(***Phelantha/Pia POV***)
Pia looked at the gate of the former Duke of Torin’s castle. Just yesterday, Zero had appeared and said she and the others would be able to meet the duke after going missing for a while. This news surprised her because she knew Zero really didn’t care about the struggle or hardships she and her people had faced.
So it came as a shock that he would go out of his way to arrange a meeting for her when he coldly told her he would only bring her here and nothing more. Pia felt that either something major must have changed or Zero had his own angle in this fight against the royal family. Pia calmed down and stopped thinking about things she wouldn’t find the answer to anytime soon.
This moment would define her future; she needed to get the former duke’s cooperation to fight both the royal family and the magic tower. They were responsible for the fall of her people, and even now, the few that remained were kept as slaves in the three remaining kingdoms. To free them and start to rebuild, Pia knew she would need a powerful ally, and the former duke not only had connections but he had a motive to go against the royal family and the magic tower.
Pia took a deep breath, steeling herself for the meeting ahead. The former Duke of Torin held the key to her mission, and she had to convince him to join their cause. She understood the weight of the task before her and the potential implications it carried.
As Pia and the other girls walked towards the gates of the castle, she saw Zero by the doors to the castle; she couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. She knew that this meeting would require her to be persuasive, diplomatic, and, above all, resolute. The heavy wooden doors of the castle creaked open, revealing a grand entrance hall. Pia and Zero entered, their footsteps echoing through the vast space. They were led to a meeting room, where Earl Torin awaited their arrival.
Duke Torin, a handsome man with a stern expression, sat at the head of a long wooden table. His eyes flickered when Zero approached. He stood up and with a stoic face said, “Greetings, my name is Mathias Torin. I am the current lord of this territory. I spoke with Zero and it seems he believes I should meet with you ladies.”
Pia stood tall, maintaining her composure as she returned the greeting. "Lord Torin, it's an honor to meet you," she said, her voice steady. "I am Pia, and these are my companions."
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She gestured to the other girls beside her, who nodded politely in acknowledgment. Pia could sense the tension in the room, aware that the former Duke's reputation preceded him. She knew she had to choose her words carefully and make a strong impression.
"We have come seeking your cooperation, Lord Torin," Pia continued, her tone earnest. "These ladies behind me have been through a lot, and as you can tell, they are not all human, so we felt that your territory would be the best place for them to start over."
Torin’s stoic face didn’t change as he said, “Really, why don’t you explain to me what happened.”
Pia explained how she and Zero managed to rescue them from a group of bandits who had raided their villages and caravans, killing all others except them. She also narrated how they developed a fear and dislike of men, and it would be hard for them to live anywhere. Pia heard from Zero yesterday that Earl had a lack of servants, so she hoped that he would employ them to work here.
Duke Torin's gaze lingered on Pia for a moment before he took his seat once again. He leaned forward, his expression contemplative. "You speak of justice and charity," he said, his voice resonating with a hint of skepticism. "I recently learned to be a bit more pragmatic. So please tell me why I should help."
Pia maintained eye contact, unwavering in her resolve. "Lord Torin, I am aware of the injustices that have befallen your family," she said, her voice filled with empathy. "I understand the pain you have endured, and I believe that you can somewhat empathize with them. They had everything taken from them too, so please, I implore you to help them."
Duke Torin's expression softened slightly, a flicker of interest appearing in his eyes. "Very well, I shall employ them as maids within this castle. They need not be around any men while they work for me. They will work underneath a maid of mine," he mused. "Now tell me, what you want from me? Zero said I would definitely wish to talk to you."
Pia took a deep breath, knowing that her next words would be crucial in securing his support. "My name is Phelantha Ivoriel Ardenia, Lord Torin," she explained, her voice measured. "I am the last remaining member of the royal family of Aepilia, the kingdom of the Alves. I came here to form an alliance with you in hopes of taking down the head of the magic tower and the current ruling royal family."
The news shocked everyone in the room with the exception of Zero and the Alv servant of Pia. Duke Torin's eyes widened in surprise at Pia's revelation. The room fell silent as the weight of her words settled upon everyone present. Pia could sense a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and uncertainty in the air.
"You claim to be the last remaining member of the royal family of Aepilia," Duke Torin stated, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and intrigue. "And you seek an alliance with me to take down the head of the magic tower and the ruling royal family. That is a bold proposition, Phelantha Ivoriel Ardenia."
Pia nodded, her gaze steady as she met Duke Torin's eyes. "I understand the gravity of my words, Lord Torin," she replied. "The royal family and the magic tower have caused immense suffering and oppression not only to my people but to many others, such as yourself. I believe together with your support, we have the power to bring them down and create a new era of peace."
The girls seated beside Pia exchanged glances, a mixture of astonishment and hope evident on their faces. They had placed their trust in Pia, and now they listened intently, eager to see how Duke Torin would respond.
Duke Torin leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. "The royal family and the magic tower are both powerful beyond belief," he said, his tone measured. "True, they are not invincible. Yes, I have witnessed their atrocities firsthand, but as you can see by my current state of affairs, I lost to them. I have neither the political power nor the armed forces necessary to fight them."