A Productive Day Pt. 3

Madelaine. Month 10, Day 15, Year A.F 652. The city of Rosalia, Kingdom of Rosalia.

Two years ago I was just a maid working day to day to get by. Then before that, I was just an orphan trying to make do in a world I was pushed into a bit earlier than most.

Don't get me wrong, I know how lucky I was. The countless stories I heard about sadistic nobles and lustful masters were more than a terrifying story, they were a reality for those unlucky enough to meet them.

Mary and I were just one of the fortunate ones, Fortunate that the house that took two twelve-year-olds as maids were disdainful of humans in general, that isn't good but it's probably better.

So I have learnt to live my life, with unnatural optimism and gratefulness, in a way I cannot describe in words. I learned to never regret what I do and learn to live with my choice, but such values tend to be tested.

Unfortunately for me, one of such moments was deciding to join Michael in his meeting with what he considered his army.

There have been a few times I realized that Michael was not a normal person. He was not someone I should have been involved with nor should I have had a chance to even talk to.

That blackmail in our first meeting was now both the most terrifying and the greatest decision I ever made in my life.

I look around, though now, in this situation, I think this was the terrifying part.

The atmosphere was suffocating, eight men look through screens projected at the white wall the room was covered in, All of which were bowing in reverence.

I look to Michael, only to realize, the man I was talking with earlier was gone. Now there stood the man capable of making grown men cower.

I gulp to myself as I wonder how did I get here.

The room was white, its design a bit discomforting if you didn't know what it was for. The obtrusive pillar certainly didn't help in making it homely. I look at Michael as he stood in the middle standing beside the pillar of rock.

His clothes, regal, exuding a presence of authority. It seems to be his clothes when talking to these men. I look down to mine, to see a long skirt and various layers of clothing. Something I could call passable for work.

My thoughts were then interrupted by the sounds of tapping, I turn my head towards him, allowing me to watch in trepidation as runes crawl from underneath him, swallowing the room into darkness.

Such insane performance of magic was always a sight to see, even with my constant exposure to his magic and my own experience in performing such feats, he always just seems so confident about it, especially when he does it without his mask.

To be fair, everything he does without his mask tends to be a lot more elegant. Perhaps, the changes in his features made him a bit more regal. His black locks floating over his confident smile, all the while his dark eyes seemingly sucks you in. I shake my head, returning my attention back to his meeting.

"Hello, Gentlemen," Michael spoke in a clear voice as the pillar lights up, revealing the faces of various men. I sat straight, a bit uncomfortable from their curious glances.

A clap rings out, taking everyone's attention, "Now, I'm sure you have your reports to give, but I also have gathered my own information." He prepares to explain what he learned.

The one in the middle spoke, "Milord, there's one offer I wish for you to know."

Michael looks to him, "Anders?" He gestures to the one named Anders to go on.

Anders coughs as he looks to the men around him, "We received another letter from the Grand Duke Rivider."

"Is it related to your current arrangement?"

Current arrangement? I believe that was in part with

"No, I believe this to be much worse."

I can see Michael widen his eyes as a small smile appears, It seems his prediction of Grand Duke Arthen, moving forward with his plans was correct.

"I'm assuming that he plans on hiring you to harass and raid various targets."

Anders looks to him in shock as I hold back a giggle.

He then spoke with curiosity, "How have you learned of this, Milord?"

Michael smiles before replying, "It is related to the which I was about to say."

His expression then turns serious as he spoke with weight in his voice, a fact which took everyone's attention, "Grand Duke Arthen, has been preparing supplies for a war."

"Milord, T-that, how do you plan to respond?" He gestures to the men, he spoke in a panic, after all, the situation seems to be turning dire, "How do you plan for us to respond."

Michael raises his arm to placate the men, something which I think didn't work, "At ease, proceed with your current status and continue to steal from the carriages we send you."

He looks to them filled with resolution as he spoke, "You cannot act suspicious and make moves that can harm our cause. Certainly now when time is crucial, and a fire can be lit any second now."

The men around us nod their assent, but their hesitation remains clear to be seen. I don't know why they seem to be scared, Perhaps due to their former experience in actual war.

But with their increase in number and armament, I'm sure they are already one of the powerful forces in the continent. I know this due to the fact that I was the one arranging the carriages sent as decoy shipments, each one filled with weapons and supplies.

Michael then massages his forehead, seemingly in thought. He then stops before speaking, "How about this, let us first evaluate what we have now before we start planning for eventualities."

The men look around at their peers, both seemingly avoiding being the first ones to report. Noticing this Michael sigh as he points to Anders with his crossed arms,

"Anders, what is the current overall situation?"

Anders hardens his expression, as I marvel at their seemingly nervous behaviour around Michael. Unfortunately for them, their uncomfortable expression though was noticed.

Michael squints his eyes in suspicion before asking, "Is there a problem gentlemen?"

Anders looks troubled as he replied, "Milord, there might have been a problem within the camp, it seems that due to the recent increase in numbers, some have been questioning our passivity and leadership."

I look away as a feeling of dread twists in my stomach. I look to Michael, whose face has contorted in contempt, "I see, then how is that a problem? If they stay in line, let them question my orders, as long as they have the sigil signifying their allegiance then it matters little."

Another voice spoke out, "T-that is true, Milord. But there have been a lot of them questioning our orders and has formed various cliques within the army."

I almost let out a giggle as the men around him, continuously look away, afraid of Michael's worsening mood. And eyes twitching in irritation from the men's incapability to put their men in line.

Seeing the situation worsening, I hope to put in my input, "I don't think they are much at fault. After all, they lack experience in handling men of this size."

Michae looks toward me as his expression softens and he taps his chin in thought, "That is true, you were chosen as an officer during the time where most of the high command died."

He looks to them, "And I believe the men under your command has multiplied by five, Correct?"

The men around Anders nods hurriedly, "Yes Sir! We currently have four thousand and five hundred men, three thousand of which remains in a single camp."

Anders interrupts, "While the other thousand are scattered into groups all over Rosalia, some of which are acting as operatives in the cities and the others are scattered to defend the carriages you have tasked us with."

Oh so, that's how A&M flourished, unaffected by any shady dealings. Cause there was no way the nobles would have let them prosper without a single violent threat.

Michael gestures to Anders with a raised eyebrow, "I'm assuming these are the men under your command?"

Anders quickly nods, "Yes Sir! They haven't raised a fuss, due to tasks that show them, a point of progression for the Seekers."

That is true, we can't exactly expect three thousand men to stand idly by, continuing their drills, without any feeling of weariness. But we also cannot send them all around Rosalia, especially now that the situation is about to turn dangerous.

I look to Michael for his decision, Michael scrunched his face in distaste as he chastises his officer.

"Let's end our meeting for today, I'll go there to deal with it." The men sigh in relief but Michael interrupts them in a glare, "But the next time, YOU can't deal with something like again."

The look of fear and confusion speaks volumes of what they thought of his next words.

"I'll have you replaced."