Alexandria Terramanz
Father wants to talk to Oberon! Well, I should not be surprised he was the only person that was not noble to be invited so there must have been something about him that drew father’s attention.
“I had thought so since I received your invitation, your Majesty what is it you wish to talk about?” Said Oberon, Valeria in her usual spot behind his wheelchair.
Father stared down at Oberon from his throne. “Ever since your involvement in resolving the food shortage crisis 3 years ago I have been keeping an eye on you and your activities, and I have to say I am impressed. Do you know what the common folk call you Oberon?
Oberon shrugged. “They call me many things your Majesty, “The Crippled Lord”, “Lord of the Slums”, “The Cripple of Sagittae”. Some others as well with a variation on the word cripple, they seem to like that word.”
Father nodded. “Yes, I have heard of those but the one my spies in the city reported that most refer to you as is “The True Lord of Sagittae”. In a city where their King resides they refer to you as the true lord.”
Oberon said he was influential in the city but to think it was to this extent! I hope father does not take offense.
Oberon laughed. “You know the common folk. they like to exaggerate I’m sure that they don’t mean much about it by referring to me as such.”
Father shook his head. “No, loathe as I am to admit I do not know the common folk. I know not their mind nor their heart, yet I am the one responsible for ruling over them. But I believe you do know them which is why they think of you as their true lord.”
Oberon serious now held father's gaze neither saying anything.
What is this? Why are they quiet.
I took a look at everyone’s face and other than Valeria and Brigette everybody seemed uncomfortable. Even Sir Joseph had a frown on his expressionless face.
Finally, father spoke. “Did you know that I have seriously considered getting rid of a significant part of the city watch because of you? Other than guarding the city walls and gate they don’t do much in the actual city.” He shook his head. “Now, when the common folk have trouble with something the city watch isn’t the first place they go to. Instead, they go directly to your mansion or one of your establishments. A spy reported overhearing a conversation between a group of people talking about criminals threatening and extorting them and they said, “Let’s go talk to the lord about this.” Referring to you. Another spy heard others say, “Don’t bother with the city watch go to one of the lord’s establishments they will help you.” Even with things not related to their safety they go to you. A spy reported a couple asking where they could find a money lender and grain supplier, someone responded, “If you can convince them that you can pay them back the Lord and his Lady will lend you money and maybe also find a grain supplier for you.” I believe that couple now runs the most popular bread shop in Sagittae near the blue tower named “Valeria’s Bread Shop”. By the way, I do not hear much about Valeria other than people knowing that she is with you not much is said about her.
Of course not. They wanted to hide her strength. Were it not for Sir Foltest forcing her hand, we may have just thought about Valeria as Oberon's beautiful attendant who could also fight a little and not as what Sir Foltest called her “Oberons strongest sword”.
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Oberon sighed. “I was wondering why we had been flooded with so many requests lately, so people have given up on the city watch. I had no intention of taking over their jobs, but I cannot do anything about it now. We cannot take any credit for the bread shop other than providing grain and the name its popularity and success were all due to the couple Felia and Rowe’s efforts. As for people not knowing much about Valeria I thought it better for the both of us if people did not think much about her. Her strength and beauty would have attracted some unscrupulous attention that would have been bothersome to get rid of.” Oberon reached up to Valeria and kissed the back of her hand. “Though I do admit jealousy played a part as I feared fair Valeria would leave me for someone else leaving me heartbroken.” For some reason, Valeria seemed annoyed and squeezed Oberon's hand hard enough to make him flinch.
Father chuckled. “I see, though I don’t think you have to worry about that. From what I can tell she has her eyes only for you. As for the issue with the city watch, I do not blame you, if they had done a better job then they would not have lost the trust of the people.
Father adjusted his crown and stood up from his throne. “I suppose I should get to the crux of why I summoned you here and why we are talking about this. Oberon, I want to invite you to be a part of my royal court and serve as one of my advisors! You know the heart and mind of the people unlike most of my other advisors and I believe you have more than proven your competence! We will face difficult times soon and I believe that you can play a major part in getting us through it!”
I am surprised this is what father was angling for. I wonder if this was his original intention when he first began keeping an eye on Oberon. Thinking about Oberon's influence and exploits he would undoubtedly be a major help to the throne though I do not think Oberon will accept this offer he does not seem the type for palace life or meetings with pompous twits.
Oberon shook his head. “I am honored your Majesty, but I must refuse. I have come to enjoy my time away from nobility and living with the common folk and one of the biggest reasons I am so well regarded by the common folk is because I am no longer nobility and live among them. By accepting your offer I would lose a lot of their trust, but rest assured I will do my part in contributing to keeping this Kingdom safe. As you already guessed I have allied myself with Lady Alexandria and will continue to do so as long as my expectations are met, as for what those expectations are, she is already aware of them and can fill you in if you are curious.”
Oberon was not surprised by the offer so he may have expected it. When did he figure it out? His expectations are for me to improve the life of the common folk that was something I would have tried to do anyway but I cannot help but wonder what he would do if he felt his expectations were not met.
Father sat down and sighed. “I see, well I won’t insist. You do not seem the type to be easily persuaded. As long as you are allied with Alexandria I do not think your competence will go to waste, but I must ask.” His gaze pierced Oberon. “What will you do if Alexandria no longer meets your expectations.”
At least I will not have to ask him now.
Oberon shrugged. “I believe I have developed an eye for people over the years and though I have only known Lady Alexandria for a day I have known her for years through reputation and I am confident I placed my hopes in the right person. If for whatever reason she no longer meets those expectations we will simply part ways and I will place my hopes in another or do what I can myself.”
Father chuckled. “How honest. Most people would say that it would never happen or, even if that were to happen they would not abandon her.” He turned to address all of us. “I have high hopes for your mission to kidnap the Duke of Betelgeuse and if you succeed get word to me immediately I hope to set the date with King Peter Rayne before he even gets word of what happened. You all have to get your affairs in order before departing so I will not keep you any longer. Wes, you are dismissed for the day spend some time with your daughter before she departs. Alexandria, learn all you can about the Orion Kingdom from Margrave Allard he has been fighting them for years you will not find a better teacher.”
Wes bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” He then walked to join us, and we made our way out of the throne room.
I am glad father dismissed old man Wes for the day I worried Brigette would not have time to spend with him. Now that everyone but me has something to do before departing I wonder what shall I do?