To that end, a Dukedom he personally saved from imminent destruction would be perfect. He’d never need to worry—at least in the immediate future—of being easily betrayed or abandoned, not if he single handedly brought them back from the brink of devastation.
“Very well, Lady Leos.” Arthur said while hiding his thoughts. “You’ve given me much to think about. Before we move forward, are there any other details I need to be aware of?”
“Well, firstly, I would highly suggest that you have a solicitor look over these contracts before signing them.” Cassandra said with a smile. “As much as I would like to believe you’ll help me, I also see intellect in your eyes, and I do not want you going in blind.”
“Thank you.” Arthur said genuinely.
“You are welcome.” Cassandra replied before continuing. “As for your question, there is one more detail to be aware of—but it is not for me to say.”
Cassandra instead gestured to Atreus, and Arthur—with a mild apprehension—turned his gaze to the tall, black-haired Myrmidón.
The Spartan’s golden eyes met Arthur’s unblinkingly.
“Given your experience, origins, knowledge, and ludicrous combat potential in or out of an Eidolon; we cannot simply let you wander around unprotected.” Atreus began blithely. “When news eventually does break regarding new strides in our technology—and no matter how hard we Myrmidónes work, it will break—and our enemies and other powers begin probing around to find the source of those changes, you will immediately become a target.” his expression turned grim. “One that the Ascendancy cannot afford to lose for the foreseeable future, if you prove to be the asset the Duchess believes you can be.”
Arthur’s eyes narrowed in consideration of Atreus’ words, but he didn’t interrupt.
“Thereby and given your value, talents, and psionic gifts; I have decided to personally attach myself as your protector, citizenship sponsor, and cultural mentor. Additionally, Tacticus Endymion has agreed to commit himself and Kidemónes Andino to aiding me. Their Hexaron is deployed elsewhere, but in time they too will join us.”
Arthur looked toward the two Kidemónes at Atreus’ words and they offered him nods in turn as if confirming the black-armored man’s words. Arthur hadn’t realized with immediacy that Endymion was the leader of the Hexaron he and Perseus belonged to. That put a lot of things into clearer context, too.
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“I see.” Arthur said slowly while turning back to Atreus and Cassandra, and splitting his attention between both Graecian officials. “And why is it that Duke or Duchess Leos cannot sponsor my citizenship?”
“You are not sworn to House Leos,” Cassandra said simply, “and I did not want to coerce you into it by making that a contingent part of your ability to remain within Graecia.”
Arthur’s eyebrows rose at that, and he folded his arms in genuine surprise. It was entirely possible Cassandra was manipulating him, of course, by pretending to be the kind and noble Aristocrat—but truthfully, he didn’t even care. Whether she was genuine or not, the intelligence on display if she was manipulating him would have impressed him just as much as if she was being honest.
Which, truthfully, he actually thought she was.
That alone was rare enough, given his own experiences in Pendragon.
Arthur peered at the assembled quartet quietly, and then spoke again to Cassandra.
“Let me understand this, then. I give you technology, and in return you help me build whatever Eidolon I want within the limits of your manufacturing abilities, provide me the highest level of protection one can find within the Ascendancy, and you give me whatever I want within the confines of the Law, Honor, and Tradition—but not at the expense of your national security, nor your nation’s relationships with older star nations that may theoretically have a bone to pick with me.” he said while ticking off his fingers. “Is that about the gist of it?”
Cassandra nodded with an approving smile of her own. “Precisely. If there are demands to hand you over, and they come at the end of a proverbial sword; we are not prepared to go to war with a Fringe power just to retain you.”
“Not yet, at any rate.” Atreus rumbled from beside her. “If you prove to us you’re worth it, both with demonstrable knowledge and demonstrable loyalty, that may change..”
“Reasonable enough.” Arthur conceded with an approving nod. He liked their terms. They were pragmatic, honest, and most of all respected his ability to think critically. They didn’t treat him like a fool, and that alone was a massive boon for their attempts to convince him. “I take it that the mentioned loyalty would be born of service?”
“Yes.” Cassandra confirmed. “Fight for us. Show us what you can offer House Leos, and the Ascendancy at large. In return, and once we have had time to integrate any potential upgrades to our technology that you may or may not produce, which may or may not hypothetically allow us to comfortably stave off a Fringe power…” the dangerously beautiful Rear Admiral smiled in a predatory manner.
“Well, that gives us options.”
“I understand.” Arthur said with a smirk. “And I only have one more question, really.”
“Yes, Arthur?” Cassandra asked with a small smile.
Arthur adopted a wry expression, and gestured idly with a hand.
“Could you recommend a good lawyer?”