The Kingdom of Lodeleth 3/3

"We're here. At least if the directions are correct. All of these mansions look identical..." Quinton remarked, reading off directions on a piece of paper. "I can appreciate a big house, but the culture of these nobles are far too extravagant. These posh sluggards sitting all day and having servants and attendants attending to their every need and want. And buying more and more expensive and useless things... They're becoming obsessed with worthless dresses and pretty trinkets and relying too much on others, aside from their resources they're more useless than a peasant worker..." Helia exclaimed.

The burning midday sun was slowly transitioning onto the warm afternoon sun, Helia and the other two followed her to the nobles' quarter for the Princess' next order of business. The rich nobles and their attendants were in for quite a stir at Helia's unannounced arrival, and many were scrambling and wondering on what business she had there. The three looked up at a towering red and gold gate, which stood in front of an equally grand mansion.

Helia knocked loudly on the gate and announced her arrival. "Open up! I, Her Highness, Helia have business that-" A smaller gate door opened nearby, and a butler with a large white mustache welcomed them. "Lady Helia. Your presence is a surprise but not entirely unexpected. Please, come in." He remarked. "Hmph." Helia remarked in a huff, as she and the other two followed the butler.

They stepped through the gate and waited as the butler closed it. The group walked on a path in between a large garden with a variety of plants and hedge formations. A gazebo was in the middle of the large garden grass field and though it was barely used, it was well-maintained. Many gardeners and cleaners were actively hard at the work maintaining the exquisite perfection that the grounds exuded.

The butler opened the entrance to the manor proper, and the group entered through two large wooden doors. "We apologize for dirtying the clean floors of the mansion, we've just travelled all around the kingdom dealing with matters from all over." Quinton remarked. "It is fine, its the job of the host to clean after and attend to their guests." The butler exclaimed. "That is correct, although nowadays the host themselves aren't the ones cleaning after the mess of their guests. They just send their butlers and their servants to receive their guests and do everything for them..." Helia exclaimed, flicking some dirt from her gauntlets onto a nearby small marble sculpture.

"Your Highness. You're here. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? If you've told us in advance that you were to visit, we could have properly prepared to accommodate you." The noblewoman remarked, slightly surprised. She was clothed in an elegant frilly dress that extended down to her ankles, the colors of which were red and gold; like a bundle of sparkling gold and gleaming rubies. She sat comfortably though exuded a silent, but strong confidence. Her hair and eyes of were a bright amber color, and the former was tied up in a bun with a white comb inserted in it. She was past the top of the staircase, on an exquisite wooden chair beside a small round table.

"Why would I tell you in advance, Carmilla? When you tell someone you're visiting them, it'll give them time to prepare their lies and scheme. If you arrive without warning, all you will get is the truth." Helia exclaimed. "And those who say that are oftentimes the ones scheming themselves. Now are you here for business? I don't take you as one for cordial visits Lady Helia." Carmilla remarked, calmly but sternly.

"On that, you are correct. However, I'm not here on business. Rather, a more important manner. One that concerns the fate of the kingdom itself and its crown." Helia remarked. "So you want me to do something for you. Well, you all are still guests. Might we sit down somewhere and discuss this over some tea and biscuits?" Carmilla asked. "No, I believe we won't have a talk long enough to-" Said Helia.

"How about you two?" Carmilla ignored the princess. "No thanks, Madame. I've eaten a full breakfast, you see." Said Quinton. "How about you? Sir, Indomitable Knight?" Carmilla asked Alfred. "Hmm. How surprising. I've not been called that name for quite some time. You're well-informed, Lady Carmilla." He remarked. "Yes, managing many of the kingdom's affairs preclude it. So, Sir Alfred. Tea?" Carmilla asked. "If Lady Helia chooses not to stay, I'm afraid I won't either." Said Alfred.

"Then I'm afraid I no longer have time for you all either. Mister Watercress, please escort our guests outside." Said Carmilla. "As you wish, Lady Carmilla. Shall I escort you all outside?" The butler remarked.

Helia gritted her teeth in anger. "You... You aren't even doing anything, just lazing around in this mansion! And you dare tell the head of this kingdom to just... leave, like the master of a house treats some dirty vagrant?" She exclaimed. "If you desperately need my assistance, but you aren't making time for me, why should I make time for you? As far as I'm concerned, if I was doing nothing all day it would be much more pressing business than listening to you. Lastly, I am the master of this house and you are... not exactly clean..." Carmilla exclaimed.

"You dare insult the throne! You will heed my command and at once!" Said Helia, clearly expressing her rage. "Oh? If you all are having trouble leaving, then I can help you out the door." Carmilla said, slowly raising her hand towards the top of her head.

"!" Helia was alert and raised her hands to use her flames, while Quinton quickly brought out his dagger. Mister Watercress calmly stepped away. Alfred stepped in front of Helia. "Your Highness, Lady Carmilla. Perhaps we can have a compromise? We've seemed to have started off on the wrong foot, so might we begin this conversation again?" Alfred asked. "Hmm? What's wrong, I was simply about to scratch the top of my head. It occasionally becomes itchy." Carmilla said, scratching her head. The ornate and exquisite comb in her hair gleamed in a ray of sunlight glowing from a window.

"Hmph..." Helia remarked, still on edge. "But if you all are willing to ask me properly this time, I'm willing to listen." Said Carmilla. Helia was quiet. She was visibly shaking with rage but was in deep contemplation. Helia lowered her hands. "Fine. I suppose fighting here is more trouble than its worth. I admit that I need your help." Said Helia. "Fantastic. Mister Watercress, prepare a meeting room. Maybe the first one, the second one?" Carmilla exclaimed. "Perhaps the fourth one with the nice view should be adequate enough." Mister Watercress suggested.

"Yes, yes. Let's use that, instead. For our guests, please follow my butler and wait while we prepare a few things for your visit." Said Carmilla, walking off. Helia had her arms crossed. "Hmph... I have more important things to do than spend the afternoon at a rich maiden's tea party. Perhaps one of you can stay behind while I handle more important matters?" She exclaimed.

"I'm afraid she might not be willing to hear us out without your presence, Your Highness." Said Quinton, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow with a silk 'kerchief. "And this is an important matter." Said Alfred. "Fine then. I'll stay. Where's that butler... Butler!" Helia exclaimed. "Right this way, Your Highness." Mister Watercress said, standing right behind them. "Oh, why didn't you speak up earlier?" Said Helia. "I was afraid I'd be interrupting. Now, follow me." The butler said, walking upstairs briskly. The group followed.

"It's been... Well, how long has it been!?" Helia exclaimed, tapping her foot impatiently. The three sat in a room which was decorated with red leather and upholstery on the walls and ceiling. "Approximately five minutes, since Mister Watercress had led us here." Quinton remarked. "Bah! That's five minutes I could have been doing something else! Maybe this small room is a trap, and they're preparing for an ambush right under our nose?" Helia exclaimed.

"Not to worry, Lady Helia. I can protect you from all manner of enemy force or ambush." Said Alfred. The door to the room opened and Carmilla entered carrying a silver tray. Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows. "Finally, what took so long?" Said Helia. "Well, I was busy making... this." Carmilla set down the tray, a steaming pot of tea and an assortment of pastries and biscuits was on top of it.

"Really? So you sourced different ingredients from different locations, which are processed elsewhere and have your personal chefs create these dishes and you claim that you made it?" Said Helia. "Well, we grow the tea plants ourselves. We harvest, dry, process, formulate and grind the powder in this estate. We also grow our own wheat, make flour, bake bread... And I brew the tea, fill the pastries and bake some of the confectioneries. Also, I personally attend to the painstaking upkeep of the flameberry plants used to make some of these pastries. Of course I didn't do all of the processes but I recall you also know a thing or two of taking personal credit on the efforts of the organization you belong to." Carmilla remarked.

"Hmph, bring your tea and biscuits here. If you're the one making them, then they likely taste awful anyway..." Said Helia. "Here you go. Please enjoy." Said Carmilla, laying the tray down. "Feels like I've just been stuffing my mouth with tea and biscuits all day..." Helia exclaimed, snatching the treats and gobbling them down grumpily. She took a swig of tea from a teacup.

Quinton sampled the snacks and tea in a refined manner. Alfred soon raised his helmet and followed suit. "So, how is it? Is it to your liking?" Carmilla asked. Helia stopped her voracious consumption. She was silent. "It's... It's far too... Sweet! Yes, that must be it. You've packed too much sugar in the tea and these biscuits are far too sweet. Right, you two?" Helia exclaimed. Quinton was quite engrossed in the fine delicacies. "Ah, oh. Ehem. You are quite right Your Highness. It is far too sweet." He remarked.

"Alfred?" Helia asked. "You are always correct Your Highness. This tastes dreadful." The knight said, but was still continuing to chow and gulp through the serving. "Then why are you still eating?!" Helia exclaimed. "I just thought it would be a waste if all of this food gets thrown out." Alfred said, not slowing down for a second. "You... I too make my own tea and desserts! And I will feed them to these two, and they will admit that mine surpasses yours!" Said Helia, pointing her finger towards Carmilla.

"Please, Your Highness that isn't necessary!" "Lady Helia, there really isn't any need to-" Quinton and Alfred spoke at the same time but then fell silent. "You two... You dare betray me at a time like this?" Helia said, and she began mouthing off unintelligibly as the two frantically apologized. "I'm glad you all enjoyed my welcome gift. However, did you not think to check if it was poisoned?" Carmilla asked, with her polite words turning sinister.

At once the three stopped their squabbling and slowly turned towards her. Their expressions were of surprise and dread. "I'm just joking! Just a small jest. You should have seen your faces!" Carmilla said, laughing heartily. "Not... Not to worry Your Highness. I am resistant to most poisons known by the kingdom." Alfred remarked.

"You..." Helia growled. "Of course, it would have been all too easy to poison you all. If it were up to me, I'd be more willing to do the job with my own two hands. But, let's put that behind us." Said Carmilla, pulling a chair and sitting down. "Yes, we've taken far too much time. We must-" "You must. To me, it's not that urgent. So tell me, in no uncertain terms why I should care and how your ascension as the sole ruler of the kingdom will be more beneficial to me than the current arrangement right now." Carmilla said, interrupting Helia.

"Now, now, Lady Carmilla. Insinuating something like that is akin to treason! Jumping to such conclusions is-" Quinton started but Carmilla put her hand up to stop him. "Please. Don't think I'm like my cousin. I want your offer straight to the point. Unlike Seruvia, I actually have imporant things to spend my time on. I know that you're in dire straits with the high council, and now you need all the support you need not only to stay afloat in the council's and people's eyes, but to eventually depose those above you." said Carmilla.

"Now how exactly are you assured of that?" Helia sneered, annoyedly. "News of your summons to the high council yesterday spread quickly. And everyone who is in the know, knows of your repeated friction with them, even ever since they supported your rise to power all those years ago. And someone... such as you, would never acquiesce to simply waiting for those above you to die with a guillotine hanging over your head wherever you go." Carmilla asserted. Helia became annoyed at Carmilla's correct assertions.

"You are quite correct, Carmilla. However... You said that you didn't like to play games and waste time, then what was that song-and-dance you made us go through earlier?" Helia remarked, tapping furiously on the table. Carmilla's composure was unbroken. "Oh, that. That was just a quick test." She exclaimed, casually. "A test? Hmph, a test of what, my patience?" Helia asked, sarcastically. "Actually, it really was." Carmilla replied. "Huh?" Helia remarked, in genuine surprise and confusion.

"Someone who can't go through the proper etiquette of talking to a potential ally in their manor over tea without bursting into a rage is quite rash." Said Carmilla. "Rash? Did you think that was rash? Wait until you've seen..." Helia remarked. "And that's, what I was talking about. Talking like that won't do you any favors. I admire your strong will but you always seem to dive headfirst into things without careful consideration is bound to lead you in situations you can't just kill your way out of. In this visit alone, you've threatened my life more than once over some... minor frustrations." Carmilla remarked.

"If you know that much about her, you know she doesn't really mean that." Quinton remarked. "Does she? What do I hear about some poor knight samaritan getting attacked after attending to her just yesterday?" Carmilla asked. "That's... a different case." Quinton exclaimed.

"Is it? Different case, rare circumstance, it's all the same. A mere spark is all it takes to set your temper ablaze. Under a regime where you are in absolute power, because I simply know you won't settle for less... You're not exactly someone who works hand-in-hand equally with others, nor under someone else. What's stopping you from setting a town ablaze, or scorching some royal advisor just because you woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning. You were so eager to bring down your father, and then now the council. And of course, to them you're too dangerous to keep alive. You're vicious flame is ever-hungry, threatening to consume everything and everyone and soon it will even consume you." Carmilla said sternly.

Helia was wordlessly looking downwards on the table. Her hands were clasped together. In the silence of the room, the sound of her teeth gritting and her gauntlets grasping tightly against one another. "Restraint. Restraint, Lady Helia." Alfred remarked, prompting Helia to glare towards him, holding back her tongue. "The fact that he has to say that to you, and that's what restraint looks like with you tells me all I need to know. And the thoughts in your head right now... It would be much better for someone to side with a leader that won't have them executed on a whim, don't you think?" Carmilla said, standing up to leave.

Alfred and Quinton were worried about their Lady's temperament and thus were silent and unable to stop Carmilla. A maelstrom of thoughts swirled and rushed through Helia's mind. 'Call me Your Highness, Alfred!' 'She should be executed for this impudence!' 'I don't need your aid, you are useless to me!' 'What should I care about the lives of these menials, they live to serve! If I deem them to be executed, that is what they rightfully deserve.' 'I shall not be humiliated...' 'Maybe she's...' 'My ambition is what has led me this far! It shall not be stifled by some...' "Wait." Helia remarked, calmly.

"Hmm? What's this?" Carmilla remarked curiously, turning her head in amusement. "You chastize me for having a temper, but what you did there was tantamount to a tantrum, right? At least for a respectful lady like you." Helia said, calmly and confidently. "I suppose. So, are you ready to have a conversation now?" Carmilla asked, sitting back down. "You didn't exactly let me speak first before rebuking my offer..." Helia remarked, slightly annoyed. "Now, what's your offer?" Said Carmilla. "Hmm... Here." Quinton retrieved a piece of paper from his coat and slid it over to her.

Carmilla picked it up and read it. Helia and the others were antsy as they waited and tried to ascertain something from Carmilla's neutral expression. "Hmm..." She remarked. "Well?" Helia asked. Carmilla sighed before putting the paper down. "It's a big ask." She exclaimed. "My unadulterated support, resources, convincing the other nobles to back you... But my, my. The compensation is quite the offer." Carmilla exclaimed, impressed.

"A seat at the table." Said Helia. "I didn't expect something like this from you. Did you write this?" Carmilla asked Quinton. "I wrote it." Helia answered proudly, slightly irritated. "Wow, you should start writing more and less confronting people in person. It might convince some people that you're actually rational, but... The risks still outweigh the reward. You're asking me to support an uprising whereas I can easily lie comfortably in my position here now. There's more to lose going through with it than not, and I don't suppose you'd do anything about it if I refuse. Well, anything that doesn't prove my point that is." Carmilla remarked.

"You'd refuse such an offer? You are different than your cousin after all." Said Helia. "Of course, I don't need to be the front face of the council. I'm perfectly fine where I am." Carmilla answered. "If you were to truly refuse... Aside from antagonizing you directly, which is a... rash decision... You don't suppose I could spread some news that you went behind the council's back to the council themselves and out you as a traitor..." Helia suggested slyly. "You'd really do that?" Carmilla asked, unimpressed.

"No, no, I wouldn't actually do such a thing! Hmph, don't tempt me." Helia exclaimed. 'Then why say that in the first place?' Thought Carmilla. "But for your consideration..." Helia snapped her fingers towards Quinton who brought another piece of paper out and gave it to the noblewoman. "Why couldn't you just have brought this out earlier too?" Carmilla remarked. She read it and mumbled out some of the words while doing so.

"Ooh... This plan... Increasing your value, improving your public perception, extending your reach, influencing the right people, undermining the hold the other council members have. It's ambitious, but realistic. Looks like you were preparing for the long haul after all. And waiting until the perfect time to strike... It must taken great restraint to not go for them outright." Said Carmilla. "I would if I could. Believe me." Said Helia.

'The biggest problem is Bertram... He's inscrutable. But every assassin that's been sent against him mysteriously vanished. I must proceed with caution in figuring out how to deal with him...' Thought Helia. "But... I'm afraid I still need some... time, before deciding on a course of action." Said Carmilla. "Wha- What? I've laid out such a perfect plan, why-" Helia exclaimed. "This is a major decision, it's a matter of life and death, and the fate of the kingdom. It is not to be decided lightly. And so... It'll take some time. I'll get back to you soon with my decision." Carmilla said, handing the paper back over to Helia. "Hmph, fine! Just don't come crying when I inevitably make my ascension to the throne." Helia remarked, snatching the paper up.

"You know what, you can keep it. Maybe you didn't read all of it the first time correctly. You two, we're going." Helia slammed the paper back down onto the table before storming out. Quinton and Alfred ran after her.

They exited the estate's gates and Helia was visibly irritated. "Lady Helia, what are we to do with her response?" Quinton asked. "It's fine. We expected this reaction out of her anyway. We have other options and other matters to deal with. Onto the next, I say!" She exclaimed. "Then proceeding onward we shall." Quinton remarked. Alfred stopped, looked upwards towards the estate and narrowed his eyes. "Come on, Alfred! We have much to do!" Helia exclaimed. "Coming, Lady Helia." Alfred remarked, following after her.

In the upstairs room, Carmilla was still worriedly reading the paper that Helia had given her earlier. "I was going to see them off but they left before I was able to." Mister Watercress remarked. "That's fine, they came and they left having done what they wanted to do." Carmilla replied, but her attention was on the plans written before her. "Is there... anything the matter Lady Carmilla? Has Her Highness done something of concern?" Her butler asked. "Yes. This matter.. Is of concern." Carmilla said, worriedly reading Helia's plan sheet.

The dusk sun bathed the busy road in a dark orange light. The day was growing ever-late, but one of the gates walling off the city was as busy as it was midday. Even though it was approaching nightfall, crowds of people were clustered on the streets as the tightened scrutiny and security of the knight guards towards all travelers kept traffic slow. Merchants, carriers of goods, common folk, many were getting antsy and irritable due to them not being able to go to their destinations before the hour became late. "What's the hold up? We've been waiting here all day!" One in the midst of the dense mob called out. "We're just making sure that all the papers are in order." "It's for your own safety!" Two knights exclaimed as they inspected a cart laden with goods.

"Come on boys, let me through! You're holding up all these people!" The man with the cart exclaimed. "We cannot do that. Your permit to carry this amount of goods has expired and so we need to do this thorough search." The knight guard exclaimed. "Come on, you can let me through! My permit's only expired a week, and how am I supposed to get a permit in the city when I can only get a permit in the city!" The man remarked. "That is why we're inspecting your goods closely... Not denying your entry entirely." A knight responded, irritated. "Hey! Why should someone who doesn't follow the proper procedure hold all of us who have our papers sorted!" Someone from the crowd called out.

"Hey! I was here first, it's called a line, you idiot! It's not my fault that the kingdom suddenly went strict!" The man with the cart remarked. "You!" "Alright, alright! That's enough! Inspections have finished, go through now!" Another knight exclaimed, and the man passed through grumbling insults all the while. The knights inspected and stopped the next group of people.

The knight guard sighed. "It's been like this all day, when is it going to end..." "Well, until the kingdom finds those traitors, and those fugitives..." Another knight responded. "If not them, there's the rebels, or the heretics. When will it ever end?" "There's also the war, too. Taxes are tightening, there's chaos in the streets, the people are afraid... And it's taking all we have to stop a riot from happening here." The knight guard remarked.

"Next!" The next person in line stepped forward. They were an middle-aged man, thin and tall, and had an imposing quiet aura. "Sir, your-" "My papers, yes. Here they are. All of my goods are compliant with the law. However, you may inspect them at your leisure to make sure." He replied in a calm, eerie tone. The knight was slightly intimidated by the man. "Ah, that's Mister Anders. Let him through, he's clean." The other knight replied. "I... appreciate my good conduct not going unnoticed." Anders said. He spoke words of thanks, and yet one could not help but to be unnerved by them.

"Make way for Her Highness! Make way!" A knight from afar called out. This caught the attention of the people there, knight or traveler alike. "Her Highness?" "The princess?" "Princess Helia?" "This is trouble, maybe we shouldn't have come here after all..." "Is she here to sort out the situation?" "What's she up to..." "The princess? What's she doing here?" The knight remarked. "I believe this will be very interesting..." Anders said calmly.

"That's her!" "She's really her?" "It's the princess!" They exclaimed as they laid eyes on Helia. She was shadowed by Alfred at her side, as well as a coterie of shadow knights surrounding her. "Fear not, dear citizens of Lodeleth! I'm merely ensuring order and safety in the streets by attending to a matter personally..." Helia remarked. "Is she really..." "I don't think so..." Voices of skepticism whispered through the crowd.

"Your Highness!" The knight guards knelt one knee. "Lady Helia. This is a rare visit..." Anders bowed before her presence. "Actually... I'm here for you, it appears I've arrived just in time." She exclaimed. "If not for the delays, you might have missed me... What matter do I need attending to, Your Highness? The shipments of armaments and supplies to the knights are in order as far as I can recall." Anders remarked, cordially. "Is that so? I've received some information that you've been smuggling some illegal contraband..." Said Helia. "How... curious. I'm not aware of this information, and the inspection has turned up nothing suspicious..." Said Anders.

Helia snapped her fingers and a few shadow knights approached Anders' cargo. "Fear not, my shadows will inspect the cargo themselves." She remarked. Anders was quietly observing and analyzing the situation. "Her Highness being here is unprecedented..." One of the knights whispered. "Will she really find something that we didn't?" Another knight asked. Anders watched calmly as the shadow knights inspected the cargo. Many people who were stuck in line or traveling watched what the commotion was about. One of the shadows picked out a small package from the pile of goods and handed it over to Helia.

She untied its binding and unwrapped it, raising it in dramatic fashion for all to see. "Observe, people of Lodeleth! This, is a forbidden dark tome! A book detailing heretical sorceries! An item of dark import, and a most illegal piece of contraband." Helia remarked. Quinton slunk out of the crowd, having planted it. People in the crowd gasped and murmured.

"How... How could we have possibly missed that..." One of the knights remarked. "Your... Highness! Such a mistake... We cannot possibly overlook! We... profusely apologize, and we will make up for this grave misconduct right away!" A knight bowed to the ground in apology. "We will be detaining and imprisoning this criminal right this moment!" Another knight said, also bowing to the ground.

"I think... this matter should be under me and my shadows' jurisdiction." Said Helia. "But, Your Highness!" One of the knights chimed in and was quickly silenced by his fellows. "I... understand that you feel responsible and want to atone by dealing with the criminal yourself, but it is my shadows that have found it, and so we are better able to deal with it, yes? And it seems that you all are so incredibly busy right now, so..." Helia gestured and shadows captured and bound Anders' arms and legs with chains. The merchant made no attempt to resist but instead stared at Helia quietly.

"I hope you know what you're doing Lady Helia..." Said Anders. "You're one to talk, considering you expected to smuggle this vile thing under our noses." Helia remarked, smiling slyly. "Alfred, get rid of this disgusting book." She ordered, handing over the tome to the large knight who pocketed it. Anders' brow raised at the action. "Come now, we have a carriage ready. And be prepared to spill all of your guts later, or we'll do it for you." Helia said as she left, and the shadows knights dragged Anders off.

"Good thing that Lady Helia arrived here before the criminal got away, that was a close one." A knight remarked. "Hmm... Anders was usually..." Another knight said, wondering about something. "Is something wrong?" "No, it's nothing." The knight answered. The crowd that was stirred soon lost interest as Helia and the others left, and went back to their previous concerns. Though, a few of the knights felt strangely about the occurrence.

The day grew later and soon turned into nightfall. The moon glowed like white ivory high in the sky. The merchant "Lord" Warl, excitedly sloshed liquor around of his wine glass. "Well done, Princess! Well done! It was better than I expected! Not only has my competition been taken care of, he has also been publicly exposed and imprisoned, to boot! I would have liked him dead, but... close enough I suppose." He exclaimed.

Alfred and Quinton stood by Helia's side. The four were at Warl's estate, in the breeze of the merchant's garden. "Now, about our deal..." Said Helia. "Yes. Now that the position is open, I'm now the sole supplier of the goods that Anders once handled, correct?" Warl said, before taking a sip. "The exact particulars are still being arranged, but yes. Those rights will soon exclusively be yours." Helia responded.

"Yes, there's... some difficulty in adjusting my trade to match the requirements that the knights need, I'll be requiring a forty percent raise of the pay that we agreed upon earlier." Warl remarked nonchalantly. "Wait one second. Didn't we discuss the pay could increase only up to fifteen percent if difficulties such as these arise?" Helia asked. "You see, due to all of the troubles in the nation and needing to gather things like permits and such... The cost has greatly increased. But this is a small matter compared to depriving our kingdom's knights of their sole source of supplies!" Warl remarked, the wine in his glass almost spilling as he jolted upwards.

"Hmph, you are a crafty old man. But what makes you think you'll get away with that demand? We could simply bring a replacement to your role." Said Helia. "Could you? In such short notice? Is there one ready to take on all of the rigors and responsibilities for that role? Perhaps they'll charge even more than me. And what will the people do when they learn that you planted that piece of contraband in Mister Anders' goods and now are coercing me to take his place without paying me my proper dues? The inconvenience that would bring to the kingdom, and the scandal that that would bring towards your person would be most... unpleasant for you." Warl said, pouring himself more wine from a nearby bottle on the table.

"Is that so... Indeed it will be. It seems that I have no choice..." Helia remarked. "Yes, yes. A wise choice indeed, princess." Said Warl. "No choice but to have you detained for planting contraband in a competitor's goods and treason against the throne for framing me for it. Such a shame, really." Said Helia, raising her palms upwards towards the sky. "Wait, what? You- You aren't serious, aren't you? You're really derailing your plan and your kingdom because of that?" Warl asked, standing up from his chair and panicking.

"A shame indeed." Quinton remarked, shaking his head. "And your confession was heard clearly by two others here, right?" Helia asked. Alfred and Quinton nodded in response. "You... How could you!" Warl exclaimed, but he glanced towards a figure far away. "Unbelievable! Were you all plotting against me all along?" He exclaimed. Barely illuminated by moonlight, Anders was silently watching behind a tree in the distance.

"You... won't get away with this!" Warl exclaimed. "Oh, threatening me, now. Take him away and lock him in the deepest dungeon available. And set the execution date to soon." Helia remarked, and two shadows emerged from hiding and approached Warl. "You won't-" He was unable to finish his sentence before one of the shadow knights knocked him out. Warl was then dragged away, in chains.

A widely grinning Helia approached Anders. "So you took me all the way here for that sight? It doesn't please me as much as you think it does." Anders remarked. "You should appreciate things more! You'll grow old and boring when you don't enjoy the little things in life like this." Helia exclaimed proudly. "So, did it go exactly as you'd think?" Anders asked. "Well, it went exactly as you said it would..." Helia replied.

Earlier that afternoon, Anders was put in a room and his chains were removed as Helia and the other two met up with him. "You're acting skills need to be more polished, Your Highness." Anders remarked as he stretched after the chains were taken off from him. "I'm not looking to act in any big performances, so why bother?" Helia remarked. "So, did that fool Warl put you up to this? Or is that what you would have him believe?" Anders said, sitting down cross-legged. The room they were in was a quaint meeting room faraway from what would be considered a prison cell.

"Yes, it is. Though I'm not quite sure if I've gone against our agreement yet, I could still... follow up on it." Helia remarked, threatening Anders in a cordial tone. "Hmph, he's not worth all this trouble. What percentage increase in payment have you agreed upon? Fifteen, twenty percent?" Anders asked. "Fifteen." Helia remarked, still smiling. "Once he thinks he's rid of me, he'll raise that price. He'll use his newfound funds and position to deftly rid all of his possible competition, stamping out any threat and continuing to raise the prices because you'd have no other option besides him. It's... unbecoming. There is a reason why he doesn't currently have my position." Anders remarked, distastefully. "And you wouldn't do the same?" Helia asked.

"Not to that extent. It's true that I'd like to keep my position, but a deal's a deal. Deviating from the terms of an agreement or a contract breaks the code of trust that the system of trading goods and services have set out. It's a mutual agreement between all parties that ensures order. Meet up with him later, you'll see his true intentions when he thinks he's already won..." Anders said with a sigh. "I hope what you say holds true. For your sake at least." Helia remarked. "And if it does?" Anders asked. "I get it. You'll be properly compensated for the trouble, fifteen percent works, yes? And an appropriate 'truth' will be served up to the people, but until then you'll be sitting tight, well maybe you should come along to see the look on his face when he sees his plan has failed..." Helia remarked, walking out of the room followed by Alfred and Quinton.

Back under the rays of moonlight, Anders and Helia continued their discussion. "Fifteen percent, huh. He should've just taken it instead of asking for more. But... was his simple haggling with you enough to provoke that response?" Anders asked. "No, it's as you said. He'll do it more and it wasn't mere haggling, he was quickly becoming a threat and it's not like he was well-liked either. You know the old saying: make friends by getting rid of somebody's enemies." Helia remarked. "It's true. He was an upstart and had little friends. It's like he made it his sole purpose to anger his competitors and superiors as much as possible. And so there's no shortage of his enemies. And... he'd been known to go behind others' backs on a deal before..." Said Anders.

"Insinuating something? He betrayed the terms first, so it was rightfully in my power to deal with him." Helia answered. "Indeed it was. But, there are those who don't take kindly to knowing their employer is one who breaks deals, regardless of who started it first." Anders remarked. "Threatening me, Anders?" Helia asked. "Not at all, Lady Helia. I just wish no harm would befall my employer. But, many out there are antsy. Make sure you don't make enemies by agitating your enemies' friends..." Anders said, walking off towards a separate carriage that had been prepared for him earlier.

"Hmph. Just make sure you don't deviate from the terms of the deal!" Helia called out towards him. "I won't, Your Highness. I expect you to do the same." Anders answered. "So, shall we go back Your Highness?" Quinton asked. "Yes, let's return. I'm getting tired, we've a lot to do tomorrow as well. Alfred, prepare the carriage." She remarked. "Yes, Lady Helia." Alfred said, as he and Quinton made their way out. "I've been meaning to ask... What about Warl's estate and possessions, what should happen to them?" Quinton asked. "Leave it to the kingdom to decide. We have more important matters to consider." Helia said, gesturing for Quinton to continue forward.

As her two followers left, Helia lowered her sleeve and removed her gauntlet to take a look at her arm. A symbol of flame appeared: "6 Days" 'Besides, there's more than one thing I need to prepare for. It looks like I'll be taking that unwanted source of strength after all...' She thought. "Lady Helia, is there anything wrong? The carriage is ready." Quinton remarked. "It's nothing. Let's depart." Helia said, putting her gauntlet back on. She followed Quinton to the carriage, and the three of them departed Warl's estate.