Chapter 103: The Grand Duchess鈥檚 Influence_Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 103: The Grand Duchess’s Influence

 The invasion has just beenunched from the Citadel, headed for the gulf to then make their way into the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy without confrontation. There isn’t much of a demon-kin presence between the Citadel and the gulf, especially if they take the right route. The shuttles will have to make many trips back and forth to ferry all of the golems across the gulf, which will take days. But, the very first deliveries will be an armored vehicle capable of withstanding almost anything eastern soldiers can throw at them, assuming they can get close enough to fight.

 Hekate paces around the library in frustration, trying to read the book on history that Erimaya insists she read. It details history mostly from the Empire’s perspective, with schrs from various allied kingdoms having contributed.

 Unfortunately, the little feldrok empress is focused on the matter in the present.

 “Grrah! I can’t study like this! What do a bunch of dead people have to do with a battle right now!”

 Erimaya watches patiently, also practicing writing magic spells under tutge of Thymeria, who is transcribing texts from Daniel’s phone while Wenlianna is working in herb on research that doesn’t need it.

 Aramellianna, lounging in the library as her daughters read various books of their own choosing, remarks with amusement, “Well, your Greatness, history can help a strategist find the best solution before a battle is even nned, have an idea of how enemies might approach, and what the consequences are if failure urs.”

 “I know!” whines Hekate. “But, all these names and ces and things are already gone. Except the kingdoms, I guess… But, if we’re strong enough, who cares about history?”

 The Grand Duchess smiles, exining gently, “A wise Empress should care about history, your Greatness. It is a collection of the most numerous lessons anyone could ever learn. How to govern, how to wage war, and how to thrive in peace. Take me for instance; I learned of otherworldly summonsing to our world, and the moment one of them happened into a position I could take advantage of, I took it. The Grand Duchy is now the wealthiest single territory on the continent. We’ve cornered rare gems and enhanced magic crystals in one strike, have the leading technology in water distribution and flood control, and are on the cutting edge of military technology.”

 “Mother,” starts Yormollett. “Are you saying… you used Wenlie to snatch Daniel?”

 The Grand Duchess smirks deviously. “No. I’m saying I did not hesitate to recognize my daughter’s eye for talent, and I ensured they had everything they needed to benefit all of us; Wenlianna’s passion, the Grand Duchy’s wealth, and my own personalforts. I won because we all won.” She leans on the arm of the lounger she’s seated on, feigning a distressed expression. “And now, the Grand Duchy is under invasion and to be conquered. I’m the worst Grand Duchess ever.”

 Everyone else chuckles uneasily, and Aramellianna sits up. “Please,ugh a little. It’s funny. If you think I’ve made a mistake, you’ve learned nothing. Rikuto is out of control, and Greydald should have stepped in long ago. He barely got the economy stabilized before bankrupting the kingdom to fuel his attack. After the Fievegal trounced a joint army in a single day. Not to mention, his own fear stems from a weapon Daniel apparently knows how to build and is the only one.”

 Erimaya remarks, “If you had seen what this weapon could do, Grand Duchess, you would know that the knowledge is safe in no one’s hands.”

 “And now, Rikuto has made aparable weapon that is in the hands of dozens of people capable of replicating it.”

 “I feel like I should be doing something,” deres Hekate. “I need to be doing something. I feel so anxious.”

 “That is something you must get used to, your Greatness,” replies Vaergraes. “Worse than receiving reports of losses is awaiting reports. But, you can’t fight every battle. I’m afraid Daniel is no better suited to leadership in this regard.”

 Aramellianna looks around, asking, “Yes, where is my soon-to-be son inw?”

 Hekate shoots her a soft re, and she grumbles, “Probably off with one of his temptresses. I notice Wenlianna isn’t here.”

 Aramellianna grins, amused by the response more than knowing anything specific. “Yes, well, there are quite a few absent from study time. The Dragon Empresses do not seem to favor the library as much.”

 “They prefer to spend time in the sun,” replies Vaergraes. “It’s beneficial to them and their eggs, so they say.”

 “They’re also speaking to the other dragons,” adds Hekate. “Most of the dragons don’t want to acknowledge me as Empress, and a human as Emperor even less, but Ryuo, Reina, and Geira all held sway under the former dragon ruler.”

 “I’ve heard. Though, I do have to wonder… Whates after the Fievegal is firmly rooted and the princes and princesses all start growing up? Certainly, some of them will be potential suitors to the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy, I’ve no doubt, but have you given thought to peerages and territorial lordship, your Greatness?”

 Hekate stares at her, and she looks to Erimaya for help.

 Erimaya exins, “She’s asking if you’ll establish territories… Counties, Duchies, Marquisates, and the like, and name the heirs of the Fievegal who will not be in line for the crown as their governing lords anddies.”

 “I… hadn’t thought of that. Sh-Should I be? I… I don’t even… That’s a long time off, isn’t it?”

 “You should start considering it, your Greatness so a n is in ce when the timees. Such future ns will help keep your mind upied while you await reports.”

 Hekate nods, appreciative of the suggestion.

 “I would also humbly rmend reviewing current affairs, such as farming and road construction, Hekate,” adds Vaergraes. “As each seed is nted or each tree cleared, you might discover small problems adding up, or see a better location.”

 “I agree with her Grace, the Archpriestess, your Greatness,” replies Aramellianna. “But, I would urge you not to slip into over-governing. Your subordinates have a duty as well as a right to govern without your constant interference, and such interference can get in the way of progress. Not to say you would, but I can assure you, I understand the impulse all too well.”

 Hekate grins at them. “I just need to recruit the best of the best to help me.” She winks at the Grand Duchess obviously, and the Stalvaltan matriarch chuckles. Winking is something Daniel taught Hekate, so the meaning isn’t specific to anything on Zenkon, but the intent is there.

 The young feldrok empress then adds as she ponders, “Now, if I can just bring Leiwelles over to our side,...”

 Suddenly, Thymeria screams, and everyone snaps their attention to her, with Vaergraes scrambling up from her seat and Illianna leaping down from the upper level of the library to go on guard of the younger sister of the Uhl’tall archpriestess.

 Thymeria is covering her eyes as strange soundse from the table, and her cheeks are filled with color, adding a rosy hue to her skin.

 The noise is startling and causes a rosy hue in all who hear it clearly enough to recognize it for what it is. It is the distinct sounds of a woman moaning and eximingscivious outcries during apparent nighttime recreation.

 And, when Illianna investigates the screen of Daniel’s phone, her jaw drops, and her own cheeks fill with color as she stumbles back. She notices Vaergraes start to move closer, and the advisor rushes to her matron, eximing, “My Lady! You mustn’t! Don’t look!”

 Hekate looks, and she is surprised at what she finds. While thescivious moaning has stopped, and it seems to be people talking, it isn’t possible to describe what she sees, at least not with words she knows. The people disyed on screen are talking in anguage from Earth, which isn’t anguage her feldrok magic can automatically trante. The two people talking as the screen shows their faces in alternation appear to be women, matched with feminine voices. One has blonde hair and is made to look like an elf with an abundantly well-endowed chest, while the other looks to be a young woman around Hekate’s age with ck hair and distinct ck cat ears and a slender ck feline tail.

 The images are expressive like real faces, but not real. It almost looks like a drawing, but moves as if they’re alive, and the two characters seem to be close, though they sound like they’re bickering.

 Aramellianna asks from a distance, guarding her daughters from getting too curious, “Your Greatness? What is it?”

 “I… don’t know. It’s… It’s like an illusion, but… with drawings. Th-That move.”

 A male character makes an appearance with grey hair and horns, as well as a long cape, and the two female characters are highly affectionate with him in their own ways. The illusion changes, and the characters are naked in a bath, and Hekate feels her cheeks heat up. She ps her hands over the screen, but it doesn’t stop the yful and mischievous sounds that the elf character, judging by the voice, starts making.

 “Make it stop!” cries Illianna as she pounces towards the phone, and both she and Hekate fumble with the fun as the sounds continue.

 “I’m trying! I’m trying!” cries out Hekate. They finally manage to stop the strange illusion, and everyone gives the phone a wide berth like it’s something filthy.

 Thymeria whines, “I… I… I feel dirty…”

 Vaergraes does her best tofort her younger sister, and Hekate sits on the floor, defeated. Aramellianna asks curiously, “Was… that something on Daniel’s artifact from Earth?”

 “Yeah…” mumbles Hekate. “But, Daniel said there might be things we don’t understand on it.”

 “I… I had no idea… Lord Daniel…” whimpers Thymeria.

 The Grand Duchess asks coldly, “This was the very same artifact my precious Wenlianna was in possession of?”

 Everyone goes awkwardly quiet as they look at her, and she deres to no one in particr, “Minister Xyreko.”

 The golem caretaker of the Citadel appears in a sh of light, and she asks, “Yes, your Grace?”

 “Forgive my impudence, as this wille as rather rude, but please summon all thedies of the Fievegal Inner Court. There is something we must discuss.”

 The golem doesn’t even bat an eye, so to speak, bowing politely as she confirms. “At once, your Grace. Will the family dining hall suffice?”

 “Yes. I believe we will need to have a discussion, and table service would be much appreciated.”

 “I will inform everyone not present. The meeting shallmence in fifteen minutes.” The golem vanishes just as quickly as she arrived, and Aramellianna says coldly, “Bring the artifact. My dear Wenlianna has some exining to do.”

 ***

 Daniel hearsughing, and he crosses over a grassy hill to find a beautiful sight. six children sharing traits of Doephluev and Daniel are ying together, while a very pregnant Doephluev sits on a pic nket in a beautiful dress. She’s also wearing a gorgeous crown made of colorful gemstones and sparkling tinum metal. She looks every bit the beautiful ruling wife of the Fievegal. She looks at Daniel, waving at him happily.

 The human mechanic approaches, and she tenderly greets him. “My beloved husband, join us for a pic. Rx.”

 Daniel finds himselfying on herp, and she pets his head as sheforts him.

 But, something feels off.

 ~~~

 Daniel wakes up from a vivid dream, and he finds Doephluev snuggled on his chest, sleeping happily. He instantly bes suspicious, and he rolls them over to pin her down, holding her hands above her head on the ground and startling her awake. “My Emperor!? I… What’s going on!?”

 “That dream…” growls Daniel, though he’s not angry. He’s just suspicious of her now. Since their ‘break’, where they didn’t rest very much, she has been calling him ‘my Emperor’, getting bolder and bolder with her advances.

 “Y-You were having a dream, Master? You interrupted mine. It was such a wonderful dream. I was happily pregnant with your children, and six of our lovely babies were ying together during a pic…”

 “Same dream,” replies Daniel bluntly. “Which brings me to my point. How did we both have the same dream?”

 She blushes. “P-Perhaps… my magic connected our dreams. I-It has been known to happen when two people are bonded closely.”

 “You sure it isn’t an attempt at mind control? Or subtle brainwashing?”

 She smiles, leaning her head as close to his as she can, though he’s pinning her down. “What’s wrong? Afraid of me bing your wife and Empress, my beloved Daniel? You already have me in the motherly way, and you have seen more of me than anyone else in this world. What’s so terrifying about me being your first and most precious consort?”

 “Other than Hekate murdering both of us, I would say the fact that you always seem like you’re scheming.”

 She pouts her lips, replying, “A fair observation. But, it was merely a dream. A dream that became linked without my intention, though it does make me a little happy that we shared such a wonderful dream.”

 “More like infected with someone’s wishes.”

 “That’s no fair… But, if it would make you morefortable, I can perform a dawnsight and link you to it so you can see what the future will likely hold.”

 “And, how would I know that it’s true?”

 “You’re so very suspicious of your wife, my Emperor. But, you would be wee to verify it with anyone else that can perform dawnseeing. A true dawnseer is an artist of the craft, and the craft can’t be faked. It’s hard to describe how you would know if you were to see it, but if you have me do it first, and then do it with someone you trust, you’ll see very little difference between the images.” She grins. “Or, are you afraid of seeing me as one of your beloved wives in the near future?”

 Daniel is silent for a moment. They’re still on a mission in the middle of a fantasy-style dungeon, essentially, where monsters are scattered all around on the various floors, though unlike a fantasy dungeon, there aren’t experience points,bat levels, or items that magically drop from the monsters. There also isn’t an increasing difficulty. It is just a secluded ce where beasts that like the darkness decided to gather, and the ‘difficulty’ of any one monster has nothing to do with its location other than where it can find adequate food and water.

 He is curious, though, and they’re still waking up. “How long will it take?”

 “Just a few minutes. We’ll be plenty safe enough if you’d like to do it now. Truth be told, I’m quite curious myself.”

 “Fine, but no funny business, Doephluev.”

 She smiles, “My beloved Daniel, I will only do funny business in the form of mischief to make you love me, never to harm or anger you.”

 They sit on the floor in the small safe-zone Doephluev’s magic creates, and she takes Daniel’s hand, cing it on her own chest. Daniel looks at her skeptically, and she answers his brewing remark, “Yes, it’s part of forming the connection, my Love. You’ve touched them already. What do you care?”

 “You’re shameless.”

 “Whatever works, My Emperor.” She winks yfully at him before chanting the spell to begin the dawnseeing.

 She whispers, “Rx, my Love. You must sink into the dawnsight like falling asleep.”

 Daniel exhales, doing his best to put all other thoughts out of his mind. He can feel her heartbeat and her soft breathing, and the coolness of her skin where her hands hold his.

 And, as if he is suddenly dreaming, Daniel suddenly bes aware that he is somewhere, with the strange feeling of not knowing how he got there. The scene around him is the family dining room, though it’s even more crowded than usual -which is a feat-. There are many children now, though Daniel can’t seem to recognize defining traits about them other than simple markers, like seeing a bunch of strangers in a crowd, though he can’t even make out genders or facial features of the children. Regardless, he can tell ratherfortably the parentage of the children; they have traits matching their parents and a sort of colorful aura that seems to remind Daniel of the same. Two children have a silvery white aura, as well as horns and tails, and two more children have a sky-blue aura with simr horns and tails. Three simr children have an orange aura, one an aura of blended pink and blue, lots of goblin children, including Jieka, Tekten, Daugli, and Pomiel, and a few more that seem to match the other members of Daniel’s family. As for those individuals, they are all present as well.

 And, yfully bickering with one of the silver-dragon children is a child with elf-like features, and another across the table with the same aura sharing a treat with Jieka and Tekten. A third of the same violet-colored auras is being catered to by their mother, who has a violet aura and is wiping her child’s face after thetter made a mess.

 That mother, whose children are members of the family shunned by no one, is none other than Doephluev, with Ryuogriar offering another napkin as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. She’s not wearing her simple servant’s dress, but instead, a more regal looking outfit that fits in with everyone else.

 Though he can’t really tell, the children look no older than three years old, mainly going off of Jieka and Tekten, who are the oldest, though their diminutive size makes it difficult to tell how old they actually are.

 A person with blonde hair and crimson red eyes, but an overall gentle expression enters the room, and Daniel feels like he recognizes her, but the dawnsight ends, with Daniel snapping his eyes open as if it were a dream. He feels like he has a headache, and Doephluev catches him as he pitches forward, suddenly feeling weak.

 She says gently, “Apologies, my Emperor. I should have paid closer attention. I exhausted your mana. It was reckless of me.” She whispers, “Y-... You may… punish me as you see fit…”

 It was a detailed vision, but it felt like only seconds that Daniel actually got to observe anything, and then it was over. He asks wearily, not pushing her away yet, “Dawnseeing… I… Is… What…?” He fumbles for the question he wants to ask, unable to clear his head.

 She pets his back, holding him affectionately the whole while. “If you mean to ask if it is the future we just saw, certainly. Or at least, it is the way the future is currently headed.”

 Daniel finally looks at her, and she rxes her support of him. She adds with her hands folded in front of her, “Not everything in a dawnsightes to pass, and details change between one sight and another. Tomorrow, there might be more or fewer children.”

 Daniel starts to go pale, but she quickly reassures him. “Th-There are many reasons for that same scenario! Tomorrow’s dawnsight might be closer in the future that this one, or a different day when not everyone is gathered. O-Obviously, other reasons… But, the first and most important rule about dawnseeing is that a dawnsight may show the results of attempting to prevent a future just as easily as it could show the future to be prevented. Careless use of dawnseeing is dangerous, and is better used to prepare to react to the premonition, rather than to prevent it.”

 Daniel massages his forehead as the headache slowly subsides, aching deeply in his mind. Thankfully, he lived most of his life without any mana, and he barely has enough to aplish anything now, so it won’t impede their progress in the dungeon.

 That said, he takes a breath and sighs. “So, if I try to prevent seeing you at that dining table, I could just as easily cause it.”

 She pouts, and he adds softly and wearily, “Sorry. Bad joke.” He sighs again. “Listen, Doephluev. I… don’t hate you as much as I thought I did originally. Maybe I forgive too easily. Everyone walked away, and you’re rather simple as a person, at least your desires are easy to read. Your mind is a mystery, though.”

 “Thank you, my Love. I think…” She then bes yful. “But, you see? The future is always changing, but something like what we saw will be very likely.” She slides closer to take a kneeling seat on hisp, cooing tenderly, “I already love you. And, it seems you’re bing more and more affectionate with me, my Emperor.” She hugs him under his arms, holding her head to his cor. She teases, “You already called me empress once. You said it’s not impossible. What you just saw is not guaranteed, but very likely. And, I wholly wee such an oue, my husband-to-be.” She smiles cutely up at him.

 He thinks quietly for a moment, and he adds softly, “I… won’t try to change the future based on the vision you just showed me. It’s… not an unpleasant future. Though, I won’t make any promises, either. Bing friendly with the others is your responsibility.”

 She smiles softly. “I’ll do my best to win the others over, also. Though, I can’t help if they be jealous of me as the ruling Empress. I will allow you your consorts, of course…”

 “You really do want us both to be murdered, don’t you?”

 She giggles yfully, and Daniel stretches, feeling well enough to move again. “Ready to keep going?”

 “Of course! Anything you desire, my Emperor.”

 “Then, let’s get this magic thing and go home.”

 “Right behind you!” They clean up the small camp and resume their mission, with Doephluev using her magic to outline any monsters in the darkness for Daniel as she did before.

 Together, they make steady progress through the levels towards their goal.

 ***

 Wenlianna escorts Ahok, who is still nervous around other people after what happened during her mission. The half-goblin magic artisan designed the weapon that erased Fort Twilight, but at thest moment, she tried to stop it. Having been betrayed by her own troops, she was retrieved by Daniel and hispanions, healed and offered an opportunity to serve as their Chief Artisan, only surpassed by the Empresses and Consorts in authority, which includes Wenlianna.

 Four dragons are present; the three dragon empresses, as well as Rose, who is carrying her own egg just like the empresses do, and she is in more casual clothing.

 Additionally, Aramellianna is seated at the head of the table, where Daniel usually sits with Hekate and Ryuogriar at either side of him.

 “Wenlianna,” remarks the Grand Duchess with a very familiar tone.

 “M-Mother?”

 “Take a seat, Wenlianna,” states the matron sternly, gesturing to the seat to her own right, opposite of where Yanidere is currently seated.

 The young woman says gently to Ahok, “Please excuse me, Ahok. We’ll continue our discussionter.”

 Ahok nods, and she approaches the two goblin mothers seated with their children. “Um… y-your Majesties?”

 The goblin queen known as Shek turns, and she asks brightly, “Yes, Lady Ahok?”

 “M-May I sit next to you?”

 “Of course! Sh-We wee you. Forgive me if sound not smart. Shek and Skloe learning Easternnguage proper.”

 “I-I see,” replies Ahok as she takes a seat nervously. Everyone in the room outranks her, except maybe Rose. It’s a function of how few people are a part of the Citadel so far, but it’s still intimidating.

 Aramellianna takes a moment to greet Ahok, “Lady Ahok, I’m d to see you in good health. If you need anything, ask, and I shall give all in my power to make it so.”

 “Same,” adds Hekate. The young feldrok empress then stands up, saying, “Now then, look at the time. I should…”

 “Sit down,” states Aramellianna in a tone that could freeze the dragons solid mid-firebreath. Hekate instinctively yelps, “Ye-Yesh!” She sits back down faster than she stood up, sitting rigidly in her chair. Ryuogriar chuckles softly.

 Erimaya also snickers softly, and Yormolett gives her a cautious smile. The Princess knows Aramellianna, but she doesn’t know the tone the Grand Duchess just used.

 “Princess, this will concern you as well, since there seems to be a matter my darling Wenlianna has left out.”

 “Wh-What matter?” asks Wenlianna nervously.

 “Soon, my dear.” The Grand Duchess looks directly at Hekate, Ryuogriar, Geirahoel, and Reignleif, who are seated on the right side of the table closest to the head. “Please allow me to ask, your Graces, your Greatness. Is his Grace the Emperor satisfied?”

 This causes a mass quake of the table as many of those seated around it suddenly flinch. Ahok notices the pale and tense expressions of almost everyone, save Illianna, Thymeria, Shek, and Skloe. In the case of thetter three, they seem surprised that everyone else has turned tense.

 Hekate stammers, “S-S-S-Satisfied? Yes! He… Wh-Why do you ask?”

 Ryuogriar nods in agreement. “I have much to learn about behaving like a proper wife to a human, but Mukori has expressed no dissatisfaction.”

 “Papa happy!” exims Jieka excitedly.

 Aramellianna studied everyone’s expressions, focusing most notably on those whose cheeks have gone a bright shade of pink. The Grand Duchess then rifies. “I did not mean if he was happy in general with his current state of affairs. I was more specifically referring to satisfaction in the bedroom.”

 “How is that any of your business!?” snaps Geirahoel.

 The Grand Duchess doesn’t show any hint of intimidation, even though a dragon just shouted at her. Hekate does her best to defend them, “Your Grace, Daniel is very happy. In fact, we sleep together often, and he sleeps all night long!”

 Aramellianna smirks, replying with a cool and somewhat exasperated tone, “I see. I believe those two questions alone answered my question.” She finally slides the phone to Wenlianna, and Wenlianna turns pale.

 “M-Mother? I…”

 “You’re a smart girl, my dear Wenlianna.”

 Wenlianna looks at everyone around them. “M-Mother!? C-C-Can’t we… Can’t we talk in private?”

 “No. I don’t think we will. After all, if there was anything to hide on this artifact, it could be seen as a scandal if the eldest daughter of a Grand Duchy were discovered to have indulged in it.”

 Wenlianna can’t form words, stammering unintelligibly.

 “So, you knew it was there, hmm?” She sighs. “Sweet Priestess Thymeria stumbled upon the strange illusion magic, and what I heard matched some of the descriptions I heard from the servants when you were holed up in yourb.”

 “I-I-I can exin!” whines Wenlianna. “I was g-g-going through everything, a-and I only stumbled across it!” She blushes, looking to the side as she fidgets. “And then… curiosity got the better of me… and before I knew it, I couldn’t stop.”

 “This one illusion entertained you for so long?” asks the Grand Duchess. She has been to ys before, but usually, it’s more of a social event rather than entertainment for someone of her status.

 “It’s a whole series!” exims Wenlianna. She gasps, covering her mouth as she shrinks. “I-I-I mean…”

 Aramellianna narrows her eyes as she stares at her eldest daughter.

 “Go on,” replies the Grand Duchess seriously.

 Wenlianna takes a breath and exhales. “It’s not just the ones that are… um… l-lewd. There is an amazing variety! It’s like thousands and thousands of ys, but they were drawn by hand! And, they’re addicting…” She goes distant as she stares at the phone.

 Aramellianna remains silent as she sits on Wenlianna’s words, deliberating. She then asks, “Wenlianna, can I trust you have made use of what you learned?”

 Again, Wenlianna turns a bright shade of pink from embarrassment. “M-Mother! I… How can you be so shameless!?”

 “I am the Grand Duchess of Stalvaltan, Wenlianna. I have set more trends and stayed at the forefront of the culture of Mornistae for the better part of my life. It is fair to say that I am one of the most influential individuals in the entire world.” She grins deviously, which puts everyone else in the room off their guard, including the female Stalvaltan Guard standing behind her and her own daughters. She adds to her own thought, “Whether something is scandalous or not is often based solely on how it is sold.”

 ***

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Chapter 103: The Grand Duchess鈥檚 Influence