"That's why the other Dukes and I must stand firm. Duke Vidia might be a pushover, but the King relies on us to oversee the southern territories," Duke Calo stated.
"I understand, my dear. Despite being over twelve hundred kilometers from the capital, we're still under the throne's sway," the Duchess replied, taking a bite of bread topped with something savory.
I reached out, gesturing toward the food.
"Want a taste, Dam?" she offered.
I continued to reach out eagerly, craving a change from the usual fare Mona provided.
She scooped a bit of the topping onto her finger and gently placed it in my mouth. The taste was an exquisite blend of sweetness and fruitiness, with a thick texture that hinted at the presence of small, fruit pieces suspended in the topping. It was jam.
Savoring the new flavor calmed my restless spirit. "I think he likes it!" she exclaimed with a laugh as my smile widened, threatening to split my face in half.
Duke Calo chuckled, but warned, "Don't give him too much. Babies need more than just sugar for nutrients."
My hopes were dampened as the Duchess nodded, saying, "I'm aware. I was just letting him taste it. But let's not avoid the topic. My father's letter indicated the King is very serious about this."
"Of course, your father would say that. He stands to lose the most. Besides, he's always had his lips wrapped around the King'sâ" Duke Calo started dismissively.
"Language!" the Duchess interjected, nodding toward me.
"He can't understand us. Besides, it doesn't concern us," the Duke responded.
"Are you certain?" the Duchess questioned skeptically, her tension palpable as she awaited his answer. Without context, I couldn't discern the full meaning, but I trusted Duke Calo; he was a good man.
"Do you think I would jeopardize your childhood home and my father-in-law's safety? Besides Vidia, I'm the most loyal of the Five Dukes," he reassured, pausing to comfort his wife.
I could sense her body relaxing as she held me close.
Continuing after her visible relief, he added, "My bet is on Duke Antano. There are rumors that he and the Empire are attempting to construct their own Great Tunnel."
"It's a pity we can't pursue such a plan and make Pase the continent's diplomatic hub. It could significantly enhance peace among the four nations," the Duchess lamented, sighing.
Agreeing, the Duke replied, "Indeed, but it might also further empower the Antano Duchy. Duke Antano is loyal like us, but there's no telling about his children or grandchildren."
The Duchess smiled, remarking, "Always thinking ahead, as usual."
The Duke grinned back, retorting, "Someone has to!" Their conversation was interrupted by the head butler clearing his throat.
Though I hadn't yet learned his name, I had noticed that he wasn't entirely human; he seemed to be a cross between a human and perhaps a goat. With curved horns and a snout more akin to a field beast, he stood out.
"Excuse the interruption, your lordships. We have an urgent message from Count Nestad," the goat butler announced, gesturing toward a humanoid figure in the distance, likely the messenger.
The Duke nodded, and the butler motioned for the messenger to approach.
Kneeling before them, the messenger spoke, "Duke Calo, Duchess Calo, thank you for seeing me without prior notice. My liege, Count Nestad extends his greetings and regards. He wishes his daughter, in particular, a pleasant summer, as his has been particularly stressful. He urgently requests twenty magicians to bolster his city's enchantments against potential threats."
Duke Calo scoffed at the request, exclaiming, "Twenty magicians?! A single mage is worth a thousand soldiers! I cannot spare twenty of them!"
The messenger winced, bowing his head as the Duke continued, "Certainly not without proper compensation! Is my father-in-law out of his mind?" The messenger glanced at the Duchess, hoping for a more sympathetic response.
He appeared to be a very young man, likely in his early twenties, his eyes betraying a sense of desperation.
Duchess Calo regarded the young man with pity and responded, "Sparing twenty magicians would indeed be challenging for us, and not without compensation. However, we will explore other options. Please, allow us a moment to confer."
She then signaled the goat butler and instructed, "Provide him with refreshments and allow him to rest in one of the sitting rooms. We will join him shortly." The butler bowed and escorted the man away.
Turning to each other, the ducal couple began to discuss their options. Duke Calo initiated, "What are your thoughts?"
"I believe you should personally visit my father's estate to negotiate appropriate compensation. My mage corps can afford to spare one rank 7 mage, one rank 6 mage, and three rank 3 mages," the Duchess suggested. The Duke nodded in agreement and summoned Mona.
As Mona approached, Duchess Calo instructed, "We have urgent matters to attend to with the messenger who has arrived. Please take little Dam back to the nursery. I also believe he requires feeding, as he was quite enthusiastic about the jam."
Mona chuckled and replied, "Of course, your ladyship! He must be growing, as I fed him not long ago." With that, I was lifted by my nurse and carried back through the beautiful garden. Looking over her shoulder, I watched as the picturesque outdoor scenery gradually blurred and receded into the distance.
I eagerly anticipated the day when I could explore the garden freely, to understand why the wind carried that fresh, slightly salty scent.
Upon returning to the nursery, I declined Mona's services, as the jam had left me satisfied.
Left alone, I reflected on all that had happened, with one thought standing out above the rest: one mage is worth a thousand soldiers. It seemed my class choice had been solidified.
Mage-Knight!