I observed the arrival of HMS Scimitar in my incorporeal form and wondered how it was to soar freely across the skies of Nilmerthis. The unquestionable freedom and sense of power must have been a familiar feeling for those who served on board the ships of my Navy. The magnificent and proud airships... But their existence alone was quite problematic in the wider context. With the massive hulls fuelled by magic, they could gracefully overcome the limitations of the ships of my old world; my airships were nigh unstoppable. The arrival of just one of those formidable metal beasts was capable of changing the outcome of any land-based battle. Back on Earth, aircraft carriers and their battle groups ruled the waves. Fighter jets and helicopters greatly improved the force-projection capabilities previously exerted by the mighty naval artillery. Air power expanded, even further, the reach of those vessels into the land. But in all their glory, all the ships of my previous world looked tame compared to a single Sabre-class destroyer. Compared to Dauntless, they looked humble. The ships of my Navy sailed the skies of Nilmerthis, ready to rain fire from above on all my enemies. They were unlimited by distance and free of the limitations of the blue-water navies of my old world.

Magic changed the doctrines of war and made me question every decision. Airships rendered many strategies and technologies obsolete. There was a time when I believed a magi-tank would be the ultimate ruler of any battlefield. Then, Ragnar built a Titan. It made my project look silly in comparison. How could a tank compete against the firepower of a Titan? If that wasn't enough, even a tall airship had enough firepower to shred through the armour of the heaviest of tanks. Confronted with the firepower a single Sabre-class destroyer could bring to bear, a tank would simply be vaporised. That doesn't mean tanks are obsolete but they couldn't serve as the backbone of a land-based army. Self-propelled artillery was a logical development of the field artillery currently used by my Legions and Guardsmen. Howitzers were going to replace guns in the fortifications of Arcadia. Tanks and armoured personnel carriers would be a next logical step. Fast attack with Marines and Guardsmen Corps would be their new role - execution of precise, fast strikes.

The one thing that changed drastically was the usefulness of the fighter jets and, by extension, aircraft carriers. Jets' range compared to the airships would be laughably short. Compared to the versatility of Dragon Riders and the resilience of their Wyverns, a fighter jet was a fragile waste of resources. Besides their speed, they had very little to offer while requiring serious resources to even be remotely useful. It was quicker and cheaper to mass produce the more heavily armed variant of CB-90 and classify it as a gunship. The incoming years were going to be busy with advancing the magi-tech and technology of Arcadia while forging weapons unseen by the people of Nilmerthis. I looked forward to it.

All those thoughts crossed my mind while the Iceleonians disembarked HMS Scimitar. There weren't many of them which I found odd. King Lars looked at Dauntless towering over the entire harbour. His face betrayed his fear and amazement but also the deep thoughts that consumed his mind. Next to him was an average-looking man wearing polished shining, silvery-like armour. According to the intel gathered by my Slimes, he was Count Jergen Rostil, the General of the Iceleonian army and a prominent king's advisor. He glanced around nervously but, besides that, he masked his true feelings. While I should have had more information about him, I have never considered Iceleon as even remotely interesting; I discounted them after confirming no presence of Ruinous Powers' servants and I moved on. My agents in the region were only tasked with identifying potential dangers and collecting any further intelligence was deemed unnecessary. The delegation was only accompanied by a handful of knights. The twenty knights of the Iceleonian Royal Guards appeared skilled but they couldn't hold a candle against the highly skilled company of Marines I had assigned to Scimitar for their mission duration. They would have little hope to survive any clash against Praetorians.

The Princess and her knights were standing to the side, oddly separating her from the rest of the group. She chatted with Lieutenant Commander Victor Thornton which, at least, partially explained the strange distance. The couple looked happy and relaxed. I could safely assume they were more than friendly at this point. I saw that as a sign my plan of making her his-problem was working flawlessly. Hell, I could even be his wingman if that helped me avoid another marriage. Well, I probably was already his wingman. I chuckled to myself as I returned to my body once the delegation started boarding the carriages.

"You look happy." Irene gave me an inquisitive gaze as I opened my eyes.

"Yes!" I grinned in return. "It looks like the Princess is getting acquainted with Lieutenant Thornton. Very closely. In fact, they look like good friends."

"Oh?" Cahrona perked in her chair. "That fast? Now I'm curious how much she changed!"

"As long as it makes you happy, I guess..." I shrugged. "Anyway. They will be in the conference room in half an hour. I think the first meeting will be short."

"You can dream about that if you really want to..." Luna shrugged as her ears twitched in amusement. "You do realise that King Lars is going to discuss our involvement in Iceleon affairs in detail?"

"Oh, God..." I sighed. "I really hope that you are wrong."

•••

She wasn't wrong.

After we welcomed the initially overwhelmed guests, we sat in a conference room where we proceeded with finalising our deal. It wasn't quick or easy. I had high hopes for the meeting until the General voiced his concerns at every turn. It also seemed that the King, encouraged by Jergen's behaviour, mistaked my quickly fading politeness and patience for meekness. He became more and more bold with his demands. While I allowed Amber and Hestia to address each of them as those two were infinitely more patient than I was, I almost stopped listening to the clown. The General's behaviour was annoying at best. Especially his attitude towards Lieutenant Commander Thornton which was far too dismissive. King Lars, for his part, seemed to allow the General to continue to act like a brat and it started looking like this entire project in Iceleon was a waste of time. It seemed as though they forgot that they needed my help and not the other way around.

Instead of allowing myself to become angry, I looked at the gradually more exasperated and deeply ashamed Princess Theresa. She seemed torn between giving apologetic looks at me and the Lieutenant which was a sign that Iceleon had at least one sane person. Victor, who was invited mainly as a tactical distraction for the Princess, observed the General with a hostility that suggested he might accidentally and tragically target the buffoon with all the missiles his destroyer was carrying. Then, equally accidentally and tragically, press the fire button. Well, I couldn't blame him. Janet was close to doing the same with the combined arsenal of the entire first fleet. They all might be too late as Drake already had his hand on the grip of his sword. It looked like he was one or two moronic remarks away from slicing the General into unrecognisable pieces. Interestingly enough, Count Jergen was looking confident and utterly blind to all the warning signals. He also seemed to have a hidden agenda and, honestly, I was already tired of his bullshittry. My wives lost all interest in the meeting and I heard Irene discussing with Luna if they should build a snowman or take a relaxing bath. When even Amber and Hestia started giving me gazes suggesting they didn't want to argue with stupid anymore, I had to step in and end this farce. Unfortunately, it meant that I had to start paying attention...

"...that is why, we believe that you have to share your magitech with us." The General finished with not only perfect timing but also with a perfectly stupid sentence to justify ordering him to fuck off.

I let out a sigh which made my wives smile viciously. All my soldiers smirked and leaned comfortably on the chairs. Everyone was ready to watch a spectacle and only Theresa paled. It seemed that she knew that I was out of patience.

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"And who are you to demand anything from me?" I gave the General a hard gaze that instantly stripped him of his delusions. His jaw dropped in shock but I wasn't going to let him answer me anytime soon. Even if he had anything to add, I was already disinterested in anything else from him. I turned my head towards King Lars, "I don't recall inviting your clowns or the Court Jesters, King Lars. While I can understand that the current unusual situation requires any amusement you can find to brighten your day and lighten your burden, there is time and place for the performance of your comedians. I believe that the situation in Iceleon is hard enough without this clown's antics."

The King paled so much upon hearing my cold and intimidating voice that I was afraid he was going to faint. The General, on the other hand, was so red that, most probably, his blood boiled. I slowly shook my head in disbelief and looked at Princess Theresa. I wasn't eager to drag her into this awkward position, but before I could say a word the General exploded.

"I'm Count Jergen Rostil, the General of Iceleon armies and one of the most important nobles of Iceleon! How dare you..."

"In that case, you have missed your calling." I interrupted and put both my hands on the table, sliding it very audibly, and making the impression I was about to walk away. Instead of standing up, however, I graced General Jergen with another hard gaze. "This entire meeting you have conducted yourself as if you were the King. Every time Princess Theresa and Lieutenant Commander Victor Thornton wanted to speak, you interrupted them. Especially my Commander. What are your reasons for such arrogance?!"

My demanding voice reverberated across the conference room, almost compressing the Iceleonian noble into his chair. I added my Royal Authority skill, which required instant and, usually because of it, the most truthful answers.

"He is just a commoner..." The Count huffed angrily and dismissively.

"Seriously?" I laughed. If that was the case I had a ready solution. I looked at the stoic Commander who simply narrowed his eyes in contempt of the Count-clown.

"Lord Avalon, I want to apologise..." Princess Theresa stood up with a seriously worried look but fell silent seeing my opened palm.

"Who is higher than Count? It would be Duke, Irene?" I looked at my Elven wife, who smiled mischievously, ignoring the terrified Princess for a moment. "I will never manage to remember this stupid diagram..."

"Oh don't worry, my Dear." Her voice showed only the concern of a loving wife but her eyes were openly amused. "A Duke, indeed, overranks a Count, however, directly above a Count in noble hierarchy is a Marquis."

"Thank you, my Dear." I smiled and turned my head towards the General who couldn't fathom what was going on. "It happens that every single commanding officer of my army is prepared, in advance, for unexpected situations. They receive an extensive education and possess the necessary skills to fill any administrative roles I might ever request of them." I said with a heavy tone and saw a complete lack of understanding painted on the dumb face of the Iceleonian General. "Lieutenant Commander Victor Thornton!"

"My Lord!" He instantly stood, hearing the official tone, and remained at perfect attention.

"I hereby appoint you as the Arcadian Ambassador in Iceleon." I stood up, quickly followed by all the Arcadians. The only two people sitting were the stupefied General and King Lars who was slowly realising the vast difference between Arcadia and the rest of the world.

"I will put all my power, all my soul, and all my skills to represent you well, my Lord!" He saluted.

"In addition to the role of the Ambassador of Arcadia, henceforth, you will be holding the role of military attaché. Congratulations on your promotion, Rear Admiral, lower half, Victor Thornton!" I announced, smiling viciously. My salute to one of the quickest field promotions was mirrored by all the Arcadians in the quiet room. "As my representative and the highest-ranking officer of the Arcadian diplomatic mission in Iceleon, I grant you the title of Marquis."

"I accept these burdens and vow to always follow your word and will, my Liege. I accept these burdens knowing no fear." Victor drew his sabre, kneeled, and raised it on his palms above his lowered head. "I will follow you wherever you lead. I vow to carry your will to the farthest reaches of the world!"

I slowly walked towards the kneeling man and took his sword. I nodded with satisfaction, noting the pristine blade and well used but perfectly maintained hilt. It was a sign that he regularly trained with it. "I bestow these burdens on you, knowing your worth and devotion."

I placed the blade flat on his shoulder, and after a moment, I handed it back to him. "May this sword always protect Arcadia and its people."

I summoned a sapphire blue cape and put it on his shoulder. "May this cloak remind you who you are and who you serve."

The freshly appointed marquis raised his head and clenched his teeth. I almost sighed, knowing he wanted to follow this spectacle to its very end. I had some suspicions about where some found the description of what I was about to do but, certainly, it made a lasting impression on the bystanders. During my discussion about the topic with Janet, Lanka, Blair, Ban, and Dahlia they all unanimously declared it was badass. I decided to give up.

I slapped Victor across the face. It was strong enough to be audible within the chamber. The power of the slap caused him to twist but he withstood it without flinching or a painful grimace. "May this blow be the last one you take that remains unanswered."

"As you command, my Lord!" He replied with iron in his voice as his cheek slowly turned red from the impact.

"As it should be." I paused briefly then announced: "Rise, Marquis Victor Thornton of Arcadia and become one of my swords!"

"Forever at your service, my Liege!" He stood and sheathed his sabre with a fluid and practised motion.

I returned to my chair and sat, which was a signal to everyone to sit as well. It was amusing to see the Iceleonians trying to process what they just witnessed. Furthering my amusement, I noticed the General opening and closing his mouth as if he struggled to collect a coherent thought. While I was almost sure that he hadn't had a stroke, nothing prevented me from imagining it. Still, the shock finally pushed King Lars beyond whatever stupor he was in. His eyes were sparking and he smiled mysteriously. The Princess looked at the freshly appointed Marquis with shock but also with dreamy eyes.

"Now, I reckon you start behaving since you are the most lowly person around this table, Count Clown." I mocked with satisfaction.

"It doesn’t work like that!" Jergen protested as I burst into laughter.

"Silence, Count!" King Lars turned his gaze to his General. "I allowed you too much latitude during this meeting. I must apologise for our behaviour, Your Majesty Emperor."

"I accept your apologies under the condition that the rest of this meeting proceeds smoothly," I said without a single shred of patience in my highly amused voice. "Oh, and one more thing..."

"Yes?" Lars nodded seriously and looked once more with disapproval at the General who had a hard time accepting reality.

"I would like Marquis Thornton to work directly with Princess Theresa without any disturbance from hostile or stupid elements within your court; I won't tolerate any future incidents," I said with a light voice but both the King and the General stiffened. "I don't care how many factions are supporting you but it's time to cut off loose threads."

"While I don't know what you are talking about, I will ensure my Daughter works with the Marquis." He replied with a slightly wooden voice that admitted he knew exactly what I was inferring.

My demand seemed to enrage the Count even more which, additionally, improved my mood. I took a moment and ordered a full investigation of the internal affairs of Lars' Court. From his uncertain behaviour and obvious mood swings, it looked as though his country was on the brink of some noble uprising or other kind of civil war. In that case, keeping Theresa out of reach of the anti-royalist factions might be crucial for stability in the region. Of course, I assumed, the more I was going to learn about this cluster of contradicting interests, the more I was going to regret not taking control of the country. However, using a hammer for any problem at hand tends to flatten results. Pun intended. Fortunately enough, the current circumstances were going to be a very convenient excuse for all cases of regrettable accidents, if needed. Judging by the behaviour of Count Jergen Rostil, the nobles of Iceleon have grown too arrogant and bold. If they behave like this in the middle of a natural disaster, I couldn't imagine how annoying they were prior.