Celyz makes air resonate inside her ovaloid head in an odd humming sound, signifying her agreement to wait and discover what I have in mind. We make our way to the throne room's entrance where Cecil and Yvonne are talking.

“Are you certain there was no rumor of flow being sent from Kruzser to Port-Odo, or anywhere else? It's important.” The Madame asks.

“I am, I didn't exactly go around asking but this kind of news would spread.” Yvonne replies.

“Why does it matter?” I ask.

Cecil throws a quick look at Celyz and remains quiet. I frown, now isn't the time to be holding secrets from the Rykz. The Princess waves her tendrils and goes through the double doors, leaving us alone.

“Because Emperor Rasaec hasn't done this in centuries. The effort He puts into helping Caeviel beat the Rykz invasion back would inform us about the priority He places on this war.” Cecil explains.

“A rear Kingdom has never been attacked in this manner before either.” Yvonne notes. “Emperor Rasaec is likely sending what help he can because Telnur will never reinforce us, even once they are safe during winter. They resent us, rightfully so, for never helping them beat the cold bloods back from their borders.”

“Whether flow is sent or not shouldn't affect us, Princess Cetyz cannot be freed by an army and my deal with the Rykz entails their full retreat so, if all goes well, there won't be any more battles.” I say. “Can't you ask your Shade?”

“The Temple is off-limits so my contact can't get in touch with the Emperor.” She replies.

“That's not a restriction I can convince Celyz to lift.” I shake my head. “When do you think the King's army will arrive in Port-Odo with Princess Cetyz?” I ask Yvonne.

“I don't know, but Vikiana must be there by now so you can link with her for the details.” She tells me.

I incline my head sideways, thinking about it. Leomi's mother isn't someone I've spent much time with and it did not end pleasantly. I would rather find out for myself than ask the Exemplar.

“Say, what do you know about Edusa?” I question Cecil.

“She is Duchess Hetlan's youngest daughter, an effectively brutal Noble. She rules over the Hetlan Duchy.” She answers. Fuck, that's my brother's liege.

“Edusa has basically been banished from her family.” Yvonne speaks up. “She hasn't gotten along with them for personal reasons and because of her mother's... policies. Coming here was the last straw.”

“Do you mind keeping an eye on her, Cecil?” I say.

“You have some things in common with her, Elizabeth. Don't be so quick to judge her.” Yvonne says with a disapproving look.

“I doubt that very much.” I utter in a hard tone.

“I will.” Cecil cuts in. “Not that there is anything to worry about. That woman isn't the kind to stab people in the back, she'll confront us head on if she disagrees.”

“She would.” Yvonne smiles.

Avery Colby, the artisan guild representative, walks out of the throne room.

“Dame Elizabeth, Madame Cecil, Lady Yvonne.” He salutes. “We are about to start.”

“Let us go, then.” I nod.

We make our way to our seats at the large round table. Workers deposit platters and plates in front of us, I take the opportunity to observe their reactions to the Rykz' close proximity. Cecil is scrutinizing them without hiding her interest.

Aisha seems as relaxed as ever, laying against a wall while devouring a piece of bread and smoked meat. The guild representatives are nervous but hiding it well. Yvonne and Lance don't even pay attention as they exchange whispers.

“Let's me begin by informing you all that Dame Elizabeth Vil will take Countess Lance's seat among the Council when she liberates it to form her organization.” Cecil declares.

“Is she now?” Lance asks me with a raised eyebrow.

“She is.” I confirm, shrugging. “I don't plan to interfere since I have no governing experience, but Madame Cecil thinks I serve to bridge the gap between all our interests.”

“I have no issue with that.” Sybil speaks up.

“Me neither.” Avery says.

Everyone around the table agrees, Leomi simply nods. We serve ourselves with the mushroom and potato salad, starting to eat while Cecil brings up the issue of Count Odo's soldiers.

“From a security point of view, we should either spread them all over the Izla so that they cannot organize or seclude them together in Meria to watch them.” Yvonne tells us.

“If we do the former, they can be made to take over the fields of those who fell.” Lance says. “They pose little threat without leadership or weapons.”

“I've spoken to the construction guild.” Avery declares, nodding at a brawny representative. “We have a plan to revitalize Izla Meria's economy through a series of construction projects funded by the Council. Those more likely to yield benefits include quarries, sawing mills, docks, and workshops. Most of those are only in need of renovation or expansion, the money we invest will disseminate and we recover some through taxes. We had one idea, that we abandoned because it requires a lot of manpower, to search for a new iron vein or reopen the old mine. These soldiers can be tasked as miners and builders.”

“Technically, we do not have a shortage of workers.” Lance intervenes. “The Izla has always produced far more grain than it needed. This year will be an exception because of the war but considering that we will import the foodstuff we need for winter from Telnur and the fact that we aren't likely to be trading with Caeviel next year, then we have plenty of available workforce since we can cut our grain production by a good third without risking any kind of famine.”

“The issue with those projects is that Telnur's grain prices are high, we won't have enough treasury to do all of this.” Sybil says.

“That was the idea. Telnur stockpiles iron to be ready to repel cold blood hordes, we would be able to fill the difference and possibly end up with a profit if we can export the metal.” Avery explains.

“We don't have time to find a location, build a mine, and exploit it.” Sybil argues. “Our ships will raise anchor as early as next week.”

“I have the ability to point you towards iron and copper veins, accessible from your old mining network.” Celyz speaks up. “In exchange for a portion of the raw material extracted.”

“How much?” Avery asks with a glimmer of interest.

“A third.” Celyz replies.

“Ten percent.” He counters.

“Twenty.” She says.

“Agreed.” Avery nods, tuning to Sybil. “I'll talk to the old mining guild, I can guarantee that we'll have a shipment of iron ready as soon as your ships return.”

“We won't be able to take everything seized from Nobility in a single trip.” She says, tapping the table as she considers the problem. “But it wouldn't be difficult to attract Telnur merchant ships here if we say we'll trade iron for grain.”

“Why don't you make steel? I recall that the price of it is several times above that of the materials necessary to produce it.” Celyz asks.

“Because it's difficult.” Avery replies. “A lot of iron can be wasted trying to produce a small amount of steel, only the best blacksmiths have the knowledge and equipment to do it reliably.”

“We do produce steel tools.” The Princess says, pondering. “Unfortunately, the construct that allows us to do so isn't something I am willing or allowed to sell.”

“Then why mention it?” Lance questions.

“Because we can do it for you.” Celyz replies.

“In what quantity?” Avery asks hurriedly.

“Small, perhaps a few hundred kilograms per month at the most.” She says.

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“That would be plenty.” He says, grinning.

“Does anyone have any objection to prioritizing the mine renovation and dock expansion?” Sybil asks the Council. When none opposes, she nods. “Let's get down to the details then.”

What follows is a harrowing negotiation between Celyz and the Council, interrupted by regular back and forth demands between representatives who are trying to secure their guilds' interests.

I stay out of it, by virtue of not understanding what they're talking about, and eat my meal. Combating inflation by injecting money in small increments and ensuring that the wealth spreads among all states of society. Leomi offers previsions and observations rather than suggestions, giving her opinion only when asked directly.

The conversation seems to veer off-topic when the Council starts talking about the castle's furniture, decor, and staff. Saying that it'll symbolize change and allow them to boost smaller shops that not only struggled to make it through the war but were forced to close when they were drafted.

“That brings us to the Duke.” I speak up. “He needs to be put on trial as soon as possible if you truly want to prove that the Council takes its role seriously and will not act in the same way Nobility has.”

“I agree.” Cecil says. “Our first public act should be a show of justice and unity.”

“But not only.” I continue, turning my gaze to Lance. “Your organization is to be the Council's arm. As its leader, you must be the one to execute Duke Meria's sentence. Prove yourself as no longer party to Nobility, and most importantly... loyal to Meria rather than its Duke.”

“I believe that I've already done so.” She says. “I don't think it is necessary for me to do this.”

Her eyes wide, she no doubt realizes that there is only one possible outcome to her former liege's trial.

“You need to be seen obeying laws made by a low-born Council. Show them impartial justice to channel the population's anger into something productive that will fill them with hope for the future.” I argue.

“Then I can do it.” Yvonne addresses the Council, glaring at me. “It is cruel to demand this of her.”

“No.” Leomi says, cheeks pale white. “Elizabeth is right. Most officers among us will be Nobles at first, the population will notice that. As their leader, I need to prove that Nobility holds no privilege and that our organization obeys the ruling Council's laws.”

“Will you do it?” I ask directly.

“With a condition.” She replies with squinted eyes. “The end must be swift and honorable. A sword plunged into the heart from above.”

“He should hang.” I utter coldly. “Him and all the Nobles you find guilty in trial.”

“You spoke of hope and justice not so long ago, yet you want to add insult to injury? Many among the Duke's subjects are still loyal to him, even in defeat. A dishonorable death will breed unrest.” Lance says, agitated.

“The punishment must function as a warning to those who would break the law.” I groan. “He doesn't deserve a good death and people won't be satisfied by this.”

“We cannot confuse justice and revenge. That would undermine us. We must avoid feeding the population's darkest impulses and instead focus on putting the past behind us through swift, balanced, judgments.” Lance addresses the Council. “The optimal outcome for us would be that Nobility melds into the Izla's life as normal citizens. They have skills we are direly in need of.”

“We still have a use for them.” Celyz intervenes. “I think it important for the island's stability that you put some on trial, but the vast majority is to remain in our custody.”

“To use them as hostages like Elizabeth did to Count Urnan by using his son?” Lance spits out.

“I didn't know he was at the time. You can ask Rowland.” I defend myself. Which reminds me. “Is Roisia alright?” I ask Cecil.

“She plans to join our dear Countess' organization.” The Madame replies, looking dissatisfied. Ah, probably didn't want to expose her relationship, or wanted her daughter to do something else.

“We will use them as we deem fit.” Celyz declares. “They are prisoners of war that we will gladly exchange if Caeviel negotiates.”

“Going back to the message we want to send during the trials.” Sybil says. “Perhaps Countess Lance makes a point. Humiliating them will cause us more trouble than we need. It would benefit us to seek a swift end to the entire affair.”

“Something his victims begged for. I would tear him limb to limb if it was up to me.” I rage.

“We aim to separate our image from the previous regime's.” Avery tells me. “Peasantry may take great comfort in witnessing a Duke being submitted to the rope like so many of them have been, but these methods are those of Nobility, Dame Elizabeth. I think we should make them serve prison sentences if their crimes are minor.”

“I agree. Justice isn't about satisfying people's demands, it is about building trust and upholding the law.” Sybil says.

“He should hang, slowly.” Cecil pronounces the condemning words with deceptive calm.

I hadn't expected support from her. I realize that my desire for vengeance is clouding my decisions and I hadn't thought she would take my side on this. Unfortunately, gazing around the table, I find that the others visibly disagree with us but don't seem willing to squabble with the both of us.

“Madame Cecil, surely you can see the sense in our arguments.” Lance addresses the woman.

“I can and I will abstain from opposing the Council's decision, but I maintain what I've said.” She replies.

“Elizabeth?” Leomi turns to me.

“I've already stated that I wouldn't interfere.” I utter, suppressing my roiling feelings on the matter. “Do as you will. I do advise to declare your intent ahead of time and take the city's reaction into consideration.”

“I will make sure that it is done.” Cecil declares.

The population will speak for itself. This endeavor isn't something I have the right to damage because of personal reasons. The rest of the representatives swiftly give their agreement.

They then hurriedly move on to fleshing out the details of the trial, a safer subject. I try to pay attention but it'll happen in a few days, which means I won't even be there.

I zone out again after they settle this as they start negotiating the specifics of the contracts between the guilds, the Rykz, and the city's Council. Which points me to another issue, they're almost all acting in several capacities.

Cecil is doing a good job arbitrating and stopping them from abusing their positions, which reassures me somewhat because she sees the problem and will be there to keep them in check. They're listening so it works for now, but there is no guarantee that will continue once I'm gone. Peasantry needs eyes and ears on the Council as soon as possible.

“The date of the elections should be announced after the trial.” I speak up.

“That sort of thing takes time.” Avery says, Sybil and the three other representatives nod in support.

“Make it a priority.” I tell them. “You've done much in one day, work on it tomorrow.”

“We've never organized anything like it.” Sybil argues.

“If we delay, it will never get done.” Cecil says.

“That's settled then.” I say, staring at them in turn and challenging them to contradict me.

None do despite their unhappy expressions. This was the right call, it wouldn't end well if we let their greed run rampant. The rest of the afternoon goes by as they debate one boring point after another.

We call an end to the meeting as the sun falls. I remain seated and so does Leomi as they rise, looking tired but satisfied. Celyz taps my shoulder with a tendril as she departs but doesn't comment or insist that I return with her.

Yvonne, on the other hand, stands outside the double doors to give us some privacy without leaving us alone. Lance and I exchange a glance. We stand at the same time and make our way together towards the gardens.

The sword-sworn remains on our tail but gives us more space. A squad of Rykz warriors are nearby, at first they seem to be simply patrolling but once we step outside and they keep following, I realize that they were likely ordered to escort me.

“So. You show up with arms and armor to the Council. Are you going to pretend it was innocent?” She asks.

“Maybe not, but it wasn't intentional. I don't have a place of my own to store my equipment and no clothes to wear in an official capacity either.” I admit the embarrassing truth.

“I'll believe that. So, you're leaving tomorrow.” Leomi notes as we walk by the parterre of roses we destroyed during our first dance.

“I am.” I confirm. “Don't know when but it'll likely depend on how quickly I can find a crew.”

We keep walking side by side silently for a moment. I fear what's to come, what she'll say and what I'll do, but at the same time I cannot wait to find out.

“I would tell you not to get into fights but that's not likely to happen.” Leomi says.

“Probably, although it isn't the goal.” I reply.

“You've been overpowering your opponents, and that works fine when you're facing people with an average skill level, but trying the same methods against Exemplars won't work. It'll get you killed.” She tells me.

“Your mother?” I ask.

“She will be there and if she heard anything about what occurred here...” Leomi frowns.

“You're worried that she'll disapprove of your choices?” I question.

“No.” She shakes her head. “I think she'll hunt you down if she can so don't give her the opportunity and run away if she gets close.”

“You don't want me to meet your parent, that's harsh.” I tease. She chooses to ignore the quip entirely. I sigh and reply seriously. “I'll escape if it gets to that point.”

We follow the path of gravels, it leads us around an arrangement of marble benches and then back towards the keep. Leomi suddenly stops. I do too, waiting for her to breach the subject if she wishes to.

“Celyz.” She utters the name with hatred.

Her vehement feelings on the matter startle me, I never expected to hear this kind of profound loathing coming from her. I knew she blamed the Princess, but this isn't simple criticism, it's resentment unfiltered by her usual logic.

She seems to be waiting for an explanation but I remain silent, unable to find one that'll do any better than I already have. Repeating what I've said won't help. Leomi closes her fists and takes deep breaths for a long while, forcing herself to calm down.

“Who did you lose?” She asks me with surprising compassion considering the state she was in.

“The one who took care of me since I was a child.” I answer, attempting to swallow my guilt.

“I'm sorry I wasn't there for you.” She says, taking hold of my hand.

“It was my own fault.” I force the words out of my tight throat.

“No, it was not.” She replies firmly. “I know loss, you can't blame yourself for what happened.”

Leomi wraps me in a hug, caring none for my chain-mail rubbing on her perfect red slit dress. I let myself be embraced, wishing I could shed tears on my sadness and grief but unable to summon or justify them. If I hadn't sent that letter, he would be alive. After a long while, I break us up.