EPISODE 41: Operation RAIL 5
-Edryan Queendom, Year 7291. Season: Central.
High in the clear blue sky far above what the mortal eye could see, Queen Titiana gazed down upon the proceedings of her favorite son. The queen calmly paced back and forth, her hands behind her back and her expression showed intense curiosity. A shadow was cast behind her following her movements to the exact degree. Her head was tilted slightly to the side and her hair followed in a cascading descent. She wrinkled her button nose as her red-gold eyes shone in happiness. Her pride and joy worked below, and an intensely motherly love radiated from the woman as she watched.
A motherly love was new to Queen Titiana. Not in experiencing it as she held many motherly figures in her life including her mother. It was new in exuding the feeling, the specific emotion that turned love for a person, place, or thing… into love for a child. One that she bore. The experience was novel, different from the love she expressed for her countrymen, her state, her Goddess, and her women. Different from the love she received. It felt great to be loved by her son and it brought her an intense joy she never realized she lacked. Oh, how I wish I could spoil him. Oh, how I wish I could give him the realm.
Today she wore fitted blue pants that hugged her waist but left her legs, specifically her calves, with plenty of room for intrinsic movement as the material was flared. Her top was covered in a slightly open blue jacket to match and blouse that left little room for the imagination. This was one of the many outfits her son designed, not only for herself but various members of his staff and personnel. She found pants, called ‘jeans’, to be oddly comfortable and fitting. The shirt and style were of a design she’d never seen previously, but enjoyed, nevertheless. Below her, Lawruthian was beginning to establish one of his many upcoming innovations. He, of course, had the crown's permission, specifically hers. The mothering queen just wished he would rely upon her more. He seemed to believe he needed to establish everything by himself. It was a great mindset for when he ruled the country without her, yet she was here.
He rarely gave her the chance to spoil him, and it irked her which is why she ensured whomever he needed and whatever he needed was taken care of. Her young son possessed novel ideas but lacked the magical ability to apply them and the years of magical knowledge to help. He was well-learned compared to any of the scions of Edryan, far greater in fact… but he lacked the ability in some respects. That stemmed from age and time. The latter resource Queen Titiana could not provide much of. The former? Edryan answered to her and her alone. Now, she shared a portion of that power with her son. He held access to the menu that allowed him to alter certain aspects of the country. To hand out titles and land… to give royal quest and knight Edryans who were willing. Yet he hadn’t so much bothered outside of his small and tightly developing circle. Her son pursued quality and Queen Titiana did not mind.
Even with all that Queen Titiana ensured Margret made plenty of meetings to her sons ‘secret base,’ a base that was truly secret and remained unknown by even a majority of the highest Magi within the state. Although Lawruthian lacked magical knowledge, her Margret was one of the most ‘well-versed’ mages in Edryan currently. Her theoretical and magical knowledge extended far beyond what Queen Titiana knew. Her Margret’s bloodline compelled her to know… to seek… and it rewarded her greatly once these achievements gathered underneath her. This very bloodline is how the Musa clan made enemies with the Sea God of Wealth – Oogoon and ran like hounds with their tales tucked between their legs back to the Edryani.
“My shadow… what do you think of my son,” Queen Titiana suddenly questioned into the air.
In the vast blue sky the only figure around for thousands of miles… was her. In a place where no shadow could exist… the queen seemed to have one. A shadow that soon morphed and changed into a young feline-looking woman.
Large matte black doe eyes gazed at the queen with warmth and affection. Hair of the same color extended until the feline woman's waist, while atop her head were large fluffy cat ears that the queen struggled to not play with. The woman wore a tight form-fitting black suit that seemed to absorb all light coming towards it. Blacker than black, the light fell in with no hopes of escaping, leaving a single hole for the woman's slim black tail to fit out. A tail that wrapped around her waist like a fur belt. The suit extends over her entire body only leaving her fingers and toes under-covered by the material… tightly showing off her curvaceous figure. The Felion wore this of her own accord, taking a liking to the strange material. This was another of Lawruthian’s strange designs the queen now knew the styling originated from a place called Earth. The clothing was originally made as some type of suit for when the boy could ‘pilot his golems’… whatever that meant. It was a design that came about in his youth upon his first discovery of the animated materials. The memory caused the queen to show a heartwarming smile as she thought about the event. Her love for her child was limitless.
Her shadow stayed quiet, seemingly gathering her thoughts. Whilst she did so, Queen Titiana opened her status.
‘Status.’
Titiana Koltius Verlio Edryani – Level 299
HP: 4380/4380 (+3000)
SP: 4200/4200 (+3000)
MP: 4800/4800 (+3000)
Base Atk: 790 +500
Base Def: 396 +400
HP Regen3: 40/Hour +27
SP Regen3: 38/Hour +27
MP Regen3: 44/Hour +27
Bloodline: [+]
Race:
Magi-Human
Main Class:
[Iron-Blooded Queen]
Level: 100
Perks:
One of a Kind.
Power: 1580 (+1000)
2nd Class:
[Magi-Sword Saint]
Level: 100
Core Skills: [+]
Vitality: 1460 (+1000)
3rd Class:
[General of Edryan]
Level: 99
Racial Skills: [+]
Endurance: 1400 (+1000)
Faith: Goddess Madris
Status Effects: [+]
Mind: 1600 (+1000)
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Faction:
Edryan State
Equipped:
Love Choker
Imperius Casual Set 7
Self: 1012 (+1000)
Intent: 920 (+1000)
Achievements: [+]
Skills: [+]
Magic Affinity: -
Active Quest: [+]
Attribute Points: 0
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[https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/71e3d34d-25a5-4155-b27f-62964266ddd5/dg7f2pr-b685e440-2744-403e-96a4-c788359375c3.png/v1/fit/w_828,h_1104,q_70,strp/queen_titiana_koltius_verlio_edryani_by_marskidris_dg7f2pr-414w-2x.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9MTcwOCIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzcxZTNkMzRkLTI1YTUtNDE1NS1iMjdmLTYyOTY0MjY2ZGRkNVwvZGc3ZjJwci1iNjg1ZTQ0MC0yNzQ0LTQwM2UtOTZhNC1jNzg4MzU5Mzc1YzMucG5nIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTEyODAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.KfQOezEzV_KjjuH9ksv_ocSzgxzvg-B4eRaLL9F5KUM]
Subconsciously Titiana’s fists clenched, her thoughts going through numerous emotions, but her face showed none. The indifferent and regal look of the queen was stalwart, only removing itself in the presence of her most loved or her thoughts. Her secret… their secret was well kept. The rumors of her level ranged in the mid to high 200s, yet that was far from the truth. She was close, so close that-.
“I think he is everything you prayed for… and more,” Queen Titiana’s shadow finally spoke. The Felion looked towards the ground and to the large rectangular box in which the prince made his home. Her eyes seemingly pierced the defenses of the compound and peered within.
“He truly is, isn’t he?” The Queen said more to herself than anyone else.
“These past few years of raising and supporting Lawruthian has become some of the fondest moments of my life. Joy, I haven’t known since a child in my mother's embrace, has returned to me. When I still had a happy family…
I wonder what father would think…”
“You have done all you can, my Queen. In preparing Lawruthian to rule and preparing for what is to come. No matter what the future holds, I will always support you,” the Felion said. Her tone was respectful and full of reverence.
Queen Titiana gazed up, her eyes seeing past the endless blue sky and to the constellations where the domains of the Gods resided.
“Soon-”
Titiana Koltius Verlio Edryani had held on for over 30 years, another ten or less to help her son settle into his position and gain control over the country wouldn’t be too bad.
----------------------------------------
“Your Majesty troop movements in the Federation and Empire have changed. They have increased their border guard security and have sent inquiries as to what the intentions of the Edryan State are,” a general of the Edryan border stated.
“Make sure our borders remain just as stable. The Empire cannot function without our trade of cheap foodstuff and materials. As for the Federation… ignore them but send [Earth Mages] to ensure those dwarves and their new vassals don’t tunnel underneath our noses.”
“Your Majesty our export of goods heavily requires going through the Empire's land… it is dangerous for spatial spaces to be on the open sea and the convocation…
I fear the Az’Dawns may not have a pleasant reaction without a proper explanation,” Gerald Liaon, the Minister of Finance stated.
“Can we not just redirect the trade through Lorde? Surely the kingdom would not object.”
The queen looked toward the representative of Lorde stationed in her court. The youth was the second or third prince of the nation. Titiana couldn’t remember nor did she care. Her responsibility to the Queendom would be dwindling as time passed and her son grew older. The Lorde prince was only a political hostage anyway.
‘Are you certain I cannot have Lawruthian proceed over the events of the court,’ Titiana asked. The mental message instantly arrived to Eliana Drumian, who sat just steps below her as one of the presiding judges.
‘Your Majesty, this is Lawruthian's most important time of development. Right now, he needs to focus and be provided the room to grow. That way once we depart from Edryan, the country does not collapse in the same day,’ the older woman responded.
‘Titiana you know you need to give Lawruthian time. This is his most important time for developing into the [Holy Prince of Edryan]. Without stable growth and time to interact and level, the moment we leave the country will collapse. This is not just necessary for him but for all the young scions of Edryan,’ Margret Musa joined the conversation.
The Magi had her hands folded as she sat in the other chair for the presiding judges. Since the death of Princess Carina, the class of [Judge] held a downfall in its popularity. The class was seen as a bad omen due to the death of its most prominent holder. Only now was it making a startling comeback no thanks to her son and the implementation of Imperius Law.
Margret Musa had no trouble joining the mental conversation between Eliana and the Queen as no magic could be used in her presence without her instantly reacting to it. While she spoke she linked in Liana Drumian.
The Royal Guard Captain and member of the Queen's Guard stood at attention on the side of Titiana. Her steely green eyes watched the proceedings below. It didn’t matter if most if not all of the people below held allegiance to the crown and Queen Titiana in the form of a Crowned Oath or another. The Royal Guard captain would always be ready to confront any who drew too close.
‘Then we should at least start having him attend these sessions through scrying. Not as a way for him to prepare but it is imperative he receives knowledge of the current ongoings in and around the Queendom,’ Queen Titiana said.
‘I agree with Margret,” Liana said.
‘As do I,’ a new voice interrupted. The voice of Mariam continued to speak. The [Spymistress of Edryan] used a skill to key herself in. ‘He shall start receiving reports through my daughter, however, he must focus on his current pathway and leveling as much as possible. From what Lily has learned, he has a good path of development upcoming for himself with the use of his golems. We must not disturb that. As Margret said, not only does the next generation need time to prepare themselves and grow into their roles as the next leaders of their respective Houses... They need time to explore and interact with His Highness and understand where they will stand. Time to join his growing faction… or show themselves as the opposition.’
‘Besides Operation Rail has just begun. His Highness has barely reached outside of Edrya’s territory. You cannot drag him away from such an important event,’ Eliana added.
‘Her Majesty just misses her son,’ Liana Drumian teased before continuing.
‘This is truly the first time Lawruthian will be far from home… and outside of the quick reach of us to protect him. I think someone is just a bit worried and is using any excuse to get her son back home,’ Liana finished which pulled a mental chuckle from the group of women.
Queen Titiana frowned but she could not rebuff Liana’s statements. For this was truly the first time Lawruthian was stepping outside the Edrya’s grounds and her reach. Titiana didn’t have a justifiable reason to keep her child in the capital especially after he officially became the Crown Prince and heir to the throne. He needed to tour the country, gather troops, and establish himself outside of just Edrya.
‘Perhaps I can assign a few of the Royal Guards to follow in secret. Extra protection to ensure His Highness's safety,’ Liana stated.
‘No. This is Lawruthian’s journey and opportunity. It would not do to stifle him. Just as I-we left home at eighteen, he must leave and carve his own path… Find his own way.’
The conversation continued as Titiana proceeded over the court session. Her mind was easily able to keep multiple threads of conversation going. Lawruthian truly leaving her reach was an experience the mother was trying to resolve within herself. The warm demeanor of the [Iron-Blooded Queen] that arose from the birth of her child began to recede. A cooler, colder, calculating light emerged. [Iron-Blooded Queen] and [High Queen of Edryan] were emerging in full force. That showed in her tone and the way she carried herself, forcing many of the nobles to stiffen as they recognized the shift in the atmosphere.
“Fortify our nation’s borders, less traffic out and in. We have never relied on the trade from Az’Dawn, however, our flow of goods to the middle kingdoms must not halt. Ensure that Lorde is properly compensated and trade flows smoothly through their nation.
This process for the Mark of the Citizen… make sure my son receives whatever he needs to hasten its completion. Every single citizen must be verified to have the mark and must imbue it in front of the Crown's representative. All merchants must be verified before they are allowed one. Their backgrounds, their trade routes, everything. These runic devices are tied to your mana signature yes,” the Queen asked. She looked to Margret for confirmation.
“That is correct your Majesty,” the magenta eyes of Margret flashed. Her hair of the same color swayed as she ran some calculations. “They tie themselves to your mana tightly and cannot be removed by normal means. Any tampering down will result in a broken mark and such tampering becomes obvious once they come to receive a new one.”
She continued, “NARC has steadily pumped out the supply and His Highness Lawruthian is distributing them as he moves across the country.”
“Do whatever you need to ensure this process occurs faster. Inform Lawruthian of the haste.”
The conversation continued late into the afternoon. Queen Titiana ensured the haste of several of her son's current plans and projects. It was unfortunate their Goddess's words spread much faster than anticipated. Although Titiana wasn’t surprised. When the Goddess of War moved, the continent reacted.
They had to… or face Extinction.
AN: This is the shortest chapter of the seasons and next episode we return to the MC. I felt these were necessary to help understand more of who the side characters are. They have wants, needs, and more. I try my best to express them from Law’s pov but that doesn’t translate well sometimes into a neutral standpoint as Law’s thoughts and actions flavor what is perceived by the reader.