Sundenelle can’t help but feel starstruck by the glittering sea of wealth in front of her, which doesn’t just include the Empresses of the Fievegal, but also includes the women of the Stalvaltan family and Queen Heralesse and Princess Erimaya of Mornistae. Their dresses and jewelry are all but drowning in rare stones, impossibly uniform and high quality pearls, and the most luxurious fabric in the world.

The ‘lowest’ dressed woman on the Fievegal’s side is the pink dragon, Dame Roeta, who is still wearing a beautiful silken dress with marble-like white bracers and a large white bow at the back that the blonde empress notices weapons hidden beneath. Roeta is a knight instead of an Empress, along with her partner Magnir, who is not currently present.

She does finally notice that a few other people she was expecting are missing as well. “Forgive me for asking, but will Daniel, Doephluev, Vaergraes, and Aoloan be joining us?”

“In time,” replies Hekate. “Doephluev made a mess of her dress, so they’re helping her fix it.”

“Oh…” replies Sundenelle. At face value, that statement is spine-chilling. It’s virtually impossible to quantify the actual financial value of any one of the outfits present, because the pearl ‘shawls’ that are being worn alone would probably be a country’s national treasure, and there are twenty-one separate ones, not to mention Hekate’s matching jewel-encrusted crown and boots.

Heralesse is the one to point out what Byleathea seems to have noticed, though. “Hekate, what you just said makes it sound like they’re being intimate.”

“What!?” asks Hekate, stunned by this statement.

Gwenesphia and Veiranoei, as well as Yanidere and Yormolett all snicker softly, since they apparently understood that, too.

The young Queen of Mornistae explains with exasperation clear in her tone, “‘Fixing your dress’ is a common excuse used at parties to sneak off.”

The fox-eared Empress’s cheeks fill with color, and Sundenelle is a little dumbfounded. The first time they ‘met’, Hekate was haughty, but didn’t speak much, since Yaulander interrupted, and it became a verbal sparring match between Daniel and the Grand Prince. This time, it’s clear as day how cute Hekate is, which is emphasized rather well by her expressive ears and tail, which all twitch when she’s surprised. “Th-That’s not what I meant! Doephluev really is a clumsy lady! She’s pregnant and careless and a butt.”

“Hekate…” warns Geirahoel quietly, trying to maintain a regal air. But, it’s clear that Sundenelle has no preconceptions about the Fievegal, and hopefully, her sincerity is coming across as intended. She really is just curious and wants to be friendly with the ladies of the Fievegal.

Deciding to rescue the young fox-eared Empress, Byleathea creates a redirection for the conversation. “Queen Heralesse, it seems you have become quite familiar with the members of the Fievegal. One might be inclined to forget you are a prisoner, no?”

Heralesse looks down briefly, but she replies sincerely, “I am still technically a prisoner of the Fievegal, but… I have been treated very well.”

“I would say so. Your dress alone would strain the treasuries of most kingdoms. It’s interesting that the Fievegal has lent you one.”

The blonde queen starts to speak, but she halts herself. She glances subtly at Hekate and Ryuogriar, but doesn’t know what to say.

“They’re actually gifts,” blurts out Erimaya. “Forgive me if I have spoken out of turn. But, the Fievegal has given these dresses to myself and my Honorable Sister as a token of good faith.”

This creates an awkward silence for a long time. “G-Good faith?” asks Sundenelle in disbelief. That’s a little unfair, Daniel. Is it because I offered peace too easily?

Ryuogriar grins as if reading Sundenelle’s mind. “We are still determining the value of what we can gain from the Empire, dear Enlightened Sundenelle. That is, of course, so long as there are no complications.”

“O-Oh! Uh… Sorry. My expression was unseemly.” Sundenelle snaps open her fan to hide her face a little better and keep her thoughts a little more to herself. She’s a little embarrassed she made herself so easy to read, but she is clearly outmatched in virtually every area.

“Will you walk with us?” asks Reignleif. “We wanted to greet the nobles and royals who have come all this way for the peace summit.”

“Of course. Though, I had hoped to greet the others as well.”

“We’ll be standing in this heat for too long,” replies Kera’tai. “It will be best for us to find shade in the audience hall.” She gestures towards the large building constructed for this summit because of Daniel’s refusal to enter Castle Northwall.

A tiny voice blurts out, “Daddy swow.”

Sundenelle was too stricken by the rich outfits to notice everyone that is wearing them. Her eyeline is drawn to Geirahoel’s arms, where a tiny being that’s about the size of a human infant less than a year old. She has a delicate green skin tone and large, droopy leaf-shaped ears similar to an elf’s, but proportionally larger for her head. Her eyes and hair are brown, and she has light brown freckles on her cheeks.

And, she also has a slightly oversized dress of national treasure quality.

“Wh-... Who, may I ask, are these two?” She also looks at the other apparent goblin child in Ryuogriar’s arms. Neither of them were immediately visible because they intentionally hid in the embrace of the women holding them.

Hekate asks, “The Princesses?”

“Princesses?” asks the blonde Empress, shocked.

Geirahoel steps forward as Hekate declares, “Yes. I apologize. I didn’t think to introduce them, since I wasn’t sure how to declare it, but since we’re becoming friends, allow me to introduce you to the Crown Heiress Jieka kos Lawson, and her younger sister, the Second Princess Tekten kos Lawson.”

The girl in Ryuogriar’s arms declares, “I’m Pwincess Jieka.”

Tekten bashfully hides her face against Geirahoel’s side when Sundenelle looks at her, even though Tekten was the one to bluntly declare Daniel’s slowness.

“Princesses?” repeats the Empress of the Grand Zenkon Empire.

Byleathea clears her throat, saying, “I believe her Majesty is curious about the Princesses, as this is the first we’ve heard of them.”

“Their mothers aren’t here,” explains Gwenesphia. “But, they are Daniel’s first-born children.”

“A-And… They’re… goblins?” asks Sundenelle.

The air seems to grow cold, and the reality sinks in. “No! Forgive me for saying that. Rather,... I suppose I was under the impression the heirs to the Fievegal would be… in order of their mothers’ ranks.”

Hekate is a little perturbed by the insensitive remark, but she replies, “That was originally the plan, but I changed my mind. Jieka and Tekten were born first, and they are the greatest treasures of the Fievegal. To take away their birthright for something as silly as the personal egos of the parents would make us no better than the nobles who separate us into ‘kinds’.” The fox-eared ravenette narrows her eyes into a slight scowl at Sundenelle, which would normally be a gross faux pas to so openly show disgust. But, even Sundenelle knows enough about Hekate to know she is a genuine and earnest person, even to her own detriment at times.

“Again, I spoke disrespectfully with old biases. Crown Princess Jieka, Second Princess Tekten, please accept my sincere apologies. I was merely surprised by everything.”

“Jieka assept tweats,” replies the goblin princess confidently.

This surprises Sundenelle and catches her off guard, and Tekten nods in agreement. The teenage ruler glances at her Fievegal counterparts, but none of them counter the princesses.

Erimaya offers gently, “If you’re worried about them being spoiled, Jieka and Tekten are very kind children. You’re better off accepting, your Majesty.”

Sundenelle relaxes. “Yes. The fault lies with me, so it’s only right that I pay the price requested.” She approaches and crouches a little to be at eye level with Jieka, and she replies, “I don’t have treats with me right now, but I vow on the name of Empress Sundenelle kos Lindenmorg that I shall compensate you with treats by the time you have returned home. Will you please accept this promise?”

Jieka and Tekten both nod. Tekten speaks softly, but her tone is confident, “No forget.”

Sundenelle smiles. They sound greedy, but they also are asking for effectively nothing while wearing the greatest riches in the world as infants. “Yes. I shall not forget.”

Sundenelle decides not to press the issue any further, even though she has many questions, particularly about the structure of the Fievegal, which she thought she had some understanding of. When it was the Demon Covenant, it was clear that goblins were nothing more than sword fodder, outfitted with the worst equipment and relying on their numbers and savagery to be a threat.

The two princesses are admittedly rather cute, even to a human.

What was I thinking? Am I really someone to judge on appearances?

“It truly is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Princess Jieka and Princess Tekten. I am Sundenelle. I hope we can be friends for a long time.”

Hekate adds softly, but seriously, “If you saw what we saw that day… You would understand.” She smiles up at Sundenelle, adding, “Now then. Please join us in our tomnanigans.”

“Tom…nanigans?” asks Sundenelle.

“Mm-hmm. You really wanted to see up close as we enter the gathering hall, right? Maybe even be a part of it?”

“I… will admit that I came to the summit in order to witness the Fievegal’s presence. And, in seconds, my expectations were blown away.”

The ravenette cackles rather un-lady-like. “Of course! We are the Fievegal! Now then, let’s go!”

“Um!” calls out Tekten.

Everyone pauses briefly just as Hekate was about to march towards the building. Everyone looks at her, and she is holding a pearl necklace that has a small diamond as the main jewel. “Sunnelle have dis.”

This surprises everyone, including the blonde Empress. “F-... For me?”

“Yeah? For her?” asks Hekate.

Tekten nods. She touches the oversized scarf around her neck, which seems to have a small doll peeking out of it behind the princess’s ear. “Tekten have Daddy’s scarf. No need. Sunnelle no have peawl neckwace like Aunties.”

Sundnelle glances at the adult women. Most of them don’t know how to respond, but Ryuogriar answers, “The Princess has spoken. Please accept it.”

Sundenelle is humbled. True, it’s unlikely the little girl understands the value of the necklace, as even her relatively ‘simple’ one is composed of thirty or so pearls linked together, and the jewel alone could buy a fleet of luxury carriages, or a small mansion.

“Th-Thank you, Princess. I am humbled.”

Jieka quickly takes off one of her necklaces as well. “Sunnenelle take Jieka’s, too! But, bwing wots of tweats!”

The princesses happily giggle together, and Sundenelle accepts both necklaces. Byleathea puts them on her, and the Empress says tenderly, “Thank you, Princesses. I am in your debt.”

She stands upright and proud, saying softly, “I truly was a fool. With princesses like these two, the Fievegal’s future is almost certainly in good hands.”

The Fievegal Empresses smile with confidence. Reignleif teases, “Easy to say as the one receiving the gifts.”

Sundenelle blushes, but she adds sincerely, “No, I… I meant more specifically their fairness and kindness. Generosity has a place and time, but there isn’t enough kindness in this world…”

Everyone agrees without words.

Trying to balance the world’s kindness is exactly why the peace summit is taking place.

The group walks together towards the gathering hall, though Sundnelle thought for sure Daniel and the others would be done ‘fixing dresses’ by now. She does notice that Aramellianna has been unusually quiet, and she seems to be walking with assistance from her second and third eldest daughters.

But, Byleathea asks a different question. “If I may, with the Princesses and, if it’s not too imprudent of me, the eggs your Graces are carrying, is Emperor Daniel planning to have more children?”

This causes the women of the Fievegal to chuckle. Hekate grumbles a little, and she retorts a little sourly, “If you think that’s all there is, you’re very mistaken.” She then declares, “Plus! My time will come!”

This is an awkward subject, as the rumors that started around Erimaya have become further twisted and more vile regarding Daniel’s ‘tastes’.

“I am unfamiliar with your people, specifically, your Majesty Hekate,” starts Byleathea. “Do you perhaps not have your menarche until older than humans?”

“Menarche?” asks Hekate. She looks to her elders, particularly Ryuogriar.

Gwenesphia clears her throat, and she steps quickly forward to whisper for Hekate.

Hekate cocks her head, still not understanding.

The gatonine Empress hesitates awkwardly, and she whispers again.

This time, the raven-haired empress’ cheeks fill with color from embarrassment. “What!? That happens!?” She whirls to face the gatonine, who also becomes bashful.

“F-Forgive me,” murmurs Byleathea, who didn’t intend to embarrass Hekate, but instead, fish for information. Sundenelle is good at coaxing information out of men, particularly, because she is usually underestimated. Byleathea is well-balanced at fishing for information because she knows how to simply make people comfortable with talking to her. This usually stems from her having had no position other than the Emperor’s ambition-less mistress. But, the Fievegal doesn’t even seem to mind the fact that she’s only a noble lady, and not of particularly high rank other than being Sundenelle’s attendant. If anything, they are a group of friends, almost, simply talking about anything and everything.

“I-...!” starts Hekate as she whirls back to face Byleathea. “I’m… That’s… Grrrah! Daniel says I’m too young! That’s all it is! His stupid world and stupid country have stupid rules that are stupid! What does a stupid age have to do with love!? I know why, but it’s still frustrating!”

The two Imperial women listen awkwardly, unsure how to respond. Sundenelle adds softly, “That’s… actually relieving.”

“What?” asks Hekate, as if she has just been betrayed.

Sundenelle puts her hands up. “I mean no offense. I just meant… I was hoping the rumors were unfounded. A woman should finish maturing before she must endure the endeavors of carrying children. You are fortunate, even if it doesn’t seem like it to your young heart.”

“You’re not much older than me, Empress,” retorts Hekate with a scowl.

“You’re right. But, a friend of mine… Well,... Uh…” Sundenelle’s expression turns a little grim. She didn’t mean to think of it, and she should have ended the topic before it came up.

Byleathea steps in once more to ease the conversation back to a neutral tone. “I do not know the full history of you and Emperor Daniel, your Majesty, but as a woman who fell in love at a young age and got to be with my true love, I am thankful for the delay between my childish heart’s infatuation and the true love that grew once I knew more about my own feelings. Forgive me if I am being presumptuous, though. As the mother of a teenage daughter born of that love, I want my daughter to safely build a family that has a strong foundation built on trust, maturity, and mutual respect. Those who are attracted to children do not trust nor respect those children. They use them.”

Hekate looks away. She doesn’t retort or grumble. “Did… your love ever fade?” is the question that eventually comes from her mouth.

“Pardon?” asks the mature lady in waiting. She is caught off guard by the question.

“Did your love ever fade? Even a little?” She looks to the other side, murmuring, “Daniel… seems to want me to ‘grow out of loving him’ or something. But, it’s impossible. I won’t. But… I…”

Sundenelle suddenly doesn’t see the expensive dress, the otherworldly jewelry, or the weapons and technology of an Empire that could destroy or conquer the whole continent if they were more merciless.

She sees a fellow teenager, a few years her junior, having recurring doubts about her feelings.

Sundnelle says tenderly, “He’s not hoping you stop loving him. He’s hoping you become certain that it’s true.”

“I AM CERTAIN!” snaps Hekate.

“If you were, this conversation would never have happened.”

Hekate is stricken with silence for a long time, and her companions can only listen.

Ryuogriar finally adds after a long, awkward silence. “She’s right, Hekate.”

Hekate snaps her gaze to the matronly dragon, but she crouches with Jieka still in her arms. “If your heart is going to change, it is when you are young. It is a test you are passing, but your doubts are what are being tested. We all understand that it hurts. But… I’m sorry that I didn’t understand the source of that hurt, sooner.”

Hekate clenches her fists a little. She is deep in thought, and her gaze moves around continuously as she studies someone’s face, looks into the distance, looks at the ground, then at someone else, and eventually at Sundenelle. The blonde empress can clearly see the resolve and realization settle into her counterpart. It’s not that Hekate doesn’t know all of this, as it seems this conversation has been had several times with variations.

It’s understandable that Hekate is attached, but Daniel is making sure to specifically not take advantage of her youthful naivete. It’s reassuring to the blonde that wants to become a part of this strange, unique family. It’s clear that, while they could view each other as rivals, the women of the Fievegal care about each other as friends before anything else, and Hekate is well-loved.

Heralesse, as an outside party, adds a little bluntly, “You’re the most powerful person in the world, and you still obey his rules.”

Hekate scowls at her, but this is a fair point. Sundenelle just didn’t want to necessarily cross that line. If she is to become a part of the Fievegal’s Empresses, she’ll need to enter this tightly-knit circle.

Aramellianna finally blurts out words, “You speak as if rumors won’t arise about your time with the Haremger of Harbinging…”

“Mother!” complains Yanidere. Even Sundnelle and Byleathea are a little surprised. It was a rather insensitive and indelicate remark, though, again, it’s a very true point. It causes Heralesse to wince and turn a little pale.

Daniel is described in the rumors as barbaric, lecherous, and cruel. It’ll be no surprise if rumors start cropping up about Heralesse being defiled, just as they did with Erimaya when it all began.

Mornistae’s Royal Family will lose a LOT of influence if those rumors take root. It could be advantageous, but if we have another Bromlund on our hands… Ugh… I’ll have to remember to have our agents try to downplay any rumors about Heralesse.

Erimaya, for her part, comforts her sister. “Don’t worry, Sister. In a worst case scenario, we will welcome you into the Fievegal for your protection.”

This only causes Heralesse to frown more, and Hekate growls again. “Grrah! Enough! We’re supposed to be having fun with this summit while suing for peace, not talking about this stuff!” She points at Byleathea, who inadvertently started the conversation. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know this. Daniel and I will have cute children, and they’ll be important siblings to Jieka and Tekten to rule the Fievegal forever. Now, let’s get this stupid peace summit over with. If this keeps up otherwise, I’m going to have to chew someone’s face off.”

Ryuogriar simply smiles, but Gwenesphia jogs after Hekate to try to urge her, “Hekate, Empresses don’t chew faces off.”

“This one does!” retorts the ravenette passionately. The various guards watching over the gathering hall glance at each other skeptically, and the Stalvaltan Guards, specifically, shrug.

In spite of that, the Sovereign Empress of the Fievegal manages to change as if transforming into another person, regaining a regal posture as she leads the group towards the gathering hall, and the dragons follow her and Gweneshpia.

Treia says quietly as she walks alongside Sundenelle, “Thanks for that. It bugs her, but she will appreciate it in the future.”

Sundenelle and Byleathea both smile, and the Empress replies gently, “As allies, friends, or family, I hope we continue to help each other long into the future. The Grand Zenkon Empire desires peace.”

“Glad to hear it. Speaking of… How much do you know about the Niulglodsa Marquisate?”

“That’s a sudden change of topic.”

“Sorry, but I notice that they have a rather large military presence here, considering they are the military of a Margrave far from here.”

“You’re right… I hadn’t really thought of that,” replies the blonde. She glances at her mother, who replies, “Margrave Niulglodsa has some questionable rumors pointing towards a disparity between his Marquisate’s trade and the actual wealth he possesses. To my knowledge, there’s no evidence of corruption or illegal activity, but, if I may be so bold, your Graces, there never is until there is.”

Treia scoffs, retorting in agreement. “Isn’t that the truth…?”

“Why do you ask? Has the Margrave contacted the Fievegal?”

“He has. His offer was a little out of the blue, which was why I was hoping to gather more information.”

Sundenelle notices Veiranoei and Kera’tai glance at Treia. Something else is going on, but Treia is extending a hand of cooperation as a show of minimal, but budding trust.

“Mornistae isn’t technically a vassal of the Empire, but a part of a treaty used to hold back the Demon Covenant. We don’t get many direct reports about the goings-on of kingdoms that aren’t our direct vassals,” explains Sundenelle.

Byleathea asks curiously, “Did the Marquis reach out as a representative of the kingdom, or as the Marquis? Is he pursuing a path similar to the Grand Duchy?”

Treia smirks, joking, “He doesn’t have any rich, attractive daughters on offer, so even if he was, we wouldn’t be interested.”

Wenlianna whines, “Hey!”

“What? You are, aren’t you?”

“W-Well… Yes. But,... Besides, are we supposed to be talking about that?”

“We’re Empresses of the Fievegal,” retorts the gatonine. “We may speak of anything we choose.”

Before Wenlianna can question further, Kera’tai interrupts her. “Empress Sundenelle doesn’t have any obligations to Mornistae, and the Marquis only tried to open communications. However, his representative was rather rude, so it’s not likely to matter what he wants.”

Treia nods in agreement. “Like she said. He seemed to be representing only the desires of the Marquis himself, but Hekate sent him away for trying to go behind his King’s back. Aramellianna at least tried to act as a mediator before the war escalated.”

“And now I’m the richess Gran Gramma in the tens arms,” declares the Grand Duchess. Yanidere tries to hush her, complaining, “Mother! You’re talking nonsense! I told you it was a bad idea!”

“Is… something wrong with the Grand Duchess?” asks Sundenelle. “She isn’t acting like herself at all. In fact… She seems… disturbed.”

Treia replies with a casual and dismissive wave of her hand. “She’s fine. Daniel made a tasty drink that makes you feel silly for a little while. She was stressed because of the journey here, so Daniel gave her some to relax, and she’s just relaxing a little too well.”

“Such a drink exists?” asks the Empress skeptically.

“This wouldn’t happen to have been the wine I’ve heard of, would it?” asks Byleathea.

“Mother?” asks Sundenelle without thinking, having just heard the word ‘mother’ and subconsciously reverting to her head attendant’s most proper title in an ideal world.

“Close,” replies Treia with a smirk. “If all goes well, perhaps we’ll share a drink to celebrate the outcome of this summit.”

The two Imperial women glance at Aramellianna. She does seem to be subdued, but also rather relaxed. It’s probably the most relaxed the Grand Duchess has been since they’ve become acquainted.

“Have you partaken in this drink, Empress Treia?” asks Sundenelle.

“I have. Daniel and I are actually regular drinking partners. It’s difficult to describe, but it is a rather fun experience.”

“I see. I would like to experience it once, then. Do you disapprove, Mother?”

Byleathea observes the Grand Duchess for a moment. “The Grand Duchess will recover, won’t she?”

“Of course. Though, your other thought is probably a wise one. We’ll do it in a secure location where our dignity can remain preserved.”

“Should we worry about the Grand Duchess?”

“No. She requested it, and even chose to participate in spite of her state. She’ll probably remain quiet as she listens to the proceedings.”

“The Fievegal is a very peculiar place,” remarks Byleathea.

No one can argue that.

***

There are nobles that are already gathered inside from all over the eastern half of the continent. A few try to wait near the entrance to get the edge on the others, while the more reserved ladies and gentlemen wait patiently in their seats to observe from a distance.

The moment the ladies of the Fievegal begin entering and being announced, the hall falls completely silent in the same way that Sundenelle and Byleathea did.

The young Empress is glad that she took the initiative and got ahead of the others. She enters gracefully and quietly excuses herself to take her seat in a throne near the head of the large conference-style table similar to the one used in Mattarglos for meeting with the Empresses of the Fievegal for trade negotiations.

Even the merchants and noble traders that already met with the Empresses, particularly Ryuogriar, are speechless. It’s hard to say who garners the most attention, as Kera’tai’s unique Chi’rinnis-style outfit made with the same luxury riches similarly shows the skin of her shoulders, neck, collar, and the majority of her thighs to where knee-high stockings patterned with her village’s ancestral patterns begin. The contrast of soft green and blue colors with the natural dark grey camouflage-like patterns on her light caramel-colored skin emphasizes her exotic appearance.

Ryuogriar cheerfully greets the first person she knows and who showed a great deal of respect to the Fievegal. “Ahh, Duke Walliskah. A pleasure to see you here.”

The duke belonging to the Empire stands up quickly, clearing his throat. “Your Grace Ryuogriar. I see you are with your Imperial Majesty Sundenelle, as well as the many angelic Empresses of the Fievegal. If you would grant me this honor, I would gladly introduce you to the hall.”

The duke approaches, and he kisses the back of the dragon’s hand. He does kneel before Hekate in order to do the same for her. “Your Imperial Greatness Hekate, your beauty is far-too-often hidden from the rest of the world.”

Hekate holds her head high as she smiles, and everyone watches. She replies proudly, “You flatter me too well, Duke Walliskah. You might set a bad example for everyone else.”

He chuckles as he stands up. “You are worthy of great respect and praise, but I suppose sugary words said by a sour mouth ring empty and flavorless.”

“Indeed.”

He bows his head, and he turns to the audience hall. “Ladies and Gentlemen of the continent of Stoerykame, please allow me the privilege of introducing the illustrious Empresses of the Fievegal alongside her Majesty, Sundenelle kos Lindenmorg.”

From there, Walliskah goes in order of rank for the Empresses, working his way through to the Stalvaltan women and Heralesse and Erimaya. As he reaches the end, Sundenelle gets even closer to Ryuogriar and Hekate. “Your Graces, there will be many who will speculate on the Princesses. I can think of reasons in favor and against introducing them here, but I lean towards introducing them so they aren’t disrespected, at least. I intended no hostility, and even I made a grave mistake.”

Ryuogriar nods and looks to Hekate. The ravenette smiles and nods in agreement. She walks brazenly to the duke, gesturing for him to lean down to her level. She whispers in his ear when he obeys, and his eyes go wide. The duke glances at Jieka and Tekten, whispering, “Forgive me, your Greatness. The structure of the Fievegal eludes me…”

“Don’t worry about that,” replies Hekate quietly. “Please just introduce them that way. When the day comes, I will clarify the role of my biological children, but they are my stepdaughters regardless.”

“Very well. Forgive me for not taking the initiative to ask sooner.”

Hekate nods, stepping back, while Walliskah clears his throat. “Ladies and Gentlemen, two more important introductions are due. May I present for the first time to a public audience, her Imperial Highness Crown Princess Jieka kos Lawson, Crown Heiress to the Fievegal, and her younger sister, Second Princess Tekten kos Lawson, beloved daughters of the Emperor Daniel kos Lawson both.”

Sundenelle smiles as she observes the room. Their reaction is just like her own; surprise. Daniel is certainly old enough, but his seemingly roguish behavior would suggest he would be cavalier with the ‘heirs’ he leaves behind. Instead, he brought his two eldest children to the summit to present them before the meaningful part of the whole world.

Naturally, the calculative nobles all start analyzing the whole of the information presented, even if it takes some longer to snap out of the awe.

The Fievegal has a messy rulership and often seems to be little more than a small gathering of upstarts, rather than the impenetrable iron monolith that it is, slowly growing larger as they devour the parts of the continent willing to become part of their whole.

This move, viewed through a political lens, has two obvious purposes. Of course, Sundenelle knows the truth, but she sees the two routes ahead of the nobles gathered in the meeting hall.

The fact that the Princesses presented are goblins, coupled with rumors of Daniel’s behavior at the Imperial audience, means that he is mocking them and trying to trick them into pursuing marriages in the future with disposable goblin children.

The other route is that the two truly are the Crown and Second Princesses, but only until higher ranking children are born. This thought likely comes from those who know that goblins have a notoriously high reproductive rate, making them a threat of numbers, rather than strength or skill. Most goblins live VERY short, fast lives as monsters in the eyes of their eastern enemies, meaning there is a great deal of prejudice against them.

Even Sundenelle let her automatic bias from what she has heard cloud her vision of the two individuals in front of her.

If she really does want to be an Empress of the Fievegal, she will need to be the Empress of goblins, as well. If the cruelty shown to the gatonines had continued into the modern age, they likely would have sided with the Demon Covenant by now.

However, one thing the group overlooks that Sundnelle was fortunate to have experienced in her own life. From what she has seen of the women who are not biologically related to the Princesses, and what they have said, they are Daniel’s treasures.

If he’s half the father the blonde’s own precious papa was, all of the nobles looking at Jieka and Tekten with greed in their hearts are writing their own death warrants.

This thought makes Sundenelle smile softly.

I bet I’m not the only one to think this, but I hope he extends some of that love towards me and our heirs. Yes, it seems the Fievegal may allow my children to be heirs of the Imperial territory, as long as we are pledged to the Fievegal. I could almost certainly negotiate this. Now, where is…

“I find this whole farce highly deceptive!” calls out a male voice that surprises everyone.

At the center of the commotion and storming towards a confrontation position is a man roughly in his fifties wearing a fairly nice, intricately scroll-patterned jacket using silver threads that contrast the base black color. He also has a cape that matches, with it mostly dropping over his left shoulder.

“This display is nothing but a show to hide the fact that the self-proclaimed Emperor of the Fievegal was assassinated mere hours ago!”

A few gasps ring out, and Sundenelle glances at Ryuogriar, who seems to be the most in control of the Fievegal from the political face of the growing Empire of the west.

Movement draws the blonde Empress’s gaze to Hekate’s ears, which have folded back, which worries Sundenelle a little at first. If Hekate is concerned, it’ll weaken her position.

But apparently, her expressive ears betray more than just nervousness.

Though, there’s not much to betray with a grin spreading across her face, which gives the slightly older teenage sovereign of the Grand Zenkon Empire a chill.

***