green inside of them and yellow in the middle in a rainbow like pattern. I imagined it was difficult to set to the shield and some magical means was used in making it. Finally at the bottom of the shield in the center was a blue eye outlined in black with the whites of the eye being white on the left and sky blue on the right. It was the banner of the Knights of Iris, an order second only to the Dawn Templars in importance.

Standing at the end of the line of knights was the commander of the order and my escort in Feoh, Princess Alicia Arcturus who stood there at attention as she waited for us there with pride. Flanking her was two other people. As the carriage stopped and let us out I took a moment to get a better look at all of them.

To her right was a man in the same armor the other knights were in, although his visor was up to let me see his face. It was a clean shaven face of someone in their late thirties to early forties. I could see some loose, locks of blonde hair and blue eyes. His face bore a faint scar on the left side of his chin and as he was standing some six one he was rather imposing looking in the plate with only his visage showing. He bore a long spear on his back with a foot long blade on it with a three inch spike at the top.

(-)

Name: Albert Arcturus
Title: Champion of Feoh
Class: Dragoon
Level: 33
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 32
Status: Healthy, Curious, Stern

Known Traits
[Steelclad] You wear any metal armor like you were born in it. +15% bonus to all Resistances for Chain Mail, Scale Mail, Splint Mail and Plate Mail. Additionally you can wear any type of metal armor.

[?]
[Mighty Legs] Your legs are powerful giving you greater kicking strength, running speed, jumping height and so on +15% Str for all activities with your legs.
[Like I'm Wearing Nothing At All] You wear armor so well you hardly notice it; no agility penalty for any armor. In addition you act as if your armor weighs half as much in regards to mobility and stamina.

The younger son of Feoh's previous King Royce Arcturus he felt the need to prove himself to his father at a young age and usurp his elder brother Aston by proving himself the better warrior and leader... And made a horrible miscalculation in one of the Garanian conflicts that claimed half his men and required his brother to rescue him. Taking a lesson from it he renounced all claims to the crown and prefers to guide his niece and nephews to ensure they do not repeat his mistakes.

(-)

To her left was a dusky skinned woman at around five foot four. She had teal colored hair pulled back in a high ponytail with a gold band holding it back, the hair falling to just past her neck. Bangs framed pink eyes and over the left one was some odd, gold colored hairpin that wrapped around half her head with a double diamond shape at the front end and two lengths going back. Her top was a halter style with gold trim and bands going over the shoulders and around her D-Cup breasts and wrapping about her back, her neck and upper breasts covered by black panels of cloth, the middle and bottom of her breasts covered by a white one. Two white cloths hung off from behind her in a cape like manner, hanging to hip level.

Black, bikini style bottoms covered her groin with gold trim at the top, the double diamond pattern going down the sides. Thigh high, black boots boasted gold trim at the top with a triple diamond pattern going down the front with a second band wrapping around mid pattern. The soles were also gold colored with matching patterns over the toes. Her arms boasted bicep length gloves with gold trim at the bicep, white colored bracers over the forearms with gold trim over the top and bottom and a pair of gold pattern running down opposite ends connecting the two trims. The only other notable thing was this girl was ripped with abs you could grate cheese on. She bore a cute if neutral expression as she stood at attention before us.

(-)

Name: Agni Pralay
Title: Light's Burning Fist
Class: Monk
Level: 25
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 54
Status: Healthy, Calm, Centered

Romance Rating: 76
Corruption Rating: 4

Known Traits
[Monk's Holy Fire] While the flames of a monk are usually limited to their spirits you have learned to harness them. You can learn fire based Combat Arts and Spells with 50% of the damage converted to holy. In addition all Holy spectated Combat Arts and Spells gain 50% added to their effect as Fire; be it damage, healing or otherwise.
[Iron Fist] Your fists are hardened from years of combat practice. +2% Damage to all Unarmed attacks with an additional +2% Damage to all punching attacks. Furthermore your hands and knuckles have their resistance to damage doubled.

[I Know Kung-Fu] You can learn any unarmed combat technique, Combat Art or skill by watching it being performed. Your only limited in replicating them based on your physical condition and any restrictions on elemental affinities.
[?]

Hailing from Desh Kaho, a land in the south east of Sererus tucked behind a range of mountains she was raised in a temple seated on a plateau in the county's center. Having trained in martial arts since she was four she focuses on the Lohe Ke Haath or Iron Hand style and she proved to be an able prodigy and learned well but felt her talents were wasted and put to little use in a mostly peaceful land. She left her country of origin to seek both a worthy challenge and worthy cause and finding both in Eostia under Alicia Arcturus as a bodyguard.

(-)

With the girls flanking me I walked over and gave Alicia a warm smile and once close enough reached out to shake her hand, a gesture she returned. "Good to see you again, Alicia. How has it been?"

"Are you trying to impress us with the amount of knights you have, or did you just bring them out to air out your stench?" Miria sniped at the blonde as I sighed as I pulled my hand back, my shoulders slumping as the two gave each other a glare with the Monk looking a bit nervous before she and Alicia laughed, pulling the other into a warm hug.

"Do the two of you need to needle each other each time you meet?" I asked them with vocal exasperation in my voice.

"Yes." Both of them let off, still hugging and giving me a look as I sighed, shaking my head as the woman blinked at them as well.

"They always do this?" The monk let off as the knight on Alicia's other side sighed.

"Yes... Yes they do..." He said as Miria moved to Alicia's side, the two holding each other.

"This is your first time here, isn't it James?" The princess asked as I nodded once; Miria had come to Feoh a few times before to visit Alicia without me however. "Then I'll make a few introductions." She said first pointing to the man in armor. "This is my lieutenant and uncle Albert Arcturus. He's taught me almost everything I know about knighthood."

"Alicia speaks of you well, boy." He said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "But'll take more then a fancy-smancy toy to impress me." He said gruffly as I shrugged softly at him.

"And my bodyguard, from the continent's south east; Agni Pralay." Alicia said pointing to the other woman who nodded before bringing her feet together and pressing fist to palm before her her chest, bowing slightly. "While she's not a member of the Knights of Iris she proven her abilities time and again."

"A pleasure, M'Lord Noxdecus." The monk spoke with a soft, Indian tone to her voice as she she rose up to stand straight. "May the Leudha guide your wisdom and may the Agni Aatma guide your spirit." She said with a smile... As I blinked, a slight confused look to my face. "Ah, I forget so few know of my religion here, apologies. The Leudha was a spiritual leader who preached wisdom, enlightenment and self improvement as the highest of virtues. The Agni Aatma is our goddess; one who burns with the fires of passion, hope and strength. Through the Leudha we divine what actions we must undertake. Through the Agni Aatma we divine the power to undertake them."

"Huh. Well, hardly a disagreeable view of the world." I said, giving her a soft bow. Although I couldn't help but note how 'Leudha' sounded like 'Buddha' and 'Lewd' smashed together into a new word. Of course given this world I would be unsurprised by a lewd Buddha. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Agni."

"Now that this is done let us retreat inside." Albert said with a nod. "You will be given quarters for your stay and we'll set you to work tomorrow. We'll feed you of course, and provide what you need."

"Indeed." Alicia said, smiling before looking to me with a nod. "Come on. I think it's time you met father."

"M'Lady, your father is gravely ill." Albert said, turning to look at her. "He is in need of rest, not to entertain visitors." Alicia gave him a soft huff and look as I blinked.

"I heard the King was ill, but I've not heard gravely ill until now." I said blinking as I saw Miria hug the blonde firmer. "How bad is it, if I can ask?"

"Bad..." Alicia said with a sigh, shaking her head. "His illness took for the worse months ago. He is not likely to be alive within the next four or five years. If things get worse... It could be within the year..."

I could feel the shock around me as Riri gasped and Makoto muttered some soft prayer behind me. "Alicia... Maybe then you should remain at the Fortress. If Albert is as able a knight as you say he would be more then enough escort to-"

"No." She said firmly, shaking her head as she let my sister go to step closer to me, looking up to my face. "Do not misunderstand. My father is ill, but not so frail he will succumb in moments. In addition I will not shirk my duties... Even if a part of me would rather be by his side I am a Knight first and a Princess second. I will see you around our fair realm."

"I understand." I said with a nod. "I will meet with your father if you wish it, but as long as we don't overburden him. You did get the shipment of voxluxs I sent out, right?"

"Thank you... And yes, we have, and I gave father one." She seemed to relax at that, giving an honest smile as she gestured to the door. "Come. Let's get you settled in."

[-]

After quarters were given and settled into Alicia led me and her uncle to the back of the keep, although not up the central tower. She knocked on a set of double doors well decorated with gold patterns before being let in by a maid. I gulped as Alicia led me inside and into a set of luxurious quarters that was two parts living room, one part sitting room and one part kitchen. A small stove, sink and enchanted ice box was in one corner of the room with two maids inside (Including the one who let us in) and she led me to another well decorated, double door at the side of the room. Once more she stopped and knocked on the door.

"Enter." A male voice called out that was strong but wavering; a voice of power undermined by illness I'd say. Alicia opened the door and there he was, the King of Feoh...

A cute maid was by his side, pouring tea into a cup for the man who laid in bed, propped up by pillows and cushions. It was hard to say how tall he was given that half of him was covered in a thick, red blanket but I imagined around six or so feet in height. He bore well groomed, short gray hair and had a clean shaved face covered in wrinkles but still managed a kindly smile as he saw his daughter, warmth showing through right to his purple eyes. His limbs looked thinned and frail but his shoulders were broad hinting at former strength and vigor. He wore a black shirt under a rich, blue robe that looked a bit thick.

The room itself bore white walls with blue trim along the ceiling, well carved oak furniture stained deep, rich colors. The window showed a great view of the back of the fortress' courtyard. "Alicia. I see your friend is here." He said as he looked to me. "James Noxdecus. Any friend of Alicia is a friend of mine. I apologize I cannot stand to greet you to my home."

"Please do not worry, King Aston." I said, bowing slightly to the man. "Despite your condition you stand taller then anyone here." I said as he gave a short bark of laughter, a hand moving to cover his mouth. He gave a few, light coughs as his laughter settled down.

(-)

Name: Aston Arcturus
Title: Good King of Feoh
Class: Crusader
Level: 48 (-36)
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 54
Status: Ill, Weakened, Good Spirits

Known Traits
[Dreadfully Ill] You are very sick and recovery is unlikely. You are treated at a level 75% lower then your current. In addition all stats save Lck are reduced by 80%.

[?]
[Mounted Hope] You a beacon of light on horseback to your men. +4% Stats to all following you while mounted in combat.

[Sword & Board] You are a master of combat with a sword and shield. +2 Damage to all single handed swords and +2 to all Physical Resistances when using shields
[Wise Leader] Your leadership is known for it's patience and wisdom leading to better decisions then usual. +5% wealth to your realm

Since taking over from his father as King, Aston Arcturus has led his people with strength borne of kindness and wisdom borne of forethought. Known to many as 'The Guiding Light of Feoh' he was known to beat back Garan in every battle he partook in; even facing Olga Discordia in battle and not only living to tell the tale but with the help of his brother and two powerful retainers forced her and her retainers to retreat. However illness has taken it's toll over the last few years leaving him a shell of his former might.

(-)

"Ha! Quick wit there boy, I like you." He let off with a wry smile before looking to his brother. "Albert, my brother, what do you think? Think he'd be a good match for my Alicia?" He asked as the blonde girl balked softly next to me as her face went flush and red with embarrassment. "I mean at the rate she's going I'll have to watch her wedding as a ghost!"

"I'm... Sure the realm's exorcists would have a fit at that, your highness..." I let off as Aston let off another bark of (Thankfully lighter) laughter. "But while that would be an honor I'm hardly going to press her into a relationship she is neither wishing to engage in or ready to."

"Ahh, a good lad..." He said as I could see Alicia's beet red face out of the corner of my eye. "Joking aside let's speak. Alicia gave me one of your voxluxs so we can talk even when she is afield; it is a very useful device. You've changed Eostia for the better in such a short time." He said warmly as he chuckled. "And that my daughter is going to partake in your grand undertaking is a point of pride. Against Garan aggression it's a tool that can save lives!" He paused to cough lightly once. "I hope that once you are done the next Garanian incursion will be met at their border and prevent them from reaching the good people of our Kingdom and the Alliance as a whole."

"So do I your highness. So do I." I said with a smile as he coughed slightly once more. He nodded once more before looking around to Albert and Alicia. He chuckled once more before smiling to us all.

"Alicia, Albert, if I can speak to the young man alone for a moment." He said to my surprise as Alicia let off a soft 'huh' as Albert shook his head, his armor creaking softly as he moved.

"Brother, with your health as it is you should not be meeting with someone alone in this matt-"

"No need to be so overprotective, Brother." Aston said as he lifted a hand up, smiling still. "I rarely get new visitors and given his contributions to the realm I would speak with him further." Aston frowned besides me but after a moment nodded.

"As you wish, Brother." Albert said before bowing softly and turning to the door. "I will see you soon." He said before leaving out of the room

"Likewise, Father. Try and not overburden yourself." Alicia said with a nod before turning and following Albert. King Aston gave his maid a look and she bowed before leaving as well, shutting the door behind her as I started to move around to his side.

"Thank you for staying... And for the good humor..." He said with a smile. "Everyone treats me as so frail they forget I still enjoy a good laugh... And teasing my bull-headed daughter." A chuckle followed as he took hold of his tea cup to sip from it; his grip was shaky but he managed without spilling it. "...I do worry for Feoh, of what will become of her when I am gone..."

"How so?" Seeing a seat by his bed I sat down to listen as he set his cup down.

"While I have good children and they aren't... bad heirs, persay, all have their issues." He admitted as he sighed. "Alicia is headstrong, willful and just. I can trust her to do the right thing... But she tends to think too often in binaries. Stand your ground or retreat. Fight or surrender. Attack or defend. She has a tendency to not really seek other options... It can be annoying; nothing is black and white and sometimes one must walk the lines between to gain the best outcome." He chuckled a bit sadly. "And in addition I worry that she is too kind and may try and save those in danger; even if doing so would endanger even more. And then we have Christopher, my eldest son." He said, lifting a hand, a finger extended as he shook it. "Wise... Clever... Kind... A great economist... And a doormat. Where Alicia, I fear, may be too inflexible Christopher would be too infirm. He is, I am sad to say a bit of a wuss. As king he would not be able to put his foot down with enough force to keep the nobility in line." He took in a breath and sighed once more. "And my youngest child, Benton, is too much of a free spirit. He would rather drift and adventure then let a crown chain him; despite that he would make a perfectly fine king."

"I can see the conundrum..." I said as I frowned in thought for a long moment before speaking. "But... why tell this to me? I'm not exactly in the middle of the situation."

"Heh... In truth, my suggestion of wedding you and my daughter was only half joking." He explain, his smile faltering even if warmth stayed in his eyes. "Alicia, although younger then Christopher, is my heir as deficiencies aside she is the most suited. And while she is able to learn... There is only so much time..." He sighed shaking his head taking hold of his tea cup for another shaky sip. "My Alicia needs friends to help steer and guide her when I no longer can. Prim can guide her emotionally, but she still lacks experience in war and leadership. My brother can guide her in combat and tactics but he's more bull-headed then she is when it comes to politics. My Prime Minister, Beardsley could run an economy with his eyes closed, but he's reaching his twilight years and I fear there is something he is not telling me, not that I know what, although his is still my most trusted aide. In addition I fear he's ill suited to assisting with military matters. And that is where you come in."

"Someone who you have known for minutes at most." I pointed out as he grinned, sipping his tea once more before setting the cup down.

"Heh. And you immediately point out why I shouldn't so openly trust you... But please, I am bed ridden, not idle." He said, folding his hands before his lap. "Miria has come here many times before, as you know, and spoke well of you, as has Alicia and as has Prim. However I have had agents peek in on you, learn more of your character and positions. You are a level headed young man with a knack for creative problem solving, possess a knowledge of politics and history as well as being a competent and inventive mage. I am also well aware of the battles you had with that dastard from Balanar and that you acquitted yourself well. You are young and... mostly untested but you have potential. I could do worse for a son-in-law, but to be frank I just need you to be her friend, her ally and if need be her advisor." He said as I nodded after a moment. "Alicia can be a good queen, if she can smooth off her rough edges."

"I can understand that." I was a bit annoyed that he had people spying on me, but given the situation I could guess why he did it and understood. "And I don't mind helping her out when she needs it."

"Ahh good... I knew you'd be a good friend to her."

[-]

After a bit of time I left the king in his room, the maid going back in after I left to attend to him. I decided I needed some air and moved out of the keep to the back of it in the courtyard as I pondered things. While I had already agreed to marry Prim there was three things I noted.

One) Prim openly stated she didn't mind me marrying other girls. And before I left her she dragged two others into bed with us.

Two) I had to get a harem of at least four girls as a main quest, and was allowed two brides at the moment. On top of that each bride gave me one hell of a boost.

Three) Like with Prim I had highly positive if unsure feelings for Alicia.

Hence needing to clear my head. The back of the courtyard boasted a training area flanked by gardens and pathways leading further back to a jousting area. Between the jousting area and the training area was a large, bronze statue that I walked over to. It was of a woman with short hair in a bob cut and circlet, bikini style mana armor with two plates over the hips. She held a large sword in her right hand with the flat resting on her shoulder on a pauldron, an axe held in her left hand at her side as she stood with her left foot slightly forwards as her gaze was aimed off to the horizon. The statue was set on a wide, marble platform with a brass plaque on the front of it.

A leader is not the one who rules by
fear or by force of arms.
A leader is one who leads with love
and force of will.
A leader is not one who sits behind
and watches others act.
A leader is the first in and last
out of a fight.
A leader is not served by the people.
A leader serves the people.

Deborah the Daring
Founder of Feoh

"She is quite the woman, huh?" I heard, turning to see Alicia walk over to me, Makoto following behind her and slightly to the side.

"From what I know, yes." I replied as I turned to face them. "What brings you ladies out here?" I asked them as I tilted my head slightly.

"Princess Alicia asked for a spar and demonstration of the Kendo fighting techniques and I was curious of the local combat styles." Makoto explained. "Unlike when we last met there is some time and less... excitement to deal with."

"That's fair enough." I said with a nod. "Alicia is the Commander of the Knights of Iris. That's a pretty high level of responsibility on it's own." I said as Makoto hummed in thought and nodded to me while tilting her head.

"Indeed. We have heard of the order as far away as my homeland, but I know little of them. Pray, educate me."

"H-hey! Why aren't you asking me?" Alicia let off, pouting as she turned to Makoto fully. "I could have told you too, you know?"

"Ah, yes... Forgive me..." The swordswoman replied with a soft blush. "I just... Enjoy listening to his explanations." I chuckled a bit as Alicia's pout grew, her hands moving to her hips in annoyance.

"I'd be glad to; as long as Alicia doesn't overly mind." I said, looking to the blonde who huffed before looking to me and nodding. "Very well then. The Knights draw their title from their namesake; Saint Iris Custodia. Where Feoh now stands once stood another kingdom; Endonis. Iris was, at the time, just a priestess of the Larentian Church and often advised the king himself. The king was noble and wise, or so history states, and tried to encourage cooperation with reluctant neighbors. When Verlangen started to rise up he was quick to try and rally his kingdom and others to defeat him but none listened to him. All he could do was prepare and dig his forces in for the coming conquest."

I took a moment to think, crossing my arms over my chest. "By all accounts his was the last conquered by the Emperor and Endonis fared better then most but soon lost ground. The king would bid his son to run to safety as he stayed to fight; south west into Camafran, or what would become Camafran anyway, under escort from a small group of knights and Iris Custodia. Not wanting to leave an Endonis heir alive Verlangen, even before taking the castle and slaying the king, left the siege to give chase. They started to catch up near what was then called the Red Canyon but is now called Iris' Pass. Iris would remain behind and would cast a powerful shield spell to block the pass for as long as she could. By all surviving accounts Verlangen was sure as long as he could break the shield in three hours he could catch up to the prince before he eluded him. To that end he threw his men into the shield as Iris prayed to Larentia for the strength to hold out. 'Three hours' it is said she begged."

After a moment to think I kept speaking. "Verlangen, his soldiers and his mages battered the shield over and over. She would pray and pray for the strength of maintain her shield through it all... And somehow, she did." I said as Makoto gasped. "Indeed it is said she would hold her shield for four hours... Before dying from the strain and effort needed to hold her spell and in the end the prince escaped the Emperor's reach. Mind you of course some of the details could be exaggerated for effect and flair but it is true that she held off his forces until the prince escaped. The heir in exile began to prepare for a return and while he never would his great-grandson Eric would with a small but well armed and well trained force of knights bearing the name of the woman who had permitted the heir to escape; the Knights of Iris. They would join forces with Joanna of the White Cloth and the descendant would fight beside the Seven and one of his best men, Kendrick Feoh, would lead their best knights plus others to prevent Verlangen's reinforcements from assisting him despite being out numbered over three to one. In the end Feoh's bravery was considered so great the new kingdom was named in his honor, and the descendant of the heir of Endonis would marry Deborah the Daring herself as she founded the Kingdom with her taking his name; Arcturus."

Makoto blinked briefly before looking to Alicia. "You are a direct descendant of the Shield Maiden?" The blonde smiled and nodded before looking to the statue once more.

"I am. And... I sometimes worry I don't live up to her name." She admitted as she moved next to me as I turned to look to the bronze creation once more, Makoto moving to join us.

"Don't worry about living up to her name." I said as I set a hand on her shoulder, looking over to her as I smiled. She blinked for a moment before I finished. "Worry about living up to your name. After all, you're here to continue her work, not repeat it."

"Hoo, the young man has the right of it." We heard as we all turned to see an older man walk up to us. He was an older man with grayed hair and a mustache, a red beret on his head and wearing a green robe.

"Uncle Beardsley, I thought you were at your home." Alicia said warmly as I looked the man over. So this was the trusted Prime Minister, huh?"

"Indeed; but when I heard of our esteemed guest I came to meet him myself." The old man said with a friendly enough smile. Huh. He seems like a nice enough guy.

(-)

Name: Razon Beardsley
Title: ?
Class: Gunner
Level: 25
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 42
Status: Healthy, Aged, Lustful, Calculating

Known Traits
[?]

[Speak Softly...] You're a crack shot with long guns. +2% Accuracy when using rifles.

[Silvered Tongue] You can talk your way out of a bad situation; if you can appeal to someone's values. +15% Chance to convince someone to do evil or greedy acts when they have a corruption rating of 100 or higher.

Born to House Beardsley as an only child of a fairly minor noble house Razon was drilled in economics and trade since an early age as a means to raise the status of himself and his family. He would catch the attention of the previous King of Feoh who hired him as an economic advisor and not long after Aston Arcturus took the throne he was made the Prime Minister. However he seems to have an affinity for long haired blondes...

(-)

Shit.

"A pleasure as well, Lord Beardsley." I said as smooth and calm as I could but I could hear the reservation in my own tone as I put on my best poker face.

Shit.

"Alicia speaks highly of you and by what I'm told of your work there is much to be impressed by." He said, hands moving behind his back as he wandered closer.

Shit-shit-shit...

"He's one of the most reliable men I know." Alicia said, setting a hand on my shoulder as I kept my eyes on the old man. I noticed his eyes narrowed as Alicia's hand settled on my shoulder and patted it for a moment. "And smarter then most I know too."

"Ah, yes..." He said nodding once as I heard a hint of... Something in his voice. "Well, I'm sure the king mentioned him as a possible suitor for you..." He said... And next to me Alicia turned red as she pouted, squeezing my shoulder now. The old man seemed to stay calm but I could see no mirth in his eyes as he watched us; rather annoyance... Or jealousy, maybe?

Shitshitshitshitshitshitshit...

This was not good. This was very not good.

While I couldn't say for one hundred percent sure he was a part of the Black Storm those question marks told me enough; this old man was crooked and hiding it. The issue was that as the Prime Minister in a land with a bedridden king he was, for all practicality, the most powerful man in Feoh. Exposing him would be... Tricky at the best of times... And I couldn't afford to stick around to dedicate the time needed to do that...

Fucking shit.

Okay... Focus James... Focus.

"Regardless, I came with news as well." He said as he looked to Alicia. "House Draken's heir Jason has sent you another letter. Shall I have it sent to your room or the the fireplace?"

"Fireplace." Alicia said sternly. Clearly there was a story there I didn't know.

"Very well. And also your Uncle has summoned you to his study." The old man said after nodding once. "He was rather insistent." He said as Alicia sighed softly before turning to Makoto.

"Beg pardon. We will train later, if you please." Makoto nodded to her as she turned to walk off. The old man watched her until she passed before giving me a look and turning to follow. I wanted to bite my lip in frustration but managed not to.

"A Noh mask is a good means to hide a true nature." Makoto said softly with a sigh as I blinked, turning my head to look at her, confused. "Tatsuya-Sensei said it of many of the lords of my homeland. The Noh mask is used in our theater and is made of wood or porcelain and as such only has a single expression for the wearer. The nobles would perfect one such expression to hide their true expressions; like wearing a Noh mask. Said nobility were often corrupt or true blackhearts... But would hide it all under an expression of kindness, calmness or even happiness. You sense it too, do you not? This 'Beardsley' is more then he lets on; and what is under his mask is unpleasant."

"Glad to know I'm not the only one..." I said, sighing softly. "And yes, I think he's hiding something unpleasant. But with the King as ill as he is the man is the de facto leader of the nation. We can't make a move against him; not until we can prove it beyond doubt."

"Perhaps you sense more then I then..." Makoto said softly as she sighed. "Then it is best we keep our eyes open. Man is an imperfect creation and he shall make an error. We need only wait."

I hoped she was right...

[-]

After meeting Beardsley for the first time we were ushered off to dinner, in which he joined us. I took care to listen to all he said, of course, but he never let anything slip. If the old man got to his position then he was used to hiding his real nature for sometime; a simple slip up wasn't going to just happen. After dinner I took a chance to try and Scry into his office at the fortress; it failed as while I was inside the Keep's Scry Shield his office bore one of it's own. I wasn't surprised, really, as he was a high ranking official and I wasn't going to push it further; he wasn't going to risk leaving out an evil plan where a maid could stumble over it at least. More then likely any clues he'd leave are in his own manor just outside the city proper. And of course I had no good way to access it. And nothing to show as just cause to go poking around either.

I took a chance to ask Miria about the guy who was surprised at the question but more then happy to talk openly; she's known the old man since she started visiting and thought well enough of him but did mention he sometimes felt 'creepy' and seemed to watch Alicia at odd times. I did notice he seemed a bit annoyed when Alicia praised me and set a hand to my shoulder in such an open and friendly manner so it did seem he had some sort of... Obsession with Alicia?

This had shades of Halbert to an uncomfortable level.

By what what I could tell given how little I knew the man I didn't think he was going to attempt to poison me (I still checked anyway; I didn't want a repeat f what happened before) or slander me openly, rather if he was going to undermine me it would be through more subtle means and if he was going to try and assassinate me he would do so through a few middlemen. However, obsession over Alicia aside (I can't prove it but I was sure that he was obsessed with her) he wasn't stupid enough to take a go at that; if he knew about the voxlux then he knew killing me was going to direct a lot of unwanted attention and knew he would risk getting more then a little of it.

I decided he wasn't an immediate threat but I still had to deal with him as soon as I could... Sooner the better, really. I just didn't know how I could without tangible proof or the old man doing something very stupid. On top of that my time on Feoh was limited at best and without a good reason I couldn't just come back to Feoh and poke my nose around willy-nilly. I did have one idea but there was no telling on how well it would work; I just needed to cast enough doubt on the old fart that someone in a position of authority would look into him for me.

The issue there was simple; who?

Alicia? I doubt it; she treated the old man like he was family and anything short of him saying 'I'm betraying you' would fall short of convincing her.

King Aston? He seems to have a few doubts as is, but bedridden as he is he wouldn't be able to do it with much vigor and whatever he did would be second hand at best.

Agni? Maybe; as Alicia's bodyguard she was in a good position, but as a foreigner to Feoh with no official rank and little standing it would be hard for her to get anywhere.

Albert? Well, that was a possibility. He seemed gruff and untrusting but if he could be made to suspect the man he'd do the work for me; if nothing else I couldn't think of anyone else who was local who would do a better job of it.

Come the next morning we had a good breakfast and loaded a booster into one of two carriages we were taking to bring it to where we would be installing it in the city under an escort of a half dozen mounted knights. Beardsley joined us, not to help work but to go home and visit his family.

Or do other things. I had no idea, but I suspected whatever the things he was doing was I wouldn't like them.

Beardsley Manor was on the way from the Fortress to Lancefort City. It had a wall of with yellow colored brick with two layers of green brick on the top of it. The manor behind it was modestly sized (Well, for a manor) save for one, large tower in the the back right corner of the building. On each side of the fence's gate was a shield emblem; a knight style shield with one, raised point in the center of the top. A thick outline of pale yellow contained a deep green background. In the center was an open, white book with black outlines on which a lime green frog with yellow eyes sat. Under the book was a deep gold oil lamp with a pale yellow outline.

Personally I was glad to see him go, even if it was a chance to fish for more information.

Aside from my usual group and Alicia we were joined by Agni and Albert, both of whom would be in our escort for Feoh. It wasn't long before we entered Lancefort City and... Well, it looked a lot like Stonewall in Ur did. That wasn't a surprise; the two were closely related and shared plenty between them. The one major difference was a preference for blue as a trim color on white washed buildings.

The place that the booster was being placed was the Sancta Vox Cathedral which was run by the Anima Lux Church; AKA The Faith. In fact of the Three Great Larentian Cathedrals it was the only one controlled by The Faith; the other two were controlled by the Church. As such it was the central stronghold for the Pope of Anima Lux who Alicia spoke to about installing the booster on it. The Sancta Vox (Literally Holy Voice) was in the center of Lancefort City so it made sense as a mounting location.

Idle chatter was the order at least until we came to a stop. At first I thought nothing of it; crossroads were a thing and others had the right to go along... But there was quite the clamor going on outside as I looked to Alicia. "What's going on?" I asked her.

"I'm not sure..." She admitted as I hummed for a moment, reaching for the door and moving out and encountering a large crowd in the street. Using Levitate to move to the roof of the carriage and once I was standing up I had a good view over the crowd to see what was going on as Makoto and Alicia clambered out to climb onto the roof after me as Miria and Albert moved to join the driver. Down the road I could see a procession marching along towards us and likely the gate out of the city.

There was a series of knights in full plate armor with golden colored plates and red trim and with fully closed visors colored red with the emblem of the Una Vertias on the front in a gold color. Tabards over the armor was red with gold trim with the same emblem on them. Each bore a shield in the shape of the Church's banner with the emblem on it as well as a spear with a small bar under the blade sticking out two inches on each side, a cloth of the same color with the same emblem on each one. Each bore a red cape trimmed with gold with a curved bottom and while I couldn't see the back of them I was willing to bet that the same emblem was on them.

Can't say they never considered branding.

These were the Sancta Gloria, the elite force of the Church's armed forces and tasked with the protection of the Archbishop and his Cardinals. However the two dozen knights by themselves weren't the cause of the traffic jam; it was the people who gathered around them as they moved forwards, the crowd parting to allow them to pass. The crowd was so thick I couldn't see a bit of the road they stood on.

However it wasn't the knights that got the crowd's attention but a carriage they were surrounding; compared to most this carriage was about twice as long and taller by half and painted red with gold trim. Four, white horses with blonde manes pulled it along and there was a raised platform right behind the driver's seat. There were a total of four people on it; all wearing a combination of red, gold and white.

"The Archbishop and his lackeys, by the looks of it." Alicia said as I glanced to her. Given the tone of her voice she wasn't fond of any of them. "The man on the right is the Archbishop's bodyguard; Harrison Hamilton. It's rumored he also runs the Church's Umbra Vigilia." I frowned at that; the translation was Shadow Watch which was pleasant. It was rumored to be a combination of a spy ring, black ops force and assassination group. Of course no proof was available of it... Hard proof anyway.

The middle-aged man was about six foot six and bore short, spiky, dirty blonde hair and a set of green eyes with a broad, strong looking frame. Stubble wrapped around his cheeks and a strong looking chin and he bore a scar moving from the upper left of his forehead, across the eye and nose and then over the right cheek to the chin. He wore a white long coat with gold trim over a deep, red shirt. A gold chain around his neck suspended a gold Una Vertias cross over his chest. Black pants were tucked into deep red boots and each hand was covered in white gloves. Over his back was a large, single headed battleaxe with a flat end with ridges filed into it. Finishing the look was a pair of glasses over his eyes with gold frames. He stood with a calm look, but his lips were slightly upturned as if enjoying something as he stood with his arms held behind him.

(-)

Name: Harrison Hamilton
Title: ?
Class: Assassin
Level: 34
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 21
Status: Healthy, Alert, Calm

Known Traits
[Axe Crazy] You love axes as your weapon of choice. Regardless of your class you can use two handed axes as primary weapons. Additionally you can use all single handed axes as primary and secondary weapons.

[?]
[Righteous Fervor] If you fight someone who has a different faith then you then you can fight with greater vigor. +5% to All Stats save Lck when fighting someone who does not share your ideology.
[?]

Orphaned at a young age and raised in an orphanage under a Celtic bishop he became a thief and thug at a young age on the streets of Jetra and led a small group of highwaymen. However as Garan attacked he found himself fighting alongside Church Knights against the Aberrant. Finding a better calling then the life of a crooked gangster he would repent and join the Una Vertia Church, rising the ranks of the Umbra Vigilia before becoming it's commander, the bodyguard of the Archbishop and his right hand man.

(-)

Fuck.

I was aware they were a bit corrupt but to have my Observe blank on the title means nothing good.

Alicia didn't know of my thoughts before she pointed to the man on the other side. "The man on the left is Amram Stellaclamor; one of the Church's twelve Cardinals." The Twelve Cardinals, sometimes just called the Twelve, was the highest order of the Church besides the Archbishop. Needless to say having one with the Archbishop was a hell of a statement; whatever that statement being made is. Having two was a louder one.

By contrast to Harrison, Amram was the same height of six-six but was slimmer with a thinner looking face with a more hawkish looking chin and nose. Maybe early thirties in age, I'd say. Blue eyes looked about as he smirked openly, hands on his hips. Black hair was quaffed in a short but styled manner like a small pompadour over a gold circlet with a red ruby in the front. He wore white robes that stopped mid way down the thigh with red panels going down the shoulders with the Church's emblems on those panels, trimmed with gold. Other red panels went down the sleeves with gold trim and stylized, gold designs going down them.

Under the robe was a set of black pants with panels matching those on his sleeves going down the side and tucked into white boots with gold trim. Around his waist was a gold belt with a black book pouch on his side; likely a magic book of some sort. As the carriage drove along through the crowd slowly he seemed to puff his chest out with pride... Or arrogance, hard to say.

(-)

Name: Amram Stellaclamor
Title: ?
Class: Summoner
Level: 39
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 9
Status: Healthy, Prideful, Satisfied

Known Traits
[?]
[Tap For Mana] You know how to use magic to it's fullest. All magic costs 5% less mana.
[Summoning Commander] You can direct a summon beast with less effort then most.

[?]

[Quick Shield] You can cast small shield spells quickly. +50% casting spell to any shield spells that effects only you.

Born to a Cardinal and high priestess he all but grew up among the Church's elite and greatest. With his great magical potential being spotted since a young age he was groomed for greatness and both of his parents thought he was destined for great things. His aim is to become the next Archbishop and he proudly declares his willingness to rise to the station and has even picked out his new name for when the time comes.

(-)

Yeeesh. Another question marked title. Yeah, not surprised. Bit more surprised by the gratuitous last name; I mean it translates as star scream.

...

His name... Is star scream...

Star Scream...

Starscream!

Oh god, I had a bad feeling about that...

"As for the woman, that's Karin Darkpurge; the highest ranked of the Twelve." Alicia said as she huffed. "I never liked the woman; she always seemed far too smug for my liking."

The woman in question looked in her thirties was maybe five foot six or so and bore chest length, blonde hair that mostly cascaded down her right side. Gold eyes glanced about as a silver circlet sat on her head. She wore a white dress with a bare neck and showed off the top of her B-Cup Breasts (Although said dress seemed to push them up a bit) with long sleeves that ended in bridal style gauntlets. Stitched into the sleeves at the front and back of the elbows were long strips of red cloth with gold lines slightly inset from the edge trimming it, the Church's emblems set into the bottoms of each one with a small, gold colored weight pulling them down. Around her neck the dress bore a very high collar; high enough to reach the top of her head. The inside bore a quilt like stitch pattern and the top edges bore short, gold colored spikes.

Down her hips the dress didn't split but bore a length of cloth falling down the front with red lines going down it from each hip. On her head was a tall hat that reminded me of that hat the Christian Pope would wear; this one being tall and red with a front panel baring gold trim and on it's front was (Surprise!) the Una Vertia emblem. Under the panel was a deeper red color with gold trim and gold colored strips going up the sides. A set of silver earrings that were long were the last thing to finish the look. She also had a sword before her, point to the floor of the platform she stood on with a gray/blue handle, wide brass guard with some of it covering the center of the blade some six inches. Said blade has a slightly wider section just over the guard. Her palm hid the pommel of the blade from my sight however as she held onto it. A gold belt around her hips held a sheathe for her blade.

So, three for three on hidden titles?

(-)

Name: Karin Darkpurge
Title: ?
Class: Cleric
Level: 44
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 11
Status: Healthy, Pondering, Calm

Romance Rating: 75
Corruption Rating: 148

Known Traits
[?]
[Heretics Must Bleed] Most clerics use blunted weapons to limit the amount of blood they shed but you have no such concerns. Swords of all types can be used as Primary and Secondary weapons.

[Faith in the Light] You are a true believer and this belief fuels your magic! +10% to the damage, healing and effects of all Holy magic. -5% to the damage, healing and effects of all non-Holy magic

[Fire of the Faithful] Your faith burns within you! All fire spells you cast gain a golden color and has all of their damage converted to Holy.

The highest ranking woman in the Una Vertia Church and the second only to the Archbishop she was born to a former member of the Order of the First Light. Taught from a young age in the teachings of their faith and having read the Primum Verbum cover to cover once a month none doubt that she is a true believer and is one of the most vocal voices in expanding the Church's voice to spread Larentia's word and even that only nobility approved by the Archbishop should even be allowed to rule at all.

(-)

Three for three and by the sounds of it a real treat. She sounded like a bit of an extremist as well which is never fun.

"And of course his holiness, the Archbishop." Alicia added with a huff. "Lucilius the Sixth."

By contrast the last person was aged; at least in his sixties I'd say. He stood some six-two in height and looked thinned with age but stood and held himself like a man of power as he waved with his free hand. The other hand held a gold colored staff that was made in the style of the Una Vertia emblem; a long shaft with a crescent moon facing upwards and the sun symbol at the top with the cut outs in the middle. However in the middle of the cross that was left in the cutout was a large, perfectly circular, red spell stone that was of very high quality from what I could tell.

His face was covered in a beard that was nearly pure white and stretched half way down his torso; bushy and long but well groomed and clean. He wore that pope like hat, but his was pure white with the Una Vertia emblem on it in red trimmed with gold like the hat itself. He bore white robes with rather wide sleeves trimmed with gold. The shoulders bore the red/gold emblem as well.

He waved to the crowd, nodding and smiling with a kindly smile that I was mostly sure was fake. So, we going four for four here?

(-)

Name: Lucilius the Sixth
Title: ?
Class: Sage
Level: 45
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 21
Status: Healthy, Aged, Calm, Calculating

Known Traits
[?]
[Wisdom in Caution] You are a naturally cautious man... But every move is made with thought and wisdom. It's easier for you to consider possible problems your actions may cause when you take the time to consider things.
[Faith in the Light] You are a true believer and this belief fuels your magic! +10% to the damage, healing and effects of all Holy magic. -5% to the damage, healing and effects of all non-Holy magic
[Tap For Mana] You know how to use magic to it's fullest. All magic costs 5% less mana.

[?]
[Righteous Fervor] If you fight someone who has a different faith then you then you can fight with greater vigor. +5% to All Stats save Lck when fighting someone who does not share your ideology.
[?]

Born Phillip Solrex and the sixth son of the then Duke of Coxworth he knew there was little if any chance of succeeding his father as Duke. Religious from a young age he joined the clergy at the age of fifteen and rose the ranks as he learned magic. He would serve during Garan conflicts as a healer, casting defensive and healing spells of great power. When forced into combat he acquitted himself well but never volunteered to go closer to the front lines then needed. He would take over as Archbishop thanks to his wisdom, patience and magical power.

(-)

Four out of four! I called it. Yeah, this whole lot was crooked, I was sure of tha-

My thoughts were cut off as Lucilius jerked slightly as if surprised by something before looking side to side before looking right at me. I blinked for a moment before I noticed something as our eyes locked.

His eyes narrowed at me. Did he... Did he just sense me using observe on him?

I... I didn't know that could be a thing until now...

After a moment he went back to waving at the crowd, his smile never faltering for the whole time as their carriage moved forwards but his eyes kept watching me. A few people noticed Princess Alicia and even a couple called out to her. Soon we turned to watch as the Archbishop's carriage passed by ours. His head didn't turn but his eyes did and stayed locked with mine, the gaze held until his vehicle passed ours. "So, that's the Archbishop, huh?" I let off as I looked to Alicia.

"Yeah..." She said. "That's him."

Albert and our small, knight escort moved to disperse the crowd to try and get us moving once more. As they did that and we waited I had to wonder; why was the Archbishop here in the heart of the Pope's territory? And how did he sense my Observe? I hated to say it but I was a tad shaken by his response and gaze.

[-]

Archbishop's Carriage
Outside of Lancefort City's Gates

"Beg yer pardon Father, is there somethin' the matter?" Harrison asked after he, the Archbishop and the pair of Cardinals sat inside the luxurious carriage proper. The insides were painted red with seats covered with rich, white fabrics and gold trimmings; a small stairway allowing the people inside to rise to the platform of the carriage to be seen by the masses of the faithful. They had sat down inside the carriage after they had left the city and started to ride eastwards. "Fer a moment there ya looked like ya took a slap in the face from a jilted ex." Lucilius sighed as he sat down, his staff set into a rack over his head. Leaning back the elder man crossed his arms.

"Hmm... I am not sure..." He said, musing for a moment as he stroked his beard. "I... Sensed a magic... A magic unknown to me wash over my body... Probing me... I can't explain it. But the man on the carriage, the one we passed... Standing with the Feoh Princess... I am sure he was the source of it."

The vehicle went silent for a moment as their leader wallowed in thought for a moment. "Do we know who he is?" Amram asked, cupping his pointed chin in a thumb and forefinger, that thumb stroking the underside.

"I do not know him or of him off hand, but I saw an emblem on his gambeson. Blue shield with yellow stars and a white unicorn." The Archbishop said as Karin hummed for a moment.

"That sounds like the emblem for House Noxdecus." She said, hands folded in her lap. Her sword was removed from her hip, sheathe and all on a rack over her head as she sat across from the Archbishop.

"You mean that was the lil' lordlin' that's running around with all them talkin' magic things?" Harrison said with a surprised tone. "I 'eard from some of our more pious friends in the nobility he made a splash at Princess Fiorire's birthday party..."

"Yes; danced with the High Queen as I recall..." Amram let off, snorting. "Think he's trying to rise up in station?"

"Hmm..." Lucilius let off as his hand kept stroking his long beard in thought before moving to rub over his chin with his thumb. "Possible... Possible... Or she knew of his creations from before hand and has offered him some of her favor. Regardless it doesn't matter; his house will rise from his efforts. But we are to talk of this strange magic I felt..."

"Could he be..." The hawkish Cardinal began, leaning over as he sat next to the Archbishop, elbow resting on his thigh, head turned to look to his superior. "One of them..."

There was no immediate answer as they fell to silence, the old man stroking his beard for a long moment before speaking. "It's possible. I wasn't able to see his eyes well enough in the light I had to know for sure... Although they were the right sort of color..."

"Give the order, Father, and I'll see to it me men carve the eyes from him along with his 'eart." Harrison said with a wide, devilish grin as he flicked his wrist, grabbing a hatchet as it came out, the blade lacking depth compared to most and built to be thrown with ease. "I can go around and axe him all nice like..."

Lucilius shook his head slowly before speaking. "No." He said firmly. "If he has Celestine's favor then we must not be hasty in dealing with him." Karin frowned and crossed her arms as he kept speaking. "Any undo actions may direct attentions where we do not want them to be... And his great works could be useful to us. We should at least await to see what he is capable of making. Once we can... Copy and improve upon his works and make them our own... His use will be at an end and it will be worth considering the risks and rewards of removing him more. That said..." He said, his head turning to his bodyguard. "I would like to know more about the lad, Harrison."

"Aye then." The man's bodyguard said with a nod. "I'll send someone out to start pokin' around. It ain't gonna be all that long 'fore we know all that there is to know; down to the size of his knob and if it's had the skin snipped off the tip."

"I don't... I don't need to know that much, but thank you." Lucilius said with a sigh. "Regardless our 'impromptu' speech about unity and the need for camaraderie against Garan will overshadow the 'Pope's' own announcements. They can talk about education all they want; our arrival and impassioned speech is what the people will talk about."

"And Cardinal Caliburn will keep those words in their minds for sometime to come." Amram said with a chuckle. "He he he he... The so called 'Faith' will be bled until they've nothing left to bleed."

"And as the blood drains we will refill their vessels with our own teachings and unify Eostia under one Church once more." Lucilius said with a grin, one that slowly grew wider. "And that will make the rise of the Theocracy of Larentus all the smoother..."

[-]

Progress was slow for a while longer but soon we were back on our way to the Sancta Vox. There wasn't much idle chatter now given the spectacle that the Archbishop had made. The silence gave me time to think though, so I didn't mind.

Beardsley's title coming up as a mystery was bad enough but the fact that three of the highest members of the Una Vertia Chruch and their top enforcer having no visible titles was worse. The Church was powerful in Eostia and had a grip in Camafran, Rycall, Balanar and Nyaru as well. It's grip in Wereagell was far less, but they praised another god as I recalled. The fact was Beardsley's political power was a fraction of theirs and not as far reaching.

If these people were dirty that was bad already as it was likely all of the Twelve were just as bad and having them as enemies was going to be trouble. But what was worse was the Archbishop's reaction to my Observe.

I have scanned everyone, everyone I could up until now with no one noticing at all. Even Celestine, the most powerful, longest lived and highest level person I knew and used Observe on didn't so much as bat an eye on being scanned.

That old man was more dangerous then he let on... Could... Could he be the source of the Black Storm? Regardless of if he was or wasn't I was sure I'd need to deal with him down the line, but not yet. I had a long way to go before I could consider challenging him and his lot.

Finally we arrived and my thoughts had to be put on hold as we stepped out. The Sancta Vox Cathedral was quite large; white washed from top to bottom and with two, large towers at the front. Gold colored trim was abound and the top of the towers boasted blue colored roofs in cone shapes with spires shaped like the basic Larentia emblem. The banners for the Anima Lux Church hung off said towers under the rooms where the bells were set in each of them near the top. The doors were blue in color with rich, gold colored trim and blue tinted glass filled each of the window frames. Most of our escort waited outside as Makoto took the booster and carried it as we walked to the front doors. The Faith had it's own guard at the door of course; two knights in splint mail with the Anima Lux emblem worn as a tabard and helms with open faces. Upon seeing the Princess they saluted and let us inside.

The floor was made up of pure white marble and marble pillars held up the ceiling with rune like designs carved into them in a spiraling pattern. The sides of the room let in light via windows onto the floor and various benches that served as seating for services for the holy site with a long, blue colored carpet with inserted gold trim going down the center between the two columns of seating. A glance up would show a massive fresco on the ceiling depicting several events key to Larentian history; the War of the Gods, the first blessings, the first two reincarnations of Larentia meeting and debating... At the back of the room on a marble pedestal was a statue of the Goddess Larentia herself; a robed, lovely elven woman with hair past her knees holding a staff at a diagonal angle; the top capped by a crescent moon with a bit of cloth hanging off it from just under the moon and a rounded, diamond shape piece on the bottom end of the staff.

Standing before the statue was a wide, blue colored podium on a slightly raised platform with gold colored trim with the emblem of the Anima Lux Church on the front. There were very few people present, and most of them were at the sides of the room and with three at the back of the room before the podium's place off of the platform three people chatting with two knights standing apart and away from them at attention.

Of the three the one that stood out the most was a dusky skinned Dark Elf woman, standing some five-ten or so. She bore waist length, silver hair in a ponytail and two thick bangs framing her face and gold colored eyes. Her body was well toned and fit and was held in a strapless, deep blue dress with gold trim with a square cut out down the middle. A gold colored collar attached to a royal blue cloth that stretched down into a triangle shape and over her F-Cup breasts. From what I could tell this cloth connected to the dress, somehow, giving it support. Bicep length, deep blue gloves were over each arm with gold colored trim. Over her legs was mid-thigh high boots, deep blue and gold trim once more, and bore metal plates over the toed, top of the foot and heel of the boot.

(-)

Name: Zelda Holybringer
Title: Motherly Azure of the Faith
Class: Monk
Level: 32
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 44
Status: Healthy, Calm, Annoyed

Romance Rating: 85
Corruption Rating: 11

Known Traits
[?]
[Kick Chick] Your kicks are well practiced and powerful. +3 Damage to all kicking and leg based attacks.

[Healing Hands] If you are not under attack you're better able to focus on healing the body. +25% to all healing spells when not a target of attack.

Left at the doorstep of an Anima Lux Church as a baby she was taken into their orphanage. All that was left with her was a letter left with her saying 'End this cursed child'. Growing up she would find herself fighting other children who saw her as an 'evil elf', forcing her to learn how to defend herself. Eventually she was taken under the wing of an eastern man who taught her hand to hand combat to both better defend herself and learn self discipline. Eventually learning magic after she joined the Faith's clergy she would rise to the rank of Azure; the highest ranking person of Dark Elf decent in either of the churches.

(-)

It was worth noting that 'Azure' was the Anima Lux equivalent of the Cardinal; something done to differentiate the two churches further as I recalled.

The second was a man some thirty years old or so, standing at around five-eleven and wearing blue robes that fell to his ankles with gold colored trim, the Anima Lux emblem on the front of it. I could see black boots peeking under the robe and white gloves over his hands visible under wide sleeves. A sash around his hips held a book pouch at his hip. His head was fully bald and he kept a well groomed, black beard and mustache. Blue eyes turned to glance as us as we walked closer.

(-)

Name: Keen Hexicall
Title: Kind Azure of the Faith
Class: Scholar
Level: 33
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 55
Status: Healthy, Calm, Agitated

Known Traits
[Tap For Mana] You know how to use magic to it's fullest. All magic costs 5% less mana.

[Healing Hands] If you are not under attack you're better able to focus on healing the body. +25% to all healing spells when not a target of attack.
[?]

Former noble of House Solrex who felt that the Una Vertia Chruch was becoming more and more corrupt. He would renounce his family name and turn his back on the Church only to find a new path with the Faith. Rising their ranks quickly to an Azure he's been known to do what he can to heal and protect soldiers on the front lines of the Garan conflict.

(-)

Huh, nothing much there. Although I noted he and the Archbishop shared the same family...

The final person stood between the two; a man of maybe some forty odd years. He had short, well groomed orange hair and a clean shaven face. He wore one of those pope hats in white with gold trim. The Anima Lux emblem was on the front in blue with gold trim. He wore a short robe that was white with gold trim, blue panels on each sleeve with diagonal patterns going up and down them. Deep blue pants were over his legs with a pair of gold stripes going down the outside of each leg. Over his feet was a pair of black boots with gold trim.

He was the last to take note of us as green eyes smiled as much as his lips did. "Ah, Princess Alicia. I bid you welcome to the House of our Goddess. And you much be James Noxdecus." He said, bowing slightly. "I am George the Second, Pope of the Anima Lux Church."

(-)

Name: George the Second
Title: Honest Pope of the Faith
Class: Sage
Level: 39
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 56
Status: Healthy, Calm, Suppressed Annoyance, Pleased

Known Traits
[Faith in the Light] You are a true believer and this belief fuels your magic! +10% to the damage, healing and effects of all Holy magic. -5% to the damage, healing and effects of all non-Holy magic

[Tap For Mana] You know how to use magic to it's fullest. All magic costs 5% less mana.
[Power of Prayer] A few moments of prayer will always boost your spirits. +10% to all stats for ten minutes after praying. This can be done once per day

A former bishop of the Una Vertia by the name of Henry Alder he became disillusioned when Lucilius the Sixth rose to power, accusing the Archbishop of hording wealth for the Church and not spending it on the downtrodden as the Biblica Lux asked of them. He would resign and preach as an independent priest before eventually joining the Anima Lux Church, rising up to the Faith's top position. He does what he can to promote peace, unity, education and mercy to the masses.

(-)

"A pleasure to meet you, your holiness." I replied with a bow of my own. "If you don't mind me saying you all seem agitated. I imagine it has a lot to do with all the pomp and circumstance Lucilius caused." He raised an eyebrow to me for a moment. "We saw him on his carriage among a massive crowd on our way over." The Pope sighed and shook his head.

"Indeed. Seems he got wind of a speech I intended to make on expanding our places of learning." The man said as his shoulders slumped slightly. "I had planned to dedicate it to the importance of education, self betterment and to urge the faithful to find paths to peace... Only for him to appear and steal our thunder; speaking of unity and bravery in the face of our Garan foes referring to them as 'monsters incapable of reason or peace'. While we hold more popularity in Feoh there are many who pray under the deceptors watch and many of our own faithful think him a greater man then he is. It is rather frustrating, but someday I am sure he and his cronies shall be exposed."

"If you have no proof of these 'deceptions' then you shouldn't spread baseless accusations." Albert let off with a huff. "There is nothing holy about slander."

"Father Gregory once served under the deceptor." Zelda let off, huffing. "I would think there would be a reason for him to quit the place, do you not agree?"

"Irregardless he is a man of high office and esteem " Albert huffed. "And he is of higher esteem then you unrulylot, Drow." I hissed softly at that... For the record in Eostia calling a Dark Elf a 'Drow' was like calling a black person that six letter 'N' word.

"Uncle!" Alicia barked out as Zelda's eyes widened before narrowing as she started to step towards the knights, hands in fists.

"I would suggest you-"

"Enough!" I let off, moving between the woman and the knight, both hands up. I looked to Zelda first as I spoke. "Picking a fight on holy ground isn't going to help dispel an unruly image." I began as she huffed as I looked to Albert. "And while there may be no hard proof I can't imagine the rumors have come from nowhere." He'd huff in turn as I lowered my hands. "Rather then fight over them let's all remain civil and calm. Don't forget, Prim's butler had more then a few rumors flying around before his betrayal." I said as Albert grunted softly and gave a shallow nod. Mind there was more then rumors around him but no sense dragging that up. I turned to the Pope and smiled once more. "Anyway, shall we begin our work?"

"Ah, yes. Let us." The Pope let off, Zelda and Albert taking a last moment to glare at one another before both moved to follow the two of us as George led the way, the rest moving to follow in step.

[-]

Beardsley Manor
Razon Beardsley's Office

"There..." He said, smiling as he opened a hidden panel in his desk to pull out a black sheet with red ink scribbled onto it before shutting it closed. It was set up to rapidly dry ink and paint and it made the creation of the black letters quite easy. They were a small pain to make but were used for a few reasons; they were more resistant to the elements and general transport damage, they were harder to set on fire, they survived water damage much easier and the dark color made then easier to hide when needed.

Also there was a bit of perverse glee in making them; he felt like a suave spy or ninja. He did enjoy those Julia Bondsworth novels, back in his youth.

Well, he was a spy in truth. A spy and a turncoat that would get all he wanted once all was done.

With a lit candle and a stamp he pressed an emblem of an oil lamp into a wax seal at the bottom of the letter. Once it cooled and hardened he would fold the letter up. He even used the alias 'Bondsworth' in his letters giving him a small, if brief, feel of giddiness. Finally he would have all he wanted. A beautiful, strong knight he chose as opposed to a frumpy, lazy old woman his parents foisted onto him. To be the rightful ruler of Feoh, a land he'd been de facto ruling for over half a decade now. Respect as king! Sure, it would be serving an emperor but a small price to pay. All he had to do was his part and wait for the storm to come...

All good things come to those who wait...

A knock sounded on the door as he pushed the letter under a book. "Yes?" He called out before the door opened.

"You have guests, sir. Conti and Ponti Mortadella." The young, supple maid let off. She didn't have the firm body of Alicia, nor her breast size but otherwise looked not unlike her. She was also a far, far better lay then his wife...

"Ah, send them in, please." Beardsley said as he smiled. "And ensure we are not disturbed, if you will."

"Of course sir." She said, bowing as she stepped aside to let the two, well dressed pig men into the room, shutting the door for them.

"It's about time." Beardsley let off, reaching under the book to pull the letter out, sliding it to the other end of his desk. "What delayed you so much?"

"The Archbishop, of all people was in town." Conti said with a snort and a shrug.

"Traffic was near murder with all the crowds around him." Ponti added, mimicking the motion.

"Really? In the heart of the Pope's territory? Hmm..." Beardsley let off, cupping his chin. "I wonder if the Church is making some sort of move..."

"Think we should report this to our master?" Conti asked after a moment.

"Hrumpf..." The man let off, thinking of it. "Might as well mention it. However I doubt it'll have serious consequences; unless you know something I don't in regards to talks with the Church."

"Not that we know." Ponti said as he moved to take the black letter, tucking it into his jacket. "Did you report on this 'voxlux' or whatever it is?"

"Yes, the letter holds the details, and I've had chance to met the maker." The old man said with a huff. "Yet it seems like he is somewhat... guarded around me for some reason..."

"Hmmm..." Conti let off, cupping his chin, his brother mimicking the motion and sound.

"Whatever. We don't need to befriend him, we just need to ensure he's accounted for." Ponti summed as Conti nodded.

"Indeed brother, indeed."

[-]

Highdagger Peaks
Western Territory of Garan
Inside Castle Eisenschild

The dark elf man snorted as we stormed down the halls of the cold, gray stones of Castle Eisenschild from the the throne room as he moved to where he was sure the one he was looking for was. He spent a moment to turn on his heel, looking to the banner hanging on either side of the door. It was circular with the bulk of the circle dominated by a crescent moon reaching from the bottom left to the top right with a line connecting the two points. Said moon was deep red with a thick, dark blue, lines in a style the humans might call 'tribal' or maybe relate it to something 'Celtic'. This left the connecting line blue with red outlines.

The gap left was black and bore two, notable features. In the center bottom of the gap was a bright red eye with deep blue tendrils outlined in deep red reaching up and down from it with a deep, gold arrow set into the tendrils, one pointing up the other down. Above that was dark red letters in deep gold trim. The lettering was the scratch-like but elegant language of the Dark Elves written word and said a short phrase.

Chloe
Child of Shadow
Queen's Blade

The man sneered before turning to walk back down the hall. How that lowly... Halfborne was allowed such a high command and admitted into the Lowborne he'd never understand! The Lowborne nobility, like himself, were far more deserving of the honor. By all rights she should be, at best, a pleasure whore among the Chainborne.

He snorted softly. Then again, he was forced to admit, he was also envious; he longed to rise into the Highborne but was denied the right at birth.

Such was life of a man in a matriarchy.

The man's deep, purple robes ruffled a bit as he walked along, his hawkish nose pointed off his face with his shoulder length hair hanging behind him. Red eyes glanced about before turning into the room to find the man in question... And stopped to sigh. "You need a new hobby, Alois."

"You're one to talk, Casimir." Came the reply. The dark elf male bore dark skin like Casimir had but his hair was deep black with a hint of purple and tied back in a waist long ponytail. Piercing, gray eyes gazed about as his body was covered in a layer of metal plate magically tinted a deep blue with black trim. He was tall; Casimir being around six foot two and Alois being six foot four. A massive blade was strapped to his back; some four foot long and reminiscent of the blades some in the east of Eostia liked to use. Neither bore facial hair of any sort, but that was true of elves across the board.

He was handsome, he supposed. If nothing else Lowborne and Highborne women seemed to fancy him, more then one should of a former Laborborne. Then again that was only half of how he reached the ranks of the Lowborne; the other half was how ruthless he could be. And here in an unused storeroom was his... 'trophies'. "Beautiful. Each and everyone one of them." Alois said as Casimir shivered.

His 'trophies' were of women; mostly human with the odd halfling and one High Elf of all things. Casimir wasn't sure of the details; if they were skinned and set onto some sort of frame or magically preserved after death. For four hundred years he would claim one each time they stormed over the border for their crusade against the human insects and each would have an inscription on the podium they stood on. If he knew it the names of the person would be odd them. Regardless there would be a description of how he met and killed them, what he knew of them and so on. Some, like Alexandria Galeraven, were of human nobility (Or what humans had that passed for nobility) others like an unnamed girl simply listed as 'Farmer Girl' were of the common stock of the filth. What he held here was a small sample; maybe a dozen of three hundred plus trophies.

"I'm not interested in pale skinned wastes of flesh." Casimir huffed, crossing his arms. "Our Trueborne Queen's favorite Halfborne has a job for you. The Five Houses are getting antsy and seeking fresh bloodshed. I don't know when, but soon more like then not."

"Hoo?" Alois let off, turning to face his companion with a grin. "And pray tell, where do I come in?"

"You are to proceed to the south in the lands the humans call 'Ar-ra-fe'. Casimir spat out. "You are to to take a force of ogres, goblins and orcs no larger then two hundred with no more then six soldiers and proceed with a recon-in-force. The means of which you do so is up to you; our Halfborne 'Mistress' wants a test of the enemy's strength and readiness. You are to ride out as soon as you can."

"...Can I take another trophy?"

"I don't care and I doubt she does either." Casimir sighed as Alois grinned and moved to pass the other elf out of the door as he sighed once more. "I swear, he's a bizarre one. ... But he is a dangerous one too..."

[-]

"And there we go..." The mounting place for the booster was on the cathedral's roof between the two bell towers. Once secure I shook it a bit to ensure it wouldn't fall or rock off. As I stood up and stepped back with Miria and Makoto who were helping hold the thing I looked to Alicia and gave her a nod. She pulled her voxlux out and used it to speak to her father; I could see the image of his face over it before she turned it off as we stepped away from the booster and closer to the towers at the sides to look out to the streets.

It wasn't long until the booster shot a pillar of light upwards as Aston Arcturus did something he hadn't been able to do for the past four odd years; address his people directly as king.

People saw the rising light and turned, pointing and gawking before it's spread to form a sphere from which Aston's head appeared. "Greetings my subjects. It has been sometime since I've spoken to you all directly and for that I apologize."

"King Arcturus!" Someone called out. I could see some look on in wonder, some in surprise... But most smiled up to the face of their king.

"Our king! He speaks to us!"

"How!?"

"It really is King Aston!"

"This means of address was created by the heir of Mungale." Aston explained, smiling down to the people. "It allows you all to see me... And I to see you... It has been too long my subjects... While I have remained in good spirits I've not been able to say the same for my health... But seeing you all turn and smile to me... It is uplifting for me. I promise I will give my next address to you soon, all thanks to this new device... And I cannot wait. Until then..." He said as the light faded as I smiled to Alicia who smiled back, giggling softly. Down on the street level I could sense a bit of cheer and raised spirits from the short address; the people getting to see Aston once more.

[(⸜∕ ) Place Booster in The Kingdom of Feoh]

One more check on the list. Next stop would be, if I recalled correctly, one of the places I could have started out in when I entered Eostia; Arafe. This would be interesting, to say the least.

[ - Author's Note - ]

Whew... Coming along, huh?

We saw Beardsley before briefly, but we get to see him a bit more here as well as the Porker Brother's. And then we have the Archbishop; he was in the games but was never named beyond 'Archbishop' and wasn't even given a sprite. Go figure, huh?

And we get a hint as to what Chole is doing, even if we don't see her directly yet. In the Visual Novel the only two Dark Elves we can confirm living in Garan were Chole and Olga. Of course this is another world of the Kuroinu cluster so there are a few more kicking around... That said the Aberrant will still be the largest part of their fighting force. Speaking of...

Next stop; Arafe... And it's not just James and his friends going there.

Oh, and the poll for the best of the Ur Banners is still up at strawpoll dot com (slash) polls (slash) 05Zd1rzPQy6. Please go and vote, I worked hard on those banners!

Until next time...

~~Eostian Scribe