[ - Author's Note - ]
Well here we are in Ken now... And in a chapter that is over thirty two thousand words long!
That makes it the largest chapter of this story so far (Twenty eight thousand was the largest one until now) and pushing it over seven hundred thousand words. That Million Words mark is getting closer and closer... And we're only half way done with Act Two...
To clarify something; the reason for such a long chapter goes something like this; I had planned to end it at the usual twelve-k mark as that's my average for the story... But I promised politics in this chapter and we hadn't reached them yet... And there wasn't a really good breaking off point once I started. Yup. Oh god, it ballooned... At least it'll help keep the chapter count down...
On another note; the current poll has nineteen votes. A good start, but I'd like to see some more. Link will be at the bottom so please do vote; I love seeing people's opinions.
If only FFDotNet allowed for polls in the stories themselves and not just profiles... Alas...
So enough of this; what do we have for this chapter?
Well, a brief stop into Ken's Capital of Skycrown to visit the First King of Ken before moving to Skyguard to say hello to Celestine. A little time spent with her, hints to what will come in the meeting and a little something else. And then...
Politics...
Brace for impact everyone...
[ - Act II - Chapter XXII: Oh Ken You See... - ]
The High Kingdom of Ken used to be simply the Kingdom of Ken. As Joanna founded Ken she gathered her fellow Shield Maidens to form a council of equals to rule, however her fellows would always turn to her for leadership at first making her the First Among Equals. As such she had to concern herself with both the affairs of Ken and all of Eostia. Despite her best efforts she found the responsibilities of two crowns too much for one set of shoulders and so split them.
She created for herself the title of High Queen and created a separate title for Aleister Steelarm who would become the first King of Ken. However as his crown passed onto his son, Persius, he found that his son was also called the 'First King' as a means to further separate the two crowns from one another. Incidentally, the High Kingdom boasts two capitals; Skyguard City as capital of all Eostia in it's north and Skycrown City for Ken in the south near the border of Whitewell with the city hosting the Lux Clama, one of Larentia's Great Cathedrals.
Today the good High Queen Celestine takes the role Joanna of the White Cloth once had as both High Queen and Shield Princess and while not fighting the Dark Emperor she still has her own struggles with the Queen of the Jagged Crown. By contrast the title of First King has passed down into the Roisage lineage for generations now; Samuel Roisage taking the crown when the founding Steelarm line was slain in the opening rounds of the Garan conflict and a plague that followed those dark days.
Under the Goddess Reborn's watch Ken remains the center of power for Eostia; a bastion of freedom, power and prosperity and she enjoys the leadership of both House Roisage and Celestine.
~Dominic James Pencraft, The Eostia Historia
[-]
After perhaps something of a too extended stay in Forestside we returned to the road and on our way. We would cross over the northwestern section of the Duchy of Halous but we didn't even stay very long; staying for a night in a small village and out of the territory before the sun fell the next night. We would end up after another two days ride in Skycrown City, the capital of the High Kingdom of Ken. It was worth noting we weren't at our destination yet; that was Skyguard City further north; the capital of Eostia as a whole. Both sat in the High Kingdom with Skycrown being a day's ride south of Skyguard. A few scattered trees were about but it was mostly plains, creeks and farms that we passed by. In fact Ken had a lot of good, fertile land and an abundance of farmers. Additionally a series of mages have used a series of spell orbs to create a massive spot of farm land with different properties for the express purposes of brewing coffee. Yes, coffee.
...
Note to self, get coffee beans before leaving Ken.
Eventually we approached Skycrown City; once known as Verlangen City, the capital city of the Brazen Empire. Yeah... That said the city had undergone major remodeling since then. The outer layer city walls were fifty feet tall and were surrounded by a large moat fed by a river. The second wall boasted seventy foot walls but with a series of one hundred foot towers with cannons on each. While not considered one of Eostia's Seven Shield Fortresses it was no joke as a stronghold, clearly.
Once close enough we could see the emblem of the ruling House of the First Throne; the shield emblem was a knight's shield with slight notches in the upper corners and slight bevels on the sides. The shield boasted a gray edge with dark gold rivets set into it, a thin black outline on each side leading to a band of yellow leading to another black outline. The background was a pale yellow with a set of white, 'V'-shaped wings in the center with a silver outline. Above it, between the wings, was an eight pointed, yellow star with blue highlights on the inside and a yellow crown over that with a deep, gold outline and three jewels along the band and one in the center of the top point. Under it was an orange crescent with five, sun like points with the opening facing down. Under it, outlined in yellow, was a green wreath. The final addition was a set of crossed swords behind the shield; blue handles, yellow cross guard, deep gold pommel and ends to the guards, plus a section where guard and blade met. The Golden Emblem of House Roisage.
Claudia and Klaus were still riding with us (Although Lorcan opted to remain in Forestside for a time. I couldn't imagine why. Note the sarcasm, please and thank you) and, as such, the Sword Division of the Dawn Templars so we were waved in quickly. Once inside the first gate we had to travel around between the two walls about a quarter of the way. Before the gate of the second wall, however, there was a set of gates between the two walls on either side of the main gate for extra security. Once inside we could see a wide main street and a lot of clean, white washed buildings with trims and roofs of every color; although shades of yellow seemed favored. Skycrown also boasted the Lux Clama which was one of the Three Great Larentian Cathedrals in Eostia... And headquarters of the Una Vertias Church, which was a bit worrying for me. You could even see it off in the distance; a twelve story, white washed building with two towers on it's sides, looking like the Notre Dame in a way... But with golden trim, the Divina Cruscis of the Church on the top of each tower, a red painted roof and the Un Vertias take on the Cruscis over a large, front window near the top of the main building. If nothing else it was impressive. That's not where we were going, however, rather our destination was to the palace in the center of the city.
Surrounded by forty foot, whitewashed walls the local palace (Not castle, palace) was also visible from the distance; it was shaped like a tall pyramid that was eighty feet tall save a tower at each corner that was sixty feet tall. The top of each tower had a bridge that led to the central building. The whole thing was whitewashed with the cap of the pyramid being pure gold with a statue of Saint Sofia atop of it and each of the pointed roofs of each of the towers were also gold covered. It was impressive.
House Roisage was said to be wealthy, even compared to the peers of the other ruling houses of the Seven Shield Kingdoms, Geofu's Three Rulers and Thorn's High Consul. I imagined this was a show of opulence as, for better or worse, the First Throne is often overlooked as leaders for the High Throne, even before Celestine sat on it's seat. And of course the High Throne was more or less just next door. Yup. It wasn't long before we arrived and was waved in to the main gate; massive, gold trimmed double doors. We would dismount and moved into the palace proper and it was plain to see that the inside was as opulent as the outside...
There was a rich, black marble floor and an equally rich, white marble walls. Pillars reached to the ceiling, two stories up, made out of marble with runes carved into it. The stairs leading to the balcony of the second floor was twenty feet wide and was lined with gold and plated with silver. On the back walls, framing the staircase was a series of murals; one featuring the Battle of Arndale and the other focusing on the signing of the Aegis Alliance Accords. The maids were... Well, dressed skimpy. The usual headdress, stockings and shoes... And a white apron, a tiny black thong with white lace and nothing else. Because Eostia.
Soon two people were walking to us from the second story. The first was a tall, five foot eleven woman who wore a purple, strapless dress that fell to her ankles. The skirt was in ruffled waves with a white center while each arm held a detached sleeve with a purple upper half and a white lower half. Full, F-Cup breasts filled the top of her dress with massive amounts of cleavage on display; a pale, blue orb set into a silver pendant and on a silver chain with pearls spaced out on them. A matching silver chain and pearl piece was on her wrists as well, a golden earring with small pendants on them and a ring on her left index finger. Her hair was fiery red and hung to her mid back with a set of locks draped over one breast Gray-blue eyes looked over to us as red painted lips smiled, a small mole under the right side of them.
"Ah, our esteemed guests! Our good High Queen told us you'd likely stop here on your way north to Skyguard." She said as she reached the floor, curtsying softly as a soft, Scottish accent tinged her voice. "Giah Edlerstern, Ken's Prime Minister, at your service."
(-)
Name: Giah Edlerstern
Title: Prime Minister of the First Throne
Class: Politician/Wizard
Level: 21
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 55
Status: Healthy, Calm, Joyful
Romance Rating: 91
Corruption Rating: 12
Known Traits
[?]
[Spirit of Fire] You can be quite passionate in the moment. +5 to all Sexual Stats. +1 to all Regular Stats
[Tap For Mana] You know how to use magic to it's fullest. All magic costs 5% less mana.
[?]
Hailing from a minor house in Arndale and boasting Celtic heritage she was about to be named as heir to House Elderstern but opted to take an offer to become the Prime Minister of Ken. In most cases she acts as the face of the First Throne, mostly to keep the First King's unusual condition from becoming too public.
(-)
First King's condition?
"And this is his Royal Highness, Colt Roisage; First King of Ken and Leader of House Roisage." I blinked at what Giah said. Miria blinked. We all blinked and looked down to the person she introduced.
And yes, I do mean looked down... at the ten year old child standing next to her. He was some four foot seven or so with a cute face, bright blue eyes, short, blonde hair that hung half way down the cheeks and curled in slightly at the tips. He wore an expensive, royal blue jacket with the Roisage emblem over the heart and bearing gold colored trim with a white shirt under it and a red cape trimmed with white fur hanging from his jacket's gold colored epaulettes (And a foot too long as it dragged on the floor). White pants were over his legs with a blue strip up the outer thighs, trimmed with gold tucked into polished, royal blue boots with matching laces.
"This child is a King?" Makoto let off before looking up to Giah. "You act as regent then?"
"Oh no. He doesn't look it, but he's twenty five years old." Giah replied as Colt tried to puff out his chest in a childish way.
"The King is a halfling then?" Makoto said as Colt sighed.
"No, no, I'm human... My body is like this because of alchemy..." He let off with a sigh, sounding the like child he appeared to be.
Huh..?
(-)
Name: Colt Roisage
Title: First King of Ken
Class: Machinist
Level: 31
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 45
Status: Healthy β Magically Affected, Calm, Annoyed
Known Traits
[Really Over 18 Years Old] Your growth has been stunted with magic! Grow at a rate of one day per year.
[?]
[Rapid Reload] If you are under attack you can reload your weapon in half the usual time. This can be used once every thirty seconds
[Speak Softly...] You're a crack shot with long guns. +2% Accuracy when using rifles.
Adored by his mother, doubly so when his father passed due to illness, she opted to do everything she could to keep him as her little baby boy... And mostly managed to do it. Frustrated that his childish body doesn't match his adult mind he tends to act in ways to affirm he is a man, in spite of his apparent age.
(-)
...
If he can't undo whatever magic that is he's going to live to be thousands of years old... But... how did that happen!?
"Beg pardon your highness, but can you... elaborate?" I asked, blinking as he turned to me and nodded.
"Yeah... So... Mom liked me being young, so she kept feeding me age regression potions for most of my life." He said as I blinked once more.
"But... Those don't last long; eight to twelve hours at most..." I explained as Makoto looked to me.
"I am surprised such potions exists." She said as I shrugged.
"Oh, they're not common. Hell, a good age regression potion will set you back anywhere from fifty gold to a full platinum depending on the quality." I explained. "Same with other high powered transformation based alchemy. Gender swapping potions, potions that simply swap sexual organs, one that'll turn you into an elf or halfling for a time and so on. But the length of time is limited and, as I said, they are expensive. And temporary. The age regression potions are something some mages tried to make to gain immortality; didn't really work."
"Oh, it works..." Colt said with a sigh. "If you take them three times a day for about ten years straight."
The sound of a record skipping sounded in my head.
"I... excuse me?" I let off. I did the math in my head really quick.
Three potions a day times three hundred and sixty five days a year times ten years times a platinum per potion (Assuming the higher end) that means his mother spend almost eleven thousand platinum to keep this guy as a little kid! Or just shy of elven hundred platinum a year for ten years!
To put this into some perspective Mungale's treasury typically (Depending on year and time of year) has anywhere between four hundred and seven hundred platinum in it at any one time, more or less. That sounds like a lot, but when you consider how much of it is being spent on various things it's a small rainy day fund; father was always uncomfortable that it wasn't over a thousand. And his mother was spending more money then Mungale possessed on potions for her boy each year for ten years straight. The term 'More Money Then God' applies here.
"It sucks, but I've learned to deal with it." He said as he walked over to us, grinning and bowing a bit. "I look forwards to getting to know you all."
"Likewise your highness." Cress said for us as Claudia smiled a bit more.
"At least he's behaving himself now..." She said as I looked to her. I was about to ask what she meant... When my sister yelped out. I looked over to see... Colt reaching around her with his hands up her shorts and groping her ass. What the hell!?
"Oh, very much getting to know you very inta-"
Twack!
"No thank you!" My sister let off, fist held up and shaking... After punching the top of the First Brat's, I mean First King's, head which sent him face first to the floor.
"Ah, please forgive him." Giah said smoothly and calmly. As Colt twitched on the ground I noted no one rushed to arrest Miria or retaliate for their King's injury and even Giah's tone and response hinted that this was not unusual. "He always tries to assert his manhood because of his... situation. And not always in the... best or correct manner."
"No kiddin'?" Miria let off in an annoyed tone as Cress helped a dazed Colt to his feet.
"Please your highness... Maybe that was a... bit much of a response..." Cress said soothingly. "But a woman will respond badly if you just grab her like that."
"Owwie..." Colt let off as he chuckled. "Ah well... Works on some ladies... Maybe... you?" He let off... And grabbed Cress by the groin as he squeaked... Before Colt squeaked in surprise right after him. "You're a boy!? But you look like a-"
Twack!
"I changed my mind!" Cress let off, his fist shaking now as Colt was back on the ground; on his shoulders with his legs hanging over his head, one foot twitching. "It's a fully justified response!"
"O-okay Cress, calm down!" Miria let off as she waved her hands moving between him and the downed king as I just sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose.
Maybe we should have gone straight to Skyguard?
[-]
Once the First King had recovered enough (And I told him, politely, that if he attempted to lay a hand on Riri it wouldn't be her smacking him and this time he'd stay down) we were shown to quarters. There was some time before dinner so I slipped my jacket off and did some work on a side project. The room was nice; spacious and came with a wine rack of all things; several good vintages too. The windows were slanted, matching the pyramid's angle. It also came with a hot tub.
Opulence, thy name is Roisage. I only half joke; the Roisage line was known for wisdom, piousness and generosity but you always got someone in the line that was a bit different and in the Roisage those different ones were more obsessed with the collection and expression of wealth. And, well, those few were good at it; helped by ruling one of the most prosperous parts of a prosperous kingdom. At least it gave ample coffers for the generous ones to be, well, generous.
Regardless of all that, after some time there was a knock at the door as I poured over the item on a table as I glanced over to said door. "Enter." I half expected that it was Giah, given how things go for me (IE; a weird porno), but instead I got someone very male and much shorter. As he turned to shut the door I could, in fact, see the little black tail of a halfling. He was some four foot nine and bore a black, moderate sized mustache (Fun fact, halflings couldn't grow beards just mustaches) and cropped hair under a blue beret. He wore a blue long coat over a white shirt, black trousers and brown boots. A monocle sat over one eye. More interesting was the emblem set over the coat over his heart.
The emblem was a thick, gold colored ring with a yellow colored, Celtic circle with in it. A thinner yellow band on the inside of the gold one and a very thin gold one inside of that with the background being blue. Inside of it was a green Celtic knot that seemed to be in eight sections with bits moving to the middle; the top four sections leading to a point near the top and vice versa for the bottom with both moving to each other in a twist. It gave it a very tree-like appearance. I'd seen it before; House Kalkan's banner.
"James Noxdecus I assume." He said, pulling his beret off and bowing before setting it on a rack's hook near the door (A lower one) before walking closer. "Count Tantan Kalkan, a pleasure to meet the man who-what is that?" He said, pointing to what was on the table as I used Observe on him.
(-)
Name: Tantan Kalkan
Title: Count of the Hills
Class: Warlord
Level: 25
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 34
Status: Healthy, Calm, Calculated
Known Traits
[Mister Mineral] You can tell what sort of ore, stone, gem or quartz set before you is when it's shown to you; so long as you've seen it before.
[?]
[Here Comes The Money] Investments you make seem to pay back more the usual; +5% money back on all profitable investments
The Count of Blarian and patriarch of the Kalkan House, he is well trained in economics and desires to raise his realm by uplifting the middle and lower classes. He believes that by uplifting the lower classes the upper classes will be uplifted further and by extension his realm as a whole. He finds slavery as an institution confusing; seeing it as a waste of potential.
(-)
"Ah, a pleasure Count Kalkan. And this is a side project of mine." I said gesturing to it. I bought an ornate chess board while in Forestside and while there I approached a carpenter about a rush job and he agreed for about ten gold; pricey but worth it.
The chess board had white and black, painted spaces with a golden paint separating them, likely a paint made with real gold. Gold, vine like patterns ran up and down the outside of those spaces on the borders. The addition I had made was a wooden block with a space cut out for the board, painted black on one end, white on the other and gray on the two sides. On the white and black ends were smaller chess boards, angled slightly to face the person sitting by it. At each corner of the addition, facing towards the main board was a set of spell stones; two black on one end, two white on the other. That was different alone...
The real thing was the realistic looking figures standing on the chess board. "I've been enchanting it. You use the smaller boards to control the main one and an illusion spell projects the 'pieces'. I'm still working on it, but the fundamentals are there." He moved to a chair, climbing on it to look it over and hummed. Each piece had a realistic look to it; the pawns looked like gambeson armored guards with a spear and a pawn shaped emblem on their chest; half male and half female. The knights were armored in metal, a sword in a sheath and a shield with the knight's chess piece symbol on the shield; one male and one female. The bishops were both elves in long robes with staffs capped with a bishop chess piece, once more one male and one female. The rooks were different; each was a set of halflings and both had a male and female pair. The male bore a heavy, rook piece shaped cannon on their back while the female carried a backpack and a cannonball. The queen a was woman in a dress with slits on both sides, a queen piece emblem on the front of her belt. Finally the king was a bearded man in a great coat and cape carrying a scepter with a king piece capping it. One side of the board had all the figures wearing white with gold accents and accessories, the other side wore black with silver accents.
He hummed and looked over the smaller board on the white side facing him. Projected over the smaller board facing him was images of chess symbols in white or black. I had been playing against myself, so to speak, as a means to test it. It wasn't a serious game by any means, but it meant the pieces were all over the place and some missing. He hummed and tapped on a knight on the smaller board and saw the square under it turn blue with all the squares it could move to turned red. Seeing one of those squares bore an opposing pawn he tapped that.
The white knight instantly moved with other pieces shuffling to the side to let him by, moving back to where they were once he passed them. The black pawn he was attacking moved to a back corner of the space as the knight moved opposite of him. The knight drew his weapon as the pawn stabbed at him only to be blocked by the shield before the knight swung it's weapon. The pawn used it's spear to block with it's shaft... Only to have the knight cut through the weapon, it's blade cutting into the pawn's skull. It would slump to the side and, as the knight took it's place, it faded off the board.
"Fascinating..." Tantan let off, stroking his chin. "...Can you replicate this as with your voxlux?" He asked as I nodded.
"I'm still working on it, but once it's done I can. Making the boards to match this will be the most difficult part." I explained, sitting opposite of him.
"Pffft... My boy, I can handle that; if you want to do business, of course." He said as I raised my eyebrow. "It's why I came to you; for such a young, inexperienced enchanter you have ideas, clearly. While not to the same degree as Grand Duchy the County of Blarian has a sizable spell stone quarry! And I've craftsman at my deploy. With some planning we can build something like this en mass!" He said with a grin.
Ah, I see. That explains his reasons. Well...
"I do have a few other things; although one I want to do on my own." I began. "But I expect it'll be fairly cheap; once it's all set up and have no need for stones. On the other hand I do have an few ideas that would be better served with stones. An example..."
I began to explain a few ideas I had. One was another sort of tactical game; based on Advance Wars but with Fire Emblem style units. Explaining such ideas as production of units, units that counter other units, naval combat ideas... Of course no air combat, for better or worse. Although he suggested levitating mages for such a role.
I also suggested something along the lines of an air hockey game which he was even more interested in. Indeed, he mused that both nobility and common folk could do with such distractions.
For the record the one I wanted to do on my own was a board game. I had options to import something from my old world, but I wanted a game that could be made cheaply and sold cheaply. Monopoly had too many pieces, as did games like Risk, Catan and Clue; they all needed cards, pieces of various types and in Monopoly's case, fake money. My choice meanwhile? Scrabble and battleship.
Literacy rates were pretty decent in Eostia, although still poor in the lower classes so Scrabble was a possible one. Of course that means it could still be a hit among upper and noble classes and less so the lower ones. And it would be easy to make; braze some wood with heated, metal stamps for the board and pieces and you were good to go.
Battleship could be done in much the same way. Stamp, burn holes for pegs and make small ships with at least one peg that would hold them in place.
Other options included Connect Four, although maybe with slots on a slanted board. I also remember a Frogger board game I could adapt. And Jenga was easy to make...
I had options, is what I mean.
We would talk until summoned for dinner and I handed over a voxlux to him. I said the quality would likely be shoddy until I at least set one into Rad which would be sometime yet, told him how to buy more and how to get more boosters. With some luck I made a potential business partner...
As long as he didn't try and gank my ideas...
[-]
After a surprisingly productive stay at Ken's Capital of Skycrown it was off to Eostia's Capital of Skyguard. Well, productive for me; Colt did his best to keep Miria company during her stay. Although she said he was on better behavior. Claudia said that was semi-common; he'd try and 'put the moves' on someone, but after failing (Or being smacked) he'd smarten up. For at least awhile, by the sounds of it.
It was worth noting that our convoy had grown by quite a bit; Tantan had stopped in on his way to Skyguard like we had and joined us on the road, as had Giah. Additionally other nobles had either caught up to us or also been staying in Skycrown for the night; we were accompanied by convoys from Halous, U'ra, Armon, Elrus, Whitewell and Coxworth. It must have been quite the sight; so many knights including the Dawn Templars escorting around a dozen or so carriages with various lords and representatives of the land. The land we traveled was flat plains fit for farming and grazing and the roads were well paved and maintained. It was a little over half a day when we arrived at our destination. While most of the convoy turned to the Fortress we ignored it for now; and had alerted Celestine both that we would go to install Skyguard's booster first and the size of the convoy arriving. Also I felt it would be best to speak with Celestine when she wasn't drowning in lords and ladies she was greeting.
Skyguard City was once a moderately sized town called Wargaurd Town. Joanna choose it as the seat of her power as she felt it was central enough to assist in overseeing the realm but felt Verlangen City was too tainted with it's namesake's influence and wanted to remove that taint before anything else. As the town grew it was renamed to Skyguard City and once she split her crown into the High Throne and the First Throne House Steelarm chose a still reforming Verlangen City as it's capital; renaming it Skycrown City.
Skyguard was one of the few cities that boasted double walls that didn't have a castle inside of it; seventy foot and eighty foot walls with a wide, hundred foot thick moat. The river that once ran along it had been widened and connected to the moat of Fortress Ken as well, meaning people could travel via small boats to and from the city and fortress. The walls were whitewashed, as one might expect, with gold colored trim and roofs for the towers. The drawbridge was sixty odd feet high but folded out to double it's length as it extended, as it was currently. Interestingly the second gate had a drawbridge as well, but the gate was ten feet over the ground; the draw bridge once lowered crated a ramp with a mostly moderate incline to let people in. I imagined building a battering ram to hit that gate would be annoying at best. As it turns out the road once inside the city had a soft decline before reaching ground level; with the Adventurer's Guild near the end of that decline.
There was little to say. Go in, say hi, this is what we're doing, go up onto the roof with the booster in tow, screw it in, tar the screws to waterproof, double check it's secure and online, go back down, say thanks and goodbye. Wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am.
[(βΈβ ) Place Booster in High Kingdom of Ken]
We then loaded back up and rode out the way we came out of the city and made a turn towards Fortress Ken; nicknamed by many as the White Citadel as a means to hold it as a counterpoint to Garan's Black Citadel. In terms of looks it was a fairly grand structure; starting with sixty foot tall, white washed walls with rounded towers surrounded, as mentioned, by a moat; one hundred and sixty feet wide. Two small islands in the moat bore gatehouses with their own drawbridges to reach the outside. Between the three gatehouses and drawbrigdes it reached the shore, and allowed us to ride into the walls. The second walls were eighty feet tall and there was a moat that was between the two walls with a stone bridge allowing access to the next gate. On the inside of the second wall was another moat with a bridge riding over it. The castle itself was white washed with gold colored trim and a cyan outline and bore a large, central keep with a large balcony on the uppermost floor with a large dome set atop of it, a tower at each corner at fifty feet tall with an additional tower built into them closer to the keep that were a hundred feet high. It was quite impressive, I had to say.
The road between the two walls and the keep was flanked on both sides with flowers in large, large meadows with attending maids acting as gardeners. Closer to the corners of the courtyard you could also see a series of fruit trees and vegetable gardens. As we came closer to the keep's front doors we could see a welcoming committee; the first of these was a line of Dawn Templars; this time from Shield Division. At the end of this line of mana armor clad women and by the gates was the High Queen herself, Celestine Lucross who awaited us with who I assumed was the Shield Division's commander... And a lot of children; all boys by the looks of it. It was well known that Celestine adopted boys who were war orphans as their main caretaker (Although given the scale and scope of her duties she had a lot of help minding them) but not girls. She's stated that girls have better adoption chances in Eostia; if it's true or not I wasn't aware but many would grow into men who would call themselves the 'Sons of Celestine'.
Soon we came to a stop and disembarked. Celestine offered a smile as I walked over to her, Claudia and Klaus moving to flank me and as I stopped before her I gave a bow; not deep but deep enough. "It's been awhile Your Highness."
"As I said before, there is no need for such formalities, my friend. I bed you welcome to my home." Celestine said as I rose fully, smiling a bit wider. "As you are no doubt aware the Council of Lords will delay our departure by some time. They are set to meet in two days time and until it concludes I must remain, eager as I may be to set to work. In the meantime let me introduce you to the Dawn Templar's Commander for the Shield Division who will be leading our escort; Keen Dux.
With purple eyes, black, waist length hair and a mature face the woman in question wore the standard armor of the Dawn Templars that hugged C-Cup breasts. At her back, inside a back sheathe was a wide claymore with a white spell stone set into the center of the guard and another in the pommel. At some six foot even she was fit and I imagined she knew how to swing that blade about.
(-)
Name: Keen Dux
Title: Commander of the Shields
Class: Hero
Level: 35
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 46
Status: Healthy, Attentive, Calm
Romance Rating: 83
Corruption Rating: 12
Known Traits
[?]
[Monkey's Grip] You can wield a single, two handed weapon in one hand with no penalty. You may not wield a second two handed weapon along side it, but may wield a single handed weapon, shield or item in your off hand.
[Back to the Wall] If you cannot retreat you fight better then normal. +5% all stats when retreat is not an option when a fight starts
[The Best Defense] Half of the average of your armor's defense resistances is added to your weapon's damage bonus
Adopted into House Venus as a ward at such a young age that she couldn't remember her birth parents she was raised more by the House's guard commander then it's matriarch. As such she would train with the guards and take a shine to large, two handed swords as a main weapon. She would be scouted by Grave Levantine for the Dawn Templars and she would rise to the Commander of Shield Division and one of the High Queen's most notable bodyguards.
(-)
"A pleasure to meet you, Commander." I said extending my hand which she shook firmly, saluting with her other hand.
"I assure you the pleasure is mine, M'Lord. Ladies, see their things are taken in!" Like in Geofu the line of Dawn Templars saluted before as one moving to handle the luggage. Before much else could be said or done I felt a soft tug on my sleeve; looking down to see a boy of some eight odd years of age looking up at me with gray eyes and blonde hair.
"You made the talking thing right, the voxlux?" He let off as I chuckled and knelt down to be closer to his eye level.
"Yeah, I did. Among a few other things I'm working on." I told him as I chuckled a bit.
"Oh! Can you show us!?" Another let off moving to my other side as the small boys started to crowd about me.
"Oh yeah, we wanna see more of this cool stuff!"
"Can you? Can you?"
"Please! Please!"
...I'd rather be fighting goblins, I think...
Thankfully Celestine came to my aid, clapping her hands twice as she got their attentions, all the boys quieting right away. "Now, now children. I'm sure he'd be happy to show off some of it; but overwhelming him in such a manner is unbecoming." She said with a warm smile before looking to me. "If you can indulge them, assuming they behave, then I would appreciate it, please."
I sighed and shrugged. "Sure, but out here isn't the best place for that." I let off as I stood up fully.
"Of course. The children have a play room; perhaps there would be better?" She suggested to me.
[-]
The play room in question was full of toys and games for the children to play with and a large window to let light in. Celestine and Miria joined me, as did Riri but the rest retired to their rooms, led by Commander Keen. I took my Battle Chess Board out first and showed it off; explaining how it worked and how I made it (Although in simple, layman terms. Children, after all) and even Celestine seemed interested (Although she clearly wasn't a fan of the death animations. The boys liked it though, of course) but then I brought out the toy wagon and it's controller. The kids didn't think much of it... Until it rolled on it's own as I manipulated the controls and coaxed it to move.
Celestine would giggle at the motion of the toy as the boys backed up in surprise before moving to chase it. One got close enough to start setting small, toy blocks into it. I chuckled a bit and waited... Before making it speed it up before making it fly up off the ground which inflicted a large 'whoa' from the kids. Even Celestine seemed surprised as I moved the toy to fly around her at shoulder level a couple of times. I showed one of the older boys how it worked before passing him the controls. "Remember, I need this stuff back before I leave, okay?"
"Yes M'Lord!" The boys let off cheerfully as they started to play with the wagon; loading it and seeing what it could carry then flying it around the room. Two kids were mostly focused on playing the chess game, but would look to the flying toy now and then as Celestine moved to stand next to me. Although one kid tried to grab at my sister's tail who just leaned forwards a bit and moved it about, keeping an eye on him and playing with him; keeping it out of his reach and even giving a soft giggle.
"That's quite the toy there. But I imagine you didn't build it just for the sake of play." She mused, looking to me as I nodded.
"It's a small scale model of what I want to build; but I'm still a ways off from going even mid-scale." I told her, looking back to her as I spoke. "I have someone back home working on what's my main hurdle for now, but I'm confident it'll work."
"Hmm... I see... I'll leave it to you then." She said with a nod as she smiled... Then I saw her ear twitch. "Do you... hear that?"
"Do I hear what?" I said... and then I felt it. Not heard it, felt it. The ground shuddering under me softly with a low rumble, as if an earthquake was grumbling forth in a land where none were supposed to be had. What could cause such an odd phenomena? As the shaking grew as I pondered it... Then came to me realization. My sister stiffened and looked at me. She had come to the same conclusion as I had come to. We were doomed...
And there was no escape from what was coming...
Celestine looked rather confused as I sighed like a condemned man with slumped shoulders and then she looked even more confused as Miria took on a similar look... And then...
"My Babies!"
Yes, Saxon Noxdecus had arrived, ladies and gentlemen. The door to the room was nearly knocked off it's hinges as before I could react myself and my sister were lifted up in one, bone crushing hug. Celestine looked so dumbfounded that when the toy wagon bumped into the side of her boob it didn't even register with her.
Not that I could appreciate the effect the impact had on said boob nor feel jealous about a toy flying wagon. "Mom... ease up... please..." I whimpered out before our saving grace had arrived.
"Come dear, come. It's been awhile, but this isn't the best way to say hello, now is it?" Thankfully my father had followed her quick enough and rested a hand on her shoulder and after a long moment we were let go... And both collapsed to the floor as Merlin took note of the toy floating idly in the air now. Like the other lords they had arrived for the Council of Lords; likely leaving Uncle Fredrick and Aunt Karen in charge of Mungale for the time being. "One of yours, son?" He asked, smiling at the toy fluttering about in the air.
"A test bed; small scale." I replied as he extended a hand, helping me up to my feet with a smile as my mother helped Miria up to hers. Once upright I took a moment and dusted myself off. "I've been told you've been helping with what I tasked the blacksmith with." I added a moment later, once I was composed.
"Hooo, so these are related, are they? Hmmm..." He let off stroking his beard in thought. With the hi-jinks over the boys moved back to playing the wagon; controls given over to a younger boy. "I see... I can't say I know exactly what you are planning... But I am eager to see what comes from it... Yes, I am very eager to see... Anyway; a word if a may, in a more private place?" I gave a look to Celestine who gave me a smile and a nod.
"I should leave as well; I have my own duties to attend to; doubtless more guests shall be arriving within the hour alone." She said as she smiled. "And I must be ready to greet them all. As well as ensure no one attempts a duel; sadly that has happened before." She said with some bemusement, curtsying before moving to leave as my father led me out of the room and to another; a small sitting room by the looks of it. We moved to a table and sat down on either side as he smiled to me.
"As I'm sure you must have surmised by now I intend to have you join us in the Council in two days." He said as I did my best to suppress a wince. "I know, I know, but as my heir you need to understand how the Council works and the sort of people you will dealing with in it. It's an important part of Eostia's rulership; annoying as it can be."
"It's politics; it's annoying by default." I replied as he gave a long chuckle to me as I leaned back into my seat.
"Indeed, indeed." He said with a nod. "But it's needed to ensure good governance. As immune to such a concept as a few of my peers seem to be to such a thing." He added with a chuckle. "Regardless, it is required. As... frustrating as they can be to deal with, even the Slave States have items worth valid consideration and need to be heard... Even though they'll attempt to spread their degeneracy about as they do so..."
"Is it degeneracy or a desire for control?" I asked idly as I leaned back as my father's eyes widened for a moment as he looked to me. "...What?"
"Hmm... That's more insight then I expected given your age... But yes..." He said with a sigh. "It does seem like those who prefer slavery, or at least it's most vocal proponents, desire control over others. Arnold, I am well aware, would fall into that camp. As would Alundra..." He mused; the former referring to von Blitzhaus and the latter van Bludhorn. "Thankfully of the main factions of the Council the Traditionalists are the smallest at current. The tide is currently against them... But they know it." He said and lifted a finger. "And that will make them desperate for any form of edge. For now, they've no moves I can see to tilt the balance towards them aside from Elddale petitioning to become a duchy... But if that ever changes the Traditionalists will pull as hard as they can to tilt it their way."
"And the best way to counter that?" I asked, sighing a bit as I leaned forwards, setting my elbows on the table.
"Hmm, that's the trick, isn't it?" Merlin said with a hum. "That's the trick... The only good way would be to remove them from power, but there's no easy way to do so; not without underhanded tactics that would be better left unused."
"True, true..." I let off. After all, what was the point of winning when you become like the people you're fighting? Or became worse then them?
Yeah, that's not on my To-Do List.
"So..." He let off, clapping his hands together and rubbing them together once more with a smile. "Let us prepare for the meeting, shall we?" He let off.
I sighed once more...
Here we go...
[-]
For the most part after a long, long, long political lecture we went off for dinner. In addition to us was a rough and dirty seventy or so other guests already gathered to account for; lords attending the council, other heirs or those standing in for them with more coming in the next couple of days. Of those I could see I noticed Arnold and Victor von Blitzhaus (And for some reason the latter was trying to kill me with a glare. No, really. I had no idea why), Lexina and Sondra Brissania, the Highreigns, Miles von Flotte, Blake and Melinda von Adelle, The Erotiques, Jamaica Galeraven, Gerald, Justica and Valora of House Onglave, the Pineforges and more plus plenty I didn't know off hand.
Oh, and the Drakes were here too. I mean you can't have a village without it's idiots, right?
I was glancing off back to Victor, wondering why in the hell he was glaring at me this time as opposed to wandering over to brag or something on those lines before hearing fast footsteps before me. I turned my head and looked ahead and then-
"James!" I managed to look ahead once more but had no time to brace for boobs, I mean, Prim as she leapt at me, chest slamming into my face. Taken off guard as I was I let off a yelp as I dropped onto the floor on my back.
"Ack!" I let off, groaning before moving to push Prim's shoulders back so I can look at her face. "You know, some girls greet people with hugs that don't involve jumping at their faces."
"Mehhhh, I just missed you is all!" She let off as I sighed as footsteps moved to my side as I saw panties, I mean, Alicia standing next to me with a bemused look on her face. As Prim got off me she extended her hand and helped me to my feet..
"Thanks Alicia." I said as the blonde nodded.
"No problem. Mind if we come and sit with you?" She asked as I nodded, moving to join them and finding a table with open spots. For the record; my parents were together at another table. Miria opted not to join us and the rest of my party wasn't invited; this was a dinner for nobility, for better or worse.
Worse. It was for the worse.
Once seated down we began the usual idle chatter, catching up on things as we waited for the food to be served. I asked how things have been in Ur and Feoh since I left, they asked me about my travels within Geofu. Then Prim brought up a topic that got my full attention right away. "So word came in recently that Baron Gaxon Rongera has passed on." She said. I blinked at her for a long moment.
"Really? What happened?" I asked her. House Rongera ruled Delconna which was the southwestern most part of Eostia in general and one of two slave states in Ur, with Elddale being the other one. It wasn't a part of the Great Slave Chain that connected most of the slave states together so to trade slaves with the others ones they needed to go through Balanar in addition to be surrounded by two abolitionist states on the east and north and abolitionist Camafran on the west. That made it's position very awkward to say the least.
"Somehow one of his personal slaves managed to slip their collar." Prim let off as I looked at her in surprise. The slave collars were enchanted to keep the wearer from doing that, otherwise keeping slaves around could be a much riskier business. Either the collar was flawed (Possible), the slave knew of some technique that let her break free (I rather doubt it) or she was given the means to break free or even freed by someone else (Likely). "The slave drove a knife into his back at least five times and somehow managed to sneak out. The Barony is in an uproar searching for her."
"Either the collar was faulty or she had help." I pointed out, humming with both girls showing no hint of disargeement. If the latter then the second question was who helped her and why? Of course there was one prime suspect; the first heir. "Who's the Baron now?"
"Baroness, actually." Prim said holding up a finger. "His niece; Grise Rongera. Apparently he considered all of his sons idiots and that they would ruin the Barony."
"Huh..." So that would make three prime suspects; assuming his children would kill him over it. "That has to make the other Traditionalists nervous..."
Alicia nodded to me. "Yeah, Delconna is in a bad position as a slave state... I overheard Baroness Ardon-" Tiffany's aunt from Albia, as a reminder. "-and Duke Stoneshard talking earlier today. I didn't hear most of it, but they were concerned about Delconna." I didn't take Alicia as an eavesdropper, but regardless of that detail that made sense. Of the current ranks of the Traditionalists there were two of them that tended to be less dedicated to their slavist ideals then their peers; House Rongera was due to their isolation but the other was House Pugnator of the Barony of Maros in Ansur's north as they held somewhat different ideals of slavery.
A barony that loved it's gladiators, Maros was the state with the strictest laws in regards to slaves; having laws to ensure slaves weren't abused, was given a set amount hours to rest, was given food of a decent quality and amount... In short, they were a Reformist Slave State as opposed to a Traditionalist Slave State. In addition the biggest holder of slaves was their famous Ironsands Coliseum where after a slave wins a hundred battles they are freed. Additionally slaves who prove themselves particularly brave, daring or entertaining could be freed earlier; with freed slaves being given a good payout once released. Furthermore on top of that when slaves were pressed as combat troops against Garan the ones who go above and beyond will earn their freedom with additional payment in coin as well.
While they were a slave state they didn't see eye to eye with their peers; the other Traditionalists thought they were too lax on their slaves while Maros thought the others were needlessly controlling and abusive. It was to the point that House Pugnator was as likely to cast votes against their fellow Traditionalists as with them. This made them, at times, allies to the Liberalists and Conservative factions with both trying to coax the Barony into abolition and the latter in particular trying to coax them into joining their faction.
"The question is; what will Grise do?" Prim asked as I hummed. I knew nothing of the woman so I had no answer to that.
"As I see it she has three options." I mused. "She can carry things on as they were, she can tighten her grip on the slaves... or she can free the slaves in her realm. That last one is a definite option."
"You think she would do that?" Alicia let off, leaning back in her seat, crossing her arms.
"I mean I haven't heard that many good things about her..." Prim let off as well as I nodded.
"That's true; but consider that Delconna is already isolated from the other Traditionalist states which is hurting it's trade within the Alliance and Camafran. And Balanar isn't a popular source for the trade of slaves to rely on as well. On the other hand, if she were to talk to Houses Onglave, Sunfield and Highreign she could use abolition as a coin to get a better deal in trade talks."
"Hmm... I suppose I see the logic." Alicia said holding up a finger. "In short the question is this; does she see slavery as a good for her realm or as a detriment?" She said as I nodded. I was about to add my two copper when the sound of a glass ringing from a spoon sounded in the room. Looking to the front of the room I could see Celestine standing there with a soft smile; a butler holding a glass and spoon up next to her. He set them down and moved to fill her glass as maids started to wheel out plates on trays.
"Thank you for coming, one and all. I realize for many of you it was a long journey to come here for our meeting; but for the sake of our combined realms I am glad you do." She begun, speaking to us all as she held her arms wide for a moment. "Despite all of our differences, some of which must seem insurmountable, it is important we come together and talk of our problems so we may seek solutions. Not all shall be fully satisfied with all done here but since the founding we have learned to compromise for better outcomes for all. But now is not the time to speak of politics. Some of our peers have yet to arrive, but they should in time for our meeting. Until then let us enjoy ourselves and prepare for the talks ahead. And with that; I bid you all to enjoy."
Talk died down as we ate good food; steak, mashed potatoes with chives, small bread sticks painted with garlic butter that was left to dry, an Imperial Salad and other assorted foods.
And of course, ice cream for dessert. Audibly enjoyed by the High Queen.
[-]
There was more idle chatter after dinner but I eventually excused myself and headed to the back gardens as the sun started to vanish over the horizon, needing a moment to relax. One of the children's minders had seen my wagon, it's controls and the enchanted chess board returned to my room and both in good condition; save a few scuffs on the former which was good. I moved to a statue, set on a fountain. The fountain was three tiered; a ring of water at the top, a ring of flowers under it with spouts pouring water from above it in small pools with another set of spouts leading to a third ring full of water. Finally the water split out over the edge of the final ring into one pool at it's base where I imagined the water would be channeled back up to the first ring.
The statue itself was brass and life sized; five foot four. The statue was of a woman clad in bikini style mana armor, but bore a pair of half capes coming down from the pauldrons, two more attached to the hips of the mana armor's bottoms and two more spilling out of the back of the bracers. Waist long, braided hair fell over her left shoulder and draped over G-Cup breasts. Her head was clad in a headband with wing-like extensions on the sides. Her face was calm but youthful, looking wise and peaceful. And yet in her right hand she held a mace; one with an oval shaped head with groves carved into it and capped with a ball-like end. On her left arm was a shield; it was like a kite shield but with a rounded top, sides that came straight down for a bit before coming into a sharp point. The statue was a clue as to who the statue was of; given that in one hand she held Silver Justice and the Aegis of the First Dragon. Finally, set under the statue was a brass plaque.
I would prefer to be a pacifist if possible,
but the horrors I have witnessed taught me
a simple truth. You cannot lay arms down
when evil reigns. A pure peace breeds the
chance evil needs for conquest. To keep
peace we must be as ready to fight as evil is.
Joanna of the White Cloth
Founder of Ken
I stood looking over the statue and reading the inscription on it for a bit before hearing footsteps, soft as they were, coming to me from behind. I turned and saw Celestine with a slight, gentle smile on her face come towards me. In each hand was a metal mug, each with a wood covered handle, steaming with something. Once close enough I could make it out; a hot chocolate but with a scoop of ice cream in it. I made a note to mention this to Regina later on as I accepted a mug. "Thank you." I said as she nodded and stood next to me, sipping her own as she looked up to the statue.
"I would have loved to have known her. Sadly I am not that old..." She said with a soft sigh. "I have collections of journals she wrote; she wanted so much to be a pacifist; to make a world that knew nothing but peace, kindness and happiness. Naturally that was never going to be possible; as an ideology pacifism's one fatal weakness is it crumbles the moment one person opts not to obey the idea and apply violence instead of speech." She blew on her mug, sipping from it as I did likewise.
"It's the sad state of affairs." I mused with a sigh. "Peace is best... But sometimes best isn't what you can use. Words are wasted on someone who won't listen and those people will only understand one language..."
"Indeed..." She said, sipping her drink once more. "Hmm... With your contributions I hope speech will be easier to assert, thankfully. Which reminds me; the Black Watch Commander wishes to speak to you." I raised my eyebrow as I looked to her. "I expect she wishes to commission voxlux's for more... subtle duties. If you could pay a visit to their offices tomorrow I would be thankful."
"Of course, I can see what I can do." I replied with a nod before looking to her... And chuckling a bit. She blinked at me before I smiled and pointed to my top lip. Indeed, she now had a cute little chocolate mustache over her lips. She giggled once she caught on and licked her upper lip.
"Although ice cream might be quite the contribution to the realm in it's own right." She said with a giggle. "Come walk with me?" She asked as I nodded, moving to walk along her side as she moved to a path that moved through a series of rainbow colored roses. Not roses of different colors; roses with seven petals and each colored a different color of the rainbow. No one knows the exact origin of them; it's assumed some mage somewhere decided to magically create them to some end. "Word has reached me of some of your deeds; but the two that most concern me are the events in Pulca and Alterun. I won't speak ill of General Grave, given his service, but the situation is worrying me and being investigated. However the more pressing matter to me is Coeurnoir. We expected him to crack over the weeks of imprisonment and interrogation but he held his tongue, somehow. Still, it seemed he was about to crack and speak to us... Before he was silenced in a more permanent matter."
"An assassin?" I asked as she nodded. "Tsk. Well, doesn't that figure."
"It's more troubling then that, I am afraid." She said as I tilted my head to her in confusion. "He wasn't kept in a prison. He was kept in a Crown base, located in the Grand Duchy. So important was he as a prisoner that we moved him to Ur for safekeeping. The base was small, quiet and unimportant in the grand scheme of things and the guard detail had not been increased; there should have been no good clues to where he was being held let alone any reason to think he was held there. But it was still found by this assassin, and the dungeon he was held in had it's ceiling collapsed; with the building over it and all spilling downwards; causing an additional four deaths. I need not tell you that a mage of that capacity is rare." She said as I nodded thoughtfully.
By the description that was done with a significant Earth based spell. Earth magic wasn't that popular for most people; any hovering mage was next to immune to the spell classification and what you could do depended on and was limited by the terrain. Additionally it was ill-advised to use in caves or buildings. That said, Earth magic on structures not enchanted to resist it were highly vulnerable to it. On top of that you had to sneak in close enough to at least see the building; even a small base would have patrols and guards up, in addition to walls. It was possible that magic was used to tunnel in but even if the outer walls of the base weren't hardened to prevent such earth magic the fact was that most bases had a magical alert for such. It was possible this base didn't have such alerts or defenses of course but Crown bases, even minor ones tended to have those. But over all of that was the one, most important thing of all; he knew where to go. "Someone in the chain of command ordered it." I said firmly as I came to a conclusion.
"Exactly. We have a mole somewhere, and in an uncomfortably high position. On the one hand we lost whatever information he had to tell." She said before looking to me. "On the other hand this information about his location was kept limited. Only a total of twenty people knew where he was; even those on the base knew only they had a prisoner but not who it was nor the full story of his deeds."
"Well, twenty suspects are better then none, I guess." I mused, holding one elbow in my hand as I sipped deeper of my drink, wincing a bit at the heat of it. Hmm... "I know he was friends with Razon Beardsley, if that helps any."
"Hmm... Yes, I've heard. I do not think he would be involved... However he is one who knew of Coeurnoir's location." She said, giving a thoughtful frown. "Mayhaps looking into him would be worthwhile." I gave her a nod and tried to not show much of a reaction. I had the chance to point the Black Watch at Beardsley as well; that's a bonus.
"On another subject, I have received a letter from King Xerander." She told me. "Two, in fact. One informing us of what information he could gain on the second circlet you encountered." Well, that was another issue we had, huh? I'd never forgotten about it, but my position to learn more was still limited. "The information has been helpful, but we still need to know more of it. The other letter, which I will forwards to you, is of good news; King Xerander has gotten John Mandeville to cede any and all claims of ownership of your maid." I almost spilled my drink as my head looked to her with a shocked look. I had hoped for that, but didn't fully expect it.
"Really now?" I let off, my amazement and joy at her announcement making her smile softly as she nodded at my own smile.
"Indeed. I did have to remove travel restrictions on Cyrus for travel in Eostia, given his... trauma and damage from missing an arm as compensation, although I firmly informed him that traveling to, near or through Mungale should not be done by the Mandevilles. Additionally, Houses Highreign and Onglave have denied Cyrus travel through their realms." Given I helped the Onglaves I wasn't surprised, but that the Highreigns were joining in that was a surprise. That meant traveling through southern Ur was not happening for the little bastard." I was annoyed that Cyrus wasn't going to be disbarred from Eostian travel but for what I got out of it was worth it. Of course...
"That's good to hear. Riri will be overjoyed... Not that will be the end of it..." I let off as Celestine nodded and frowned lightly.
"Indeed. I've known people like John Mandeville for most of my life." She let off with a huff. "He maybe forced to surrender his claim on her to freedom on both paper and reality, but I do not know if he will tolerate it. What his response will be I cannot say, but he will try something to save face. But enough talk of such things. I do not wish to just speak of heavier affairs with you; rather I would inquire into your flying toy." She said, sipping her drink as I nodded for a moment but rather then respond I paused. I felt someone's presence before I heard them turning to see someone walk over; Celestine turning a hint before me.
"Ah, forgive my intrusion." The woman said. She bore short, well kept black hair and dark skin; if it wasn't for the rounded ears you could have mistaken her for a dark elf. Bright neon green eyes looked over to us (As soon as I noticed the color I used Telescopic Vision to see if they were scaled; they weren't. They were just bright green) as her Double D-Cup chest bounced as she walked to us. Her off-black dress was sleeveless and dipped to a loincloth with crisscrossing straps at the hips. Dark gray stockings reached up just past her knees and her feet were fitted into black, two inch heels. Aside from a single, emerald pendant earring her only jewelry was an odd one; a padlock on a chain that wrapped around her neck twice. She was holding a lit smoking pipe in one hand as she moved closer.
"Ah. The newly Crowned Baroness of Delconna, I presume?" Celestine said as the woman stopped and gave a respectful bow.
"Yes indeed, Your Highness." She said. So, this was Grise Rongera, eh? "Once more, forgive my intrusion. I was hoping to speak to you of a matter before the meeting began. Somewhat privately." She said smoothly and calmly before she looked to me. "Ah, and you must be the Heir of Mungale, James Noxdecus, yes? Charmed." She let off simply.
(-)
Name: Grise Rongera
Title: Shrewd Lady of Delconna
Class: Summoner
Level: 24
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 31
Status: Healthy, Calm, Calculating
Romance Rating: 81
Corruption Rating: 41
Known Traits
[Fair Weather Friend] You like to have friends... As long as it causes no difficulty for yourself.
[?]
[Tap for Mana] You know how to use magic to it's fullest. All magic costs 5% less mana
[Quick Shield] You can cast small shield spells quickly. +50% casting spell to any shield spells that effects only you.
Considered to be intelligent and calculating, Grise is the latest ruler of Delconna after her uncle's death. Although self-centered she's aware she needs both allies and partners to achieve her ends and knows there is a price to pay; one that she will barter for. She is also looking towards finding someone to impregnate her; possibly bartering out the right if it gives her an edge.
(-)
Oh, she sounds like a charmer. "A pleasure, Baroness." I said as smoothly as I could before looking to Celestine.
"We can talk later then, James." Celestine said with a soft smile. "It is not uncommon for rulers of the realm to come to me seeking consul or simply to makes deals and barters with the crown."
"The price wearing of the crown, huh?" I said with a chuckle. "I'll leave you to it. Celestine." I said, nodding to her. "Baroness Rongera."
"Please, in there's no need to be formal; simply Grise will do." The Baroness said with a smooth, sly smile. I nodded before I walked off, sipping my mug still.
It still tasted sweet...
[-]
The quarters in Fortress Ken wasn't as luxurious as those in Skycrown's Palace (Sometimes called Palace Ken or Roisage Palace) but it was still large, luxurious, came with a bathroom and large, cozy bed. No hot tub or balcony though. With my mug of ice cream filled hot chocolate done and passed to a maid I returned to my room and opened the door, ready to pull off my jacket before I paused at something odd. There was a naked woman in my bed. Now that wasn't unusual.
...
Oh god, a naked woman just appearing in my bed isn't unusual anymore... What the hell is my life now?
But regardless, it wasn't Miria or Riri who I would have expected to sneak in and wait for me, or Makoto who might be tempted to do so. Nor is it any of my other lovers I met on my trip around the realm such as Jamaica, Nikita or Sondra. Nor was it a random maid or Dawn Templar seeking to brag about who she banged or seeking to become pregnant with noble seed. No, it was none of the above.
It was Dulce von Blitzhaus, aka Channer's sister; aka; Victor's sister; aka Arnold von Blitzhaus's daughter; aka a woman from a rival family. But wait, there's more!
She wasn't posing in a sexy manner or presenting herself in any manner. She was facing the foot of the bed, reading a book, ass up as she looked up to me with a dull look on her face. "Well, it's about time you got here." She let off with a bored tone as I blinked at her for a long moment.
"Dulce? What are you doing in my room? On my bed?" I asked as I shut the door and walked closer to her.
"I wanna have sex." She said with as much passion and desire as someone saying 'pass the popcorn'.
"...And you came here because..?"
"Because, I heard you had a big dick." She let off as I pinched my nose and sighed.
"I'm sure there are other men around here who have 'big dicks' as well. Again, why me?"
She sighed and shut the book, throwing it haphazardly to the floor and sitting up on her knees, not caring about my gaze moving to her breasts. Then again, if you lay naked in someone's room that sorta implies they'll see you naked. "Because my old man likes sending warnings to every guard ahead of time when I visit somewhere because he wants me 'pure' for some kinda arranged marriage." She said, with finger quotes. "And while I don't mind the idea of shacking up with some guy I want my fun too. And most of the nobility don't wanna cross him more then they have to. On the other hand, I'm handing you a chance to fuck Victor's sister and a rival Count's daughter with no cost to yourself."
"...You know that makes it sounds like you're giving me reasons to be anything but gentle, right?"
"Good." She said moving to lay on her back, leg's spread. "Come fuck me as hard as you want, however you want. Just I'm not sucking on you so if you wanna use my mouth, you gotta fuck it." I sighed once more but shrugged before moving to undress.
I mean... She wasn't wrong... And I was five thousand xp from a level up, so why not grab some extra xp? Get a bit closer.
Once undressed I moved to the bed and pushed her legs towards her chest. She was slightly damp on her sex, but not wet enough for my tastes. I set my fingers to her sex and pushed two into her with little preparation, making her hiss softly, but she kept a 'resting bitch face' as my thumb pressed onto her clit as I started to rock my fingers into her. She looked down as my cock started to stiffen as I worked on her. I kept going, getting rougher as she sucked in a breath, her face softening for a moment before returning to normal. I decided that making that face turn into a lustful one was an aim of mine now. As such I wasn't just thrusting into her sex; I was running my thumb along her clit firmly. She shivered a bit but kept her face calm, but the real aim of fingering her took hold; was getting wetter and wetter.
Once ready I slipped my digits out and gave her pussy a series of soft, quick slaps with three of my fingers before moving over her before pressing her legs into her chest firmer now as I moved myself in to press my cock to her... And subtly casted Physical Boost on myself. She braced for what was to come but as soon as my tip wedged into her I slammed down at near full force into her, making her gasp out and cling to my neck with both arms. My hands moved to her shoulders, pinning her down as I started to thrust; taking only a moment to get my range and rutting her like an animal, slamming her down into her over and over. Her eyes widened, not expecting this to be as rough as it was; after all she did say to fuck her as hard as I wanted, right?
The bed was rocking hard, the headboard hitting the stone wall (And had it not been stone it might have taken some damage) as I slammed into her; pausing only to move my feet next to her hips before slamming down harder into her with my new position as I groaned into her. I could feel my testicles wrecking balling into her ass cheeks as she rolled her eyes back. She was panting harder and harder as she gave a squeal at one odd thrust I made. I picked up on it and moved to try and repeat it, getting her to shudder as her face started to melt from 'resting bitch face' to 'controlled lust'.
"Maybe I should slam it into your ass after this." I let off, groaning as her folds hugged my cock hard, something I tried to ignore as I rocked my hips to her over and over.
"F-fuck... That would be too much..." She let off groaning deeper as her mouth started to part slightly. "D-don't do that..." She let off, shuddering under me.
"I mean..." I let off with a grunt as I picked up my speed; popping Reflex Boost to hammer her sex faster and harder. "You did say to fuck you however I want." I pointed her out as I grinned to her. She gasped wider as she moved from 'controlled lust' towards 'fighting her lust' as she looked down to where my cock slammed into her over and over.
"Oh shiiiiit..." She let off, groaning out as she shivered harder. Then her face shifted hard to 'surprised at her own pleasure' as she came, squealing hard on my cock; squeezing hard on my dick as she shuddered hard as she grabbed my shoulders, gasping and mewling as she dug her nails into my skin. She was panting hard as I paused for a moment, letting her recover for a brief time before I leaned up, pulling one of her legs onto my shoulder as I straddled her other thigh and once it came off cool down popped Reflex Boost to hammer her sex a second time. She gave me a surprised, slightly scared look before her eyes rolled into her head as I worked her sex hard. I groaned out over her as she clenched the blanket under her as I leaned in a bit; one hand reaching to cup her breast and squeezing firmly as he my thumb pressed hard onto her nipple as I ground it into her breast.
"How tight is that ass, anyway?" I asked her tauntingly, ramming harder and harder into her as she squealed once more, shuddering harder on the bed. Was it a second orgasm or a continuation of the first one? Well, I didn't really care. I just slammed into her as I groaned, hitting her deep with my dick. I was sure I was hamming near her womb as I panted over her. Letting her tit go I gave it a crisp, but not overly hard smack. I groaned deeper as I panted with effort; I was likely going to be sore after this from using Physical Boost in such a manner... But fuck it, I needed to train the spell and I needed to get used to the effects on my body so this was as good a way to train it as any other way I could think of.
Also; I was banging the enemy's daughter/sister. And my friend's sister all in one, but I tried not to think about that part.
"N-never had... any-anything in it..." She let off as she panted, looking more properly lustful and gaining an ahegao face. My aim now completed it was time to see how far I could push that look.
I paused long enough to turn her over and pull her onto all fours, pulling her hips up before leaning over. Taking hold of her arms I used them as handles to crash my pelvis into her rump. I would pop Reflex Boost each time I could, picking up speed for a while, going form 'quick' to 'hips-a-blur' as she squealed, panted and groaned under me. She squealed, climaxing a second time as I slammed in. I managed to not cum, somehow, maybe due to Physical Boost, maybe something else. I'd like to think the idea of 'Conquering the Enemy's Daughter/Sister' was spurring me on.
Also since I last saw her she went from level thirteen to... level fourteen so I now had a severe level advantage over her.
That might have played a part too?
As she rode her peak I held myself in her and wrapped my arms around her waist, moving off the bed and pulling her with me towards the dresser with a mirror on top of it. Once there I pushed her to it, letting her prop herself up with her arms as I slip my cock from her. I used a hand to pull one of her cheeks back, pressing my cock to her anus, teasing her little pucker. I pressed to it, threatening to push in as I looked to her face. She gave me a look that was a mix of lust and worry as I rubbed into her... before dipping my cock down to her sex to see what look she gave me.
Her eyes widened and for a moment she looked disappointed as I grinned a bit.
She realized what happened and blushed a bit as I moved my cock back to her backdoor without any form of protest. If anything she moved her hips to make it easier as I pressed into her, popping my cock into her anus. I held her hips as I pushed into her slowly, hearing her mewl out as I inched my way in, bit by bit. Once I pressed my pelvis to her ass I chuckled. "One, nice, tight ass."
"Fuck... I'm feeling so full..." She let off, quivering out as I moved to lift her legs up, making her yelp. I moved my arms under her legs, hooking them as I set my hands behind her neck in a full nelson position... And then I popped Reflex Boost once more. Oh I took it a bit easier on her...
At first...
"Fuuuuuuuck..." She let off as I groaned out; rocking my hips and dropping her onto my dick as I rutted her hard as she moaned deeply and opening, her tongue slipping from her lips into a full-on, uninhibited ahegao face. I was ramming up into her while holding back my own urge to cum; I'd lose that battle soon but I was hoping to drive her to one more climax before then. I grunted with the effort as she panted and cried out in my grasp; her hands holding onto my forearms at first but her grip slipping a bit overtime and hanging to the sides as she just rode my cock and took the pleasure. She'd squeal out, her sex squirting softly as I slammed her down one last time as my balls squeezed down as I groaned deeper and hard, my dick pushing my cum up into her ass. I shuddered hard for a moment, adjusting my arms around her waist before bringing us to the bed and laying down, panting hard as I cut off Physical Boost... And groaned as the soreness of that spell finally hit me. I would cast Minor Heal on myself to mitigate the feeling a bit but I wasn't doing anything more until the morning.
"W-whoa..." Dulce let off as she panted hard for a while before it slowed down and, as my softening cock slipped from her ass, started to fall asleep.
I decided to do the same.
[Fucked List]
Dulca von Blitzhaus x 5 First Time Bonus=75xp
+20% Dark Horse of Eostia Bonus
Gain 90xp Total
Whew... That was fun...
[-]
Come the next morning I was sore from using Physical Boost on Dulce but it was quite manageable, doubly so with an application of Minor Heal. Hmm, maybe I should use it next time on someone in bed? Dulce snuck out to the baths a half hour before I left my room to the men's baths. Once washed up I moved off to get breakfast, talked with Alicia and Sondra Brissania for a while before moving on with my things to-do list. First things first; visiting the Black Watch offices within the fortress. The domed top of the White Citadel bore the Chamber of the Seven Shields on one side and the Black Watch Offices on the other. As such I ascended to the top and following a helpful sign moved down towards the Black Watch side of the dome, arriving at a double door, each marked with the same emblem in their centers.
The emblem started with a square, thick, black outline with four circles set into them, half way into the middle of each side. The inside of the circles and the square was outlined with dark gray that was maybe half as thick as the black outline. The square's background was a dark blue and the circles were a dark purple. Inside each circle was a crescent moon that was dark gold with the openings facing inwards. Inside the square, just next to the circles was a set of dark red sun symbols with a ring cut out of them. Dominating the emblem was a large, four pointed shuriken that was black with a dark gray outline. Near each of the points was a triangular, light gray Celtic knot and inside of the ring of the weapon was a single, light gray, four pointed star.
I knocked on the door and once asked to come in was addressed by a secretary seated behind a desk. Once she knew who I was she used a voxlux to inform her Commander I was there and once she confirmed who I was she asked me to wait for the Commander as I took a seat and did just that. It was maybe fifteen minutes before the secretary got a call and told me the Commander was ready to see me. I stood up and was pointed to another door; a strong, oak door with the Black Watch Emblem on it as I moved over and opened the door, shutting it behind me and...
I stepped into Japan. Sorta.
The floor was covered in Japanese style tatami mats and what looked like a small Sakura Tree was growing in the corner. Despite the stone walls a set of paper walls were set up along the wall with shelves of books on one wall and various knickknacks on shelves on the other; a small Bonsai Tree, a tea set, ceramic figurines, a Shogi board and pieces and other odds and ends. On the back wall a pieces of Japanese style art hung on a scroll; depicting a black haired woman in ninja-style garb and a red haired and bearded man with twin swords in gambeson armor and a green, plaid patterned kilt on either side of a depiction of Celestine; as if on guard to protect her. Either side of the image boasted paper fans; red and white striped. Under them all was a pair of sheathed, katana like blades on a rack; a normal one that looked as if it had a three foot long blade... And one that was four feet long. The desk also seemed Eastern, but wasn't one of those things you had to kneel before; it came with a proper seat with another set before it.
And of course the most striking thing in it is the woman who worked there. Five foot five in height she stood by her desk. She had an Eastern face with red eyes and a calm demeanor. Her hair was straight and long enough to reach to her knees with two bangs framing her face long enough to reach her hips. She wore a kimono (Or what I imaged was a kimono; I wasn't an expert on traditional Japanese clothing) with a wide belt under her C-Cup breasts that was a mix of purple and pale pink with various floral a patterns on it with a few butterflies with the patterns being pale pink on the purple and a darker pink on the paler pinks.
"James-sama, welcome to my office. I am glad you came so swiftly." She said, giving a deep, respectful bow; deeper then was needed I'd argue. "I am Akane Lee, leader of the Black Watch."
(-)
Name: Yasu MacKenzie
Title: Black Watch Commander
Class: Samurai
Level: 40
Alignment: Friendly
Reputation: 42
Status: Healthy, Calm, Relaxed
Romance Rating: 82
Corruption Rating: 21
Known Traits
[Kick Chick] Your kicks are well practiced and powerful. +3 Damage to all kicking and leg based attacks.
[Silent But Violent] If attacking from stealth double your crit chance
[?]
[Eye For Detail] You have an eye for things that are out of place and opponent's movements. +5% to Dex and Acc
Yasu MacKenzie, better known by her alias 'Akane Lee' grew up in a minor house in Blackcut. With an eye for details and investigation she joined Thorn's intelligence services where she would be scouted out by the Black Watch. After twelve years of service she attained the rank of Commander after an injury forced her predecessor to retire.
(-)
I wonder how common aliases were at this level of intelligence... A question for another time, I had to assume. "The pleasure is mine, Commander Lee." I said, bowing back; not as deeply, before moving to sit across from her desk as she sat down as well. "I was told you were seeking to speak with me about the voxlux."
"Indeed. For starters before speaking on that subject; thank you for poking around in Pulca." Akane said, clasping her hands before her with a smile. "Despite some... setbacks we are understanding more of certain issues that was caused by Coeurnoir's deceptions. Not something I'm at leave to speak of, but know you opened doors for us." She said, smiling wider for a moment. "But we need to speak with our people once they are in said doors. As... useful as the voxlux is we need something more... subtle." She said before looking to me. "As such can you recreate it as something we can hide within other items? Or as jewelry?"
Ah. Now I see. She wanted something better then communicators, she wanted spy communicators! That said...
"I don't really need to modify it." I said as I pulled mine out, showing it to her. "The stones don't need the brass plate to work; they just need to be within three feet of each other." I told her as her eyes widened for a moment. "You could, as an example, cannibalize ones you have and place a stone in a pendant and another in a ring and it would work, or a pair of earrings."
"Really? Well, that simplifies matters, doesn't it?" She said, tapping her chin. "Although most aren't, ummm, in matching colors." That was true... The maids putting them together usually just grabbed whatever stone was in the pile, set it with another stone in the pile and made the device enchant them. If she needed color matched pairs though...
"If you want I can have it arranged that you can be sent or pick up matched color pairs; we can even skip slapping them onto the slabs for you so you can add them to whatever you need to." I suggested as she smiled a bit more.
"How soon could this be arranged?" She asked as I looked to my voxlux and made a call. Soon Sora's face popped up into my view.
"Ah, James. How can I be of service?" She asked as I smiled to her.
"Hey Sora. A voxlux order for the Black Watch. Can we get..." I glanced to Akane who used her hands to sign 'one-two' to me. 'Twelve sets of voxlux stones made up in matching colors. Don't attach them to the slabs, just tuck the pairs into a paper pouch and wax seal it."
"Yes M'Lord. Pick up or delivery?" She asked as I looked to Akane.
"Pick up. I'll send an agent over." Akane said as Sora nodded in the image.
"Understood. I'll have it ready for the morning. Standard price?"
"Yes, please and thank you." I told her. "Have a good day, Sora."
"Enjoy the day, M'Lord." She said as I ended the call.
"Placing an order four states away in a blink of an eye... Amazing..." Akane said smiling to me. "I can see why Celestine is so sure this device will bring more prosperity and protection to Eostia."
"That was part of the hope. After all, information and sharing it is important." I said as she nodded.
"Well, I suppose I can let you go now... I had expected you to give me a run down on what you'd need to adapt your device so this was shorter then I expected..." I chuckled and stood up, extending a hand which she shook, then turned to kiss the knuckles of them. "Go well." I nodded to her and turned to leave the way I came. I was moving to the stairwell when I paused; seeing someone waiting there in... Half of a Japanese priestess outfit, stockings and panties.
"Kaguya?" I let off as she looked to me and turned to me fully.
"James. A pleasure to see you once more." She said, bowing for a moment. "I apologize for the sudden request; but may I speak with you?" She must have heard I was up here from someone; hence waiting at the stairs.
"Of course." I said, moving closer to her. "Here or someplace more private."
"Private." She said with a nod. "This information isn't that classified but I prefer someplace quiet." She said as I nodded before she turned and led the way. For better or worse, her ass was on full display as her thong, twisted up, Japanese type of panties rode up the crack of her ass and jiggled just right with each step.
Sir Mix-A-Lot Approved.
We moved down one floor as she led me into a small sitting room. Once the door was shut she turned to look to me. "I informed Celestine and the Adventurer's Guild of this before hand, but given your involvement I felt the need to inform you as well; another mind-altering circlet was found; on the Thorn/Arrona border." Arrona was a Barony, directly south of Thorn. More importantly then that...
"Another one?" I let off, almost growling it out. This was the third one unleashed on the world... That we knew of. She nodded to me solemnly.
"Yes. A string of strange murders led us to man claiming to see Dark Elves everywhere." She said, looking stoic as she spoke to me. "I was nearby when he was discovered, so he was spared when I saw the circlet and took control of the situation as I was aware of what was going on. I sent it off for study but was told by one of my aides the mark on it was similar to one used by the Scored Circle."
"So, the person behind this is connected to the Circle...?" I let off, pondering. It made sense; they were enchanters extraordinaire if the rumors were right and if I could speak to one maybe they could point me in the right way? Not that I knew how to find them for a chat...
"Thankfully someone under my employ, discreetly of course, is a former member." She said as my eyes widened. "He dropped a name based on the emblem; Unussol."
"Did he say anything about him?" I asked, cupping my chin in thought.
"Not much." She said as she tilted her head slightly. "He has been missing for at least two years. Normal people being unable to find him is normal but current and former members of the Scorned Circle have means of finding one another, not that he informed me of how. He said they've no idea where he is; alive or dead."
"Well if he's alive... And if this is his mark then either he's making something horrible for his own reasons, or being framed for it." There was still the chance, after all, that the emblem was being used to point to the Scorned Circle and implement them in dark deeds. However most people didn't know they existed and I wasn't even aware of what their emblem looked like. I filed the information away for later. "Thank you, Kaguya. I intend to see an end to whoever is making these things; even if I don't have any idea how to go about it yet."
"As do I. All we can do is learn what we can and piece things together until a direction comes to us. Together we can do more then we can alone." She said, nodding. "I'll leave you be from here; unless you wish to join me for tea. I intend to do some reading."
"Would you mind using my room then? I'd like to do some work then; enchanting." I replied as she nodded, the two of us turning to leave.
[-]
The day from then until lunch was the two of us in my room as I worked on my Battle Chess Board and Kaguya read her book; although she paused to ask me about my work. In addition we chatted a bit about a few odd things; mostly she showed interest in my travels through Eostia so far. Time consuming as it has been it was fun and a good learning experience.
As for the board I had a few ambitions with it. First; smooth, intuitive game play. That was mostly finished so far. Second; five different armies. The current one was an Eostian based one, obviously, but I also wanted one Eastern one, an Aberrant one, a barbarian one and an Imperium based one. Each one would have their own animations and interactions with each opposing army. Additionally I would add color options beyond black and white; blue, red, green, yellow, purple, orange and pink.
Third; add a checkers game to it. Because why not; they use the same board after all.
Fourth; a proper chess AI to play against. If I could program it in it would be perfect. I planned four difficulties; easy, normal, hard and expert. This was the real hard part; I wasn't a computer programmer by nature but after making the voxlux I was willing to test my limits. If it works and I can remake the board then I could make some good money on it.
Lunch was served at the dining hall and I ended up with Kaguya and Maia as dining buddies. This time my parents were across from us making for a larger overall conversation; as it turns out Merlin and Saxon hadn't met either Maia or Kaguya before now. Prim, by contrast, was trapped with Victor von Blitzhaus, someone wearing the House Victor emblem on his coat (Who I hoped wasn't named nor named any son of his Victor von Victor), and someone with an emblem I couldn't see, all vying for her attention and all to her annoyance. Thankfully both Alicia and Claudia were nearby to ease her burdens.
After lunch I moved over to a training room. There was a set of weights set up on pulleys; not unlike a weight machine and used it for awhile. Mostly to burn off some energy and to try and get something done; maybe I could get some Stat XP from it... Well...
In the aftermath I would ask Olivia, aka the system's AI, about it. As it turns out using certain training machines or set ups would grant a major boost to Stat XP gain... With a limit of five thousand total Stat XP total a week.
Cue me beating my head to a wall. Cue me feeling like an idiot. Again.
This long in here and I still didn't know things about the system I could use to my advantage. Fuck. My. Life.
On the plus side; that's still one more stat in Strength. With my ring equipped giving an extra ten in it I had eighty seven Strength in total. I tended to forget that my equipment boosting stats counted to the stat total needed to upgrade my class.
Well, I learned a bit more. I'd make a note to take advantage of it from here on out. Once I got over feeling stupid.
Back to my room to play with my chess board... Maybe that'll help me feel smart...
[-]
On Eostian Political Positions
Since the Council of Lords was founded to assist, advise and discuss the rule of Eostia (As well as derail, obscure and disrupt the aforementioned, or so it seems at times) they have had disagreements and clashing wants and needs. As such they have tended to unite in collations of loosely aligned factions. These factions tend to push what united agendas they have while compromising (Or more often then not, bickering) over other, unaligned agendas. They tend to fall into one of five blocs with some Houses often straddling the lines between two of them.
Traditionalist
Originally they were called the Slavist faction and the Conservative faction was called the Traditionalist. No matter what you call it their main platform has been the continuation, expansion and protection of the institution of slavery. This meant that for the first thousand years this was the largest and most influential faction in the Council of Lords. Now they are the smallest and, in all possibility, likely to shrink further. As such they've become more and more vocal to try and maintain their positions and coerce other lords to support or join them; often using economic means to do so, however this has been less effective in the modern day.
Aside from slavery they are advocates of tradition, abstaining from sex (With non-slaves, anyway), promoting military strength and the place of the nobility and royalty. They are, however, somewhat divided on the importance of religion within Eostia. House Bludhorn of the Duchy of Anvil has, traditionally, led this faction and it's comprised of all the slave states and a few limited states.
Conservative
Originally they were called the Traditionalist faction and were splintered off from the Slavist faction; at least until the Slavists took up the Traditionalist title to try and obfuscate the two factions and their platforms causing the original Traditionalists to splinter off yet again to rename themselves as the Conservatives. As the name (And the former name) suggests they are concerned with conserving the traditions of Eostia and what they see as the things that makes it stable; Religion, family values, maintaining a degree of purity from sex, the military and the royalty and nobility of the land.
The Traditionalists, mostly, has this platform as well, to be honest, but there are two main differences. The first is that Conservatives do not see slavery as a tradition worth preserving and the second is they are willing to discard other old traditions that are now a liability in the current day and adopt new, better traditions if and when they can be proven to be effective; although they can be rather slow in doing so. This does mean that on non-slavery issues the Traditionalist and Conservatives are likely to ally and support each other to varying levels of wariness and disdain. The Duchy of Coxworth's House Solrex is often the leaders of this faction.
Royalist
Despite what the name suggests this faction is not solely about supporting the royals in the realm, although they most certainly do. The Royalists are the other main ally of the Conservatives on many issues as their main sticking point is they want to maintain Eostian unity and peace. As such they are most notable and most vocal peacemakers in the realm, trying to find common ground between factions; even between the staunch rivals of the Traditionalists and the Liberalists. They are less focused on religion then the Conservatives and more willing to entertain non-Larentian ones and are more tolerant of casual sex; although not to excess.
Despite the title they are willing to oppose ruling houses if they feel they are disrupting the unity of Eostia as a whole; in fact they are a leading force in regime changes of various territories if they think it'll encourage unity within the Alliance. This tends to make them ally and rival to all the other factions at various times; the Traditionalist in particular have found many an ally house ousted because of them. House Triaidola of the Duchy of Grecure is the nominal leader of this faction of Eostian politics.
Liberalists
While the Traditionalists were quite powerful at the founding of Eostia the Liberalists (Then known as the Abolitionists, and sometimes still called that; they renamed as they needed to agree on more then one issue) were at their weakest. And as the Traditionalists have weakened the Liberalists have strengthened. The lords of this union has a focus on individual rights and responsibilities, freedoms of speech and expression as well as the right to decide one's own destiny. Most of these lords prefer to kick problems down in their realms to people closer to the issue, supporting them as needed as they often think those people are better suited to understanding and solving the issue at hand. They are also the most vocal and fervent opponents to slavery as an institution.
Oddly they find themselves an ally and rival to all the other factions (Save the Traditionalists, as mentioned) at one point or another depending on the topic at hand. This has led them being called the 'centrist' party, for that reason. Depending on the era it's often one of the largest faction and has been, more then once, the largest faction if by a sliver. Currently the leader of this faction is House Galeraven of the County of Ferra, although House Magister of the Duchy of Halous is the traditional leader and likely will return to that position soon.
Monetarist
The final notable faction of the Council of Lords, the Monetarist position is simple; they want Eostia to be wealthy. They wish for wealth in their territories first and the other territories of Eostia second and external trading partners third. As such their positions are about sound, economic policy first and foremost. Above all else they consider the Liberalists to be their main allies as they believe the free market is the best path towards wealth and prosperity which aligns well with the freedom of choice the Liberalists champion. Within the faction the biggest debate is on how many, if any, regulations on these markets are required.
They are the closest that the Traditionalists have to an ally but the Monetarists aren't interested in slavery beyond comparing states with slavery to similar states without it to compare what is better from the purely economic sense. That said they, more often then not, favor abolition over slavery; slaves cannot buy, sell or trade goods, after all. Indeed, in recent years this loose 'alliance' (If it could even, if ever, be called that) has been fading more and more as the belief slavery is a harm to the economy is growing wider and wider. House Silversail of the Duchy of South Point is the usual leader of this faction.
~Dominic James Pencraft, Sererus: A Collection of History and Powers
[-]
By the next morning breakfast was had, everyone was given a chance to collect what they needed and prepare before we shuffled into the meeting room for the Council of Lords.
The Council met on the highest floor of the Fortress in the dome section; The Chamber of the Seven Shields faced Skyguard to the east, the Black Watch Offices faced the opposite direction to the west and Chamber of the Lords, as it was called, faced the north. The room, it should be noted, dropped down into the two floors under it. The room was a half circle, but the two edges were where the guards, Dawn Templars in this case, stood to help keep order. Additionally wide aisles between the Templar's posts and the Lord's seating here meant the sitting room in the chamber was closer to a three-sevenths circle that was raised in the back near the window and dropped downwards near the front. The tables where the lords sat at were crescent shaped desks allowing people to turn in their seat to look towards different directions with the closed end tilted towards the center and front. There were enough room to house one hundred and twenty tables with each seating up to four people comfortably, even if the amount of seating was overkill.
On a balcony on both of the side walls and above the tables for the lords was seating for about one hundred odd people; observers would sit here usually from minor houses, notable military leaders or even important and trusted merchants. Miria would be sitting there today (Turns out she couldn't get away from the Council fully, ha!) and was joined by Cress and Aeris sitting on one side of her and our mother on the other. Apparently she usually sat up there because she was worried about causing problems or making some sort of outburst. Considering how she went 'My Babies' upon seeing me and Miria again, I had to agree with this wisdom. Additionally I could see Dulce up there... Asleep in her seat already...
At the front of the room's center was seven seats in a half circle facing outwards; one for House Arcturus, one for House Fiorie, one for the High Governor of Geofu, one for House Roisage of the First Throne, one for House Guildford (The Ruling House of Rad), one for House Ironroot (Of Ansur, Lulu's House's proper name) and lastly the seat for the High Consul of Thorn. Behind those seven seats and raised up slightly was seven more seats; one for each Shield Princess who would be seated behind the Kingdom she served. Behind those in the center was a raised platform behind the other seven; the seat of the High Throne. Of course given Celestine was both High Queen and Shield Princess of Ken the latter seat wouldn't be filled.
The floor was white marble, as was the walls. The back wall and ceiling of the dome was a window, letting in the light and above the seating place of the High Throne was the seal of the Seven Shields Alliance. As people walked to their tables, feet moving from white marble to cyan carpet, one person from each state would carry a shield they brought with them baring their House's emblem (Or in the case of places like Geofu, Pulca and Thorn the emblem of their state); as per the Council Rules as established by the Aegis Accords no one was permitted to bring in weapons of any sort but could bring a shield; thus I left my sword, the Unicorn's Horn, with Makoto. My father carried our shield, shaped as our emblem but with a tab on the inside at the top of it. The tab stuck back a bit before going down a by three inches. The tab would fit into a slot in the table, lined with steel, to hold it in place. Every other shield in the room was set in likewise slots for display at the various tables of the room.
Officially there was no set table for each House, they just set up where they wanted. However as factions were formed within the Council there was a trend for like to gather with like. The Traditionalists tended to collect near the front and to the right side of the room with the Conservatives collection of lords on the front left; but also ensuring at least one layer of tables was between them and the Traditionalists. The Liberalists (Of which my own House Noxdecus was a part of) collected in the back of the room on the back two layers of tables. The Royalists would collect in the center of the room while the Monetarist would slip into two sections on either side of the Royalists.
I couldn't help but note the positions everyone took in regards to the factions; the Conservatives placed themselves in the forefront; where they think the traditions of Eostia should be while the slave based Traditionalists placed themselves right next to them... With the former ensuring a gap between both of them, refusing the association the Traditionalists tried to make. By contrast the Liberalists placed themselves in the back as they were the foremost rivals to the Traditionalists and common ones to the Conservatives. The Royalists, focused on maintaining peace and stability between the states of the realm, placed themselves directly in the center of the room to connect every other faction. Finally the Monetarists took the flanks of the room, also connecting each of the factions in their own way yet also split in two; if it was a division in their policy or just because it was where they had to be I wasn't sure.
As people filtered in shields were set into slots. I could see Grand Duke Fiorire take Ur's seat and, ughhh, Prime Minister Razon Beardsley take Foeh's spot. High Governor Emera Caesarea took Geofu's spot and I had a look at her clothing now that she wasn't naked; an odd, white/brown blouse that was showing the top of her breasts, a green vest buttoned over her abs that left her breasts alone, save some sort of brass cups holding them up, a brown long coat with black pauldrons on the side's of the shoulders with golden feathers sticking out the bottoms, tight white pants with some sort of ties on the sides, white gloves and brown, heeled boots with brass designs on them.
Prime Minister Giah Elderstern took Ken's place and for Rad's I saw a woman moving towards that seat who I assumed was the Archon, Edwina Guildford. She stood at five nine, from what I could tell, and had a very attractive, professional face that was enhanced by a set of gold rimmed glasses over gray eyes. Her hair was hip length and held in a nice, tight braid hanging off the left side of her head. A ruby hung off her right ear with a golden, floral design hanging under it and maybe a matching one hidden under her hair on the left side. She wore a strapless, black dress with a single slit on the left side of the legs that fell to the ankle with a white interior and fold at the top where it hugged C-Cup breasts, a white cloth belt around her waist with a golden one with a ruby set to it.
Three pearl necklaces were around her neck with a gold necklace between the second and third with three rubies set to it. Black gloves on each hand, a pearl and gold bracelet over the left wrist, black, two inch heeled shoes on each foot with a gold design that moved up and wrapped around the ankles. Hanging off her shoulders was a white jacket, worn more like a cape with the golden design on both sides of the front, the right side having another ruby. The only other thing of not was she walked with a hint of a limp with a cane in her right hand; one with a golden handle and flattened butt with a black shaft. A Dawn Templar escorted her to her seat and carried the Guildford shield for her, setting it in place as the woman took her seat before surrendering her cane to the Templar; it could qualify as a weapon after all as it could hide a blade or have a hidden spell stone in it to act as a magical focus. Either way I used Observe on the woman.
(-)
Name: Edwina Guildford
Title: High Lady of the Guild Kingdom
Class: Scholar
Level: 32
Alignment: Neutral
Reputation: 31
Status: Healthy - Limp, Calm, Professional
Romance Rating: 76
Corruption Rating: 11
Known Traits
[Tap For Mana] You know how to use magic to it's fullest. All magic costs 5% less mana.
[Support Main] Your healing, restorative and bolstering spells are enhanced. +5% Effect to all such spells.
[?]
Edwina Guildford was not expecting to be her father's heir; born the fifth child of six and with a childhood leg injury that never fully healed correctly she decided to apply herself to the healing arts and learning economics as opposed to rulership. However two of her elder brothers would become implicated in a scandal on slavery in Rad and would be disowned, her elder sister turned down the title and her her other elder brother died in the Garan conflict. A reluctant but dutiful ruler she aims to lead her realm to new levels of wealth.
(-)
As for her emblem; the shape started with a point in the top center, moving down a slope before pulling up and then turning inwards into a notch before moving back out, then going down and turning in softly to a point at the bottom. The outline was a very thick, steel blue border with a yellow line going down the middle of it. The main background was cyan and started with a gold crown on the top with red fabric and a cross at the top, a set of crossed, yellow pikes with steel blue outlines under it. Around where they crossed was four gems; a red one on the top, green on the right, blue on the bottom and yellow on the left; each a five pointed diamond with the bottom points facing inwards.
Under it was a set of eight rings in a three-two-three patter from top to bottom and all linked together and each representing one of Rad's (And Eostia's, by extension) guilds. From left to right and top to bottom with each color having a darker edge was green, red, yellow, white, gray, orange, purple and blue. Finally at the bottom was a pair of yellow wing designs.
Moving to the Ansur spot was a halfling with a surprisingly epic mustache. No, really. It was blonde, twisted then braided and hung on either side of the jaw down to chest level; that must have been High Prince Sarsar; aka Lulu's father.
The final seat of Thorn was taken up by an older man with a large, brown beard that reminded me of Bear Hugger from Punch Out but with less of a gut and not as tall and squeezed into a nice looking, orange great coat. That said he looked out of place; a normal man in high class clothing. Not surprising; Thorn's government swapped it's leader every twenty years (Or the death or retirement of the current one) between a House of Lords and a House of Commons. It was clear this guy was from the second of those houses.
Aside from that I paid attention to where people were sitting. My new friend in House Kalkan moved to sit with the Monetarist as I expected along with Houses Silversail and Venus while the Brissanias and Galeravens sat with the Liberalists. The Drakens sat with the Conservatives as did the Hawkeyes and Caelums while Houses Flotte and Abhainn moved to the Royalists, along with House Highreign (I thought they'd be with the Liberalists myself. Huh). As for the Traditionalists it was the usual suspects; Arnold of course, along with who I assumed was Alundra van Bludhorn and someone who looked like an older Tiffany. There was one question on my mind, however.
Where would Grise Rongera of Delconna sit?
The new Baroness was unknown to me until two days ago and our one meeting was quite brief but what little I knew of both her and her realm suggested she would potentially have a sizable impact in the meeting. In short this would be like if, say as an example, Moldova being set into a position to tilt the current power dynamics of the European Union. I don't think most people I knew in my old world could find it on an unmarked map, not unless there was some kind of a war in the region or something.
Likewise Delconna was a minor player in the grand scheme of things; it's most notable trait being the most isolated slave state in Eostia. If Mungale was a middling but stable barony the Delconna was a middling but... less stable barony to put it charitably. But it's position as a slave state lumped it's leaders in with the Traditionalists by default previously. When I told my father of my brief meeting with her and her desire to speak with Celestine he agreed with my thoughts; there was going to be a shake up... The question is how much of a shake it would be and what, if anything, would come loose?
That feeling doubled once I saw her; in the aisle and moving downwards towards a seat. "Look." I said getting my father's attention to direct his gaze. Grise held in her hands the House Rongera shield, an odd one with wide ends, a not as wide center and pulling in between the ends and center. A shield in the middle with three chevrons and four swords above and below, pommels pointed to the middle. However before the four corners boasted lightning bolts; red with a gray then dark gray outline. Now it was five pointed stars in each corner with the same color scheme as before.
Lightning bolts were an emblem used a lot back in the Unitum Imperium; usually a military emblem but also used as an emblem for the Emperors and Empresses. The Traditionalists and Conservatives both liked to use them and it cropped up on the odd House Shield. That she removed them from the shield meant something. What I didn't fully know, but I had an idea. I kept an eye on her was she moved to position herself at a table. I could see Alundra look back to the new Baroness, her eyes narrowing as she watched Grise... Who took a position right between the Monetarists and the Conservatives on the left side of the room. Alundra frowned but if Grise noticed she paid her no mind and settled in. I shared a look with my father and we both nodded. A glance to Jamiaca Galeraven as she gave us a nod meant she noticed it to.
The human feces was about to impact with much force upon the rotary air circulation device.
There was a murmur that rose in the Council; although it was a middling state the fact that Delconna was seemingly and visually breaking ranks spoke volumes of the current state of affairs. Finally once everyone chose a position and affixed their shields to their tables Celestine moved to her own spot, adjusting paper she brought with her and picked up a small, bronze mallet at her side and used it to strike a bell built into her table. The murmur, and all other sounds, ended.
"Please; those who have not take your places." She spoke, calmly and firmly. Each table was also enchanted to, when a speaker wanted, project their voice across the room so even the most soft spoken could be heard well when the used it. "I now call this meeting to order. The Council of Lords is now in sessions and we will speak of the affairs of our realm. I bid you all welcome, as near or as far as you have come to us from; new faces and old. We have a many pressing matters to attend to. However, at a request we will start with a proclamation by the newly crowned Baroness of Delconna; Lady Grise Rongera. Baroness Rongera, you may kindly take the floor."
Grise stood up and I could see Alundra give her a stern glare. She looked short of hissing at her as she gave a subdued shake of her head, as if trying to tell Grise 'don't do it' without drawing attention to herself from the other lords. It failed, at least in part because Grise didn't spare her or the other Traditionalists a single glance since she arrived. Grise, for her part, looked quite calm and relaxed. If she was worried about what was coming she didn't show it. I did not want to play poker against her.
"After much consideration and discussion with my aides and advisors I am beginning the ending of slavery in Delconna over the course of the next two months." Grise said calmly and coolly, keeping a collected tone as she spoke once more. "Afterwards I shall abolish slavery in the Barony in totality with the currently held slaves either being converted to paid positions or moved to other states willing to accept them to recondition them to a normal society as we do not currently have the ability to handle that task on our own." She said before lifting her hand up and inspecting her nails, putting on a mask of nonchalance.
You could hear a pin drop for a full ten seconds after she spoke.
And then there was noise.
"How dare you!" Someone in the Traditionalist camp, Ryan Stoneshard I think given the emblem, slammed his hand down onto the table. "You throw away traditions-"
"That are no longer relevant!" Someone with the Solrex emblem on his shoulder among the Conservatives replied; Matrix Solrex if I had to guess. Yes, his first name was Matrix.
No, I was not jealous...
"They're damned relevant where we come from!" Arnold von Blitzhaus let off, bellowing to be heard but somehow not sounding angry, just like a disappointed (cough*asshole*cough) father then anything else. "You do not understand what we preserve!"
"And you, boyo, don't understand the damage your beloved, preserved 'traditions' cause." Jamaica let off. "So you can take your bloody, backwards slavery and turn it sideways before stickin' it up yer own candied arse!" She let off, her Scottish accent thickening for a bit as she spoke down towards Arnold. Sadly without raising an eyebrow.
Do you smell what Jamaica is cookin'?
"Be silent you ignorant wench!" Blitzhaus (Victor this time) spat back at her with a glare.
"And tell yer boy ta behave, lest he be spanked like the toddler he is!" The redhead added as I tried to not snicker at her (I only half pulled it off) as Victor was about to speak up once more only for a hand on his shoulder from his father calming him a bit; enough to hold his tongue.
"Everyone! Can we please calm down!" Dixon Darrus, complete with a great coat with Pulca's emblem on it, spoke up from his place in the Royalists. Given he was here and Sally Moonbright was not I had to assume he won the election in Pulca for the position of Count Elect (I'd learn I was wrong later about Sally not being here; she was up with the observers. As it turned out Darrus only squeaked out a win against her and decided to name her his main advisor). "Ladies! Gentlemen! My fellow Lords! I understand this is quite the momentous moment in our great alliance..." Fantasy-Trump let off, sounding calm but projecting his voice, even with the spell stone's help. "And while the subject of slavery within it is a contentious issue but we are the leaders of the greatest kingdom in the world." He let off with pride... Okay, Fantasy-Trump, but maybe better? "But as leaders of this kingdom we are expected to behave in a matter befitting the leaders of a great nation and speak clearly, calmly and with rational thought and not bicker like school children. What is this, a Council of Dominious lords?" Okay, the last bit was a bit low... But otherwise, I liked the cut of his jib.
"Now I figure this man has the right of it." Came the man leading Thorn as the High Consul. He spoke with a clear 'southern farmer' accent; reflecting the tone from the Magistrate's House of Commons. "We ain't knee high lads and lasses here, folk. We are supposed to be leaders; no matter 'ow we got to take a seat in this here Chamber. Now d'ya'all want the common folk to know that your response to an issue like this is ta start screamin' and shoutin' like a toddler who got his toy taken away? If they knew about this and an actual threat came, like say, Balanar thinkin' it'll take a piece of our south d'ya'all think they'd trust all the folk here from this response."
Between the two men speaking and addressing the Council of Lords there was a moment of calm as they spoke plain, clear wisdom. Between Darrus and the High Consul (Jim Cornfield, according to observe. Yes, his name was as plain as his tone) they seemed to bring the Council to an order and a lucid moment of calm.
For about ten seconds.
"Silence, commoners!" Dempsey Draken let off, lisping with anger.
And then everyone resumed shouting. Jamaica pinched her nose as she swore under her breath as I looked to my father. He gave me smirk, a shrug and a look that said 'Welcome to the Council'. Grise was now seated, pretending to ignore the category one shit storm swirling around her (Despite being the cause of it) as the yelling over yelling over yelling kept rising up for a long moment before I noticed a bell ringing in the room. Celestine was ringing the bell on her desk with her bronze mallet, trying to bring order to the room and almost no one was listening. Finally she let off a huff so minor I almost missed it. She took a moment to set her mallet down and raised her open hand. I saw a glow come to her palm as my father cupped his ears. I quickly mimicked him, bracing for whatever was coming. What came?
Celestine slapping her hand down on her table and using her mana to both create a loud ring in the room coupled with a matching bang and a freaking shock wave that while weak filled the room and was still enough to be felt.
Arguing stopped and everyone looked to the High Queen in less then a second. "Now that you have graced me with your attention my mature Lords-" She let off as a hint of annoyance and sarcasm slipped into her voice. "-I would like to remind you that as leaders you are expected to speak calmly and that we are to work together to better our realms; even if what happens in individual realms disagrees with our own personal ideals." She said softly. "Now then, given the announcement I expect we have questions for the good Baroness that will be asked... calmly. Let us begin with seeing who has questions, shall we?" She asked, clasping her hand as she took a motherly role in bringing order to the room.
Given how the people in the room were acting like a group of annoying children, it was appropriate.
She would move faction by faction and start letting them ask their questions; starting with the Conservatives who, overall, were curious about why the sudden change in policy (Economic; she felt slavery was more of an anchor then a crutch and she needed to bring in wealth to Delconna) followed by the Monetarist asking her plans to bring in wealth (Trade, maintaining Brothels in the short term but with paid whores and doubling down on their vineyards) followed by the Royalist who had few questions which boiled down to her plans in regards to Moara, Greenwave and Classa (Forge new relations with them and form partnerships for mutual benefit), followed by the Liberalists who asked what would become of the former slaves (She was working it out still, but admitted she needed advice on adjusting the slaves to a normal life) and lastly the Traditionalists who demanded to know why she turned her back on the 'good traditions', on them and on their history. What was her answer to that one?
"I answer to none of you."
Damn. One annoying friend in my old world would hear that and go 'yas queen, slay!' and I was tempted to agree with the sentiment. That agreement was tempered by what little I knew of her coupled with what I got from Observe. My French was subpar but I was sure Grise meant gray and that was the impression I got from her. She wasn't a foe and she could be a friend... As long as she got something from it and it didn't cost her too much. That said, the effect of this shift needed to be stated.
The number of slave states in Eostia just dropped from ten to nine and the Traditionalists couldn't do a damned thing about it. That was a win as far I could see; however it was one I had to couple with a hint of sobriety; Alundra, Arnold and their peers were glaring daggers at Grise and while I didn't think the Baroness would meet a... bad end I did worry what their response would be. Their 'way of life' as they call it, their twisted culture is dying and dying cultures don't often go silently...
[-]
Most of the morning after Grise dropped her bombshell was a standard, if tense, meeting; talking about economics and settling trade disputes, discussing overall military matters and so forth. At noon a break was called for an hour long lunch to eat and recharge. I made sure to keep an eye on Grise; she was dining with a few of the Monetarist; it seemed to me that's the group she planned to cozy up to.
Once everyone was done eating and back in their seats. Celestine called the meeting back to order and gave me a subtle look. I braced for impact and waited for it. "For our next matter, I am sure you have heard of the new communications system being installed throughout Eostia." She began, a small, short murmur rising up; mostly with those from the eastern half of the realm. "We are fortunate then that the creator is among us, James Noxdecus the heir of the Mungale Barony. I would call upon him to start a brief explanation of his system."
Despite the much larger audience I had spent my travels through three of Eostia's seven kingdoms explaining this. I was a pro at this pitch now and moved into my usual spiel. This is a voxlux; this is how it works. While I didn't bring one into the room with me; this what a booster is and what it does. This is why I'm installing them and what else it does beyond boost the voxlux's range. This what the boosters also do and how they can be useful to spread news and proclamations among a population. These are the places I've installed one to start the network (While mentioning purchased boosters) and these are the places I intend to install others. This is how you can order your own voxlux set and/or boosters.
If nothing else something this meeting would do for me is I wouldn't need to keep explaining it to everyone who hosts us down the line.
When I finished it was once more question and answer time for the Council; my fellow Liberalists started but the questions were fairly soft balled; where these things were being placed in the cities, how secure they were and how I chose where I placed the first set of them and I answered simply and honestly. As for the last one I simply said coverage of Eostia and as far into our neighbors as possible. The Royalists had no real questions; seemingly satisfied with what they've heard until now. The Monetarists were focused, of course, on things like cost, current stockpiles (Everyone was surprised when I mentioned that we were reaching over a thousand voxluxs in stock now. Yes, really. I made a point of thanking the Grand Duchy of Ur for the help in getting the spell stones for them) and pricing. Once they found out the price was (Reasonably) cheap they looked excited and asked if the purchase of them was limited to and nobility and military and were very pleased that it would be sold to any who paid for them.
Considering that the Monetarists had more ties with the merchant class then most nobility and would want to talk with them across the realm they would find it very useful. Doubly so as I mentioned the boosters could be installed on ships to expand their communications range.
I had expected the Conservatives to play a bit more hardball with the questions but they were more interested in how I expected the network to avoid disruption from enemy forces and my answer was simple; numbers. Once I told them how many boosters had been sold on top of the ones I had installed they started to get the picture. An enemy force could, feasibly, knock out one or two dozen boosters around the realm at one time. Knocking out one to two hundred was a taller order. In addition when I mentioned most were located on top of buildings owned by the Adventurer's Guild during the Liberalists questions I think there was general assurances that individual ones were under protection were had. Oddly it was Jamaica who pipped up that she had one installed on her own castle and used it to view theater plays around the realm from home.
Well, now I know why she wanted one installed there...
Given the murmuring that came up from that I imagined she gave people ideas. Finally it was the Traditionalist's turn and I braced for impact. Of the other factions the Royalists and Monetarists had no real beef with the Liberalists or Mungale and the Conservatives while rivals to the Liberalists and more mixed with Mungale were mostly friendly ones, or at least respectful ones. The Traditionalists, on the other hand, were open and often hostile opponents. Unsurprising to me the first shot came from one Arnold von Blitzhaus. "What defenses are included to ensure our enemies cannot simply copy them and adapt them to their uses?" On the surface it was a reasonable question. However...
"I'm sure most enchanters could tell you about the standard, in place defenses." I began smoothly, or as smoothly as I could. "But to ensure the security of the voxlux I'm not going to explain my own custom defenses of which there's more then one. After all while everyone in this room is trusted by the crown one pair of loose lips would be all it takes to give someone ideas." However it could also be an attempt at fishing for information on what I have protecting it. Even if Arnold didn't ask him to do so I know for a fact Channer is looking into the voxlux; when I made my computer in my old world the first thing my friend did when he saw it was yank the cover off to see what was inside of it...
And then he complained about my wiring job...
"Given the importance of the project, I think we can insist such information should be indulged to this Council." A woman two tables from Arnold let off, giving me a firm look; Alundra van Bludhorn.
(-)
Name: Alundra van Bludhorn
Title: The Damned Duchess
Class: Rune Blade
Level: 51
Alignment: Hostile
Reputation: 31
Status: Healthy, Calculating, Annoyed
Romance Rating: 75
Corruption Rating: 181
Known Traits
[Deadeye] You are accurate at any range. Compare your Acc and Dex. Whichever is lowered is increased to the one that is higher or by ten, whichever is lower.
[?]
[Blast & Blade] 5% of your Str is added to magical damage. Add 5% of your Mag to physical damage
[Rapier Mistress] You are a master at handling rapiers. +3 Damage to all equipped rapiers. Additionally, any enchanted rapier when equipped will increase your Mag by you level divided by 5 (Rounded up)
The Duchess of Anvil and oldest human Local Lord in Eostia who still rules, Alundra is known for cruelty, a calculating nature and her magical power. She is a major proponent for the Traditions of Eostia. Self-centered it's unknown by even her allies if she sees these ideals as something she believes in honestly, enjoys the power over others it grants her or because it just plays into her desires. Most agree she is not to be crossed lightly.
(-)
Yikes... The only person I've met with a higher level, so far, is Celestine. This woman was no joke. "I am under no obligation to divulge that information aside from Grand Duke Fiorire or High Queen Celestine should they request it. In this Council you are my peer not my superior." I told her smoothly as she narrowed her eyes at me.
"Hrumph." Someone with the emblem of House Pugnator on his cape's back let off as he huffed. "Do you have some interest in the device the rest of us should know about, Aronold? Alundra?" He let off, looking to both. Both gave him an annoyed look, but I noted that Victor was glaring daggers at me as he turned to look up to me, hand on the table he was at.
"Tell me, what makes you so adamant that your defenses are enough? Afraid to have them tested, you damned bastard?" He let off giving me a harsh, angry glare. Really, the dirty look he was giving me was odd; I'd noticed it a couple days ago and it was weird. He would rather talk down to me, act superior, prop himself up while acting like I was beneath him... Why was he acting like I had just humiliated him? I didn't, as far as I knew...
I wonder...
"Well I'm sure Channer is poking at it." I said, hiding a smirk. "He'll never give you up, never let you down." I let off. My father raised an eyebrow at me and I could see a few odd looks as I watched Victor's face as it just turned pale. Arnold's reaction was subdued but he did turn to look at me with narrowed eyes.
"What!? Impossible!" Victor let off in shock. "The lab was isolated! You couldn't have known!" He let off as Arnold's head snapped to glare at his son. This time I did smirk.
"Oh, the lab Channer's working in is isolated? That's good to know." I let off as realization sank in for him and he went from pale to ghost white in a flash. "Glad to know my defenses are working as designed; was it your image or Channer's image singing?" I asked as Merlin chuckled softly as he picked up what I had done. I had hung a bit of bait out for Victor and he swallowed it... And then I hung a bit more...
"Gah... He would have figured out how-"
"Victor!" Arnold let off, firm and loud as he turned to his father in shock and looked like he had been slapped. Then his eyes widened as he caught on. Once more he let a little something slip.
"Oh, I knew quite well Channer wasn't working in any form of lab. I met him in Forestside not long ago, and I doubt he'd been in too many labs recently. Whatever he's doing he's doing on the road." I said as Arnold looked over to me with a glare as Victor's head started to hang. "But I'm glad to know you have other people working on it and they haven't gotten around my little defenses or make their own working copies."
The whole room was looking towards the Blitzhaus table; the Traditionalists (Alundra in particular) glaring at Victor and the rest of the factions either looking at him in shock, snickering or looking embarrassed on the Elddale's heir's behalf. The next person to react was, of all people, Alicia who stood, slapped her hand to her table very hard (Beardsley's reaction to it, and remember, he's sitting right in front of her, made me think another two decibels would have given him a heart attack. Sadly she didn't slap any harder...) as she glared to the Blitzhaus pair. "Arnold von Blitzhaus, I demand an explanation for this subversion!" He bellowed as a long, loud murmur rose up from the Council. Even members of the Traditionalists (Namely Houses Pugnator of Maros and Stolzerlowe of Alcanth) looked taken aback as, yes, this did seem to be a blatant subversion of House Mungale as this wasn't just testing the voxluxs defenses or poking under the hood, so to speak, they had made an attempt at copying it outright and possibly hijacking the network I had made, failed as the attempt was.
Yes, subversion was always going to happen between lords (They argue like spoiled children, what do you expect?) but it's not supposed to happen and undermining another lord so openly is going to be frowned on; with the threat of Garan overhead there was only so much even the most unscrupulous of them could take before they would call foul; if only to keep it from happening to them.
"Order! Order!" Celestine let off, taking a moment to ring her bell, everyone settling down shortly thereafter. Once everyone was settled she looked over to Arnold and gave him a disapproving look. "Count Blitzhaus; this Council requires an explanation of these actions. Why do you undermine House Noxdecus and what the High Crown considers a great work."
To his credit Arnold kept himself composed as he turned to face the High Queen, only giving Victor a look that said 'you don't get to talk anymore' before speaking. "Our aims is not to undermine, although given the rivalry between Houses Blitzhaus and Noxdecus that is not an unreasonable assumption to make. Rather we seek to copy and assimilate this knowledge. Far too often we hear of odd, one of a kind enchantments or items that takes decades, centuries or longer to recreate or copy. That is because these works often outlive the makers of them and, being a father of an enchanter myself, I am well aware of how their lot is reluctant to share their means and knowledge; even taking them to their graves. As much as mages speak of 'Sharing the Fruits of Knowledge' this lot enjoys hording that information. And yes, it is not that unreasonable as this voxlux will grant Eostia an advantage her enemies cannot recreate with ease."
A very brief murmur rose as he kept speaking. "If this knowledge is horded in Mungale then should something happen to it's heir, and given our world that is quite possible with no ill will of anyone here, then such knowledge would be lost. We must not allow all of our eggs be set into one basket; loyal as the holders of that basket maybe. There is no law we have broken and no subversion we have caused." I frowned a bit but I was forced to admit that he was right; unless he did something like try and openly hijack the network or try and steal my research or enchanting devices he hadn't broken any law; at least none I could prove with any means. Yes, Eostia had patents I can use for enchantments... Which would require revealing how it worked on the patent and that ruins the whole 'keep it secret' thing.
As a murmur rose up I was sure a large amount of the lords were ready to press X to doubt but with no evidence on hand and a reason that was reasonable if not acceptable to most nothing would come of it... For now.
While it wasn't my aim in the back of my mind I recalled that Arnold wanted to raise his status from Count to Duke and while that choice was firmly in Celestine's hands alone the Council of Lords still had input and if she seemed to let her own preferences take hold over if he earned it or not that could end up costing her the trust of the lords... but if the Council was predisposed to disliking him for some reason they could overlook a thing or two... That said I had only damaged his chances, not ended them.
After that fiasco there were no more questions and things moved along to other details. Another three odd hours of talking a break was called. Day One of the Council of Lords had ended.
[-]
Large Patio By The Garden Behind Fortress Ken
Early Evening, After Dinner
Several tables and seats had been set up around the patio, all with a good view of the garden and in the case of Grise Rongera she had a good view of the statue of Joanna of the White Cloth as well as the fountain it was set on. Not that she looked over at it; she was more focused on reading her book with a pot and cup of good tea before her with a few spare cups for others who may join her. The tale of her tome was known as The War of the Steel Throne; a story of combat, sex, subterfuge, betrayal and, at times, love. That said she just wasn't reading it to enjoy the story but because it was an excuse to loiter on the patio where many of her peers and even a few guards loitered; including two of her own bodyguards the next table over.
She was well aware of what impact her actions in the morning had on the Council in general and the Traditionalists in particular. Uncoupling from that group was something she needed to do; the Traditionalists clung to power like a toddler to it's mother but in the end it was clear where the balance of power was shifting; and it was not in their direction. No; unlike her uncle who clung to the ideas of slavery so hard it was causing damage to Delconna itself she had enough clarity and wisdom to discard it from the realm. The only question is where she sat on the Council? Obviously she had four choices; the Liberalists, the Conservatives, the Royalists and the Monetarists.
The Liberalists were not an option for her; while they seemed to be the largest group at current, if by a sliver, her aims didn't fully mesh with theirs; still however, courting certain members of the group was an option. She also didn't want to join the Royalists; she was more interested in shaking up the status quo and making it favor her more. That being said she was worried they'd be watching her to see if she would cause fractures within Eostia; not something they would approve of. At the very least she'd want to stay on their good sides.
That left the Conservatives and the Monetarists. The first was a natural shift; aside from slavery and slavery related topics the differences between the Conservatives and Traditionalists were minimal. Additionally many of Delconna's needs and the ideals of the Conservatives weren't incompatible and most of her minor lords would likely lean in that direction. On the other hand the Monetarists were focused on wealth and trade, things her realm was in desperate need of. Additionally she was well aware of the connections she could make through them in middle to upper class merchants; not something to underestimate. For now she felt it was best to straddle the line between the two as both had things to offer her and would likely woo her into their camps while she kept courting the other two factions until she was on at least friendly terms with them.
Speaking of; one of the first things she did during lunch was to speak with the lords of House Highreign and Onglave as well as House Sunfield during dinner. She was well aware of how much her uncle and his predecessors had antagonized them and their holdings and to be more then a moderate or middling barony she needed Delconna's neighbors on friendly terms with her, or at least not hostile. Thankfully Sunfield and Onglave were receptive to her approach and while she was sure they didn't trust her yet they were, at least, not rejecting her outreach and were willing to talk trade. Highreign was a bit cooler but eventually invited her over to Classa for 'further discussion'. Given Classa and it's lord's reputations she was a bit worried but knew she'd have to go over to the County and make nice.
She just hoped it didn't end with her on the wrong end of a leash.
Her thoughts ended on that as she felt more then saw or heard three people approaching. She already knew who it was; Alundra van Bludhorn, Arnold von Blitzhaus and Ryan Stoneshard. This was the main reason she stayed in someplace public after she unleashed her announcement onto the Council. She wasn't worried about being assassinated or 'disappeared'; given her announcement it would bring too much bad attention onto them if they were to try. That said, while the chances were rather low there was a chance for something less lethal but uncomfortable in one means or another because of them if this talk were in private. With their peers about (And many starting to gaze their way) there was a degree of safety in public that was better then ten mana armors piled onto one another.
The three would stop before her table in front of her; Alundra in the center, Arnold on the Duchess' left and Ryan on her right. She could feel their glares as she kept reading; ignoring them for a moment. This moment was more important then anything that happened in the Council. She couldn't show fear, couldn't show weakness and couldn't show aggression; not in this moment. She needed to play the role of a strong, confident and, most importantly, in control woman. Finally after a long moment to establish she wasn't intimidated she spoke to the three most prominent leaders of the Traditionalists. "Are the three of you joining me for tea?" She asked in a cool and casual manner.
"Do not speak to me with that tone, child." Alundra let off, hands on her hips as Grise sighed softly. "What were you thinking?"
"Peer."
"...What." Alundra flatly let off, not even sure how that was an answer.
"I am your peer." Grise said smoothly and with the barest hint of irritation. "I am not a child, and not your child. As I said before, I answer to none of you." She said as she made a show of setting a bookmark into her book's pages as she set the tome down, finally looking up to her peers. "As for what I was thinking that should be obvious; I am working to uplift my realm as a good leader should."
"You discard traditions that date back over two thousand years and you think it will uplift your realm!?" Ryan let off. "Are you a fool!?"
"Yes, I am discarding them. No, I am not a fool." She said as she reached over and picked up her cup of tea. "After all, 'tradition is a guide for the wise... and a rule for fools'." She let off. The emphasis on fools was deliberate and wasn't missed, she was sure.
"Don't you talk back to me, girl." Ryan growled out.
"You asked. I answered." Grise replied with a shrug, setting her cup down once she had sipped on it. "That's hardly talking back." If Ryan was about to say anything else it was cut off as Alundra set her hand on the table and leaned over the table, leaning towards the Baroness. Her hardened glare and frown bore into Grise as she held back a snarl, fingernails clawing the table slowly and gently.
"When we resume the Council tomorrow you will rescind your proclamation and apolog-"
"No." Grise simply said, Alundra flinching in surprise; not expected the seated woman to respond in such a way, let alone interrupt her mid-word. "Slavery in Delconna is coming to an end. By all means, I invite you all to come over and visit, pick up some slaves before the markets shut. Should be cheap, although transporting them through Balanar can have quite the cost tacked on. Unlike Anvil we do not have a Balanar count in our back pocket reducing the tax per slave to a few coins in the right pocket."
"That's what it's about?" Ryan let off as if offended. "Money!? You cast away traditions, the power and linage that comes with it, the partnerships with other holders of those traditions... for money."
Finally Grise showed some annoyance as her eyes narrowed at the trio. "You three just do not get it, do you? You have no understanding of Delconna's situation." She told them as Alundra scowled.
"Listen, little girl you have no understanding of-"
"Hold..." Arnold let off, lifting a hand before Alundra for a moment, and having her glare at him, as he looked to Grise. "What do you mean 'we do not understand your situation'? How could it be so different from the rest of ours?"
"You want to know? Then let me tell you." Grise said, moving to cross her legs. "Delconna, as a slave state, is isolated from the Great Chain. We do not have the advantage of easy trade; not just of slaves but of anything. Onglave in particular loves to check cargo leaving my realm for possible slaves, or just 'contraband' slowing things down for hours or days. And sometimes 'contraband' will just show up in their carts. And then there's the fact our stocks of wine are overflowing but while we've more then enough supply there's a lack of demand. Almost every single one of the abolitionist states will not buy or stock it; our most prominent export is boycotted in all but name. Nor will they buy any other goods we have to offer. If it were not for the abundance of brothels the barony would be bankrupted years ago if not decades. And then House Rongera would have been replaced, likely by an Abolitionist House and at the current rate that will happen to my family in under a decade regardless if thing do not change. Because in case the three of you haven't noticed Eostia now has nine slave states. Out of seventy three."
Grise would lean forwards without leaving her seat as she kept speaking. "You are outnumbered by eight to one. Your traditions are dying and no matter what you think of it the truth is Eostia might fully abolish slavery within the next two hundred years, if not sooner as either your allies are replaced by new, abolitionist Houses or has an heir who sees more value in leaving the Traditionalists. Delconna remaining a slave state means it will lack friends and allies that are close by. Blitzhaus is on the other side of Ur, Bludhorn has two states between us and Stoneshard is on the other side of the Alliance. As a Traditionalist State Delconna has no future. As an Abolitionist state however I can normalize relations with Houses Onglave, Highreign and Sunfield, all of whom wish to see slavery ended and are willing to assist me in trade to see it over and done with. That also means every other state in Ur will be more open to accepting offers and diplomacy. And then there's Foeh and all but Bludhorn's state in Geofu who may also seek trade once Delconna abolishes slavery. In summation your beloved 'traditions' are dying. I will not see my realm or House die with it."
There was a long pause between the four people and two sides before it was broken. "You have no idea how strong the traditions are." Alundra hissed at her. "And you have no idea-"
"Were." Alundra glared at Grise and her second one word interruption. "How strong your traditions were." She let off, tilting her head to one side.
"You listen to me, you little wench, you don't understand-"
"When is the last time a state chose to turn to slavery? Aside from Xenera's flip-flopping." Grise shot back as Alundra glared down to her. The screech of Alundra's nails on the table started to sound as the table as her scowl threatened to turn into a snarl. The answer to her question? Price... Almost sixteen hundred years ago. "So, you do know. Good."
"Child, if you do not correct your mistake tomorrow..." Alundra let off, leaning further over the table. "I will personally ensure that you and yours will suff-"
"No." Came single word interruption number three. "Do I need to speak to Celestine about how you are threatening a peer?" Grise said, her voice turning much firmer and less polite then before as she glared back before glancing to the side with her eyes.
A turn of her own eyes showed Alundra that they were the center of a lot of attention and took a moment to quickly compose herself. She glared at Grise for a long moment. "You've no idea of the mistake you are making." She hissed out.
"You've said your piece and I have said mine. Now, leave me." Grise said as she picked up her book, reopening it to where it had been before and setting the marker aside. The trio of Traditionalists glared at her for a while longer before turning and walking away. She didn't look up to ensure it; she had to remain as composed as possible and hide how her knees were shaking...
It would be several minutes before she was able to truly read her book. Thankfully she had managed to not show weakness...
After all she needed to seem strong when the hyenas started to sniff around Delconna...
[-]
Day two of the meeting went much like the first. Reports, reports, questions and answers, more reports... It was dull, for the most part. Really, the two biggest things that happened came in that day with the first being in the morning when Akane Lee, the Commander of the Black Watch, arrived to brief the collected lords about the cursed circlets I had encountered before; giving reports on all three current encounters with them and what we knew. I knew the first and most of the second. As it turns out the circlet's first wearer was a fisherman who was in the military reserve and had seen action in Balanar's last war. Given my involvement I was the center of another question and answer session (Yay...) and Kaguya was the center of the next once the third one was mentioned; it's wearer being a rural farmer who was retired from the military. I noted something about the three men who were pressed into wearing them and once the chance came I spoke up.
"Am I the only one noticing a pattern?" I asked as my finger tapped the table softly. "All three of these men who were made to wear the circlets were rural, small town men, all working in some form of job that would take or keep them away from the home or town for long periods and all three had previous combat experience."
"As have I." Avice Hawkeye let off as she tapped her finger to the table as well but with a louder clack; she was still in a full suit of armor. Unarmed, but still clad in steel like it was a safety blanket. "Their isolation from others makes them an easy target. Their combat experience means they can do at least some damage or defend themselves if the maker of these things is trying to direct them to an action. Sadly with no idea what the aims of these things are, we cannot say."
"Indeed..." Arnold von Blitzhaus let off... Alone at his table. Victor was up with the observers. I guess someone is in trouble. And knowing it made me kinda giddy, although the feeling was muted given the topic of the current conversation. "The issue we must consider, then, is what happens if these are just test runs? Let us assume these are perfected, or at least made to a more functional state. The people behind this are targeting lone, isolated peasantry for now... But if it was instead targeted towards a member of this very Council... Or heaven's forbid, one of the leaders of a kingdom..." He let it hang as Merlin sighed next to me.
"I agree." He said, stroking his beard slowly. "And yes, myself and Arnold agreeing on the same thing may surprise some, but he is utterly right on this matter. If these circlets could be put onto one member that means chances of reaching others improve."
"Moreover..." I heard, turning to see Blake von Adelle adjust his monocle. "We must consider the form the functional version could be made into something like earrings or hairpins... Perhaps a choker, but that maybe too far from the mind to fully take hold... I mean how many ladies here would refuse a pair of nice earrings as a gift." A murmur rose us as he sighed. "Would be a fun idea, these things, if it wasn't so... destructive."
Most people gave him an odd look as I kept thinking. "For now the focus needs to be on figuring out who the maker is but to do that we need to figure out who is using them." I vocalized. "We should consider that the maker, willing or not, is likely commissioned to create them. And with this much effort put in there is an aims to it all..."
"Ascertain the ends and they'll cut down the list of suspects." Avice said with a nod. "Sensible. Of course no one will come out and tell us what it is."
"They will when we find them." Alundra let off as she huffed. Aside from a few other notes the next subject would come up and along we went on... more reports.
Uggghhhh... I understand the need but it's still a boring drag.
The second notable thing that happened that was of interest was in the late afternoon was between Houses Doppiodrago of the Barony of Jerius and Trident of the County of Brell; both in Ansur's southeast. In short Jerius was a slave state that wanted access to the Great Sererian Lake and it had two options; go west over the land along the Great Slave Chain through the states of Skerion, Bongal, Alcanth, Elrus and finally South Point or just go east through Brell and use a port there.
Brell, however, was an abolitionist state and had no such interest. It had, some five decades or so ago or so, been under control of another house that kept it as a limited state allowing for slave transport but House Trident put an end to that when they came to power and House Doppiodrago was quite unhappy about that and was citing old treaties about said transport. House Trident's response was the diplomatic equivalent of 'no, now fuck off'.
This would, in part, drag the Traditionalists into the fold on Doppiodrago's side with it's few rulers of limited states even supporting them. House Trident was supported by, well, pretty much every other faction save the Royalists who were focusing on keeping the discussions calm and focused. Celestine would step in, eventually, and try to get the Council moving to the next issue but House Doppiodrago seemed ready to attempt a filibuster and, well, did... For another ten minutes before Celestine tried to move things along again before Jim Cornfield spoke up.
"Look, I get y'all wanna get some headway goin' here, but moving the good Count Trident on this issue is like pullin' a mountain with a mule. Best to put the subject to rest and hash out some deal or such later on; if they'll even budge."
Taking advantage of the situation Celestine would take it to the last reports of the day.
Thank goodness...
Is what I thought until she mentioned that there were still issues on the itinerary and we would be finished tomorrow.
Uggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
So enter day three...
Aside from a brief argument between Houses Pugnator and Zigmund as well as an accusation that Baron Bello Erotique was sleeping with Count Caesarea's daughters (All nine of them. No, not joking) it was mostly reports and more reports until the early afternoon when Arnold von Blitzhaus was asked to bring a subject up with the Council by Celestine and I was sure of what this subject was going to be.
What I was wondering was why this was put off so late in the Council... Either Arnold had put it off as long as he could from the start, hoping that a lack of energy from the meetings and a desire to be out of the Council would help his aims... Or Victor's shit show on day one caused him to request a delay to buy some time between that and his request. "Given that Elddale now meets the economic, developmental and military requirements of such I would like to humbly request of the High Queen a promotion of the County of Elddale into a Duchy of the realm."
And there it was.
I knew, since the talk with Edmund at Prim's birthday party, that Arnold had been planning this. How it would play out I couldn't tell, but I doubt Victor's shit show wasn't enough to derail it fully. Celestine shuffled her papers to find a sheet; she would know of this before hand and would have the relevant reports handy, even if this was the first chance she could get a look at them. Indeed, everyone would have a copy of them for their viewing. "Indeed; they do appear to meet most conditions. To begin with concerns; the last few years of economic growth have an unusual spike. How are we to know that Elddale's fiances are stable and not in line for a crash?"
"We've merely had good years recently; that is all." Arnold answered smoothly. "They have been rising steadily otherwise; these good years simple accelerated our situation."
"Aye, aye... And how are we to know that following these good years there won't be any bad years." Tantan Kalkan let off with a huff. "Overlooking that much of these finances are in the sale of bred dark elves, of all things, my concerns are how centered on slavery your industries and cash flow are." Arnold turned to give him a firm look, short of a glare. "For the record, Count Blitzhaus, I am overlooking the morality of the traditions of slavery you so enjoy. Rather I am focused on how dependent you are on it. Your trade of minerals, crops and products are a bit low for my tastes. If some event caused your slave trade to become impacted the whole of Elddale would feel it. A duchy cannot afford to have so many eggs in one basket."
Arnold scoffed lightly, but kept control of himself. "Rest assured, our standard trade has increased in pace as well. Paper, hemp and clay exports have increased by a quarter and we've been increasing potato, corn and wheat production over the last two years; enough to begin exporting in the next months." He began turning to face Celestine once more, speaking his point further. "And we are in no position to export stone or steel with war hovering over our heads; like other border states we expend great wealth on our northern defenses. Stone for forts, wood and nails for structures, wool for gambeson, steel for blade and plate, food for bellies and horses for knights. And in spite of these costs we've been uplifting our coffers and finances and bringing wealth to our people."
In fairness (And I hated to say it) he wasn't wrong. Elddale was on an upward trend over the last while and on paper he earned his realm an upgrade to a duchy. On paper.
"Be that as it may, and be that I don't envy your realm's position on the northern border..." Gerald Onglave would begin, looking to his own papers from his spot with the Liberalists. "I must bring up the fact that the County of Jetra's finances are not so different as well as having been stable longer then your own. The last petition House Zigmund made was a mere two years ago before they were denied, if barely. Why then should yours be uplifted over theirs?"
"A not unreasonable question. And should House Zigmund push for such a promotion my support would be given to them." Arnold said smoothly, looking over to him. "But we are starting to surpass their economics and have a higher military strength, at current. With Fort River Point's upgrade and the assistance of the Westwind Highlander's Mercenary Outfit we've been able to man these defenses... However I'm not asking for such an upgrade for mere prestige. As we all know while each territory has a minimum expected troop count based on it's rank it's maximum is so capped as well. To ensure my realm's defensive needs are met, and by extension my neighbor's and Eostia's protection, I require additional men to man them. And I think we can all agree that relying so much on mercenaries, while a necessity, is best limited."
Once more, he wasn't wrong... Although let's be honest, he really wants the prestige more then anything else... Not that I'd say it without a means to prove it... For the most part the Liberalists and Traditionalists wouldn't bring up the slavery issue here; not just because it would result in a pointless yelling fit yet again (Even these people could only take so much of that..) but because that wasn't a legitimate measure to judge the worth of a promotion or not (Even if it should have been, in my opinion).
"Well, that's all well and good..." Jamaica began, looking down towards him. "But there's more to wealth and stability then merely making some wise investments. It's about ensuring things last for the future... And frankly, given your heir's outburst not even two days ago I question what sort of leader you're groomin' for the job." Arnold gave her a look and I was sure he was doing his best to not glare daggers at her. I knew that would come up.
"I... admit, Victor is still young and prone to loss of control. As many of us were, at that age." He began, speaking smoothly. "He is intelligent, strong and able; I assure you. But he, like many of our heirs and I dare say all of us lords at that age require maturity. We do not learn that without a mistake here and there." He let off, covering for his son as best as he could.
"Yeah, mistakes in underminin'!" I didn't catch who said that (Beyond female) and Ryan Stoneshard stood up to speak next.
"That issue is settled! We are dealing with this one now!" And that... seemed to pop a cork that kept some emotions in check among some of the lords...
"Dealing with saving the Traditionalists fading power you mean!" Dempsey Draken let off, a soft lisp added to his voice.
"Indeed, this seems to me more of a desperate grab for relevancy then a desire to protect your neighbors..." Avice Hawkeye added with a snort. "Neighbors you're quick to try and copy and steal ideas from."
"I, for one, am rather unsure of allowing House Blitzhaus such a promotion." A woman with the emblem of House Venus let off. "Even ignoring the fact he's a slaver there's the matter that he has undermined his peers, intended or not, and that both Mungale and Ferra suffer odd amounts of banditry near Elddale's borders. Do we wish to promote such a character to a duke?"
"Aye, lass, I'm bloody well aware which direction those bandits run to when they're ferreted out." Jamaica added, huffing. "Frankly I would rather promote House Adelle over Blitzhaus!"
"N-now, I wouldn't go that far Countess Galeraven..." The House Venus woman let off as Blake gave Jamaica a wide grin.
"Well we're not here discussing character, are we?" Alundra van Bludhorn injected as she glared over to Jamaica. "We're here about if his realm matches the criteria for promotion. Which it does."
"On paper." The lord of House Trident let off with a huff. "As our peers in Houses Kalkan and Onglave mentioned there's more to it then just that. There's-"
"This is not up for discussion; facts are facts!" The lord of House Stolzerlowe let off. "Elddale should be considered a duchy!"
"It should be considered a disgrace you mean!" Brendon Sunfield let off with a huff.
Annnnnnnnnnnnd with that a new, petty argument began; although compared to the one Grise started at the start of the Council of Lords two days ago this was more subdued... But just as much of a headache. My father sighed as I leaned into him, making sure the spell stone at our table wasn't projecting our voices. "Okay, this argument ends, everything calms down and Celestine makes her call. What do you think happens?" I asked him as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Sadly, he'll get it more then like." Merlin let off with a sigh. "There is more to it then just what's on paper, but what's on paper is what matters more then the rest."
"Right... Then what we need is a compromise of sorts... Something that gives Celestine a small opening..." I mused, stroking my chin as I could see Celestine starting to pinch the bridge of her own nose, much like my father had. Merlin gave me a look with a raised eyebrow. "I've an idea... I don't think it'll prevent his rise but at least we delay it a bit and give him time to screw himself over... Or at least time for Victor to do it for him."..
"Hmmm..." Merlin mused as he stroked his beard before looking at the on goings of a group of nobility bickering like children. We could both see Celestine looking to her mallet to restore order to the room. "Do it. Before Celestine's hand is fully forced." He said as the arguing started to pick up, lords starting to talk over one another. Knowing I'd have to cut through all that I made sure the spell stone at the table was now broadcasting and took a moment to collect myself... Before giving a loud, piercing whistle that caused the whole room to stop talking and look at me.
"Thank you for your attentions, Lords and Ladies." I began, swiftly speaking and waving to ensure that I did in fact have their attention. "While we can argue ourselves into a circle, until we're all blue in the face or grant our beloved High Queen a migraine the size of Ur perhaps a compromise is in order? Lords Kalkan and Onglave, you question that House Blizhaus's finances can remain stable and sound as a county rising to a duchy should, yes?"
"Indeed."
"Agreed."
Hearing both lords verbal agree I nodded. "And Ladies Venus and Galeraven, you question his character as a ruler in this matter, yes?"
"Of course."
"Ach, aye."
"And Lords Blitzhaus, Stoneshard and Lady Bludhorn, you state that Elddale should be risen to a duchy based on the current reports as they sit, yes?"
"Obviously."
"Of course."
"Naturally."
"Right then. Now. Kindly hear me out, please." I began as I started to make my pitch. "These reports would have written by House Blitzhaus, or rather those in it's employ. Without accusing Count Arnold von Blitzhaus of dishonesty or deception I can still say this report had no verification beyond his House. Additionally these reports could be wrong not due to any form of falsification but a mere error or mistake. And while I am sure his character is a consideration for promotion the bulk of this decision will be based on Elddale's economic, military, development, and current levels of poverty and crime. I do believe everything I just said is fair and reasonable, correct?"
There was a brief murmur in the room but no one seemed to disagree, or at least vocalize a disagreement of any form aside from an annoyed look from Arnold. "Indeed, that's both fair and reasonable." Edwina Guildford let off, adjusting her glasses as she looked to me. "I assume they come with a proposal then?"
"Indeed they do." I told her with a nod. "The High Throne can send agents to Elddale to investigate their finances, realm and military. I would assume a mixture of those that directly answer to High Queen Celestine Lucross and Grand Duke Fiorire would be the ones sent to look into things with, of course, observers sent from concerned peoples. I would propose, if this is accepted of course, these observers come from Houses Bludhorn, Solex, Galeraven, Triaidola and Silversail with the purpose of ensuring that all information is collected and interpreted as fairly and unbiased as possible."
"I see..." Edwina let off, musing as she tapped her chin with two fingers. "The High Throne and the Grand Duchy are those House Blitzhaus must answer to. And the five suggested houses for observers represent the leadership of the Council's main factions. A diverse set of opinions will be on hand; in theory anyway."
"Indeed." I said with a nod. "While it is Celestine's decision alone if House Blitzhaus and his realm of Elddale is to be promoted or not there is no sense in asking her to make one that is uninformed. This will give her and the Grand Duke insight into Elddale that will be as accurate as possible and allowing her to make the best choice possible come the next Council."
"Tsk." I could hear Arnold let off as others spoke to neighbors in hushed tones. While I'm sure he and the other Traditionalists would love to argue my points there was two problems with that; first was everything I said was quite fair and reasonable (As I and Edwina had said) and speaking up against it would make it look like he was hiding something, The second was they were outnumbered. In addition to the nine remaining slave states there were only two other Houses in the Traditionalists; Zigmund and Stonepick; eleven in total... of seventy three.
They were the smallest faction at current (And smaller having lost House Rongera), and while the other factions weren't all that larger their few allies in other factions were limited states like the Royalist Xelbar, Conservative Hurguard or Moneterist Copperbark.
"All in favor of this proposal?" Celestine let off. Every single hand in the Liberalists, Royalist, Monetarists and Conservatives went up. Half of the Traditionalists hands went up, with Arnold huffing with his own, raised hand. "Very well. The proposal will go forth. I will assign to this task-"
I sighed as she spoke on, feeling a bit of stress exit me. "Well played..." My father whispered as I glanced to him.
"I didn't block him; at best I gave Celestine a chance to find an opening." I whispered back. "At worst I kicked the problem down the road for six months."
"Perhaps..." He replied with a chuckle. "But a lot can happen in six months."
Yeah... It really could...
[-]
Late Afternoon
After the Ending of the Meeting of Council of Lords
Blitzhaus Quarters, Fortress Ken
"Damn it all!" Arnold let off as he slammed a fist to the wall; his son flinching before him. He made sure the door was shut and set up an enchanted device that would keep the sound in the room from escaping before allowing himself any form of outburst. He had initially thought the shit show his son had caused was enough of a problem. He had no idea how James knew about their experiments with the voxlux or their presence for the first test but if he had to make an assumption he would guess Victor's behavior had tipped him off; Victor acted too agitated in the meeting, clearly. He had, of course, chewed his son out after the Council let out for the day and spent the better part of thirty minutes lecturing him on how the Noxdecus heir could have picked up on his mood and behavior and made a logical leap to a conclusion... That Victor has confirmed... before he then proceeded to tip their hand further. But that was a minor inconvenience compared to today's major issue.
He had put off his request for ascension off until the last day; tired lords would make less of a push back after all and while Victor's earlier... setback had caused an issue for his request it wasn't a major hurdle; just one more on top of what he had predicted. That the talk would turn into a massive argument was also, frankly, predicted. Really, once you knew the players in the game understanding their potential reactions, at least to a point, was quite easy. It was when new players entered the game, however, that things became less sure and added a new wild card.
Grise Rongera, as an example, was one he'd need to learn about after this meeting; her defiance to himself, Alundra and Ryan was going to be a thorn in his and his allies' sides and her realm's position isolated her from the Traditionalists as well as their influence and retribution; likely what caused her to lead House Rongera in a betrayal in the first place if he was honest. The worst part were her arguments were correct. The weakening position of the Traditionalists meant that to an isolated barony that was separated from the chain swapping sides made sense, painful as it was to admit. Had that been the worst part of the meeting then it would be acceptable if still frustrating.
But then that damned, cocky, stupid brat son of Merlin Noxdecus had to speak up when he requested his rightful accession. That everything he said was reasonable to most of the lords was an annoyance and it meant that he couldn't do anything but accept the logic... and then when he suggested his realm be investigated and audited by third parties it took everything he had not to explode in rage and frustration from the suggestion given by the little bastard.
This was one of the worst things that could have happened; much of Elddale's finances had been shuffled to assist with business regarding the Cloaked Crowns on top of assembling the armaments build-up Beardsley and this 'Varro' required. He would need to call in both Beardsley and his friend Mandeville for assistance; nothing could look out of place. It wasn't just his ascension on the line, his command of Elddale was at risk now! Should his deceptions be uncovered, should some connections to the Crowns be found he was doomed. Worse, if any connection was found connecting him to Varro's plot saying he was doomed would be a gross understatement.
Castle Elddale was historic; it was where the last, true followers of Gottes Verlangen gathered after the fall of the Brazen Empire. It was where the Cloaked Crowns, Undying Skulls and Brazen Blades were founded. The chamber where they held their last meeting and talks before going their own ways was all but holy ground to them, having been refurnished and preserved for their cause and it could not fall into other hands for any reason. While hidden, if the chamber were to be discovered...
The Cloaked Crowns could suffer...
"What do we do father?" Victor asked as Arnold growled and gave a long huff. As annoyed as he still was with the boy his question brought him clarity. Action was required not frustration.
"What we must. We will gather allies to ensure our reports are impenetrable to any observer." The Count began. "We will ensure the Cloaked Chamber remains hidden. We will ensure all documents, all hints to the crown are hidden away. Bribing the inspectors openly will not be possible, but ensuring their stay is one of luxury will tilt their favor towards us. We are not without options... And when this is over we will carry the day and rise as Dukes of Eostia!"
[-]
With politics over and done with (Thank fuck!) it was time to resume the travels in the realm with Celestine in tow this time. Next stop; Caul in the north of Ken and we'd be traveling through Arndale and Smol to get there. It would be the first slave state we'd set a booster into as well... For better or for worse.
And yes, there was a Barony called Smol. It was, indeed, a small state but not even close to the smallest.
Let's hope for a good trip this time...
[ - Author's Note - ]
Whew... Okay then... That was a long chapter. Let's talk now this is all done...
Grise Rongera breaking Delconna off from slavery during the meeting was planned for awhile. Taken alone I'm sure it doesn't look like a huge deal, but it's yet another thing heaping desperation onto desperate people... Will that explode down the line?
I mean I hope to make use of it at least...
Bringing Victor lower for a moment is kinda fun; he is meant to be a bit of a hate sink but he'll have his own arc. At least that's the plan. Arnold begins his planned rise, but hit a road bump along the way. For better or worse he'll survive it; Blitzhaus is around for the long term, love it or hate it.
So, what's in next chapter then?
The plan is a visit to Arndale and Smol before going to Caul... And the required big issue of the run. Of course.
The Poll is still up at strawpoll(dotcom)(slash)polls(slash)poy9RVMBpnJ. And on a side note; if anyone has an idea on how to make the Strawpoll more accessible to FFDotNet uses, please share it... Maybe I should get it on Twitter or something? Suggestions would be great!
Also, Kuroinu Gaiden is on the horizon. I'm sure people are wondering what effect it'll have on this story and I would say... Not much.
If it comes out in English and I have a chance to play it maybe I'll incorporate something but for now I'll stick to adapting the original game...
I mean this thing is so AU now, does it matter?
Right. As always leave a comment, tell me what you liked, what you thought worked, didn't work and so on. I'm not used to writing political crap so feel free to offer a suggestion for next time I have to do it...
Until next time!
~Eostian Scribe