“So what are my options, then?” Arthur asked with a frown. “The second deal is evidently the only feasible one. I can’t pay for nor earn enough drachma to fund my own Eidolon without House Leos’ help, and I definitely have no interest in flying a stock Rim machine.”

He paused.

“Ah, no offense—”

“You have no need to apologize.” Diogenes said without missing a beat. “Your honesty does you credit, and your assessment is correct: The first offer is little more than a formality. It is even structured to be a formality, and attempting to make it anything more would be a fool’s errand.”

Arthur sighed. “Okay. So what do I do? I wasn’t entirely certain a true counter-offer was actually on the table.”

“In many ways it isn’t, no. House Leos clearly wants you, and their desire to keep you firmly tied to their bloodline is not something that will subside easily. However… There is room to play within that minefield. Especially since the honorable Duke Leos himself must consent to your appointment, no matter what contract you sign.”

“I’m all ears.” Arthur said while leaning forward again.

“Serve House Leos with the explicit intention of representing their interests, in return for all that was promised—as well as an open endorsement from the House Head, at the time of your term’s expiry, patronizing your right to create your own Eupatridae House. You would never be able to serve as a Knight-Errant in the same capacity, but in many ways you would enjoy far more freedom regardless.”

Arthur listened to Diogenes carefully and frowned while he processed the older man’s words, his fingers tapping on the armrests of his chair in thought.

Hetairoi were the storied companions of Alexander the Great, and served as his Knights and champions. It stood to reason that the translation, while not so directly exacting, would infer something equivalent to a sworn Knight. “So I would use my combat skills for House Leos, to then buy the political capital to ennoble myself with their sponsorship?”

“Yes. We Graecians still retain a great swathe of our classical roots, and among them is a heavy Spartan influence upon our martial and ruling echelons. While Attica and Laconia both play host to the seat of one of the two Kings, it is currently Sparta that enjoys the greatest influence upon the Ascendancy.”

“Because of Parthia?” Arthur guessed.

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“Because of Parthia.” Diogenes confirmed simply. “With war ever-looming, the citizens look ever-more to King Leonidas, while King Pericles is content to allow his counterpart the scrutiny. The power of Athenai has always been commerce and social engineering, where Spartan might is drawn from manufacturing and the military. Once there was some balance, but in recent decades it is Sparta that has ascended to primacy.”

“Leonidas and Pericles…” Arthur repeated thoughtfully. “I understand them to be names taken upon ascension?”

“Indeed. The Kings doff their born names and moniker themselves after the greatest legends of each city-state. Leonidas is the fourteenth to carry the name, and Pericles the seventeenth to bear his.”

“What does swearing to House Leos entail?” Arthur asked carefully. “Forgive my wariness, Diogenes, but I am wary of anything that has oaths of service in a society where they are upheld with such dire, and literal emphasis.”

“Your caution is warranted.” Diogenes reassured him calmly. “To be candid, House Leos is one of the best you could ask for, in terms of opportunity, treatment, and reputation. The process is simple enough, as well. You will arrive, be vetted by the Patriarch, demonstrate your skills, and either be offered an official appointment or sent away.”

“That is simple, and you sound familiar with them.” Arthur observed.

“Well, yes.” Diogenes chuckled. “I represent them.”

Arthur smiled at that wryly, and leaned back in his chair with a resigned chuckle.

“She really did think of everything, didn’t she?”

“Of course she did.” Diogenes said with his first proper smile. “That is why she chose me to take care of your needs.”

“Oh? Here I thought I was just being maneuvered by her.”

“Well of course you are.” Diogenes said with an owlish blink. “That is the nature of these games, dear boy. Everyone is a piece on the board. In your case, it just so happens that while I may be assisting a long-term client and ally, I am also looking out for your best interests.”

“Is that so?” Arthur asked skeptically.

“It is indeed. House Leos is one of the most storied and well-respected bloodlines in Graecia. They’ve recently fallen upon hard times, given that their last Hetairoi died valiantly in combat against pirates of all things some five decades hence.”

“Cassandra boasted wealth, influence, and power. What manner of hard times could they truly be suffering if she can make me such a lucrative offer?”

Arthur had his suspicions, of course. If his assumptions about the requirements to become an Hetairoi were accurate, he could perfectly understand why House Leos was desperate to have him.

“Because all the drachma and land in the galaxy means little if you cannot enforce your dominion. Hetairoi are the means by which most inter-House disputes are settled, dear boy.” Diogenes said, and confirmed Author’s assumptions in the act. “Not to mention, being unable to supply bannermen when called upon by one’s sovereign does not look good. Surely you saw much the same in Aurelia.”

“And elsewhere besides.” Arthur said noncommittally.

“So you understand.” Diogenes said with satisfaction.