POV David
June 29th 913 (2016)
I glanced at Shyora, wearing a revealing black dress that showed way too much cleavage, her wings flared slightly behind her, her tail snapping at the passersby that strayed too close. I glanced at her.
"Would it kill you to be more civil?" I asked, almost sarcastically.
"Why should I care for those beneath you master?" she asked, licking her cherry red lips.
I sighed and looked up at the large estate club. It reminded me of an old medieval castle, mashed with a manor. It sat atop one of the few hills that overlooked Lake Lobau, in the distance I could see Aucterfilth and beyond that the Ironworks, the lights of the foundry visible even from this great distance. The carriage I'd rode in here headed back down the drive to the stables, where it would wait until I was to return back to the lord's mayor's manor in the city.
I started up the steps, being greeted by a butler in the antechamber. "Sir, I don't recall your lordship being on the invitation."
"I was invited by Hestia Morefel, perhaps there is some mistake?" I asked.
"I very much doubt it sir, but I shall confirm with the lady of the house." the butler replied before slipping away and disappearing down a corridor. While I waited another guest entered. A woman that looked to be in her thirties, wearing a resplendent emerald gown with plain golden jewelry.
"Ah, you must be Shyora, a pleasure to meet you, it appears they've downplayed your beauty darling." she laughed a bit as she greeted the succubus. She turned to me next, giving me a strained smile.
"You must be the regent then. I am Christine Dunams." she nodded to me, her makeup looked hastily applied, as if she'd been in a hurry. She turned back to Shyora.
"My, may I have the honor of spending the evening in your company?" Christine asked Shyora, easing closer to her. Shyora cast a glance at me, to which I shrugged. I didn't particularly care. Shyora had been particularly good lately, I should probably reward her a bit.
"You may enjoy basking in my radiance." Shyora allowed, letting Christine siddle up to her and wrap their arms together.
A pair of footsteps came from down the fall the butler had gone down earlier. Hestia, with the butler in tow. "David! So glad you could make it, dinner's almost ready… is that Master Dunams I spy next to Shyora?"
Christine sprang past me once she realized Hestia was here. "You are quite the hard woman to get a hold of Mrs Morefel, when I heard you had returned to griffon house I came over at once."
"Ah, Mrs. Dunams, I'm sorry, I'm not seeing visitors tonight." Hestia apologized.
"It will be quick, I assure you." Christine took Hestia's hands. Hestia seemed uncomfortable but didn't say anything.
"I need more iron, the ironworks demand even more." Christine began but Hestia interrupted her.
"I've already sold next month's ore, I'm afraid you'll have to bother someone else, you're interrupting my guest Mrs Dunams, please leave." Hestia said firmly.
Christine glanced at me then back to Hestia. "My apologies for my boldness, I'll take my leave."
We watched as Christine left. Hestia walked up to me. "I'm sorry about that, Mrs Dunams is very dedicated to her work."
"Why was she asking you about the ore?" I asked.
"You aren't aware? She owns the barges that are transporting all the ore to the dock." she said while it clicked. The Black bottom barge company. So that was the owner. Huh, I thought she'd be older.
I put aside my thoughts and followed Hestia to a balcony overlooking the lake, the distant glimmering lights of the ironworks twinkling like little stars. A cool breeze blew off the lake, carrying its pleasant smell. Roasted beef, lathered in sauce, with swan and several fine wines were set on a table.
"It's oddly beautiful from here." I remarked, staring into the distance.
"It is. If only the rest of the future was so bright…" Hestia said sadly.
"You think it'll be bad?" I asked.
"Isn't that why you started making weapons? I'm not stupid David, I know your brother is training thousands of soldiers, most would treat you two like fools, but I've seen the two of you get results, the nobility won't be happy."
I sighed, leaning back in my chair, my food half eaten. "So, you've seen through it?"
"It is inevitable isn't it?" She asked.
I nodded, looking at her. "It's hard not to notice isn't it?"
"Do you think you can win?" She asked. I flashed her a confident smile.
"I don't think, I know."