"I'm sorry, I can agree to provide temporary shelter out of respect for Douglas and your father but taking on the role of a Princess' bodyguard is not something I can agree to. Even if you offered a rather substantial reward I am needed here so I'll have to refuse your request." Anya's eyes visibly drooped, her disappointment and even despair obvious to see. Luna however donned a slight smirk.
"She needs to reach Icethorne." Though her words were spoken rather softly it was like a bell ringing in Frost's head. His lack of interest and clear rejection immediately changed as a smirk donned his own lips.
"Go on."
"Lord Douglas is aware of your current predicament in terms of materials. As long as you accept this request Furano is willing accede on your behalf, purchasing the materials you require and then selling them to you at a fair price." Frost's eyes narrowed as he strongly glared at Luna.
It was clear that his territory's current predicament had long been known by his allies which in effect wasn't a bad thing but now it was clear that they were using it to have him agree to their request.
"....I want a reward befitting the job as well as a promise from the Furano territory that if anyone from the Northrend empire comes snooping around trying to cause trouble in my absence you have to lend my territory aid." A fierce negotiation thus took place between Frost and Luna while General Anya remained completely in the dark, unable to understand how Luna got Frost to reconsider his stance.
Regardless it meant that they had achieved their aim, her Princess would likely be in safe hands with Frost by her side.
"I'll be leaving in a week; she can stay within my territory until then. I'll have the Sleeping Fenrir arrange lodgings and do my best to prevent untoward spying."
"On behalf of Princess Avira as well as the Furano Viscounty I thank you Lord Frost, I'll return with her highness tomorrow." Luna bowed her head acting as an official representative before Frost's position as territory lord.
"You're leaving already, you can stay a while if you want. Though I'm quite busy myself I can have one of my ronso guards show you around." With business over Frost returned to their amicable relationship as friends.
"I'd love to, but I really must get back to Furano however when I come with the Princess tomorrow I'll gladly take you up on that offer. You can take the opportunity to brag my head off about your bustling territory eheheh." Luna giggled feeling much lighter after having completed her duty while Anya was rather desperate to get back to the Princess and say her farewells.
"Tomorrow then, I'll be waiting, farewell Luna, General."
Experience tales at mvl
"Goodbye Frost."
"Frost a quick word in private first." Just when Luna and Anya were about to leave Anya pulled Frost back into the Lord's manor and gave him a fierce look.
"I'm leaving the Princess' care in your hands Frost that means if anything should happen to her I'll be coming for you, understand." Anya first raked her thumb across her neck before placing her knee against his groin. "ANYTHING" Frost felt a sharp pain down there that caused him to break out in a cold sweat.
Thankfully it was just a stern warning, Anya released his rather delicate jewel a moment later.
It was also agreed upon that if such a negotiation came about that General Anya should be informed of it thus indirectly informing the Princess as well. The Furanos did not wish for their choice to be hidden from the Princess, thus preventing any misunderstandings.
"Haaaaa in less than a year the friendly and reliable senior that Leo and I met has become someone that can rival our fathers perhaps even surpass them." Luna felt an urge, a strong desire to improve herself as she muttered under her breath, her hands subconsciously balling into tight fists.
Work on the wall continued with an even greater pace as shortly after Luna left word came from Calder that the much needed materials were already on their way and would arrive within a matter of hours.
"Hmph interesting." Frost smiled and shook his head as he heard this report, taking the whole negotiation as another lesson in politics.
"With the materials on hand there's nothing left that can hold us back, Yuna take over here I want to get my hands a little dirty before we have to take care of our important guest."
"Understood master, have fun." Filled with excitement Frost dashed from his office and placed himself under the orders of Rana who wasn't shy in putting him straight to work.
Meanwhile in the Dungeon's private space Maya sat beside Nanna with an inquisitive look on her face. "Northrend's Princess eh, I wonder how she'll choose to behave."
"Is she an enemy?" Nanna asked with a vicious glint in her eyes that betrayed her cute appearance.
"Unknown we'll have to wait and see, be careful while you work at the Sleeping Fenrir."
"I will." Nanna left a moment later to make the assigned arrangements for the Princess. She would be given their best room as well as the best guards they had on hand.
Luna returned to the Furano territory a couple hours later on the back of a domesticated frost mare. Her father and Lord Douglas were eagerly awaiting her arrival.
"So he agreed?"
"Yes, Sir Frost will escort her highness to Icethorne in a week's time."
"Haaaaa good, good, Franz and Amelia will surely be able to rest easier knowing that their daughter will be in safe hands." Ryuu sighed as a heavy weight was lifted from his shoulders.
The Furano Viscounty though loyal to the Emperor Franz Northrend and his wife Amelia Northrend just weren't in a position where they could openly stand diametrically opposed to the might of both Randolph and Sedrick. Their territory was effectively the boonies after all.
However they could at least ensure the protection of the Princess on her way to true safety, fulfilling their duty as loyal vassals to the crown.
And Unlike Furano, Icethorne would be able to protect her safety and even possibly aid her in reclaiming the throne.
Icethorne held the strongest of the empire's battalions as well as the most loyal, only the Emperor or their true representative could command their loyalty. Not even the crown prince would be able to budge them from this oath even if he took the throne by force.