Side Story Count Richter POV: Pillars Of Basalt Or Pillars Of Sand (1)

The overcast sky makes the cool winter day feel bitter. An endless series of problems are building upon each other and will soon come to a head.

"What the hell is this?" Shouts Count Vlad Richter. He has been under increasing pressure since he sent out a letter to Duke Avaritan asking for reinforcements.

"It appears to be a pamphlet, Sir Richter," responds the knight captain.

"I can see that, Bernard. I'm not blind!"

"Apologies, my lord." Bernard bows deeply to show his sincerity. He's a tall man with long blonde hair; his sharp nose and narrow eyes make him difficult to approach. This is compounded by the fact that he doesn't speak very often, but most see him as a kind and honorable man.

"The fairies are an asset to the town? And what's this about the sins of the nobles? Who's making these things?"

"We're unsure at the moment, but we believe it's connected to that adventurer child."

"You think a child can do all this?!" Richter gestures broadly to the stacks of pamphlets scattered around his office.

"Well, no, but he could have had some help," Bernard replies. The Count rubs his hands against his temples in frustration.

"It's much more likely that someone else is behind this, and I think I know who it is." The image of a pain-in-the-ass guild master floats through his mind. "Contact Baron Armstong immediately."

"Yes, sir." Bernard moves his massive form out of the room at his command.

[I know many people are against the Duke moving his troops to this town, but they can't all be working together. I just need to silence the dissenters, and this will all go smoothly. With the added wealth from the forest, we should even be able to expand the town.]

'Knock, knock, knock, knock'

The sound emanates from the door that had just closed.

"What!?" The Count snaps. A small man runs into the room and hands him a letter. He then bows and waits for further instructions. Vlad tears open the envelope and reads the parchment inside.

'Dear Count Richter,

I hope the day treats you well. The entire Belmont family is aghast to learn of your supposed incompetence. We can only hope the news we've received is less than true. It would be a terrible sight to see if you were removed from your station.'

[Earl Belmont. He just wants to take my territory for his own. I'm sure he already has one of his cronies lined up to take my position should something happen. He even has the gall to write a letter to taunt me.]

'I can only pray that the Duke makes the right decision after his conquest of the Argon Forest.'

[This son of a bitch.]

'You'll be happy to know both Reynolds and Kobayashi have been very helpful in regards to establishing the new administration. Maybe you would have noticed if you weren't so busy with the former Count's daughter. To think she lived under the same roof as a monster such as yourself; the Belmont family will make sure she is well taken care of.'

A mixture of shame and rage rises through Vlad's stomach until his face turns bright red.

'With the last ten years of peace providing a new era of growth for the kingdom, we have been looking for new areas to expand our interests, and the Argon Forest is the perfect place to start. My merchants, Klein and Patricia, are looking forward to the spring of wealth flowing into the city of Pleiades. With this expanded trade route, we may even be able to rival the capital city of Durum. Our kingdom of Fusia, under King Durum the ninth, will flourish and grow with this expansion. My only concern is that you will try to prevent this growth due to your own selfish drive for power. As it is in the best interest of the people of this country, I shall have you removed from your position as soon as this war ends. It is of utmost importance that the people gain a ruler who isn't as incompetent as one such as you.

-Earl Belmont'

Vlad grits his teeth. His knuckles turn white as his grip tightens on the small piece of paper.

"Dammit!" he shouts. The anger he was suppressing bursts forth, and he tears the letter to shreds.

"My lord?" The small man steps forward with a look of concern.

"Who are the merchants that have been coming to the town recently?"

"I'm not sure."

"Then find out! Also, look into who is producing these pamphlets!"

"Right away!" The small man begins to make for the door when Richter stops him.

"Kira, we may need to assist the fairies, so try to make contact with Baronet Drake's child while you're at it." Kira turns to look at the Count with a confused expression. Not wanting to explain himself, Richter raises his voice. "Just do as I say!"

"Yes, sir!" Kira runs out of the room, leaving the count to stew.

"Fuck…" Richter mumbles to himself and drops his head into his hands. All the work he'd put in for the last several decades is now on the edge of collapsing. Some of his allies have even turned against him. The future looks bleak for the upstart noble. He collects himself and walks outside.

[I need to come up with a plan.]

The dim light of the sky mirrors the nobleman's terrible mood. Snow falls slowly from the sky as a few people trudge through the streets. The lively energy of a growing town is currently being smothered by the chill of winter. He walks quickly down the street toward the market square. The crowd moves out of the way to avoid colliding with the Count. A stray encounter with a high-ranking noble could spell death for citizens if they aren't careful. A small group of children walks in front of him, and he pushes them out of the way.

"Yo! Careful!" The boy at the front cries out. Normally the Count would stop to reprimand the child for his insolence, but today, he's in a hurry. He was never one to go as far as executing people but certainly wanted them to know their place.

"Nick, be quiet. That's a noble."

"He just pushed me!"

"You said you wouldn't cause trouble like this."

"You're right. I'm sorry."

Their voices fade as he rounds a corner and enters the square. The epicenter of the town is much warmer than the residential zone. Crowds of people bustle about their lives despite the cold. Wealth is at the tips of the fingers of anyone willing to grasp it. An undercurrent of excitement grips the inhabitants of this once dying town. The feeling is infectious. Even beggars walk with more energy nowadays.

Vlad enters a large stone building at one corner of the square. This is the most secure place in the whole town. Naturally, the guards let him pass without saying a word. He walks up a flight of stairs to find a lone man sitting at a table, his pen furiously filling out the paper in front of him.

"Well, if it isn't Diligence in the flesh." Richter starts. He sports a broad smile and opens his arms to his last remaining ally.

"Cram it, Vlad. I'm busy."

"You're always busy, Eric."

"All the more reason to stop talking." Vlad sighs at his friend's remark. It seems his flattery won't be getting him anywhere.

"Look, I need your help."

"Give it up. You're screwed." Eric doesn't bother raising his head while he speaks. Trying to earn the favor of a man about to lose his position is pointless.