A5G

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Oookay, so why did she said that?

There's part of Yvonne that normally restrained such uninhibited behavior when appropriate, but apparently she's inebriated enough to loosen it up. Otherwise, she wouldn't so easily throw that kind of invitation to Silas who currently stood in an ambiguous crossroad of the political clash. One that will likely turn into armed one sooner than later.

Oh well. Some of her regretted, other part simply taking it at stride, and a different portion suggested going where the problem couldn't touch her. Wouldn't be the first time she had to abandon ship.

Back to her table, there's Jazdia... and someone arguing with her. Rather intensely, in fact. It seemed to be ending though, whether the conversation running its course or due to Yvonne's arrival. Still, the bits and bobs of exchange she caught wasn't a pleasant topic to the ears.

"Lord Speaker Hastings, I am not here to bore myself with your rhetorics. You know who I am, so let us spare ourselves from this tedium. My answer is no, if you are really concerned about what my old colleagues think, then you should stop, for the benefit of both nations."

"I seek what is best for my own nation, Lady Crystalspark. It is such a shame that you don't understand our intention. "

"Oh I understand enough. You will wage war for profit, so do your worse on that. Now, if you please, my friend is coming. Get out of my table!"

Suppressing a scowl, Yvonne brazenly intruded as she returned to her seat like the other party weren't on the verge of becoming the second source of commotion tonight. There's certainly enough eyes on them at the moment, waiting for the pin to drop.

"My bad, that took longer than expected." The mercenary briefly scanned the still covered meal on her side of the table, a servant briskly approaching to introduce the stuff. Then her sight went to the speaker, and finally Jazdia. "You good, Sparky?"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Yvonne shrugged. Of course the threat of war wasn't over. The border skirmish were still something ongoing and actually intensified, last time she checked - even the supposed "marauders" were disguised professional soldiers. Rescuing the prince only returned the political landscape to the baseline level. Probably not even that, for Freddy had to invest time and resource to rescuing young Alec instead of making any headway toward peace. Depend on how things go, everything going south real quick was very much a possible outcome.

"Eh, there's dozens of merc with flattering nicknames running around. I'm just one of them." Like, for one, Ragnar the Red. Real bastard of a man, but one with undeniable combat prowess to back up his fame. "Sparky's an ambassador? Didn't know she's got such history. I've never even heard of Doc Solomon before... guess you really do know them better than myself."

They were suddenly interrupted by Kirsten, Yvonne actually seeing the younger woman coming but show no hint of it until the former successfully ambushed Silas. She grinned at the antics, one that actually fit Kirsten's age instead of worrying about future and family relationship. Unfortunate that she's too insecure to try breaking out of the shell, but then again not everyone can handle that kind of drastic shift.

"I'm not quite sure about it yet Kirsten, he was still at the small-talk phase!" Said Yvonne, callously throwing the admiral under the bus. "Are you stealing him away? I probably should give you two some room to bond then, I'm sure you dont get this occasion all too often."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"Well, appreciate the heads up. They must've kept some good contacts if they moved that quickly... but paperwork takes time, and I could be halfway to Anggolindsto by the weekend if I have to. I've avoided them for a decade, I can do it again." Yvonne offered a hint of a smile, surprisingly genuine this time though it didn't last all that long. Then a tidbit she glossed over resurfaced, the mercenary raising an eyebrow in bafflement. "Hold up, attorney? Who the heck?"

A glance to Sparky, now seated at the table, waving and winking back at her. Yvonne's heartbeat somewhat increased from the gesture. She smiled back, barely catching the tail end of whatever Silas said. Cant help it, that's too fucking cute. Still, it cant be her. Cedar... even less likely. Solomon? Didn't felt quite right either. So who?

"Guess you know more about my colleagues than myself, huh?" She wasn't sure what to expect. "Personally I'm strongly considering that lengthy vacation, but who knows. Maybe you'll not see the last of me just yet."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

[NPC Post]

"All understandable, Master Cedar. Nothing is set in stone yet, but you wouldn't need to do anything you dont want." Still placating the bear, but Theodore felt like he's making good progress. He only need to reconvene with Mother later, set a few things rolling... then they can contact Cedar with a better-thought plan on the board.

Reaching into a pocket, Theodore produced an insignia made out of dull-grey metal depiciting the Steinwall's stone tower in front of a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. It's oddly smooth and weightier than expected, little "XVI" inscribed at the back. He double-checked the inscription before offering the token to Cedar, ensuring that he wouldn't mix up the numbering.

"For communication. A paired token exist, each can be used as anchor to direct scrying at. And it should keep you out of most trouble within the kingdom's border, just flash it at the constabulary. While I know you likely wouldn't, please dont abuse the fact." Theo paused, glancing at the direction of the party as if he could sense something. About time, huh? Speak of timing, he's just about finished. "Ah, I see your tail's coming. You can ask them to lead you to your room. Until next time, Master Cedar."

Rubbing the ring with a finger, Theodore stepped to the side of the hallway as a strange sensation coated him... as if the mind tried to say that he's there and he's not at the same time. Yet as he stepped away, a maid turned the corner before promptly ignoring the mage like he didn't exist and beelining straight for the bear sticking out like a sore thumb a couple steps away.

"Sir bear, I've finally found you! The King have said some words in your favor earlier-"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

[NPC Post]

The bear was as straightforward as the initial assessment said. Which means he's so terribly simple to recruit, but to that end if Theodore can see it then so did anyone else. It's a good thing that he seemed to be the first one to come up with the offer. The mage inwardly uttered some apology to the king, but this was the one individual that the Steinwall wouldn't let go.

"Of course. We are trying to befriend you, because we hope that you will help us in the near future." This was actually rather refreshing. No need for cutthroat negotiation or beating around the bushes, just simple trade. It's rare to find such opportunity outside the family.

"No dungeon visit." Theo smiled wryly, showing both his palms ahead for reassurance. "Details is not yet in the plan, but there'll likely be public speeches and spell demonstration. Maybe talk to a few people. But you'll have enough time to prepare and practice, unlike what went under tonight."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

The bear's whole debacle ended just like that, with a few sentences from Freddy. Poor guy, but he'll probably need the alone time anyway. Yvonne will offer a few words of affirmation later when they meet again. They will meet again, right? Only reason to stay this long was to see the king later. So... it's probably fine!

"I'll be joining you soon, Sparky!" Yvonne waved the elf away, still carrying some expectations in her chest despite having been rejected once. Then, back to Silas. Eyeing the princely man thoroughly, it's almost too easy to forget that his family practically committed treason. Now, it's probably almost entirely Jonas, and Yvonne herself knew how terrible it was to have a garbage family, but still. The perfect idol in her mind have been tarnished.

"Girls grow up faster than you realize! Do watch out or one day she may flee the estate with nothing but a sword and a little bit of money." Said the mercenary with a slightly embarrased grin, mostly due to the unexpected use of her childhood nickname. "There's always more rumor surrounding me, but pray tell. I'm curious what novelties they've come up with this time."

"It's not anything novel, unfortunately. I heard that your family, after hearing that you are finally acting like a true heir and working to restore the glory of the family, are looking for you." The admiral's eyes flickered to a corner of the hall, the elephant in the room that Yvonne had been studiously ignoring for the past half an hour. "In fact, they're probably talking about it right this moment."

If it's outside, Yvonne may had spat in a decidedly unladylike manner. As it stood, her visage broke into a scowl for a moment before returning into a neutral one. "Bah. They're still trying, aren't they? Even after they ran out of men to send after." Being unkind in her treatment ensured that the next batch ask for higher compensation, and eventually her parents ran out of the means to pay. Serve them right, miserable pricks.

"That aside, some bird tells me that your family is filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for 'years of material and immaterial losses' you caused and demand the court to deduct a portion of your reward." Silas continued smoothly, as if the veins now popping at Yvonne's forehead wasn't visible at all. Oh, she's pissed. Too bad that she couldn't afford to start yet another commotion now... but then the anger evaporated as she giggled and then broke into a slightly deranged cackle that attracted the nearest few people. It died down quickly enough, but not before a few people discreetly distanced themselves.

"The sheer fucking audacity." Every single words were laced with thinly concealed wrath. 'Well, they ain't gonna see a single penny of it. I'll make sure of that. Do you have any other upsetting news, perhaps? Get it out of the way so I can start drinking it away."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

[NPC Post]

"...I see. Must be difficult navigating this place with bad eyesight. Which room was yours?" Theo spoke rather awkwardly, not really used to deal with crying children. While he wasn't sure if Cedar was one, the bear certainly was at that age by human standard. Something to keep in mind later.

"Anyway." He coughed to clear his throat. "The Royal Magus, my Mother, have a major project planned. The event at Fanghorn had inadvertently pushed the timetable forward, and you are in a unique position to assist it tremendously. Are you perhaps open for a cooperation, Master Cedar? In return, we can offer much help for you where you're less suited to make a move. Among other things." Like the soiree earlier, for example. Theo kept it unsaid, but the implication was there. "As a gesture of goodwill, we will ensure that Fanghorn and the late baron's family are well-cared for."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

[NPC Post]

There's countermeasures for unauthorized spellcasting in the hall, but as the one who oversaw the entire thing Antigone naturally left a few minor loopholes to her advantage. And as Mother's most trusted second, Theodore had the privilege of perusing some of those. A minor cantrip built into a ring that temporarily shunt the user to the edge of someone's perception if they're not paying full attention to him, allowing discreet maneuverability for someone otherwise constantly under scrutiny. He had taken the moment when the king's servant attracted all eyes, where no one was the wiser to his disappearance.

Mother's brilliance made it difficult for her to act discreetly, but on the other hand she draw the lion's share of observation from their enemies. It would be foolish not to take advantage of this little fact, and thus Theodore tend to take subtler tasks that didn't necessarily require her presence.

"A moment of your time, Master Cedar."

Theodore had pictured this going a bit differently, but he had underestimated how fast an upset bear can move. If not for how the latter seemed to be at loss with the castle's architechture he probably wouldn't have caught up. As it stood, a slightly out of breath Theo paused nearby to gather his bearings before he could continue speaking.

"Theodore Steinwall, if you recall. Our first meeting was at a less fortunate circumstances, but I hope you wouldn't hold a grudge over it." After all, he's the one who was present to confirm what the... jailor had gotten out of Cedar shortly after the bear was summarily bagged and beaten for "suspicious behavior". "A moment of your time, before your tails caught up to you or someone notices I'm no longer present in the party?"

The Steinwall fully supported Fredricus' reform plan, yes. But that didn't mean they'll not do anything to prepare for it. While some houses decided to take the seditious path, there's other ways to retain power even when the nobility titles were gutted. And to that end, the bear before him was a highly valuable piece to have.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

[NPC Post]

Commotion was inevitable this evening, what's with how that old bastard Jonas - may there be a special place in hell reserved for that man - undoubtedly seeded his chess pieces here. The spark already flew before Fredricus even finished opening the soiree. And it's not like the guests of honor were free of any issues either, what's with Crystalspark's enigmatic personality or Rosenving possibly coming into contact with her estranged parents or the bear-man being way out of his depth. When it did happen, however, was a much larger matter than expected.

The first crash attracted attention, but the party still went on. Accidents happen, after all. But when the screaming started, even the musicians slowly stopped playing as the mood ground to a halt. Yet when the fools, the fence-sitters, and the uninvolved set their eyes to watch the show, Fredricus scanned for the ones who hold the strings. His eyes met Jonas for a moment, undoubtedly having the same idea, inwardly picturing how great it would be to throttle the old snake until the last sign of life faded from his corpse. But Fredricus reined in his temper. That seemed to be something he had to do a lot lately. Thankfully, the two of them almost simultaneously looked away. In low tone the king sent out an order to his chamberlain, who in turn passed it to his personal servant. The man slipped closer to the site of incident, at the edge of plain sight yet nearly unnoticed. For who would notice a servant in this room, when they didn't need anything? Moreso with a dramatic moment to drink in.

The entire hall was silent after Cedar's declaration and summary departure, all attention then shifting to Fredricus like a shifting tide. He let it stew for a moment, until the now much more apparent servant returned with a short version of what happened. The room waited with bated breaths as he listened, before finally standing up to address the issue.

"It seemed that my guest have difficulty conveying his intent, moreso to someone so overtaken with grief." No chance he's letting Jonas spin this into something outrageous. Best smother it in the crib. "Tonight is a night for celebration. I shall overlook both Sir Cedar's clumsiness and Madam Kruber's outburst, and they will have a chance to straighten this up in a more private occasion with my representative present to facilitate proper communication." His gaze scanned across the room, as if challenging anyone to speak up. Nobody did. "As for Baron Kruber's untimely demise, that is a matter still under investigation. The news will be publicized at a later date once the men on site finished analyzing the scene. That is all. Continue." The last part was directed to the musicians, who hurriedly resumed playing as if their neck's depending on it. As Fredricus sat down, murmurs of gossip almost immediately suffused the room.

Some rumor will undoubtedly spread tonight, but Fredricus had a proper picture painted and ready for dissemination comes the next day. Otto von Kruber will be painted as a martyr, a treatment way too good for a treasonous wretch like him, but Fredricus will let that go. As long as that snake Jonas is snared in the end, sparing a few underlings in the process was not out of question.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Yvonne's smile momentarily widened, though unfortunately she didn't get her wish. A flash of disappointment briefly marred her expression, but all in all she took it rather well. It's understandable, yes, but that didn't make it sting any less. Perhaps she's been too hasty in her advances.

"Well, I suppose you're right-" Loud crash, followed by smaller crashes and yelling and cursing and sounds of glass breaking. The entire room, Yvonne included, swiveled to the source of commotion. It took a lot of self-control not to say something scathingly sarcastic at this moment, but she managed.

"Well, looks like he beat us to the commotion."

Just a little sarcastic.

"Why, it's Admiral Delving! I didn't see you earlier. Have you been well since our last meeting?" Said the mercenary, doing her best to pretend that the bear wasn't someone she's familiar with. Juuust an unrelated third party, nothing to see here.

...Freddy's gonna chew him up later, wasn't he?