3 - A reward that can't be refused

October 8th, Year 305: Brigsberg Castle

After leaving his workroom, Faust headed towards a room carrying a stack of papers. All his preparations had finally paid off; he was now putting a new asset in a better position. Though he is not completely aligned with me yet, this would make him highly indebted to me. I lack a pawn in that part of the Kingdom, so this will be a welcome addition. Not only is he not completely incompetent, he will be very easy to manipulate, Faust thought, as he pondered on what to do with all the options he was about to have for himself.

The walk towards the meeting room took just a few moments. As he entered the room, he could barely suppress a smirk. Count Korfell was looking at a painting, sweating profusely while fidgeting with his hands, not even realizing that Faust had entered the room. Oh, this will be even easier than I anticipated, Faust concluded. 

"Good morning, Count Albrecht Korfell" 

"Ah, Duke Holopien. Good morning". Count Korfell responded instantly, getting up from his seat. Even though he was extremely nervous, he was still able to somewhat form a formal greeting. "Apologies, for I was lost in thought." He responded, trying to cover up his embarrassing behavior earlier. 

"Do not worry about it. I also kept you waiting for a bit, due to my busy schedule." 

"Ah, think nothing of it. I'm sure it could not be delayed." 

It was generally rude for a noble to arrive late for an appointment, even if there was a perfectly justifiable reason for it. But Faust knew Count Korfell wouldn't press it further. Not only would it be a grave mistake for a Count to admonish a Duke's behavior no matter how right he would be, he also requested the audience for a reason. Antagonizing the person who could aid him would be foolish, at the very least. 

"In the spirit of earnest apology, I will be glad to tell you. I was in a meeting with the Royal Family, and the content was not completely unrelated to your topic, Count Korfell."

"Oh, please do tell." Count Korfell was begging in his mind for more. Any kind of information coming from the inner circle of the palace was always valuable.

"We've been discussing the current military campaigns and also territory revenue. We recently noticed that you haven't been able to increase tax revenue, even though you have all that additional territory, compared to other Counts". 

Count Korfell nodded nervously. "It is as you say, Duke Holopien. Tax revenue has decreased because I had to redirect a lot of resources into managing all the filthy migrants that came from that accursed land. Even if I turn them into slaves and sell... " He tried to explain, but stopped as soon as Faust raised his hand. 

"Please, don't get me wrong, Count Korfell. I didn't mean anything negative by that. As a matter of fact, the reason I raised the subject is that I expected for this to be the main topic. And I do believe I can propose  suitable solution to you, " Faust explained. Now that you're hooked...

"Ohhh, you truly live up to your title as Prime Minister. In that case, what would you have in mind?" asked Count Korfell, with a hopeful expression

"Well, for a start, I propose relinquishing your territory in the Neutral Lands." suggested Faust. "That way, one source of your headaches would be gone instantly."

"But that... losing territory... isn't that a demotion?" asked Count Korfell, nervously. 

"Quite the contrary. I am actually suggesting a trade."

"A... a trade?"

"Yes. The princes have noticed your superb skills in city management; you can bring the crown a good amount of revenue. The only blemish on your results is in those blasted lands. And although we believe you would be able to develop those lands with proper funding... the current campaigns are the Kingdom's priority. Therefore, I suggest that we hand over the lands for Prince Alphonse to develop them instead, turning them into his brand new domain. It is a burden off your back, if you think about it," Faust explained. 

"It does allow me to further develop my other lands, indeed. But you mentioned a trade, Duke Holopien...?" Count Korfell inquired. 

"Yes. How about... for your generous gift to Prince Alphonse, we give you the rights to manage Verbindeen as soon as we retake it?" Faust suggested. 

Count Korfell's eyes widened. Verbindeen was one of the most important locations in the continent. Not only was it the best access to the rest of the Kingdom from the Novus side, it was also a major trade hub. Managing this city would normally be assigned to a Duke, so even in terms of honor, it would put his family in a much higher position than a regular Count. Count Korfell was still processing the proposal and his good fortune as Faust decided to sweeten the deal. 

"Oh, but this will be a bit difficult to justify to the other nobles, so we will probably need to adjust your position. The princes all agreed on my recommendation. You will be promoted in the meantime, in order to avoid protests from the other nobles. So, congratulations... Marquis Korfell." Faust's announcement almost made Korfell fall onto the sofa. This proposal was much more than he could have hoped for in this visit. "I will assign two full divisions to your fiefdom in order to take Verbindeen in the meantime. This will surely help boost the economy of your fiefdom as well."

"Ohhh, indeed it will. I take it that I will be allowed to increase my personal army?" Korfell inquired.

"Of course... Marquis," Faust confirmed. The fool is eating every word I say. Just calling him Marquis is enough to have him like this. "However, I hope you haven't forgotten my advice from the past. In order to justify such a sudden promotion, we want to marry one of your younger daughters to... Prince Alphonse, as a cover to justify your promotion."

"Wait. One of those two? Why not my eldest... What exactly is your goal here, Duke Holopien?" 

I see. So you're not completely clueless. I guess a bit of awareness and competence is to be welcomed. Faust started to explain his plan to Korfell, as the newly appointed Marquis nodded both in agreement and increasing excitement with each sentence discussed. 

A few moments earlier, another conversation was taking place. As soon as the meeting ended, Princess Cecilia left the room with her two attendants. She wasn't able to make it more than a few steps before someone interrupted her. 

"Sister!" a shout was heard from behind her.

"Oh, brother Velmark. Why so nervous?" asked Cecilia, in a provocative tone. 

"You know full well! What exactly are you scheming?" asked Velmark. 

"Well, nothing much. Faust had the right idea. If Alphonse isn't aiming for the throne, then he's better off working for the Kingdom, wouldn't you agree?" 

"Even if I agree, that is not an assignment, much less a reward! You're just sending him to a dangerous place to create a buffer zone! In an area that has always been uncooperative towards the Kingdom!" Velmark shouted, but he knew that Cecilia's reasoning was sound. There was no harm in having one of the lower ranked princes to benefit the Kingdom in some way, and since he had already stated publicly that he would not aim for the throne, it wouldn't be seen as backlash or the princes trying to rid of one of the competitors. 

"You don't have to worry about acceptance. I am certain that the one accompanying him will serve him well in that regard..."

"You... what did you do?"

"If you really want to know, you won't have to worry. It will become public soon enough," Cecilia smirked. "Little brother. You may be bright, but you don't know everything. And you certainly cannot control everything. So, I hope you do not to interfere with my plans..." 

Velmark's attendants turned sharp, and their bodies tensed up. Cecilia's attendants kept their posture, but even an unseasoned warrior would realize that they also had their guards up. Cecilia gestured for them to calm down, and Velmark followed suit, prompting his own attendants to do the same. 

"Have a nice day... little brother," Cecilia bid him farewell and left through the hall. Velmark breathed deeply in order to regain his composure.

"Your Highness... " 

"Don't worry about it. We need to act soon, since my brother is coming back soon, and I don't intend to allow Cecilia to do as she pleases freely." He quickly produced a piece of paper and wrote on it. He then handed it over to his oldest attendant. "Rayenne, please follow the instructions here. I will have Ayla keep her bodyguard duties in the meantime"

Rayenne took the piece of paper and nodded. As soon as she read the contents, she became slightly flustered. "This is... Yes, Your Highness!" She quickly regained her composure and agreed with the instructions. Prince Velmark nodded in satisfaction. Let's see we're able to turn it around with these measures, Though Prince Velmark, as he watched her attendant leave. 

"Ayla..."

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Let us make additional preparations. It's not like I'm allying with Alphonse, but one can never have too many options."

October 11th, Year 305: Halfsberg Kingdom's capital, Brigsberg

It took six full days days for Alphonse's carriage to arrive at the Halfsberg's capital city, Brigsberg. Right after dealing with the expected procedures in order to pass the western gatehouse, Alphonse's senses registered the familiar scenery, and he let out a faint, but heartfelt smile. After many weeks of a strenuous military campaign, he was finally home. 

Brigsberg is, as expected of any capital city, a very bustling city, and this day was no exception.
The sound of men, women and children carrying various goods across the city, the sight of merchants frantically appealing to the best of their abilities to the passing citizenry, to sell off their wares, the sounds of people drinking and enjoying their free time at the local pubs. I never expected to admit it, but I actually missed this city, thought Alphonse, as his carriage passed the commoner's district. Although noticeably poorer when compared to the noble's district, the living conditions of an average commoner in the capital allow him to live comfortably at the level of a wealthier resident from other cities. This higher standard of living was one of the reasons behind the prosperity of the Kingdom, an achievement that people would normally not associate with the late King.

Father paid a lot of attention to the domestic matters, even though people will most likely remember him only for his military achievements. We did gain a lot of territory, after all. Still, it's like judging the house only by it's exterior beauty, and not the strength of its foundations, Alphonse thought, as he pondered the true meaning of his summons. Although he was not adept at court politics and power moves, he was sharp enough to realize there was more than simply presenting a reward.

In order to leave a relatively peaceful life, he removed himself from succession conversations. Nevertheless, nobles attempting to gain influence would try to support him, and rise up, even if he would be taking a supportive role for the new king. The nobles could still resort to sabotage and assassination in order to weaken other factions and seize power in the medium to long term. The reason they would choose him was simple; some noble houses had little to no influence in the court, thus making it very difficult for them to insert themselves into a higher level of politics. Those were normally barred from joining an existing faction because their rivals would prevent them from doing so. Nobles already in factions supporting a prince would be more powerful; it was almost impossible to succeed using either conventional or underhanded methods. Therefore, if no faction would welcome them, creating a new faction would be the only option left. Most princes had already established their own connections and formed alliances, except for the younger ones. Alphonse was one of them. 

I really messed up this time. I had no intention of making a name for myself, but I couldn't leave that army to flank our main forces. Even if we won, the casualties would be enormous. Alphonse found himself having to choose between duty and preventing a lot of casualties on his side or calling attention to his name. At the end of the day, he lacked the resolve and detachment to use his own men as disposable pawns in such situation, a decision he was still unaware of the full consequences. Well, no matter. Let us just get over it, and see what Faust will ask me to do next. Alphonse knew Faust had some reason to assign him to the Vestia campaign, but away from the frontline. Not knowing Faust's plan made him a little bit anxious, but he could hardly do anything about it. Not only did he not have retainers with which to help, he was also deemed too young to have his own retinue yet. Well, I'll find out about it when I reach there, he concluded. As the intrusive thoughts remained in Alphonse's mind, the carriage continued on its path toward the Royal Palace. The path led him to the training grounds, where he saw a few men practicing sword swings.

Well, I do have a bit of time. Signaling the driver to stop at that location, he went straight into the locker rooms and changed his current attire to training clothes. He then began practicing a few swings. This routine would calm him down, and he often trained in order to clear his mind and make better decisions. 

However, this day would not be ordinary. Alphonse caught the attention of Olaf, the main retainer of Prince Ortho, who was training potential candidates for prince Ortho's retinue . Originally part of the King's retinue, Olaf was asked to form Prince Ortho's retinue before King Klaus III passing. Having found no talented persolnel that fit his standards, Olaf decided to train them thoroughly himself, thus seeing Prince Alphonse, a possible competitor as an eyesore.

"Prince Alphonse. It is good to see you back from the campaign. I was not informed of your return, though," probed Olaf. 

"Thank you, Olaf. You are right, I have just arrived. I was traveling for so long that I felt the need for a bit of exercise." Alphonse tried to avoid raising attention to his presence, while still doing practice swings with his sword. 

"Indeed. Only those who know war see how essential it is to remain sharp. Nevertheless, a noble  prince such as yourself should enjoy the protection our royal guards can provide." 

"Yet, in a campaign, there are no guards to protect me at all times. And since I'm not yet able to have my own retinue..." Alphonse responded, a little fed up with the provocation.

Freaking brat. He knows... Olaf cursed in his mind. Olaf had acted in order to delay the permission for Alphonse to start his retinue. Even Velkmark, who was a few years younger, already had two attendants forming his retinue. Alphonse's facial expression and provocation made it clear to him. Alphonse was aware of Olaf's meddling. Fine, let us see you get a little pain over it.

"Tergan."

"Yes, Master Olaf?"

"What do you say about a little... practical training? Why not have a quick spar with our dedicated and talented... Prince? I believe His Majesty would be thrilled to stretch those muscles a bit after such a long journey..." Olaf, blinded by pride, decided to push for a spar in the middle of the training grounds ; it was far from being an official duel, but the social pressure implied by it was still enough for a person to feel compelled to accept it. If it were another prince, he would surely pay severe consequences. However, he was aware of prince Alphonse's standing in the court, so he expected to get away with his actions with a slap on the wrist, at most. Tergan seemed to realize it as well. As his most talented man and his right arm, he knew exactly how provoked Olaf felt by those words, no matter how accurate they were. 

"As you wish, Captain." Tergan sheathed his sword and put it on a nearby bench. He then reached calmly for a group of practice wooden swords. Picking up a pair, he gave one of them to one of his retainers, who hurried to Prince Alphonse to present it to him. Alphonse had already put his sword aside and received the wooden one, barely letting out an expression. This demeanor served to  irritate all the other retainers present, interpreting this as sign of arrogance. No matter, thought Tergan. I'll just beat the crap out of this pretentious boy, and put him in his place. 

Both stood in front of each other and put their left hands, the non-dominant ones in front of their hearts, showing the sign of respect that is shown at the beginning of each duel; one hand on their weapon to show constant readiness, and the other to represent having their hearts in this duel. After the signal, both assumed their stances, waiting for a starting signal.