As the sun began to set over the city of Ashendell, Lucian made his way through the winding corridors of the royal palace, his footsteps echoing against the polished stone floors.
He ascended the spiral staircase, climbing higher and higher until he reached the highest tower, where Jayce's hidden study was concealed.
The golden glow of torchlight guided Lucian as he approached the false bookcase, guarded by the vigilant members of the Gold Phoenix King's Guard.
Their armor shimmered in the flickering light as they stood at attention, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats.
With a firm nod, Lucian signaled his arrival, and the bookcase silently slid aside, revealing the hidden passage to Jayce's study. He stepped inside, greeted by the scent of aged books and the warmth of a crackling fire in the hearth.
The room offered a breathtaking view of the sprawling city below, with its winding streets and towering structures illuminated by the glow of streetlamps.
Jayce stood by the oak desk, his brow furrowed with concern. He beckoned Lucian to approach, his voice filled with anticipation. "Lucian, what news do you bring? How did the meeting go?"
Lucian sighed, his expression tinged with disappointment. "I'm afraid it didn't go as well as we had hoped, Jayce. Gaining the support of the various factions is going to be more challenging than anticipated. The farmers of the Green Phoenix, represented by Elder Cato, and the industrialists of the Iron Phoenix, represented by Chief Daimler, feel outmatched by the Earth Kingdom. The root of the problem is that the Earthers have more land, manpower, resources, and magic, which allows them to flood the market with cheap goods."
Jayce's gaze hardened, his voice laced with determination. "And what are their demands?"
Lucian continued, his voice tinged with frustration. "The farmers demand more infrastructure but less taxes, which our treasury simply cannot handle at the moment. On the other hand, the industrialists demand more protection from Earth Kingdom exports, which directly opposes the demands of the merchants from the Yellow Phoenix, represented by Captain Amaro, who seek more free and open trade. And let's not forget the Aristocrat nobilities of the Grey Phoenix who snub their noses at talks of trade and commerce, demanding no change to the status quo."
"That sounds like a mess." Jayce said, shaking his head.
"It is." Lucian agreed with a sigh. "And we don't have much time. I'm hearing murmurs that Duke Kassadin is gathering his forces in the south, preparing to march on Ashendell. He claims to be Ignacius' distant cousin and rightful heir to the throne. If he reaches the city before you are crowned, there will be a civil war."
"Then we have to act fast." Jayce said.
Jayce's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the information. "So, who can we afford to disregard? Which factions can we gain enough support from to secure my coronation as the next King?"
Lucian shook his head, his voice filled with caution. "Under normal circumstances, I would suggest siding with the Aristocrats and the Merchants, as they are the most powerful allies. However, with King Ignacius's death and the country in turmoil, stability is of utmost importance. The farmers possess the most members and manpower, the industrialists have the skills and equipment, the merchants control the trade routes, and the Aristocrats control most of the gold. We can't afford to alienate any faction."
Jayce nodded. "I see your point. So we need a solution that brings everybody together. Most societies I know of solve trade issues by finding something that they can outcompete everybody else in."
"What societies are you referring to?" Lucian asked to no reply.
Jayce paused, after a few moments in deep thought, his eyes lit up with an idea.
"I think I have it." He said, jumping up from the chair and pounding his desk.
"What is it?" Lucian asked, following him.
"Lucian, I need you to take me to where Chief Daimler is staying. It's crucial that I speak with him."
Lucian nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Of course, Jayce. Follow me."
They weaved through the labyrinthine hallways, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpets that lined the floors as they made their way towards Chief Daimler's quarters.
As they arrived at the door, Jayce turned to Lucian, his voice earnest. "Wait here, Lucian. I need to speak with Chief Daimler in private."
Lucian nodded, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Very well, Jayce. I'll be right outside if you need me."
Jayce stepped into the room, the door closing behind him, muffling the sound of their conversation. Lucian strained his ears, catching snippets of dialogue that slipped through the barrier.
"Chief Daimler, I need your help. We need to build something," Jayce's voice resonated with determination.
Chief Daimler's response was muffled, but Lucian caught the words, "That will never float..."
The room fell into hushed conversation, the low tones of persuasion mingling with the air. Lucian's anticipation grew, his mind racing with possibilities of what they could be discussing.
After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open, and Jayce emerged, his expression a mix of excitement and urgency. "Lucian, I need you to buy me some time with the other representatives. Chief Daimler has agreed to help, but he needs at least three days."
Lucian's eyebrows furrowed with concern. "Three days? That's quite a lot of time, Jayce. What are you planning?"
Jayce's eyes gleamed with determination as he replied, "Trust me, Lucian. Chief Daimler's assistance is crucial, and these three days will be vital for our success. I need you to keep the other representatives occupied and buy me the time I need."
Lucian took a deep breath, his loyalty unwavering. "Consider it done, Jayce. I will do everything in my power to ensure you have the time you need."
A flicker of gratitude passed over Jayce's face as he clapped a hand on Lucian's shoulder. "Thank you, Lucian. Your support means everything to me."
With that, Jayce hurried down the corridor, his steps filled with purpose, leaving Lucian behind to fulfill his task. As he watched Jayce disappear around the corner, Lucian's mind raced, contemplating the challenges that lay ahead. The weight of the Fire Kingdom's future rested on their shoulders, and they would stop at nothing to see their plans come to fruition.