Somewhere in the back alleys of Eisene.
A man stood alone in a dark alleyway with a dark robe that covered him from head to toe. He couldn't have looked more suspicious even if he wanted to. Not the kind of thing one would expect from one of the most resourceful dealers on the continent.
“Well if it isn't one of my best customers. It's unlike you to be running late, for a second there I thought you weren’t coming, Swizze.”
“I had some business that took a bit longer than expected. Do you have what I asked for?”
“Right to business like always, I like it. And yes I have what you asked for, my question is what do you plan on doing with it?” The man pulled out a black vial and handed it over for Swizze to inspect.
“And since when did you get involved with your customer's business?”
“Well, I’d rather not lose one of my best customers, given the nature of what you’re holding.” The man flashed his signature grin that showed off many of his missing teeth.
“Don't you lose them all the time in this line of business?”
“Which is why I’d prefer not to lose one more.”
“Hmph, well a friendly word of advice. If I were you, I would move my operations out of Eisene.”
“Is that so? I did hear about the attack on Mercini. But my friend, war times are much more profitable than those of peace.”
“Do try not to forget that I did warn you," Swizze said with a smile.
“I’ll keep it in consideration.”
“By the way, what of my other request?”
“Ah, that inquiry is rather difficult as expected. Though there may have been some progress, it’s still too early to say. Of course, if I do find something conclusive, I’ll let you know. But do heed a warning of my own, I’ve found in my personal experience that it's best not to interfere in that man’s business.”
“So they say.”
“Well then, good day to you monsieur.”
The man walked off on the streets of Eisene without a care in the world, as if he hadn't just been in a back alley deal. A businessman with morals so nonexistent that it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to consider him as an undead disguised in human flesh—exactly the kind of person that was made for this type of business.
If even he is struggling to find info on that man, then perhaps there isn’t any information to be found. The only unknown quantity in this operation rests on that man, if everything goes according to plan, he will be the only obstacle that remains.
Hmph, no matter.
Bereene would soon make their move, and when that time comes the royal armies of Reinocha would be forced to defend their borders, leaving the capital short-handed. The time was almost at hand.
“And thus the stage is set for the final swaray.”
…
“Everything on your end had better be ready, you do know how much it took to finally set it all in motion right?”
Swizze turned to face Kiscl Korosa, the only man that he could truly consider to be a brother in arms. That idiotically brazen smile, with his blazing red hair and the personality to match. Seeing him always brought a smile to Swizze's face.
“Ah Kiscl, you’re here. Has everyone else arrived as well?’
“Hey Kiscl, how’ve you been? Yes, I've been doing great, and yes, everyone is already in play. Now we just wait for the fireworks to drop.”
“And what of Sonja?”
“Don’t you worry about her, she isn't gonna miss this party.”
“Indeed.”
“Wanna go grab a drink? It's on me, let’s enjoy what this city has to offer one last time.”
If we try to dig further by any other means, they would most likely catch on. A fruitless effort.
“Might as well, the Dawning Cassowary it is then.”
The final journey should be accompanied by the finest liquor this place has to offer.
“Wait, hold on a second. Just cause it's on me, doesn't mean we have to spend a fortune.”
“Too late, let's go.”
“Wait up, can't we split it 50/50?”
“It's fine, my treat. I won't have a use for this gold for much longer.”
Kiscl paused for a moment, one of the rare times his eternal grin seemed to have broken for an instant.
“Come on, don't speak in such a solemn tongue, V foresaw nothing but success for us, there's nothing to worry about.”
“KIscl, it would serve you well not to have absolute faith in that witch.”
Putting so much blind faith in that witch will bring nothing but ruin. However it doesn't mean her plan is worthless, it's still the best chance we've got.
“Well it's gotten us this far now, hasn't it? Have some faith and the heaven’s will smile upon us.”
As if the heavens will smile upon hands that will be drowned in blood.
“Blood will spill, but as long as I can avenge my village, who cares how we go down in history.” As if reading Swizze’s mind, the quick reminder was just what he needed.
To crush the hands drenched in blood, a quick dabble in blood is a necessary price.
*************************************************************************************************************
“Announcing his Majesty Llywelyn The Third.”
His majesty strolled in, scratching his head with his flowing blond hair. He was followed by his two personal assistants, though everyone in attendance knew that they were more personal than anything else.
Many eyed him with disgust and dismay as Llywelyn’s slim yet delicate figure slouched down nonchalantly in his seat. This wasn’t one of those everyday meetings that briefs his majesty on the small and mundane ordeals of the kingdom on a daily basis.
The Kingdom of Reinocha is split into three provinces, with a regent assigned to each province. Given that the kingdom is divided upon the three regents to administer themselves, the King himself partakes in almost none of the administrative duties. And so, only in situations such as this does he even bother showing his face.
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The northern region bordering Noclitune is governed by general Tray.
The western part of the Kingdom that borders with Rainame is presided by General Nwen, a rounded man in mind and in body, and the only man in charge that has seen less action on the field than Llywelyn himself. He's a gentle giant that's in his late forties, and well beyond his prime, much more suited for desk work than anything else at this point.
The central portion including the capital is overseen by General Arch, who's known for not only her insurmountable martial prowess, but also her unrivaled beauty. When she was first appointed as the first regent, many had their doubts since she was only a mere knight from a common upbringing. Due to his majesty’s immodest lifestyle, many had assumed she was only chosen for the position based on her feminine assets, however none could doubt her abilities after she handedly crushed the Iesyo slave uprising.
Every major figure in Reinocha was present, including all three of the acting regents, a rare occurrence indeed.
The distance between their seats towards the king indicated their position within the royal court. The three regents sat closest in the half moon table, after them were the Dukes and Duchess' representing all the prominent families, rounded off with twelve men and women on their side.
Then, there is the single man who sat by his majesty’s side, one who wielded as much or even more power than the king himself, his holiness Lord Ioe.
His robe was covered from head to toe in lavish ornaments. The mask that adorned his face was far too plain in comparison, made purely of white gold, embellished only by the golden symbol of the church of Balione. Few have ever laid their eyes on Lord Ioe’s flesh, as the only exposed part of him would be long ghostly white hair that dazzled in the sun.
As tradition, his majesty was the first to speak: “Now what was so important that we needed to summon each and everyone of you gentlemen, including myself..?”
All eyes fell nervously on Tray.
“Your majesty, we have already sent you reports on this matter.” Tray cleared his throat before continuing: “Those savages from Bereene have broken our peace treaty, they have assaulted my home—my manor, and they even took my daughter Ashel as hostage.”
“Is that so?”
The nonchalance attitude of his majesty was as unwavering as ever, even when their kingdom’s sovereignty was in jeopardy. Tray could feel his blood boil with each passing moment.
One of the king's assistants stepped closer to his side.
“Yes your majesty, I did try to inform you earlier, however..”
“It’s fine, you two take your leave," His majesty cut her off and waved them away.
“Yes your majesty.”
As the doors closed behind them his majesty continued: “I’m sure, the good general here won't be making any baseless accusations, so then have they sent any envoys to state their demands?”
“No they have not,” Arch replied.
“Your majesty, there’s no need for such pretense. Their intent is clear, they will pay for this insult. I propose that my northern army be dispatched immediately.”
Those fools would only learn when a sea of their blood is spilled, even his majesty must understand this much.
To Tray’s dismay, his majesty simply shrugged with the same nonchalance that he strolled in with.
“That won't do, our cities near the mountains would be exposed then, and it is the time of the year again where there is much more activity from the monsters that call those mountains their home.”
Unacceptable, unacceptable, unacceptable!
“Then what do you propose I do? They burned my home and took my daughter, and you expect me to sit and wait!?” His anger could no longer be contained as he stood and glared openly at his majesty.
Though in truth he had expected this type of response and had already begun recruiting. He had also started transporting a large portion of his army via transport ships towards the eastern border, to avoid coming into contention with Arch and his majesty.
Yet his majesty paid Tray no heed.
“I’m sure we have already sent an envoy of our own?”
“Yes, I have already taken the liberty of sending someone to represent our nation as well as our church, your majesty.”
“Ah so you have.” His majesty smiled and turned to Ioe. “I’m sure whoever you sent would be most trustworthy. I don't believe I need to stress this fact but, I would like to resolve this matter at the table rather than on the battlefield.”
“That is only to be expected, your majesty, none of us here wish for more blood spilled in vain.”
“Your majesty, if I may.”
The man who spoke was the Duke of Urach, the man whose territory includes that of Mercini.
“Please Wilhelm, do speak your mind.”
“Thank you your majesty. This was a clear violation of our treaty of Vernft, such insolence cannot go unpunished. I believe that general Tray is correct, we must show those fools the consequences of their actions.” His mustache shook with each word as he was unable to contain his displeasure.
“There are some merits to your point of view. If we do nothing it only serves as an utter disgrace to our kingdom and our ancestors. However we do have a hostage situation on our hands do we not? Until we can assure the safe return of Lady Ashel, we will not take any abrasive action.”
When did his majesty ever trouble over such “trivial” matters?
“I appreciate the thought, your majesty. However I’ve already sent a team in to retrieve my daughter. Let's first focus on drawing up a battle plan.”
General Nwen was the next to speak: "Your majesty, this could possibly be more serious than we had expected. It's simply a speculation on my part but there is no chance that Bereene would do this on their own. Our ties with Rainame had always been weak, it's very possible that they could be involved in this conflict.”
“Hmm Tray, Arch what do you think, is such a thing possible?”
“I wouldn't put it past them, those dirty bastards will do anything to get the upper hand," Tray answered.
“And I concur,” Arch added to Tray’s surprise.
All the lessers shared a worried look, but his majesty seemed still unperturbed.
“Ioe, would you be able to deter that?”
“It's rather unfortunate that they aren't the most faithful followers. If it does come to fruition, I may be able to delay them, but I'm afraid that's all I would be able to do.”
“If they had this all planned out, I would need to burden you with just that.”
“Very well your majesty.”
“Arch, Nwen, and Tray, if we were to fight this battle on both fronts, how likely is it that we would prevail?”
Nwen was the first to reply: “It's hard to say your majesty, though I doubt they would be so foolish as to challenge us without a proper plan intact. Thus, we should proceed with caution.”
Such is a coward's reply, when the enemy breaks your door, you must respond in kind and burn his whole house down.
Tray stood and all eyes naturally gravitated towards him.
“Your majesty, allow me to be your sword, I shall ravage Bereene’s lands and end this ordeal before Rainame even has to chance to join them in the battlefield.”
His majesty furrowed his brow and paused as he contemplated the two suggestions.
“And what do you think Arch?”
Why would you ask her!?
“It would be best not to underestimate Rainame, we should move a portion of the northern army to bolster our western border’s defenses and request for our ally Noctilune to supplement our main force on the eastern front.”
Wait and wait is that all these fools can think about?… Cowards, the lot of em.
“It could take Noctilune a fortnight to provide any assistance, if the tidings of Rainame are correct they would be able to begin their attacks well before we see any reinforcements. We must take the initiative and strike first, your majesty I beseech you, please allow me to deliver this first blow.”
“Denied, we shall proceed with Arch’s suggestion, and as for such she will act as the supreme commander for the time being.” Llywelyn clapped to adjourn his presence in the meeting.
Inconceivable wretch!
“Your majesty, where are you headed? We still have much more to discuss,” Nwen asked.
“As I have said, Arch will represent me for now, I’ll be returning to my chambers. Do keep me posted on this matter.”
Nearly everyone looked in disbelief as his majesty wandered off. This wasn't some trivial matter that could be ignored, the very sovereignty of the kingdom was in peril, and yet his only desire was to be with his many mistresses.
“In that case I shall see myself out as well, the matter of war efforts is not my forte, I shall leave it to your capable hands Arch.” Lord Ioe exited with his followers gathered behind him.
To live with such disgrace!
Tray slammed the table with rage, echoing the shared sentiments of many, cracking it where he had sat.
“And where are you going now General Tray?”
“To prepare for the turbulent sea ahead, what else would a sane man do in such a time?” Tray practically spat those words.
“As his majesty had said, I am in charge of our combined military force for the time being. Though to be fair, I don't care what you do.”
Just what is she up to?
She smiled as if responding to Tray’s thoughts.
“Although it is true for you personally, that need not apply to your army. For that end I’m to expect at least half of your forces to be stationed with Nwen in two days' time, and the remainder of your forces to remain in the north.”
The audacity of this bitch… Who are you to order me?
Hmph.
This was no time to waste his breath in this petty argument.
“Yes of course, you are in charge after all, I shall make arrangements immediately. Now, if you will excuse me.”
They came for her again after all, are they really the same group as before… Those fools won't be so lucky this time around. If I have to Burn Bereene down to the ground then so be it, I will find them.
“Is it wise to let him go like that?”
“As long as he complies with my orders he is of no issue, the man’s loyalty is unquestionable. Now, please take some time to study the documents that lay before you, it details our plans for Bereene. In the event that Rainame is to remain neutral, Nwen will gather his elites as well as the men sent by General Tray and join me as my second in command.”
“Wouldn't General Tray be a better candidate?” asked Nwen.
Many of the others nodded in agreement.
“No, Nwen. You are chosen as you are better suited for the management of our troops and defensive maneuvers.”
After given such praise, his face glowed up like a lantern.
“Yes my lady, it would be my honor.”
Murmurs gathered like a storm as sour faces grew on each and every one of Tray’s supporters, while those in Nwen’s camp were all smiles.
“And you Lord Wilhelm, I trust that they will not make easy passage through your lands.”
“We will fight to the last, my lady.”
“Very well, and everyone else here is also expected to send me a portion of their elites. As indicated, this will finally bring an end to our eternal blight. We will meet again in a day's time. If there are no further questions then this meeting is adjourned. To the eternal crown.”
Everyone in the room held up their glass and joined in: “To the eternal crown.”
All the fake smiles on these rotten old faces, all the leering eyes, full of lust, envy, and distaste. As much as they try to hide it, the fox could lose his hair but not his habits.
After the quick toast, everyone gathered their followers and left one after the other, and when the last of them left, Arch let out a sigh as one of his majesty’s assistants returned to the room.
“His majesty is expecting you.”
“Very well.”
She casually took one more sip from her glass before she launched it across the room. It shattered to a million pieces, lighting up the entire room in a fiery explosion with its reflection for a split second.
“Clean it up.”
“Yes my lady.”
*****************
Rather than his usual quarters, his majesty was waiting at the very peak of Eisene, atop his own personal castle that ruled over the realms of men. Alone he sat with his blank face staring off into the distance.
Arch leaped up and sat down by his side.
“Say Arch, what do you make of this?”
“Llywelyn, The fate of mankind is rearing its ugly face, to agonize over an eternal cycle of hatred. We cannot control it, stop it, or even slow it down, we cannot even slightly alter it.”
“It's all as it was meant to be. We dance along with the strings of fate. Now, you wouldn't happen to be involved right?”
His words were ice cold, like daggers through a black heart.
“Of course not, we made a promise after all.”
“Yes, when the time is right, his head will fall by your hands.”
Arch wrapped her arms around his majesty’s head and held him tightly to her bosom.