Before Herrieta could respond, a messenger approached them, interrupting their conversation. "Your Highness, Captain Soren has arrived and is waiting to greet you."

Augustus nodded and turned to make his way down to the port. As he walked, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his stomach. Something was off about this situation, and he didn't know what it was.

As he approached the naval captain, Augustus couldn't help but wonder what other surprises awaited him in the future. Would these ships be a blessing or a curse for Hallgerd? Only time would tell.

Captain Soren greeted Augustus with a bow. "Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you. I come bearing good news: the Royal fleet has transferred 30 warships to Hallgerd's navy, including the first rate Indomitable, a new addition to our fleet."

Augustus was taken aback. "30 warships? Why would the Emperor order such a transfer?"

Soren's expression turned serious. "I cannot speak for the Emperor's motives, Your Highness. But I can tell you that the Indomitable is a massive boon for our navy. With its advanced spell cannons, it is far superior to any ship in our current fleet. However, we don't have the required crew to run all these new ships, even though they are being operated on the bare minimum of crew needed."

Augustus felt a knot form in his stomach. The Empire was giving them advanced weapons, but it seemed like they were being set up for failure. "I see. Well, we will make do with what we have."

Soren nodded. "Of course, Your Highness. I understand your concern. The Indomitable will be an asset to your navy, and we will provide as much support as we can to ensure its success."

Augustus didn't know what to think. On one hand, the addition of the Indomitable would make Hallgerd's navy far more powerful. On the other hand, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this transfer than met the eye. He made a mental note to keep a close eye on the Empire's actions in the future.

Soren noticed the tension in Augustus's posture and decided to break the silence. "If I may, Your Highness, I have been instructed to give you a demonstration of the Indomitable's capabilities. Perhaps it will ease some of your concerns."

Augustus hesitated. On one hand, he wanted to see what this new ship was capable of. On the other hand, he was wary of the Empire's intentions. "Very well, Captain. Show me what this ship can do."

Soren smiled. "Excellent, Your Highness. I think you will be quite impressed." He motioned for Augustus and Herrieta to follow him, and they made their way onto the Indomitable.

As they toured the ship, Soren pointed out its advanced weaponry and defenses. "As you can see, Your Highness, the Indomitable is equipped with the latest in spell cannon technology. It can fire more accurately and at greater distances than any of our other ships. And its armor is stronger as well. It can take more hits before sustaining damage."

Augustus was impressed despite himself. The Indomitable was a formidable ship. But he couldn't help but wonder why the Empire would be so eager to give it to them. "Captain, I appreciate the demonstration, but I must ask again: why would the Empire transfer 30 warships to us? And why the Indomitable in particular?"

Soren's expression darkened. "I do not know, Your Highness. But I share your concerns. The Royal fleet was not consulted about this transfer. We do not understand the Emperor's motives."

Augustus's unease deepened. If even the Royal fleet didn't know what was going on, then something was definitely amiss. He resolved to keep a closer eye on the Empire's actions in the future. "Thank you, Captain. That will be all for now. Please convey my thanks to the Emperor for his generosity."

Soren bowed. "Of course, Your Highness. I will take my leave now. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me."

As Soren and his crew departed, Augustus turned to Herrieta. "I don't like this, Herrieta. There's something going on behind the scenes, and I don't know what it is."

Herrieta nodded in agreement with Augustus's concerns. "Your Highness, I share your worries. However, let us make the most of this opportunity. The Indomitable will be a valuable asset to our navy."

Augustus nodded, acknowledging her words. The Empire's sudden generosity was unsettling, and he couldn't help but feel there was a cost attached to it.

As he continued his conversation with Herrieta , Augustus's trusted butler and advisor, Sabastian, approached him. With gray hair and wise eyes, Sabastian bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, miss Von Wesend, I apologize for interrupting, but I must remind you of the council meeting scheduled for this afternoon."

Augustus let out a sigh. "I had forgotten about that. Thank you for reminding me, Sabastian. I suppose I should go prepare myself, I see you around Herrieta." As he turned to leave, his unease lingered, and he made a mental note to keep a close eye on the Empire's actions.

"Indeed, Your Highness," Sabastian said with a nod. "Shall I accompany you?"

Augustus smiled. "That won't be necessary, Sabastian. I think I can handle the council members on my own."

"As you wish, Your Highness," Sabastian replied. "But please do not hesitate to call on me if you require any assistance."

Augustus nodded his thanks and turned to leave, feeling grateful for the old butler's guidance and support. He had known Sabastian for as long as he could remember. Sabastian had been serving the royal family for over three decades, and Augustus had grown up with him as a constant presence in his life. Sabastian was more than just a butler; he was a mentor, a friend, and a confidant.

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As a child, Sabastian had regaled him with stories of his own adventures as a young butler, and Augustus had hung on his every word. As he grew older, Augustus had come to rely on Sabastian's wisdom and experience to guide him through the many trials of being a royal. Sabastian always seemed to know the right thing to say and the right course of action to take.

Augustus couldn't imagine facing the challenges of ruling without Sabastian by his side. He knew that he could always count on the old butler to have his back, no matter what challenges lay ahead. And as he made his way to the council meeting, he took comfort in the knowledge that Sabastian was just a call away if he needed him.

"Thank you, Sabastian," Augustus said, his voice softening. "I appreciate everything you do for me."

"It is my honor and my duty, Your Highness," Sabastian replied, his expression warm. "I have served your family for many years, and I will continue to do so for as long as I am able."

Augustus nodded, feeling a surge of affection for the old butler. Sabastian was more than a servant to him; he was a trusted friend and advisor, and Augustus knew that he could always count on him for counsel and support.

"I know I can always rely on you, Sabastian," Augustus said. "And I value your counsel more than you know."

"It is my pleasure to serve you, Your Highness," Sabastian replied with a small bow. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must go attend to my duties. I will see you at the council meeting."

"Of course," Augustus said, watching as Sabastian disappeared down the hallway. He knew that he was fortunate to have someone like Sabastian in his life, and he resolved to do everything in his power to live up to the old butler's expectations.

And as Augustus walked away from Sabastian, his thoughts drifted back to the events that had led to his betrothal to Herrieta. It had been a political move, arranged by him and her family to strengthen their ties and secure their positions in the senate and the surrounding region while consolidating Hallgerd rule and jurisdictional power. Despite this, Augustus had grown to respect and care for Herrieta as a colleague and friend.

But that respect had been shattered when he learned of the betrayal of the Farrel family. They had broken his betrothal to Alexandria, the woman he had loved and planned to marry. The pain and hurt he felt were still fresh, and the wound ran deep.

As he made his way to the council meeting, Augustus couldn't help but feel that he had been betrayed not only by the Farrell family but also by the Empire. The transfer of ships to Hallgerd had been a welcome surprise while it had softened the blow by the recent decree, he could not help but feel suspicious that it was a ploy to set them up for failure.

As Augustus entered the council chambers, he saw Herrieta von Wesend waiting for him, her expression unreadable. He couldn't help but wonder if she had known about the betrayal, if she had been part of it all along.

"Your Highness," Herrieta said with a curt nod. "I trust you are ready for the meeting?"

Augustus nodded, trying to push his thoughts about the betrayal and the recent transfer of ships to Hallgerd to the back of his mind. "I am, Lady von Wesend," he said, using her full name with formality.

"We need more funding for fortifications along the border," the Marshall insisted. "If the Navy gets more ships, then the Army should get more funding to protect our borders."

"But we need those ships to protect our trade routes," the Admiral countered. "Our economy depends on it."

"As much as I appreciate your concern, Admiral," Augustus interjected, "I must agree with the Marshall. The army needs proper fortifications along the border to prevent any potential invasion."

The Marshall nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on the Admiral, who scowled in response. "But Your Highness, we have already allocated a significant portion of the budget to the army's fortifications. We simply cannot afford to give them more at this time."

The council room fell silent as tension built between the two parties. Livia, the spy master, remained quiet, studying each member of the council with a watchful eye.

Suddenly, Herrieta spoke up. "Perhaps there is a compromise we can reach. We could divert some of the funds from the navy's budget to the army's fortifications."

Augustus turned to her, surprised by her suggestion. Their eyes met, and for a moment, there was a sense of understanding between them, a reminder that they are in the same boat now.

But even in that touching moment, Augustus couldn't shake the feeling of distrust he had towards Herrieta. It was too soon after the betrayal of the Farrell family, and he needed more time before he could fully trust her again.

"Thank you for the suggestion, Herrieta," he said, his voice cold and distant. "But I need to consider all options before making a decision. Let us adjourn for now and reconvene tomorrow to continue this discussion."

As Augustus pondered the discussion between Marshall Maximus and Admiral Valtteri, a young male officer entered the council chamber, holding a stack of reports in his hands. He approached Augustus and bowed respectfully.

"Your Highness," he said. "I have the latest report on the progress of the fortifications at Aildenburg, as you requested."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Augustus replied, taking the report from him. "Please, give us a moment to review this."

The young officer nodded and stepped back, taking a position by the door. Augustus flipped through the report quickly, noting the progress that had been made on the fortifications since the last report. He made a mental note to send a letter of commendation to the officers and soldiers involved in the work.

As he finished reading, Augustus looked up at the council members. "It seems that progress on the fortifications is moving along well," he said. "But let us not forget that the safety and security of our borders is not only the responsibility of the army and navy. It is up to all of us to ensure that the people of Hallgerd are protected."

He glanced at Herrieta, feeling a mix of emotions. Despite their shared past, he couldn't help but feel a sense of distrust towards her after the betrayal of the Farrel family. He knew he couldn't let his guard down around her yet, not until he was certain of where her loyalties lay.

"As for the budget allocation," Augustus continued, addressing both the Marshall and the Admiral, "I believe a fair distribution is necessary. The navy may have received more ships, but the army requires adequate funding for fortifications along the border. Let us work together to come to a solution that benefits us all."

The Lieutenant at the door stood at attention, waiting for further instructions. Augustus dismissed him with a nod, and the young officer left the council chamber.

As the council members filed out of the room, Augustus turned to Sabastian, his thoughts still troubled. "I cannot shake this feeling of distrust, Sabastian. Not towards just the Admiral and the Marshall, but towards Herrieta as well."

Sabastian gave him a sympathetic look. "I understand, Your Highness. Betrayal leaves a lasting mark, but we must learn to move past it and find a way to trust again. It will take time, but I have faith that you and Herrieta will find a way to restore your relationship."

Augustus nodded, grateful for the old butler's wisdom. But he knew that it would take more than just time to heal the wounds of betrayal and mistrust that still lingered within him.