337: 268. Aftermath and Talks of Alliance.

268. Aftermath and Talks of Alliance.

****1

Two days later, Plato arrived at the Imperial capital by riding emergency Dragons. At the Imperial Capital of Aelius, there was a lot of hubbub going on in the court after all the nobles and bureaucrats got the news of a successful deal and an alliance via marriage.

Even all the Dukes hurried to the Imperial capital after knowing about the alliance.

Duke Blackwolf murmured as he read all the reports by his spies and compared it to the information given by the newspapers which were distributed by North Frontier times and Sky times, "It seems they value truthful reporting. Even though there might be a little bit of bias in their reporting but when it comes to facts they are reporting factually. Fen, what do you think about this latest report on the Radiant Church."

Fen, the chief spy of Duke Blackwolf too nodded his head in agreement and spoke, "Yes Milord, I too have noticed the same. All of their reports till today have been factually correct. My spies have verified those personally. I too personally verified some of the important facts. Though late, it was true. Plus knowing Ghosts, I am sure that they are collating all the information via their intelligence organizations. In fact, it is the private news publishers that post a lot of fake news to suit their interests. I came to this conclusion after my spies gave me a lot of conflicting news as compared to the news reported in their newspapers. A lot of times they exaggerate small things to attract more readers. It is a sort of entertainment column among us who deal in information. This time also I am sure that they have reported correct news about Radiant Church's underground activities. Also, it is logical as Radiant Church is losing its influence among people and trying to reach a new market of believers which they believe may give a dividend in the future. It is a long-term game plan by the radiant church. I think we can start our preparations and try to contact the Longbonder family. I am sure the Royal family has the same plans."

Duke nodded as he spoke, "It looks like the carriage has reached the Imperial Court. Let's hurry since Plato may come with extra news today. I have heard that he has also arrived with General Endo and 2 of his commanders. From this, it can be seen that John has quite the trust, or at least he doesn't care if Aelius reneges on the new contract. He might as well be hoping and baiting us to renege it. However, this time the trade benefits outweigh the benefits even if we win the war as Fire-abyss and Bryndyll will just be hoping to find an excuse and extend help to Sky and occupy our territory from the sides. Fen, continue your investigation on Prince Hector's movements and also keep an eye on Prince Lukavv. Last time I heard from Justin that he was in the North-frontier city of Sky."

***

Duke Fjord was furrowing his brows as he read all the reports. Duke Fjord spoke as he read a report from one of his spy merchants, "It looks like our shipbuilding industry will be facing a major competitor unless we diversify our industry. Either we will be swallowed by Royal Family or we will go bankrupt in about 20 years. This is problematic, It looks like I will have to give some benefits to the Royal family in our Laguna Shipyard works to protect our interests."

Duke Fjord sighed as he lamented and murmured in a slow voice, "I shouldn't have been greedy and used Evan as an excuse to fight Sky. Even though I knew and suspected that John had certainly not plotted the conspiracy against Evan, I still went with the flow to fulfill my greedy ambitions. Now that I look back, all of my children have been venomous against each other. I have to sort this out. As far as Henry goes, he should anyway be rooted out lest he becomes a tumor in the future. Bad debt (Bad blood) has already been accumulated and it can't be sorted without shedding blood. Maybe I should try to negotiate with Duke Rose to end it."

*****

Before going to Imperial Palace, Plato scheduled a meeting with Prince Hector. Prince Hector too was nervously waiting as he knew that he had to convince him of the details regarding the Greenwood's conspiracy and change the political winds even if little.

Alistair who was watching Prince Hector from the sides poured some tea and spoke, "Milord, you have to calm down and not look even a little bit nervous in front of Lord Plato or else you will look weak. You also have to pretend that you have quite good ties with Longbonders and other Nobles you have gathered under your banner. Currently, it is in their interests to gather all the slaver nobles against the Radiant Church. This will also be beneficial to you as Prince Felix will be in a bind now that Radiant Church has offended most of the nobles in the Kingdom. Your war against Sky was for the same reason just that pretext was different Milord. Most of the Royalty and Nobles felt a threat when Sky released all the slaves as freemen of Sky. This time Radiant Church thought that it might do its activities underground for about 5 years and later when Aelius wages a war then they might show their fangs. It's a pity that they took a fight against Sky and Lord John this time around."

Prince Hector listened and thought, 'No wonder, those guys in court including the nobles were going on with my whims. I guess I was the one who was manipulated by others and got a bad name by dirtying my own hands. I should have listened to Alistair when Charlie instigated me. If I have a capable subordinate in analyzing things, why not use it? This time I have to convince Plato about this fact even if he doesn't belong to my camp anymore. As far as my avenging my humiliation is concerned, it can as well be done in the future.' 

Prince Hector thought as he nodded and spoke, "Alistair, I have considered your opinion and decided to act on some of it. Immediately send one of our fastest messengers to Redwood City and send our greetings to Concubine Anna. And take the Painting of 'Couples viewing Moonlake Sunset' and gift it to her, I hope it reaches her before anyone else. I have heard that she has a lot of interest in Paintings and I have decided to win the favor of his majesty via Concubine Anna. We have to stabilize my political future for now. Even If I can't become a king, I have to bide my time."

Alistair smiled as he nodded and understood his intentions and made preparations to send the messenger.

After some time, Plato arrived in a carriage along with 5 Imperial guards towards Prince Hector's castle. It looked like the guards were specially deployed by the Imperial court for his safety.

Looking at the Imperial guards, the guardsmen of the castle furrowed their brows as they knew that nothing good would come if they tangled with these guys.

One of the senior guards signaled his men and warned, "Don't try anything funny, I am sure you and the other guys are already informed of their arrival. Go and inform Master Alistair of their arrival and also prepare to welcome the guests."

The men nodded and proceeded after Plato's announced their arrival.

One of Plato's subordinates spoke as he was quite shocked, "It looks like quite behaved this time around unlike previously whenever we arrived. It seems they have shed the previous arrogance after the last North-south war, Milord."

Plato smiled and spoke, "It is understandable. They were the ones who roared loudly for war previously. So it must be expected that they bear the most responsibility and shame from people. I am sure they know of the current crisis and hence the change in behavior. If not, I would have pitied and laughed at their stupidity at the current political crisis they are facing. Anyway, you guys must be on guard in case they try anything funny. There is a reason why you guys are escorting me since nothing can be sure when it comes to his highness."

The guards nodded seriously and immediately announced their arrival as guards of the castle came along with Alistair to greet them.

As soon as Alistair came, he greeted Plato, "How was your journey, Lord Plato? I have just recently heard of your exploits in negotiations with Sky. I have already informed his highness of your arrival. He is getting ready to meet you."

Alistair nodded as he took out a parchment and spoke, "Yes, the negotiations were pretty hectic but His Majesty Sky was quite flexible during the negotiations apart from certain bottom lines which he wouldn't bend. I am sure you know the reason for my visit this time around. We are going to talk in detail about the Greenwoods village massacre so that we can sort this out and have the right narrative. This is also the reason why the court has provided me with Imperial guards. Here is the order from the court with a stamp and signature from his Majesty. You can look at it and pass it to his Highness in case he objects it."

Alistair looked at the parchment scroll at the side and thought, 'It looks like even the imperial court and his majesty are not sure about Prince's behavior in case he lashes out at Plato for going against him politically which may get intensified due to the topic of today's talks. Well, it's good that they have a warrant which explicitly says not to harm Plato. It looks like Plato has done a lot of heavy lifting during his negotiations with Sky. No wonder they emphasize his safety for safe passage of negotiations with Sky lest we become a laughing stock.'

Alistair nodded and spoke, "That won't be a problem, Lord Plato. His highness already knows about today's talks so there won't be a problem for your guards to escort you."

Alistair then looked at his subordinate and asked him to deliver the parchment to his highness.

Alistair continued and spoke to Plato, "Let's go, I will be escorting you to the meeting room.

Plato thought as he looked at Alistair and his actions, 'It looks like his authority has increased after the previous defeat. From this, it can be seen that his highness has learned some lessons after this defeat. But as a Royalty, I don't think he will reduce any of his malicious thoughts toward his opponents and will certainly strike back at them in 1 form or another. So I better be careful even if he has matured and learned to hide his fangs. Also, let's see what was really cooking up in the last war and especially the Greenwood village massacre.'

*****

Dwight was quite disturbed today after reading the newspaper about the engagement between Sally and his Majesty John, He thought as he looked at the incense sticks,  'Though this is wrong however Grandma is right, those guys are taking advantage for setting up this political marriage, it should be cousin Eva and John who should be marrying. Plus I know that cousin Eva likes John so there shouldn't be a problem with grandma's plan. We are just pushing them 1 step forward. Okay, I have decided that I will do it today regardless of the consequences.'

Dwight greeted the guards at Administrative Palace as they checked his ID and let him inside after checking his bag, they didn't find anything wrong with incense sticks. After entering, A lot of people greeted him as they knew that Dwight used to come with Grand Potioneer Melanie.

After asking around, he got to know that Eva was at Josephine's office as they discussed how to handle the integration of Guild members along with Magicians under them.

Dwight thought as he remembered the schedule that Melanie showed to her previously, 'According to her usual schedule, cousin Eva would be meeting John today after lunch. Who knows I may even get a reward for completing this task. I better make the preparations.'

Dwight showed the guard his token which represented Melanie and spoke, "Grandma Melanie had left some documents a few days back. I am here to check them out. Okay?"

Guard saw the token and murmured, "It's okay. Don't take too much time."

Dwight murmured as he used Melanie's authority to visit the room in the guise of looking for documents, "Okay, this is the room which is mostly used by John for discussing matters related to Blue Paradise. I better hurry up and complete the preparations. The meeting will mostly start within an hour so I make it so that it starts burning in an hour."

Dwight smiled as he left the chambers to inform Melanie about his current plan in case he gets caught.

****

The next day after the ruckus in Sky, 

Prince Chad had already traveled to Bliss City, the Capital of the north of Duke Norman's domain.

Chad's group had already reached Bliss City's administrative headquarters. Norman's secretary was already welcoming Chad's Chief guard and spoke as soon as they arrived, "We have already made preparations for your arrival. Duke would like to make it more discreet."

Chad stopped his chief guard from lashing out and spoke, "Yes, It's Okay, I was already informed about this in the previous letter. Today's talks are rather important and hence my previous actions in Sky and Fire-abyss."

Chad thought, 'If I had more information on Sky then I would have rather hedged my bets. I got baited by that cunning Fredric this time around. I wish I had relented on some of my terms and conditions for the alliance via marriage rather than pressurizing them by Supporting Draco. Well, I am already riding a tiger so it can't be helped. Anyway, I better get Norman in my hands this time around.' 

Chad's chief guard Gin sighed as he thought about the fight which took place in Sky, 'We would have changed our plans if we knew that Sky was hiding so much of its firepower. Rather than a hostile relationship, we would have preferred a neutral relationship with his domain. Now Bidder has an upper hand when it comes to Sky Kingdom. Well, we can still use the power of Demon Nobles to force his hand. And Duke Fredric played us good or just that his bets paid off in resisting.'

Duke Norman's secretary nodded as he understood and spoke, "Your Highness, the venue is ready for talks, Please follow me so that you can rest first and make appropriate arrangements."

Meanwhile, Duke Norman was in his chambers as he took the report about the fight that took place between John and Irmela in the Sky Kingdom and also the report about the City of lights. 

Duke Norman called his Internal Affairs minister Lavern to gain his perspective. Internal Affairs Minister Lavern was an old man who also served the previous duke and helped the duke make King owe him a favor.

Kyle arrived at Norman's Chambers, after giving his greetings to the duke they directly came to the point as there was less time.

Kyle looked at the report and asked, "Milord what is the source of this information?"

Duke Norman nodded and spoke as he handed over 3 different reports, "There are 3 sources, 1 is from Longbonder Family, 1 is from our spies in Sky via Aelius's embassy and 1 is from Prince Chad who saw the whole fight personally. Most of the details in their report are similar. Here, take a look at their reports."

Kyle thought deeply and as he looked at the individual reports, "I get the gist of the events that took place during the signing ceremony. Looks like Sky hid more than what we initially thought. Although Prince Chad is cooperating with us he looks disgruntled due to the large difference between the Information provided to him and what was really the case when it comes to Sky kingdom. And from our own reports, it looks like he took the fight head-on with Lord John at the auction and is most probably regretting the confrontation since it was his Elder Brother Bidder who gained the most out of that confrontation and also Duke Fredric. Anyway, they can't back out now unless there is a big change in their position."

Kyle saw the Map of Aelius with a sharp look and pointed to North- and East of Norman's domain i.e. Sky Kingdom and spoke to Duke, "The Current trends indicate that the Sky Kingdom will be a big trouble for us in the future. Their moves are quite sneaky. However, the only surprising thing is them giving back most of the occupied land apart from Greenwood Village. If I was his advisor I wouldn't have advised him to give up the occupied land or at least fight for more interests. I wonder what will he gain by more slaves or a trade deal. Or maybe I can't imagine the big picture that he is imagining and my lack of foresight with regard to his moves. But my Instinct says that it wouldn't be good for Aelius as a whole. He is most probably biding his time to accumulate strength to make bigger moves."

Duke Norman sighed as he heard the inevitable from Kyle's analysis and asked, "Ok, how do we proceed for this alliance today? I don't want a conflict of Interest that might sour our relations."

Kyle thought and spoke, "One of our main goals is private property i.e. Slaves which is being encroached on by the Radiant Church and next is influence. At first, we thought that Lord John would be our biggest problem in the present due to him freeing slaves in his domain and influencing other but after knowing the policies of Radiant Church. It looks like they are the biggest obstacle in present. The Pot they are stirring may cause civil unrest in the whole of the region apart from Sky since they don't have a problem with slaves as everyone gets freed over there. So I reckon, we should first focus on Radiant Church because opening 2 fronts will not be good. Also, the kingdom has already made a deal with Sky so the trends are obvious. Here we will have to gauge the propensity of Revenge against Lord John by Prince Chad. It would be good if we don't take the conversation that way."

"Next we can make an offensive-defensive alliance with demons in case the Imperial court sues and criminalizes us for our relations with demons due to our need to balance the region. We already have the Sky Kingdom in the North and Northeast, and Duke Fredric's Bluesea domain in the North and Northwest. while the neutral domains of Fireabyss Kingdom are on the West. Now, Sky and Bluesea domains are most probably tied by marriage as far as rumors go. We can't pour resources on all fronts. Especially the combined front of Duke Fredric and his Majesty John. Here we need external help, so Fire-abyss kingdom is the perfect choice to balance the region plus Bluesea family has quite some friction with Fire Abyss's Demonic Imperial court due to a conflict of interests. We can call on them if the Imperial Court refuses to support us in times of war. While Fire-abyss kingdom gets an open path to the strategic locations of Aelius and Sky."

Duke Norman thought a while and nodded with agreement, "Yes, this plan seems feasible. We can have both i.e. Internal Support of the Kingdom and the power of the current peace deal signed by his Majesty John and also the External support of Fire-abyss in case Lord John tears up the contract and decides to invade. The most he can do is try a few tricks on the border against us. Here, both of us can also make good enough deals that can be beneficial by opening markets for each other. Plus we will have greater access to the fire-abyss markets due to a direct deal with Prince Chad as compared to Sky which has a deal with Prince Bidder who has half the commoner bloodline. But this trade deal will be tricky. I will leave it up to you to handle it."

Kyle nodded and spoke, "Okay, I will make enough preparations to make this alliance a reality. My Lord, The alliance partners are already in their guest rooms so its better if we prepare early and greet all the stakeholders."

pqdm.com