It seems like my plan worked better than I planned. With three of the four great leaders coming I’ll be able to negotiate with the humans effectively. I had to applaud their bravery though. At most I thought one would come to represent them all or they’d send representatives.
With them coming I’ll be able to negotiate with the heads and there would be no chance of miscommunication during negotiations.
“What about this Desaix fellow. What is he doing?”
“He is leading the human forces and holding position past the border.”
“It’s unfortunate he didn’t come but it’s excellent news. When should they arrive?”
“By tomorrow sir.”
“That’s faster than expected. Why the rush?”
“They have a light entourage and are all mounted. My guess is they wish to finish negotiations quickly so they can ascertain the condition of their captured troops.”
“Coincidentally that aligns perfectly with tomorrow’s announcement. When they arrive I would like you to escort them to the temple Saizo. It’s where I’ll make the formal proclamation.”
“As you wish sir I will go see to preparations for their arrival.”
With that settled guess I’ll go have breakfast with Diana. Her escape attempt last night disappointed me. But, I knew that she might try. Luckily she only injured a single guard last night knocking him out. So there was no need for further punishment other than posting a guard.
With how things are going I think I can slowly earn enough trust with her that she will want to stay willingly.
Though I still wasn’t sure how long it would take her to consider me as a romantic partner. I’d made it clear that last night that we’d start as friends. But we still had to show that we were making progress to the public.
I knew she would be reluctant, but if we took it slow I think she’d come around. I wouldn’t ask her too do to much. All we’d have to do is hold hands, smile in public, and kiss in front of others. She’d probably be fine with the first two, but the third. We’d have to see with time.
As I made my way to breakfast I saw nobles arriving to the citadel. It was short notice, but due to our infrastructure, it wasn’t an impossibility for many nearby nobles to arrive for the announcement. The rest would hear the news as it would send ripples through the entire kingdom.
Mother and my sister should be arriving tomorrow. I bet that they’d absolutely reject the news, but given time I was sure I could make them see reason. I just had to make sure my mother doesn’t try to kill Diana. She has been pushing countless women towards me for decades.
I turned all of them down once I saw what they were really after.
Most had parents that only sought a marital alliance with me. With the women trying to either force themselves on me or already had lovers of their own. My mother claimed I was being too picky, but I always felt like if I followed her plans I’d have some unwanted shackle attached to me.
Diana, on the other hand, had no strings attached to her, and other than being human she was a magnificent marriage candidate. She had the strength to stand by my side like few others. Together there would be no one that could stand in our way. The only hurdle I had to cross was to convince her to accept me as her husband.
As I entered the dining room I was surprised to see that she had beat me to breakfast. I guess my business took longer than I thought.
“Sorry I’m late Diana. I had to speak with one of my generals about the human ambassadors. I was surprised to learn that Katerina, Uther, and Elbert are coming to negotiate with us.”
“They have? I didn’t think that they would come themselves. What about Desaix?”
“He is staying back to lead the retreat.”
“Of course that sniveling coward is. He doesn’t have a shred of courage in his lazy ass.”
“I’m guessing you don’t like Desaix.”
“For the most part the other leaders gave me troops and supplies and supported me in my assault, but Desaix always gave us his worst supplies and men to help us. Almost like we were taking out his trash. If he didn’t have as much money and control over the market as he did. I’d almost think about overthrowing him, but if I did another would take his place. Plus we had to deal with your demons advances first.”
“Is he a threat to us?”
“It all depends on how much he’ll profit from it. He’s a greedy businessman first and a king second. His hand is in so much of his country’s market that I’d say he owns about half the country’s assets himself. ”
This man sounds like he could be a dangerous wildcard if left alone. I’ll have to send some agents to see what we can do about him in the future.
“I’m not sure about the others though. Unlike Desaix they were more secretive about their plans.
Uther has been expanding his military quite rapidly, but I don’t know what he’ll do if there were to be peace, Katerina always felt like she was hiding something from me and for all the talk of her country’s mages they were mostly absent from the war. Elbert should be open to talks though. The problem is that he only represents the Lycian Federation. Actual negotiations with them should prove more difficult as they only act as one in matters of war. Domestic policies are different from kingdom to kingdom in the federation so I have no idea how they’ll react to negotiations.”
Diana also had knowledge that I lacked. I could send agents within the human territories, but they had a hard time infiltrating key positions as they would be found out as demon spies quite easily. With her knowledge and my resources, we should be able to have them in the palm of our hand.
“They will be arriving tomorrow just in time for our announcement. So we’ll have to break the news to them tomorrow. I’ll need you to sell them that you aren’t being manipulated by me when we are negotiating with them. It will hopefully strengthen your voice during negotiations. If we can convince them that you are negotiating with their interests they will see you as one of them. Even with the announcement of our marriage announcement cementing our partnership.”
“That's quite true.”
“Are you scared to see them again?”
“I guess. Not much I can really do though. As much as I hate this I have accepted this. But, I’m not sure how they will react.
“Fair enough, though I have a feeling their faces will definitely be entertaining.”
She grinned at this, but I could see the pain on her face. I’d been pushing her emotionally and mentally and she’d have to own up to her superiors what is happening.
I finished the last of my meal and stood up after wiping my face.
“Well back to work for me. Today I’ve arranged you a spa treatment so you can be ready for tomorrow. Felicia will be guiding you today as Flora will be busy finishing the preparations for tomorrow.”
“Spa treatment?”
“Nails, bath, massage the works. Got to show your best tomorrow.”
“You're having too much fun with this.”
“Well see you later.”
I closed the door behind me and turned to Felicia who was standing outside the door.
“I’ve made sure no one will interrupt you today. Try to get her to relax and open up some, and try to get her to have some fun.”
“Yes sir. I’ll take good care of her sir.”
“Thank you Felicia, now I’ve got to run. Diana is inside.”
I made my way to my office which had to be overflowing with paperwork. If Diana was right about the human’s political system. I was going to have to hire another secretary to manage those fools. I’m amazed that they’ve held us off as fragmented as they seem to be. Well back to work hopefully I can finish this before lunch and get ready for tomorrow as well.
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POV: Diana
“What color do you want for your fingers miss?”
“Clear.”
“Are you sure? I think a purple would look great!.”
“Clear!”
“Alright miss.”
She then started putting some clear nail polish on my fingernails after having trimmed them.
I’d done this before back on Earth. My mom and sister sometimes dragged me along when they went shopping a couple times. It was enjoyable enough. I just forgot that I was expected to now have nail polish on my toes and fingers.
I wasn’t looking forward to tomorrow, but it was going to be my best shot. If what lady Mara blessing me with is any good I might be able to escape from the city. The human leaders would be an annoyance though. I’d have to somehow escape with them or else they’d be slaughtered.
While I sit here pretending to fully enjoy this. I was actually coming up with multiple escape plans. I knew the basic layout of the city from a map we gathered from a fallen demon. The problem was that there were outposts and kill zones all throughout the city.
Going through the sewers was an option, but we could get lost and we had no idea what might be down there.
“Miss? Are you ready to take your bath?
“Ah, yes sorry I was just lost in thought.”
“Thinking about what you’re wearing tomorrow? I bet it’ll be gorgeous on you!”
“Yeah. I can’t wait to see what they have planned for me to wear.”
I mentally cringed at my reply. I had to keep up a happy attitude with Felicia or she might become suspicious. Though, she wasn’t very observational from her attitude. It seemed like she was a little girl dressing me up for the big party. There was an innocence to her actions that made her more comfortable to be around.
We made our way to the bath uninterrupted. I checked the cubies to make sure we were the only ones. I didn’t want to walk in on anyone.
“You don’t have to worry Diana. Seliph made sure you would be able to bathe in privacy. Though you’ll have to get used to it after tomorrow. Most of the noble ladies bathe together. So you’ll have to get used to it. I have no idea why though. I prefer to bathe alone myself.”
“Can you wait outside?”
“Of course miss.”
She then left me alone to bathe. So I undressed and put my clothes in a cubby before entering the bath. It felt just as good as last time and I soon relaxed in the warm waters lost in thought. I finished bathing in peace and after washing up I got out to dry off.
I wiped myself down with a towel before going back to put on my clothes. But when I arrived I couldn’t find them. I searched around, but I couldn’t see them.
“Felicia? Where are my clothes?”
“I’m here to take you to your new clothes. Miss Diana?”
I turned to see a woman behind the curtain to the bath.
“Who are you? What are you doing here!?”
“Name’s Oboro. I’m the palace tailor. I’m in charge of getting you some new threads for tomorrow. Also, why aren’t you covering your chest?”
“Where are my clothes! Answer me!”
I channeled my mana into my hand as I stood there. I had forgotten to cover my chest as she had said so I wanted to know where my clothes were! I’d have to remember to cover my chest in the future.
“HEY! HEY! Calm down there! I’ve got some clothes for you to try. I just need to fit them to you. Here wear this robe!”
She opened a bag at her side and handed me a robe. I immediately put it on covering my chest calming me down as I felt a semblance of protection.
“Where?”
“In a nearby room. Felicia is waiting for us there. Shall we go?”
“After you.”
I gestured her to guide me. I didn’t want her behind me. She seemed to have some kind of mischievous side to her. I had to keep my guard up around her.
She led the way to a room similar to the one Flora taught me in. Luckily there wasn’t anyone around to see me so loosely clothed. Let’s see what she has planned for me to wear.
I turned towards a mannequin to see a magnificent dress. It was a beautiful mixture of gold and white beaming with grace and power. It went down to the floor with bright golden embroidery etched beautifully throughout. The tight sleeves and chest emphasized a person’s frame. It all worked together to form a dress that blended together.
It was beautiful! I wonder what it would look like when someone wore it. Wait! I’m going to be wearing this!
“So ready to try it on?”
“Eh, me?”
“I think you’ll look gorgeous in it! It looks so pretty and it matches you so well. Go on try it on!”
Felicia was starry eyed looking between me and the dress. Truth be told it almost seemed artificial in the light of the sun that came through the window.
Was I really going to wear this? I didn’t know how to feel. It seemed like something out of a movie. But I didn’t know how I’d feel wearing it.
“So? You going to put it on? I worked really hard on getting it ready in time.”
“Yes, I was just admiring the craftsmanship. It’s so beautiful, I just don’t feel worthy to wear it.”
“Well we can’t have you dress in some common dress, can we? You’ve got to dress your best for tomorrow after all.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
I slowly got into the dress with some help from Oboro and Felicia. It felt different from the other dresses I’d worn. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Maybe it was the material. I spun around letting the dress flow with my movements.
“Alright step up on the box next to the mirror. I’ve got to make a few minor adjustments but it looks good.”
“I told you that you’d look great Diana!”
I stood up on the box and looked into the mirror. If I didn’t know it was me I’d think this girl was beautiful, but I had a hard time enjoying the fact. I had enjoyed looking through the glass, but being on the other side was a different feeling. I could admit I looked beautiful, but to know that every man that saw me would want a piece of me in this scared me.
I knew men were usually dominant in relationships. Being the ones to seek out women, and in this outfit, with this body, I’d attract the attention of many.
Add to the fact that I was the hero and had powerful magic, power, and influence. Men would seek me out for their own gain. The demon king had claimed dibs saying he’d marry me, but I knew how rational men could be.
I could see people trying to kidnap me for these crazy men. Just knowing that I was now considered a trophy for these people made me disgusted in my appearance.
“Alright all done now here are you pajamas for tonight.”
She then opened a dresser to pull out a bright orange nightgown with flowers embroidered throughout the dress. She definitely had extravagant design ideas that was for sure.
“What do you think! You’ll be the first one to wear this new prototype. Give me your thoughts!”
“It’s pretty very bold and bright.”
“Perfect! Just what I was going for!”
“Seems a bit extravagant to sleep in though. Wouldn’t a solid color be better?”
“My dear Felicia, I thought you would see its greatness! It’s bold new fashion and I wish to show my ideas to the world!”
This person was definitely eccentric for her work. Good for her I guess.
“Thanks Oboro. It looks great I’ll wear it tonight.”
The faster I get out of here the better. I had a feeling if I asked for something else I’d get lectured for ten more minutes about how fashion forward her designs were.
After thanking her for the clothes. I changed into a simple blue dress before Felicia and I made our way to the dining room for dinner. Entering the room and leaving Felicia outside I saw him sitting in his chair waiting patiently.
“How was the dress? I thought it looked great but what did you think?”
“It looked good but you're inviting trouble if I wear it. You’ll have your work cut out for you.”
“That’s good it means it’s perfect. A new challenge will be a fun thing to have.”
I took my seat and Flora came out with dinner.
“But I have some more serious news I need to tell you now. Starting tomorrow all the nobles here will know of your presence and you’ll have to integrate yourself with them. Dealing with all the backgrounds political crap that goes with it. Your worst enemy will be the ladies here.
They’ll do everything in their power to make sure you mess up. Making themselves out to be better candidates of my affection and trying to become my queen. As Flora has no doubt told you this. They can get quite heated, but you’ll have to immerse yourself into it to survive here.
If you can’t win over some of the hearts and minds of the nobles here we’ll have unneeded problems come at us.”
He then took a bite of food taking a break from his briefing. After swallowing he continued.
“Tomorrow we’ll go to the temple to make the announcement it will take place around noon but festivities will begin at ten so I will need to be there to greet our guests.
Flora will escort you to the venue when the announcement is about to be made and as I make the announcement you will take the stage and join me. We’ll make our promise in front of the nine divines and we’ll leave for a banquet where you’ll make your political reveal.”
He took another bite casually as if this was just going to be another day for him. Meanwhile, my heart raced as I realized that the announcement was nearing nearer and nearer.
“It’ll be fun! Just relax and have a good time and everything will be fine.”
“Easy for you to say. I was never good at public events. That was why I was always on the front lines. It got me away from all the plotting and public displays the nobles threw. Also, you’ll have to deal with the public’s disapproval as I did kill a lot of your soldiers.”
“Not to worry we worship strength here. If I have accepted your strength then the public shall. They fought in a worthy battle and died honorably in the fields of battle. They shouldn’t hold any resentment towards you.”
I didn’t believe a word he said but maybe he was right. It helped me out so I couldn’t complain. Any handicaps I could get the better.
“Now let’s get off to our respective bedrooms, shall we. We have a busy day tomorrow after all.”
He then left and Felicia entered to escort me back to my room. There a guard was stationed letting us pass inside where Felicia left me for the night.
I changed into the orange floral dress before falling on the bed and sighing. Whatever happened tomorrow I had to roll with it and look for any opportunity that presented itself. For now, I needed my sleep. Who knows how much of it I’d get starting tomorrow.