"This is problematic. Someone switched loyalties or .."
"Someone capable is working right under our noses for Dseafs and we know nothing about it."
The grandmother and her granddaughter were discussing the peculiar incident. The people who died were sent by Anterfey house to investigate them. It was not an issue of crime in capital rather it was politics between houses. Another old family named Dseaf were competitors of Anterfeys. Both have enoromous backing but similar interest in market. Now, they have discovered a new type of ore in Suver River which can be used as a substitute for building materials.
The backer of house Dseaf was Aras Traders , an enormous alliance comprising of traders from seventeen nations of Aras continent. The members of trade alliance were protected by diplomatic laws of the countries and they could freely use the network and resources established by the alliance over decades of trade. Poking at a member of alliance was the same as poking at a hornet's nest.
"But, outright going against us means opposing her majesty and house Dseaf has never done any such action. We simply cannot go against them without any evidence and moreover we can't retaliate against them until soldiers of city watch return from putting down blacksmith's rebellion."
"Huh.. that's no rebellion, simply fools playing leaders. The blacksmiths want to remain out of control of court as profits are high but the new resolution forces them to buy raw material from fixed sources which means their income will fall. Give them a scare and it will be handled but the union leaders are too cautious and even if they agree it will take a lot of time deliberating ....But yes, stall their business for now. Princess will be going to University La Miracle soon. You will be put in her charge under Darksword."
"Lord Darksword is coming... any trouble?"
"Who knows, they don't share their opinions, just pass down their orders but these rebellions and upcoming budget sessions in parliament may cause trouble. Regardless, keep care of her highness and follow Darksword but maintain a professional distance. Despite being obnoxious like others of his breed the man is gifted in his job, remarkably so."
"Grandma, I belong to the same breed too, you always forget."
"Oh you are different, my child, vivacious, but these legacy disciple of those imperialists, bloody damn rude. No sense of propriety and status."
"Anyway, I will see you next when Saraya festival comes before congress reconvenes."
The women told each other goodbye and vanished from the tavern.
********
Three people were standing near inner gates of royal collegium. One was middle aged man, other was an old man while the last was a woman with her face was covered in wrinkles. The old man was the current ambassador of the eastern lands, the old lady was from the western lands while the middle aged man was the current undersecretary of the eastern ambassador. All of them were observing a letter and frowning as if something was particularly displeasing about it.
"What are they planning to do, the eastlands are growing more confusing. Lord Drawzhi understands nothing about the capital yet he forces us to do his bidding without either understanding the ebbs and flow here or following our suggestions. We have to notify the eastern nobles alliance so that this type of autocratic behavior must be condoned."
It was the old man who was speaking. He seemed to be particularly upset about something, he was frowning so hard on the paper in his hand as if he wanted nothing more than to drill his displeasure in the mind of the writer of the letter.