Nathaniel rolled his stiff shoulders, and he shifted to get comfortable in the carriage seat. “I really need to invent a proper suspension system,” he groaned, “I forgot how uncomfortable these carriages could be.”
“I look forward to that,” Porman chuckled writing down notes in his notebook.
Nathaniel chuckled as he went back to watching the landscape pass. He was thankful that Porman was willing to join them back in the Capital. However, the industrious man wasn’t about to let his golden goose fly the coop. That was the main reason why Nathaniel trusted him.
“Look master, it’s so big!” Hope leaned out the window and pointed to the capital city, “It’s bigger than Rumand.”
Nathaniel gently held onto her as she hung outside, “Yes, it is sweetie,” Hope gave him a bright smile as she jumped onto his lap.
“Do you remember the capital much?” Porman asked.
“No, I was only in the city for one day, and the only time I got to see it was during the parades,”
“And I take it you weren’t well received either,” Porman chuckled, “You remember the plan, right?”
“Of course,” Nathaniel turned to Ralia, “I’m sorry to do this to you, but this plan revolves around you.”
Ralia beamed with pride, “Leave everything to me master,” her tail swung wildly, “I’ll show these good for nothing nobles how powerful you truly are!”
“I could do it master!” Hope pouted as she turned around, “My class is perfect for this.”
Nathaniel petted her head, “I know sweetie, but your level is just too low,” he said, “If you did it, you’d just get hurt. Ralia is nearly level forty, which will make this fight easier on her. Besides, I promised her that she could kick Duncan’s ass.”
“Fine,”
“Don’t worry Hope,” Bella pinched her cheek, “The master will need help on his end, so we can help out there.” Hope gave them a small smile but pretended to be pouting.
“Bella’s right,” Nathaniel looked to all of them, “I’ll be counting on all of you.” The girls smiled back at him, but there was a falter in Bella’s smile, “Are you alright Bella?”
“I’m ready to get out of this carriage,” Bella chuckled nervously as she rubbed her thighs.
“I’m surprised considering how big your…” Ralia went quiet when Bella glared at her.
Nathaniel sighed, “Enough ladies, we’re almost there,”
The carriages rocked down the road and passed through the large gate into the city of Gilbrant. The city had a different feel to Rumand and Treante. The capital city was far louder than Rumand, and Nathaniel sneered at the trash lining the side of the road. The people went around town performing their errands with scowls on their faces. The buildings became nicer when they entered the upper city, and the citizens flaunted their wealth with rich clothes with servants following behind. He noticed a slave collar peeking out from a few of the followers. They passed a building that had walls made completely from cement, and unlike the road in the lower city, the upper city road was recently paved with a layer of cement. Nathaniel noticed that the guards were carrying steel weapons when they passed through another walled gate.
Fanfare sounded outside as soldiers stood off to the side saluting the carriages. They followed the well-paved road through the courtyard and stopped in front of the castle. The door to the carriage opened and they stepped out.
Nathaniel stared up at the whitewashed castle, “Here we go again,” he sighed running a hand through his hair.
“We’re right behind you master,” the girls smiled at him.
Nathaniel smiled at them, and joined the other heroes as they ascended the steps. He glanced backwards as several servants grabbed the chest containing his power armor and followed them. The castle servants and vassals gossiped as they entered the foyer. Nathaniel noticed a group of elderly citizens watching them enter with sneers.
“Those are the heads of the Guild,” Porman said, “They’re probably upset that Gilbrant will try conscripting you instead of handing you over.”
“I don’t care what they want,” Nathaniel rreplied, “What’s important is getting Gilbrant off my back.”
“Leave that to me,” Porman chuckled, “By the end of this month, you’ll have everything your heart desires.”
“Only because it makes you a fortune,” Nathaniel smiled which caused Porman to chuckle.
The doors to the throne opened wide, and Nathaniel couldn’t help but shiver at the memory of his last visit. King Rogmier sat on his throne with his queen next to him. Nathaniel noticed Shawn’s gaze flick between the queen and then to a pair of twins being held by their nannies. It was obvious that Shawn was the father because of their skin color. Ophelia and Ollimier kneeled before the king while the heroes stood behind them. Ralia, Hope, and Bella remained standing, which angered the court.
“Father, I have returned, and I have found the craftsman that made the weapons for VuRant,” Ollimier said, “It was the Inventor who was behind their creations.” The crowd gasped as they stared at Nathaniel.
“Wait, the Inventor’s alive!”
“Where has he been all this time?”
“Damn coward’s been hiding while the others fought, disgraceful.”
King Rogmier raised his hand and quieted down the crowd, “I see,” his gaze fell onto Nathaniel, “I’m disappointed that one of our heroes would shirk his responsibilities.”
“And what were my responsibilities exactly?” Nathaniel replied calmly, “During my time at Cadarn, no one defined them. The only thing I was told was that I wouldn’t fight along with the other heroes.”
“You knew what your responsibilities were Inventor,” Debin stepped out of the crowd, “You were to provide support through the creation of weapons, armor, alchemical products, and any other things you could craft.”
“Long time no see Debin. Are you still using that anesthetic paste?” Nathaniel chuckled when Debin straightened his tie.
“That’s irrelevant,” Debin said.
“It’s completely relevant,” Nathaniel said, “You’re using my inventions right now. Your soldiers are using steel weapons, your roads are paved with cement. Does anyone know that I made these things or does all the credit go to the Guild.”
“Inventor,” Nathaniel turned to the group from the Guild. “I understand you’re frustrated,” The elderly woman gave him a smile that a parent gives their child when they say something stupid, “The nobility doesn’t understand the value of crafters and artisans, but you shouldn’t try disparaging your fellow crafters.” The crowd laughed at this.
“Have you replicated my mugs yet,” Nathaniel smirked, “Or are they still warping because you can’t control the temperature.” The elderly Guild head stared at him in shock.
“You see everyone,” Porman addressed the room, “The Inventor is my supplier. Those mugs and knives were all created by him.” This shocked the crowd.
“Father,” Ollimier drew everyone’s attention, “The Inventor has created a weapon that could turn the tide of this war.”
King Rogmier glared at Nathaniel, “Show me this weapon,”
Nathaniel glared back at the king, but Ophelia drew his attention with a nod of her head. With a sigh, he stripped out of his clothes. The crowd gasped as he stood there in the leather under armor with the power core sitting in the chest. Nathaniel touched a crest on the steel chest, and it shifted. It stood taller than Nathaniel with the pieces of the armor hanging from the arms attached to the frame. Nathaniel stepped into the boots, and when they locked into place, the arms snapped the armor into place. They all stared in awe as Nathaniel stood there in his power armor.
“Inventor, explain this weapon,” King Rogmier eyed the armor with a greedy smile.
“It’s not a weapon, but rather armor,” Nathaniel said, “Officially, it’s called power armor.”
“This power armor allowed the Inventor to win against a Horde army,” Ophelia said proudly, “This is the same armor that I saw in my vision and was the reason why I desired to have him summoned.” The crowd murmured excitedly.
“We owe you an apology lady Ophelia,” King Rogmier said before turning to Nathaniel, “Inventor, you are to relinquish this power armor over and have it fitted so that the Champion can use it. Then you are to make more for the other heroes.”
“No,” the room when quiet.
Rogmier stroked his beard as fury filled his eyes, “What do you mean, no?” the guards grabbed their weapons.
“I can’t make any more,” Nathaniel said calmly, “I don’t have the materials, and I designed the armor so that no one else but me can wield it.”
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Rogmier stood up, but the queen gently stopped him, “Inventor, we simply want to secure our kingdom,” she said sweetly, “What do you need to make more of these armors?”
“A dungeon,” Nathaniel said, “This armor is powered by cores extracted from dungeons. Without it, I can’t make more.” The crowd buzzed with excitement.
“Fine, you can’t make any more,” Duncan scoffed approaching Nathaniel. “Then just hand that one over. Someone else can do more with that armor than you ever could.”
“You shouldn’t need it,” Nathaniel laughed, “Or are you that weak that you need my armor to win this war.”
“I don’t need it!” Duncan spat, “Give it to Ollimier, give it Shawn. Hell, anyone would be able to use it better than you.”
“Enough!” the king shouted quieting the room, “Inventor, hand over the armor now!” the guards drew their weapons.
The girls moved to the side as the guards surrounded Nathaniel. The king nodded, and the guards charged forward. Don’t want to kill them. Nathaniel activated the transfiguration runes to summon two shields onto both his arms. He deflected and dodged attacks, but without the enhancement runes, his movements were sluggish as he relied solely on the motor runes for movement. A guard struck his back, but the armor didn’t register it as the blade shattered. The guard stared in horror at his broken sword. Nathaniel sighed as he sent the guard flying. The other guards hesitated when they looked at their fallen comrade.
“What the hell are you all doing?” Duncan charged forward with his blade drawn. Nathaniel barely got his shield up in time to block the attack, “He’s just a crafter. How can you let him beat you?” Duncan gave Nathaniel a wolfish grin as he pushed him back.
Nathaniel smiled back, “I don’t have to go easy on you,”
The armor’s power dropped as the enhancement rune sent energy surging through the armor. Duncan’s smile faded when Nathaniel started pushing him back. Then Duncan flew across the hall from a shield bash. Duncan expelled the air from his lungs when he struck one of the stone pillars, and he struggled to regain his breath. The room went silent as everyone stared in shock, but the silence was broken by Ralia’s laughter.
Rogmier stared daggers at Nathaniel, “Guards seize the Inventor!” the soldiers slowly gathered around him, but their swords were violently shaking.
“Sire, wait,” Ophelia stood in front of Nathaniel, “We need the Inventor on the front line. If he isn’t then the other heroes will die, and the Horde will sweep across the land.”
Rogmier sneered, but the queen placed a hand on his shoulder, “And you are certain of this, lady Oracle,” her eyes flashed over to Shawn.
“Yes,” Ophelia nodded, “And it’s not just the heroes, but Prince Ollimier as well. Sire, he needs his armor.”
“You’re wanting me to rely on a crafter to save us,” Rogmier’s growl echoed through the room, “Our kingdom will be the laughingstock of the entire continent!”
Before Ophelia could answer, Nathaniel stepped forward, “Let me prove it,” he said, “I can make a suit of armor that will allow my dragon-heart to beat the Champion in single combat.” This riled up the crowd.
“Bullshit!” Duncan spat as he pushed himself off the floor, “There’s no way a monster can beat me one-on-one.” Despite the hit, he still stood tall.
“Then you have nothing to worry about,” Nathaniel chuckled, “However, I have concessions if she wins.”
King Rogmier scratched his beard, “Very well Inventor,” he smiled wickedly, “In three weeks, your slave will fight against the Champion. We can discuss the terms of victory tomorrow. Now, get out of my sight.”
Nathaniel bowed slightly which earned him deadly glares from the crowd, and he grabbed his chest before leaving the throne room. He didn’t get far.
“Nathaniel!” Ophelia approached with a stern gaze. “You had me worried. Why did you anger the king?”
Nathaniel retracted his helmet and smiled at her, “I’m not going to let this kingdom take advantage of me anymore,” he said, “If I’m expected to fight in this war, then I’m doing it my way.”
“You…” Ophelia held back her response, “Do you understand the dilemma you’re in. The King won’t let this go, and I’m worried at what that may entail.”
Nathaniel chuckled, “We’re going to come out on top Ophelia. Have some faith in me.”
“I do have faith in you,” Ophelia looked away while blushing, “But that doesn’t mean I don’t worry.”
Before she could say more, a servant approached, “Please follow me Inventor,” the maid said, “Your room is ready.”
“Nathaniel, I’m sorry about what happened in Rumand,” Ophelia said shyly, “I’ll… check on you later.” She quickly walked down the hall before he could respond.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Nathaniel,” Porman slapped his shoulder, “I need to let my second wife know I’m back. She’s going to want to meet you soon enough,” he laughed as Nathaniel sighed, “Don’t worry, Shazelle isn’t nearly as… aggressive as Cymella.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow,” Nathaniel said, “I’ll need you there for the negotiations.”
“You can count on me,” Porman smiled brightly as he walked out of the castle.
Nathaniel turned to follow the maid. She led him down the halls, he barely remembered them from the day he was summoned but he was sure that she was taking down a different route. His assumption was proven correct when the maid opened the door to a richly furnished common room. It was larger than the one he had on his first visit. On top of being fitted with two sofas and a sitting table, there was a small dining table nestled by the window. There was also a well-stocked liquor cabinet. A set of double doors sat on one side of the room with a single door on the opposite wall.
“Her majesty, the queen, apologizes for housing you away from the other heroes,” the maid said with a slight frown, “This is one of the few rooms with servant quarters large enough to house your three… slaves,” an acidic tone coated the word, “She also wants to apologize for asking that you eat your meals in here for the time being. She hopes you understand.”
“I do, and please give her my thanks,” Nathaniel smiled.
The maid scoffed, “Her majesty may ask you to tea one day. She has… expressed interest in some garments that you made for lady Ophelia, Maria, and Shizuka.” Nathaniel couldn’t stop himself from laughing which caused the maid to growl, “Please take this seriously.”
‘I’m sorry,” Nathaniel wiped away a tear, “Please inform her majesty that I’ll be happy to be of service.” The maid nodded and quickly left. Nathaniel couldn’t stop from smiling, “I guess I’ll be making underwear for the queen now.” He set down the power armor chest and activated it.
“That could be dangerous,” Bella frowned as she watched the chest arms remove the armor, “One wrong move, and you could be imprisoned, or worse.”
“I agree,” Ralia’s eyes lingered on Nathaniel’s muscles that the under armor accentuated, “It’s most likely a trap.”
“It’s possible, but unlikely,” Nathaniel chuckled as he placed his clothes back on, “After all, you three practically begged me to make underwear for you.”
“And you enjoyed every minute of it,” Ralia smirked.
Hope jumped up and down, “That’s right, you enjoy giving us stuff master!”
“That’s not what Ralia meant Hope,” Bella sighed while trying to hide her blushing face, “Come girls, let’s get settled in.”
----------------------------------------
Bella was the first one up. She quietly stripped out of her nightgown and slipped on the high collared white and blue dress. She tied a simple apron around her waist and set a portion of her hair into a bun while letting the rest hang down to her midback. She gave her two companions a motherly glare. Hope had cocooned herself into her blankets as she hugged her pillow tightly while Ralia laid halfway out of bed with the sheets on the floor. Bella scoffed at the naked dragon-heart as her snoring shook the walls, but she quietly left trying not to wake them.
Bella gazed around the common room, and for a moment she had no idea what to do. One of the castle maids had brought them dinner last night, and she had taken the dishes away when they were done. They even cleaned up the mess that Ralia and Hope had made. Truthfully, there was nothing for her to do.
As Bella tapped her lips, her gaze fell onto the double doors into the master bedroom. A small smile came to her lips as the thought of sneaking a peek at Nathaniel sleep came to mind. It was followed by the thought of even slipping into his bed. As she took a step forward, she was stopped by her own reflection. She stood there staring at her image, but she wasn’t admiring her beauty. Instead, her gaze lingered on the collar around her neck. Goosebumps ran along her arms as the pain from her old collar ran through her, and alongside her image were the faces of her people. Their hateful stares exposing her cowardice. A knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts.
She opened the door and gave the human man on the other side a polite smile, “How may I help you?”
The man gawked at her, but composed himself with a cough, “I’m here to check in on the Inventor,” he said, “I’m his attendant, Helmer.”
Bella fought to keep her smile in place as she stepped out into the hall, “I’m afraid master Nathaniel has no need of your services,” she said while quietly closing the door behind her, “However, you may be of service by showing me to the kitchen.”
“I don’t have time to deal with a slave,” Helmer sneered as he tried to get around her, “I’ll leave once I checked in on the Inventor.”
Bella tightened her grip on the doorknob, “Why would I allow you to see my master,” her smile faded, and fury filled her eyes, “Especially since you left him to die last time.”
Helmer stepped back, “What are you talking about?” he snapped with sweat forming on his face.
“I’m talking about Fort Cadarn,” Bella whispered, “About how you abandoned your post and left your master to die.”
“No one would believe you,” Helmer glanced down the hall.
Bella’s smile turned vicious, “They don’t need to,” she said coyly, “I know how you humans love to gossip.” Helmer’s face turned white, “Now, show me where the kitchen is.”
“F-follow me,”
Bella’s smile turned sweet, “Thank you,”
Helmer mumbled under his breath as he led Bella down the halls to the kitchen. Bella took in the rich interior with a scoff. Humans weren’t the only race that decorated their housing to impress, but the obnoxious levels of wealth on display were garish.
Helmer stopped in front of a set of double doors, “Here’s the kitchen,” He sneered, “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll need to speak with his majesty about a new posting.”
Bella smiled as the man disappeared down the hall, and she stepped into the kitchen. The staff went about their work preparing the meals for the nobility. The head chef, a large, round woman, approached her with a wooden spoon in hand.
“What do you want?”
“I’m here to acquire food for the Inventor and his servants,” Bella said politely.
The chef eyed her with contempt. “One minute," she trudged deeper into the kitchen.
“G-good morning,” Bella turned and noticed the Champion’s slave enter, “I-I need two plates of breakfast for the Champion.”
“Hold your horses, elf!” the slave girl flinched at the chefs harsh tone.
Bella turned to the girl, “Good morning,” she smiled brightly, “I’m Bella.
“Good morning,” the girl stuttered, “My name is Veyl.”
The two stood there in silence as they watch the staff work, “How long have you been in the Champion’s service?” Bella asked.
“A few months, lady Cymella gave me to him at the start of the year,” Veyl smiled warmly, “I’m grateful he is my master.”
“Oh,” Bella said in genuine surprise, “The rumors I’ve heard suggest the Champion to be a terrible man.”
“The Champion is a great man!” Veyl snapped, giving Bella a fiery gaze, “Unlike the cowardly Inventor.”
Bella slowly approached Veyl and glared down at her, “I’m sorry that my words offended you,” she said calmly, “But I won’t accept anyone disparaging my master either.” Veyl shrank under Bella’s stare.
“Oey, I won’t have you two fighting in here." The chef returned with their food. “Take it and get out of my kitchen.”
Bella peaked under the tray lid and nodded in satisfaction. She picked up the tray and gave Veyl a polite smile before heading back. As she headed back, she noticed a small figure lumbering down the hall. Bella chuckled as the Archmage swayed wildly with her hair unkempt and nightgown barely hanging on her frame.
“What are you doing up this early?” Bella smiled at her.
Shizuka yawned, “Getting breakfast,” she sighed, “Ever since Duncan got my second attendant pregnant, I’ve been getting my own breakfast,” she rubbed at her eyes, “The servants keep getting my order wrong because they think I need to put on some weight,” her mouth started watering as she smelled the food, “That smells good though.”
“You’re welcome to join us,” Bella laughed which caused Shizuka to perk up, “I’d truly love to hear about these costumes.”
“Really,” Shizuka smiled brightly.
“Of course,”
Shizuka’s smile faded, “I-I don’t know,” her eyes fell to the floor. She yelped in surprise when Bella bumped her with her hip.
“Come, we don’t want breakfast to get cold.” Bella laughed. Shizuka couldn’t stop her smile from returning as she followed.