Prep

"Wait!" Shouted the little teen with tears of fear rolling down his cheeks. He pushed out of the huddle of guards, cuffing his palms with buckling knees and terribly stiff shoulders.

"We do not wish for war! I am Karval, a disciple of Lord Ventura, one of the twelve champions of Winterpool. We by no means wish you disrespect. I can assure you, Lord Snow."

Zanris gave a mischievous smile that smelt of blood and tilted her head like a cat up to no good. " Is that right? But Karval. I'm sure you can see it our way. You are less than one hundred years while we are over a cycle. From how I see it, it's quite insulting. Don't you think, Master?"

"I still stand by what I said. But I am a kind King. So boy, I'll give you a single chance. Just one before I mail you back to your Master in pieces. And don't mince words. I'm in a hurry."

Unease prickled the boy's skin, and his head dipped to my disappointment; this was not children's business. I'm not here to train the boy or be his stepping stone or milestone. I am a King, not a pawn.

"Boy… I'll not wait long. Entertain me or be my lunch."

Peering into his little heart, I couldn't help but be shocked at how fortified it was. Sure the brat was scared, but his mind seemed more put together than Devils. A feat that wasn't small.

He snapped his eyes to me and spoke with a tinge of regal that couldn't be concealed from my ear, " We of the Twelve Lords of Winterpool wish an alliance with the Nation of Noctem. Winterpool is prepared to offer various herbs, spices, and metals for trade that could benefit Noctem."

Zanris slid her eye to me, and I was a little tempted: This was what was needed in the Hells. Money wasn't a problem when you could take out a line of credit. Plus, I have the Abyss, a land untapped by anyone.

"That's all nice, but I'm more curious about how a child is supposed to do business. What is your title aside from disciple? You do not represent the treasury or the armory. Head back to Winterpool. I'll allow you, your head, this once. But next time you return, it's best to be with someone with relevance. If not, I'll kill you and everyone they sent."

"Lord Snow, I assure you I—"

"You are but a child. I don't do business with children, even if you have a superior mind. Any promises you make mean shit in the end. If you don't wish to be nothing, gain a title that doesn't use your master name. Be a man. Now fuck off."

Waving Karval away, I ignored the brightening of the child's cheeks, flushed with anger and embarrassment. But I couldn't find it in me to give a single fuck. The fact I didn't outright kill him was already a testament to my control. There'll be no next time, though.

Staring as the Delegates of Winterpool left under my eye, I turned to Zan smiling. "What's with that look."

"Zan is curious as to why you allowed him to leave."

"We need supplies. Ready any armies down here. I need the land around what's left of the Eben Forest to be cultivated, same with the skies. Use all our technology. Also, get in contact with Genisis. Those bastards have a lot of technology that can be of relevance to us."

Going over a few things I required of Zanris, my expression slowly went to ice on the discussion of Aether and the Ilthad.

"The Black family will probably send someone to speak alliance soon. Same with the other lands that lost good soldiers in our last skirmish. The Ilthad will be appearing soon as well. Give them the best treatment and signal to them that they are welcome in Noctem. And if you see one with high potential, outright give him control of this land, and tell him to conquer Iluthath. Their price will be ten percent of what they conquer."

"... That's a lot, Master. Can we go to Seven percent? Iluthath is massive, but the Ilthad are without land. Let's abuse their needs for a holy land. Not like they can do anything about it."

I smiled at that… she was good.

"Do whatever you feel is right. But the cap is ten percent. Contact me through the Holocube once everything is done. Now before I go, is there anything I need to know?"

Zanris frowned a bit and nodded. "Maybe. I was contacted a few months ago by the Head of the Court of Nox, Yornen. Seems he needs something."

Yornen…"How'd he sound?"

"Cold, aloof. He didn't give away anything." Said Zanris stoically, with a cute frown. "He gave me a holocube to contact you." She opened her palm, revealing a black and gold cube brimming with Ilthadian runes. Feeling the Astral energy bleeding out of the cube, I knew it was a secure line."

"Lily is the Ilthad, my enemy?"

"Depends how you look at it." Replied Lily. "Crowe is their mortal enemy. He became so angry after… Well, that doesn't matter. But he hates them. Iza and hubby are cool with them, though."

"…hubby?"

"I'm going to 'down' your Son. That's a fact… and your daughter. Crowe can get it too! "

"…"

Lily needs god.

Clearing my throat to rid myself of this crazy woman's fantasy, I took hold of the Holocube. " Also, get in touch with the Trading Guild, and start buying resources but go through Karr when doing so."

"K!" She said brightly. "Can Zan get some hugs and kisses now?"

"Nope. Do a good job, and you can have some. Call me if you're not sure." I said, shadow stepping back into the Nines, right onto the bridge littered with endless souls.

Ash of Arakiel's wings was still billowing over my flesh, searing my soul and flesh with its death touch. Same with the souls surrounding me. But this all gave me an idea.

"Arsene… you were struck down by the Holy Ghost. Do you want to anger him and Hellmaster?"

"It's a lower realm."

"These souls belong to the Hells."

"But…"

"You've been warned." Said Lily.

"..."