"You have taken over here. You will have to stay for stability. I can't stay with you, but Sangir can, and I can leave Atagone and her squad." Raiden said. "Surely you will feel most comfortable this way."
"It'll do. In that case, Sangir, can you interview the staff here and fire the ones unsuitable?" I asked.
"Right away, V." He said, heading off to get things done.
"Is that normal for this person?" Dirthin asked.
Raiden actually laughed aloud, before walking away. Scowling at Raiden's back, I said, "It is, though inappropriate."
"Do they need a talking to?" Dirthin asked.
"... I used to sleep with him. It was three years ago." I explained quietly.
"Ah." He said. "So not a talking to, a beat down. Kidding- or am I?"
"I think you are." I said, leafing through some documents.
"Ah, it's not as fun if you already know." Dirthin said.
I patted him lightly on his arm. "Do you know what kind of reward you or James would like?"
"Hoh, that is a tough one." Dirthin said.
"Should I ask him?" I asked.
"Sure. I'll drop this on his shoulders." Dirthin said.
"Technically, I should summon him anyways, but I don't want to be so strict." I sighed.
"Now, now, we can't be playing favorites. Summon him. If possible, make him swear fealty. Do a little dance." He said, with every bit of mirth a brother could have at tormenting another.
"If it will amuse you that greatly, I will do so." I said, raising a hand. A tigrine approached quickly. "Take an armed escort to collect James Hearthry from his estate. Be gentle."
"Yes, Your Highness." The Tigrine bowed, and selected some Tigrine to do so.
I reviewed some documents in earnest, a desk had been set before me for ease of use. The particular papers I was going over were beginning to seriously piss me off by the time James arrived. Along with him was church members with more documents escorted by Atagone.
I looked up, almost shouting at them in my rage, but took a breath. "Thank you. I'll see Mr. Hearthry first. Everyone else, wait outside."
James started forward, but a Tigrine tried to stop him. A flash of rage crossed James face that he attempted to suppress. I signaled the tigrine to move off. And after a quick bow, they vacated the room.
James straightened his clothes. "This.. has not been.. a pleasant way to get me here."
"Yeah, yeah, deal with that in a sec. Please do look at this." I said. Tapping on the paper. "Does this fucking say one fifty six percent increase on goods and services available to peasants?!"
He rolled his eyes, walked over and sighed heavily. After looking he said, "Indeed. It does say one hundred fifty-six percent."
"What the fuck." I growled. I flipped to an unrelated paper that had to do with Hearthstone and the Lucky Stone's tax increases compared to other merchants and towns. "And you- you allow this? This is robbery."
"In a way, yes, I allow it. Because I did not want to destroy this places royalty and take over." James replied.
I shook my head and said, "You're nicer than I am. You've been single handedly paying enough to redo all the houses in the slums without damaging the Crowns funds. I'd think you a fool, but I think it's been a case of the lazy."
"Maybe. Suppose you could call it that." James said.
"Anyways, if it's not clear enough, your brother asked for the show. And asked me to have to swear fealty. Whereas it is technically what I should do, instead, I'd just like to hear what reward you want." I explained.
"Maybe to string someone up." He said, eying his brother. "But if not, I suppose a tax break would do."
"That much is obvious. You don't want an actual reward?" I asked. "I know the story is bullshit, but it's still proper to reward you for not contradicting me."
"Oh, if we must. I will pick one thing from the treasury, how does that sound?" James said.
"Ok. That can be done. What about Royal Merchant? That would mean anything the Crown needs goes through your company. I noticed there is no documents related to this title." I asked.
"Hoh, the last one got flayed I believe." James said. He was quiet for a moment, then he agreed to the title. "Is there anything in particular you would like first?"
"A nap." I said pitifully. "But in all seriousness, the castle should be redecorated. Preferably by someone with taste, because this room is so gaudy it makes the Emporer look chaste.. aside from that, I don't need anyth- no, that's not true. There will need to be things acquired to welcome the Sultan's visit next week." I rubbed my face.
"I believe I can gather all the things necessary for a visit." James said.
"In your opinion, should I eradicate the church and bring in a new one?" I asked James.
"Hmm. I would not say the entirety of the church needs to be eradicated. A good bit of it perhaps." James said.
I nodded. "Thank you. Really. Dirthin said he found the treasury, so you guys can go pick something if you want. Or if you'd rather it be official, I can go with."
James leaned in a little and said, "Maybe find a way to go take a nap. I think we can handle going through a treasury."
I nodded. "Just gotta see about the church matter and I can kick everyone out."
"Would you like us to stick around for that?" James asked.
"If you'd like. I'm not gonna argue with what either of you want." I replied, though I felt a little dizzy.
Dirthin took up a position next to me, "As your Champion, I'll stay here."
I nodded. I rang a sort of bell, causing Atagone to being the clerics and documents back in. I allowed them to hand me the documents, and briefly looked over them. I pointed out the flaws and other problems with the documents before ordering that the church be temporarily shut down for investigation, and the religious members temporarily apprehended and held.
Once that was done, and they were removed, I got up, storing all documents in my bag before thanking the brothers for their time and finding a place I could sleep. I curled up and went to sleep immediately. The next day, I woke before dawn, like normal. Dirthin was with me, very much awake. I sat up, concerned.
"Are you ok?" I asked.
He'd been chewing something. "Oh, yeah. I'm great."
"Mm.. Did you stay up?" I asked.
"All night long. And yet I feel so alert." He replied.
"You didn't have to. I have guards." I said, smiling at him.
"Yes. But I don't see any of them. And I haven't all night." Dirthin replied.
I nodded. "Come here." I ordered. Not even a second after a Tigrine woman shadow stepped into view.
He sat in a chair, "Well that's just not fair."
"You may go back, thanks." I told her. She bowed and did so. I went and hugged Dirthin, petting him.
He crashed, falling asleep in seconds. Smiling, I kissed his brow before heading out of the room. I ate some good berries for breakfast, got a tour of the castle, then made sure I was in the room with the communication table in it, and a spy/ guard set to watch over Dirthin. I started going through the documents in earnest, while receiving many different visitors. Merchants and the like.
Some adventurers visited, and a few peasants. I dealt with them all relatively in the same manner, designating a book for them to write their names and grievances in, so I may get to them when possible. Some weren't pleased with the dismissal, but I explained to them in ways they'd understand. Namely using jobs they could relate to to explain my inaction.
Primary one being, I have essentially been thrust into a server position on a busy night when a popular bard is present with no knowledge of what is on the menu, and everyone wants the special, which was already ran out of. It was majoraly laughed at and sympathized with. There was so much to sort through, and I was making an attempt. In the afternoon, I went to check on Dirthin, accidentally waking him up.
"I'm up, I'm up. What's happening?" Dirthin asked.
I kissed his face and said, "How you feeling?"
"Well rested, yet grumpy. I'd intended to be.. a lot more.. alert by this time of day. I hadn't expected to crash that particularly hard." Dirthin admitted.
"Is there anything I can do to restore your mood?" I asked.
"How about a kiss?" He replied.
I sat in his lap and gave him a kiss. "We should get you some food and drink."
His tummy rumbled. "I believe my body is in agreement."
I smiled, kissing him again and giggling. "You're so cute."
"And you're gorgeous. Your Champion is ready for duty." Dirthin said.
I snuggled him for a moment before getting up and heading to the kitchens. I ordered a meal for him, then waited with him for it to be ready and given to him. The royal chef had been fired and replaced with a couple cooks. I had been assured that they were fantastic and hardworking. Time would tell in that. I didn't even know why I was bothering, but for appearances sake.
After Dirthin had his lunch, I returned to my duties, which included papers from my homeland now. I had a very quiet cry while continuing, just because the magnitude of fuckery I had to unfuck. I was able to stop the tears when people started piling up for audiences again. I made several official declarations, which included about the Lucky Stone's rewards, and new title.
The next day was much the same, only I got through the corruption of the church and the donation issues. Having gotten to the core of that, I started working on other issues. The third day I finished going through relevant documents, and began seeing to things in order of importance. Thus far, people were cautious, but not aggressive. It probably helped that the primary problem nobility were already killed off.
The next day I ordered any and all falling apart buildings in the slums to be destroyed, and new buildings built for them- to Hearthstone standards. Any and all needing shelter between those times can use any of the hotels or the first floor of the palace, both stays subsidized reasonably by the Crown, until their homes were finished being re-built.
When a noble house bitched, I grinned like a devil and suggested they pay close attention, because if I find any of their territories to have what I would deem to be an unliveable conditions, I would be making them do the same for their territories, or I would size them. As for the two vacant territories, I contacted Bibs about one of them, asking if his mayor friend would take over the territory.
He wasn't sure but said I could ask him, so I organized some people to deliver a notice to him, asking him directly to either manage the territory, or recommend someone he likes to do it. I gave him seventy two hours to notify me of his decision before I would select someone who suites my taste on the matter.
He promptly responded the next day that he would like to schedule a meeting to discuss it at my leisure. I replied the same day, that due to Hearthstone's convenience in travel, he could meet with me at noon the next day, or in the evening upon the following day, though I sincerely appreciated his promptness in response.
I went on to say that it shows respect to the Crown's time, which will reflect in timeliness should Dueling Rivers and it's surroundings need assistance. It also included an offer of reward for assisting with the dragon attack. He responded that he would gladly accept the offer for assistance with minimal repairs involving the dragon attack. He elected to come tomorrow at noon. So I noted down in my books about it.
I was glad Dirthin was by my side these days. It made me feel a lot more secure in my position. Though it also bugged me. I wanted alone time, and I couldn't have it now. Not unless I skimped on my work. Which I wasn't going to do. I was doing everything I could to put the Kingdom in order before the Sultan needed to deal with it.
The next day I went over some more things, prepared other things, and signed off on more requests while Sangir and Dirthin sparred a bit before Tilton arrived for his Noon meeting a little early. He probably overheard Sangir suggesting he be left to wait till the correct time. I laughed at the notion.
"Nonsense. Tilton is friends with Kershka. I won't have him wait. Let him in." I said.
He approached to a degree once he was let in. "Your Majesty. How are we doing this fine day?"
I looked at him, "Roses and cakes. You?"
He raised an eyebrow and said, "Tulips and tea."
"Oh, that sounds so much more pleasant." I grinned. "Might I ask a favor of you.since you came all the way here?"
"Of course, your Majesty. What might I do for you?" Tilton replied.
"I prepared some woods from my homeland for Kershka. And a new rainbow box for Bibs." I told him. "I'll pay you for your trouble, of course."
He looked around for a moment. Then he took out a rock. "Seems to be clear." He said, "That will be unnecessary. The big one wanted to see you. If you don't mind, they can be here in two seconds."
"Oh, that's fine, then. I'm fine with whatever is convenient for them." I replied.
"Ah. I just didn't want to have them pop in unannounced. Some guards are a little touchy about people just popping in." Tilton replied.
I nodded in understanding. "About the territory of Dueling Rivers. Did you make a decision?"
"My decision was to come and have a meeting with you.. in private." Tilton replied.
"How private?" I asked.
"You can bring anyone you want as long as you can relax." Tilton responded.
I processed that. "Very well. Sangir, set up anti spy devices, activate them, and have all unnecessary parties wait outside. Dirthin, Bibs and Kershka are exceptions. Have some chairs brought in for them."
Sangir bowed and obeyed me. While chairs were being brought in, Bibs and Kershka were let in, and the doors firmly closed with the five of us left in. Upon activation, the anti spy measures flashed, and runes sprawled across all the walls. The runes barred external listening and watching combined with minor illusion to hide facial movements and alter body language.
Kershka waved at me, "Hello." Then he coughed, "Sorry." He then bowed.
I laughed, "You don't have to do that, Kershka." I got up and went to a sack behind my seat. I picked it up and offered it to him, and offered a smaller box to Bibs.
Bibs opened his box, "Ah. These were quite tasty."
"Those are professionally made this time. I'm sure they'll be better. I checked them for poison already, but you can do so again if you want." I said.
He chuckled. "I'm sure you wouldn't hand me something you didn't think was safe. I hope."
Kershka opened his sack, sitting immediately and going through the wood. I smiled broadly, before agreeing with Bibs, "I wouldn't intentionally hand you something harmful."
"Alright. Now then. You want to know if I will take over the territory." Tilton said. "I have never thought of becoming nobility. But I also won't let anyone else manage my town."
I nodded in understanding. "I need someone who I can yell at if the town is getting in a state of disrepair, or if there are people ailing and not being tended to. I didn't see that as an issue in your town, or it's sister city. I need decrepit buildings taken down, you see. They make good foothills for all kinds of things."
"What else would you need of me, because that sounds like what I already do." Tilton said.
"As of this moment, this is all I can ask of you. The Sultan may change things to suite himself, but I will be encouraging him to just hold the Northerners accountable for their holdings." I replied honestly, collecting some papers. "The taxes you have been dutiful in getting here have, surprise, surprise, been gouged. Just not as severely as they were doing to Hearthstone, which would be part of your territory. I have a stupid question, though."
"And what might your stupid question be?" Tilton asked.
I pointed to a particular place on the document. "Where is the school? This says the taxes of the town Dueling Rivers funds the School. I can't find any information on it, though. Not location, what it teaches, who are admitted... I see where the late king was planning to try to close the Hearthstone School.. but that's the only school I have seen besides one that was destroyed fifty years ago, and a small one in Ymir's Town."
"Well, that is a silly question. The king would not build a school to educate his people. They would be harder to control." Tilton said.
"I see." I said. I closed my eyes briefly. "Alright. I'll close the church and have it rebuilt in the 'slums'. The current church has building will be restructured into a proper school."
"It will be good for them to actually see the people they are supposed to be helping." Bibs said.
"My thoughts precisely." I smiled. "Tilton, the best way to keep you from having to deal with additional headaches of coming to court, but still being solely responsible for the territory you reside in is to give you the title of Laird. In the Empire, it's a title that is above a squire, but below a baron. If you don't like it, Reis would be a step up. But still not require court functions."
"Reis has a better ring to it." Tilton said.
I nodded. "Very well. I have no complaints about you or your town. Since I rewarded the Hearthry's, it would be right that I reward you all for the help with the dragons. You may also seek compensation from the crown due to the minimal repairs. Say what you do like, and I'll try to see to it, then I can pretend to be a normal person for a minute."
Tilton handed me a list of repairs being done, that included the cost at the bottom. I reviewed it for a moment. "That will conver anything and everything we would need for repairs."
"Impressive." I complimented him. "Were you aware your guards are currently trained above standard and you were going to be fined twenty gold bars worth for each guard at your town? Obviously not gonna happen now, but still. Can you believe the crap that fool had been pulling? The Southern Wall, right next to the palace, was filled with slaves for pity's sake."
Tilton let out a growly kind of sigh. I nodded and said, "Yeah, I've been raging for the last six days over the crap that's been pulled here. Just look at this," I fetched my complaints log, that had my actions taken added to the pages I've dealt with thus far, "These are all just petty complaints in the grand scheme of things but it can mean life or death to those afflicted."
He took the book and started going through it. "I don't even know how this place stayed functioning."
"Thankfully, everyone has been patient with me. Elsewise I wouldn't have been able to get nearly as far as I have with it." I sighed. "It's been incredibly difficult."
"Well, at least you didn't immediately give up as soon as you took over." Tilton said.
"Just rebalancing the books, and making the tax rates fair has been daunting." I said. "That being said, you and Cassae are still gonna make that dome, right?"
"Of course. It's underway as we speak." Tilton said.
"This'll all be worth it, then." I said, obviously pleased.
"All of this nonsense you call worth it just by having your dome? We'll make sure we put our utmost effort into it." Tilton said, amused.
"It might not make sense to you, but it's a home I picked out and decided on. Something I can do with what I please and it doesn't really harm anyone else." I said.
"I feel I understand that more than you might think." Tilton replied.
Kershka put the wood away, looked up at me and said, "I have new gift." He took out a bulky wooden carving of a jungle wood tree, ironically made of jungle wood, and handed it to me. "Take finger, put here, and go up." I obeyed, and as I did so, the tree expanded, maturing into a replica of an stone adult tree. "Home no matter where you are."
I looked up at his big smile. I laughed and take him a hug, "You've made another marvel, Kershka. Thank you."
"Filled with inspiration." Kershka said, shifting towards Bibs.
I tucked myself against his arm in his lap, tucking my legs up, as if perching on a tree, while looking over my new trinket and marveling over it. Noting details he'd added to it, and talking to him about it, pointing out little knots he'd added and such. Kershka was pleased as punch over his accomplishment.
I looked at Tilton over Kershka's arm suddenly. "Did you wanna see my tiger?"
Tilton looked at me quizzically, "Your.. tiger?"
I nodded and took it out of my bag. "See? Look. Kershka made it to do this." I made it stand into a Tigrine. "It's perfect and goes with the tree so well."
Kershka seemed to get lost in thought. Tilton said, "Oh, it looks like you've given him an idea."
"That's alright.." I commented, feeling an odd sensation in my stomach area. I blinked, placing my hand over the area.
"Are you alright? Are you hungry?" Dirthin asked.
"... It's.. They are moving." I said, feeling odd.
"They're moving?" He asked. "That would feel very weird... As long as you're ok."
"Mm, I think your sister in law is right about the timing, then. Did you want to see if you can feel?" I asked.
"Sure." He said. "Let's see what the little kid can do."
I scooted off of Kershka's lap, to go let Dirthin feel it. It had only moved from the right side, an inch to the left. From the outside it just felt like a flutter, still, I guided his hand to where his cub moved. "I guess since my mood changed they decided to be energetic."
"Better be careful. If you get mad, they may start punching." Dirthin joked.
I laughed. "It's possible."
His expression softened and he chuckled, "I think I felt it move. This'll be an active kid, I'm tellin' ya."
"My concern is that it's be a normal sized cub for either of our kind." I said.
"Why is that the concern?" Dirthin asked.
"Because we're both small for our race. I'm miniature compared to Raiden." I pointed out.
"I still don't understand why it's a concern." He said.
I patted the top of his head and said, "That is because it's not you who the cub will be birthed out of."
Understanding dawned on him. "Ah. Right. Maybe they'll be born small and grow large."
"It'll be ok, that's four months away." I said.
"That's true. Tons of time." Dirthin replied.
I grinned and said, "Well, it is and not at the same time."
"Is there any kind of ceremony I should be doing? Or is it enough that I agreed to it?" Tilton asked.
"I thought you wanted me to be friendly." I joked. "But in all seriousness, I should technically make you swear fealty and register an emblem.. but I don't feel like it." I went over to the desk, and got a paper out, "Do you have a preference for 'family name'?"
"My family name is Starnar." Tilton said.
I looked at him, "Oh, are you a sun elf, then?" I noted the name on the paper.
"Yes." He acknowledged.
"One more question. The Western neighboring territory that used to belong to the Solon's, donypu want to manage it, too? A no is acceptable." I replied.
"I would have to go with no, I don't want to manage anything else." Tilton replied.
I nodded. Completing what I needed to on the paper. I grabbed a few more and brought them to him, leaving my tiger and tree on the desk. "Alright. Go ahead and look this over. The acknowledgement of nobility and the noblesse oblige involves with it. The other papers are what that entails. I am most positive that you'll find it redundant, but that's my job." I offered them to him.
"Your job is to be redundant? That sounds very unpleasant." He said.
"Yep. It's like I'm supposed to treat everyone like toddlers. Do as I say, when I say and how I said it. No, no, we been over this, you have to be kind to your people. So on and so on." I rambled as he looked at the papers.
"That does seem to be any the case with any leader, yours is just on a grander scale. And I don't envy you that." Tilton said.
"I don't even like people." I said, leaning my back against Kershka.
"I figured as much considering we are crafting you a glass dome for a tree. Not a lot of people up a tree." Tilton commented.
I smiled. "If you agree, just sign the back paper, I've put in a clause that you have a month to submit an emblem, so it's not particularly pressing." I told him, then turned to Bibs, "Was there anything you wanted?"
"Not unless you happen to have a tinkerers hammer crafted from meteor ore. If not, that's fine, but I do need a new one my last hammer is about to implode I believe." Bibs said.
"Mm. I do not have one, but I do know someone who does and doesn't use it. If I can aquire it, I'll have it brought to you." I said. "It's more common to have meteor ore items in the Night Market of the Empire, so I suppose I could also have Raiden look there."
"That would be much appreciated. If you're buying a meteor item from someone, make sure to shake it nine times. If they start to panic, set it down and don't buy it. That means it's very unstable and may implode." Bibs explained.
"That wasn't a joke, then? I heard it a couple of times but always figured it was just guys being silly." I said.
"No, very serious. I didn't listen at first, either, nearly lost my hand." Bibs said.
"I will remember that." I acknowledged.
We chatted some more, with Kershka joining in before they headed out. With payment for Tilton's town, and my informing them they can see me at their leisure. The next thing I did was get Dirthin and I a meal, telling Sangir I wanted Zinter to pay me a visit by supper time. Sangir bowed and did as I asked.
"James is trying to get me to come back. Patently there are quite a few jobs piling up." Dirthin said. He didn't sound thrilled. "I'm trying to convince him to just send someone else."
"That's alright." I said, patting his hand. "You'll be less bored if you do something, wouldn't you? I've got a while yet of just paperwork and talking to people. And I have many guards."
"Yes, but being your guard is not the only reason I'm here." Dirthin said. "I would like to think I'm a soothing presence."
"It is comforting having someone I can trust close by." I admitted.
"Well, I suppose I could ask Kershka to hang around while I am away." Dirthin said. "His creations seem to bring you a lot of joy."
"I like Kershka. He's relaxing, and yes, I have enjoyed the tiger and now I have a tree, too. I've always admired those with talent. I don't really have any talents except to be vexing." I told him.
"You seem to have quite the knack for ruling.. You're already working on straightening out several issues. Kershka seemed like he was thinking real hard about his next creation." Dirthin commented.
"I'm winging it. My aunt stopped my classes when I was twelve. I should have been in them until I was crowned." I replied. "I'm just doing what I think is fair for the majority."
"There have been rulers who have ruled on instinct alone, no classes, no training. They built kingdoms that lasted till the next person took over. The point I am trying to make is, you seem to be doing a good job." Dirthin said.
"Thank you, Dirthin. I really do appreciate you." I smiled.
"You're Majesty," Sangir said, coming in, "Lord Zinter has come."
"It's amazing how quick nobles react when you start killing them off." Dirthin commented.
I smiled. "I'll need to go see him. He responded promptly, I should reply in kind."
"Alright, let's go see the noble." Dirthin said.
With a grunt, I got up heading to the throne room, where my desk was and where I'd been treating the space as my office.