Vitmori POV

I don't think I've ever had this many people in my chamber. At Historietta's insistence, she wanted a lot of witnesses for this particular occasion. Something about the magic in the contract having a more potent effect the more people there are to observe the following events. So ultimately, I decided just to call in everyone I had a direct bond with, which meant Reyvyre, Reonim, Rita, Dread, the Sinners, Basti, the cubs, Jack, Frisby, Legosi, Grimm, Zasutir, and Trisha. I would have invited Oururu, but he was still resting after I granted him that title; his mana seems to be behaving weirdly, but I'm not sure what's going on with that. As for Trisha, while she's not bounded to me, she does work for me, so I think that qualifies her for a ticket to this event.

Historietta, for her part, brought Tobias and three of his drakewardens, along with her four ladies-in-waiting. Looking among them, a couple of the ladies were holding small, ornate metal boxes while standing behind their Empress. One of the drakewardens had carried a relatively larger chest which he held close to his chest. I did, at the very least, resist the temptation to peek into these boxes, figuring it would ruin the surprise, and I didn't want to be rude to Historietta since it was plain on her face that she was rather excited about this.

While the Empress was setting up, I could see Trisha watching the sinners with wide eyes and looking somewhat perturbed, and it was only just now that I realized she hadn't actually met any of them since I put new souls in their bodies. She didn't say a word but kept looking between them and Zasutir, clearly expecting some kind of answer later.

Rita seemed to take an interest in chatting with Reyvyre, talking about things regarding magic and a few other topics that I chose not to eavesdrop on overtly. Though the two mages quickly grabbed the attention of Envy and Sloth, wanting to discuss things about magic as well. Only to realize that I could sense some mild anxiety coming from Reyvyre, as well as a plain curiosity from Reonim at the sight of the Sinners, most likely due to the fact that the last time they saw these people, they were just killed by her and Reonim along with my beasts. However, they didn't know what to make of Dread and Gluttony, which was probably due to the fact that they were unrecognizable in their new forms. Regardless, Reyvyre managed to be polite with Envy and Sloth for the time, even if I sensed a need for an explanation from her as well. I'll leave that for another time though.

Finally, it seemed Historietta was ready to begin, flashing a smile at my core before speaking up. "We stand here today to witness the forming alliance between Vitmori and Emperor Ferodias Leinhart of the Leinhart Empire of Stalwart Unification and the future descendants of the Leinhart line." She pauses, likely out of anticipation, though it seems her cheeks do vaguely flush for some reason. She takes a very quick moment to collect herself before taking a soft breath and continuing to speak. "We welcome Vitmori to this world and meet his request for peaceful relations with open arms. In anticipation of the power Vitmori will eventually wield, we decided to declare the no man's land of Lichtdren's Folly as Vitmori's territory to do with as he wishes, under the protection of the Empire if any wish to contest the claim. Officially he is recorded as a previously unknown and powerful Druid who has decided to base his sanctuary in the dangerous land. Through Vitmori's generosity, he has allowed a settlement to grow on his land and under his protection." She explains, looking at everyone present as she mentions the 'official' story before continuing. "The true identity and status of Vitmori, on who and what he actually is will be kept secret on our end, and if anyone were to reveal this information without the consent of Vitmori, Vitmori will then be granted the permission to deem whatever punishment is due towards the offender." She mentions, looking at her own ladies-in-waiting at the mention of that before glancing to the drakewardens. Clearing her throat, she keeps going. "We stand to work towards Vitmori's benefit and swear to never intentionally cause harm to his representatives, vassals, and any under his care. We ask that Vitmori do the same regarding the Emperor and his family and servants." She says before looking at my core more pointedly. "We understand that the political landscape is confusing and ever-changing. If Vitmori or his people encounter any criminal party in the Empire's land, we grant him the freedom of discretion in handling them. Whether it be a petty crook or a corrupt noble, as long as sufficient evidence is brought to light for the latter, the Emperor will back your decisions."

Well, how about that, official permission to be Judge, Jury, and Executioner should it ever come to it.

The Empress continues as she moves on from that topic, smiling a little now at what is coming next. "In return for the generous gifts offered by Vitmori during his initial request for peaceful relations, the Emperor has prepared gifts of equal value and is prepared to offer more if Vitmori deems the gifts to be of lesser value than initially predicted." She then gestures over at one of her ladies, beckoning them forward as the woman opens the chest she was holding. Inside were six rectangular, black marble tiles with a single gem embedded near the bottom of their surfaces. "First up are these Communication Slates, otherwise known as Slates." She stated, a grin forming on her face. Of course, I would probably be the only one to get the joke here; they look almost like smartphones, after all. "These are experimental communication devices with a connection range that spans most of the continent, though the farthest limit distance has yet to be determined. These slates have the capabilities to send your voice to another slate that has been synched to your slate, as well as sending magical letters if verbal communication is not a choice." She still couldn't help but smile as she pulled a slate from her pocket and held it up for others to see. She then pressed her thumb against the gem as the 'screen' of the slate glowed and displayed an image. "The slate must be attuned to the user, and only the attuned individual can activate the slate as it is protected by charms against those who try to access the slate without permission. After the slate is activated, you may select who you wish to speak with or send a message to as a list of synched slates will be detailed on the slate's display."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

She sounds almost like a saleswoman at some sort of convention, and she certainly has almost everyone's attention. In fact, the only ones who don't seem particularly impressed are the ladies-in-waiting, Reyvyre, and Zasutir, for whatever reason. She goes on to show off the magic item for a time before finishing up as she has the lady set the chest down on my steps. I decided to mess with her after that little display and take the entire chest into my storage. Her surprised expression after watching the chest disappear into nothing was just perfect, though she quickly recovered as she waved the drakewarden over with the larger chest. The man opened the chest before holding it out for all to see. Looking around, I saw Trisha's eyes immediately light up with recognition. Inside the chest were a number of silvery blue ingots of metal with the Empire's insignia stamped on them. Once everyone got a quiet moment to look, Historietta continued. "In anticipation of Vitmori's growth as an invaluable ally for many years to come, we present thirty ingots of Imperial Mythril, as well as a detailed instruction manual on how to process the metal tiles and how to recreate our blend of Mythril for future production." She stated plainly as there was nothing to really explain since everyone was at least aware of Mythril. The chest is then set down on my steps, and I once again just pull it into my inventory, much to the evident delight of Historietta as she watches it happen.

Finally, she gestured to the lady with the last chest and spoke up. "And at last, we present you with the Imperial Token." She says as the lady opens the small ornate chest and reveals a tile that appears to be made with a combination of black metal, gold, and perhaps Mythril, along with a diamond embedded in the middle of it. "These have a special enchantment that is specifically marked with the creator's mana, with only one maker having been producing these at the imperial family's request in the last two hundred years. This token allows you to enter any imperial city without question. It even grants you entry into the Emperor's own castle if you, your vassals, or your representatives choose to visit." She explained as the lady showed off the token. "We also extend an invitation to you, your vassals, or a representative to come to the Peace Banquet, which will be held in two months' time." She mentioned with a bow of her head. The chest soon also set down and once again I pull it into my storage. She then procured a scroll of fine white parchment and unfurled it, holding it out to my core before then holding out a fountain pen. "This here is a magically enchanted contract; Emperor Ferodias has already signed and infused his mana. The contents within are everything I've detailed. While you don't have to sign it yourself, you will need to infuse your own mana to seal the contract." She explained before looking around among my people.

Well, this was an important moment if I ever saw one... I look among my people for a few seconds before speaking out. 'Reyvyre, as my first representative and as the one who helped facilitate this whole thing, I would like for you to sign my name.'

I could sense she was somewhat surprised, but she stepped forward while appearing calm and collected. "Thank you for the honor Vitmori." She stated respectfully before walking up to Historietta and taking up the pen. After a moment, she went on and wrote out my name on the paper, using that ridiculously flowy alphabet.

Once she finished, I sent out a very small dose of mana and swirled it into the paper, though as soon as I had done that, the pure white paper suddenly shifted into a sort of gold color.

"The contract has been made; thank you for being our ally Vitmori." Historietta flashed a wider smile as the mostly professional air about her seemed to vanish as she rolled up the contract and put it away. "Now then, how about we go eat some breakfast? I'm absolutely famished." She said cheerfully as she looked to the others. Murmurs of agreement coming from most of the group. "If you'll excuse us for now, I'll come back and pay you a visit later if that's alright." She asked as she looked back to my core, smiling some more as she just seemed relieved everything went well.

'I don't see why not.' I reply simply, its not like I'm going anywhere and I can guess what she wants to talk about.

With that, most everyone began filing out of my chamber, and I went ahead and dismissed my people as they all left en masse. Before long I'm alone again, and suddenly the room just felt rather empty... Well, that is until I heard Oururu begin moving around, I don't exactly look into his den, but there is a lot more movement in there unlike moments ago.

"Uhh... I think I need some help?" A voice called out from within... Wait a minute, a voice?