Well I'm Back with an update. After a long time I can finally update this story. For those unfamiliar this chapter was originally a lore entry but due to some new ideas and writing of the plot for this au we had to remove it but worry not we have this for you readers. An actual chapter instead. Hope you enjoy the interlude
—
Butterfly Kingdom, Mewni Dimension
Deep within the heart of the Butterfly Kingdom, nestled inside its grand castle, lies the Mewnister Bureaucracy Chamber—a space steeped in both grandeur and purpose.
This chamber serves as the meeting room for the Queen's council, the esteemed Lords and Ladies of the Mewnister Houses. From the founding of the Kingdom these vassal houses had pledged their unwavering loyalty to House Butterfly, each entrusted with the governance of different aspects within the Kingdom.
It is here that the Queen and her council would convene to deliberate on matters of great importance, shaping the future of their kingdom.
Yet, despite its significance, the chamber often stood largely empty, for the Mewnister Houses are known for their singular devotion to their roles. The Queen, ever gracious, often prefers to allow them the freedom to focus on their responsibilities, attending to her own duties while they immerse themselves in the intricacies of governance.
The chamber, with its high ceilings and intricately designed walls, has seen its share of revelry as well. It has transformed into a ballroom for grand celebrations, a venue for maidens to host spirited gatherings, birthday festivities, and a myriad of other joyous occasions.
Consequently, it remains a rare sight to witness the chamber filled with the lords and ladies, save for select moments of importance.
Tonight, however, is one of those rare instances. The lords and ladies of each Mewnister House have gathered, seated around a grand round table that commands the center of the chamber. An air of anticipation hangs heavily in the room as they engage in hushed conversations, awaiting the arrival of their Queen, who has yet to make her entrance.
Some of these Mewnister Heads were not quite happy with the waiting
"It's been 30 minutes. She's the one who called for this meeting yet she's nowhere to be seen!" Lord Stone, Head of House Stone, Mewnister of Treasure spoke impatiently tapping the table with his finger.
"Who is she to even summon us!? We're the heads of the Kingdom's Mewnister Houses!" Lord Forest, Head of House Forest, Mewnister of Borders added shaking a fist in the air to emphasize his point though the other Heads merely ignored him save for a few glancing at him looking bored
"She's the queen you idiot. Have you been sniffing mushrooms again that you've forgotten that?" Lady Firefly, Head of House Firefly, Mewnister of Education snapped at Lord Forest, giving him an annoyed glance
"She's no true queen" Lord Stone answered back causing Lady Firefly to scowl
"Yeah! She's just some regent keeping the throne warm for the actual heir" Lord Forest added
"I'd keep my mouth shut if I were you. Before you say something even more foolish" This time Lord Redbird, Head of House Redbird, Mewnister of Security interrupted. He gave Lord Forest an unimpressed look
"What? It's true! She's just some dumb peasant girl who got lucky. Why is she even still queen? Her kid already has the wand! She could ascend the throne just like her predecessor Queen Skywynne did!" Lord Forest ranted.
"Lady Camila says she's too young to rule" Lady Flowers, Head of House Flowers, Mewnister of Law and Justice commented while looking bored and not really caring about the argument.
"The princess is 14. That's more than old enough. Plus isn't that what we the Mewnisters are here for. To assist her in her duties?" Lord Stone questioned
"Queen Camila says she needs more training and experience hence why the princess was sent to train on another dimension!" Lady Firefly countered "Besides if I were her I wouldn't trust you Lord Forest to actually help her with her duties"
At that comment, Lord Forest scowled feeling offended "And what is that supposed to mean you lunatic?!" he stood up from his chair making all the others look between him and Lady Firefly.
"You know exactly what it means mushroom sniffer!" Lady Firefly also stood up while pointing a finger at Forest who gritted his teeth in anger.
Meanwhile the other lords and ladies watched this exchange expecting a fight to break out once again between Forest and Firefly who were known to not like each other very much.
Fortunately before the argument could escalate further, the heavy doors of the chamber swung open with a low creak.
The Queensguards entered the room, their movements smooth and deliberate. Dressed in dark, polished armor and wearing imposing, masked helmets, they carried an air of quiet authority that was hard to ignore.
Unlike the regular royal guards who patrolled the castle, these elite bodyguards were known for their exceptional training and unwavering dedication to their duty.
There were eight of them, each one a formidable presence, ready to respond to any threat to the Queen with unmatched precision.
The atmosphere shifted subtly with their arrival, hinting at the gravity of the situation unfolding.
Moments later, the Queen herself made her entrance, following closely behind her protectors. She stepped into the chamber with a calm confidence that drew attention, the light reflecting off her attire as she surveyed the room, ready to address the tension that had been brewing.
At last, Queen Camila stood before them. Giving the council before her a cold and impassive look.
Lord Forest and Lady Firefly immediately took a seat at this. They along with the rest of the council silently watched as Queen Camila slowly made her way to her seat at the head of table and sat down "Lords and Ladies of the Mewnister Houses. I apologize for my tardiness. An urgent matter had required my attention that I had to attend to" she said to the council, in a professional and even tone.
Two of the Queensguards stood directly next to the Queen while the rest positioned themselves across the room.
"What was this urgent matter if you do not mind me asking your majesty" Lady Cross, Head of House Cross, Mewnister of Health inquired in a polite tone although there was a gleam in her eyes that seems to imply something
"It was of a personal matter to me and does not concern this meeting" Camila said simply and not elaborating.
None of the Heads chose to question it.
Queen Camila then quickly looked over each of the members present for the meeting seemingly judging them. However her sight landed on an empty chair next to Lord McKnight, Mewnister of National Defense.
"I see House Avarius is not present for this meeting" Camila said with a frown, clearly displeased by House Avarius absence.
Lord Forest scoffed "Eh so what? Since when were they important? I tell you they're a waste of a seat in this council. Heck I wouldn't be surprised if he and his family are off visiting another resort squandering precious funds. Queen Crescenta should never have given those monsters a seat at our table when they never do anything with it"
Lady Firefly seemed like she wanted to comment but stopped herself seeing Queen Camila in thought at Lord Forest's words
"Well no matter. I will deal with Lord Brudo myself after this meeting. Which brings me to the matter of why I've summoned you all. I've decided that there will be cuts to some of your funds" Camila explained.
Almost immediately there were clear discontent among some of the Heads. Some didn't look bothered and simply nodded while some were clearly displeased with this news and muttered something with Lord Stone even briefly looking angry before calming himself. Although chief among those discontent was Lord Forest who quickly made his thoughts on the matter known.
"Cutting our funds?! Why would you do such a thing?!" Lord Forest exclaimed.
"I've looked through the reports on all of your spending and its taking a considerable toll on the royal treasury" Camila explained not bothered by Lord Forest outburst "Effective immediately the following houses will have their funding reduced.
Queen Camila then listed down each of the houses and the percentage of their funds that were cut. Each with varying amounts and reactions. Although the heads accepted the decision without much complaint that is until it was Lord Forest's turn
"...and due to reports of excessive and suspicious spending, House Forest shall have their funds decreased by fifty percent"
"No!" Lord Forest suddenly stood up slamming his hands on the table.
The two guards behind Camila immediately got into battle ready stance but did not draw their weapons…yet
The Queen's eyes which seemed to briefly glow a color blue narrowed them at Lord Forest "What was that now?"
Lord Forest seemingly realizing the position he was in now with how the other heads looked at him and the Queensguard waiting for his next move immediately sat down "I mean…no disrespect" he said looking away
In response Queen Camila took a deep breath and stood up which made Lord Forest, flinch while Lady Firefly smirked looking like she was going to enjoy what was going to happen next.
"Would you like to know why your house received such a big cut, Lord Forest?" Camila said her tone sounding like a parent scolding their child as all eyes laid on the Lord being scolded
"I uh…." Lord Forest hesitated
"Lord forest. According to your reports. You manage to spend all your funding in just a month and its almost twice the amount that House Cross has. Can you explain to me then exactly what do you use your funds on?" The Queen questioned.
Lord Forest stammered "Um… fortifications and increased pay for our border troops to better protect mewni. Also incentives for new recruits?"
Lady Firefly snickered "Incentives? Yeah right! You're probably just spending all that money at the brothels with dancing men and women"
Lord Forest growled "Shut up, lunatic!"
Lady Firefly raised her hands in mock surrender but nonetheless was still snickering at her fellow lord's situation.
"Well, Lord Forest" Camila brought the man's attention back to her "Since you are unable to justify or explain your spending. Your budget cut will proceed as it is. Any questions?" the queen asked in a tone as if daring him to defy her.
Lord Forest for his part considered his words and looked around. He saw none of the other heads would back him up with Lord Stone even shaking his head at him.
"No…"
"No….what?" Queen Camila pressed
"No, your majesty" Lord Forest said as he looked down to avoid any further humiliation.
"Good," Queen Camila declared as she gracefully resumed her seat, her Queensguard relaxing their stance. "I am pleased to see you comprehend the gravity of this situation. I trust you will elevate your performance, for you are, after all, a Mewnister head. Despite the blatant disrespect you have shown me, I am willing to grant you a second chance."
"T-Thank you, Your Majesty," Lord Forest stammered, his gaze fixed on the ground. Were he to look up, he would have caught the bemused expressions of his peers, particularly Lady Firefly, who wore a grin that showed her delight in his misfortune.
The remainder of the meeting proceeded without further incident. The Queen addressed various matters with the Lords and Ladies, discussing issues such as trade, food supplies, and the training of new squires.
Within the span of an hour, the meeting concluded, and the heads of the houses did not linger, swiftly departing. All except for Lord Redbird, who chose to remain, as if he had anticipated this.
"Lord Redbird," Queen Camila began, her tone commanding attention, "have you fulfilled my request?"
Lord Redbird nodded earnestly. He reached into his pocket and presented her with what appeared to be a file. "Yes, Your Majesty. I have dispatched my scouts and men to investigate the demon realm."
"And what did you uncover?" Camila inquired, her interest piqued.
"It is as you surmised. The Demon Realm is but a shadow of its former self, as reflected in the records of the Magic High Commission. The seas boil, and the air carries a foul scent, likely due to the corpses of the giants that litter the land. Yet, I must admit, the civilizations that have emerged from their remains are quite fascinating. Still, I find myself puzzled as to why you chose to send your daughter here for training instead of to a place like Earth," Lord Redbird ventured, curiosity evident in his voice.
"I have my reasons, Lord Redbird," Camila replied succinctly, her eyes scanning the file. "What of the Boiling Isles?"
"From our findings, the Boiling Isles appear relatively peaceful. The natives are amicable enough, despite being governed by a questionable regime. But that is not the information you seek, is it?" he responded, keenly aware of her intent.
Camila leveled a penetrating gaze at Redbird. "I require assurance… that it is safe. Glossaryk was the one who suggested it to me, yet I wish to verify."
"For now, I can confidently assert that it is safe. I have instructed my agent to maintain vigilance, however, and they will notify me should any troublesome developments arise," Redbird explained.
"Thank you, Lord Redbird. You are dismissed," Queen Camila said, her tone softening.
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Lord Redbird replied, rising from his seat before exiting the chamber, leaving the Queen alone with her guards.
Once alone, she could not suppress a weary sigh. Luz was now fourteen, and by law, her daughter should be ascending to the throne.
Yet, Camila knew she was not ready. There were far too many challenges that her little girl was ill-prepared to face. Others might deem her selfish for clinging to the crown, but if her selfishness meant securing a brighter future for her daughter, one that would ease her path as queen, then so be it.
Resolute, she stood and departed the chamber, her Queensguard following closely behind.
–--
A/N: Well here we have Camila finally introduced. I hope you enjoyed her portrayal. The Mewnister houses are basically like departments helping run the kingdom except by nobles as part of our expansion on the world building of Mewni and the lore.
The Mewnisters are based on the ones from Queens of Mewni AU which has been archived and apparently the lore is up for grabs(I think) but these ones are my own interpretation of them for the story and they will be important later.
But to those unfamiliar here is the full list of the Mewnisters
The Mewnisters of Mewni.
House Redbird- Mewnister of Security
House Flowers- Mewnister of Law and Justice
House Fields- Mewnister of Agriculture
House Stone- Mewnister of Treasure
House Waterson- Mewnister of Trade and Fishery
House Forest- Mewnister of Borders
House Firefly- Mewnister of Education
House Cross- Mewnister of Health
House McKnight- Mewnister of Army
House Avarius- Mewnister of Monster Rights
Anyways see you all next update. If you have any questions let me know