Ovram's face paled as he stared at the Duke, his eyes glued to the latter's ice-cold expression. The aging representative swallowed as his hands subtly started shaking.
As if shaken awake by his consciousness, Ovram peeled his eyes away and looked at his feet while getting up from his chair.
The elder vigorously motioned to his peers to do the same, receiving strange looks in return, but he didn't care. He had to leave the meeting room as fast as possible and notify the main lineage.
Things were always bad between the Moonmare and Nozim. Even before they left Eredar due to border disputes, the Moonmare hated the Nozims but could do nothing to oppose them. The Nozims had better, more fertile lands, and better socio-political standing with both the commoners as well as other noble households. Thus, a constant stream of commoners poured out of the Moonmare domain and into the Nozim's, looking for a better life. And, it worked out, much to the Moonmare's growing displeasure.
As a simple Count household, the Moonmare couldn't look down even on the lowest Nozim servant. A count couldn't even begin to compare to one of the four Foundational Families of Eredar, meaning they had no grounds to claim any damage reparations.
In fact, Nozim's status within the empire was so high that not even an archduke could do much against them, with only the ruling Royal family having slight control over Nozim's levies.
All these factors combined in the complete ineptitude of the Moonmare to restrain their workers from leaving the domain. All they could do, besides actually forging a deal with the Nozims, was wait for a long and indirect annexation of their lands.
After the attack on Nozim some 12 years ago, the Moonmare were forced to face the former's ire for the first time, causing them to flee the empire so that they could survive. It went without saying that the relationship between them worsened considerably since then.
"Sir Ovram," Duke Nozim started, smiling warmly. Although his expression exuded warmth, like the sun emanates heat, the Duke's eyes alone lowered the temperature within the meeting room. "I certainly did not expect to see someone of your stature here of all places. You must certainly invite me to the Moonmare Household. After all, our families share a long history."
Ovram unknowingly took back a step as his heart threatened to leap out of his chest, fear already dousing his firey rage toward Acrisios and his verdict. As if it wasn't enough that the Duke recognized him, the latter also shared sensitive background information on Moonmare previously unknown to the king. Ovram feared that Acrisios would grow curious about them and start prying deeper into their shared history with the Nozim.
Looking to leave the situation, Ovram kept his face as emotionless as he could muster, which wasn't much. He bowed toward Acrisios, turned, and left, followed by his colleagues.
Nozim watched Ovram like a hawk watching a mouse in the fields, his eyes not leaving his back for a second as the elder left the meeting room. He even seemed to forget about Acrisios' presence and his purpose for coming here.
After an unknown amount of time, Nozim peeled his eyes off the latch-less doors and focused on the king, who watched back with a curious expression but said nothing.
Ayla seemed oblivious to the previous scene, instead focusing on her father.
"Father," She started, her tone light and airy as expected of a Royal Princess.
Acrisios finally turned his eyes off the Duke and focused on the princess. To any unassuming onlooker, the king smiled lightly - and warmly - but Ayla knew better than that. "My daughter. What brings you here in such a bold way?"
Ayla bowed slightly, her cheeks reddening slightly. "I apologize for my entrance, but I need to discuss a sensitive matter."
Acrisios raised an eyebrow. "This matter can't be brought up at a later time?"
"It can't," Ayla responded, sending a look at the gathered scribes.
Acrisios saw his daughter's signs and noticed she didn't seem perturbed by Duke Nozim's presence. "Very well," The king conceded, signaling the scribes to leave the chamber.
Nothing was said until all that remained in the meeting room were the King, Ayla, the Duke, and Theodos.
"So then. What has brought you here, Ayla?" Acrisios asked curiously, leaning back into his throne.
"After talking with Duke Valerius, I came to learn of their Historians and their specialized group of Remnant Masters. I plan to journey to Verithold to hire their aid in mapping Wailmastaba."
Acrisios frowned, not quite following his daughter's line of thought. "Wailmastaba is set to be explored by the nobility. Why would you want Remnant Masters to map it out? What's more, why would I want foreigners walking my lands?"
Duke Nozim immediately understood Acrisios' fears, so he felt the need to clarify things. "Your Majesty, Eredar does not own or govern the Historians. Just like the Mage and Adventurer Guilds, the Historians are an international organization."
Acrisios looked over at Nozim but didn't seem to change his mind. "Despite all laws, human nature is greedy. You cannot tell me none of these Remanat Masters won't sell information about my Ruin City to the highest bidder."
To make his point clear, Acrisios turned to his daughter and repeated. "I will not allow foreigners to step into my city."
Although Ayla wanted to argue, to change her father's mind, she didn't need to. In the first place, looking for Remnant Masters wasn't even in her top three goals within Eredar, so she didn't feel disappointed by this rejection.
What Ayla wanted was information and outside ties to different noble houses to bolster her personal power and status within Blackwater. Despite this, she showed a disappointed expression and sighed loudly.
"May I, at least, consult with these Historians about general information about Ruin Cities?"
Acrisios paused, contemplating his daughter's words. A few moments later, he reached a conclusion. "You may. But to receive more precise information, I will send you to Wailmastaba. Ask for Abernath and get vague information about the city's layout, approximate date, and architecture."
Ayla sighed with genuine relief. "Thank you, Father. I will set out immediately."
Acrisios nodded and turned to Duke Nozim. "Now then. May I ask why Duke Nozim is in my meeting room?"
Valerius nodded. "Your Lordship, I wish to visit Enrilth Keep. Personal reasons."
"Enrilth Keep? For personal motives, Duke?" Acrisios asked, his eyebrow-raising in slight concern. Eventually, he sighed.
"Either way, I'm afraid I cannot allow Sir Nozim to leave the fortress. Not only because of safety concerns but also due to our unfinished discussions, no?"
Valerius' gaze sharpened, growing slightly annoyed with this king. If his requests for a meeting had been answered promptly, then Nozim may have accepted Acrisios' order, but as things stood, Valerius was leaning on setting out regardless of consequences.
It wasn't as if Eredar was the one desperately needing Blackwater's support. It was the other way around. It wouldn't be a big deal even if Valerius failed to convince Acrisios, but failure was heavily discouraged. And with Nozim's current status within Eredar, Valerius wasn't keen on running his family into the ground.
Fortunately, Ayla stepped in to mediate the situation. "Father, I don't think obstructing Lord Nozim is wise. The discussions between our nations could be postponed for a later date, and I could send a Royal Guide with Lord Nozim. Besides, I am sure Your Majesty has other priorities at the moment."
"I'm afraid Her Highness is right, Your Majesty." Theodos stepped in, causing the king's gaze to study the councilor for a moment.
The king slowly nodded.
"Very well. Lord Nozim, so long as your journey does not last longer than a week, I permit you to visit Enrilth." Turning to his right-hand man, Acrisios continued. "Theodos, write a permit for Duke Nozim."
Bowing, Theodos nodded. "Right away, Your Majesty."
"Now. If there are no other matters?" Acrisios asked, looking around the room.
No one said anything, so the king stood up from his throne. "I will end this discussion here. Duke Nozim, please follow Sir Theodos to the archives. And Ayla? You may prepare for your journey."