This was not fun.
Sitting at a desk, stacks of paperwork sat in front of me, the minutes ticked by. Glancing out towards the royal gardens from window, I hoped in vain that the blossoming flowers below would somehow free me from this administrative torture. However, there was nothing to be done; no way to escape from my so-called 'responsibilities'. It had been two months since the banquet, and I was beginning to feel the burden of the title Marquis rather acutely.
"Lordship without land is a hollow thing," Renner once commented offhandedly.
Not one day later, I was summoned to the royal halls. And thus, when Ramposa offered territory of my own, I would have been a fool to decline. And wouldn't you know it, the land I inherited just so happened to be a small stretch that encompassed both Carne Village and the Great Forest of Tob—No string-pulling there, no sir. All purely legal, completely coincidental and by chance, that the lordship of those territories fell from the sky and into my lap.
Hm.
Perhaps I shouldn't have felt so smug about myself back then and taken the time to think things through. That said, I could only name one person more qualified than me who I'd trust to manage the centrepiece of the world's future affairs.
Lord of a land I haven't even visited.
Wasn't that something?
I sighed again.
In truth, I'd wanted to visit Carne Village right away, but I hadn't had the time with all the other 'responsibilities' I had on my plate. Although I have no need to meet Nfirea or Enri just yet, I'm sure they're all wary of this 'new lord' who claimed ownership of their land out of nowhere. Putting a face to a name was a comforting thing, and they've had little in the ways of reassurance, I'm sure. Hell, it might even be possible that they haven't even been informed that they have a new lord, considering their relative isolation.
While the matter of Carne weighed on my mind, I had no time to contemplate, as I dedicated myself to my latest endeavour: the creation of a new, standardized currency.
The current system of coinage creates problems. It's incredibly inefficient, with large transactions being handled inefficiently and insecurely. For the future I was envisioning, a paper economy was required.
Fiat money.
But people's minds are hard to change. When given the choice between a piece of paper and a gold coin, the chunk of shiny metal would win every time. Such an economy would be based on trust, and our monarchy had none whatsoever. I had two options.
Number one, somehow, dig this King's reputation out of the dirt.
Or two, get the nobility on board.
The first option was unproductive at best, impossible at worst. The king's meek reign had sown seeds of uncertainty amongst the people. Not even a year's worth of 'Golden Princess'-tier reforms could undo that. And even then, he was going to kick the bucket sooner or later. Ramposa's usefulness was at an end, and whispers of a succession war were brewing.
But the second option…
If I could convince the nobles to accept my currency, then we'd have the support of the kingdom's most powerful economic force. Not only that, but traders from across the border would have to accept the new standard. And once they're hooked on the sweet, sweet convenience that paper money brings, bringing dynasties to kneel becomes an almost trivial matter.
"So?"
A voice came from across the desk. "What do you think?"
I looked up to meet Renner, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. Ever since I pitched the idea of a fiat currency to her, she'd been working on it nonstop. I've seldom seen her so enthusiastic about something.
I've signed off on most, if not all, of her proposals thus far, and I don't expect anything different with this time. My head returned to the final proposal of the day.
'The establishment of a central monetary authority.'
It was a very simple document, with only four paragraphs.
First, outlining the goals of this new authority, and how to generate credibility quickly as well as maintain it by use of censorship laws and paid press. Then, it outlines a guide on issuing credit only after conducting stringent background checks and going into brutal detail on how to deal with debt defaults. It moves on to describe how the authority will oversee the issuance of paper money, and finally, how the authority will protect against counterfeiting.
The proposal also mentions the necessity of a council to handle any issues that may arise, members of which include some great nobles, but also influential businessmen of the Kingdom.
Hm…
This reads like a step-by-step guide on how to conduct financial state terrorism rather than a peaceful economic revision. Renner nodded to herself as she re-read her own document from the other side of the desk, puffing out her chest in triumph.
"Well, what do you think? Do you like it?"
"…"
I read over the document again, my brow furrowed. The idea that some 'task force' was to be put in charge of a country's finances was quite alien to me; I'd feel much more comfortable seeing such operations handled by something like a central bank. Though, it seems I've forgotten that here in this New World we have a literal 'tax man' going around door-to-door collecting tithe.
It certainly wasn't the way I'd go about it, but then again, Renner knew the subject better than I did. I trust her judgement.
"If this is what you believe is required, then I have no problem with the current proposal."
"Excellent!"
Renner clapped her hands together. "Then, we can move forward with publishing the legislation. Of course, father will present the notion to the diet. I will arrange a meeting with Zanac to have Marquis Raeven ensure no veto is raised against it."
I nodded.
Receiving my approval, Renner turned to leave but stopped mid-stride.
"Oh, and one last thing. News of our betrothal has surely reached the Slane Theocracy by now… While they are staying their hand for now, I am expecting retaliation."
Retaliation. Yes, that would be the logical conclusion. Both as revenge for ransacking their treasures, and spiriting Zesshi away.
"It would be quite brazen of them to show up palace directly. Unfortunately, They are not brainless idiots, and are at least, mildly aware of our true capabilities. For that reason, I believe their next course of action is to lure us out." Renner smiled gently. "I'm sure it needs no mentioning that they would employ the Black Scripture to ensure… Climb?"
…Oh.
…
Renner noticed my inner turmoil and pressed the issue. It must've shown on my face.
"You know something, Climb?"
"…"
I couldn't know for sure. But the situations were comparable and lined up with Renner's thinking. I stared at my lap as I considered the possibilities.
It would be naive to assume it would play out exactly the same; Of course, it was. As Renner said, they would send their best, the Black Scripture for this task, not the Sunlight Scripture; They weren't going up against a lone Gazef this time round. Their target was me. If so, what has changed? Not only that, but was this even the right time for it to happen?
If I was wrong, so be it.
But if I was right…
…
Well, I suppose he's kept me waiting long enough. Time to prepare the welcome party.
My mind whirled with thoughts of this and that as I hastily made my way down the palace corridors, my hands clenching and unclenching. I had so many things to worry about that I felt like I was running in circles.
My destination was the guest wing of the Royal Palace. There, Clementine and Zesshi were busy enjoying a forced vacation from the rigours of politics, I hoped. Turning a corner, I arrived at Zesshi's room.
I knocked on her door and waited. With no immediate answer, I rocked back and forth on my heels and leaned my head against the wall. A minute went by with no answer. Then two.
To be completely honest, I was still cautious of her. Of course, I've steadily been currying favour with Certain Death, but that could all be undone by stepping on a single landmine. What if Zesshi was one of those people who hated having doors knocked on twice? Her silence could be a hint to leave her alone.
Was I being paranoid? Maybe.
The term 'cautious', is the one I'd prefer to use.
I was not going to let a second knock—a.k.a. impatience—sour the conversation we were going to have. I needed Zesshi in a somewhat amicable mood if I was going to tell her anything. Working up the courage, I slowly leaned in and placed my ear on the Zesshi's door and listened closely.
No footsteps, no voices… but there was breathing. So, she was in there. Was Zesshi asleep?
I didn't take her for one who was comfortable sleeping while others were awake. Instead, perhaps she was reading, or writing. Did she have any such hobbies? I racked my mind for an answer but found none.
"Zesshi? I know you're in there. It's important."
I was met with silence again. There was no way I was going to leave without talking to her first. I considered opening the door myself, but if I wasn't even going to think about knocking twice, what sort of leap was this, then?
My hands hovered over the doorknob, debating whether to push it open or not. My decision was made for me when the door swung open on its own. Standing in the doorway with an indifferent look on her face, was Zesshi.
"Hi, uhm…" I started, "It's been a week, hasn't it?"
Her eyes narrowed as she pointed to a chair inside, which I took as permission to enter. As I walked in, I felt a displeased gaze fixed on the back of my head as she locked the door behind us. I stared at the lock for a moment, before returning my attention to Zesshi.
"You claim to have something important to discuss, yet resort to meaningless pleasantries as soon as our faces meet. Do you regard sleep as so trivial that you interrupt it for such a matter?"
She was sleeping!?
"Ah-"
I looked around the room, confused to see that there was not a crease on the duvet. I turned to Zesshi, who appeared to be perfectly alert and awake, fully dressed. She was sound asleep, just a moment ago? It didn't appear that way at all! Hair perfectly combed and tied, armour plating equipped, accessories all attached. How long would it take to put on all that gear? Fifteen minutes at least!
"Y-You were sleeping?"
A thin smile broke across Zesshi's lips as she watched me with mild curiosity. "Ah, and yet you were so callous as to invade my privacy, pressing your ear against my door—How daring. For the risk you assumed, surely you would have at least done me the courtesy by noticing."
"…"
There was no way to determine whether she was lying or not, and Zesshi knew it.
"…But, enough of that," she waved her arm dismissively, "what was so important that you finally decided to pay me a visit?"
Her tone was sharp; No room for delay… not that I had any intention of doing so anyway.
"It's about the situation with the Slane Theocracy." I began, "As you know, they are quite angry at us… It's safe to assume they're tracking you down as we speak, so-"
Zesshi huffed disdainfully.
"Is that it? You came here warning me to 'remain vigilant'?"
I raised my arms defensively.
"I came here to inform you of something else entirely."
Zesshi eyed me carefully. "Hmm, something else, you say…" she mused aloud.
I continued, "…I have reason to believe that the Slane Theocracy won't go after us directly, but attempt a false-flag operation within Re-Estize borders to get our attention." The words hung in the air between us like a fog, but it didn't take Zesshi long to reach a conclusion.
"So, you'd like for me to respond to their obvious trap when I see it?"
"Yes, well, that's part of it at least."
"Part of it?"
I nodded, "The second part… what I am about to tell you…" I paused, "…I hope you can keep a secret?"
Zesshi scoffed at me.
"You already have the means to keep my mouth shut, regardless. What does it matter if I can't keep a secret?"
She must be referring to Renner's World Item.
"No, no. It matters," I placated, "because what I'm going to say… I suggest we keep from Renner."
The words tasted bitter in my mouth. Despite my dislike for taking this route, I felt as though it was the optimal strategy. A ghost of a smirk crossed Zesshi's face.
"Oh? Going behind your doe-eyed fiancée's back already? Climb, although I am aware of my charms, I shan't repeat myself for a third time. Save yourself the embarrassment of confession for when we become more compatible."
Eh.
I blinked. A joke?
"…"
Well, while I admit that Zesshi was attractive, that also wasn't the reason I came here for. Zesshi tilted her head quizzically in response to my silence. I shook my head violently and sighed.
"Hm?"
"Zesshi."
She cocked an eyebrow.
"You're a God-kin, right?"
As she answered my question with a single nod.
"Then, may I bore you with a story of your ancestors' origins?"
Zesshi paused, her eyes regaining keen interest.
"You will tell of Yggdrasil?"
Lacing my fingers behind my head, I leaned back.
"And, why not, perhaps I'll sprinkle in a little extra about myself too."
On the other side of the closed door, a figure stood motionless.
As the conversation between Climb and Zesshi drew to an end, Clementine held her breath and withdrew from the door's keyhole.
How could Climb have kept such a secret?
It was unthinkable. Discarding the content for the moment, but the fact that he kept it from Renner, the one person he trusted more than anyone else, Clementine treated the new information with great caution.
For what reason did Climb disclose this to Zesshi, yet not to Renner?
Clementine could only think of one explanation: it was an information hazard. Climb's love for Renner wouldn't allow him to disclose it with her, as it could place her at risk. It made sense to her that Climb would decide instead to tell Zesshi, a person he knew was strong enough to protect such information, as well as protect themselves.
Clementine felt uneasy.
Beings from another dimension, some wielding powers of the 11th tier? It sounded ridiculous. However, the more Climb delved into detail, the more the possibility grew. The beings he talked of were not a result of an active imagination.
The Six Great Gods, the Eight Greed Kings…
It made sense. Bringing forth knowledge and power so foreign, so exotic and destructive.
And yet… that final secret of his… It was hard to believe, and yet, neatly solved many questions she had about him. It made sense. The person she had spent years toying with on missions, staking out targets, traversing mountains with…
That person? What else did he know?
However, alerted to the sound of footsteps, Clementine was running out of time to ponder. Climb was preparing to depart, bidding his farewells to Zesshi from behind the door. Taking her cue to leave, she licked her lips and cradled her concealed stilettos. She would really hate to be caught eavesdropping here…
Especially after learning such an interesting thing about her long-time companion.
AN: I'm back. Again.
So, I ended up in front of a blank document and decided no Nazarick yet. Yet. Next chapter should be fun… maybe?
I wonder what Climb told Zesshi.