Book 5: Chapter 1

Book 5: Chapter 1

Summers in Natra were markedly short.

There was a geographic explanation for this: its location at the northernmost end of the continent.

The warm season made people buzz with activity, and the Kingdom of Natra was no exception. Because summers never lasted long, the citizens were bent on making the most of every minute. In fact, they seemed to come more alive than any other nation.

On top of that, they were humming with excitement over the various exploits of Prince Wein. All had expected this summer to be particularly spirited, and they werent wrong.

Except this year had an element of surprise.

The season drew to a close. Fall was just around the corner.

It was the time of year to cool off their heated heads, but the citizens of the kingdom were continuing to party like it was midsummer.

There was one reason for it.

The Kingdom of Natra was flourishing.

Heh-heh-heh-heh.

An eerie chuckle echoed through the room.

It held an uncontainable mirth that seemed to spill out involuntarily.

Ha-ha-ha-ha Ha-ha-ha-ha!

After a short fit, the peals of laughter became louder and louder.

HA-HA-HA-HA-HAgh?! Koff!

Wrong pipe. After a few seconds of violent coughing, someone softly sighed.

Oof I shouldve known better than to do that without practice.

A boy was massaging his throat.

The Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Natra. Wein Salema Arbalest.

But let me give it another go!

Stop.

A stack of papers smacked the top of his head before he could go for round two.

Wein turned around to find his aide, Ninym Ralei, hovering over him.

Why strain your vocal cords for nothing?

They were in his office at Willeron Palace. The gentle breeze blowing through the open window signaled autumn was coming.

I cant think of anything more embarrassing than a prince laughing himself hoarse.

Youve got a point. Wein offered the tiniest nod. But this doesnt happen every day! I think I can afford to get a little hyped!

I hear you, but

He was talking about Natras recent windfall.

The documents on his desk marked the traffic of incoming goods and people, as well as resulting business dealings and anticipated revenue. All signs pointed to their economy on the up-and-up.

Increased revenue and profits! And room to keep growing! How could I not laugh? Lets ditch our political duties and party!

Seeing the world through rose-colored glasses, huh

The Kingdom of Natra was notorious for sucking on three major levels: location, industry, and reputation. A triple threat, but in the worst way.

There was one reason why it had suddenly caught a break: It had managed to shed its suckiness.

How did this happen?

First, location. Two hundred years ago, the nation had been founded on prime restate, which could be attributed to its relations with one of the biggest religions in the Western continentthe Teachings of Levetia.

According to doctrine, its founder had made a loop around Varno upon receiving a divine message from God, tracing the entire continent from west to north to east to south, before circling back to the West.

It was only a matter of time before the trail became a pilgrimage. The Kingdom of Natra had been founded on its route, serving as a continental divide nestled deep in the northern mountains. It didnt take long for it to become a hotspot for potential business dealings with followers of Levetia.

Which was how we were able to thrive in the past, Ninym reminded herself.

However, a hundred years after their founding, the situation had been flipped on its head, due to the Circulous Law. Based on a new interpretation of the scriptures, a half loop around the western section of the continent was now considered an acceptable pilgrimage.

This had been a huge blow for Natra.

Many chose to take the new route that circumvented the nation, since it was shorter and safer. As a result, the number of people passing through their kingdom dropped drastically. Once a necessary pit stop for traveling believers, the Kingdom of Natra had been downgraded to the middle of nowhere in an instant.

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One hundred years since the implementation of the Circulous Law, the neighboring kingdomMardenhad vowed allegiance to Natra. Obviously, this was going to boost Natras power as a nation, and more important, Marden was on the new pilgrimage route. Their union meant Natra had gotten a piece of good real estate for the first time in a hundred years.

Not that this will restore our former glory.

This left them with two other problems: no viable industries and a crappy reputation.

Marden hadnt taken advantage of the stream of people passing through the kingdom. After all, it had nothing to offer.

In fact, the two nations were on par when it came to the infertility of their land and the lack of basic infrastructure to accommodate travelers and their companions.

That said, they couldnt just offer imported goods from other nations in the West, since the travelers would be hitting up those exact spots as they completed their pilgrimage. They could have attempted to bring in goods from the East, though that trade route had been blockaded by Natra.

At first glance, this problem could have been resolved by the two nations joining forces. However, Natra had distanced itself from other kingdoms after it was forcibly ejected from the route, and Marden hadnt wanted to associate with Natra, fearing animosity from Levetia.

But our union has settled this dilemma.

Their own industries were as lousy as ever. However, their alliance with Earthworld Empire had allowed them to import goods from the other half of the continent for the past hundred years.

In other words, they could offer the hottest commodities of the East.

As for reputation, thats been addressed by Wein and Princess Falanya.

Even with the best goods and location, a terrible reputation was enough to keep people away.

Though his recent exploits were outstanding, Prince Wein had been only a topic of local discussion until the previous year. The citizens under his care and government leaders in other nations were in the know, but residents of other kingdoms werent too familiar with the intimate details.

Ive heard that one prince is doing okay for himself, someone would say.

Cool, another would offer.

However, his approach to the incident in the merchant city of Mealtars had certainly changed things. Every influential leader from each nation had been there, and the event had drawn the attention of the entire continent. Everyone across Varno knew the names of Prince Wein and Princess Falanya, now that theyd come in clutch at the eleventh hour.

Inevitably, it boosted their reputation as a whole, recognized in the eyes of society.

Now the Kingdom of Natra became a triple threat of the good kind: prime real estate, covetable goods, stellar reputation. As a result, the winds of fortune blew down on them for the first time in a hundred years.

Whew! It aint easy being a genius!

With everything that had happened, Weins ego had inflated to grand proportions. If his ballooning self-importance could take up space in the real world, there would be enough room for him to do a little jig on it.

To make things worse for Ninym, it wasnt wrong to attribute these recent successes to his ingenuity in the face of adversity. She couldnt make up her mind to admonish or agree with him.

If we continue to flourish, the people will be happy, and our budget will get even bigger! Which means more opportunities will present themselves to us! And thatll let us live in the lap of luxury! Our value as a kingdom will climb! Smooth sailing from here on out! Yes, maam! I think Ill keep living the high life as a prince!

Says the one who was eager to commit treason and retire. Changing your tune, huh.

What?! Retire? Commit treason? Who said that? Im only committed to upholding this position and indulging in extravagance!

Im relieved to hear that. Enjoy. A mountain of paperwork landed on his desk. I need you to look over and sign these reports from each department. This one wants to know if wed like to import additional dyes from the Empire. This says theyre low on personnel at the border and request a bigger budget. And a letter of protest has arrived from the Delunio Kingdom, so please write back to them.

Why do I have more responsibilities now that were doing well, Miss Ninym?!

Because it means more people and more jobs. And that leads to more paperwork for those in charge.

I knew it! I have to sell off this kingdom and get out of here!

He was never one to hesitate to turn his back on his people.

Wein, I swear She looked positively beat. Well, I guess its too late to correct your personality. Whatever. Theres something we need to resolve immediately. And its not paperwork.

Hmm?! Wein scoffed. Fine! Good times dont necessarily mean fewer responsibilities! But you cant be seriously suggesting theres an irresolvable problem! I mean, do you know who youre talking to? Theres no way thats the case! After all, where theres work, theres money! And money can solve anything! Thats the distinct pleasure of being king! Ha-ha-ha! I wish I knew what its like to feel defeated!

All right. Ill give it a try. What are you going to do about our new territoryMarden?

Wein stopped signing papers. His ego deflated until he collapsed onto his desk.

There was a moment of silence.

Ninym.

Yes?

You know, theres a bitter taste to defeat

That was easy. Ninym sighed in exasperation. So, what are you going to do?

AAAAAAH! he shouted in agony. Aaah! Jeez! What am I supposed to do with Marden?!

Borgen and Jiva went far back, and his archery skills were said to be the finest in the territory. Soldiers revered him as a man with a backbone, but that was also why he never got along with King Fyshtarre, which had landed him a post that left a lot to be desired.

After the capital fell, Borgen joined the Liberation Army led by Zenovia at Jivas request. As a military commander with real experience, he was currently serving alongside Jiva as one of the top leaders of the territory.

In any case, Marden will not last in its current state without her to lead us. I wish she could focus on studying governmental affairs, but

King Fyshtarre shunned her as much as he did me

Zenovia didnt have any skills to write home about when it came to national politics. It would be a bit unfair to say this was due to her own willful negligence.

Born a prince, Wein had spent years receiving the education to rule as a monarch. On the other hand, Zenovia had been sent off to a villa away from the king, receiving virtually no education in politics. In other words, she lacked skill only because she hadnt spent much time acquiring it.

This explained why she was trying to pick up the pace by studying government while simultaneously running it.

As vassals, we should be supporting Lady Zenovia, especially now, but

Still having trouble rounding up more people, Jiva?

Things dont look too promising, though I guess I shouldnt have expected otherwise.

There just wasnt enough human capital in Marden for it to resume operations.

After all, theyd been to hell and back. Their former king had abused his power. Theyd lost a war with Natra. Launched by Cavarin, a surprise attack had swiped their capital from under their noses, and the liberation army had locked swords with their new rulers. Theyd banded with Natra to reclaim their land, only for their former princess to promptly swear allegiance to their temporary ally.

This had been a disorienting rush of events for the residents of the territory. What misfortune would the new day bring? Even for those in positions of power, it was hard to say if they were making the right decision by serving this new government.

And theres still discord between those who left and those who stayed, even among the officers of the former kingdom. Jivas expression turned dour.

During their short rule over Marden, Cavarin had tried to keep officials of this nation under their employ. As a result, these bureaucrats were left with three options: serve their new rulers, resist by joining the Liberation Army, or find another job altogether.

After Marden was freed, those in the Liberation Army were obviously the ones who gained distinction. Jiva and Borgen were appointed as chief leaders, and others were given distinguished positions within the territory. Those who hung around in Marden were called the Remainers.

Things were harder for those who chose to serve Cavarin. With the death of their new king and hints of political upheaval in their new home, they were starting to jump ship again, taking advantage of the revival in Marden to sneak back. However, the Remainers were cold toward these so-called Returners. From their perspective, they had tried to waltz back in after readily ditching their homeland.

I guess accepting the Returners was a mistake? I cant stand watching soldiers bicker, much less civil officers.

There was no way around it. They have critical insight into operating the territory. Wed be in over our heads if we pushed them away. We cant even find the people to train from the ground up. And we just dont have the time.

Borgen sighed. Damn. We really cant catch a break. I thought this was going to be the best time of my life, but here I am, thinking fondly of the time when shit was boring but easy.

Please dont step down. I know my assessment might have been wrong, but wed be done without you.

I know. I see Lady Zenovia working hard, even though shes twenty years younger than me. I would never forgive myself if I just abandoned her.

This was all that was keeping Marden together: vassals banding together under Zenovia, inspired by her work ethic, though she was sorely inexperienced.

It was the reason she had to stand before them, cheer them on, and act as an emotional pillar. Without her, the territory would fall to pieces.

Besides, I can feel something in the air has changed since our economy improved. If we can get past this, Im sure the world will be our oyster.

Borgen was in charge of patrolling and supervising the territory. He was intimately familiar with the impact this had on peoples lives.

Jivas expression remained grave. So things have shifted in our favor. But that brings the problem of surrounding areas in Natra.

HmI see your point. If Marden is the only one with new wealth, it could breed some animosity there. Especially since were new to their kingdom.

Precisely. Therefore Jiva stopped mid-sentence.

Zenovia had appeared down the hallway with her ladies-in-waiting.

Im back!

No time had passed. She must have taken the quickest dip in the world.

It didnt seem shed spent much time getting dressed either. Her ladies-in-waiting fussed over her dress and attempted to wipe her dripping hair. Zenovia was too old to be doing this. Jiva looked to the heavens for help.

Lady ZenoviaI believe Ive mentioned that appearing before the vassals in this state is

Dont worry. I was sneaky in getting here.

Thats not the problem!

Storming after her, Jiva tried to give her a piece of his mind as they reentered the office.

Borgen interrupted. Come on, Jiva. No need to raise your voice. She obviously cant rest with things on her mind. If you care about her health, it would be better to help her finish her tasks than keep her from them.

Hmph Jiva groaned.

Yeah. Tell him, Zenovia said under her breath.

He whipped around to glare at her. She looked away, feigning innocence.

Jiva sighed. Fine. Ill overlook it this time.

And next time?

There will be no next time, he snapped.

Zenovia pouted before turning to Borgen.

All right, Borgen. Lets hear your report.

Please take a look at this. He handed her a sheaf of documents.

She thumbed over them as she sank in her chair. They contained information obtained during the patrol rounds.

Seems turmoil in our territory has subsided.

Yes. You were right to prioritize things to get the citizens to feel at peace. With the economy improving, it seems that has finally come to fruition.

I wasnt sure how it would turn out, but its one thing off my plate.

Zenovia couldnt stop herself from breaking out into a smile, but it didnt take long before she reined it back in.

But being inattentive could lead to our downfall. Right, Jiva?

Yes. Youre correct. He nodded. If we continue to experience explosive growth, Natra wont keep quiet. That could spell trouble for both of us.

Which means well have to sit down with them at some point.

About that. One of their emissaries has just arrived. They entrusted me with correspondence from Prince Wein.

From the prince? Zenovia accepted the sealed letter from Jiva, giving it a once-over.

She was floored by its contents.

It says His Highness plans to pay us a visit Is this true?

Yes. Weve received verbal confirmation from the emissary. It seems Prince Wein has been invited to attend a ceremony in Soljest. Since Marden is on his route there, he wishes to talk with us.

And I dont assume hes coming to see the sights.

Right. I imagine hes concerned about the friction between our two territories and wants to discuss it further.

That works for us. Jiva, prepare to receive them. Borgen, make sure the prince is guarded during his stay.

Yes!

As you wish.

They bowed to her. Zenovia nodded at them before looking like shed remembered something and springing to her feet.

Where are you going, Lady Zenovia? Jiva inquired.

I might take a long soak in the bath after all, she replied awkwardly.

Something about her reaction was enough for him to understand. He nodded, smiling.

I think thats a great idea. Well take over your administrative duties. Please enjoy yourself to your hearts content.

R-right. Well then, Ill leave it to you. Zenovia hurried out of the room.

Only the two remained. Borgen tilted his head and looked at Jiva. What was that about?

Jiva chuckled. Lady Zenovia hasnt completely abandoned her maidenly side. She cant let herself look unsightly before Prince Wein.

I see. Borgen smiled in understanding. Well, weve got our hands full as our precious gem polishes herself.

Yes But what are we going to do about this? Jiva held out a separate sealed envelope.

Another letter? Why didnt you give it to Lady Zenovia?

Well, the sender might pose a little problem

Borgen could tell from his loaded statement that they werent on good terms. He asked a follow-up question.

Whos it from?

Jivas eyes narrowed. The Kingdom of Delunio.

Late summer. Their stage was set in the North.

Three nations had announced their arrival: Natra. Soljest. Delunio.

In the vast northern lands, three kingdoms were quietly scheming to engage in a brutal battle.