Book 9: Chapter 4

Book 9: Chapter 4

Cedric was the son of a small-time Muldu merchant. He was young, healthy, and even possessed a bit of business sense. He expected to inherit his fathers shop one day and didnt need to look on the bright side to see life was coming up roses.

There was something that concerned him, however. Despite coming of age some time ago, he was still unmarried.

Well, thats pretty common in Ulbeth, Cedric mumbled while minding the store.

Thanks to their nations long history, family ties in Ulbeth were far-reaching. Of course, the term relative was all subjective, but there were plenty of fish in the sea when hunting for a good partner.

In Ulbeth, marriage was a huge hassle.

First, once you found a possible match, you had to investigate the persons hometown, lineage, and personal history. You also had to confirm that their close relatives werent business rivals or other hostile parties.

Next came ensuring that marriage to this person wouldnt cause drama among your own kin. You were golden if everything checked out, but Ulbeths interwoven families inevitably meant some relatives refused to give their blessing. If there was too much opposition, the engagement was called off. Should compromise appear possible, you did your best to persuade the naysayers. If your potential partner managed to overcome those same obstacles, the two of you could openly discuss marriage.

Frankly, it was one immense pain.

Count me out

Cedric spoke for most Ulbethians his age. Most thought, Its so stupid. Why bother?

Regardless, they couldnt voice such opinions in Ulbeth society. Loose lips were immediately ostracized, as countless past examples proved. When someone publicly advocated free love and the abolition of marriage protocol, even Cedric had to mock their selfishness out of peer pressure and jealousy.

Hahhh Can someone please just destroy us already?

Cedric viewed Ulbeth like a tight ball of string. It was the nations own handiwork, but the threads slowly suffocating them could no longer be unwound by human hands. If only someone would come and crush everything

Hey, Cedric!

Huh?

His father had come bursting through the door.

Whats wrong, Dad?

The moment Cedric asked, he saw his fathers expression and realized it was urgent news. Just as he was wondering if the store had made an amazing deal

Rejoice! You have a marriage interview!

Cedric fell off his chair.

The Houdard and Juino families are discussing a possible union?

Lejoutte frowned at this unexpected report from her subordinate.

Thats odd. Although both families have children around the same age, theyre on poor terms.

I thought it strange as well and checked the information, but it appears to be accurate. Nothings set in stone yet, however.

Hmm

Lejoutte fell silent for a moment. The news was surprising, but she was more baffled that this development hadnt reached her ears more swiftly. The Ulbeth Alliance was a mass surveillance society. If someone was causing problems, government leadersLejoutte includedwould hear about it.

Houdards a Muldu family with a social standing that rivals Agatas, but the Juinos are from Altie Did Agata purposefully keep this plan under wraps?

Attracting as many people as possible was a vital skill for any leader, but in a closed society like the Ulbeth Alliance, poaching human resources was regular. Whenever it looked like a marriage might rob a city of its valued member, leaders tried to stop the union. This made it even more challenging for young Ulbethians to get married, and factions preferred to keep weddings within their own established circles.

I suppose its inconsequential, though. This will have no impact on us.

Lejoutte felt uneasy for some reason, but she brushed the feeling aside. The woman wouldnt hesitate to intervene as needed, yet such actions garnered enmity if done too regularly. Politicians had to choose their battles wisely.

Well be sure to congratulate them. Send someone as my proxy.

Pardon me!

Another subordinate hurried into the room.

The head of the Ramanuchin family has arrived! He requests an audience with you, Lady Lejoutte!

What? The Ramanuchin family? I have no plans to meet with them today.

Yes, but he would like your approval for a marriage between their eldest son and the eldest daughter of the Melmet family

The color drained from Lejouttes face.

Wasnt he supposed to marry the second daughter of Balash family from Facrita?!

The Ramanuchins were different from the Houdards and the Juinos. Although on the fringes, they were unquestionably part of Lejouttes faction.

Yet they want to marry into the Melmet family?! Theyre from Muldu!

Lejoutte quickly began to seethe at this outrageous betrayal but calmed herself with logic. Acting disagreeable here wouldnt do. She had to deduce how this situation had come about in the first place.

Ill be right there. Where is the family head?

In the reception room.

Lejoutte promptly readied herself and set out to meet him.

Theyre free to betray Facrita. The Ramanuchins are outliers, after all. I can readily oust them if need be. Still, Im surprised I didnt discover their dealings with the Melmet family earlier. Even if they were acting covertly, that only gets you so far. Plus, they were discussing marriage of all things!

Wedding arrangements in the Ulbeth Alliance were long-winded due to an ongoing settlement of interests. No matter how one tried to keep the matter quiet, it would inevitably leak somewhere. Yet somehow, Lejoutte had been entirely ignorant of these affairs. What was going on?

Can I brush off two marriage talks with Muldu families as mere coincidence? Absolutely not!

This was more than happenstance. It was undeniably an attack meant to undermine the eastern citys opposition. The methods were inscrutable. How had this not come to light sooner?

No, what if my assumptions are wrong? Lejoutte contemplated the possibility. Before long, the picture began to form.

How had they pulled it off? Could they truly accomplish what no other city had before? If so, then

Lady Lejoutte!

The South Representative was about to enter the reception room when another one of her subordinates approached.

I have news! The Clyffe family in Muldu and the Behnackel family in Roynock have agreed on an engagement!

!

Even for the Ulbeth Alliance, the history between those two clans was infamously twisted. Agata and Oleom tried to keep them under control, but both sides were unruly and thus mainly left to their own devices.

A sudden engagement between the Clyffes and the Behnackels Its hard to believe, but theres no longer any question!

The mastermind behind this hadnt been hiding information. Instead, they had used the precedent of prolonged marriage talks to their advantage and settled matters before the news had time to travel.

Then, the one unraveling Ulbeths tight knots is!

In other words, its like a puzzle piece, Ninym mused.

The Ulbeth Alliances isolated nature jumbled relationships between friends, relatives, coworkers, and business partners. Each citizen became a complex piece.

Of course, most people didnt jump down each others throats without reason. That vitriol formed over long years of smaller clashes against one another. It had built up to such a degree that the populace of modern Ulbeth found themselves in hopeless situations more often than most, however.

Only foreigners could ignore the ridiculous situation. Those citizens who were aware of their suffering were still Ulbethians whose lives revolved around their respective cities. They could never look down on their nations distinct rules. Anyone else was an outsider, had no intention of staying in Ulbeth, didnt respect the local laws, or possessed the ability to send the nation flying.

Wein Salema Arbalest was all of the above.

Well set up this familys third son next. Prepare the letter. In the meantime, Ill discuss marriage interviews with some families in Altie, so find a venue for me. We should be able to contact them through the Juinos. Oh, this Roynock guys the perfect age. I should ask about him, too. Kamil, get me his records.

The marriage campaign was underway.

After Wein had made his declaration, Agatas subordinates went scurrying around following his every command.

Whos the real master of this mansion?

An exasperated Ninym watched Wein issue orders. Her exasperation was understandable. She and the prince were in Agatas mansion, but anyone who beheld this display would conclude that Wein was running the show.

Agatas servants only complied because the East Representative had ordered them to, of course, yet they were fascinated by Wein nonetheless.

Still, his plan is so basic.

Ninym was right; Weins strategy was finely executed but not very elaborate. The young man had browsed Agatas records, considered each persons situation, and recommended suitable couples. That was it. His precision and speed revealed the true genius behind the tactic, however.

It wasnt as if these bachelors and bachelorettes had chosen the single life. Most had been locked in that position due to one circumstance or another.

Wein hummed a little tune as he saw through these obstacles and formed problem-free pairings.

No one could reproduce such a feat. Even Ninym would have needed a decent amount of time, but Wein had already managed to arrange over thirty interviews using Agatas documents alone. It was like finding a grain of gold on the beach every second.

You could hang up your crown and play matchmaker, Ninym remarked when she had a moment alone with the prince.

Wein laughed. Ive only had this much luck cause the Alliance is starved for marriage.

Weddings were a daunting process in Ulbeth, so people jumped at any opportunityespecially one that fell right into their laps.

Still, Im surprised by our success. Did you see that room packed with bridal clothes and props? Were running out of space.

Ceremonies were a crucial part of any wedding, but it would take time for the happy couple to assemble everything on their own. Thus, Wein had procured every conceivably necessary item ahead of time and rented them out.

Dont you think youre overdoing it? I almost drowned in a sea of dresses when I tried to tidy up.

Better safe than sorry. I just purchased a bunch rather indiscriminately, so Im not even sure if theyre good or not. Plus, its good to have a load of extras, just in case. Speaking of which, could you try em on for quality assurance?

Ninym retrieved a mask shed seemingly conjured from thin air and put it on.

Boo.

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Wein groaned as the Masked Flahmette poked him.

I wont name names, but my master has zero tact.

Huh? Did I say something wrong?

You did.

Wein had evidently messed up somewhere along the way. The prince frowned. Hmm.

Ninym removed the mask. Ill pass on the dresses. Im afraid I wont be able to appreciate my own when the time comes.

Thats the main issue?

It is.

Guess thats that, then, Wein mumbled.

Ninym changed the subject. By the way, do you really want to strengthen Roynock through weddings?

Dont worry. Im already working on phase two.

Phase two. Ninym had already heard the details.

For phase one, youll bolster Muldus authority by linking suitable families to Agatas faction. And during phase two, you aim to use those connections to set up marriages between Roynock and Facrita. Is that right?

Weins relationship with the western and the southern cities of the Ulbeth Alliance had been fragile since the beginning. Thus, his scheme was to encourage unions between Roynock and Facrita and build a base that would allow him to interfere.

Ninym had her doubts, however.

Success just means reinforcing Roynock and Facritas bond, though, doesnt it?

Yep. Thats why were gonna shake up the power balance, Wein replied. Lejouttes grip on her faction is shakier, so any marriage with Roynock is a bonus. As Muldu builds momentum and keeps Facrita on edge, how do you think the latter will feel when the former starts stealing their best and brightest through matrimony?

Betrayed. They might even suspect collusion between Muldu and Roynock The southern city wont be happy, to say the very least.

After that, Ill boost Muldus status with nonstop wedding bells while the Roynock-Facrita relationship is on the rocks.

Wein saw the floating puzzle pieces created by the Ulbeth Alliances dilemma as an untapped gold mine. Other leaders wouldve treaded lightly. Instead, the prince of Natra intended to flood the game board with his own pawns.

No one will know friend from foe. Everyone from the average citizen to top leaders will be totally lost.

Ultimately, Wein would create a knotted ball so convoluted and tight that most would have no idea where to start, and only a few leaders would be able to brush along the edges. Even those following Weins orders didnt have all the details. Only the prince had any hope of unraveling it. Thus

Wein had purchased almost one hundred people. A dozen or so were Flahm, including the man Ninym had met.

UmI was just wonderingif maybe

Its fine. Wein grinned. Isnt that what you said?

Wein had noticed her strange behavior that day and the reason for it. He must have figured everything out and

Thank you.

Why, whatever for? Wein asked with an innocent shrug.

Ninym smiled softly.

Lets prepare our next move. Oleom and Lejoutte wont sit still for long, Wein stated, changing the topic.

The Flahm girl nodded.



Yes, I doubt theyll stand for this. Do you think Roynock and Facrita will join forces?

Both cities are in chaos after being blindsided, but their leaders can handle it. The duo will try and team up again once theyve reassured everyone. Unfortunately Wein grinned. Im here to stop em.

Youre up to no good again.

If I was really up to no good, thered be nothing left.

Thatsentirely accurate.

You were supposed to disagree, Miss Ninym!

Ninym ignored the gripe. So what exactly do you have in mind?

Its simple, the prince said with another smirk. Ill use their fractured strength to my advantage.

It was the dead of night.

A single figure traversed the moonlit backstreets of a particular city. A hood concealed their eyes as they soundlessly continued through the alley until finally arriving at a small house. The shadow knocked three times. No answer. They entered regardless.

The interior was dim and sparsely furnished. A masked man occupied a chair that had been placed next to a simple desk.

Im sorry I took so long, the shadow greeted, pulling back their hood.

The seated man likewise removed his mask to reveal, of all people, West Representative Oleom. Ah, Lejoutte. Im glad you made it.

Yes, the cowled figures identity was indeed Lejoutte.

They were alone, and neither had told anyone their destination. Thus, this could only be a secret rendezvous between the two representatives.

My dear Oleom! Lejoutte took off her mask and flew straight into Oleoms arms.

I panicked when I heard those alarming rumors. Im so glad youre safe.

I was worried, too, Lejoutte. Seeing you here shines a light on my troubled heart.

The two smiled in one anothers embrace. Although Roynock and Facrita were currently allies, each side had secret ambitions to outwit the other. Yet their representatives were undeniably lovers.

We were so close to fulfilling our dream, yet look at us now, Lejoutte remarked, her expression twisted by frustration.

Oleom cupped her cheek and nodded. Rallying the western and the southern cities, becoming allies, and uniting as both representatives and symbols of peace It was all coming together.

Yes, this was the truth no one else knew.

Before rising to power, Oleom and Lejoutte were two young people in love. However, each was a family member of their respective citys representative. Announcing their relationship without due consideration would cause backlash and make life a living hell.

Neither could cast aside the feelings burning within them, however, so the pair chose to fight back.

First, Oleom and Lejoutte rose to power by intentionally adopting foreign knowledge to surpass the flood of other candidates.

Next, they pretended to be political rivals while bolstering the economic relationship between their cities and demonstrating the partnerships advantages. Roynock and Facrita had slowly grown close to the point where it would require only a little nudging to finalize the bond. Then Oleom and Lejoutte could be married at last.

If the couple couldnt be together for love, theyd gladly use politics and profit to justify it. That was their grand scheme for eternal romance. Unfortunately, a devil had interfered. The visitor from Natra, Wein Salema Arbalest.

Dear Oleom, how is Roynock faring?

The marriage campaign and whispers of revolt have riled the citizens. Im trying to calm them, but the results are mixed What about you?

Im having similar trouble. Animosity toward the Muldu and Roynock is growing each day. Im doing my best to defend your name, but

Ive heard the tales, but Prince Wein really isnt someone you want for an enemy, Oleom groaned.

Should we mobilize our forces? Lejoutte asked soberly.

If the western and the southern cities joined forces, their combined military had a good chance of overpowering Muldu. For all his strategic ability, Wein would be helpless against an army.

However, Oleom rejected this proposal.

No, that isnt wise. Agata is a Holy Elite, and Prince Wein is a foreign leader. If we attack them without just cause, it will greatly hinder future governance of the Alliance.

Had Oleom and Lejoutte never studied the world beyond their borders, they may have employed a military approach. The pair understood that Ulbeth was the backwoods of the West, however, and knew that armed assault was ill-advised. Agata could be defeated only through lawful channels, and Wein would need to be sent home to Natra in one piece.

Its all right. Our skills will lead us to success. The Signing Ceremony is coming up. If we can unseat Agata there, Prince Wein will have to return to Natra.

So the ceremony is our best chance to take control of our factions?

Oleom nodded. But Prince Wein may resort to violence even if we dont. Be careful, Lejoutte.

I understand. Please take care as well, dear Oleom.

I swear I wont die until the day I can embrace you in front of the whole world.

Oleom and Lejoutte held hands.

Our situation feels tense right now, but its a minor nuisance compared to what that other couple went through. Lets fight together.

Yes, Oleom.

Together, they would surpass any obstacle. Oleom and Lejoutte kissed, conviction burning in their hearts.

But those feelings were soon betrayed.

What did you just say?

Several days after his rendezvous with Lejoutte, Oleom sharply questioned his subordinates latest report.

Ah, well, you see Overwhelmed though he was by his superiors aura, the man repeated his message. Rumors are spreading through the city that you and the South Representative are romantically involved

!

Rage showed plainly on Oleoms face, but it was only an act he put on in front of his servant. Internally, he was dumbfounded.

How were we discovered?!

His secret meetings with Lejoutte were always at a different time and location, and he took meticulous precautions. They couldnt have been caught so easily.

Still, gossip was spreading. There was no denying that the truth had leaked.

Is this another one of Weins tricks?! Was he eyeing our movements?!

Wein and his delegation didnt know the lay of the land, and Agatas forces were no doubt focused on the marriage campaign. Did he really have spare resources? Or was he putting his slaves to work?

NoI bet he didnt even check if it was true!

Everyone knew there was a marriage boom in the Ulbeth Alliance. It was also common knowledge Oleom and Lejoutte were concerned these weddings would enfeeble their factions and hoped to curtail them.

Now rumors were spreading of a love affair between the two representatives. While they decried marriage among the populace, they were engaging in secret meetings. Moreover, Oleom and Lejoutte acted as bitter enemies in public. This was sufficient fodder even without solid evidence.

At any rate, I need a counterattack!

It wasnt like Oleom could ignore this fragmented truth. Not to mention the mess hed have to deal with if Wein found substantial evidence. Oleom had to dampen the rumors, and quickly.

I wont allow such disrespectful lies. Find the source and apprehend the criminal. Catch the irresponsible gossipers spreading the falsehoods, too.

Understood The subordinate nodded, then nervously added, Master Oleomthere is one more issue.

Theres more?

Oleoms eyes shot open at what he heard next.

Theres a motion to impeach me?! Lejoutte stood from her seat when she heard the news. Whats the meaning of this?! Why propose such a thing?!

In response to your marriage policies and the rumor of your affair with the West Representative, Master Huanshe and several other leaders held a meeting on the matter.

Ngh! Now is not the time for that! Lejoutte shouted angrily. She realized the futility of this outburst and shook her head. Im sorry. Taking my frustration out on you wont solve anything.

Think nothing of it. But, Lady Lejoutte, if things continue as they are

The womans servant trailed off, but the implication was plain. This situation wasnt ideal, and Oleom was undoubtedly in the same boat.

Representatives had to come from their citys designated family. Altie had lost their family, so there was no one to fill the position, but Roynock and Facrita still had theirs. If Oleom and Lejoutte fell, other relatives would take their places.

Conversely, contenders who hoped to become representatives themselves saw the pair as a nuisance. For instance, many were aware that the man mentioned earlier, Huanshe, had long sought the role. Even if Lejoutte thought this was no time to be discussing impeachment, Huanshe could ask for no more excellent opportunity.

A few proposing impeachment are also insisting that you be immediately taken into custody and a new representative chosen.

Honestly, theyre incorrigiblebut sitting here twiddling our thumbs wont help.

If anything, the situation had been steadily deteriorating since Weins arrival. Lejoutte couldnt believe she now had to fight her own faction on top of her foe in Muldu.

Ill hold a meeting soon. Make the necessary preparations.

Yes.

As she issued orders, Lejouttes thoughts drifted to Oleom, who was undoubtedly suffering through an identical predicament.

Please be safe, Oleom Lejoutte prayed silently to herself.

I suppose you could say its factional pride, Wein said as he read over reports about the western and the southern cities. If Muldu were stronger, the factions would likely still be operating smoothly. However, any standard attack is enough to topple this city. Total victory.

And thats what allowed infighting this late in the game.

Wein nodded.

Oleom and Lejoutte already had their hands full with Muldu but now had to deal with growing dissatisfaction and dubious scandals as well. For anyone hoping to drag them through the mud, it was a perfect opportunity.

The two representatives could warn the allies that were hoping to unseat them of the lurking threat, but how much good would it do? Those eager to snatch power from Oleom and Lejoutte wouldnt sense the same danger.

Man, the western and the southern cities sure have it rough.

Its strange to watch someone use their pieces own weakness to manipulate a foe.

Its nothing special. Weakness and strength are just strategies. Strength can give you an easy victory, but even weakness can take down a king if you know how to use it. The key is method and timing.

A knock came at the door, and Kamil walked in.

Prince Wein, I have new information on Roynock and Facrita, but

Oleom and Lejoutte are busy keeping all their ducks in a row, right?

Weins tone was confident, but Kamil was nervous as he answered.

About that

What? What happened? Wein asked, the questions tumbling out of his mouth.

Kamil steeled himself.

It seems the pair have eloped.

Wein and Ninym looked at each other.