While soaking in the bath, Estella began to think about what she got herself into. After proposing treason, she summoned an almighty secret boss level demon that resembles a cat, went to a different country to create a duchy, and now she has to prepare for it. All for the sake of avoid the main characters.
"Things would of went much smoother if I just said I wanted to take a year off school." Estella thought as she sunk deeper into the tub, one of the maids frantically trying to pull her up in fear of water going up her nose.
As the roses floated in the water, she couldn't help but poke at them. "It was either a rose, lily, or lotus, so I guess this works out." She mumbled, holding one of the roses up before letting it fall into the water. She didn't want her family crest to remind her of the terrible heroine, Rosemary.
As one of the maids began to scrub her hair, she thought about the things she'd soon start. "For the sake of my future lazy life and harem, I need to make a beautiful estate." She convinced herself. Work now and play later for the rest of her life.
Somewhere in the distance, three men felt shivers up their spines, while Estella dried off and got dressed up for dinner, a simple yellow gown, a thin fur coat, and low heels.
Dismissing the maids, she and Fenrir got up to go, as the servants arrived to take them to the dining room. "Want to hear something entertaining?" Estella asked Fenrir, who responded with an of course.
Though, her definition of entertaining may be severely different she's going to get business done, she thought as they arrived, taking her seat next to Aesterix and Ivonne, while Fenrir stood near the entrance.
Looking around, she was the last to enter, and as soon as she entered, the eating could begin, not even needing her to sit down yet.
Seeing her, Aesterix was excited and smiled at her, while she ignored it and turned her attention towards the king. "Your majesty, let's discuss our future plans." she said, causing him to choke on his wine.
Hitting his chest once, he looked straight at her, a little terrified. It seems like whatever he and Aesterix discussed ended up with him being slightly more terrified of the Von Blackwoods.
As he told her to continue, she took her knife and fork and began cutting into her steak. "I would like to ask whether I will be receiving the northern or western territory for my duchy, along with approval of my crest design, discussion about my temporary lodging, and trade." She was clearly being disrespectful, but her aura was so powerful that no one could say anything about it.
Gulping, he said a small yes, of course, which allowed her to continue, ignoring the eyes on her as she continued to dip the steak in sauce, biting into it. "I'd prefer the northern territory in all honesty, but I'd be able to work with the west."
As he was about to speak, she looked up and stared him in the eyes, almost not giving him an actual choice. "With my umbrage magic, I could easily clear the northern territory and start a port for trade, which would mutually benefit us both, yes? I'm sure it'll increase Aeziran's resources if we come to an agreement." She smiled.
Although she sounded cunning, she was giving him a fair deal and they all knew it. She was telling him she wanted the north, without threatening but rather reassuring him a good outcome, a smart move, and she moves quite fast. Ivonne thought, reading Estella.
"Of course, I would love if you could have the northern territory and help expand our resources." The king said, chuckling nervously trying not to let his greed get the better of him at the moment.
Turning back to her food, she began cutting another bite. "Next, I'd like to discuss my crest design." She said, causing Aesterix to pipe up.
"How come you didn't tell me about your crest idea, Estel?" He pouted, making even Fenrir pout a bit. She only told him about the lotus, but surely that wasn't the whole design?
Ignoring him once again, Estella spoke. "I haven't decided on a full design, I would mainly like my centre flower approved. I'd like for it to be a lotus." She said, now taking a sip of her wine. Just who gives wine to a child? Then again as an actual twenty four year old, she enjoyed it.
Nodding, the king agreed. "Of course, though might I ask why?" He asked, biting into his steak now, following her lead. Thinking about how to answer, she chose the easier route.
"Are you going to be questioning all of my decisions?" She asked, raising a brow while looking at him, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
Quickly denying, he continued. "Most of the crests are symbolic from their flower, such as vervains meaning protection, that duchy in particular's ancestor protected the first king and hence was their flower crest." He quickly explained.
Humming, Estella didn't actually know the meaning of a lotus, so she decided to question him. Putting on a dramatic sigh, she placed down her fork and looked at him, putting one hand on the table to rest her chin on, a very rude display in front of anyone at the dinner table.
"What exactly do you think I meant by picking a lotus, your majesty?" As if she could see the gear running through his head, she went back to eating.
"Rebirth! I understand, of course. Since this is a new duchy and your new name, you'd like to symbolise rebirth." The king nodded stroking his chin, as if he heard some wise words.
In fact, Estella did not know that at all. It was merely coincidental, but if that's what they chose to believe, who was she to stop them? Even Fenrir was touched thinking he failed to notice the thought behind her choice, instead of her randomly choosing by asking him if he liked water.
As she started on her salad she changed the topic. "Next, my lodging. Once Aesterix goes to war, I'll be exploring northern territory immediately. I will not take any workers with me and will stay exploring for approximately a month or two, filling a map of my territory with help of my knight." Estella said, causing Hyre to speak up due to lack of protest from the king.
"You've been talking like you're already guaranteed the duchy for awhile." He said, her confidence not seeming to affect him. Raising his hand, the king silenced his son.
Just as Estella thought, Aesterix influence got to him. "I believe the war will be won quite easily, there's no need to question if they'll uphold their deal, Hyre." He said, allowing Aesterix to interject at last.
"I'll win quick! So you can just stay here, I'll clear out the north for you it's not wise to go with only him" He growled, unhappy to hear that Fenrir would be alone with her.
Nodding, Ivonne chimed in. "It's not safe with only two people. If we could of mapped it with just two of our soldiers, we would have already." She sided with Aesterix. Although most of them considered her crazy for it, she sighed.
"I assure you, I'm more than enough along with my knight. Please, refrain from doubting me. Unlike the soldiers of Aeziran, I have powerful magic." She said, a half truth. It was really Fenrir's magic, but she couldn't allow her plans to be delayed. What if Aesterix got rid of her beastmen loophole?
It was mostly silent even her brother agreeing she was strong enough and he believed in her, but still didn't want her to go alone with him.
"Then how about my son going along with her? As the first prince, he's had swordsmanship training since little, and is perfect fo join." The queen suggested, looking up for the first time during their meal.
It was quite obvious to Estella she should decline, or rather, that the queen probably plotted something such as the two engaging and their child having darkness magic. But the other half of her head said yes, very hot man who looks like favourite character from game gets to come along. That side won by a landslide.
"If it gets you all to agree and let me finish, very well." She said, acting compose while smiling a little at Ivonne. With Hyre out of the way, she could probably fill in his duties for now. It's a win-win.
Nodding, he continued to eat while Aesterix looked at him. Even though it was another man, he still preferred the prince who showed little interest in people than some angel looking knight that came from nowhere.
"Anyways, I plan to build my estate at the tip of the border, the sea, which also brings us on the topic of trade." Estella continued, gaining all of their attention once more.
Wiping her mouth, she leaned back and closed her eyes, crossing her arms. "If some ports were made, I'm sure sea trade and tourism would be great for my territory's growth. I plan on eventually trading gold or a natural resource found in my territory for things such as spices or other exotic goods, which I will send ten percent to the royal family." After explaining, the king pondered.
If he were greedy, he could very well take away what she said to give him, and he wouldn't be able to oppose as her brother was going to win the war against Vraxus, making him a hero. In the end, he'd have to take what he could get, rather than anger the people with magic. Nodding, Estella took it as a sign to bring up her next dinner topic as dessert was served, magic.
"Finally, this brings us to the bit I saved for last, magic. I'm sure you're aware just how magic works in this world, right?" She said, eyes full of pure confidence.