[ - Author's Note - ]
Alright! Let's start off with the Ansur Poll Results! And... well...
Hoo boy... This one is... different.
At the bottom of the list without any votes at all in House Xelbar and House Ceannard. I can understand Xelbar; it's a fairly simply one but I really did enjoy making Ceannard's. It was fun to make an off centered yet reflected pattern.
Oh well.
And here's what makes it different. With one vote (4% each) is Houses Trident, Triaidola, Stonepick, Hyperion, Ironroot and Pugnator. I'm surprised Ironroot is down here; the ones associated with the Shields tend to get higher votes. Trident was one I enjoyed making; simple but expressive on what it is. Hyperion was meant to be legionnaire shield as I wanted more Roman style influence in the story. Stonepick was meant to be a clear mining/industry one, Triaidola was a 'Triforce' styled one and Pugnator was meant to envoke good ole' fisticuffs.
With two votes (8%) is House Copperbark. Copperbark was made to evoke a sort of viking/nordic vide with the tree and hammer and I wanted a good, orange one as well.
At four votes (16%), third place is House Mignite. I wanted one with flintlocks on it, and I thought the dual colored backgrounds would be nice as well. I really think it looks good myself.
At second place with five votes (20%) is House Kalkan. I'm a bit surprised this one is so high but I do like it; the nice gold mixes with with the blue and green with the knotted tree in the center was a nice one to make. I just wish I had a larger version of it.
And finally in first with eight votes (32%) House Doppiodrago, Honestly; I love it. The nice orange/green mix and the cool blade coupled with the scale like shield... I think it's better then most of them.
So with all that done what is up for this Interlude?
We arrive at Thorn and James finishes his duty. We visit a new nation for a brief moment. We see a little conversation between an elder and a junior. And lastly...
Well...
Kaguya makes her move...
Enjoy!
[ - Act II - Interlude: With A Rose Comes A Thorn - ]
On Eostians at War
I often see much confusion on the Eostian military structure. When you look at most militaries there is a lot of standardization of equipment. The Imperium started with hoplites before developing legionaries and supporting them with cavalry and archers as an example. Dominious focuses on heavily armored regular infantry and cavalry backed by conscripts who are a mix of archers and light infantry used as fodder while Balanar relies on heavy and light infantry with archers backing them. Mountainous Nyaru has limited heavy troops with a focus on light infantry with heavy shields, Rycall a mix of light and heavy infantry and cavalry with a heavy focus on longbow men. Unit composition varies depending on available materials, wealth and needs of a nation but there is a standardization; one Dominious infantryman in the east likely uses the same equipment as his counterpart in the west.
And then you have Eostia's mix of almost anything and everything. Name a style of armor from Imperium to Eastern to styles imported from the west, northern continent and further you might find it in Eostia. In addition each state has different focuses from Greenwave's cavalry heavy forces, archery heavy Mungale, Harcal and Price, infantry heavy Sual there is, from the outside, no standardization. A heavy infantryman in Pulca will have different equipment then one in Classa who will have something different then one in Blackcut and so on. Many cite this lack of standards as a weakness. And yet Eostia has beaten back all that have tried to conquer it. How is this weakness not exploited? To understand let's speak on the Eostian Military; starting with force types.
Militia
Militia is the weakest of most forces in most states; although some states actively support and fund militia that are in control of the citizenry as a means of state defense. This usually means that even if forces must march off there is a force left to defend each state. This helps manage banditry but also other nations aggression; southeastern militias managed to hold off Nyaru attacks for six months in 1467 AF until the normal forces came to beat them back fully. Militias cannot leave their home state (Although at times they will, if needed, reinforce militias of other states; such as the aforementioned Nyaru attack) and act in most states as a back up force.
Conscripts
As needed when Eostia is under attack a local lord can call men and women under his or her rule up to arms from the general populace. How eager a lord is to do this varies on the lord in question. These forces are typically equipped as light infantry or archers and integrated with regulars of the same classification. Typically conscripts are raised from previously trained reserves who have undergone a mandatory training period and given a few days refresher or trained on the battlefields between clashes. Usually they are expected to listen to their regular supervisors who are better trained then they are. At times capable conscripts will be noted and promoted to positions of authority.
Regulars
Eostian regulars are men and women who apply to make a career in the military and as such are much better trained, equipped and supplied then conscripts. Typically the heaviest armors are reserved for them as well as the best weapons and shields, however they are also typically placed in the front lines of a conflict. These are the best and most hardened combat troops in general with Eostian Regular forces recruiting from the State Regulars and are in, general, in command of conscripts (As well as militias) when war comes.
Elite Orders
Several knightly orders will draw their manpower from State and Eostian Regulars; these include the Knights of Saint Iris, the Order of the First Light, the Knights of the Golden Axes, the Steel Guard and most famously the Dawn Templars. These orders are elite by virtue of drawing from the best regulars of the land with some only accepting the best of the best. These orders often offer their forces the best equipment that can be afforded; the Dawn Templars famously all wear mana armor and despite the name all of the Steel Guard bare mythril weapons and some, likewise, armor. These forces are usually at the tip of the spear of any Eostian force and leading the Regulars in combat.
Church Forces
The Una Vertias Church employs much of it's funds to raise, train, equip and deploy a force of up to ten thousand men and women-at-arms to assist in wars in Eostia, almost always against Garan. Whatever criticism one can level to the Church they do not skimp on finding this force; consisting mostly of heavy infantry and cavalry forces and backed by field cannons, crossbowmen and even firearms. They also boast a high level of magical talent focused on healing and support in addition to a higher average of combat mages. While these forces are under the direct command of the Archbishop and the Cardinals they leave much of the tactical and strategic input to the leader of their forces, the Magnus Generalis or Great General.
Mercenaries
Mercenaries are a bit different then other forces; they fight only for coin (And at times other benefits) as opposed to loyalty or duty. While opinions on mercenaries vary from a 'necessary evil' to a mere solution to a current problem they offer manpower at a cost. Some orders of mercenaries, such as the First Lyran Guard, have made their reputations on honorable and professional conduct while others seem to be a dumping ground for oddities with nowhere else to go such as Samson's Irregulars. And then you have the orders who are about doing whatever it takes to do the job before them no matter how bloody or dirty they need to get it done such as the Black Dogs.
Due to old limitations of how large a standing army a state can have mercenaries are an easy way to expand an available force; if you can afford to pay for it. Indeed many of the aforementioned mercenary orders regularly await Garan incursions for the large paydays that come with them. At times some orders become so attached to a lord or state that they become a de facto member of their regular force in all but name. On a less ideal note some lords will use mercenaries (Or fund bandits) to undermine rivals in other states; usually called 'subsidized banditry'.
With that done we now move on to the real thing that brings it all together.
Combined Arms Warfare
A concept created by Baron Conrad Oxo Ceannard during the first Garan incursion this is the main combat doctrine Eostia has adopted; although a lesser version called Adaptive Warfare had been employed before. In short it's the concept that every unit type on the battlefield has uses both as independent forces and a collective whole. While states aren't unfamiliar with the concept and employed Adaptive Warfare before then what Combined Arms focused on was training and conditioning to act in concert. Indeed; Combined Arms training is often long and difficult as it requires both knowledge and situational awareness to operate well.
As an example; using light cavalry to engage for a short skirmish only to disengage and lead an opposing foe into an ambush by positioned archers or a flanking attack by heavy cavalry, or leading them towards a prepared force of heavy infantry.
Or pikemen backed by archers attacking an opposing force or while defending a point with mixed cavalry waiting for an attack on their flanks to counter or distract from light skirmishers attacking supplies of the enemy.
Another example is a headlong charge of knights with heavy infantry following in their wake; breaking the charge by moving to the sides and letting the infantry be the spear before adjusting to flank and surround the foe.
Eostian Regulars and Elites routinely train in these tactics to the point all a unit needs to see is another unit making a particular motion or maneuver to understand what is coming and prepare accordingly. Adaptive Arms Warfare is about taking what units you have and giving them their individual marching orders. Combined Arms Warfare is about giving those units their marching orders together and knowing they will work in concert with one another. Mounted skirmishers from Greenwave can work as well with heavy infantry from Hol'canna almost as well as light spearmen from Pinewall next door. And while the conscripts and mercenaries aren't always trained in these tactics there are workarounds; they can be integrated with Regulars who can direct them in an effective manner or (Often in the case of Mercenaries) deploy them to a specific, separate goal, to mind the flanks or to provide deep strikes into opposing territory. Some mercenary orders are even trained in these tactics.
Then you have the wild cards in the equation; mages. Mages on both sides of a conflict can change how well any tactic can work; even a weak mage can spam harassing spells into a mass of less armored forces and cause casualties while powerful ones can cause severe damage to the battlefield itself. Most noble-born mages, court mages and combat mages are drilled to assist in Combined Arms as well; supporting the power of standard units, engaging other mages or masses of foes. If the mage in question is more of a scalpel or a hammer will usually decide his role and as such mages have more freedom to decide what unit they assist and how. Of course they still must pull their weight and can often earn the scorn of both normal troops and their peers if they mismanage their own skills.
Of course there is one other consideration within the order of battle...
Nobility
Eostian nobility are expected to lead from the front when war comes as a part of the social contract that states they must lead the States of Eostia in both peace and war. This is one reason you'll see most Eostian nobility to be highly skilled in a weapon, magic or both. Indeed, nobility in, say, Roxford will pick up a weapon and train for sport, tradition or to impress someone but if a young nobleman would rather spend more time crafting paintings as opposed to drawing blades he is entitled to do so. Eostian nobility do not share in this luxury save those who marry in.
There are exceptions; the infirm, the elderly, the overly young and the pregnant are not expected to be on the lines. Additionally healers are not expected to be on the front lines and are rather placed in the second lines to the rear to heal the troops. They are also expected to be competent in tactics and logistics to at least run a small force; a noble should be able to lead at least a small unit to combat. Indeed; some well known commanders have risen from their ranks such as Seigfried Zigmund or Daphne Hawkeye. However not every noble is expected to be a tactical master and all should have an able commander assisting them. Furthermore in military matters Eostian Generals and Commanders from many of the Elite Orders can pull rank on nobility that do not share such earned rank; the tests of war demands competence and seven hundred years of war has hammered home this lesson.
Furthermore the Seven Shield Princesses are expected to ensure that the nobility understand the situation at hand as well as be able to tell an uppity noble to sit down and shut up as needed. Indeed, you might note most of the older generations of nobility will often approach the situation with due grace and calm while it's the younger ones who are in need of learning what restraint is. That said while this sounds like nobility has too much say in the military affairs some nations have it worse with their lords but the training Eostian nobility is expected to go through ensures a base level of competence. That's not to say incompetence doesn't happen; show me a list of nations without at least one incompetent general or war leader and I'll show you a blank sheet of paper.
~Dominic James Pencraft, The Eostia Historia
[-]
Sulla the Fox's Foot was, like some of her fellow Shield Maidens, not the ideal person to forge a nation but was still wise enough to realize this. Knowing she needed both the nobility and the common folk on her side she created a unique system of government; each of the territories was to have the nobility to appoint one representative per state and the peasantry do the same via election. The appointed nobility would be called to serve in the House of Lords as Lord Magistrates and the commoners voted in would serve in the House of Commons as Common Magistrates. Sulla herself appointed herself as the High Consul; Thorn's overall leader and final decision maker.
When Sulla retired she declared that the next High Consul will be elected from the House of Lords for a twenty year term; the following one being from the House of Commons then the next the House of Lords and then back to the House of Commons. The hope was that when one was in power they would do nothing too untowards to the other House, lest reprisal come the next cycle. While there have been some exceptions this had mostly come to pass as Sulla had hoped.
While immigrants from the east has trickled in for over a thousand years the amount of people seeking refuge and a new life in Thorn had picked up greatly over the last couple of centuries. Based on what I know various corrupt shogunate, daimyos and would-be-emperors had risen up to rule the people in a cruel and oppressive manner and in turn many people, less corrupt daimyos and noble samurai rose to oppose and overthrow them. People caught in the crossfire or religious sects who suffered excessive oppression from both sides left and traveled west to find new lands to live in; forced to keep moving until they came to Eostia's east.
While those with deep roots and easterners seeking to plant new ones have their differences both have fell into an accord and begun to mix cultures slowly and gently; to the point that crossed katanas were added to the High Consul's Emblem.
~Dominic James Pencraft, The Eostia Historia
[-]
We would ride due south from Woodoo City then due west. The sight of Thorn's Capital, Sunwall City, was a welcome one once we rode around a taller hill to bring it into view. The city and Fortress Thorn outside of it both bore an orange paint along the defensive walls with red trim. Sunwall itself would be our first stop; two layers of walls; fifty then sixty foot tall with the inner wall boasting eighty foot towers. It was all fairly impressive. As I expected the emblem of the High Consul of Thorn was over the gate as we rode up to it.
It was a five sided knight's shield with a softly curved top and a soft, curved point on the bottom. The outline was gold and the background was bright orange. As for the designs on it; the top bore a red sun, outlined in white with a pair of eight sided gems of the same color pattern flanked them. A pair of spears were next to them in the same colors with prongs under the blade; the shafts stretching down most of the side. The bottom bore a single, brown wagon wheel outlined in black flanked by small batches of yellow, gold outlined wheat. Between the two was four, rope like, brown circles. Finally white outlines of katanas were set to the sun; points facing downwards and crossed over one another. It was an... emblem. I thought it was a bit plain myself is all.
Riding into the town you could see a lot of Imperium era buildings with the odd eastern styled one. Supposedly there was an 'East Town' within Sunwall but it was more of a district that was eastern in look and that's it; plenty of native Eostians lived within as well. According to Kiyono there were still some tensions between native Eostians and Easterners but they were fading rapidly. Apparently someone around a hundred years ago had the idea of asking Eostians to partake of a festival of theirs which really helped bridge the gap.
We would arrive at the Guild near the center of the entrance, market district. In what was a town center stood a life sized, bronze statue of a woman. The statue bore short, cropped hair with the left side shaved down to the skin, sharp eyes over a hawkish nose and a body clad in a bikini like outfit with plates over the hips and the B-Cup breasts. A gorget around the neck added to the armor, as did elbow length gloves with pads on the back of them and knee high boots with plates on the front. Her hands hung by her side, a dagger in the left hand in a reverse grip and a short sword in a standard grip in her right. She looked off to the side and you could see the brass plate under her.
There is no best way for all. At most
there is a best way for the many but no
matter what you cannot help all under
a single ideal or wish. For people to
prosper they must be allowed to choose
their path forwards in life and face the
trials and tribulations it brings. No life
worth living can be found on your knees.
Sulla the Fox's Foot
Founder of Thorn
Our destination was near by to the statue's left ao we would park, disembarked and stepped into the guild. We said hi then we went up to the roof before finally I screwed in the booster. We then bid farewell and finally... it was done.
[(⸜∕ ) Place Booster in The Magistracy of Thorn]
[Quest Complete: Boosting Thorn]
[Gain 2000XP]
[+1 to All Stats]
[(⸜∕ ) Fulfill all Quests with 'Boosting' in the name]
[(⸜∕ ) Bed At Least One Woman Per Kingdom (That's Not an Escort)]
[(⸜∕ ) Bed Ten Women Total (That's Not an Escort)]
[New Objective: Return Home to Mungale]
And while that brought me near another level up and the stats where needed... I should have guessed there would be another wrinkle in ending this quest line. Oh well.
"So... you're finally done then." Kaguya said as we walked out to the street; her shoulder nearly brushed mine given how close she was which was... odd. Since leaving Woodoo City Kaguya was acting a little off. Not particularity weird, just like... fifteen percent different then usual; making sure she was sitting near me and staying close. It wasn't disturbing or the like and I didn't overly mind it was just worth noting.
"Yeah... Not sure if I feel tired or relieved now." I replied as we moved back to the carriages. Our next stop was Fortress Thorn proper but before we left to go there we opted to go shopping. I had previously hoped to get a better sword for Makoto here... then the Kouzenken arrived and any katana I could find for her would pale in comparison.
"Well, hooooowdy there, Good Lord Noxdecus!" I nearly jumped at the odd, southern twanged greeting as I saw, of all people, the bald, brown bearded, large man known as Jim Cornfield... aka the current High Consul of Thorn. He was in an orange great coat, black slacks and boots as he walked over to us. "And Kaguya too, my good dear. How y'all doin'!?" You could see a quad of bodyguards with him; all from the Order of the Two Blades, acting as escort.
"Lord Consul, a pleasure to meet-" I began before the large man cut me off.
"Now, now there." He let off, lifting a hand for a moment. "I ain't so high n' mighty to be called a lord, M'lord." He replied as he moved to pull his pants up slightly.
"Well then you shouldn't feel the need to call me 'M'lord' or the like." I replied as he smiled and slapped his knee.
"Ha! Well ain't you a good ole' sort!" He said with a wide grin. "Ha! Knew I liked the cut'o'yer jib back in the Council. So; y'all done with the booster?"
"Indeed. We were going to do some shopping before retiring to the Fortress." I said as he nodded once.
"Now ya'don't say? Well me, the wife and kids been set up there since I got my sorry backside elected to a position more posh then you see on the ole' farm." He chuckled, moving a hand to scratch at his beard. "Well I tell'ya what; I'll have Bertha cook something up good n' hardy for you n' yours. I'll leave ya and the good lady be fer now then; so don't go doing too much I wouldn't, ya hear?"
"I hear." I said with a smile and wave as he chuckled. He moved to walk down the street and once he was out of ear shot I turned to Kaguya once more. "I have to admit; he is likable."
"More pleasant then some lords, at least." She said before gesturing down the street as she smiled to me. "Shall we?"
"Let's."
As per usual we started with the weapon and armor shops. I wasn't looking for myself but rather I was specifically looking for something for Riri. Thus far both Makoto and Miria upgraded their armors; I'd like to do the same for Riri as well and, if possible, Tiffany and Cress. For weapons there wasn't much to do then browse; I had something coming for myself, I gave both Miria and Cress pretty good bows and Makoto owns a fucking lightsaber. The best we could do is find Miria a new sword.
On that note once I got the sword I commissioned from Lulu my plan was to give the Unicorn's Horn to Cress; the stat boosts it offered would help with his song based abilities and I was confident he could use a rapier well. The previous conversation with Xana had me sure that Garan was coming for a visit sooner rather then later and chances were they weren't going to be bringing cookies and milk.
I'd prefer it if they did, but it ain't gonna happen.
Moving over to the armor shop I kept my eyes out for good leather gambeson or armor weave. That being said I'd honestly be surprised if we found anything. After all you'd expect most halfling armors to be in Ansur as opposed to Thorn... but I had to recall something here; I found Makoto's eastern styled Armor Weave in Skerion inside of Ansur... and I got it for reasonably cheap. Yes; two and a half dozen platinum was cheap for Armor Weave. If I could find a matching suit here for a halfling I was betting I could get it for likewise cheap and protect my cute, little maid.
I was mid conversation with Kaguya about how I made Prim's jewelry box when I spotted it. I think I lucked out here; a halfling sized leotard with a deep blue shade to the underside, a gray thicker cloth codpiece over the groin, another cloth plate over the abs and one over the breasts, trimmed in black. The sides and lower back were missing with the back which would remove the need for a tail hole as the straps were low enough on the thong back. Two, deep blue gloves reached the biceps with black bands around the wrists and elbows and thigh, high boots with black bands around the ankles and knees as well as black soles. Left with it was a deep, blue head band. I looked over it and used Observe on it.
(-)
Armor Type: Noblegirl's Armor Weave
Slashing Resistance: +26
Piercing Resistance: +20
Blunt Resistance: +20
Magical Resistance: +20
Weight: Very Light
Agility Penalty: N/A
Other Bonuses: +6 Lck
Buy Value: 34 Platinum, 12 Gold
Sell Value: 10 Platinum, 60 Gold
A suit of Armor Weave created for the twelve year old daughter of Victor Stoneshard it was eventually outgrown and replaced with Mana Armor. In spite of this and being made forty years ago the suit was well made and sturdy and is still usable for girls or women with more petite frames.
(-)
...
It's a thong backed suit of magical armor... for a twelve year old... I worry about Eostia at times... I really do...
Even so Armor Weave was still Armor Weave and maybe it was originally built for a twelve year old girl but that would still fit a halfling woman just fine. I called Riri over and asked her to hold the suit to her to see how well it would fit. I opted to have her try it on and once we were sure it was a good fit I opted to buy it... for twelve Platinum. Yes, it was that cheap. Then again I knew it was forty years old and if it was sold when the original owner outgrew it it might have been on the shelf for decades.
I would later joke with Riri that we committed highway robbery.
We would go about the market district to a magical store next. I didn't find much for spells I wanted to spend money on as I was well stocked on spell stones now but I bought a nice book on how to craft your own spells; it was thick and written by a well known Magus and given my dabbling in spellcraft I though it could be useful down the line... once I found the time to read this door stopper.
We would shop about for another hour or so, Kaguya sticking to my side to the point Riri would later feel like she was being crowded out...
[-]
The Palace of the Golden Senate
Northern Aerarium City
Capital of the Plutocracy of Zenith
Tucked between the hunting grounds of the Harpies in the Halcyon, the northeast coast of Dominious and seated at the end of the Great Atlas River at it's mouth sat the Island of Zenith. Since the ages before the rise of the Unitum Imperium the people of the island lived and worked; beginning first as fishermen, then boat builders, then traders and in the end investors and bankers. They would willingly join the Imperium when asked and became a major port for both their merchant and military navies. Through the rise and fall of the Imperium this realm lasted and come the Age of Conflict they kept a majority control of the former Imperium navies. The result was when Zenith declared independence they were able to prevent the war from reaching their shores. Where many other regions were ravaged as the Age of Conflict dragged on Zenith remained mostly untouched.
Come the end of the age they were the single wealthiest nation in Sererus and it took centuries before any other nation could threaten them in the realm of economics. Through their loans nations rebuilt. Through their nation trade flowed. Through their nation wealth flowed and more importantly collected. The nation was small; if it was a territory of Eostia it would be the fourth smallest one but with a level of wealth more comparable to South Point; Eostia's largest and wealthiest.
The coasts were dominated by tall cliffs save the southern end of the island and a small cove in the north which were dominated by docks and defensive fortifications with the few local farms of the center of the nation growing a mix of food crops, cattle and sugarcane. A few cities dotted the land on the edges as did a few towns with the largest of these being Aerarium City in the northwestern tip; a city with buildings made of marble, roads clad in fitted, red stone and people clad in fine clothes walking up and down the streets as well built and decorated carriages traveled to and fro. That wasn't to say there was no dirty underbelly or forgotten people struggling to live to see the next day without starving or being exploited in a way they could be called a slave... but to a casual observer this underbelly was invisible.
Tucked into the northern most end of the city, pressed near the back, whitewashed walls that defended the city was a great palace. The building was built atop of a pyramid like structure with a whitewashed foundation that rose not to a point but to a flat surface on which the palace sat. As opposed to stairs a great deal of money was set to enchantments upon them; demonstrated as a carriage stopped on a large, steel panel before an attendant, a woman in a maid's uniform, set her hand to a spell orb that activated the large spell stone hidden under the panel before it was lifted upwards along a path set to the side of the pyramid; slots matching tabs in the panel. Soon they would reach the top and the carriage and it's horses would be led to the stables outside of the building atop the pyramid; pausing only to allow two men out.
The men would walk on the stone plateau towards a palace coated with a paint made from pure gold making it shimmer in the light of the day. The Golden Palace was the home of the Golden Senate; the leadership of Zenith. It's position made the palace visible to every ship for miles around; a showcase of the wealth and power of the Plutocracy for all to see. The Golden palace itself was in the shape of a crescent moon with a single story in height at the points and a five stories in the center. Attached to the building, outside of the points and a quarter of the way down the building's length was two, sixty foot towers. In the center was one more, a one hundred and forty foot tower with the very top acting as a lighthouse; both to assist ships in their navigation and to further showcase their nation's wealth and power even in the dead of night.
The two figures that stepped from the carriage turned their backs to the palace for a moment to look over the city from the height they stood at. "It's good to be home, if only for a while." Conti Mortadella let off.
"Indeed my brother, it is, it is. Sad it's business that brings us back." His brother, Ponti Mortadella said with a sigh before the two turned walked towards the building in question. "Well, let's get to it."
"Indeed, indeed." The two brothers would walk in and move to speak with a secretary but someone turned their head as they walked into the entrance hall; grand in size and with people in fine outfits moving about.
"Conti and Ponti." The man barked; both pigmen flinching as they looked to the human man; he wore a fitted, double buttoned and formal military uniform; Blue with a red panel in the middle with brass buttons on it. "It's about time you've come."
"Yes, yes we have." Conti said as the pair moved over to him. They didn't know the man but given the pattern on his shoulder he was a commander in rank; not someone to ignore.
"We've come to meet with Senator Argonno about-"
"I'm aware." The commander let off in a formal, firm and in their opinion rude tone. "However Prime Senator Achelous Chrysos demands you report to him."
"I... Excuse..."
"Us?" Conti then Ponti let off, giving each other a nervous glance.
"Indeed. He is aware of your arrival and demands you go to him with all do swiftness." The man said with a sneer. "Now, get."
They needed no more encouragement from the rude commander. They moved quickly to the elevator; a small room with a moving floor powered by spell stones and directing the maid attending it to lift them to the proper floor. They walked down the marble hall where paintings hung depicting many a moment in the nation's history as they turned down into another hall. The Office of the Prime Senator was placed on the highest floor under the light that guided ships and in the back, overseeing the great ocean to the north. The massive, double oak doors with gold pressed into designs of them waited them and Conti knocked on one of them.
"Enter." A voice came from the inside as both of them swallowed and opened the doors, walking in.
The room was made of wealth. The floor was made of gold and platinum tiles in square, alternating tiles. The walls were marble with patterns carved into them and filled with gold and platinum. Book shelves made of mythril flanked the side walls and a desk made of golden mythril was at the back before the window with an eight foot tall oaken chair sat before itwith golden panels over the legs and arms, plush, purple cushions dominating it. A life sized bust of the current Prime Senator stood on a marble pedestal formed from orichalcum; the There were two people in the room when they entered.
Standing to the side with her hands folded into her lap was a tall, six foot even human woman. Her auburn hair was pulled into two buns behind and at the sides of her head, blue eyes watching them through blue rimmed glasses with a stern frown. Her body was clad in a steel blue, gold trimmed jacket with gold buttons, the fabric fitted to D-Cup Breasts. The jacket's black inner layer showed at the collar, as did the white shirt under it, a blue tie at her neck. White gloves were on her hands, pantyhose on her long, long legs with a black, pleated skirt hanging down just low enough to hide her hips and backside. Steel blue shoes were on her feet with slight heels to both, gold trim on the top and bottom of them.
They more knew of her then knew her; Ligeia Opados, personal assistant, secretary and bodyguard of the Prime Senator. In many ways she was the most powerful woman in the nation that didn't have 'Senator' in her title... and both brothers lusted for her; a tall, strong, commanding woman who could step on them and...
Gods the fantasies they had of her...
"So, you pair of swine have finally arrived..." And then there was the most powerful man in all of Zenith... While he was voted into office Zenith wasn't a true republic like Rycall. Only the rich could afford to buy votes and only the richest to attempt to rise to power in the Golden Senate and currently only one who could afford the correct bribes and deals to become the Prime Senator; the leader of Zenith and a king in all but title. A pigman in his own right he stood at six foot five and while his body was portly like many of his race he was built with a more powerful build then many; strength clear in thick limbs. He wore a blue great coat with double buttons up the front and golden trim spun from golden thread. His lower limbs were clad in white pants tucked into black shoes. His hands bore white gloves and over an eye was a single, orichalcum rimmed monocle; a short, platinum chain attaching it to an earring. Both of his tusks bore a gold ring on them with small sapphires set to them; four each. Achelous Chrysos didn't even look to them, looking to their reflections as he stared out the window to watch a fat, cargo filled galleon sail away and off to the open ocean.
"Of course, Your Primus." Conti said as he bowed, his brother matching him.
"May we say we are honored by this unexpected summons." Ponti added as Achelous snorted.
"Don't pretend I'm interested in your petty flattery." The Primus said as he kept his watch out the window. "Tell me; is our rabid dog preparing to enact his plan?"
"Indeed, the mercenary is moving the pieces to place." Conti said as he set his hands together rubbing them as his brother mimicked his motions.
"The arms build up goes smoothly, in large part to your generous support." Ponti added as Conti nodded quickly.
"And while he hasn't deigned to show his full hand to us... well, he already has someone near Olga Discordia."
"Are you serious?" The Prime Senator let off, turning his head to look at them for the first time directly since they arrived before he turned fully. Now facing them the brothers could see the emblem over his left breast; a tall rectangle with rounded corners; it's border black flanked by gold on both sides. It was dominated by two, white quills outlined in black. A small, wire frame globe was between the upper parts of them with black lines outlined in gold, the background of it yellow. At the bottom was five stars in a line; the outlines were gold-black-gold with a yellow center. The emblem was only used by members of the Golden Senate; one star for the lowest ranked members, three for the higher ranked ones and five stars for the Prime Senator and his office alone.
"Indeed. Who it is and what they're doing we don't know..."
"But he has someone on the inside... someone close to her..." Ponti then Conti let off, grinning wide. "Or at least, close enough..."
"Hurmph... Maybe I underestimated the mongrel, slightly." Achelous let off as he moved to his desk to take his seat.
"There are reasons they came highly recommended." Ligeia said, speaking for the first time in a softly haughty but knowledgeable tone. "And regardless; there's no other independent force with the ability to conduct such an operation and we are well aware their leader has the needed mix of boldness, audacity and ruthlessness to carry out the task you wished set."
"Indeed... Indeed..." The Primus said as he folded his hands before him. "Continue the report." He demanded.
Both brothers would then begin their detailed reports. The current force the Black Storm had at current and their expected force when they were ready to move. He was informed of current issues as well as the curious developments within Eostia. He was aware of the voxlux and was having agents look into the development but the fall of House Insidiae was a newer development with the brothers offering details that had yet to reach his desk. Come the end of the report he huffed and moved to pull a sheet of paper out. Reaching for a quill on his desk he would start to write something down before snapping his fingers once. Ligeia moved to pick a stick of red waz off a shelf and moved over as she set a finger near the stick's end as her finger came alight with a flame; melting some of the wax and letting it drip to the letter's bottom before Achelous pulled a stamp out and pressed it to the wax.
"This letter will allow you to requisition additional gold, equipment and a small boat to use along the Atlas. Use them well." The Primus said as her aide waved a hand over the sheet; her magic drying both wax and ink before he held the letter out, Conti bowing as he accepted the sheet. "Now, leave me." He said with a wave as the brothers swiftly left the room, offering platitudes as he stood and moved back to the window to look outside; the galleon now at the horizon, almost swallowed by the world's curve. Once the door shut he glanced to the woman in the room as she looked to him; a frown still on her face as her arms crossed. "You disagree with this plan."
"It's a waste of time, money and effort." Ligeia let off firmly. This was why he respected her and kept her in his service. In front of others she was the picture of servitude and professionalism. She carried out orders without question and without hesitation. In private she would question his choices, challenge his logic and force him to consider positions he wouldn't otherwise. Having only yes men around you was a situation that demanded disaster. "I understand undermining Eostia and preventing it from growing too strong. I do not understand why you would wish to see the High Throne destroyed and overthrown." She said as he chuckled.
"Indeed. It seems like a waste; to replace one nation with another. To fell a kingdom and allow an empire to rise." Achelous replied softly as he smirked. "But this isn't about crushing the High Throne at all. That's merely collateral damage." He told her as she blinked at him.
"Helping this would-be emperor to rule isn't the point of this endeavor?" Lingeia let off as the pigman sighed.
"Lingeia... The true threat isn't the leaders of Eostia... it's the Eostian people..." He let off as he frowned.
"I... do not understand..." She said as he reached into his pocket. Knowing what was coming she walked over, a flame flickering over her thumb as he pulled out a cigar. Once he used her flame to start it she let the mana go as he took a drag of his Coppic cigar.
"Most nations, even our own Plutocracy restrictions on the common folk. Where they can travel. Where they can do business and with who." He said, pulling a drag once more. "What they cannot say and what they cannot be. But Eostia? It's a land where a boy born on a farm can become a merchant, a noble, a leader of a state or even a kingdom. A slave can escape chains and rise to true power... A homeless bum can tell a lord in which way he can stick it without reprisal. A commoner can rise from the lowest of classes to the highest and the highest down to the lowest... This is a consistent threat to those on top..."
"Indeed..." Ligeia said slowly as she frowned harder. "However that does not explain your efforts. Zenith is not Eostia."
"Of course not, but that's not the point." The Primus said after another drag as he let out a huff of smoke. "The point is that stories and rumors spread... Tales of a land where the common man is not so restricted... Where the wealth the lowest can make is not limited and where they can unseat those above them... Where a man born in the gutters can rise and lead men, states or kingdoms... Where there's a state that allows men to choose their leader... And this land, this place of freedoms and liberties... is just up river of us... A metaphorical stone's throw away from our own shore."
"You fear the people..." Ligeia let off as Achelous huffed.
"Fear is a bit strong a word; concerned is closer to the tone... But yes, they can be a problem..." Achelous frowned deeper as he saw the galleon fully vanish from view. "Their power now is limited, weak, broken with ease... but with something to rally about, an ideal that can drive them... Well, the Rycall Empire fell to the people... The Brazen Empire fell to the people... The Kingdom of Roxford fell to the people... And Dominious has always stumbled... all because mere commoners start getting rowdy..." He moved back to his seat, turning it around to face the ocean before standing before it. A snap of his fingers and Ligeia was moving before him, kneeling to undo his pants. "It is not the High Throne of Eostia I need to crush... It's the people of Eostia I must crush... lest they give our own ideas." His pants were pulled to his knees before he sat down as she took hold of his cock; human in shape save the odd, fleshy coil that made up the bulk of the shaft.
"I do not agree with the endeavor..." Ligeia let off before kissing his penis' head. "...but I do understand it... And as always I shall assist in however a manner I can." She said as she wrapped her lips around his cock as he took a drag on his cigar once more.
"As you always have..." He let off looking out to the ocean; a sea of possibilities and endless wealth beyond it... But it wasn't a storm he planned to weather but rather direct... and wash away the problems Eostia would pose... "But as always it is we who will rise... To the Zenith!"
[-]
Fortress Feoh in the Kingdom of Feoh
Office of Prime Minister Razon Beardsley
"Tsk... Troublesome..." Beardsley let off as he looked to the report he had in his hand once more. While it was a report in regards to the Black Storm it wasn't a black letter rather a sheet of shimmer, yellow spell paper sent from a Crown agent in the east; Blackcut to be precise. It was a report on the death of Shamhaza; the man he contracted to kill James Noxdecus and the man who failed to do so. "I suppose that's what you get for having an amateur do a professional's job." He huffed.
In truth given the man's control over those giant bugs he expected results; at least throwing something into the fray that could kill the man. Between his allies and guard, however, he was able to survive... And remained a thorn in his side.
Standing from his desk he moved to the small fireplace set in his office; throwing the report into it to dispose of the evidence. Clearly something else needed to be done... "Not yet though..."
Shamhaza was used as a cat's paw and thus Beardsley's role in the assassination attempt would be unknown. There was no possible connection between them; none direct and provable anyway. He would need to find a new assassin but he'd need to wait; there was a chance the lordling's guard was up and even if not the Shield Princess and Elite Order guarding him likely did. No; better to send someone to Mungale once he settled back in. Someone who could study his movements and habits and strike when no one was looking...
Sitting back at his desk he sighed... Of course the Heir of Mungale was only one issue he had to handle. The audit of House Blitzhaus was ongoing as well; John Mandeville remained in Elddale to help ensure it all went smoothly. As much as he wanted to ensure his friend and ally would be able to hide their dealings while ensuring his ascension as a Duke his duties in Feoh demanded attention and he could only put it off for so long before he had things to answer for. In addition he needed to await the return of the Mortadella Brothers who were currently in Zenith; he wasn't sure on the exact details beyond that they had a supplier on the isle. He suspected more then that but he wasn't interested in digging too deep; Zenith was it's own headache... one that would need to looked at come the Black Storm's conquest was finished...
He'd only started on his work briefly, handling a single book when a knock came to his door. "Come in." He said, placing a bookmark before shutting the book closed; no sense leaving sensitive economic information open until he knew who it was. He was more then happy, however, when the door opened and showed that it was Alicia stepping in he smiled openly. "Ahhh, my girl. How have you been?" He asked, patting his desk twice as she smiled to him and walked towards him.
"Well enough. Myself and the Knights have been patrolling Arafe the last couple of weeks; it seems Garan is partially mobilizing; based on the reports, anyway." She said as he frowned in thought.
"An attack is overdue, yes..." He let off. Indeed, for Eostia their northern aggressors were less a rival kingdom and more a natural disaster that rumbled then ebbed and flowed like a flood or earthquake that came and went on the regular. "I trust you and yours will be careful when the time comes to fight." He said as she moved to sit on the side of his desk; unlike all those years ago she didn't need to climb up there, be lifted or jump to seat herself on the edge..
"Uncle..." She let off; it wasn't uncommon to tell her that of course.
"I understand a level of recklessness is expected and even needed for knights but you help no one by coming home in a pine box." Beardsley chided her as elders often did to the young they cared for... 'I've no wish to make love to a corpse after all, so you have to remain alive and unmaimed!' He added in his own thoughts. "If nothing else think of how poor Prim was when Iris was buried... You don't want to have her heart break a second time, do you?"
"Of course Uncle..." Alicia let off with a rueful smile. "I'm not invincible, I know that... But neither will I let the likes of Garan have the best of me. Rest assured; I shall not give them the satisfaction."
"Good. Ensure they don't." He let off with a 'hurumphf', trying to sound grumpy and agitated only for the facade to crack the moment she giggled. Honestly; how did the adorable little girl that bounced on his knee turn into such a sexy, desirable woman he'll never know... "I'll be sure to send requisitions for equipment when it comes time to call up the conscripts. Some extra for the regulars wouldn't go amiss either I imagine." 'After all we can't let Olga conquer Eostia before we do.'
"Funny; that's what I was coming to ask for..." She said as she crossed her arms under her bust. "I'm having the Knights give as much of the regulars whatever advanced training we can... I want us to be ready and prepared for whatever comes..."
"Hmmm, this will be the first incursion you've fought in, won't it..?" Beardsley mused with a sigh. "They're always rough... Not sure what's worse; being on the front lines or scouting in the back lines..."
"I don't envy scouts who need to travel alone or in small groups..." Alicia said, sighing softly. "Shoulder to shoulder with comrades is the best way to fight; guarding and standing by one another no matter what may come." She said as Beardsley bit a huff back, managing to let let out more then a soft hum.
'No; from behind the foe when they are unaware is the best way to fight. Quick, clean and easy... Failing that then as far away from them as possible.' He thought to himself. "Spoken as a true Princess Knight. No wonder the Iris Knights follow you so readily."
"Uncle..." Alicia let off as she blushed lightly as he chuckled. "Anyway; aside from the requisitions there is another thing; I just got a report from our people in Dominious; there's a ceasefire."
"Wait, what?" The Prime Minister of Feoh let off; that was new news.
"Indeed. Salara, by the sounds of it, died in combat." Alicia let off. "Her general betrayed her to Hilda the Second. Peter von Harmon has fallen ill and rather then continue the war he surrendered to Prince Larion and allowed their forces to combine. That said Kul Hammerhands managed to gather enough of an army to carve out his own force... Honestly, you could write a drama based on what's going on over there..." She said with a sigh. "According to the reports Kul had carved a major segment of the empire while everyone was distracted. By all accounts the three forces are exhausted and with the current damage done they worry what might happen if other nations opt to attack them now."
"Hurmph... So they kick the war down the road until the three sides have more forces to destroy each other with..." Beardsley summarized with a sigh. "Well it does mean there's no reason to assume they'll have any aims on Eostia; not when the three have their horns locked." 'This is good... One of our foes off the table when the time comes.'
"At least it means we don't have to worry about the war spilling over to Eostia if Garan does attack." Alicia said and was about to add more as the door was knocked upon then opened a mere sliver.
"Princess Alicia." They heard, Agni Pralay on the other side. "Forgive the interruption; there's someone from Pulca is seeking your ear. It seems to be of some importance."
"I'm on my way." She said, standing up and off the desk as she looked to Beardsley. "Duty always calls, it seems. I'll see you later."
"Of course." He said, smiling with his eyes shut... or seemingly so as he watched her backside from a slight opening in his eyelids as she walked away. He only let his leering face out as the door shut behind her. "Gods... When the time comes you'll be permitted to wear nothing but a smile and semen you beautiful piece of ass..." He let off, chuckling to himself as he opened his book, licking his lips. "I cannot wait..."
[-]
After shopping we would enter Fortress Thorn. As like all the fortresses it was powerful. A massive moat was the first line of defense; fed by a canal that connected to a small lake. Eighty feet wide it had a folding drawbridge to connect to the outside world. The outer most wall was fifty feet tall with siege weapons littered across the top. The same went for the second wall which was eighty feel tall. Behind it the last walls were ninety feet tall; each wall twenty feet thick.
Each gate connected to the other via a drawbridge with the ground between them dug down and boasting a ten foot deep moat. Going over each we arrived at the keep; it was eighty feet tall but with a single, hundred and twenty feet tall. It's no wonder when Garan met the Fortresses for the first time they couldn't get through; it was a nightmare to lay siege to.
Once we were settled in we met the Cornfield clan in whole and they were a rambunctious batch but a good one. The youngest tried to play 'catch the tail' with Miria who kept said tail just out of reach. As for dinner... hoo boy... Breaded chicken and fish with herbs and spices mixed in, mashed potatoes, various vegetables, a beef based sshish kabob and apple pie. It was all simple, all good and the Cornfields were good company.
I was about to retire to my quarters but was stopped by Kaguya who requested I come to the Fortress' Seindai temple where her quarters were although she also asked that I give her a few minutes to prepare. To prepare what I was unsure but I gave her ten minutes before arriving. The priestess who answered my knock seemed a bit confused as to why Kaguya summoned me over (Well, so was I to be fair) as she led me in; asking me to take my boots off before I entered. The priestesses were... dressed down as well. They wore the same type of stockings, style of panties and socks as Kaguya and wore a similar top that was a red short robe, tied at the bottom with white bands around the wrists and red headbands.
As for the temple itself the outer door was replaced with a thick, double door that slid to the side in a Japanese style and the inner walls had a paper wall facade set up and tatami mats on the floor in green. Paper lanterns (Lit with small spell orbs as opposed to open flames) lit the room and you could see a statue of a beetle at the back where there was a slight platform. Pads were laid on the floor and some priestess and priests knelt on them (Who wore those loose, Japanese pants and cloth belts as opposed to tied robes... thank god as they seemed a bit older) as I was led to a back room. My escort knocked on the door and left when Kaguya bid that I enter. I took in a breath; I don't know why but I felt she had something to drop on me. And so I opened the door...
When I entered and saw the room I noted the paper facade was over the walls here as well but you could tell the walls under them were painted blue. The tatami mats on the floor were red and the paper lanterns lighting the room were white. That said a proper, western bed was in the room, book shelves by a wall and a short table in the middle with pads on either side to kneel one; on one side, on her knees being Kaguya.
She had stripped down somewhat; still in the red short robe and panties but that was it; her head dress, the cloth she wore over her robe and stockings. She looked calm but there was a... nervousness in the air and it wasn't mine. There was a scroll on the short table as she gestured for me to sit opposite of her; I did so, moving to my knees to mimic her as best as I could. She took in a breath and only then began to speak.
"Thank you for coming. I am... sure you feel something amiss if your poise is anything to go by and while that is not the term I would use there is... something I will ask, if not beg from you." She said as I blinked; I was sure I looked shocked as I looked to her. That was... not what I expected. She took the scroll in hand and moved it to the center of the table before rolling it open. The papyrus bore painted designs on it.
There were eight circles on the sheet set into a pattern of two diamonds with each circle at a point and both wide. Each bore gold lines and white interiors save the two closest to the center; the upper one having a yellow ring around the gold and the lower one a purple one. These colored ones had lines connecting them to the other three on their side of the sheet; gold flanked by white. Kanji were in each circle; the yellow lined one having yellow kanji and the purple one a matching character. As for the others from left to right the kanji was red, a softer purple and green and the bottom had brown, cyan and blue. I didn't know what any of them meant save the red one; I was aware the odd, five pronged pattern was 'fire' based on how Fire Blast in Pokemon looked. "These are the eight elements, aren't they?" I let off.
"Indeed; but these aren't meant to refer to the elements but the Gods." Kaguya said with a nod. She pointed to the yellow one first. "I think I mentioned that while we don't use her name the Dawn-Spreading Goddess is the same the Church and Faith praise." Her finger then moved to the green one, then the soft purple and red ones. "Then we have what we call her court; the Soft-Whistling Goddess, the Flash-Blinking God and the Ash-Winged Goddess."
She would move then to the other half of the sheet to the dark purple, cyan then blue while skipping the brown one. "The we have the Dusk-Watching God and his court, the Lonely-Standing Goddess, the One-Tailed God..." Then finally she pointed to the brown one. "...and the Odd-Faced God."
"So... you're the avatar of the God of the Earth?" I asked, fairly sure I had the right idea by the color coding. She nodded in reply one.
"Indeed. Although both of the courts were wounded in the Age of Gods it seemed God took the worst of it." She said as she sighed. "The other gods are able to reincarnate if they die by non-divine means... but the Odd-Faced God... cannot..." She said as she looked down. "When I said to you before God is weak I was not joking... And when Shamhaza called him a parasite he did not joke as well. God needs a source of mana to sustain himself; not a heavy amount and he can increase the draw of mana someone pulls in as he feeds upon them, thus he causes no harm to his avatar, but he needs someone to draw from."
"Oh... so... You keep God... in a cage?" I asked as I looked around. I looked for what could hold a large insect but I didn't see anything like th-
"Not... exactly..." She replied... and started to blush. "I do not feed him mana once a week or the like as one would a pet. He is connected to me directly... By ummm... taking up residence in my... Errr, he's currently in... ... ..."
"Kaguya...?" I asked as she said... something but I couldn't hear it...
"...god lives in my anus..." She let off, the soft words echoing once I heard them I was... unable to speak for a long, long, looooooooong moment...
"God is a bug." I began as she nodded. "And he lives in your butt." She nodded shyly. "You have a literal bug in your butt... and it's God." She nodded once more.
...
...
...
...
"Well that's... different..." I let off as I took in a deep breath as I tried to avoid my mind becoming a giant four-oh-four error. "Okay... This isn't the... worst thing you could tell me. I admit a part of me wants to laugh at the idea if you weren't so serious about it."
"I thank you for refraining." She said as she let off a breath; seemingly relaxing a little as she looked to me. "This... this is the secret that caused the Shinkami to form. The idea that we followed a god so weak, that so many of us died or were maimed on our pilgrimage to hold onto this culture, to protect what they saw as a god of nothing... was more then some could bare. Many of them felt humiliated at learning this and the conditions they learned it under were... less prepared then this is now. I know you would not, with intent, mean to harm me when you learned of this but much of me feared the response... This gives me hope for what I must explain next and ask of you." She said as I nodded. I said nothing, letting her speak and get what she needed to off her chest.
"God has been giving me visions since just before we met in Dayhill." She began. "A misty field that, with each dream, cleared up more and more. God's... humor I suppose, not letting me know all he had in mind and only letting me peek at his will... Or perhaps, given what he has given permission to me for, he wished to know more of you and how we would interact before revealing his desire. Once the dream cleared up what it was became clear... a wedding... With myself as the bride... and you my groom..."
"Gahhhh... Wait-wait-wait..." I let off, waving my hands... and I sure I was blushing giving the heat a felt. "I was... I was under the impression that you were meant to remain celibate and unwed."
"You are not wrong... but that was not God's will..." She said as she lowered her head slightly. "The order opted to employ the policy. To dedicate ourselves to God, yes, but for another reason; none are meant to be born within the religion." She said as I blinked to her. "We preach of God and his word but we accept only those who accept him. A child, born and raised within, will not choose as the child will have the choice made for him. God merely never corrected this course of action; perhaps in agreement or a wish to not dictate the direction... but as you know the Seindai is not what it once was; our position is stable but the Shinkami opened wounds that still weep. There is a risk of a slow death of our order and a new direction is required. I suspect more to his grant of permission. And thus I ask-"
"No." I replied as she looked like she was slapped as she flinched back. "Don't misunderstand me. It's not a rebuttal of you and... I can see you as a good wife, even for me. But I do not want to marry someone to marry me because someone else demanded it of them; God or not." Her look softened as she blushed and moved a hand to her chest.
"Well... that gave me a start." She said with a smile which confused me for a moment. "Let me phrase this in a way in which my intent and God's are clear. God has given me permission to marry you. To be married. I do not ask for your hand because God demands it. I ask because I want to..."
"Kaguya..." I let off, not sure what to say in response; she gave me no pause as she kept speaking.
"I want to be a bride, a wife and a mother... and had I been given leave to do so last year I would have no choices on who to marry." She said softly "Although our time has been brief... there is no man I would want more... Yes, I am aware you have Prim as a bride in waiting as well, and I intend to acquire her blessings if you agree. You are, by your station, permitted two brides. I... I ask to be one of them. Not by the demand of God... But by the request myself..."
[New Objective: Accept or Decline Kaguya's Offer (No Penalty Based on Response)]
Yeah, sure... make it part of the damn quest... Hoo boy...
I sighed a bit as I crossed my arms, shutting my eyes in thought. This... was not what I expected when I arrived here. "You know what people will say to this, yes? While the voxlux is seeing my fame rise I am still the son of a middling baron." I said as I looked to her. "People will talk, you know?"
"I am aware Prim is keeping her engagement a secret until the time is more advantageous and I am aware I will need to keep my own circle of trust small until the time is right." She said, smiling. "Nor will I be offended by a man with many lovers. Indeed; being married to a great lover is a point of pride in Eostia, yes?"
I mean... she's not wrong but, still!
"Please; I beg... Not for the sake of God but my own." She said, bowing until her head nearly hit the table. "Be my groom."
"...Are you sure of this?" I asked as she kept her head low.
"Verily."
"...I'll still need to sort my full feelings out but... very well... I'll accept you as my Bride, Kaguya of the Seindai." I said softly as she sat up.
"Thank goodness..." She let off, blushing and smiling.
[(⸜∕ ) Accept or Decline Kaguya's Offer (No Penalty Based on Response)]
[New Objective: Pass Kaguya's Test]
...
What?
"There is... one last thing I must ask of you." She said as she smiled a bit. "While I have your acceptance as that of God's... as his Avatar it's not just you I must convince; it is my order. As such I must place unto you a test... It is not something I wish to do but it will prove to those I needs must convince to both allow this union when the time is right but also... It would be unfair to claim a husband of my own and not give those in my order the same ability. I must show them God accepts this union with a test... which may be... uncomfortable for me."
"For you?" I asked. She nodded and sighed, blushing even harder now.
"There's no way to be gentle about it." She said with a deep sigh as she shut her eyes as she steeled her nerves. "You need to fuck my ass."
...
"You want me to fuck your ass?" I asked. She nodded. "Where your God lives?"
"Indeed."
"..." I blinked at her for a long moment. "I'm going to assume there's a reason you want me to violate God's Home and spread my seed on his walls. And him."
"Indeed." She said with a nod. "As every Avatar of God is a woman she is vulnerable to... a more sexualized assault. And God... not so much protects her but punishes those who tries by redirected a man's shaft from her sex to her ass where he can inject his mana into him."
"Oooooohhh..." I let off and winced. Back in the Ungla'pul one of the Kull pulled that on me and it took me out of the action until I could down a mana potion. I don't know what mana from a god could do but I imagined 'worse then that' was a good starting point.
"The result renders the assailant unconscious as a result for hours." Kaguya said as she smiled ruefully. "For some it can last for days or even end in death in some cases. I spoke, as best as I could, with God and we agreed this would prove things."
"...How exactly will this prove to-"
"Please, leave that detail to me." She said as she smiled... and blushed. ... I was afraid to ask.
"Very well." I said as I stood up. "Do you have some oil or the like to... make this easier?"
"I do... P-please, be gentle." She said as she stood as well as I started to undress. This would be... awkward but damn... Her rump jiggled just right as she walked to her bed's foot, stopping by it to undress herself fully and picked up a jar of clear oil. As I walked over she smiled and passed me the jar... and while she was known for her ass she was stacked as well. I don't think anyone would blame me for grabbing them tits too. She moved to the bed and lifted her legs up as she rolled to her back; baring her sex and anus to me. I sighed and moved over to her looking to the jar and opening it.
I'd dip a finger to the oil, softly scented with some sort of flower, as I set it to her anus and pushed in. I would press softly and slowly, working the oil to her, pull out, reload more oil and press back in as she bit her lip as she shivered softly. By the third press she was moaning softly and I buried half my finger into her. I was worried I'd touch God (In a way no one would make a painting of) but by the fifth time I had my whole finger in her and I didn't feel anything like that.
Wait, how did God handle things when Kaguya needed to use the...
...
I'll just accept the fact there are things mortal men are just not meant to know.
By the seventh press into her I was pushing two fingers into her ass; this time working to spread her ass and stretch it to prepare for what is coming. She was panting on her back as she covered her face with both hands, moaning into her palms deeply. "How are you feeling?" I asked her as I looked over to her.
"I-I'm okay... i-is it meant to be as good as this?" She asked as I chuckled.
"Some enjoy it, some love it, others don't. My experience with anal is limited but I have done it." I told her soothingly. "The best thing for you to do is to relax, stay calm and speak up if something doesn't feel right."
"Y-yes, of course..." She let off, groaning out as I pulled my fingers away and moved to set the jar down on a nearby dresser. She gulped as I moved between her legs. She saw my cock and it's full size for the first time as I moved to position. She licked her lips softly, clearly nervous as I moved my cock to her puckered, back hole. She took in long, slow and deep breaths as I started to push in. She gasped as the head of my penis popped into her as I moved my hands to her hips, holding her firm as I softly pressed in deeper, sexually claiming my third Shield Princess as gently as I could in an... unconventional manner.
She groaned a bit as she gripped my forearms causing her biceps to frame her breasts as I started to rock into her slowly; her body and breasts rocking as well as she moaned. Her sex, if it wasn't moist before, was wet and dripping as I got half my cock into her, working more and more as she grit her teeth. "Are you okay?"
"Keep going..." She breathed out as she groaned under me.
"That's not an answer." I said, clear worry in my tone as she smiled up to me.
"It is uncomfortable but not painful... And enjoyable, in an... odd way." She replied, giving me enough confidence to rock my hips a bit harder. She groaned out as I rocked harder and harder and, soon, my cock was fully buried into her as her legs moved to wrap around my hips. I was moving quicker now as she moaned harder and harder as I rammed in faster and faster, my balls spanking her backside. "Oh, God!" She let off... and without warning she came and triggering my own climax... as her ass seemed to just suck me in as I came... hard. Like harder then usual as I came, deep and heavy into her ass.
"Hooooooly..." I let off, shivering as I was stuck in her for a moment, enjoying the odd feeling of a climax in a hole not meant to take a-
THANK YOU
Did I just... hear...
Was that...?
I gasped as I was finally able to pull out of Kaguya as she panted, groaning. "O-oh my... so that's what Maia meant by 'stargazing'." She let off; an in joke I was sure.
"Are you okay?" I asked, panting as I collected myself.
"Indeed..." She said, smiling to me. "The test is passed... and I'll be able to share the good news... In a moment..." She let off as I chuckled softly.
[(⸜∕ ) Pass Kaguya's Test]
[Fucked List[
Banged Kaguya, Sun of the East=100xp x 20 First Time Shield Princess Bonus=2000xp
+20% Dark Horse of Eostia Bonus
Gain 2400xp Total
Level Up!
You are now Level 28!
+1 to Dex, Acc, Mnc, Agi & Mag!
+1 to End!
+1 to Rap!
+2 RSP & SSP!
+5 UTP!
Achievement Unlocked: Shield Princess of Thorn - Bedded
You laid with Thorn's Kaguya, Sun of the East
I'll admit that was... Good...
We would talk for a brief moment as we redressed. I would return to my quarters, but not without a goodbye kiss. As for Kaguya... well...
What was her plan?
[-]
Temple of the Seindai
Fortress Thorn
Moments Later
"Please stop staring." Kaguya said, blushing. The elders on their knees beside her looked on. The priestesses kneeling on the floor before her looked on. This was understandable as it was rare for your religious leader to come out, bottomless, stand before you and yours and show semen leaking from her ass.
It was embarrassing but she knew it was a statement of what was done.
"...We... we all saw him." One of the shocked elders said, a massive beard on his face and his head bald... and crisscrossed with torture inflicted scars. "Even with a healer's attention God's Wrath would have left him unable to walk for a day or more. Yet he left us under his own power. We all saw it."
"Understand there is... much I cannot say as to God's exact plan for us." Kaguya said as she moved to kneel; mostly to hide her bare sex and still leaking anus. She knew that much semen wasn't meant to push out like that... and knew who was helping that and the whys.
James was right about God not... enjoying the new, white, paint job of his home.
"But... we are forbidden from such... relations..." One of the priestesses said looking to her fellows as many spoke in mutters. She waited for a few opinions to shoot about before speaking once more.
"Understand; that was not God's choice but our own." Kaguya began, speaking as firmly as she could. "Our order's founders want only those who chose God of their own volition to be in the Seindai. A child born to it would not make a choice but have it thrust unto him... however we are a shrinking order as well... and telling those coming in they are forbidden from marriage and sex in a nation where such is much more casual... that will be a hindrance. Traditions arise for reasons; be they a remembrance or a practicality. But compared to days long past our situation is much different and our needs have thus changed. A new practicality needs arise as a new tradition and those that cause harm needs be discarded but not forgotten."
"Hmmm... You want to allow the faithful to wed, then?" Another elder let off; one with the left half of his face marred by more scars then she dared count.
"While I think some of what God has planned for myself and Lord Noxdecus is... obvious, if needs be unspoken for the time being until situations change, I cannot be an exception to a rule that demands both celibacy and the denial of wedding." Kaguya replied. The people within the room muttered for a long moment before someone in the back shushed them all for her. "I apologize for this; I stay silent on the full matter not just for the order but my position as a Shield Princess. I am confident this will change within the year if not sooner. I promise to speak openly when the situation allows."
"You will have a vow of silence from us, Avatar." A priestess in the back of the room said as she smiled.
"Thank you." Said Avatar said as she looked to the room. "I do not intend for children born to us to be indoctrinated in our ways. Thus we must pool our wisdom together to allow the new fathers and mothers of us to come to both do their duties and raise secular children who may someday choose to-"
"You know there's a cute guard I had my eyes on..." One woman let off. "Now I can... maybe... you know..."
"Really? I know a writer in town who is very... yum..."
"Now I can go boy trolling with my friends! Eeeee!"
"L-ladies, we are not done discussing-"
"I'm gonna get laaaaaaid!" Another woman let off as Kaguya's words went unheeded.
"I-I-I-I can pop my ch-ch-ch-cherry!? O-o-oh my!"
"If we can get back to the topic-" Kaguya let off... as the priestess fell to full on gossip mode...
"I know a minor noble looking for a wife... and I think he's checking me out..."
"We should share a boy between us!"
"Oh my, yes!"
"G-guys..." Kaguya let off weakly... before the eldest of their number set a hand on her shoulder.
"You know the old saying as well as I. 'There is no difference between women and noise'." He said as he sighed. She felt an eye twitch as while the term was sexist it came from their native language; the character for 'noisy' was nothing more then the character for 'women' three times over; one set over top two of them. Indeed, another phrase in reference to this was 'when three women get together it's noisy'. It was a cliche she wanted to combat.
"I'm going to need a new lingerie drawer!"
She wasn't in a position to do so right now.
[-]
Come the next morning we loaded the carriages up with myself pausing and letting Riri take over my luggage to speak with Kaguya. "It's been... umm, well..."
"It is surprising how two people can be so intimate yet be so nervous with one another." She let off as she smiled to me. "I will say this, however. I regret nothing about what happened, My Prince... Although next time perhaps we can use the... proper hole..."
"Indeed. I think all three of us would prefer that." I said as we shared a short laugh. "I will say I still need to... consider the situation but to be frank... I think I am winning out in this arrangement." I said as she blushed... and not just because of her as a bride; as much as I tried to ignore it the Relation's Menu updated with her information in it.
(-)
Name: Kaguya, Sun of the East
Title: Blessed Shield Princess of Thorn
Class: Cleric
Stat Bonus: +5 to Con, Dex, Mnc, Str & Mag. +3 to Acc. +5 RSP
Trait Bonus: Kaguya's Calm ~ +6 to Magical Healing +4 to Magical Resistance
Bridal Bonus: Kaguya's Chosen ~ All of your Resistances are increased by 1. Additionally any armor you wear gains +1 to all Resistances All Holy based spells gain +3 to their effects
(-)
I currently had eleven RSP to spend now and once I spent it... Class Upgrade!
Although I was... waiting for a better point to do so when I could relax; given this gamer system I was in there would be choices to make once I pulled the trigger; to be sure. That said once I spent those stat points; three to Dexterity and eight to Accuracy, meant that once coupled with my equipment I could reach Mage Knight. I, of course, didn't agree to take Kaguya as a bride for that reason, but it was a benefit.
"Indeed... Indeed..." She said, smiling softly. "I have much work to do with the Seindai as changes will need to be made. As much as I wish to keep you, however, I must see you off. You will be needed at home; I am sure the reports of Garan points to something coming. And I know well you've work to do. Let our next meeting be soon and in good times."
"Agreed." I said as I smiled and stepped in. Kissing her was a bit much given the company, but a hug around her shoulders (Which she returned around the waist) was enough for now. "Until next time, M'Lady."
"Until then, My Prince." She said as I let go. I would climb into the carriage and wave to her before entering fully. Once the door shut we were off and, at the request of Riri, we would be riding to southern Maros... and given her reasoning I couldn't deny her.
What a trip... but now it was time to ride the road home...
[ - Author's Note - ]
Well... That went well...
I had a bit of an issue when my document program froze up. Thankfully I lost only a paragraph instead of several pages. Yes, that happened to me before here... Always painful.
The Kaguya bit was planned for quite sometime now and I'm glad to have pulled it off. That said the test was embarrassing for our poor girl on several levels but her plan worked, eh? ... Mostly.
In addition we had a moment to see inside of Zenith as well as a good hint as to where some of the funding of the storm is coming from. If anyone remembered back when the Epilogue for Act One the Plutocracy was brought up. Well, there's a reason for it...
We also get a look into Beardsley for a moment and his reaction to Shamhaza's death as well as a chat between himself and Alicia showcasing their relationship... Why I am showing you this?
No reason.
My plan was that he wouldn't get his Class Upgrade yet; I wanted to save that for the Epilogue but then... well, not everything goes to plan. Oh well, it's not going to hurt anything to be honest. But it's something to deal with next chapter.
The new poll is up now at strawpoll(Dot Com)/polls/e6Z28OaEGnN and can be found on Twitter, eostian for the Best Banners of Thorn. I think it'll be the last poll for awhile. As much as I want to do more I think some people are tiring of back to back polls from Act Two. I... can't blame everyone... But please, do vote. It really does help me know what people enjoy.
So, next chapter is, as said, the road home...
Leave a comment please! Tell me what you liked, didn't like, thought was good or silly and so on!
Oh, and since someone will ask... Yes, the Butt God Bug is canon.
~~Eostian Scribe