Morin stopped just in front of the hanging curtain. "His Majesty awaits you, Lord Subaru," He said in a whisper.
Subaru looked askance at Morin before stepping into the room with a shrug.
If the hallway had been dark, then the room was black as pitch. Subaru had to stand perfectly still for a long moment until his eyes acclimated to the darkness.
The room had an overpowering aroma of camphor and dried herbs, but underneath that was another, stronger smell: the unmistakable scent of decay.
"Subaru Natsuki," A voice rasped. "Welcome to the Empire."
As Subaru 's eyes adjusted, he scanned the room. It was full of furniture: desks, chairs, and tables, most of which seemed to be covered with a variety of documents. At the far end of the room, he noticed that one high-back and well-padded chair wasn't empty. Subaru slowly made his way in that direction.
When Subaru stood before him, the Emperor 's face was still hidden in shadow. Subaru gave a standing bow whose depth was precisely calculated. "Thank you for receiving me," He said in the tone one reserved for a person who, despite being situationally dominant, was an equal.
Vincent gave a croaking laugh, indicating that he appreciated the subtle gesture. "Please be seated," He said in amusement.
Subaru sat down in an ornate chair, facing the Emperor from across a tiny table.
He waited, but the Emperor said nothing.
I remember that Roswaal once told me about nobles who liked to play mind games like this: opening negotiations by sitting quietly and saying nothing. He said they felt like forcing the other person to speak first put them at a disadvantage.
Is that what Vincent is doing? Then, should I speak, or should I wait until he says something? Which way gets me more leverage?
Actually, screw it. I don 't want to drag this out playing games. Whatever lets me rescue Emilia faster.
Besides, maybe it will lead Vincent to underestimate me.
Subaru raised an eyebrow. "I'm just curious," He said calmly. "But is there a reason that we're meeting in the dark?"
Vincent croaked another laugh. "I find it comforting at the moment," He said in a tired voice. "The light does harsh things to my skin. Brador told me about what happened to your wife. You have my sympathies."
Subaru tensed. "Yes. Brador also mentioned a weapon that the Empire possesses that might be able to kill Regulus," He said abruptly.
Vincent was silent.
"We can help each other," Subaru pressed. "I can fight Regulus! I've done it twice already, and I lived to tell the tale. Give me a way to hurt him, and I can kill that monster and free the Empire from his ravages."
"Brador apparently knows things that a man of his station should not know," Vincent whispered. "It could have a drastic impact on his career advancement."
"Why? Because a man with no head rarely gets promoted?" Subaru asked impatiently.
"I see that you're familiar with how we do things in the Empire, Subaru Natsuki."
"Look, what you do with Brador isn't my top priority right now. My wife is in danger, and I need to save her! If you know of any way that I can kill Regulus, I need you to tell me. What is this weapon? What does it do? And are you certain that it can kill Regulus?"
Vincent struggled to take a deep breath. "The weapon's precise form has been lost in the mists of the ages. No one has ever removed it from the sacred tomb where it was laid to rest many thousands of years ago. But our archives speak of its power with precise detail. The weapon is invincible. Even the witches themselves feared it."
Subaru nodded slowly. "Then give it to me. Give to me, and I'll kill Regulus."
Vincent shifted. "You know not what you ask for," He whispered. "The only time we ever even considered recovering it from where it lay hidden was to face the Witch of Envy herself during the Great Cataclysm. Fortunately, the Dragon, the Sage, and the Sword Saint managed to seal the Witch away, preventing that necessity. No Emperor has ever permitted the weapon to be seen , much less taken. "
"If it will really let me face Regulus, then I need it," Subaru grated.
Vincent studied him from the shadows. "Our records show that the witches all feared the weapon above all else. For thousands of years, they worked together to ensure that it could never be used to threaten them. The weapon will certainly be effective against their latter-day pretenders. But that is hardly the point. The risk that this presents is simply unacceptable. Imagine what would happen if Regulus overcame you and took the weapon for himself."
"That is not going to happen."
"You ask me to risk the fate of my Empire? Perhaps the fate of the whole world simply so that you can rescue your woman?"
Subaru 's mind burst into flames. "Yes, Vincent," He grated. "That is precisely what I'm asking you. And for the record, if anything happens to Emilia, Regulus will be the absolute last of your concerns! I know that you 've heard about what I did in Girali. Well, I can do the same to the Empire just as easily. I could tear a canyon, fifty miles wide and ten miles deep, all the way across Vollachia. I could bury the land under fathoms of ocean or burn it from the mountains to the sea! I can and will reduce this nation to a wasteland inhabited by nothing but the dead unless you get off your ass and help me! "
Subaru panted for breath. He belatedly realized that he 'd been screaming at Vincent.
Vincent calmly absorbed Subaru 's threats, sitting there and pondering them for a time.
"Subaru- " Vincent broke into a tearing cough fit that seemed to go on and on. It left the Emperor sitting in his chair, gasping and heaving for breath. "Subaru Natsuki. Please. The wine on the table."
Subaru glanced at a small table not far away and noticed a half-empty wine bottle there and several goblets.
Subaru gave Vincent a hard look.
Is this a negotiation tactic? Why does he want me to pour him wine? Just to humiliate me?
The obvious answer is that the only motive behind this is that Vincent is dying and that he can 't move. The obvious answer is that he just coughed himself sick and needs a drink. But I get the feeling nothing a Vollachian Emperor does is ever that straightforward.
Subaru slowly got up and poured a glass of wine for Vincent. He then began to pour some for himself.
"No," Vincent croaked. "Do not pour yourself any wine."
Subaru looked incredulous at Vincent for this childish insult.
Vincent chuckled. "It is not an insult, Subaru Natsuki. Believe me, you do not wish to drink the wine. For reasons that will shortly be made clear. "
Subaru made a face but placed the goblet of wine into his trembling hand. Subaru sat down across from him again.
"Let us suppose… and we're only just supposing," Vincent cautioned, "That I was willing to assist you. You understand that there would be an enormous price for giving you such a legendary piece of Vollachian heritage."
"You can have it back when I'm done!" Subaru said carelessly.
"Yes. I will. But that is hardly the point, Subaru Natsuki. You know that I will demand a price of you."
"What is it?" Subaru demanded.
Vincent took a moment to catch his breath. "The golden staff."
Subaru 's jaw dropped. "What?"
"I received reports about how you used the staff to end the drought. And to attack the draugr."
"Vincent, I did all that," Subaru said in disbelief. "I used my own power to summon the spirits. The staff just lets me communicate with them! The staff won't do anything for you!"
"I am aware of that," Vincent acknowledged. "In fact, I probably know more about the staff than you do. I know that it is a relic of witches long dead and that only someone who possesses an Authority can hope to use it effectively."
"Exactly!" Subaru said. He actually didn't know how much of this was true but Subaru still wanted to encourage Vincent to believe it. "So you don't need the staff."
"You misunderstand me, Subaru Natsuki. I do not need the staff. I simply do not desire you to have it."
Subaru stared at him. "Seriously? You're demanding the staff out of sheer spite?" He asked in contempt.
"No. I am not so petty. My eyes have watched your progress across the Empire carefully, Subaru Natsuki. I watched as you at least temporarily saved the Westfold from the drought. I know that you are now a hero to these people. They whisper your name and hope that you'll be their savior. That kind of power in one man's hands is dangerous. Empires rise and fall on the whims of those who wield great power. If the staff remains with you, it could become a symbol for rebellion, a rallying cry for those who oppose imperial authority."
"I have no interest in your Empire at all!" Subaru insisted. "All I want to do is to get Emilia and disappear!"
"Regardless of where you go, such power will attract great attention. The disaffected and malcontents from around the continent will seek you out, hoping to find a champion: A man that will stand up and defend their rights."
Subaru frowned, remembering Kor ë's warning of the same.
"If I allow you to keep the staff," Vincent continued in his rusty voice. "Then I am essentially giving one man, one outsider, more power than the Emperor himself. The balance of the Empire would be thrown off. I have no choice but to secure it."
Subaru sputtered.
"The Empire is fragile, Subaru Natsuki. I won't mince words; your power and your influence are both a threat to my regime. Not because you mean harm but because others will use your strength to fuel their dreams of rebellion. This talisman could easily become a weapon in the wrong hands. And still more easily, it could become a battle flag, a beacon for others to rally around, with your approval or without it. I must take the staff from you because I know what it can do. And I know what happens when power like that goes unchecked. I can offer you my resources, my knowledge, and everything in my power to help you find and save your wife. But the talisman stays with the Empire."
Subaru seethed. "Vincent, I'm trying to stay diplomatic here, but you are really pushing your luck! I need your help to save Emilia! I don 't want to use the talisman against you, but I could easily change my mind. I could use my power to devastate the entire Empire! There's nothing that you could do to stop me!"
"And already, you've proved my point," He said calmly.
Subaru got to his feet. "Vincent, I don't have time for this nonsense!" He shouted. "My patience is exhausted. Give me what I need, or else ! "
Vincent gave a dry chuckle. "Or else?" He echoed with amusement. "Or else what? Will you kill me? You would be sparing me from much discomfort and humiliation if you did. Do you wish to kill me, Subaru Natsuki? It would be a fine addition to your list of accomplishments. Few men in history can claim to have murdered an Emperor."
Subaru slowly sat back down again.
Vincent is right. He knows that he 's dying. He knows that if things continue as they have been, his Empire will die with him. Vincent really has nothing to lose at this point. And that means that my leverage is limited.
The only thing he cares about that I could even potentially threaten at this point is Priscilla …
Why am I even hesitating? The staff for Emilia 's safety. Sold!
…Except that without the staff, we go right back to where we were a few days ago, helpless against most of our enemies.
It 's not that I want the staff's power itself or anything…
Subaru pushed the thought aside. "So, I give you the staff, and you give me the weapon?" He asked, stalling for time.
"Not quite. I do not have the weapon. I can tell you where to find it, and I can help you acquire it. You'll depart to obtain the weapon tomorrow night-"
"Tomorrow?!" Subaru shouted. "I can't wait that long! Emilia is in danger!"
"That is how long gathering the necessary materials will take," Vincent said calmly. "I would see it done faster if I could. I've already issued orders for things to be prepared. But it will take until tomorrow night to be ready."
Subaru gripped the golden staff until his knuckles turned white.
"And I also require one more service from you in exchange for the weapon," Vincent added.
Subaru had a beautiful image of bringing the golden staff down hard on Vincent 's head. "What is it? " Subaru snarled.
Vincent sipped his wine. "I take it you realize that I am not in the best of health," He said with a wheezing chuckle.
I know that, but right now, I really do not care.
"Priscilla told me that you'd been poisoned," Subaru said, hoping to hurry Vincent along to whatever point he was trying to make.
"The Cruel Mercy," Vincent said, staring into his goblet. "A very rare, very expensive poison. It is almost impossible to acquire. It grows only deep in the heart of the Gandahar Jungle. I believe that I am the first man to be murdered with the Cruel Mercy in centuries. Perhaps I should be proud of the time and effort invested in my death…"
"What makes this poison so special?"
"It is its own cure," Vincent murmured. "You see, anyone who ingests the Cruel Mercy will die in a matter of weeks. Unless that person ingests more of it. They must drink the poison regularly for the rest of their almost certainly short lives."
Subaru 's eyes widened.
"You can see the benefits of this arrangement, of course," Vincent said.
Subaru nodded. "You have complete control over the person that you poison," He said at once. "Either they do exactly as they're told, or they don't get another dose of the poison."
"Precisely," Vincent said. "You don't need to hunt down your pawn when they outlive their usefulness. And the punishment for betrayal or double-crossing is self-executing."
"And I'm guessing that's why they gave you the poison," Subaru continued. "Octavian and Sphinx are based deep in the Jungle. They would have access to this poison. So they managed to slip it to you, and then they blackmailed you."
"Very astute," Vincent raised his goblet in salute with a trembling hand. "It occurred just as you said. They sent me a poisoned bottle of wine. The delightful thing about the Cruel Mercy is that it produces no effect on first ingestion, and thus, it easily slipped past my taste testers. It was only many days later, when my health began to fail that the conspirators sent me a message explaining what they had done. They also provided me with an additional dose of the Cruel Mercy."
"To prove that what they said was true and that they had the power to prolong your life," Subaru interpreted. "And the price was for you to surrender the Empire to them."
"Just so."
"You do realize that this is just a temporary measure, right?" Subaru warned him. "No matter how much you do what they say, sooner or later, they'll just run out of uses for you."
"Very true. As such, I've refused to play games with them. Better to die an Emperor than to live on as a slave," Vincent said, studying his wine. "This bottle has my very last dose of the Cruel Mercy inside it."
Subaru started, realizing how closely he 'd come to poisoning himself by tasting the wine.
"My life can be measured in days, Subaru Natsuki. Perhaps even in hours. As a result, I have a special task for you before I will consider giving you the weapon."
"Finding a new source of the Cruel Mercy?" Subaru asked softly.
This is a problem, but maybe not an unsolvable one. With the staff, I could probably burn our way through the jungle with ease. We might even be able to find Garfiel while we 're at it.
No, the big problem is time. How long would it take us to find this plant?
"No," Vincent interrupted Subaru's train of thought. "Even if you succeed in locating one, I would not survive to see you return. I am dead. I have been dead for many weeks now. I accept my fate."
"Then what do you want?" Subaru asked in exasperation.
Vincent was silent. Then he said, "Prisca."
Subaru frowned. "Who?"
Vincent sounded briefly annoyed. " Priscilla , " He amended.
"What about her?"
"I want you to marry her."
Subaru 's eyes bugged out. " What ?! "
"I require you to marry my sister."
"Vincent, I can't marry Priscilla. I already have a wife!"
"Then why would obtaining a second one be a problem?" Vincent gave a ragged cough. "You're the first man I've ever met who objected to getting a second wife."
Subaru sputtered.
"You seem reluctant," Vincent said with obvious amusement. "I do wonder why. She's one of the great beauties of the continent. Intelligent, gifted, and resourceful. She'd make a fine partner for any man."
Subaru hesitated. "Why do you want me to marry your sister anyway?" He demanded, trying to stall while he wrestled with the absurd demand.
Vincent took a ragged breath. "It's very simple, Subaru Natsuki. Because I do not wish for Prisca to die , " He said quietly.
"I don't understand."
"When I am gone, my sister will be the very last of our bloodline. The first Vollachian Empress to rule in all of our history."
"That will be difficult for her," Subaru noted. "Vollachians seem to have a very low opinion of women."
"It will be impossible for her," Vincent grated. "My sister is one of the most gifted political minds in generations, but the people have already dismissed her because of her gender. My generals have all vowed to accept her as Empress when I die. But they do so only because they know that they have no choice."
"What do you mean?"
"Octavian and Sphinx harry us at every turn. If my Generals become distracted from their offensive due to fighting amongst themselves over who will be the next Emperor, we will lose the war in short order. They understand this. Thus, they know they have no choice but to accept Prisca as our flag-bearer, at least until the war is over."
"And then?"
Vincent 's voice was grim. "And then the sounds of the assassins' daggers coming out of their sheaths will rattle the palace windows. My sister will not survive her first week as Empress once the war is over. She knows this. Her only hope to survive, my only hope for our family to survive, is for her to unify with a powerful force that my Generals will fear to oppose. "
Subaru stared at him. "Me?"
"Your deeds have become legend, Subaru Natsuki, even in the Empire. At first, I assumed they were nothing but lies and Lagunican propaganda, but my sister, a woman who is very rarely impressed, spoke glowingly of your accomplishments. I investigated the matter further and discovered that, even if often exaggerated, the stories were all true at their core.
"My sister believes that you are the only man worthy of her and I find that I must agree. Take my sister's hand in marriage and rule the Empire after me. Promise that you will give Prisca many strong sons so that our bloodline will endure. Do this, and I will give you what you ask for."
Subaru fumed. "Vincent. This… Frankly, I think that if Priscilla overheard us deciding her future like this, she would probably kill us both ! "
"My sister is a sensible woman," Vincent murmured. "We have already discussed this matter. I'm certain that she wishes to make the offer to you directly. You need only accept it when she does."
"Vincent! Enough with the marriage bullshit! You want me to protect Priscilla? Fine. I can do that. But I can protect and support Priscilla as Empress without marrying her!"
"That is unacceptable," Vincent said flatly. "Until a man sits upon the throne, my sister is in mortal danger. You may defeat ten thousand assassins and yet fail in our bargain to protect her. Remember, her foes need only succeed in their efforts to murder her once. Only by taking the throne beside her will my sister be safe. Moreover, Prisca must produce many children as quickly as possible in order to secure the Vollachias bloodline. You are the only man that she deems worthy. I need you to infuse new blood into the royal family and to keep us strong."
Subaru shook his head violently. "Vincent!"
"I know that you love your elf," Vincent said deprecatingly. "I assure you, Prisca will be more than willing to tolerate another woman in your harem. Especially if you're willing to stop with just two. It's a much better prospect than she faces from any other suitor. You will have the woman that you love at your side, you will have the most beautiful woman in all the lands, and you will have a throne besides. Why do you hesitate?"
"Because I don't want a throne or Priscilla!" Subaru hissed. "I just want to save Emilia, find the spirits, and then disappear! I'm not looking to be a King anymore. I've gotten a pretty clear idea of what it entails, and frankly, the job sucks! The only people who will enjoy being a King are the ones who don't care if they do the job well!"
Vincent digested that. "Hm. There is actually considerable truth to what you say. A wise man once told me that the only people who should ever be entrusted with power are the ones who do not want it. Nonetheless, that is only more reason why you would be the perfect Emperor when I am gone. "
"Vincent! I-" Subaru trailed off as Vincent leaned forward and brought his face out of the shadows.
It was all Subaru could do not to gasp. Vincent was supposed to be only in his twenties, but he looked decades older. The Emperor was wearing a loose-fitting red robe, and his flesh was bandaged from head to foot. What little flesh could be seen between the bandages was an unwholesome gray color.
It was clear where the scent of decay was coming from. Most of the Emperor 's face was heavily bandaged, resembling a mummy, but his piercing red eyes pinned Subaru to his chair.
"My offer is final, Subaru Natsuki," Vincent whispered. "The golden staff and my sister's hand in exchange for the weapon. The ensuing wedding will be announced publicly before you depart to acquire the weapon. I am well aware that I can not force you to return and wed my sister, but abandoning her at the altar in this fashion will reduce her to a laughing stock. Her efforts to rule will collapse, and she will die in a matter of weeks. And all of this will be on your head."
Subaru seethed.
Vincent made no reaction to his fury. "Enough. Our negotiations are complete. Now, I must ask you to leave as I am already exhausted by our discussions. Please talk the matter over with Prisca and tell me what you decide. But I urge you not to wait too long. My time grows short. And if I die before we make our agreement, it will take many months for Prisca to learn the secrets of the Empire that you require to find your weapon."
Subaru fumed and got up out of his chair. He left the dark room and found a horde of doctors in white robes clustering around the door, waiting to go in and treat the Emperor. Cecilus waited beside them, his eyes like ice.
Subaru walked back down the hall, and he felt Cecilus 's glare boring into his back.
Felt gave a low whistle. "Wow. Well, I didn't see this coming in a thousand years. "
Subaru and Felt had found an isolated corner of the camp where they could talk. As soon as Subaru 's meeting with Vincent was over, Subaru's first thought was to find Felt and make sure that Vincent hadn't gotten any ideas about taking her hostage, too.
He 'd found her snacking on pastries in the large tent that doubled as the officer's lounge, and he'd quickly brought her somewhere private to talk.
"Why the hell is he doing this?" Subaru asked, pacing around the area in deep thought. "Getting the staff away from me, I kind of understand his reasoning, but why is he insisting that I marry Priscilla?"
"Because he loves her and wants her to be safe," Felt said sweetly.
Subaru gave Felt a patient look.
Felt snickered. "Yeah. I guess you don't buy his explanation either."
"Not for one moment," Subaru agreed. "But I don't get why he's demanding it. Even if Vincent is a true believer in eugenics or whatever they call it around here, and he really wants me to give Priscilla children, I have absolutely no loyalty to the Empire! You'd think that the first runner-up for Priscilla's hand would have been chosen when compared to the risk of putting a man with a hostile political agenda a heartbeat away from the Imperial throne! Not to mention that any rebellious agent in the Empire could make as much hay out of me being an untitled foreigner as they could of Priscilla being a woman!"
"And he knew how to trap you, too," Felt added. "If you want to abandon the deal and run away, you're publicly humiliating Priscilla and setting her assassination in motion. He knew that you wouldn't be able to stomach that."
"You'd be surprised what I can stomach," Subaru grated. "I don't like to be forced into agreements with a knife to my throat. And what's almost worse, even if I do make the deal, we can't get the weapon until tomorrow night!"
"That may be a good thing," Felt said.
Subaru stared at her incredulously.
Felt put up her hands in a placating gesture. "I mean that it gives us time to talk about Vincent's offer and think it over. We're not in a position where every second counts."
"Aren't we?" Subaru grumbled. "Vincent's timetable is set, but we have no idea what Emilia is going through right now."
"We still haven't talked about the staff."
Subaru made a face. "Yeah. I guess I'm less worried about the staff."
"I'm not."
Subaru looked at her in surprise. "I figured that you'd be thrilled if I got rid of the staff."
"I'd be happy if you used it less," She admitted. "But you're talking about giving it to Vincent. Vollachia has been trying to attack Lagunica for centuries, and you'd be handing them a very powerful weapon."
"Not that powerful," Subaru disagreed. "Remember, it's my own power that's controlling the spirits. The staff just makes it so I can… broadcast my thoughts to them. Or something like that. It's a useful ability but hardly a doomsday weapon."
"But are we sure that's all it can do?" Felt asked pointedly.
"We're not sure of much right now, Felt."
Felt shook her head. "You'd be handing a magical tool to Vincent with only the faintest idea of what it is or what it does. Vincent could use the weapon against Lagunica."
"Vincent is dying!" Subaru pointed out. "He has days to live at most."
"Are you sure?" Felt warned.
Subaru sighed. "Yes. I wouldn't put it past Vincent to try to trick me, but the tears in Priscilla's eyes were real. She thinks that she's about to lose everything. So, at the end of the day, Priscilla will have the staff. And while I can't say that I care all that much for Priscilla, I can't see her marching her army into the other nations on a mission of conquest."
Felt considered that and then nodded. "But giving away the staff like this is still a terrible risk! We don't know that it can't be turned against Lagunica!"
Subaru sighed. "Felt, I have to be honest here. At the moment, I really don't give a crap about anything except Emilia's safety. I'd be fine watching whole cities burn if it got her back!"
Felt stared at him. "I know that you love Emilia, Subaru," She said reproachfully. "But there are other people who love you too, whole cities full of them, in fact. People who might think that they deserve better from you."
Felt 's expression was so disappointed that all Subaru could do was stand there and hang his head in shame.
Subaru sighed. "Look, even Vincent says you need an Authority to use the staff's power-"
"Oh, yeah. There's a trustworthy source," Felt said dryly.
Subaru sighed. "Felt. Do you have a better idea? " He asked pointedly.
Felt pursed her lips and said nothing.
Subaru shook his head and resumed pacing. "I'm still more worried about this engagement with Priscilla. Why should I let Vincent make me feel responsible for the situation that he 's putting Priscilla in? We should just accept the deal and then run away as soon as Emilia 's safe. We'll take Priscilla with us if she wants or she can stay here and figure things out on her own. Why don't we just do that?"
"I think that you know the answer, Subaru," Felt said calmly.
Subaru sighed. "I know. If I run away, then Priscilla will be killed."
Felt raised an eyebrow. " Actually , " She commented, "I was more thinking about how if you piss off Vincent and Priscilla, we go right back to this 'all four nations want you dead' business that I keep bringing up. But your point is good, too."
Subaru shook his head. "Can you imagine how Emilia will react if I make this deal?" He worried. "She'll think that I'm betraying her!"
"She won't be happy," Felt admitted. "And frankly, I wouldn't blame her. But I think that she'd understand that you had no choice. You can't save Emilia unless you at least have some way to threaten Regulus."
Subaru looked at her. "You think that I should make the deal?" He asked in a small voice.
Felt shook her head. "Don't look at me to find a way out of this mess, Subaru. If you didn't find a loophole in Vincent's offer, then we both know I won 't. Emilia is in danger, and we need to do whatever it takes to rescue her. We'll figure out the rest later. Don't get me wrong, I think Priscilla is annoying at best and infuriating at worst. I don't blame you for not wanting to marry her, but our options are pretty limited right now…"
Subaru frowned. "Maybe we could make a new option," He murmured.
"What do you mean?"
Subaru started to pace around. "Vincent says that Priscilla is on board with this idea, and maybe she is. But she must still absolutely hate it. "
"Huh?"
Subaru gave her an impatient look. "Think about it! Me taking the throne reduces Priscilla from Empress to consort. Can you see her being satisfied with that? Not to mention that she knows that I 'd only be agreeing to marry her under duress, and she wouldn 't even be the favorite in my… 'harem.' Can you see her tolerating that situation?"
Felt digested that. "No. Not usually. But she may be feeling pretty desperate right now."
"But maybe we can get rid of her desperation!" Subaru said excitedly. "Vincent wants me to marry Priscilla because he doesn't think she can hold the throne alone. Maybe deep down inside, even Priscilla worries that she can't hold it. If we can convince her that with us as allies, she could hold the throne and rule in her own name, she might decide that she doesn't even want to be married."
Felt thought about it. "It's… possible," She admitted. "But the Empire has a real issue with women in positions of authority. At the very least, she'd have a turbulent reign. And she'd need to find a husband sooner or later anyway so that she can produce an heir."
"I know. It's a long shot. But if I approach Priscilla right, she might agree to take a 'wait and see' attitude about this marriage thing. At least Emilia would be there when we were hashing the details out, and she wouldn't feel like I was betraying her and going behind her back!"
Felt gave him a skeptical look. "Subaru, no offense, but considering all the crap we have to deal with right now, I think that worrying about Emilia's feelings should be a very low priority. "
"It's worth a try, Felt!"
"Sure," She shrugged. "Go for it. See what you can do. But we need that weapon to have any chance against Regulus, and Vincent knows that, so be prepared to start making concessions."
Subaru started to walk away, then paused. "Uh, Felt," He said awkwardly. "There's actually one more thing… Korë gave me some useful information, but… I couldn't bring it up without Brador overhearing. Or Garf overhearing. "
"Garf? Since when do we keep secrets from Garf?"
Subaru made a face. "It's about the monster from Girali."
Felt 's face was grim. "It broke free." It was not a question.
"It did."
Felt took a deep breath. "Do we know anything about it?"
Subaru made a face. "Well, we know that her name is Daphne."
"Weird name for a monster."
"Daphne… the Voracious Witch," Subaru finished in a small voice.
Felt 's jaw dropped. " What ?! Are you telling me that a real witch has broken free? "
"I'm afraid so," Subaru admitted. "Korë says that she's not much of a threat right now. She said that the witch exhausted herself just breaking her chains and now she's roaming the desert trying to recover her strength."
"But she will be a big problem!" Felt reminded him.
Subaru nodded. "Yeah. I'm afraid so."
Felt shook her head. "If Garf ever finds out about this…"
"I know. Let's just keep this our little secret," He sighed.
Felt sighed. "Whatever. One problem at a time. Go talk to Priscilla and then make the deal."
"And we're almost done!" 246 chirped as the sun slowly set.
Emilia 's knees were in agony. She'd been awake for more than twenty-four hours, including the nightmarish experience in the Mirror Room. She had been given neither breakfast nor lunch.
Emilia wasn 't unfamiliar with domestic chores. When she lived alone in the forest, she'd spent most of her days trying to keep the homes passably clean and in good condition for the time when the curse was finally broken, and the elves could come back.
However, today, she had spent close to twelve hours kneeling on the hardwood floor as she and 246 scrubbed them with small brushes. 246 examined every section that Emilia scrubbed with exacting scrutiny. The merest scuff or spec of dirt and 246 would order Emilia to start all over again. What should have been simple and mindless labor had become grueling due to 246 's perfectionism and the litany of cheerfully submissive proverbs that she kept quoting.
"My knees really hurt," Emilia whispered.
"Try to embrace it," 246 suggested.
Emilia stared at her.
246 gave her an awkward smile. "I understand how you feel, Acolyte. When the Master first rescued me, I was… difficult at first. The master had to work very hard to show me the truth. "
"How long have you been here?"
246 froze, then shivered. A moment later, she put the same familiar bright smile on her face. "Oh, that doesn't matter," She said with a weak laugh. "What's important is that we're all together here, and we're all safe."
Emilia wasn 't able to keep the incredulous look off her face.
246 pursed her lips. "Do you realize what an honor it is to be chosen by an Archbishop?" She asked defensively. "It's his duty as the Goddess's hand to bring us all into harmony and to make us whole. To be guided by someone blessed with such wisdom...it's not a gift for everyone. He chose you for a reason, Acolyte, even if you can't see it yet."
"He chose me because of Subaru," Emilia murmured in a dead voice.
246 stared at her. She looked around quickly to make sure that they were still alone. "Be very careful, Acolyte," She whispered. "Mentioning our past lives is forbidden. You could get into a lot of trouble for that. "
Emilia just shook her head.
246 sighed. "I was like you once," She admitted. "When I first came here, I still thought that I could break free. I thought that if I could just endure for long enough, something would happen, and I would find a way to escape. But it doesn 't work that way."
Emilia swallowed hard.
"I heard some of what was said in the Mirror Room," 246 murmured. "I… I heard what you did in the forest," She said without judgment. "I know how many people that you hurt. I think you're starting to understand, deep down inside, that this is where you're meant to be. You've caused so much pain out there… Wouldn't it be better just to stay here and cleanse yourself of that past? To be somewhere that you can't hurt anyone else through your own selfishness?"
Emilia shuddered.
246 shook her head. "Acolyte, you 'll feel so much better when you finally let go of your pride. The Master offers us true freedom: freedom from worrying and from making our own choices that will only lead us to pain. That's the gift he offers us all. You'll come to see it, as I have. I know that it's hard to let go of control, to let someone else decide for you. But the moment that you do, you'll find that the weight lifts . You don 't have to think about your mistakes, your burdens. You can let the Master take that weight from you. Isn't that what you really want?"
Emilia stared at 246, utterly speechless.
246 sighed, perhaps sensing that she did not have a receptive audience. "Well. Think about it, Acolyte. Your time here will only be as difficult as you make it. Sooner or later, you'll give in like all the rest of us have. The Master has infinite time to show you the error of your ways. To the Blessed One, it doesn't matter if it happens tomorrow, next year, or the year after. He'll still be here, waiting to welcome you into his congregation."
246 stood up and picked up her bucket of sudsy water. "Let's put our tools away. It's nearly dinner time. And I need to teach you all the dining etiquette."
Emilia wearily got to her feet. "I've been to fancy parties before," She whispered in an exhausted voice.
"Not like here," 246 corrected. "We have special rules, and you need to follow them all."
"Like what?"
246 started walking down the hallway, and Emilia followed on quivering legs, struggling not to spill the bucket of soapy water.
"First, we will serve all the dishes. You must make sure to walk with slow, delicate steps while you serve," 246 recited. "Carry the dish that you are entrusted with using both hands. Keep your head bowed and your eyes lowered at all times. Place the dish carefully down on the table with both hands. Do not jostle the dish as you place it on the table. When you have placed the dish on the table, bow your head and slowly back out of the room with your gaze kept firmly on the ground. Be careful not to bump into any of the other girls serving. Then, you will return to the kitchen for the next dish. When-"
"This is so much to remember!" Emilia whispered in shock.
246 gave her a look that was equal parts stern and sympathetic. "You must remember them all. A single error by a single wife and there might be no dinner for any of us. Or we could all be punished. "
Emilia 's eyes widened. "If one of us makes a mistake, we all get punished? "
246 nodded gravely. "We're a community here, Acolyte. We're only as strong as our weakest link," She said as they entered a storage closet with a small sink. 246 dumped out the soapy water into the sink. "We all need to work together, both to improve ourselves and to help our sisters improve. That's how we repay the Master for all his kindness."
Kindness?!
246 took Emilia 's bucket and dumped it out before continuing her recitation, "When the dishes have all been served, we will enter the dining hall together and sit at the table. You must wait and only sit down as we all do. While sitting, keep your head down and your eyes lowered at all times. While waiting for the food to be served, clasp your hands together in front of you as if praying. Once the food has been served, your hands must remain in your lap at all times. "
"How can we eat like that?" Emilia murmured.
"You will not eat," 246 corrected. "You will sit there and wait patiently while the Master finishes his dinner. We are not allowed to eat until the Master gives us permission."
This is insane! What is the point of all these stupid rules?! Emilia thought indignantly.
"While eating, the Master may choose to speak with you. Speak only if you are first spoken to. You must respond to questions, but you do not pose them. While addressing the Master, keep your head bowed and your gaze averted. Answer his questions clearly and concisely, and always remember to thank the Master for his kindness before you finish speaking."
246 went on and on, describing the intricacies of the expected behavior in the mansion, flooding Emilia 's poor mind with rules and details that she couldn't hope to remember.
Garfiel was exhausted. They 'd marched through the jungle all day, and it had been brutally hot and humid. Garfiel was grateful for the large meal he'd eaten last night, or he never would have managed to keep walking.
As the sun set, the soldiers found themselves gathering at the edge of a great swamp. To Garfiel 's surprise, there were signs that a great stone city had been built here long ago, and the swamp had later reclaimed it. In the distance, he saw an enormous stone pyramid rising up out of the swamp.
"Horatius, what is that thing?" Garfiel pointed at the pyramid.
"Not really sure, kid," He admitted. "According to legend, it's called 'God's Grave.'"
"God's Grave?"
"Yeah. Don't ask me why it's called that or what it means. If anybody knows the story behind it, they never told me."
There was a loud commotion as Lieutenant Pompey pushed his way through the crowd and joined Horatius and Garfiel at the swamp edge. "Why are we stopping?" The Lieutenant demanded.
"We've marched a long distance today, sir," Horatius said calmly. "I'd recommend that we set a watch and urge the men to get some sleep. We can start out again at first light tomorrow."
"Sergeant," The Lieutenant growled. "Need I remind you that we're deep inside enemy territory? We can't just stay here all night!"
"We might be safe, sir," Horatius argued respectfully. "So far, there's no sign of Octavian's forces. They may still be unaware of our presence."
"And if so, we should keep it that way," Pompey emphasized. "The reports say that Octavian's main base is clustered around God's Grave, and that is the direction that we need to go in order to escape the jungle. Advancing under the cover of night gives us our best chance to escape."
Horatius 's face paled. "Sir, I think that would be very ill-advised! " He struggled to remain respectful. "Navigating the Black Morass after dark is incredibly dangerous. Snapjaws and razorbacks are all nocturnal predators, and we'd never be able to spot them in the water!"
"Better to face the mabeasts than the undead," Pompey said pointedly.
"Maybe not," Garfiel interjected. "Like Horatius said, there's no sign that Octavian even knows about us yet. Maybe it's a good time to rest up and be ready for a fight in case he does find out."
Garfiel immediately realized that he 'd made a bad mistake by speaking when he saw Pompey glaring at him. Taking Horatius's side in the argument made Pompey less likely to listen to him, not more.
"One hour," Pompey said in tons of finality. "Tell the men to rest. Then we make the crossing."
"Sir! With all due respect, it'll be full dark by then!" Horatius protested.
"You have your orders, Sergeant," Pompey snorted and walked away.
Horatius just shook his head in disbelief.
Garfiel leaned toward Horatius. "We're going to ignore him, right?" He whispered.
Horatius looked shocked. " What ?! "
"Even I can tell that this is a stupid idea!" Garfiel said venomously. "Crossing the swamp in the middle of the night? In full armor? Octavian won't even have to get involved. The men who don't get mauled by mabeasts will probably drown!"
"You're right," Horatius sighed. "But the Lieutenant never changes his mind."
"Then let him cross by himself!" Garfiel insisted. "You and I have better things to do tonight than die!"
Horatius gave Garfiel a faintly pitying look. "You're a good kid, Garfiel."
"Why do I get the impression that you're not listening to me anymore?"
"The men have sworn an oath to follow a superior's orders."
"Even if it's going to get them all killed?!"
"Yes," Horatius simply. "More to the point, if I tell the men to stay behind and Pompey orders them to advance, I know that they'll listen to him. And I know that they'll listen to him when he orders me cut down for insubordination."
Garfiel 's eyes widened. "Gods! Well, alright then! The hell with them! You and I can get out of here together!"
"Can't do it, kid," Horatius said with a rueful chuckle. "These are still my boys, and I need to take care of them."
Garfiel stared at Horatius. "You realize that you're insane, right?"
Horatius laughed. "I've heard that many times before. You should get some rest while you can," He said, sitting down.
Garfiel shook his head. "You know something, I'm not sure who's the bigger fool: him for going or you for following," He flopped down onto the sandy ground. "Or me for not leaving you both …"
At first, dinner went more or less OK.
The wives all lined up in the dining hall, an enormous, ornate chamber with a table that could seat dozens. The table had several dozen small plain chairs and a massive throne at the end.
The wives kept their faces submissively lowered as Regulus entered the room with 128 just behind him.
Regulus gave the women a long, menacing stare, and then he slowly walked around the empty table, inspecting it.
"128," Regulus whispered in a soft voice that dripped with menace. "Why is this fork not straight?"
128 bowed her head at once. "Please forgive us, Master," 128 said, sounding ashamed. "Your foolish wives lack your eye for detail. I promise that we'll work harder."
"Who set the table tonight, 128?" Regulus whispered.
Emilia thought that 128 sighed, "21, Master," She said in a nearly inaudible whisper.
"Then 21 needs to be taught a proper appreciation for this dining hall. Perhaps going without food for three days will prove instructive."
"That is a wonderful idea, Master," 128 agreed. "I'm sure it will help 21 take her duties more seriously."
Regulus reached his throne, and he studied it carefully.
Emilia felt the wives beside her holding their breath.
Finally, Regulus sat down in his chair. "Very well. Begin serving the food."
The wives lined up in the kitchen, and one by one, they picked up dishes covered by serving trays.
The girl in front of Emilia picked up her tray and walked into the dining room with her head bowed.
Emilia took a tray, but 128 held her back for several seconds while the first girl got a head start. Then 128 nodded, and Emilia pushed open the swinging double doors and slowly walked into the dining hall.
Regulus sat on an enormous throne at the head of a long dining table, and he gave each wife a penetrating stare as they carried the trays to the enormous table.
Walk slowly … Keep my head bowed… Use both hands… Keep my hands folded when I leave the room? Emilia struggled to remember all of the intricate rules.
Emilia had never realized that just walking could be so frightening. She found herself deliberating before each step, trying to remember what she needed to do while feeling utterly terrified of what Regulus might do to her and the others if she got it wrong.
Emilia felt Regulus 's eye boring into her, but she kept her face down as she walked.
He 's watching me. He's waiting for me to make a mistake. He wants an excuse to punish us!
Emilia fought not to give him one. She watched the girl in front of her with meticulous attention. She tried to copy every motion, every movement that the other girl made.
Emilia placed the dish on the table and backed up, keeping her head bowed just as she 'd seen the other girl do.
She walked slowly. She couldn 't see where she was going and struggled to avoid bumping into the other girls moving in the opposite direction with more trays.
Finally, Emilia backed through the swinging doors, letting out an enormous sigh of relief as her heartbeat slowly returned to normal.
Morosely, Emilia slowly walked to the back of the line and prepared to do the whole thing all over again. There was still an enormous mountain of food to be served.