~A/N: Hey Dear Readers! In celebration of reaching 200 main chapters on my patreon, I wrote these two chapters (this one and 191.2) as a bonus peek into the events of the Peace Conference!

I hope you'll enjoy!~

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An agreement for peace has been established between the Kingdom of Mornistae, who launched a direct attack on the Fievegal by destroying Fort Twilight, and the Fievegal itself, which seized the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy under a thin veil of retaliation. It was a long morning where the Fievegal and Rikuto, primarily, went back and forth about terms for the agreement, and with the agreement signed by both aggrieved parties and Empress Sundenelle as witness, the atmosphere has become one of a sort of banquet-like feel. Suspicions and mistrust are still high between both sides, so two distinct banquet rows have been prepared on opposite sides of the banquet hall, while the nobles of Mattarglos mediate and the detachment of the Empire oversees the goings-on.

The Empresses of the Fievegal have been scattered to a degree as they meet with various nobles from all of the factions present.

And, many envious eyes look on at the massive wealth they are flaunting for a second day in a row.

“Father, did you know about this?”

The voice that speaks is the son of Kalegrynten, the Grand Premier of Mattarglos. Because Mattarglos has a sort of semi-democratic meritocracy for its nobility, his son, Bravvarnoei, inherited the title of viscount after a confirmation election was held among the populace of the viscounty they control. Because inheritorship is not guaranteed for nobles in Mattarglos, and because her family is as they are, Veiranoei chose to become a knight in direct service, as well as under the tutelage of, Kalegrynten himself. She can run for confirmation election if her father passes, but she’ll be up against her own mother, Leaistarria, as well as cousins and other candidates who run. The two gatonines are present to question the Grand Premier about his granddaughter.

“Whatever could you mean, boy? Did I know about the… What did they call it, ‘Alamogorro’s specials’? No. I’ve heard rumors of the power of the Harbinger of Calamity, same as anyone.”

Bravvanoei frowns and retorts, “That’s not at all what I meant. That dress. Where in the Frostlands did that girl obtain one?”

The three look at Veiranoei, who is giggling as she holds onto the arm of her fiance, which was a pleasant surprise to Kalegrynten. All parties of relevance agreed to let Veiranoei to be an Empress in Name, but like the others, she would be unmarried. However, in an effort to legitimize their peculiar relationship, Daniel sent a letter requesting Kalegrynten’s permission to marry Veiranoei officially. Knowing the subtext, it’s to protect her honor and further secure her future as an ‘Empress’, so Kalegrynten readily agreed. But, much of it has been amidst turmoil and chaos, so it’s unlikely his neglectful son and daughter-in-law have bothered to learn about it.

“Have you not heard? Your daughter has become one of the coveted Empresses of the Fievegal. Did you think I would give her away to just anyone?” The stocky gatonine faces his son, who may as well be wearing a ballgown with how fancy his jacket and pants are meant to be in emulation of Imperial wealth-flaunting customs. Kalegrynten is wearing a nice vest that is embroidered with precious metal fibers, and even has a layer of magic spell defense, but shows off his hard-earned muscles and scars on his arms. He does wear an ancestral armband passed down to him from his own father-in-law, which is said to have ancient ties to the dattakorien tribes that used to live in the east.

Unlike the gatonines, who managed to rally and fend off the Cleansing War, and later drove the formation of Mattarglos, the dattakoriens remained strictly tribal and tried to solve all of their problems themselves. As such, not even Kalegrynten knows if any tribes survived the Cleansing War east of the mountains, and many of the bloodlines have long since died out. His wife’s parents entrusted Kalegrynten with two of their greatest treasures.

And, as he looks at the smile Veiranoei is wearing, in spite of obvious nervousness with her own dress, he can’t help but feel immense pride and happiness.

He knows his son sees the wealth his daughter is wearing. But, the Grand Premier sees a kitten finally getting a chance to experience life as more than just a servant or soldier. She refused to be spoiled by her grandfather, but being spoiled by her Emperor husband-to-be is officially a duty now.

“How did you manage that, Father?” asks Leaistarria.

I’ve always disliked you, you gold drinking shave-tail. The gatonine patriarch retorts, “I didn’t manage anything. If you had come when I asked you to in order to greet her Greatness the Empress and her Emperor, you would know that the Emperor won her hand fair and square in a duel.” The gatonine grandpa chuckles a little boisterously, saying proudly, “Had I known he was this wealthy, I would have challenged him for his money instead.”

“F-Father…!?” exclaims Bravvarnoei.

“If they’re married, then…” murmurs the viscountess.

Kalegrynten puts his muscular hand on her shoulder, startling her. He then subtly grips his son by the chest of his shirt. “If you go near her, I will personally destroy you both. Even if it costs me the Grand Premier position.”

“F-Father…” murmurs Bravvarnoei.

“Ugh… I can’t believe you let her marry someone with those… beasts for children…” murmurs Leaistarria as she hides her face with a fan.

“Speak of the princesses that way again, and I will kill you where you stand, Leaistarria.” The Grand Premier digs his claws into her shoulder briefly, and she winces. The scene that prompted it is the fact that Jieka fussed for her father, Daniel, and Gwenesphia, who was carrying her, brought her to him.

Kalegrynten notices Veiranoei gingerly pet the young half-goblin’s hair while smiling and greeting her.

“Excuse me,” states the gatonine Grand Premier. “I have lost interest in my foolish son and his wretched wife.”

He walks over to the group with Daniel, Veiranoei, and the Princess, and he laughs boisterously. “Oh ho ho ho! So, this is the Crown Princess Jieka!?” The goblin Princess pales as she looks up at the beefy feline man from Daniel’s arms. Kalegrynten warmly adds, “Look at you! You’re even more precious than my dear sweet Veiranoei was.”

“G-Grandfather…!” whines the gatonine Empress, while Daniel and Gwenesphia giggle.

“Greetings again, Kalegrynten,” replies Daniel warmly. “Please forgive her. No one speaks so loudly to her normally.”

The gatonine grandpa can’t help but laugh again. “Ahh, well, that is fair. I did fight her father, didn’t I?”

This causes the small princess to perk up, and she looks at him curiously, glancing at Daniel in alternation.

“Oh? Did that pique your interest, little Princess?” asks the gatonine with a toothy grin, emphasizing his missing canine.

“D-Daddy stwong.”

“Indeed he is. But, that just means I’m a little bit stronger. If you’d like, I’ll tell you all about it.”

Kalegrynten offers his arms hopefully, and Jieka looks at her human father.

“Kalegrynten is Veiranoei’s grandpapa.”

“G-Gwandpapa?”

“Mm-hmm,” agrees the stocky gatonine. “Grandpapa’s are old, silly men who know all of the best stories. Would you like to hear a few about your papa?”

Jieka’s eyes light up, and though she hesitates a little, she does reach for the Grand Premier. Daniel asks, “Are you sure, Kalegrynten?”

“Of course! I consider it a privilege to treat the Princess of the Fievegal as one of my own grandbabies, if you’re alright with it.” As he takes Jieka, he leans close to Daniel and whispers, “I’m not the most influential person here, but I am well-respected. I’ll do what I can for their highnesses, so don’t worry.”

Daniel nods sincerely, whispering in reply, “Thank you.”

“Now then, let me tell you how our fight went.”

“Daddy?” asks the Princess as she looks at Daniel.

“Grandpapa won’t take you too far, Sweetie.”

“That’s right! We have to give your Papa and Veiranoei a chance to flirt as well, don’t we? Hahahaha!”

The gatonine takes Jieka with one of the Stalvaltan Guards staying close, and he sits on one of the lounge seats, quickly surrounded by a few of his friends. Daniel knows the Princesses are political targets, because they represent the future of the Fievegal, but he has been mentally working on some ideas for that future so it won’t be as cut and dry as simply marrying into the Fievegal’s sovereignty.

Nor, the unspoken implications of needing to eliminate the competition of higher position in line for the throne.

Presently, operating as an unelected republic with the many Empresses having a voice has been working well enough, because they do all share similar goals as well as unique perspectives. But, he does want to eventually find a middle ground that capitalizes on modern Earth democracy, but excludes the baggage that comes with a more powerful, less-democratic state authority of some of the ‘better’ systems than the US representative republic.

“Nnnn… Please forgive him, Daniel…” murmurs Veiranoei. “Grandfather doesn’t always think about reputation or politics.”

“I’m quite content. I’d take a thousand Kalegrynten’s over a thousand Duke Walliskah’s any day, and that’s no slight on Walliskah. But, I don’t care as much about formal etiquette as I do about getting the job done. And, Kalegrynten made sure we had everything we needed to get the job done every time. I’m thankful.”

Gwenesphia chimes in, “He was looking after Jieka as well. Not everyone here likes the fact that the Crown Princess is a half-goblin, and by showing that Mattarglos doesn’t care, he’s helping her out in the future.”

Veiranoei smiles, and Daniel leans close to her, whispering, “And, to help your reputation, Veiranoei, I’d like to flirt with you a bit. May I touch you?”

“Uh… Oh! Um…” She glances at Gwenesphia, who smiles gently.

“You are getting the rookie handicap, Veiranoei. Soon enough, you will have to compete for affection like the rest of us.” She sidles up to Daniel and pulls him down for a laugh from the human. She kisses his cheek, saying warmly, “Just because I can’t go into heat right now, Daniel, doesn’t mean I don’t have needs.”

“You should be encouraging Veiranoei in the open more, then,” jokes Daniel. “That way, my nights are more open.”

She scowls playfully at him, biting his cheek just enough to poke his skin with her sharp canines, but not enough to break skin. “Keep this up, and I’m going to need to ‘fix my dress’ with you.”

“And leave such an expensive dress messy? You monster.” The mechanic nips her ear playfully and kisses her, before pinching her butt through her dress. She flinches and blushes, smacking his hand away before making her way to join her family in a discussion already including Kera’tai and Reignleif.

Daniel looks at Veiranoei, who fidgets. She replies softly, “I appreciate you going so far to make me seem like an Empress, but I don’t mind.”

“You are an Empress,” replies Daniel quietly. He gingerly pets her cheek and slides his hand up through her hair before briefly touching her feline ear. Her ear flicks instinctively, and she huffs slightly. “I won’t ever push your limits, but I will hold you at the same level as the others so you can hold your head high wherever you go. And, if you ever want to retaliate on… anyone, you’ll have the authority to make it a lot easier.” Daniel knows Veiranoei has very good reasons to be timid with physical contact of an intimate nature, so he doesn’t go any further than petting her hair. He just wants the outward appearance that she is as treasured as any of the other Empresses.

The gatonine Empress smiles softly, and she looks into his eyes. “Thank you, Daniel. Truly. I’ll try not to bring disgrace on you.”

The wayward American scoffs. “There is virtually nothing that you can do to make my reputation any worse than it already is.”

Veiranoei frowns for a moment as she looks away from him. She asks while they have a moment relatively alone, “May… I ask… why you don’t do anything about it?” She looks into his eyes for his answer. It’s a curiosity for many who know him, though he never seems concerned about it.

Daniel replies with a half-hearted chuckle. “Because I don’t have the slightest idea what I’m doing. I don’t always talk about it, but my military service is something I’m proud of, but the environment itself was intolerable for me. Playful ribbing became abusive and hostile insults, and even ‘encouragement’ to end myself. Leadership was far less about merit and more about attrition, and because many of those leaders were… not the best leaders, they repulsed many good sailors out of the navy as well. Our watch rotation was also particularly bad because our department is always borderline undermanned, which stressed everyone out even more and made tempers even worse. Insults themselves I can handle, but there’s no reason to live with it when I can just go somewhere better. The opinions of the Fievegal, and particularly, my friends and family, matter more to me than the gossip of foreigners I don’t have to interact with if I don’t want to, just as the obnoxious and incompetent sailors that stayed in the navy and went on to become leaders ceased to matter to me when I got out. One of the greatest gifts I gained, though, was a thick skin. Even if it seems like I’m being walked on at times, I’m better off today than I was yesterday. And, as they say, sometimes the best revenge is to live well. How many of my fellow sailors can go on to say they’ve become an Emperor of a powerful nation in another world?”

Veiranoei was captivated by Daniel explaining so much about himself, and she feels like she almost committed a sin merely by hearing something that she’s not sure anyone else knows yet. The Dragons Empresses, particularly, often aggressively go around like information brokers, making sure they don’t miss anything about the strange otherworlder human.

“So… your military was weak?” asks Veiranoei, trying to understand. “O-or, was it… dishonorable?”

“No, no! Nothing that extreme. In fact, it’s pretty safe to say the country I hail from was the most powerful in the world in terms of military strength, in no small part thanks to our navy. But, the field I was in… let’s just say, it attracts a large number of people that think they’re a lot smarter than they actually are sometimes, and those of that number that have always been the smartest person in the room when they’re present have a hard time adjusting to that no longer being the case.”

“And were you?” asks Veiranoei with a little bit of a facetious edge to her tone. “Were you ever the smartest person in the room?”

Daniel laughs warmly. “I had my moment of being smacked down, since I know that’s what you’re after. Now, I know I don’t want to be. When we’re all gathered, I don’t mind that it seems like I know so much, simply because I’m stealing from far greater minds than me when I bring Earth technology here. I’ll never pretend otherwise. But, everyone here has plenty they’re smarter than me on, and I’m glad for it. So, I actually enjoy it when someone else is teaching me something. It gives me information to chew on and come up with new ideas. And, I always hope when I’m talking, I’m doing the same for someone else. I will take the greater outcome with no recognition or gratitude over the lesser outcome full of accolades, because the greater outcome should benefit everyone. If my garbage reputation draws out morons by making them underestimate how I actually handle Fievegal affairs, then all the better. I’ve said many times that my cup runneth over in the romance department. So long as my family knows the truth, that’s all I care about.”

Veiranoei smiles contentedly by his answers. “I feel like you’ve condemned me to death, though, Daniel.”

He smiles and cocks his head. “Why’s that?”

“Because, I’ve heard a lot that I think only I know right now.”

“Believe it or not, I like to talk a lot when cuddling, too. If you ever want to torture me, trust me. Nothing is worse than you laying against my chest. True suffering. Oh, and purring. Definitely, please, for the love of god, no purring. I don’t know what I’d do.” Daniel maintains a level, almost sarcastic tone as he’s saying this, and Veiranoei can’t help but look at him skeptically.

“Pardon me, your Graces,” starts a male voice as he approaches. It’s a new noble that Daniel doesn’t recognize, but his clothing matches the Empire more than Mornistae. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Not at all,” replies Daniel warmly as he holds Veiranoei close. The newcomer is a human, which are probably the most numerous race on the eastern half of the continent, and probably the whole continent in total. “Though, we haven’t had the pleasure yet.”

“Actually, I’ve briefly encountered Lady Veiranoei…”

“Empress Veiranoei,” corrects Daniel immediately. “We’re not formally married yet, but the Fievegal names our Empresses independently of marriage.”

“Oh! Forgive me, your Grace,” replies the nobleman as his wife and a few others join him. “As I mentioned, I briefly encountered her Majesty when she was still a lady knight in service to the Grand Premier. I am Count Ophelmar pel Jarushton of the Empire. I couldn’t help but speculate, but the treasuries of the Citadel seem to be quite vast. The exquisite dresses all of the Empresses and the noble ladies of the Fievegal seem to be wearing.”

“Indeed,” adds the woman. “I never thought I see as many pearls on one of these dresses in my lifetime, let alone so many dresses.” She perks up, adding, “Oh, and please forgive me. I am Countess Monyier pel Jarushton.”

“Pleasure’s mine,” replies Daniel.

“Pleased to meet you again, Count and Countess Jarushton,” adds Veiranoei with a polite curtsy.

Daniel then replies to the statement, “As everyone openly speculates, I’m quite new to the Emperor business. Tell me, Count Jarushton, what assets and how much of them do you keep in your treasuries?”

“Pardon?”

Veiranoei can’t help but giggle a little. She knows exactly why Daniel is asking. And, though his statement about himself is true, he is smart enough to know not to give away too much information needlessly.

“Hmm? Is it not common practice of the nobility to disclose the wealth they have squirreled away?”

“Skuw-wha?” murmurs the countess.

“I would love to know how many vaults you have and where they’re located, Count. I can have someone fetch a map for you…”

“Th-That won’t be necessary,” replies the count with a nervous chuckle. “I only meant that it strains credulity for so many high value dresses to be gathered together all at once. And, two days’ worth at that. I worry that the Fievegal may be the victims of fraud if counterfitters are on the rise.”

“That’s ridiculous,” objects Veiranoei. “The Fievegal has made-...”

Daniel gently flexes his bicep to silently signal her, and she hesitates briefly, and the mechanic can tell that she manages to switch to a safer, more neutral line of thought. “... no trades of pearls yet, nor any contracts. I’m certainly no merchant myself, but I expect, Count Jarushton, that both parties would provide their own means of verification for authenticity. We do have the disadvantage of having low trust as a new entity on the global stage, but our results will continue to speak for themselves. Right, um, Darling?” Veiranoei blushes a little as she looks to Daniel, and the mechanic-turned-Emperor smiles.

“Of course.”

“Certainly, a fair point, my L-er, your Grace,” replies the human count. “I was merely curious what sort of treasure there was tucked away in the Citadel for all this time.”

“If you were so curious, you should have deployed your county’s army before Mukori was banished from Mornistae,” teases Ryuogriar as she approaches. “Imagine the foolishness of attempting to invade the Citadel after it has been conquered by someone known as the ‘Harbinger of Calamity’.” She and Veiranoei both snicker, and the Dragon Empress approaches as the nobles bow a little awkwardly. She adds tenderly, “Pardon me a moment, Veiranoei.”

She leans close and kisses Daniel, and the mechanic can feel his gatonine companion tighten her grip on his forearm for a moment. He doubts she’s actually jealous, so much as just feeling awkward, but he did give them permission to behave as they please.

Ryuogriar will certainly not miss the chance to flaunt their relationship every chance they get.

She then whispers, “Mukori, if you would, please go retrieve our sweet little Empress, Wenlianna. She is missing opportunities to demonstrate her position.”

“Is she feeling alright?”

“Yes. But, you should encourage her to act her role, at least.”

Daniel nods subtly, and he says, “Pardon me, Count, Countess. Veiranoei, may I leave you with Ryuo while I excuse myself?”

“Of course, Darling.” She has slightly rosy cheeks, and she takes his head in her hands. The gatonine Empress pulls his face close to hers, hesitating only a moment. Daniel can see her eyes glance to an amused Ryuogriar, who is standing next to him. She quickly pecks his cheek with a kiss, blushing even more brightly as her tail twitches under her dress and her ears ‘close in’ towards the front. “If you need me for anything, Darling, do not hesitate to ask.”

He smiles and nods. “Of course, my Love. Mukori. Please excuse me.”

As Daniel is walking away, he can hear one of the other nobles ask, “Pardon me for asking, Empress Ryuogriar, but I heard Geirahoel use the name ‘Mukori’ earlier. Is it a title for the Emperor, or…”

He knows the dragons aren’t particularly shy about the meaning of the word, with exception of Geirahoel, who can be shy about intimate things one moment, and shameless the next, depending on what it is. But, he doesn’t actually know if they explain it to outsiders. He should figure that out if it’s meant to be a family-ish secret, or if it’s fine to share.

Though… I suppose I only know the face value of the word myself, don’t I?

Daniel finds Wenlianna sitting next to her mother, Aramellianna, while the Grand Duchess Senior speaks a little more loosely than normal, though he can tell as he approaches that the conversation is about her decision to leave Mornistae, which only she could answer in the first place.

Wenlianna, of course, is a natural-born wallflower. Daniel can understand. He has never been the life of the party, and in fact, attended very few back on Earth. It took well into adulthood for him to develop the basic skillset to even converse with random individuals at the parties he did attend.

His Zenkon female counterpart has never, ever wanted to be a socialite, or even have a social presence the way her esteemed mother does. She’s perfectly content with melting into her mother’s and next-eldest sister’s shadows while the two speak with various nobles about the Grand Duchy, the alliance with the Fievegal, and the outlook for the peace conference and the future resulting from it.

Daniel leans over Wenlianna’s shoulder from behind, saying warmly, “Hey, Mukori.”

“D-M-Mukori!?” squeaks Wenlianna, her imagined protective invisibility bubble being popped. The mechanic leans on the back of the lounge seating provided for the extended post-conference banquet.

“Ah, your Grace!” greets one of the nobles talking to the Stalvaltans. Yanidere and Yormolett also greet him, “Your Grace, welcome.” “Good to see you, your Grace.”

Aramellianna is the least formal for a change, greeting him, “Daniel, there you are.” She strokes his cheek affectionately, which is awkward for everyone who already knows the Grand Duchess. Daniel, of course, is the one who made her tipsy, so he takes it in stride.

“Mother, I hope I won’t regret sharing my rum with you.”

“Mmm. Don’t even speak of it, Daniel. I would declare war.” She giggles warmly into the back of her hand, playfully pinching his cheek for a moment while everyone watches a little awkwardly.

“Mother…!” complains Wenlianna a little nervously. “I told you you shouldn’t have had any…”

“Wenlie, my sweet Wenlie… You must someday learn how fun this is.” The brunette matriarch cups her cheek as she adds for the benefit of the others present, “My darling son-in-law has brought yet another wonderful advancement over to our world. I expect many will get to try it formally during the wedding. In fact, I’ll insist.”

“This rum, is it some sort of drug?” asks one of the noblewomen with a hint of unease in her voice.

“Uh… Well, sort of. It’s one of many kinds of alcohol, which is a more potable drink similar to western potations.”

“I’m only familiar with potations in passing,” remarks one of the noblemen. “But, it’s always been common knowledge that they should be avoided.”

“Alcohol has drawbacks, but it’s well studied on Earth,” replies Yanidere. “His Grace has established many rules for drinking it to enjoy it safely. It’s not for everyone, but I did enjoy the wine myself. Production is still being established and improved upon, but if you’d like, the Grand Duchy would be willing to arrange a private tasting.” She looks at Daniel, and he nods.

Just like your mother, Yani.

Naturally, several of the nobles present express interest, since it is something that the Grand Duchess is greatly enjoying, even though it has made her far more relaxed in an audience with other nobles than she usually would be.

That said, she does have the protection of the Fievegal now, which is strengthening every day that passes. Yanidere should be able to keep her from saying anything too insane, but her jovial and relaxed nature does make her more approachable. The most important thing will be to make sure she isn’t left alone, as the usual desire to win her hand in marriage through one means or another means she’s going to be a juicy target for courtship until she officially has a new paramour.

“Mukori, I was hoping you’d accompany me to make an appearance with some of the other nobles,” whispers Daniel while Yanidere and Aramellianna continue discussing the wine, the private tasting, and other things revolving around that.

“D-Do I have to?” replies the magic artisan.

“I won’t force you, but you are an Empress. I want you to be happy and proud of that fact.”

“I… You know I don’t care for these kinds of events.”

“I know. I don’t either. I won’t make you be the face of the Fievegal at any point, but I do want you to learn how to hold your head high.” He nods his head towards Hekate and Doephluev. The ravenette is boisterously talking with her chest puffed up, so it’s easy to see that Doephluev probably challenged her size or age. Or, someone else mentioned how young she is.

In spite of the peace conference and the warm behavior of the majority of people present, they are still actually surrounded by enemies. These enemies have no interest in swinging a sword at the Fievegal soldiers, nor are they particularly worried about capturing the Citadel. Their greater interest is in trying to find ways to legally shackle and hamper the Fievegal, either through lopsided trade agreements, weaknesses in specific goods, the potential for counterfeiting Fievegal specialties, and otherwise undermining the gravitas of the Empresses. If the world can collectively determine that the Fievegal is not to be taken seriously, it will be an uphill battle for the fledgling empire to stabilize and avoid further conflicts, regardless of how powerful their weapons are.

Given that ‘tanju pistols’ are in development now, which are Rikuto’s best effort towards firearms which have since been set loose in the ‘wild’, there’s a non-zero chance of eastern territories attempting yet another attack on the Fievegal.

Not to mention the apparent centralized enemy spreading it across the whole continent.

Daniel whispers to his arguable first love of Zenkon, “I’m going to brag about our plans for steam engines and internal combustion engines…”

“Excuse me Mother, Sisters, my Lords and Ladies!” exclaims the magic artisan, startling several of them, including halting Aramellianna mid-sentence with her own, “Goodness!”

Wenlianna hustles her way around the lounge seat to join Daniel, grabbing his arm. “Let’s go! I know exactly who to talk to about it!”

“Wenlie?” asks the surprised Grand Duchess Senior, but she relaxes just as quickly, dumbfounded by the suddenness for a moment as everyone watches.

The excited petite magic scientist says eagerly, “Lady S-, er, Lady Yuna mentioned something about them as well, and we’ve been trying to guess how exactly it works!”

“Slow down, Mukori! Slow down, Yuna will be coming with us…”

“Yes, but you’ll get distracted by a thousand other fire irons before I get a chance to ask again!”

Daniel chuckles as he’s dragged by his newly enthusiastic mistress. She doesn’t notice several petitions for their attention, since they call out to them by title, “Your Graces! Oh, uh…”

“Sorry!” whispers Daniel, amused by the fact that she just required a trigger. Though, of course, Wenlianna is not suddenly social, so much as her inner inventor is awakened.

“L-... Uh… Ahem, Yuna, a-are we interrupting?”

Wenlianna and Daniel find Yuna speaking to Rikuto, Heralesse, Erimaya, Greydald, and several more nobles, mostly from the Kingdom of Mornistae.

“Ah, Daniel, my Love,” replies the raven-haired elf. She dropped whatever she was saying, which Rikuto was hanging on for some reason, in order to greet the mechanic. “And, Wenlianna, dear Sister. Not at all. We were simply talking.”

“I-I would like you to finish what you were saying, if you would,” remarks Rikuto a little awkwardly.

Daniel’s not overly enthusiastic about Senn’s desire to mess with Rikuto, though she doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to reveal the truth to him. She’s specifically exploiting his apparently extensive feeling of kin-longing by appearing as, occasionally speaking like, and referring to the cultural norms of a Japanese person, or in her backstory that seems to have at least some element of truth, her alleged Japanese-seeded ancestry. It’s a little cruel in Daniel’s mind, but far from cruel enough for him to actually concern himself with interfering.

“Hmm? Oh. It’s not important,” replies the elf with a dismissive smile. “If I’m left unchecked, I might ramble on and bore you all to death.”

“That’s not true!” Rikuto’s response is instant, and he realizes how desperate it appears right off the bat, retreating to a more quiet position.

Poor guy, thinks Daniel a little sarcastically. I guess I get it. I probably would be quietly losing it too if I didn’t have the Fievegal to shape into a more homey feel.

“[He brought most of it on himself,]” retorts Kaeralegier’s voice. “[He’s more focused on the past and what he lost, rather than what he gained. I can’t say which outweighs the other, obviously, but it’s not like he can really shift everything to what he wants.]”

No, but in his defense, the Japanese are a lot more particular than we Americans about their culture, typically, and there hasn’t been much of anything even remotely close here. And, she looks exactly like what even I can recognize as a ‘Japanese-descended elf’.

“[True. Good thing she’s your ally and not your enemy, am I right?]”

Daniel barely resists the urge to scoff audibly, retorting only in his mind, Amen to that…

During his internal conversation with his sword-bound goddess companion, one of the nobles on Rikuto’s side tries to come to his rescue, saying, “Actually, I’m quite fascinated to learn more about his Majesty’s native culture. The focus on craftsmanship sounds most intriguing. I’m sure your hometown deserves recognition.”

Daniel hasn’t ignored the death glare he’s receiving from Greydald, but the King Father quietly speaks only to the people next to him, rather than the whole group, while Erimaya scowls a little enviously at ‘Yuna’.

“I-If I’m interrupting, I don’t mind coming back,” replies Wenlianna. “But, I wouldn’t mind including everyone here in the discussion, if that’s alright, um, Mukori.” She looks at Daniel for approval, and he smiles and nods.

Greydald does speak this time, saying a little coldly, “How gracious of you to share the products of your education with the Kingdom that provided that education, ‘Empress’ Wenlianna.”

The brunette human Empress pales a little at this rather overt confrontation, and Daniel does his best to hold her hand reassuringly. But, just before he can retort, or Rikuto can defuse, the elven sorceress delivers a subtle kill shot.

“Oh, pay no mind to them, dear Wenlianna. Lord Greydald’s most devoted companions were relentlessly sharing the merits of the Kingdom of Mornistae and their welcoming spirit towards elven mages, in spite of my insistence of my love for our darling husband and the Fievegal. It is Lord Greydald, now yes?” Yuna gives the retired king a vicious smirk, and the expressions of everyone from Mornistae, as well as the couple of Imperials, turn rather awkward, angry, pale, or a mix of all three. The elven sage continues, “Like my Imperial husband, I’m still learning the impact of words with no magical meanings, but as I understand it, even kings are outranked by an Empress, so I suppose ‘Lord’ would remain appropriate regardless. And if not,...” Yuna shrugs and leans into Daniel, hugging his arm opposite of the one Wenlianna is holding. “I welcome you to make it so I’m correct.”

Again, the elven sorceress leaves them speechless for a moment. At moments during her speech, she used period-appropriate hidden daggers in her wording, and others, she used very blunt and disrespectful sarcasm.

Heralesse clears her throat to break the awkward silence as Greydald fumes, “Your Grace… Yuna, I do apologize if the curiosity and welcoming intent of our country’s noblemen has caused you offense, but Rikuto’s question was more about the preservation of Japanese culture, which I do agree would be most fortunate for everyone involved if we were to find a way to share and preserve it. As Mornistae has a long history of multicultural intermingling, it wouldn’t be abnormal to extend an offer of cultural preservation and exchange. As for titles, your Grace, I believe you have been misinformed. While it is true that my father, the King Father, bestowed his crown to my husband Rikuto, he retains his full royal status. A sincere honor in both custom and affection, to be sure. His wisdom and guidance continue to be irreplaceable treasures to our Kingdom, and I can assure you his heart meant no ill to you or her most honored Grace Wenlianna.”

Heralesse has taken a very official and sincere tone with her polite interjection, ‘playing the game’, but trying to stop it from going further.

Yuna ponders for a moment, seemingly giving Greydald time to hang himself with a contradictory retort, but he hesitates silently for a moment before nodding quietly. “Her Majesty, my daughter speaks the truth. I intended no offense.”

“And you have my apologies for my ignorance,” replies Yuna. “I, too, meant no ill implications. King Rikuto, if the opportunity allows, we might discuss my ancestors further, but I do share a greater passion for the future in line with my fellow co-consorts over an attachment to the past. I apologize if this isn’t a satisfactory answer, but it is the truth.”

“No, no apology necessary, your Grace,” replies Rikuto with disappointment subtly noticeable in his voice. “I do wish there were others I could share Japanese culture with more readily, but I understand your passions lie… elsewhere…” There’s a slight bitterness to ‘elsewhere’, particularly because Rikuto makes eye contact with Daniel for a slight moment.

I get it, Rikuto, but trust me. Herding these cats is a second career sometimes. I’m just being dragged around by the collar, and they know it.

Even though he thinks this, Daniel could change it simply by objecting to his treatment. But, letting them take charge of certain things the way each individual does actually takes pressure off of him. He doesn’t want to rub it in anyone’s faces, because he knows how good he has it and how enviable his position is outwardly.

There was another important thing he learned in the navy. When a good deal exists in any capacity with no real impact whatsoever on anyone else, the ‘Good Deal Police’ will still show up to ruin it for everyone and make sure everyone is equally screwed.

Or as they say on submarines, ‘One crew, one screw.’

Daniel does his best to keep his own expression neutral, though he wonders if maybe he should be reining in his ‘cats’ a little more, even though he, too, is guilty of showing a lot less respect than he should in the last few minutes. He doesn’t necessarily want to be a jerk, per se, but he doesn’t have an abundance of respect for people who have attacked his home on several occasions and play games in dialogue via subtle condescension and word games over simply saying the insults directly.

Whatever… I don’t owe these people anything at this point. My entire priority is making my cats happy. And, speaking of…

Daniel takes a look around to see where everyone is at the moment. He would be lying if he said that he isn’t worried about his two most unpredictable mischief makers.

Especially because they have been sticking together and are currently with the one person most likely to murder everyone present on a whim.

Those three, predictably, are Hekate, Doephluev, and Geirahoel.

***