The next day, after eating breakfast, Zonna called Marzee into her room for a talk.
"I read a letter from Enzo yesterday. In it he wrote that he misses me. He also described the course of their mission in Bazionia." The princess began.
"Do they have any progress?"
"Yes, thanks to Enzo they managed to get a three-year security guarantee for us." Said the younger of the women.
"This is great information. However, I don't see any joy from you. Tell me what happened." Asked Marzee with concern in her voice, wanting to know what was wrong with her friend. A change in behavior had been evident from Zonna since yesterday, and she wondered about the cause. The only thing she was sure of was that it had something to do with the letter from the count.
"The condition for obtaining these guarantees is Enzo's permanent residence in Bazionia for the next three years." Marzee moved toward the princess and hugged her. She knew how much Enzo meant to her, and the impact the recent separation had had. She tried to comfort the young Nord.
"I'm really sorry about this. You could have called me yesterday. I know I wouldn't have done much for you, but I think my presence with you would have eased the pain. You didn't have to endure it alone. You have me and Princess Etiene. We will both help you in any situation." She tried to assure her support while reminding her that she should ask for support in such situations.
Zonna smiled under the warmth she felt being hugged by Marzee and her empathetic words. She knew she could count on her, but tangible support from others is always nice.
"I'm grateful for your words, but I can't cry in your arms all the time. I decided a few things after reading this letter. Please read my plans, and then we'll talk." Zonna gave the surprised Marzee her ideas wrote yesterday.
The beautiful Aisen read her friend's ideas and glanced at the piece of paper and Zonna with mild disbelief. More study and a more serious approach to training still suited the princess she knew. But diplomacy on such a large scale with planning an alliance for a possible war was something she didn't expect from her.
Yes, she is intelligent and can plan big things, but she did not like the forceful resolution of conflicts. Those next three years of separation from Enzo must have hurt her badly for such a sudden change in her attitude. Then there's the recruitment of talented Maji. Zonna has always liked it when others, of their own accord, became her supporters. Now she intends to actively build her support.
It was a big transformation for the one night she didn't see Zonna through. Until now, she had used her intelligence and skills to fulfill the requests and solve the problems of others. She had been somewhat passive in this, waiting first for someone to turn to her for help. For that, she looked for safe solutions with the least risk of failure.
Now this has changed, and in addition to the tasks suggested to her, she has begun to set new goals for herself. In this case, it's building an alliance for the war and rallying the Maji who can support her. In addition, she is more willing to bet on her own development than before.
If it had been another Maji Marzee would have thought that he had made the decision hastily under the influence of grief and pain caused by separation from his beloved. The fact that it was de facto imposed by someone more powerful. However, she knew that the princess had certainly thought everything through, and if so, there was only one thing left for her to do.
"Tell me what task you have for me in your plan Zonna." She didn't want to depreciate her resolutions, just decided to support her in them. The princess didn't need words of encouragement this time, but help in realizing her ideas.
Zonna smiled broadly then said: "Thank you Marzee, I knew you would understand me. I want you to focus on your mana training. Sebastios will accompany you permanently, even if you want to go out somewhere. Ramza alone as a bodyguard is enough for me, besides, during class no one can accompany me, because the students themselves enter the room."
Marzee nodded her head in understanding then asked. "What about my duties as your assistant? In addition to helping you, you have to take care of the forge and the fish stand, as well as communicating with Derma. The latter task will probably require Maji, who will devote himself fully to it."
"You are right in this regard. For an assistant even though I say it reluctantly, I should look for someone in the slave market. Normal Maji may be spies for other countries, including our enemies. I can't afford to have such a threat with me. As for diplomacy, on the other hand, I plan to take one of the young nobles from Balmaszeglodia into my service."
Zonna had already considered on the subject of her replacement before talking to Marzee. As she did, she concluded that she would need two Maji to embrace the enormity of her duties. Even her friend would need help once more tasks arrived to oversee. In addition, Zonna wanted to increase the number of talented Maji around her to assist her.
Marzee understood the princess' intentions for the new staff and began to put together a plan in her head for today and the coming days to find her replacement as soon as possible. She noted in passing a change in the perception of states threatening their homeland. Until now, Zonna had referred to them as neighbors but now they had become enemies. This is another example of the change in her friend's mentality. When she thought everything through she began to speak.
"Today before your visit to the academy, you should still have time to meet with Lady Derma about the changes in foreign policy. After that, you and Princess Etiene will go to the academy, where you will select your subjects for this year. Should I accompany you?"
"No, focus on mana training already at this time. It is very exhausting as you know, and you should concentrate on it," Zonna answered her.
"I understand. When you return, you should write a letter to King Ivi to start efforts for diplomatic rapprochement with Momend and Norvolonetel as soon as possible. Good relations with them even in the event of entry into the Alliance of Ardea will not hurt. If I may take the liberty of criticizing our kings, they have neglected relations with other countries in recent times." She took a deeper breath then continued.
"Tomorrow, in turn, we should go to the local slave market and look for Maji to replace me in my duties. Your classes will begin in two days when the Academy sets the schedule based on your selected subjects. I also believe that you should use this time to meet with young nobles from our country studying in Raalo. I have already compiled a list of them, and upon your return I will give you the best candidates to handle diplomacy on your behalf. That would be enough for now." She concluded, waiting for approval of the established plan.
Zonna thought about it, then said with a smile: "Alright that's a reasonable schedule for the coming days. I should also find time to talk to Hanes and Etiene during these days." She added another two items to her pending tasks.
"I believe there will be time for that. If that's all for now, I'm going to send for Lady Derma and then start training with Sebastios." Said Marzee while waiting for the princess' approval.
"Ask the brothers still to come and talk to me. I want to have a similar conversation with them."
"I see" She started walking towards the door and stopped in front of it. She spoke to her friend while standing with her back to her.
"Zonna, you know you can count on me for everything. If you feel lonely or helpless I will be there to support you. I won't let you face difficulties alone." She said in an unusually tender tone of voice.
"Thank you, Marzee." She said feeling a surge of positive emotions. "Your support means a lot to me. I was sure I could count on you."
"Always..." She opened the door "...Your Highness." and walked out.
After a few minutes, Sebastios and Ramza appeared in Zonna's room. The princess told them her plans and waited for their opinions. Sebastios, the older of the two, began.
"Your plans, princess, are very bold. I just don't know if you will have enough strength to cope with the busy schedule that awaits you." He said, worrying about Zonna's health if she intends to be so involved in various activities.
"I intend to take care of my health, and I know I can't overload myself." She assured him.
"In that case, I don't have any concerns."
"For that I have a question." The younger of the two spoke up.
"What kind?"
"I understand that you told your plans to Marzee, who will probably be among those close to you Maji, but why did you reveal them to us?" Asked Ramza somewhat expecting an answer.
"You are right to ask this question. However, you know the answer to it. You are magis born in Balmaszeglodia, you have served in our army for decades. I want you to become more than that. I want you and Marzee to become my court mages." She said with complete sincerity.
Becoming a court mage was something unique to the country. It was a position designed for magis whom a given ruler placed the most trust in. They were responsible for all mages residing in the territory of the state. In return, they had access to the knowledge of magic accumulated by the kingdom and written down by their predecessors, and were provided with materials for mana training. Ordinary magis received only monetary remuneration.
It was a very attractive offer. They needed a longer moment to think. Finally, Ramza spoke up.
"You know that becoming court mages is a great responsibility. They are responsible for supervising the magus in the towers, recruiting and commanding the magis in the army, and registering the other mages. This requires extraordinary authority. My brother and I are only mages of the eighth and seventh small circle. Usually they are mages of the middle circle."
"I believe that you will make progress before I become queen. I will divide the materials that were meant for me between you and Marzee." She offered, seeing some reluctance in Ramza,
"You can count on us princess," Sebastios said at one point.
"Brother! This is a serious decision!" The younger of the two said angrily.
"I know, but you are well aware of the potential Princess Zonna has, she will be a great queen, and then magess like us will not have access to her. This is our opportunity for development and we should take advantage of it." Sebastios' arguments reached Ramza.
"We agree Your Highness, from now on we will not only serve the country, but first and foremost you." Said the younger brother after which they both bowed their heads.
"I am grateful to you. Sebastios, from today you will accompany Marzee in training and also protect her. And Ramza will accompany me." She informed them of the new division of tasks.
Magis then left her room. Zonna looked out the window in anticipation of Derma. She knew that today would be a busy day. However, it marks her new beginning as future queen.