“I can’t believe you sent her to the lion’s den.” Ryman spoke in between cigarette puffs. Leaning comfortably in the plush sofa with his leg crossed on the other.
“She’s perfect,” Eden replied, staring out the window behind his desk, his fingers drumming on the armrest of his chair. “Perfect scores in the Imperial Examination, active records in multiple organizations, she’s practically my ace.”
Ryman scoffed, taking another drag from his cigarette. “An ace. That’s all you’ve got,” he said, rising from the sofa and walking over to join Eden at the window. “Well, let me inform you this. Your so-called ‘ace’ is a gamble. You only have one of them.”
Eden frowned, slightly raising an eyebrow. “A gamble, huh? I’d call it an investment. Besides, I wouldn’t do anything carelessly, you know that. She’s not the only hand I’ve got.”
“She’s young and untested in the real political arena,” Ryman retorted, exhaling a cloud of smoke. “You’re sending her into a nest of vipers with nothing but raw talent and a briefcase full of documents. The stakes are too high. Duke Alaric would rip her to shreds.”
Eden chuckled softly. “I know what I’m doing.”
“Oh, you do?” Ryman let out an amused laugh. “I’m sure you knew what you were doing when your maneuverings agitated the imperial court? Or when you let that revolt over in the colonies to boil over?”
“Are you implying I’m incompetent at my job?” Eden turned to face Ryman, his eyes narrowing.
“I’m implying you’re reckless,” Ryman said, putting out his cigar on the table. “Your methods have a way of courting disaster. The empire doesn’t need another crisis. It needs stability.”
“I am providing stability,” Eden stated firmly before continuing. “The Empress and I don’t see eye to eye. Well, she doesn’t see me at all. I’m trying to keep the relationship between the central government and the local provinces intact. She wants to bring them to heel and destroy the integrity of the government.”
“Bringing them to heel might be harsh, but at least it’s a clear strategy. Your approach is chaotic. You’re sending mixed signals and hoping for the best,” Ryman retaliated. “And what do you hope to achieve, genuinely? A censure, really? At best that’s just a strongly worded letter.”
“A strongly worded letter from more than half of the nobility. The Empress would be forced to concede and restore the Premiership.”
“Hah!” Ryman snorts. “The Empress wouldn’t listen to us, even if we united to oppose her. don’t forget that the highest authority is her.”
“Oh please, I do not aim to replace the Empress,” Eden sighed. “I aim to provide a check to her power. The Premiership exists for a reason: to ensure the voices of the provinces are heard, and the nobility satisfied. Without it, the empire is a powder keg ready to explode.”
“And you think a piece of paper will stop that explosion?” Ryman retorted. “You’re living in a fantasy if you believe she’ll back down just because some nobles tell her to.”
“Well, what would you do?” Eden and Ryman locked eyes, Eden's eyebrow raised in inquiry while Ryman's eyes narrowed with intensity.
“Sit back and don’t do something stupid,” Ryman said slowly, emphasizing each word. “Admit it, you just wanted the Premiership to yourself.”
Eden smiled, “What noble wouldn’t? That’s the highest position within the empire we can achieve.”
Ryman said nothing and simply stared at Eden, only the rhythmic ticking of the clock reverberated through the room. After what seemed like an eternity, he spoke up, “Don’t implicate me when things don’t go your way. I mean it.”
“You know, why don’t we continue this conversation later.” He stood up and cracked his neck, “how about during lunch?”
Ryman’s eyes pierced at him for a moment before looking away. “The Ministry of Justice is busy. I don’t have time for it.” He straightened his suit and began to walk to the door.
“Ryman,” Eden called out to the Minister of Justice, who stopped in his tracks and turned to look at him. “The Dwarves have a saying: ‘E fortresth bilt morrud vishtrust var crumble cendrumm itth oun veight.’” He paused, translating, “‘A fortress built on distrust will crumble under its own weight.’”
“For your sake, make sure your fortress doesn’t collapse while you’re still in it.” With that, he left the room, the door closing with a soft click.
He spots the burn mark of Ryman’s cigar on his table. “I do hope I won’t have to bring you down with me, Ryman.”
----------------------------------------
The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels on the tracks and the gentle swaying of the carriage gradually lulled Ries into a state of relaxation. Before she knew it, her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted into a light, uneasy sleep.
When she woke up, the train was still moving and Azazel was busying herself by reading a book.
Ries blinked her eyes, trying to regain consciousness before talking. “We’re not there yet?”
Azazel looked up from her book. “Nope. It’s only been three hours.”
“What?! Three hours? How much longer until we get there?”
“I honestly don’t know. I’ve never went this far out in the empire,” Azazel shrugged. “Oh yeah, we stopped at a station about an hour ago.”
Ries sighed, looking out the window at the passing scenery. The vast fields and distant mountains were a stark contrast to the crowded city she was used to. “I guess I didn’t realize just how big it is. I should’ve brought more to do.” She then looked back to Azazel, “you said you never went this far out the empire? Why is that?”
Azazel hums and closed her book. “I never needed to,” she stated. “I never took quests that needed to travel long distances. The western region is nice, plus t’s closer to home.”
Ries leaned back. “The western kingdoms, you mean?”
Azazel nods. “That’s right. Lovely place, lovely culture. I prefer being in the empire for the time being though.”
“Really? Why is that?”
Azazel smirked slightly. “Opportunities, mostly. The empire’s bustling with activity and there's always something interesting happening, new things to experience, new people to meet. The adventuring scene here is flourishing with newbies too.” She paused, her eyes glinting with amusement. “besides, the western kingdoms, while beautiful, can be a bit... stagnant.”
“Stagnant?”
“Well, I suppose the better word for it would be ‘stable’.” She sighs, “there’s always conflicts, instability, and upheaval. Take for example, the Demon invasion. The Holy City is rallying the west to combat the unified demon tribes. Meanwhile, Alsor has just finished their civil war and Valkoria is too busy fighting the Czar of Great Boria.”
Ries frowned. “Sounds like chaos everywhere.”
“That sounds about right. That’s why lots of adventurers are pouring into the empire for easier quests, most of the high-ranking ones stay in the west, however.”
Ries frowned even deeper, remembering the group of adventurers who chased her down and intending to possibly kill her, “Is that the reason why you live in the empire, then?”
“Oh, no.” Azazel shook her head lightly. “I got sick of my dad and ran away.”
“Ran away from home, huh?” Ries chuckled. “I feel that. But why?”
“Mhm. My dad was a Priest for the Holy City, and he was a bit of a… over-protective person. After my mom died, he became too protective of me. And well, I ran away.” She spread her arms. “But how about you? It’s unusual to see a Beastmen outside their tribe. Alone. Usually if they come to humans civilizations they’re together with their clan.”
Ries leaned in on the table. “To prove something to my dad, I guess…”
Azazel cocked her head slightly. “Daddy issues again? Seems like we’re alike.”
“Haha. Well, I didn’t run away because I hated him…” Ries turned to look at the landscape passing by the window. “It was to prove something…”
Azazel nodded, leaning back in her seat. “What’s that?”
Ries took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. “My father is the Chief of our tribe, you remember that?” Azazel nodded, and Ries continued. “He wanted a son; instead, he got me. It was alright at first, but it was clear that I’m… not proficient in martial arts, which happens to be our tribe’s entire culture. Power, raw strength, those are the qualities they value most.”
Azazel raised an eyebrow. “So, you felt like you didn’t fit in?”
Ries nodded. “Exactly. I tried to meet his expectations, but I just couldn’t. It’s not who I am. The only combat I’m proficient in are surprise attacks, which is not very honorable to them.” She paused. “And then, my dad had son, and I was ignored, left out, people in my tribe looked down on me.
“So you ran away and became an adventurer to become stronger, huh?” Azazel finished.
“Yeah,” Ries admitted. “I thought if I could prove myself out here, in the wider world, maybe they’d see me differently. Maybe I’d see myself differently. Heck, I didn’t expect impersonating another person and working for the empire. I can’t imagine it.”
“Well now that you said that, how about we look over the documents your minister gave?” Azazel said, “We’ll be in this train for quite a while. It’ll kill time at the very least.”
“Huh? Oh, right.” Ries remembered she was given a briefcase by Eden before departing. Supposedly it was just documents, but when she carried it, it felt like there were more than just documents. Or maybe because it was just that heavy.
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Ries retrieved the briefcase from the overhead compartment and placed it on the small table between them, producing a loud thump.
“You look over it first. I’ll go to the restaurant carriage to get something to eat.” Azazel stood up and opened the door. “What do you want?”
“I don’t know. Just the same as you, I guess.” Ries shrugs.
“Alright. Just don’t complain if I get you something you don’t like,” Azazel said with a wave of her hand as she closed the door behind her, leaving Ries to sort through the contents of the briefcase.
When Ries opened the briefcase, she found not only folders and papers but also a smaller pin-sized brooch and, most importantly, a handgun. Shocked, she froze for a moment before spotting a letter labeled "READ ME" beneath the handgun. She picked it up, tore it open, and began to read:
“The ride from Valyria to Alyrus is a long fifteen hours journey by rail. I’ve provided you with books you might be interested in, as well as a smaller, much compact brooch for you to wear during travels. The handgun, I recommend concealing it in your coat or in your waist where it’s easily accessible and take it out if you are threatened. Just in case.
I gave you the documents about relevant issues and information about the central provinces to help you convince Duke Alaric.
P.S. You don’t need to wear the brooch at all times. The smaller, lighter one should be more comfortable for you.
P.P.S I’ve given you 200 Golden Virs as allowance. You’ll find it inside this letter.”
There was indeed 200 GVRS inside the letter as she soon found out. It could last her months if she’s being conservative about spending. But at this point, why should she?
“Might as well commit to the role of a rich noble.” She muttered to herself.
Putting those thoughts aside, Ries decided to take off her brooch and place it in the briefcase for the time being. It had made her slightly uncomfortable when she tried to sleep earlier; the metal kept pressing against her through the fabric.
She clipped on the smaller, lighter brooch Eden had provided on her lapel, feeling an immediate sense of relief. It was barely noticeable compared to the original one.
Returning her attention to the documents, she picked up a fairly thick folder and opened it. She was washed with a feeling of dread once it was revealed to be texts upon texts upon texts of unnecessarily long-winded words and terms she doesn’t understand.
She could only sigh in hopelessness as she skimmed through the pages to get a sense of the content, her head resting on her hand. The dossier was comprehensive, but the sheer volume of information and the dense bureaucratic language made it hard to digest.
"The Central Provinces, henceforth delineated as Masuvye, Masuzye, Elowen, Alarayc, and Nymas, represent a conglomeration of administratively significant territories encompassing the predominant expanse of the empire’s eastern cultivable land. The hydrogeological infrastructure provided by the extensive Wathés River system has historically facilitated the provinces' ascension as the principal agronomic epicenter, colloquially denoted as the 'breadbasket of the empire.' This designation underscores the provinces' indispensable role in perpetuating the agronomic output requisite for the empire's alimentary sustenance and macroeconomic equilibrium—" bla bla bla bla whatever.
Her eyes already felt heavy just by reading that and forced her to rub her eyes just to regain parts of her lifeforce. She flipped through a few more pages, only to encounter more convoluted descriptions and overly detailed charts. A headache was beginning to form.
“Maybe I should join Azazel on the restaurant carriage?” She thought to herself as she glances towards the terrain outside. The cityscape gave way to an endless sea of farmland and distant mountains. It’s therapeutic in a sense, at least it didn’t hurt her eyes each time she looked out.
Sighing, she stood up and intending to go to the restaurant carriage, she fixed her suit, cleaned the table, and walked out of the compartment. She passed through several compartments before arriving at the restaurant carriage near the front of the train.
Azazel was leaning in on the restaurant’s bar and talking to the bartender. “Oh, so you decided to follow me after all?” She said upon noticing Ries approaching her.
“I had to find some sort of escapism. We can discuss our plans after we eat.” She pulled up her wallet and set down 20 Golden Virs. “Bring me your best meal.”
The bartender’s reaction was well-hidden, if there was one at all. “Very well,” he responded simply, accepting the payment with a nod.
“You look like you’ve gone to the seventh circle of hell.” Azazel remarked upon seeing her tired eyes.
“Oh, believe me, I did,” Ries replied, rubbing her temples. “I’ll sit down at a table, yeah?”
“Sure. I’ll stay here for a bit longer,” Azazel said, turning back to the bartender.
Ries found a cozy corner table by the window and settled in. As she did, she found a folded newspaper likely provided by the train as an amenity. With nothing else to pass the time, she opened it and began reading.
Immediately, the headline caught her eye. ‘Destined Heroes defeats great Demon General: can the west turn the tide?’
Apparently, it was a piece of news from two weeks ago about how the west’s otherworldly summoned Heroes and their companions defeated a strong foe. Wait, two weeks ago? This paper is yesterday’s edition!
She continued reading: ‘SORRELIS, 5 Nium 1254—In a decisive battle at fort Sorrelis 2 weeks ago, the otherworldly Heroes reportedly blessed with the powers of Gaia and her sons have defeated Great Demon General Bael the butcherer. According to the Holy City, this victory marks a significant turning point in repelling the Demon invasion. The Heroes, hailed as the saviors of Humanity, has been canonized as Saints one week ago in the grand cathedral of the Holy City. Much remains to be seen if they can properly defeat the recently united Demon nation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has so far refused to comment.’
Ries lowered the newspaper. She had overheard tales about the demon invasion from western adventurers before, but she hadn’t realized the scale of it. The term "western kingdoms" was used by the empire to refer to six large kingdoms plus the Holy City located west of the empire. If the combined might of six kingdoms had only resulted in a marginal victory, the situation was dire indeed.
Yet it seemed this piece of news was like a footnote in the empire. Who in their right mind would report a news that is outdated by 2 weeks? Was it indifference? The empire is mostly comprised of humans, no? Shouldn’t they be supporting their fellow humans in a war against the legions of hell?
“Excuse me, there’s no seats left. Can we sit here?” Ries’ thoughts were interrupted as she looked towards a young lady smiling at her.
“Oh, sure.” Ries lowered her newspaper and gestured for her and a young man to seat.
As the newcomers seated themselves opposite her, she couldn’t help but notice something off… it was their accent. It was faint but distinctly foreign, not from anywhere within the empire. Although she was born and raised in a tribe, Ries was able to learn the empire’s language fairly quickly despite having an accent herself, like many other Beastmen and demihumans in the empire. But theirs was more foreign.
They wore a robe around their body so she couldn’t exactly tell what they were wearing. But they had similar black hair and face suggesting they probably are siblings.
“Thank you,” the young man respectfully said, “It’s quite crowded today.”
“Indeed it is.” Ries replied, folding the newspaper and set it aside. “Are you two travelling together?”
“Ah, we’re with our friends. They’re in our compartment. We’re ordering food for them.” The man replied.
“Is that so? Then you all must not be from around here, are you?” As Ries spoke, she couldn’t help but notice the young girl trying to suppress a laugh. It was quickly hidden by the man.
“Sorry for my friend. She’s a bit—”
“Sorry. Pardon me,” the girl managed to suppress her laugh and wiped the tears from her eyes. “I just find your accent amusing.”
“Well I can say the same for yours.” She smiled. It’s nice to have a normal conversation for once. “I take it you’re not from here?”
“No. We’re from the west,” The man replied. “We’re just traveling.”
“What brings you to the empire?” Ries asked, genuinely curious. The westerners she interacted before were adventurers, and by anyone’s guess, they were rough around the edges.
“We’re here to learn more about the empire,” the man explained. “We’ve heard so much about it and wanted to see it for ourselves what it’s like.”
“Oh? What have you learnt then?”
“Well, for one, the language is different. Obviously,” the girl snickers. “It’s like forcing ourselves to speak out ‘Y’ every time we want to say ‘I’ or ‘E’.”
That sounded about right. From what Ries had learned, the west’s and the empire’s languages shared the same roots. The difference was that the empire’s language had evolved significantly, becoming distorted over time, while it remained largely unchanged in the west.
“What’s your name? Mine’s Anise.” Ries decided to introduce herself. Using her current identity, of course. The Deputy Minister Anise.
“I’m Saitou.” The man said.
“And I’m Asumi.” The girl followed.
Those are… weird names for westerners.
Before Ries could reply, a waiter appeared, carrying a tray laden with food. He set down an assortment of delicacies that even Ries could hardly believe were made on a train.
“Here is your food, madam,” the waiter said, carefully arranging the dishes in front of her. The spread included succulent roasted meats, fresh salads, and exquisite pastries—luxurious meals well worth the 20 GVRS she had paid.
Saitou and Asumi’s eyes widened at the sight of the food. "That looks amazing," Asumi said, her tone a mix of awe and envy. “Seems like that’s what Golden Virs can get you, huh? If only the empire has a reasonable exchange rate…”
“Here’s your order,” the waiter continued, handing Saitou a bag filled with their seemingly third-rate takeout. “Enjoy your meal.”
“Thank you,” Saitou said, accepting the bag. He then looked over back to Ries, “we’ll be going then. Our friends are waiting for us.”
“I wouldn’t mind you both joining on my meal.”
“Oh, we’re busy. Now please, if you’ll excuse us.” Both of them stood up and left towards the compartments.
Quite the odd pair for bunch of westerners. If only she could meet their companions. In the meantime, she digs into her meal. Azazel joined her shortly after, bringing alcohol, much to her delight.
The rest train ride to Alyrus, Alarayc province, is uneventful. She spent her time mulling over documents with Azazel and trying to get a good grasp of the region and the Duke. She just hopes its as straightforward as it seems.
----------------------------------------
“Ries. We’re here.”
Azazel’s voice had woken her up from her deep sleep. After a couple of hours of just reading a bunch of lifeless documents, turns out it’ll knock anyone to sleep. Who could’ve guessed.
Groggily, she gathered her belongings as the train pulled into Alyrus station. It was already night, the train ride lasted forever. Despite it being night, the station seemed to be bustling with activity. Either it was passengers disembarking, or passengers who were just embarking. Who knows what the end destination for the train is. It’s not like she cared.
The cool night air swept her body as they disembarked. Wearing a thick three-piece clothing was the right choice after all.
“What happens now? Should we go to the Duke’s place?” Ries asked Azazel, stifling a yawn as they made their way out of the station.
Azazel looked to her pocket watch before answering, “yes, we should notify of the Duke of our arrival at the very least.”
Great. The day isn’t over yet. “Tell you what, how about you find someplace for us to rest. I’ll talk to the duke.”
Azazel nodded, perhaps happily so. “That so? Alright, I’ll secure accommodations and make sure everything is in order for our stay.”
She left and disappeared into the crowd of people. Ries hailed a nearby taxi, and soon she was on her way to the Duke’s estate. The cityscape of Alyrus passed by in a blur of lights and shadows. One thing she noticed was the lack of tall buildings. The city copies the architectural style of the capital, yes. But it feels lacking compared to it.
When she arrived at the Duke’s grand estate, she was greeted by a butler who quickly ushered her inside. She was asked to wait in an extravagant waiting room, adorned with intricate symbolisms and designs made from valuable gems and gold.
This was a moment of rest, one she intended to savor with each passing second. The plush chairs, the dim lighting, and the quiet atmosphere offered a brief respite from the long journey and the endless stream of duties that awaited her.
The large doors had other plans as they swung open with a loud creak, disrupting the calm. What Ries expected to be Duke was instead out came a person with his hands clasped in his back, wearing a similar suit like hers. More importantly, a pin of the imperial government on his lapel.
“Ah, deputy minister Anise. I’ve heard so much about you.” He noticed her with a side glance, his tone seemed condescending in a way.
Whatever, she had no time to humor this man. Ries forced herself to stand up and projected a polite smile, “Greetings. Who might you be?”
The man seemed taken aback, his eyebrows raising in surprise. “Really? Eden must’ve taught you in his school of ignorance. I’m Fede Unteryl, Governor of the Alarayc province.”
Ries maintained her composure, despite the urge to roll her eyes. “A pleasure to meet you, Governor Unteryl,” she replied in a neutral tone. “I wasn’t aware you would be here.” Of course she had no idea who he was, but none of it matters.
“Nor was I aware that Deputy Ministers were prone to such tardiness,” the Governor said, his voice laced with sarcasm. “I would’ve invited you for a discussion together, but for one, you are in no condition to do so. Two, I would prefer we talk tomorrow.”
“Where’s the Duke?”
“He doesn’t want to be disturbed right now.” He dismissed.
Ries sighed internally but maintained her polite façade. “Very well, Governor. I look forward to our discussion tomorrow. If you could have the necessary documents prepared, that would be helpful.”
“Of course,” Fede said, standing to signal the end of their conversation. “I’ll ensure everything is ready. In the meantime, rest well, Deputy Minister. We have a lot to discuss tomorrow.”