A slight knock came from the door and Trau walked in with a maid and butler carrying writing supplies.
“I apologies for the wait sir, but these two have some of the best handwriting in the manor.”
“It's all good, just get them settled and we will be good to start.”
Putting a little fire in their step, the two recorders quickly got set up and Trau brought me a small stack of folders.
“These were the issues that the council were going to talk about today sir, if you need a quick brief I can get you up to date with them.”
“That’s not necessary Trau, thank you though.”
I receive the folders and flip through them quickly.
“Flower overgrown, creek were he wants a new house, request for a new mansion for his newborn…is this really what you consider emergencies? Trau please out this to the side, we won’t be wasting our time on this.”
Agitated I could see one of the councilmen readjust himself in his chair.
“Mr. Nica Thrum, you’re the head of the military development and political and diplomatic report correct?”
“Yes Mr. Tising.”
“Give me a run down on the nations military standing.”
“As of last week’s report, our military stands ready for anything. Over 100,000 soldiers total, varying from foot soldiers to battle mages and scouts. Our air defense consist of 300 wyvern fighters adding an extra 100 fighters of we include the royal defense unit, and over 50 of our elite dragoon units. As for the seagoing forces we have 30 light attack ships, 16 medium cruiser, and 1 battle draught.”
Sounding a little proud of this Nica Thrum smiled and leaned back in his chair.
“How’s the border security and maritime patrol set up?”
“As for our boarder we have 10,000 troops station at strategic points all throughout the boarder, but we have no maritime patrols set at the moment. The ships only go out when necessary.”
Not expecting a follow-up question it took a second for him to get the information out.
“I’ll be making a visit to the border in the near future to do an assessment and see how it can be improved. What are the capabilities of each class of ship?”
“We have three classes of light attack ships, a 32ft Dwarf class, 80ft Minsk class, and a 289ft Terk class. We have 7 Terk class, 13 Minsk, and 10 Dwarf. One class of cruiser, the Merday class, is 303ft. Our only Battle Draught is the Emperor Class, a 571ft ship that is also our nation’s flagship. I’ll have one of my subordinates bring you a brief will all the information you could need after the meeting is over.”
“Sounds good. How is out diplomatic situation with the neighboring nations?”
“We have Erusia to our north and east with Tibel to our south and ocean to our west. Tibel is a mercenary state so there is no issue or worry about invasion. Erusia on the other hand, has been going through major political turmoil lately and is currently split into two, the north and the eastern Erusia. We have been in contact with the northern Erusia leader since he was our ally before the split and we continue to hold friendly relations. The eastern Erusian people refuse to speak with us so we have troops focused on that area of the border.”
“Alright, not the best situation but it could be worse. Mr. Dalis, how are things going seaside?”
I noticed that the councilman was starting to nod off while I was talking to Nica Thrum so seeing him jump after having his name called gave me slight enjoyment.
“Um…yeah…they are doing fine, shipping industry is holding live and well and the people are living in moderate comfort. There has been minor issue with the rogue islands attacking out ships more frequently.”
“What are these rogue islands?”
“It's where the nations send their outcast and unwanted people. About maybe 200 nautical miles to the south-west of our shorelines there is a shipping lane that comes close to it.”
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“Is there any way to go a different course?”
“Not if you want to keep the deliveries on time and not go in the red from cost.”
“Makes sense, ill want to see more detailed reports on the attacks if you could. Then we can think of a solution.”
“I’ll get those reports gathered as soon as possible.”
“Mr. Atal, how is the farming and agricultural scene doing?”
“In all honesty, there are no issues on my side. Apart from the few people rebelling rather than farming my region is doing well. The regional security will have the rebels put down within the month anyways.”
Rubbing off a major problem like that as if it wasn’t his problem kind of irritated me.
“Do you know why they are rebelling?”
“Uhhh…No not at all….”
Hearing a little giggle beside me I look down and see Lucil covering her mouth.
“I’ll have an investigation started and see to it that the rebellions are ended quickly then.”
I did not want to get into a major argument with him about treatment of his people without having any documentation.
“That’s…That’s unnecessary sir!”
A bit frantic Mr. Atal tried to quickly stop me from doing my own investigation, which made me want to do one even more.
“Alright I think this was a nice introduction meeting, I want to get a few things done and then we will get back together and talk again. Trau be sure those records are saved and stored in a secure location.”
“Understood sir.”
With that the butlers left and soon followed the councilmen not looking all too happy. All that was left was me and Lucil.
“So what did you think, do I have my work cut out for me?”
“You are going to have a wonderful time. Be wary of those councilmen and their lackeys though. They can be a bit tricky to read and track.”
“I will, thank you for the concern. So when are you headed back to the old king?”
“Hmm I dunno he said to just come and go when I want and give him updates every now and then. He’s pretty relaxed in all actuality.”
“Well in that case would you join us for some dinner tonight?”
“Gladly, though don’t think of trying to court me or anything, I don’t swing your way if you catch what I'm saying.”
Giving a mischievous smile she looked towards the door that was left open and there were a couple of maids waiting outside for us to leave so they could clean the room. Lucil seemed to be looking hard at the tall slender maid on the left with waist length blond hair.
“I hear you, and I'm all for it. Just please don’t bother the working women too much while you’re here please.”
“No promises.”
We laughed a bit and left the room. Heading towards the main hall there was a man standing by the door in heavy steel armor.
“Sir, I would like a second if you don’t mind.”
Speaking up as we approached the man called out to me and stopped us for continuing.
“How can I help?”
“My name is Captain Gerald Losten, I was the second in command of the royal security detachment before it was disbanded and merged back into the general military. I was told you were looking for individuals for your personal guard.”
“That is correct, I am. Though I want to be the one to hand pick from the new recruits being trained.”
“I would advise against that. All of the new recruits being trained now are in some way connected and affiliated with at least one or a couple of the councilmen. I would like to suggest a crew you can trust. If it is not an issue.”
“You can suggest but before I make any decision I want to see all of their files, everything from military service, specialties, even down to their financial status. Is that doable?”
“I…understood, please give me three days’ time and ill have all their information you require.”
“Sounds good, I’ll be waiting.”
With that being said Lucil and I continue to walk until we get outside and end up on the parameter wall. The manor is pretty much a small castle on the top of a hill overlooking the city. We are not in the Capital city but a little side city called Menerva, Named after the first kings wife. This is where the council agreed as the meeting point for their meetings. Its close enough to the capital that if need be they can get there quickly but far enough away to relax a little.
The city reminded me of some of the RPG games I played before I was brought here. I leaned against the wall and looked over the city watching the sun set.
“You know, I’ve always wanted to live in a fantasy world like this, but why do I have to babysit useless councilmen. I’d much rather fight like a demon king or something.”
“You would die almost as soon as you picked up a weapon.”
Jumping up on top of the ledge and taking a seat, Lucil looked at me.
“I know, it was just some blabbering. But this area is beautiful, if I were a hero I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the view like this. Being a politician baby sitter isn’t so bad I guess.”
“If you wanted to remove the councilmen and just run things I'm sure the king would allow it and give you his support.”
“He might, but the people won’t. What’s the point in leading a nation of the people have no trust nor respect in you. The councilmen make for a nice cover, I can just do what I want through them and things won’t be questioned.”
“So are you planning to keep yourself hidden from the public?”
“Nah, I'm not going to hide, but I am going to use my lack of visibility to get around without issue.”
“A bit shady, but I can’t say anything.”
“Being called shady from the one who can throw her voice and appear from behind people. Pot calling the kettle black eh?”
“Side effect of my training for protecting the king.”
“Speaking of which, how did you become a worker directly under the king?”
“Well the king has a preference type of person that he wants around him. He is a strong intimidating leader, but the moment he sees these…” She pointed to the tuffs on the top of her head as they unfolded and showed full ears. “…Or this…” I felt something poking me so I looked down and saw a long slender tail wiggling. “…He turns into a bit kid in a way. So when he requested a servant of my race the queen set the requirements to be the servant couldn’t like men. There are not many like me out there so I kind of got it with no competition.”