"How's everyone Cities doing?"
Isaac first question was directed to the Lords of every City this Kingdom has. It may seem broad, but all these Lords know what he is talking about.
"No problems so far. They act just like what the Pope has told us."
"If I have any type of complaints, it would be their rapid growth and rapid increase in number."
It was obvious that they were talking about the Travellers who appeared in all cities except Opidelhm. These were only the locations where the mysterious light from the sky keeps on falling even up to this second. This light then becomes Travellers when they touch the ground.
An example of the few unexplained phenomenons of Travellers.
I heard all of these from Jackson and his stories when he was assigned to visit and check these cities secretly. Along with fellow Children, he is usually out almost every week these days just to roam across the kingdom. It is also through him where I get some information about Travellers.
These lords have been assigned to handle these foreign powers. If someone knows better about Traveller's behaviour, it would be them. Now that I have an opportunity to learn more, I eavesdropped to their conversation.
"I am afraid my City army won't be able to repel any rebellion if they decided to think about that."
"The Pope said not to worry about that. Travellers' purpose for coming here is supposed to be solely for the upcoming invasion. Except for their constant need for beasts to kill, they will barely bother us Astreans."
"I heard differently."
The king stopped them from gossiping aimlessly. In a voice that bares strength and authority, everyone kept quiet and focus on what Isaac has to say.
"I don't know what you guys are hiding, but I heard every city has created a facility to cater to Travellers. This so-called Traveller's Guild Hall, why have I not heard a word about it from your people? Base on what I know, things like this should have my permission before it can be implemented"
That topic seems to hit a spot among the nobles since no answered when he put pressure on them. As expected of Isaac, he does not care about his impression towards the nobles.
Supposedly, a Traveller's Guild Hall is a place where Travellers register to create a group which is officially backed up by the city themselves or what Jackson told me. There are still a lot of missing pieces on what this Guild Hall really is, so I cannot immediately conclude its true purpose. I just recently heard this which begs the question if the city Lords are really reporting every single truth happening inside their ruled territory.
That is why our king does not take any chance and send us, Children, to secretly scout or even live in these cities. Helena is one example of it. This has been ongoing for a long time now because the trust between us Children and these nobles is only hanging through the dominant strength of all Children have.
Isaac especially has risen to the power ranking through these past years which made the decision of choosing who is befitting to be the next king much easier. And all nobles who are currently shaking from his gaze alone knows that very well.
"Please forgive us, our king. We planned to tell you after everything is set and complete. We don't know whether this plan would be effective or not. But after a few days of observing, this is the right time to tell you what we have concluded."
The Lord from Solstice City became the representative for the noble's group. Her golden crown was just second to Isaac's crown for being the most extravagant jewellery in this room. I do not know much about her, but during the few times I met her, the impression she gave me was not good.
Lord Orime, the Lord of Solstice City, was the person who is next in line for the throne if it was not for the Pope's approval for Isaac to be the one succeeding the previous king. The person who lost the most when we entered the scene is probably her. That is why she is the most dangerous person and needed the most precaution according to Isaac.
Unlike the other nobles who hang their heads in fear, Lord Orime speak with Isaac like her equal.
"So what is this conclusion that Lord Orime talks about?"
"We discovered that Travellers are more hostile to themselves than any other person they met. This is a good opportunity to use them to our advantage."
"Hm…"
"Seems like King is not yet convinced. We have prepared this book that explains how our Guild system works."
Isaac took this book and browsed the contents while he sat on his chair drinking a glass of wine. Of course, this reading session of his took minutes before he was finished. During all of that, the Children didn't care and continue the party while many of the nobles were just standing waiting for Isaac to be done. The room was completely separated into two types of atmosphere.
Regardless of what was happening on their side, the party continues on. I see Jackson talking to Helena and some familiar faces having a small competition of some sort. This really looks like a party for the Children, but I can see in their faces that they are prepared in case the worst happens and a conflict occurs.
Taking another plate of the banquet, I heard Isaac finished his reading.
"You're easily giving land to them?"
"I hope our king will permit that. The territories we are planning to give away are just the minor locations which the kingdom barely have any resources to give. This would also be a good opportunity to have these unused or unmaintained locations to flourish again under their responsibility while we profit through them without doing anything. If you're concern about the safety of the people soon to be living in these locations, we made sure to let those Travellers deal with it."
"It's still our land."
"Technically, yes. We can always take it back whenever our King wants it."
"Hmm… Do whatever you want."
"Thank you, our king."
Seems like Isaac and the nobles have reached an agreement regarding the Guild matters. After bowing one last time to their king, all nobles from outside the capital left the ballroom. It was then followed by people like Uncle Hank leaving the party.
'Wait, did they just come here to report that?'
Their group left and the only ones remaining in this party are the Children and some attendants who were assigned to replenish the banquet table. I really thought there would be disagreement between both sides.
"You're finally done, Isaac?"
"You look as stiff as always."
"Did you see how Inca's stomach was bouncing every time he walks? I really want to slap it."
Every hint of formality vanished after the last person stepped out of the door. Isaac also sighed in relief when the Children began to make a ruckus.
"Now that is finally done, let's go and drink for the whole night."
"As expected of our King, he knows how to party."
Isaac's attitude always turns 180 every time he is only with fellow Children. You might think the king speaking a while ago was a different person-- This king who is chugging a whole shot glass is the true appearance of Isaac. He may look far from a king-like person right now, but that is what we Children like about him.
"Vaughn, stop hiding and join the table."
I cannot really hide from Isaac.