The atmosphere in the reception room was tense, the air thick with anticipation. King Acrisios El Valtiere sat at the head of the long table, flanked by his wife, Queen Isadora, and their children, Crown Prince Severan and Princess Ayla. Even though this meeting was supposed to be calm and collected, the prince of Blackwater didn't seem to get the memo. He was lightly but repeatedly tapping his finger on the armrest of his chair, garnering a glance from his father, but even the king wasn't exactly calm.
Things changed fast. Too fast.
Facing them was the envoy from the Eredar Empire, a figure of authority and influence. As a Duke of Eredar, the man held great power even in a state as strong as an empire, ranking him on the same level as the king of Blackwater.
Acrisios maintained a calm facade, his piercing blue eyes fixed on the envoy. He knew what the envoy was trying to achieve, pushing for an alliance between their kingdoms to confront the looming threat of the Northern Empire. It was a dangerous dance, one that required careful maneuvering.
"The timing of your visit is unexpected," Acrisios stated, his voice measured. "We were told your Lordship's arrival would be in four days if I recall correctly?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I do apologize for my unannounced and sudden visit," The envoy, a composed figure with a stoic expression, leaned back in his chair. "However, the situation with the Northern Empire grows increasingly dire, and thus it forced my hand to arrive sooner than expected."
Acrisios put on a curious expression and asked. "What could've possibly changed within the Northern Empire borders to push your Lordship to such a rushed arrival?"
"Before that, Your Highness," The duke started. "I would like to talk about the situation of our countries."
"Already? But you have just arrived, Lord Nozim."
The duke sighed and drank water from his glass. "I'm afraid this is a matter that is more important than mere rest. Our empire has insider information on the Northern Empire. I believe it would interest you."
Acrisios raised an eyebrow. "Oh? My eyes within the empire have told me nothing of great importance is taking place. Is Eredar in possession of more critical information?" The king inquired, prodding the duke for less ambiguous answers.
The duke looked at the king for a moment, pondering something. That, or trying to fit Acrisios' personality into a box for better understanding. It wasn't hard to understand the king had a more direct personality, much like an army commander, preferring to deal with situations without resorting to intrigue. Much. The man was still a king, after all.
Sighing, the envoy decided not to beat around the bush. The journey did take a toll on him, and he wasn't interested in stretching this conversation longer than it should have. "The Northern Empire is likely to march south four months from now."
Acrisios's grip on the armrest tightened, but he didn't let the concern show.
"That is something I have not heard," Acrisios admitted, his voice steady. "Thank you for this information, but I do not think I have anything to share with Eredar, I'm afraid."
The envoy nodded, seemingly expecting the king's reaction. "That is not a problem." Pausing slightly, the duke's eyes gleamed. "I believe that's enough to justify the gravity of the situation, no?"
Acrisios's gaze flickered toward his family before returning to the envoy. "Then, let us talk." Snapping his fingers, Acrisios watched as various runes spread around and covered the room.
"So? What would the Great Eredar Empire want from our kingdom?" The king started, shifting his weight on his elbows as he stared down the noble. The duke remained unfazed.
"Eredar is willing to provide military aid, strategic resources, and support to bolster your forces. We understand the value of Blackwater's strength in this conflict. Thus..." The duke started explaining but was interrupted by Acrisios, raising the former's eyebrow.
"What would Eredar gain from supporting my kingdom? Blackwater is fully able to push back the Northern Empire ourselves."
"Bold claims." Duke Nozim said, not fazed by the rude interruption.
"Yet they are true," Acrisios continued, making sure his underlying threat was noticed by the other party. Blackwater was not some pushover. They can and will fight back.
He knew the importance of Blackwater's position - a key player that both Eredar and the Northern Empire sought to control. 'What is Eredar after?' Acrisios pondered, his inability to ascertain Eredar's intentions gnawing him from the inside.
"Your offer is appreciated," Acrisios spoke again, trying to smooth things over. Having made his stance known, he would try to properly talk business. "But Blackwater will not enter into any agreement lightly."
The envoy merely nodded. "I understand your position, King Acrisios. However, Eredar is also trying to gain something by sending help.
"Of course, we recognize the danger your enemy poses, and we would rather not have to deal with that ourselves. We have troubles ourselves, you see."
Drinking from his water glass, Duke Nozim continued. "If by sending help to Blackwater Kingdom, we rid ourselves from potentially dealing with the Northern Empire, then that is a good investment in our emperor's eyes."
Acrisios leaned back in his chair. "What makes you so sure I won't turn my eye on Eredar after defeating the Barbarians?"
"Of course, to prevent that, it would be written down in the clauses of our treaty."
The king scoffed. "You believe a mere piece of paper would protect the Empire from me?"
The duke shrugged. "Things wouldn't escalate to that extent, I'm sure. And if the worst comes to pass, Eredar would be forced to respond." In the envoy's opinion, this was the best answer he could give in the current situation. Not a threat, merely a statement. The duke could see Acrisios was looking for any opportunities to turn this conversation into an aggressive one. The king, looking to claim offense at Eredar's threats.
Blackwater's king quieted down and started pondering after Isadora lightly squeezed his forearm. Accepting Eredar's help with the current clauses was a no-brainer. However, Acrisios wasn't sure whether other strings would be attached to their treaty.
As things stood, the king was inclined to accept the offer, knowing he wouldn't be able to properly draft the necessary manpower to face the Northern Empire in four months. That is, assuming the information provided to him was indeed factual.
"Although much more needs to be addressed and discussed, for now, Lord Nozim, I gladly accept Eredar's help." The king snapped his fingers again, and the runes dissipated into nothingness. "For now, please rest. The journey has been long and difficult, I presume. Please follow the servants to your Lordship's quarters. We will resume our talks at dinner."
Standing up first, Acrisios was followed by the duke, then the rest of the royal family.
The envoy bowed his head lightly. "Thank you for your warm welcome, King Acrisios." And was the first to excuse himself, leaving the royal family alone in the receiving room.
It didn't take long for the duke to reach his private quarters, and after the maid bowed, he entered the room. The first thing that hit him was the architecture of the castle, closely resembling that of Nyflim's.
Lord Nozim quickly grew uninterested, so he waved his hand, casting a powerful silencing spell around the room.
As he did, a figure stepped out of the duke's shadow and sat at the nearest table. Putting his feet on the wooden top, the man dressed in cheap-looking clothing smiled at his lord, awaiting the latter's orders or questions.
"Did you find out anything?" The lord asked, unbothered by the man's rude actions.
"No, sir." A chirping voice was heard as the man almost giggled while talking. "Noone saw anything. ~Nooone has even heard about him. Huhu!"
"How far have you scouted?"
"As far as the sun's rays reach, your ~lord-ship."
"And no traces?" The duke asked.
"~Nooone." The scout said, playing with the brightly colored shirt and trousers that were a bit too tight for proper combat.
Harrumping, the duke waved his hand, dismissing his scout. "Continue your search. Look under every rock. Question anyone and everyone. I want results, scout."
"~Yes, ~yes."