Book 7: Chapter Ep


    In Willeron Pce in the Kingdom of Natra


    Aghhhhh, Eliseeeeee


    Fnya Elk Arbalest was lying across a desk, longing for the hm baby back in the Empire.


    I thought youd nevere home, Nanaki grumbled, recalling the scene.


    As theyd prepared to return to Natra, Fnya had refused to stop attending to Elise and let her go. It was like she was bidding farewell to her own life. In the end, Nanaki had to practically drag her back.


    But Elise was so cute! You understand, dont you, Nanaki?!


    We have officers with children in Natra, too. Im sure theyll let you y with them.


    Its different! Im sure theyre adorable, but I want to see Elise! Fnya kicked her feet up, still face-nted on the desk.


    Nanaki gave up on any further attempt at constructive conversation. Anyway, you have a meeting soon.


    Oh, right. Fnya hurriedly straightened her posture. Nanaki assisted her in fixing her appearance.


    A knock came from outside the door. Ive arrived at your request.


    A middle-aged man with a small frame appeared before them. His features were rather lifeless, and his demeanor was dry. However, Fnya looked at him and smiled.


    Thank you foring. I may be inexperienced, but I hope you will support me as my vassal, starting today.


    I am so thankful to have the opportunity to stand before you, as someone who took refuge in the Empire after I was chased from my homnd. I would want nothing more than to serve you. The man continued, There is one thing I wish to ask, Your Highness.


    Ask away.


    Do you not know that I harbor some resentment toward your brother, Prince Wein?


    I do, Fnya answered, nodding. My brother had thating to him. I imagine you might try to get him to fallphysically and sociallyas you serve me.


    So why have you chosen me?


    Fnya briefly considered this. Allow me to ask a question. I believe youve heard of whats happening in the Empire. Do you know what I did for Natra during this incident?


    Yes You went to the Imperial Capital in Prince Weins stead, met with many of its local leaders, and returned to Natra with several treaties that work in our favor.


    Thats right. I delivered a message from my brother to Princess Lowellmina, thus hindering her n. I made several connections with some of the most important people in the Empire. Fnya had on a look that seemed to mock herself, which didnt suit her features. In short, I was a living letter. Even though all the valuable treaties were technically set up by Wein, Princess Lowellmina wants to build me up as another authority figure in Natra, so she can pit me against Wein.


    If that is what is concerning you, appointing me is not


    No. Its necessary, Fnya said firmly. With Natra expanding, my brother cant be everywhere at once. Even in this instance, I bet I could have served a greater purpose if I were better at handling this stuff. He might have even pushed back on the Empire. But thats not what happened. Because Icked experience.


    There was power in Fnyas voice. Lowellmina called it devilish. The man standing directly before her and even Nanaki trembled a little.


    I admit it. Im looked down upon. By both foreign nations and even my brother. All because I still have much to learn. Unfortunately, I cant fix that overnight. I need a capable vassal to support me.


    The man groaned quietly. Should he ept or reject this offer? His decision kept flip-flopping in his heart until he finally reached a simple answer.


    But that doesnt change the fact that I pose a threat.


    Fnya offered a small smile. Her lovely lips parted so she could reminisce on an old memory.


    I once asked my brother, What makes a great king?


    What makesa great king?


    They always talk about it in epics. Even if the ruler is ipetent, they might find that honest and capable vassals are drawn to them. That makes a great king, ording to them.


    Did Prince Wein say that it was something else?


    Yes. My brother asked me this: Are you saying there would be no kings if there were no honest and capable people in the world?


    The man blinked at her, looking surprised. I guesshes right.


    People will want things from their king. But a king cant expect things from his people. In the same way, you cant demand integrity from your vassals. That just shows youre an ipetent king. A real ruler isnt just a beacon of hope for the people. They understand and handle the darker side of human nature: self-interest, enmity, corruption, ineptitude, criminality I was so shocked when I heard that.


    Fnya had no way of knowing that Wein had told her this while he was on the lookout for honest and capable people. Natra had still been a small, insignificant nation. Hed made thisment out of frustrationWho needs talent? I can do this on my own! I definitely dont care that no one wants toe to our little country! I couldnt care less! But that was a story for another day.


    And thats why youve called upon me?


    Thats right. Just so were clear, I do need you here. Not just for you to serve as my vassal. I need this to test myself. Am I just a figurehead? Or will I be able to help my brother in some way? Im trying to see if I can take your poison, Fnya stated.


    The man looked at her and squinted as if staring into the sun.


    Your resolve is admirable, Your Highness. The mans expression burned with a hint of fire. I do not have much skill, but I shall be your pir and your poison.


    Fnya smiled. I look forward to working with youSir Sirgis.


    Before his young and brilliant master, the former prime minister of Delunio bowed.


    Huh. Fnya hired Sirgis? Wein said with intrigue as he listened to Ninyms report in his office. Thats one heck of a plot twist. Why would Sirgis be in the Empire?


    After you bested him and he fell from power, his other political crimes came to light, and he was banished from Delunio. After traveling to various countries and failing to find a home in any of them, he secluded himself in the Empire.


    Aw, thats sad.


    I think so, too, Mr. Perpetrator.


    Wein averted his eyes. Anyway, it looks like he found a good gig with Fnya.


    It seems your tutor, udius, is connected to Sirgis. When Princess Fnya mentioned that she was looking for a vassal, he told her Sirgiss location in the Empire. When she arrived at the capital, it seems Her Highness went to convince him herself.


    Wow, real nice of udius to introduce her to someone that I share bad blood with.


    udius was now Fnyas tutor, but he used to teach Wein. Unlike him, she was an exemry student, who must have been much more gratifying to teach.


    So what will you do about Sirgis?


    It was a simple question, but it was asking if he would get rid of him.


    Wein had forced him out of his role in his homnd, so it was only reasonable to assume Sirgis harbored some resentment against him. He must have been aiming to use Fnya to get his revenge on Natra.


    Wein waved Ninyms concerns off. Just leave him alone for now. Well respect Fnya and her choices.


    Youre as easy on Her Highness as ever.


    Right back at ya. Ill deal with it if looks like it might pose some problems.


    So well just surveil her for now.


    With their policy on Sirgis decided, they moved on to the next topic of discussion.


    Now the Empire is convinced that weve joined Lowellminas faction.


    Demetrio got me good at the end. Plus, we couldnt have teamed up with the middle and youngest princes after we made enemies out of them.


    By the way, how serious were you about presenting Prince Demetrio as a gift to the West?


    Fifty-fifty, Wein grumbled. If we could just keep him in Natra, we might have gotten some stuff from the Empire and the West, even if we didnt say anything about our stance on the matter. In the end, all I got were a few treaties that give us a little boost, which sucks.


    And those were considered the sess of Princess Fnya.


    Yeah! Lowa doesnt miss a thing!


    It would be noughing matter if Princess Fnya became involved in the struggle for the throne. Ill keep an even closer watch within the pce, but you have to stay on your toes, too, Wein.


    I got it. At any rate, the Empire will be paralyzed while its recovering from this mess. Lets just drop it for now. He looked at the letter in front of him. This is our real problem.


    An invite to the postponed Gathering of the Chosen.


    The Teachings of Levetia was the biggest religion in the West. The Gathering of the Chosen was its annual conference of the Holy Elites. Wein had just received an invitation to the event, which should have been closed to all except the Holy Elites.


    Think its a trap? he asked.


    I do.


    What do you think will get us: a demon or a snake?


    My vote is for something scarier that chases them both away.


    Suddenly, I dont feel like going!


    Well, thats another topic you can discuss with the vassals. We have to think it over.


    Wein nodded. No kidding.


    Sheesh. As soon as I get back from the South, Im pulled to the East and West. I get no rest.


    Isnt that normal for you?


    I feel like thats something that really shouldnt be normal, Miss Ninym!


    Ninym ignored him, feigning ignorance.


    And thus, First Imperial Prince Demetrio exited stage left from history.


    The trouble across the continent was far from over, however, and fiery trials were waiting to scorch the remaining actors.


    Who would be thest one standing? Or would everyone be swallowed by mes and turn to ash?


    Only future history books could tell.