Fine Dining

The Earl and Countess led the way to a smaller dining room on the first floor. The table was already set for their late lunch. It seemed the protocol was going to be observed pretty strictly today, as his father opened the door and let Alberic enter with a bow.

Alberic stood by the seat at the head of the table. His father stopped by the seat on the Prince's right, with his mother next to him. Rosamund stood on Alberic's left, with Nivelir next to him. They sat down after the Prince, who still looked rather pleased with himself.

The servants brought in the first course.

"Quite the storm, is it not?" Alberic started the conversation. "How is the earldom managing?"
"Decently, my lord," his father replied. "There will certainly be deaths, unfortunately, considering the chill. I will have men digging out the roads to villages as soon as it weakens to minimize the damage. Thankfully, there have been no reports of avalanches as of yet."
"You seem to have stocked up well for the winter."
"We are used to the cold in our land. Are your chambers comfortable?"
"Very much so. And your servants are rather discreet. That is appreciated when they come and tend to the fire during the night."
"I am pleased to live up to your standards, my lord."
"Come now, sir, I am nothing less than reasonable. I did arrive here with only a day of announcement."
"While I understand the urgent nature of your visit, I would appreciate an earlier notice next time, my lord," Countess said.

This was the second time she had spoken out of turn, while Alberic was conversing with someone else. Alberic didn't seem to mind. He instead gave her his most charming smile.

"Considering the nature of my visit, I am sure you understand that I won't apologize."

"Is the nature of your visit to scrutinize my ability to run this household, my lord?"

Just for a moment, he narrowed his eyes at her. Rosamund clenched his fist, well aware he was not allowed to interject in his mother's defense. She was now openly challenging the Prince's manners and he was worried how the man would react.

However, the moment passed harmlessly and Alberic relaxed again.

"It would appear I have offended my host. Please accept my sincerest apologies then, my lady. If I should not come to judge your skills in the future, you will be notified of my visits well in advance."

The Countess gave him a dignified nod.

Alberic was ready to move on from this conversation. "And where is your younger son, Earl Alsop en la Dale?" he asked.
"He is currently in Hipparcos, my lord."
"I am aware," he said. "How come he hasn't joined us for a meal?"
"I believe Lord Governor would be better suited to answer this question," he mildly said. "Unfortunately, neither of my sons is particularly fond of informing their poor parents on how they're faring."
"Fondness has nothing to do with it, father," Rosamund finally spoke up. He was now directly addressed, so he had the right to respond. "The time I spend away from home simply tends to drain me. With so much to do in such little time, I have next to no energy to write a letter at the end of the day."
"Well, then. Now that we have you here, Lord Governor, perhaps you may enlighten us on the topic of Honorable's absence," Alberic said.

Even the Second Prince spoke to him directly before even the first course was done? He really was showing interest for Lilac. Why?

"My brother had spent quite a lot of time making the teleportation circle, which left him rather exhausted. His apprentices stayed behind in the Capital and will only rejoin him later. He did this highly complex magic all on his own, so he requested a break from social duties. A break I am more than happy to provide. I believe he will stay in Hipparcos for quite a while and I cannot provide a date for his return at this time."

Did he ask out of personal interest? Unlikely. Did the Queen put him up to this? Or perhaps- the Duchess? Unknown. Rosamund was looking straight at him while talking, but the mildly disappointed look on his face revealed absolutely nothing. Did he want Lilac here? If so, why?

This was not the time to ask, he firmly decided. Alberic now lost interest in him again and turned back to his father. All he had was random guesses running through his mind. Poking around while speculating worked on Adanita, but he didn't dare to try it with a royal.

The conversation Alberic had with his parents turned to the topic of trade and business in the Earldom. His father carefully kept it apolitical and polite. He was happy to discuss the agriculture and development of his land, but he refused to gossip his colleagues. Alberic respected that and followed along, not prying into matters unsuitable for lunch.

After Alberic was satisfied with the pleasant conversation, they brought in the second course. It was Rosamund's turn, then.

"That is a rather lovely pin you have, Lord Governor," he said. "If somewhat old-fashioned, perhaps?"
"The fashion trends differ in the colony, my lord," he replied. "Thank you for the compliment."
"So you bought it in Hipparcos?"
"Yes, my lord. It was rather expensive, but I supposed I deserved it considering all the ordeals I had gone through after receiving my new position."
"Bixbite, I believe? And masterful craftsmanship."
"Thank you, my lord. You are correct."
"What else is there in Hipparcos?"
"It is a city of decent size, although I believe it is somewhat smaller than Hannau Cove. It is surrounded by lovely larch forests, and the weather suits me well... mostly. I am afraid there is another storm coming, and we still didn't finish recovering from the first one."
"Is it because of the winter?"
"Yes, my lord. I was told the storms usually weaken and strengthen with the seasons."
"I see you've had your fair share of adventures indeed. Have you been in a duel, Lord Governor?"
"Yes. I was in one formal duel with a pirate captain that goes by the name of Jason Lotus. I have also fought Captain Vervain. I lost to her, although I defeated both Lotus and her first mate."
"You lost to the Pirate Queen?" he asked. "Rather embarrassing. Did the scar on your face come from her, too?"

The damn thing was barely visible, and yet the nobles will likely continue bringing it up. He needed to keep it cool. Was this also meant to be an insult for Nivelir?

"No, my lord. Most of my injuries were caused by Captain Lotus. Captain Vervain was so far out of my league she did not need to leave a mark on me to defeat me. It is not shameful to lose to your betters."


"Every loss," Alberic quietly hissed, "is an embarrassment, Lord Governor."


Rosamund stared him down with a completely neutral look on his face. Which hell did this damned idea come from?

"Every loss is a learning opportunity, my lord. Nobody can win forever. The sooner you learn the limits of your abilities, the sooner you will start to try to grow beyond them," he said. "Otherwise, you are nothing better than a large fish in a very small, suffocating pond."

The way Alberic was looking at him was completely indecipherable. What the hell was going on? Clearly the young man slipped up somehow, but there was some strange turmoil behind his eyes. Did he read something into his words? Rosamund was thoroughly confused, but Alberic let it slide again as he leaned back in his seat.

"Interesting way to view this world, Lord Governor. You have given me something to think about."

Well?? Was this a good thing?! "If that is the case, I will be happy to continue the debate at a later time, my lord," he said, keeping himself perfectly calm.

"Until then, the two of you should tell us about your journey to Hipparcos," he said.

Well, it did take them over a month to get there. Rosamund permitted Nivelir to take over this part as the man recalled the mostly uneventful trip. He only occasionally added something to keep the conversation going, careful to steer it away from the more sensitive topics. Not that he expected his duels to be among those.

The rest of the meal stayed reasonably pleasant. By the time of the dessert, they were allowed to speak more freely, so Rosamund took his chance when conversation turned to the weather again.

"This storm will severely affect the lands, I'm afraid. However, I have heard already that the Church provided some help to the people unable to keep themselves warm."
"The Church and My Royal Mother both," Alberic replied. "She had sent the guards to take care of our people."
"Oh, yes. I have heard that the Royal Magician has provided everybody with enchanted clothes. How has she been doing?"
"I do hope you don't expect any gossip from me, Lord Governor."
"I wouldn't dare to ask for it. I am simply inquiring about a family friend, my lord."
"Hm. I suppose. She seems to be faring well, although I cannot say I am too close to her. I'd recommend you write her a letter instead of asking me."
"Thank you. I will certainly do so, when I have the time." He needed to make it less conspicuous of a question. His lack of interest in the Duchess seemed to at least imply that she wasn't behind his questions about Lilac's absence. "Have there been any news of Captain Verlice?"
"She is currently sailing on the other side of the two continents," Alberic replied. From the way he acted, Rosamund decided that he likely didn't suspect a thing. After all, he was simply asking about his old colleagues. "We've received news that she got engaged to the Prince of Madol some time ago, but I have no other details for you," he added.
Rosamund allowed himself a smile. "I am happy to receive such good news. Thank you for telling me."
"Hm. To think some news could have such an influence... I have finished my meal," he announced. "You are free to go. Lord Governor, take my men with you and bring forth the witnesses and evidence. Vice Admiral Khamil's people and his alleged assassins will be joining us here while I conduct my interviews."
"Will you have us bring Vice Admiral to you, too?"
"Yes, but not today. Tomorrow morning should be well, and I don't wish him to stay in this manor after the interview."
"Yes, my lord. I will arrange for this."
"Good. Dismissed."

Alberic split off from them, heading for his office, while the rest of the group went downstairs to the main entrance.


"It will be alright, Rosamund," his mother assured him as he was dressing up.
"Of course it will. You can count on me," he promised.
"Stay safe, my boy," his father said.

"Always."