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Trapped In Another World With No Magic
Chapter 11: A Second Summons
Daniel watches as the young second Princess sleeps. He doesn’t stare at her, so much as the wall nearby. He’s remaining present in case her damaged lungs begin the process of secondary drowning; fluids draining and causing her to suffocate long after she actually drowned underwater. It’s been a couple of days, and she’s clearly doing much better, but he wants to ensure she’s fully cleared from the potential of suddenly suffocating on her own bodily fluids before he leaves her, since he’s the only one with any knowledge, apparently, on resuscitating drowning victims. Technically, she should be safe already. He’s been watching over her for three days now, and he was able to resuscitate her after two separate instances of secondary drowning within the first 36 hours after she fell in the river. Now, he’s just being extra safe. There’s no hospital to send her to, at least not one that understands what he’s talking about. Healing magic is great for flesh wounds, but bones are trickier. They still have to ensure they’re aligned properly, and healing magic is excruciatingly painful while recovering bone. For a severed limb, it’s worth it. For fractured ribs that are pretty much back in place already, it’s not so worth it. Princess Erimaya, the second princess, will heal with rest and comfort. Her ribs are fractured from CPR, which was a known quantity. They aren’t out of place, other than fractured, because Daniel ensured to perform the procedure carefully, even in the heat of the moment. He was a little surprised and disappointed that Rikuto didn’t know CPR, but Daniel was specifically trained because of his various fields of work; the military, because it was the military, his maintenance job because he worked on electrical work, and even scuba diving, because it’s helpful if a buddy drowns.
But, Daniel has to remind himself that Rikuto is actually only a college student, and it’s Daniel himself who is old and experienced, relatively speaking. Even Erimaya, who is roughly 14 Earth years by the sheer hours she’s lived, appears around 12 Earth years, in equivalent days. The 29 hour days in this world took Daniel some getting used to, and it seems that the humans of the world have adapted to age relative to their own world’s days. As such, though only 10 by her own world’s standards, Daniel estimates that her apparent age of mid-12 based on days is more accurate than upper 14 based on hours. His hypothesis is that the humans of this world -and thus, the other races- have adapted to age based on a 19 hour day and 10 hour sleep cycle. Humans are neither the shortest nor longest lived races in this world. Goblins are considered the shortest, at an average longevity of 20 years, and dragons are suspected to be the longest, with an unknown value, followed only by demonic elves at over 5,000 years.
Daniel got a bonus ten years of youth with his thirty two years of wisdom. At a glance, he appears to be around twenty two years old, but he’s actually thirty two, or, actually, thirty three years old. He wasn’t keeping track very well at first, but he’s definitely sure his thirty third birthday passed by, with a possible thirty fourth having passed him by, if he were still counting in Earth years. He’s not sure if he’s aging on the scale of this world or Earth, but for now, he’s under the assumption he’s still on Earth’s scale, and he does his best to keep track of the days, rather than the years, which are 450 days long in this world. By Earth standards, he has an average of 75 years, which will be around 61 years in this world. He’ll have to do his best to maintain his health regardless of his age, or die in a blaze of glory, if he wants to live forever.
Of course, Daniel is a humble tinkerer. He’s not a knight, a warrior, or any other kind of noble soldier. He repairs and assembles equipment.
And, he’s a particularly low-class assembler and repairer of equipment. He knows OF concepts of nobility, royalty, and the like, but at best, he can simply respect authority and titles. He’s not born and bred of high society and etiquette. When he sees someone in danger, and if he manages to summon the courage to help, he helps. He doesn’t consider the societal implications.
And as such, he finds himself before King Regent Rikuto once more on the fourth morning after the incident.
“Daniel…”
“Your Majesty.” Daniel remains cordial, though he has a pretty good idea what’s about to happen. It’s been long enough, and the princess is stable, if a little weak and still recovering from broken ribs. She’ll recover, though. It’s only a matter of time now.
Rikuto sighs, fidgeting with his hands in front of him. It’s clear it wasn’t his decision, so much as a balancing act. One life versus the stability of the kingdom, which is based largely on the loyalties of the nobility.
That said, it’s clear Rikuto doesn’t want to admit the results of the discussions. He’s not Daniel’s enemy. Daniel has never believed that. But of course, Rikuto has to behave like a king, now that the responsibility has been placed upon his shoulders.
He sighs softly once more. “Daniel, I’m sorry. I… I have to send you… to the front lines.”
Daniel remains silent, acknowledging the statement with a nod.
“I didn’t want to do this. But, Duke Ekstragar is saying that… ugh… That Princess Erimaya is no longer fit to marry his son. And, the other nobles are enraged by the assault on her dignity.” He shakes his head. “I remember similar… strict and intolerant philosophies on Earth. But,...” He rubs his temples, grumbling in frustration.
Right now, it’s just Daniel, Rikuto, and the Prime Minister, Tulaxxas. Rikuto didn’t want any outbursts from anyone else, and Tulaxxas, a native of this world, is serving as witness that Rikuto is informing Daniel.
Daniel states softly, “I understand, Rikuto-san. Er, Tachibana-san. I thank you that I am able to still draw breath.”
The weary King Regent murmurs in disgust, “For how long, I can’t guarantee…”
Daniel chuckles uneasily. He’s not excited about being shipped out to the edge of the world, but he speaks sincerely. “I’m still alive. I’ll do my best to figure something out. Same as always.”
Rikuto scoffs. “See that you do. And, while you’re at it, I won’t complain if you save the world.”
They both chuckle together. “No promises, your majesty.”
Tulaxxas speaks respectfully, “Mister Daniel. You’ll be taken by prison carriage to Fort Twilight, a fort holding a valley at the border between the Empire and the demon wildlands. Your escort will be holding you prisoner, but they’re not to harm you during the journey. The commanding officer of the fort will be informed of… the nature of your station there. You may be met with some hostility.”
Daniel asks for clarification, “Am I a slave?”
“No. But you are expected to obey lawful orders of those stationed over you. That will be most of the personnel there, unfortunately.”
Daniel nods respectfully. “Very well. Thank you for the warning, Prime Minister.”
Rikuto murmurs softly, “Daniel… There’s another reason I had this room cleared.”
“I’m not running away.”
“Think about it… With your skills…”
“I’m a terrible liar. I wouldn’t blend in better than a [Tyrannosaurus Rex] here.”
Rikuto is silent, leaning forward on the throne. He smirks. “You know, dragons… A T-rex might blend in well enough…”
Daniel chuckles. “I’ll go quietly. I once used to believe in subtle signs from the universe. Nothing so fancy as fate or anything, but small signs. This feels like one of them.”
Rikuto sighs, looking down into his own hands. He glances at the Prime Minister, but the latter doesn’t say anything.
“There’s… a prophecy.” Rikuto looks at Daniel after saying this. He corrects himself, “Or rather, a mere foresight of a fortuneteller of this world. Has anyone told you?”
Daniel shakes his head.
“Apparently, there is some threat to this world, but its image is unclear. The fortune teller saw two people; a man and a woman, who she feels represent Death in this world. The man uses a magic staff that can control all of the elements, and the woman appears to be the demon queen. If you encounter them…” Rikuto exhales. He all but whispers the final part. “Please retreat.”
Daniel is grateful for the warning. “I’ll keep my eye out for them. If I see them, I’ll pass the message along as soon as possible. Anything else I should know? Anything more specific?”
Dark hair and dark eyes on the man, horns and a tail on the woman. That’s pretty much it.”
Daniel hums uneasily. “A lot of people in town can match both of those descriptions. One of the embroiders in town and her daughter are rather… uh… attractive women with horns and tails. Though, bovine in appearance…”
Rikuto agrees, adding, “The Lady Dawnseer has tried to clarify the image, but each time seems to be more and more stressful for her. However, it’s probably that they exude some sort of aura, from the sounds of it. You’ll probably know when you’re looking upon them.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
Rikuto sighs. He nods at Tulaxxas, who says politely, “Very well.” He withdraws a whistle he had in a pouch on his belt, hidden in his Prime Minister robes. He blows it twice, and it’s a fairly soft whistle. However, the door opens, allowing a handful of the royal guards to enter. Prime Minister Tulaxxas states, “Mister Daniel of the Otherworld, you are hereby placed under arrest, and shall be transported to your military station. Guards, please take Daniel into custody.”
Daniel doesn’t resist. He’s a little disappointed at the suddenness, but he understands. They want to get him out of town before anyone -specifically, Wenlianna or Princess Erimaya- can stir up a fuss. Assuming he has her loyalty, apparently angering the Grand Duchess and her daughter is less risky than keeping Daniel around without retribution for his desecration of their laws. By making a show of his arrest, and the subsequent anger of the Grand Duchess, their anger and resentment will be quelled, keeping the kingdom intact a little longer. While they’ll be upset, Wenlianna and Aramellianna are both smart enough to realize that Daniel would agree with this course of action. His best option is to let the nobles have their small victory and build a path to redemption himself.
That said, Daniel learned a long time ago that patriotism is inexpensive martyrism. The individuals he’s willing to protect in this world fit on his hands alone, where as the individuals he would be indifferent to their demise are much more numerous. And, many of them are the governing body of the kingdom, minus Tulaxxas and the Royal Family. As a whole, the Royal Family has treated him well. But, he’s being thrown to the wolves as a sacrifice. It’s a logical choice, but as the wolf-bait, Daniel’s broader loyalties are a little shaky.
As promised, he goes quietly, walking with the guards through the castle. Some of the maids and butlers that they pass pause to watch, murmuring to themselves. Daniel is still the tallest human in the kingdom, so he stands out. And, he’s under arrest, formally. It’s likely to reach inconvenient ears quickly, but it’s for the best.
Suddenly, a tiny figure turns a corner, bumping into one of the guards. She flinches, squeaking, “Oh gosh! Sorry! I-... M-Mister Daniel?”
Daniel studies the small woman for a moment. She has pale green skin and broad, pointed ears. She’s also wearing a set of headgear with various lenses to inspect things. While he’s yet to meet her, her rather unique-seeming appearance, and the fact that she wasn’t at the Duel, gives Daniel a strong clue as to who he’s looking at.
“Lady Ahok?”
She grins. “Oooo! I can’t believe you know me! A-... Am I interrupting something?” She looks up at the Royal Guards at each corner around him, and they reply, “Yes. We should keep moving, my Lady. Please excuse us.”
“Oh.” She stands aside, and they continue. She squeaks, “W-Wait. C-Can I ask him something?”
The guards pause and share a glance amongst themselves. The leader replies curtly, “Make it quick, my Lady.”
She agrees brightly. “Of course!” She trots quickly to the front of Daniel, and he kneels down to her level. She smiles warmly. “Did you and Lady Wenlianna have a special method of binding books? Everyone I found in town with the new binding said to talk to you.”
“Oh! Uh, yes. It’s actually fairly simple. The glue and method I used are in Lady Wenlianna’s possession. She might charge you, but it’s tedious work, so I doubt she won’t sell you the instructions. If you can’t afford it, try to send a letter to me through the castle. I’ll send you a copy.”
“Thank you so much! I-...” She glances at the guards, whispering in his ear, “Are you okay? Sh-Should I send for her?”
Daniel smiles. “Everything’s fine, my Lady. They’re my escort into town for a special job.”
“Oh… Are you sure?”
He chuckles. “Why doesn’t anyone believe me? I’m a terrible liar.”
She smiles. “Apologies. Thank you for the information, Mister Daniel. Be safe.” She walks off, glancing back suspiciously a few times. Daniel and the guards continue walking. The leader murmurs quietly, “You didn’t have to do that…”
“I don’t like confrontation. You guys are just doing your jobs. If people start throwing rocks at you, then we’re all in the crosshairs.”
He scoffs, but nods in agreement. The one at Daniel’s back right, however, mumbles, “Kinda makes you wonder if it was worth it, doesn’t it? Saving her, I mean.”
The one on the back left hisses, “Quiet. Don’t say crap like that.”
Daniel replies regardless, “I think it was worth it. Princess Erimaya is ten. She’s got a lot of life left to live.”
“You say that like you don’t.”
Daniel chuckles, “And, I’m not dead. In fact, I scored a free ticket to travel across the continent. How lucky am I?”
The guards chuckle, and the one leading retorts, “Aren’t you the optimist?”
“Usually, no. Optimism is synonymous with naivete in my book. But, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate not being subjected to my worst imaginings.”
“What are your worst imaginings?” asks the guard at his back right.
“Ahhhh! Nice try, Sir Knight. I’m not giving you guys any ideas. Unless it’s the ancient technique of ‘girl sleeping on chest’ torture. I definitely dread that. Oh, and whatever you do, don’t parade them in front of me in attractive outfits.”
“What? Are you a boy fancier?” asks the guard at the back left.
The leader retorts dryly, “He’s not. He’s being facetious. He’s saying the opposite so that we’ll try to torture him with those.” He smirks over his shoulder at Daniel. “But, of course, you might want to pick something believable, Mister Daniel.”
“You got me. A catgirl -sorry, Gatonine girl- would be WAYYY worse. Especially if she started purring. I’d be terrified.”
The guards and Daniel chuckle together, and as they’re reaching the carriage, the leader says softly, so as to not be heard by the audience watching him, “Keep your spirits up, Mister Daniel. I have it on good authority it’ll pay off.”
Daniel jokes warmly, given the situation, “Don’t do anything crazy while I’m gone. I haven’t had a chance to teach anyone much.”
“And be accused of being necromancers ourselves?” jokes the back right guard at a whisper. “Leave me ignorant, please.”
Daniel chuckles with a smile. They step him into the back of the prison cart, which thankfully, is the more enclosed style. He won’t be an animal on display, but he has been seen by a large audience being arrested. He’s off to the front lines, apparently.
All for the small crime of choosing the Princess’s life over her perceived dignity.
**************
Aramellianna and her five daughters walk with grace and confidence, though one of them is not like the others. Wenlianna is wearing her lab clothes, but this matter apparently did not warrant common courtesy. With them, the Magic Artisan of the Royal Court, Lady Ahok, jogs alongside them. She came to Wenlianna to have books bound via Daniel’s otherworldly method, which is how it was discovered he hadn’t been seen for hours. Daniel is, of course, a free person, but generally someone knew where he was at any given time.
It was only when Wenlianna asked one of the guards at the castle gate that it was revealed that Daniel was carted away in the morning via prison transport, though the destination was unknown to the guards.
Now, the Grand Duchess is involved. She took an active interest when she learned that Wenlianna’s highly skilled assistant was suddenly spirited away, and all of them suspect they know why.
Aramellianna storms toward the King’s audience chamber, where two guards are standing at the doors. “Halt, your Grace.”
She growls with a coldness that could stop hearts, “Move.”
“W-We can’t, your Grace. The King is already in audience with-...”
“Cut me down or arrest me. Either way you’ll cost the kingdom dearly if you delay me further.”
The guards glance at each other, and they back off. Aramellianna herself isn’t much; she’s an aging matron with a moderate level of magical talent. In fact, Wenlianna is easily the strongest in the Stalvaltan household in terms of magic. But, the small army of personal guards that are only a few paces behind the Grand Duchess and her family are a different matter. The Grand Duke became so during his life for his strict regimen of training battlemages; rare soldiers that combine weapon arts with magic to become near one-man armies. And, he trained a battalion of them. Since then, the Grand Duchess has upkept the training program, and warriors of the Stalvaltan Guard are considered among the most formidable military forces in the alliance.
The Grand Duchess and her entourage storm the audience chamber, where Duke Zorenwein pel Ekstragar and his son, Zorenwein the Second, are lamenting the incident with the second Princess, Erimaya, who is still bedridden due to her injuries.
King Regent Rikuto states sharply, “Grand Duchess, this audience…”
“Is over, your Majesty. Quite convenient, in fact. Captain, arrest these two men.”
“At once, your Grace.” The Captain of the Stalvaltan Guard steps forward with two soldiers, but the Royal Guard immediately goes on defense, forming a line between them and the Duke and his son.
Rikuto calls out, “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?”
Aramellianna retorts indignantly, “Oh? Did I not inform you, your Majesty? These men are wanted in conspiracy to commit murder of a summoned hero. As Commander in Chief of the Stalvaltan Guard, it is my duty to investigate threats to national security.”
Duke Zorenwein exclaims, “THAT’S OUTRAGEOUS! Where do you get off accusing a noble house of high standing of such treachery!?”
Aramellianna’s presence and tone don’t shift. It’s very clear, and she says it explicitly, that the Grand Duchy of Stalvaltan could have overthrown the kingdom at any time. “One house in this kingdom holds both the power and authority to remove a king from power singlehandedly, Duke Zorenwein pel Ekstragar. That house is not your own. And with that authority, our house has maintained national security and order for decades. However, I find out through second-hand hearsay that the summoned hero under protection of House Stalvaltan was recently subjected to a shadow trial, where execution was discussed. I have a contingent of guards riding to intercept the carriage as we speak BEFORE the conspiracy can go into full effect, but the number one suspects are the Duke and his son, who stood to gain the most out of retribution against the summoned hero who saved Princess Erimaya’s life.”
Heralesse stands up, shouting, “Grand Duchess! You are in the presence of…”
“Sit down, child. YOU are in the presence of the Grand Duchess Stalvaltan. Speak when spoken to.”
Heralesse gasps, as do many of the guards, who are uneasy that the Stalvaltan Guard -the hand-chosen warriors protecting the Grand Duchess herself- are their opponents if anyone makes a move.
Aramellianna looks at Rikuto with fire in her eyes, and he flinches lightly. He glances at the Duke and his son, who are flabbergasted and expecting protection. Rikuto replies as diplomatically as he can, “Your Grace, such aggressive means were unnecessary. If you believe these men were targeting myself or Daniel, you could have brought it to my attention through proper channels. Now, we are in an uncomfortable impasse.”
“An impasse, you say?” asks the Grand Duchess coyly. “I see. Please allow me to educate you, your Majesty, where your retainers and fiance have failed. You see, matters of succession fall under the purview of national security. Whoever convinced you to hold a shadow trial of the accused without proper audience, defense, or investigation convinced you to violate the Treatises that founded this kingdom and the rights of any accused therein. Shadow trials, if ever to be used, are to be used in times of extreme emergency during invasion, where the status of the other noble houses can’t be confirmed and a traitor is in our midst. As we were not under invasion and I am in good health, you have violated this treatise and several other founding laws. The very fact that it was I, one of the heads of national security, who was left out is but a malicious insult in addition to negligence.”
“That is but a technicality!” exclaims Duke Zorenwein. “The king alone has the authority to make that decision.”
Aramellianna smiles coldly. “You’re right, of course. And, now I am arresting you to be investigated and tried at a place of my choosing.”
Rikuto cocks his head. “Your Grace. You just said…”
“That it is only to be used during times of invasion. I know. You’re being invaded, now, your Majesty. By violating the terms of the Treatises, you have revoked the alliance between the kingdom and house Stalvaltan. You will relinquish custody of the suspects or receive a formal declaration of war.”
The room falls silent. Aramellianna savors the silence for a moment, noticing diligently as the Royal Guards grip their weapons more firmly, readying for battle. She says calmly, “Lord Rikuto, allow me to educate you on the second matter you were so negligently betrayed on.”
He glances around, but he nods respectfully. Heralesse tries to whisper to him that he can’t allow her to be so imprudent, but he silences her with a gesture. He states, “Please enlighten me, your Grace. As we both know, it’s no excuse for a King, even a King Regent, but if I am ignorant, please correct me.”
With an agreeable nod, she explains, “You were convinced that a woman’s dignity is so important in this kingdom, that her life pales in comparison by nobles who stand to gain something by the turmoil. The only other noble house in this kingdom with no sons other than the Royal Family was my own. I believe council with an unbiased house would have served you well.”
“Ha! Unbiased!? You just said that lecher was under your house’s protection.”
Aramellianna looks at Zorenwein with a cold expression. “Daniel has no family name, so he can never be a suitor to either princess. I have no one to submit to marry into the Royal Family. As you are under arrest, Zorenwein, if you speak again, my men will be removing fingers for each time you speak out of turn.”
Rikuto says as diplomatically as he can once more. “Let’s keep our heads cool and our swords sheathed. Grand Duchess, Duke Zorenwein’s house is not the only one who felt conflicted by Daniel’s actions. Even Daniel agreed that keeping the peace with as many houses as possible was ideal.”
She smirks. “And, you jeopardized your alliance with the strongest one. I hope it was worth it.”
“Daniel and I both felt you and Duchess Wenlianna would see reason, your Grace. Mistakes were made, I readily admit that. However, we all reached a compromise. Were we to claim Princess Erimaya was inadvertently humiliated against her will, it would be difficult to explain to anyone without punishing the one who did it to her in at least some capacity.”
Just before Aramellianna speaks again, she notices something in Rikuto’s eyes. She didn’t catch it before, as she was guided more by anger and insult than by logic. However, what she missed was something important.
She’s not teaching him nearly as much as she thought. He’s playing a game of chess, and she’s not an opponent. She’s one of his most important pieces. As it stands, he and she are the only two who realize it now.
She ponders only a moment longer, growling coldly, “Regardless, on the word of cowards, you violated the Treatises, and I hereby revoke our alliance. If you wish to negotiate a new alliance, you may visit me at my estate. I will be taking the suspects into custody. Do not test me.”
“I can’t allow you to take them. If you wish to seek a trial against them,...”
“I told you, your Majesty; as it stands you are under invasion by the House of Stalvaltan, and I claim my authority as Grand Duchess of the Stalvaltan house to operate independently. I am offering a hand of peaceful retreat in exchange for tribute. You may seek counsel, but I will be leaving with those two in my custody one way or another.”
Rikuto stares at her, and she sees it only because she’s watching for it. While it’s not what he planned, he approves. He’s trusting her not to do anything rash. For the sake of the kingdom, she won’t. She just wanted to make a splash and get to the bottom of Daniel’s sudden arrest.
He leans towards Heralesse, whispering with her for a moment.
Zorenwein whines, “You can’t seriously be considering this, your Majesty. This woman has obviously gone mad!”
Heralesse also doesn’t seem to agree, but Rikuto is able to discuss it with her. He stands up, saying for all to hear, “Very well. Grand Duchess, you have made your case. In the interest of establishing friendly relations in these uncertain times, the Kingdom hereby extradites Duke Zorenwein pel Ekstragar and his son, Zorenwein the Second, to your custody for the investigation of conspiracy to commit murder. Guards, arrest them and turn them over to the Grand Duchess.”
“WHAT!?” bursts Zorenwein. His son cries, “Please! Don’t do this! I was fine with marrying Eri either way! Please, your Majesty!”
The two are placed under arrest, and they try to go limp, but the guards easily drag them to the Captain and his men, who take custody of them. Aramellianna states, “Captain.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“How many times did you count?”
“Four, your Grace. If the last string of words was to be considered one.”
“I agree. That’s fair. Four it is.”
“WHAT!?”
“Make that five.”
“No-no-no-no-no! Please!”
The Captain wrenches his hand, holding it out for one of the soldiers to step up with his dagger.
Rikuto calls out, “Grand Duchess.”
She looks at him, and the guards hold Zorenwein. Rikuto sighs. He realizes he can’t stop her now. She made a threat, and she intends to prove she’s not all talk. It does afford the guards in back the time to escort the youngest of her daughters out. “Your Majesty…” She smirks coyly at him.
He states coldly, “A man in panic struggles to control his tongue. Please count it all as one.”
She smiles. “Very well, your Majesty. Perhaps you are right.” She says to the Captain with a coldness, “Just one, then. His index finger.”
“As you wish, your Grace.”
Before the entire audience chamber, minus those who have fainted throughout the stressful ordeal, the Captain of the Stalvaltan Guard escorting the Grand Duchess presents a Duke’s finger to the knife. He and his son both scream in horror, while Duke Zorenwein’s screams also ring of pain.
Aramellianna puts her hand on her chest, bowing at Rikuto only slightly as the guards wrap Zorenwein’s finger, skillfully preventing even a single drop of stray blood from reaching the floor. They also gag him to cut back on his screaming. Aramellianna says with a coldness, “Your Majesty. I look forward to our negotiations.” She leads her guards and daughters out of the room, with Zorenwein fainting from shock and his son crying as he’s dragged out.
Wenlianna jogs into step with her mother so she can whisper, “Mother… I-Is this… really okay? I… I didn’t think you’d actually go to war for me and Daniel…”
Aramellianna smiles and pets Wenlianna’s head. “Our house was wronged by these actions, and other houses were manipulating the otherworlder king through his naivete. I would go to war for any of you.” She adds at a normal volume, “All five of you girls, pay attention. Nobility is give and take. If you allow others to take from you without recompense, they will destroy your house one brick at a time. As Grand Duchess and Commander of the Stalvaltan Guard, it is even MORE imperative to enforce boundaries. Not only our own status, but the very kingdom itself, could falter. Do you understand, girls?”
All five of them nod, and Yaniderre murmurs somewhat lightly, “I’m glad Wenlianna found someone. I think she’ll be a better Grand Duchess than me.”
The younger sisters snicker, and Wenlianna hisses, “What’s that supposed to mean!? A-And, D-Daniel’s just my assistant.”
Yaniderre instantly retorts, “Right, correction. Daniel will make a fine Grand Duke.”
Even Aramellianna chuckles as Wenlianna’s face turns bright shades of pink.
Soon enough, Daniel will be returned, the King Regent will reach out for negotiations, and the Grand Duchy of Stalvaltan will have even better leverage than before.
That is, if all were to go according to plan.
*************
