Chapter 16 The Three Targets

❄Snow❄

Lazarus handed her a wet cloth.

“Simply touching arcana ‘dust’ invokes its effects. Wipe your hands quickly.” Snow and Lazarus were back in the carriage heading back to the castle. As Snow wiped her hands she felt as if her whole arm was starting to numb.

“I just held it, I didn’t know it would make me feel like this.”

It was strange: it felt nice for a bit but then her arm felt like it had fallen asleep, like a bunch of pins were pressing against it from all directions and the only way to get rid of it was to touch more.

“It will pass, just bear with it.” Lazarus reassured, as he seemed to read her thoughts.

“If this is the feeling you get from just touching it, I can’t imagine what it must be like to eat it.” Snow shivered. Lazarus gave her a serious look.

“Putting it in your mouth makes the effects increase three-fold, which induces a near paralysis effect like you just saw. It’s extremely dangerous and the only reason why Jack was able to take it like that was because he has built up a strong resistance from being a long time ‘duster’.” That explanation just made Snow more worried.

“We should tell the guard just in case. He might die.”

“You put just enough in his mouth to shock him into complying, but also just little enough not to kill him. He will be fine. Do not worry, it is best that no one finds out about this.” Lazarus waved her off her concerns.

“It feels so messed up though. The whole manner was empty, but when I went into his room there was a single painting. It was of him with his family. What if he really was getting better and I just put him back on the Dust?”

“Jack has been on and off dust every so often for close to a decade. His family left him long ago. A person like him has no chance of ‘going clean’. At the end of the day, what matters is that we got the deed, so good work. You should be happy, we beat Jirminshawl.”

“I don’t know Lazarus. What I did feels wrong.” Snow said, her inner turmoil plain on her face.

“The world isn’t black and white Snow. You need to choose who you can and can’t save. In this case, an easy choice; one person who has failed repeatedly versus a vast group of innocent people, including women and children. Remember, we are doing this to ensure the oncoming ban on ‘forced servitude’ stays in effect.”

“I guess so.” Snow agreed, but the worry she felt didn’t go away, even as she tried to ignore it.

I would love her a lot more if she helped instead of hurting this family for her own selfish reasons.

If this was what her mother meant as ‘contributing,’ she was afraid just what else she would have to do next.

After a few minutes of traveling in silence, Lazarus spoke up again.

“Okay, we got the deed-now we need to handle the second, more difficult issue. Getting the construction passed.”

“What’s the issue with that?”

“Your mother wishes to go through the Mountaineer Council for this construction. The council consists of eleven members. The problem is there are five who are dead set on blocking your mother and only three who will support her.”

“Ok so that leaves three undecided right?”

“Not undecided- ‘swayable.’”

“Sounds…promising?” Snow asked with uncertainty.

“Indeed, and to get it passed you need a majority vote. Now do you see the difficulty inherent in this right? That is why I said it was ambitious.”

“Convincing one is easy enough. But three seems downright impossible.”

“The three are Mage Councilman Augnem, Knight Councilor Harper, and the Head Councilor, Frederick also known as the ‘Mediator.’

Snow pondered for a moment.

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“I know how we can reach Augnem.” She uttered. “Would you be willing to spare some more time and tailoring materials Lazarus?”

“First the deed and now my tailoring. I should be charging you for my services.” Lazarus leaned back, closing his eyes. Snow gave him a look. “Kidding, of course. What did you have in mind?”

”My sister Lussuria is in the Regalian mage guild. She’s so accomplished, she was even offered a seat in the Mountaineer mage guild during the Lotus celebration. They know her and they like her, so I’d bet she sway his opinion.”

“I’ll take your word for it on your sister being able to handle Augnem. Now that leaves that righteous fool Harper and the Mediator.” Lazarus said Harper’s name with scorn, an emotion Snow hadn’t seen from him before.

“Why do you say his name like that?” She asked.

“That man is a righteous idiot, blinded by his old achievements. He used to be a Mountaineer General. He is very hard headed but he is by far the most sympathetic to your mother’s cause. He also has a soft spot for-'' Lazarus paused as if considering his next words.

“Soft spot for what?”

Lazarus looked at her for a moment before continuing.

“Let’s just say he likes to partake in certain practices that would strife Asmodeus himself. However, our plan of action isn’t that of degeneracy but of monetary persuasion.”

“What, like a bribe?”

“No, quite the opposite. If only we could find out some crippling information about the ‘honorable knight’ Sir Harper’s income, that by all accounts is seemingly endless, that we can use in negotiations. If only we knew someone who has access to confidential documents stored in say, a high monarchy’s record room? Do we know anyone like that?” He pondered as he held his chin in hand. His expression and voice gave the image of utter seriousness, betrayed only by the amusement in his eyes.

“I think I may know someone who can help with that.” Snow replied, her voice thick with sarcasm.

It wasn’t long after their conversation finished that Lazarus’ carriage had arrived at the castle.

“Okay, so we have plans to deal with two of them. What about the last guy, you called him the Mediator?”

“Besides Mage Councilman Augnem and Knight Councilman Harper is Mediator Frederick, the head Councilman and the frequent ‘tie-breaker’ on heavily contested votes. He is the smartest of them and very level-headed. He should be willing to assist once the other positions are turned.”

“Alright, I’ll inform my mom of everything.”

“Hold on Snow, it will be beneficial to all parties if you naught mention our visit to Jack today. It’s best that she does not know of what transpired in his manor. While I’m sure she wouldn’t care in truth, a queen must keep up appearances and I’d rather keep my head. If you know what I mean. I am also going to give her the deed for free which should cover a lot of the gold needed for the construction process.

“For free? Are you joking?” She asked incredulously.

“I am very supportive of the banning of mandatory servitude. It is time the Mountaineer Kingdom’s culture embraces this new society we’ve built in the aftermath of the war. Forced servitude is simply one of the things it needs to let go of, as well as those who rely on employing it. Besides…I take good care of my servants and I’m confident none of them will want to leave.” He winked before one of his servants opened the door to the carriage. “Just tell your mother you ‘valiantly’ convinced me. Now, shall we go speak to your sister before I depart?”

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“You want me to do what?!” Lussuria’s voice echoed off the front walls of the castle.

“I need you to convince the Mountaineer Mage Councilman to allow Mom to build over the old mage guild property.”

“I don’t even know the guy. He’s probably some dusty old ‘senior mentor’ who never recovered from losing the old building.”

“I am sure you can convince him to let it go.”

Lussuria rolled her eyes.

“I don’t want to do it.”

“Why not? Can you at least give it a try?”

“Give it a try? First of all, I’d rather not sit in a carriage for the two weeks it would take to get to the Mountaineer Kingdom. Secondly, I already told them I am not joining their guild. I would look pathetic going back to them and asking them for something like that. Plus, all the higher-ups there are the most stubborn people ever. I wouldn’t even be granted an audience with him. The mage guild doesn’t care about my royal status.”

“Getting an audience would be no issue. The Mountaineer mage’s guild respects power which they know you have.” Lazarus approached on cue, joining the conversation. His voice sounded from under his large purple cavalier hat.

Lussuria flushed red, a stark contrast with her usually pale skin.

“L-Lord Lazarus!” She bowed her head. “I am a great fan of your work, the intricacies and attention to detail; it’s magical and something I’ve only seen done by you. It’s an honor, truly!” Lazarus looked down at her and smiled.

“I appreciate the compliments, not many pay attention to the level of detail in my work. They just take it at face value, ignoring all the little things that make my works truly special.” He revealed his face clearly, in a subtle performative act.

“The outfit you made for my sister is astonishing. The stitches were virtually nonexistent, yet you could weave in all the magic resistant materials while maintaining the comfortable texture of the fabric, and that’s not even mentioning the amazing style of the look.” Lussuria excitedly rambled on. Lazarus seemed almost bemused at this but kept the conversation going.

“You are very perceptive; truly an artisan yourself. Thank you for your praise, Princess Lussuria,” he replied humbly before following up with the reason he was truly there. “I know you are a part of the mage guild. You’ve been making quite the name for yourself.”

“Yeah, I guess you could say that. I pick up skills faster than they can teach them to me. All they teach is simple stuff though, so it’s not much of an accomplishment there until I get promoted and get access to higher level knowledge.”

“I’d hate to inquire this from a fellow artisan, especially from someone like yourself, but can you speak to the mage council member for us? I am working with your sister on this matter, and it is imperative that this vote goes in favor with your mother’s wishes. I know it’s a tall order, the long trip to the Mountaineer Kingdom is quite the inconvenience, but I would be in your debt.”

Lussuria’s eyes widened in shock. “The Master Artisan Lazarus, in debt to me?”

“Yes, I hate to sound like I am inducing you for the task, but I believe only you can accomplish this. Perhaps I can make you several outfits in return?”

“I’ll do it!” She quickly blurted out. “No worries, Lord Lazarus. You can count on me.” She bowed again. Snow knew Lussuria wouldn’t refuse Lazarus, he was probably the only person she saw as her superior. It was funny in a way.

“Wonderful.” Lazarus stated.

Snow was seeing Lazarus off as he sat in his carriage, ready to depart back to the Mountaineer Kingdom. Lazarus spoke to her from the gold crested window of the carriage.

“Quite the adventure we’ve had thus far. I’ll send you a message if I decide on a specific course of action. Be sure to give me any information you can find on Knight Councilman Harper that would be helpful in swaying his vote and I will take care of it. As for the Mediator, once we have the other two votes, I believe he will vote in favor with us, since that would generate more tax revenue for the Council.

“I didn’t know getting stuff done required so much dirty work.”

“If only you knew.” Lazarus laughed. “I must be off now. Be well Snow.” He tipped his hat to her.

“Ok Lazarus, I appreciate all the help you’ve given me.”

“It’s for the good of the country. Plus there’s no way I can refuse you. You still owe me that portrait, don't forget.” He pointed at her.

“You got it. Once this is all over.”

“Indeed.”

He rode off.