Mas Bagus

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

-snip-

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

The banter was heating up. Not that it was unexpected; people with such self-important attitude was almost a staple in every elite social gathering like this. The kind of people who were always complaining about standards wearing arrogant expressions and making comments that were civil on the surface but sharp enough to wound.

Yvonne didn't seem too interested in entertaining their fashion, and being confronted by such passive dismissal, Jazdia could already see it was slowly drawing their ire.

"It's YORK. Adela YORK." the middle-aged woman retorted indignantly, almost like shouting, then she turned to her husband, spewing more backhanded criticism that strangely was directed at someone far away from them. The way Yvonne glanced at her showed that she didn't seem too pleased to hear them talking.

Jazdia turned to the couple, wearing her faked smile. To her discredit, the couple had their question ignored, and it was only right for her to amend that rudeness.

"Correct Ma'am," she butted in. "I personally share your concern. But pardon me to say that we can do nothing about it and your grievance is misdirected. The verdict of improper consumption of alcohol is not within our domain to judge. That would be to King Fredricus, our graceful host, who seemed to have no problem with our associate's... unobtrusive behavior."

She made a small hand movement that beckoned toward the throne. Slightly venomous as it may, the next words escaped her just like that.

"You two, on the other hand, are clearly the opposite of it. But that being said, I would wholeheartedly suggest both Madam and Sir to share their superior opinions with our King regarding how a banquet should be conducted. I am sure King Fredricus would be thrilled to hear that."

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

"Eight..." the old woman murmured as if taken aback by the revelation. But instead of squicked, her grin widens.

"Caitlyn Stritzel at your service, darling!" the woman cooed, and she was sitting restlessly. "I'm a talent finder you see, and my specialty is on the exotic beasts man like you." she giggled

"But worry not, this lady is not here to snatch you out. Fufufu! His Highness has beaten me on that. But If it's alright with you, I will satisfy your curiosity about the talent I need and where they will be needed. I needed guards, for my little garden, my assets, and to protect this little old me..."

He inched closer and caressed Cedar's forearm.

"The rebels are getting bolder you see. Yesterday they trampled on my tulips, all for naught but to kidnap my poor gardener for a meager ransom. They also hurt My Teddy, oh my sweet boy. He is also a smart bear like you. You will meet him soon enough if you change my mind."

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

One of the Dukes in tenure sworn loyalty to Fredricus' regime was Caitlyn Stritzel. Friendless, weird and eccentric. The old woman more often than had been letting such epithets stuck for many years, making the accusation associated with her somehow gained a legendary status.

Today, it seemed the rumor would again be proven. Stritzel was already in her own world when she looked at Cedar, watching intently behind the shadow for every move and words made by the beastman.

When Cedar returned back to his seat, the old woman doubled her resolution and brought her tiny stature on a straight beeline toward Cedar. A masculine-looking woman in a suit followed her from behind.

"Gentleman... can I sit here?"

Her voice was raspy, yet it still has an aristocratic ring in it, but then quickly ruined by her audible breath, which seemed to be rushing erratically from her boldly-lipsticked lips.

Doctor Solomon expressionlessly welcomed her, and she took her seat near Cedar, closely, as if she wanted to directly lean on his fury torso. Thankfully, the Duke of West Far region maintained what is left of her courtesy and instead, eying and down up toward Cedar's bearish feature like an adoring fan.

"It bothers you, doesn't it, being stared at like that?" she began, almost purring. Some pieces of unchewed meat and crumbs fell unto her bleached locks, and she gently brushed them away. "These people really have no manners."

The beast-man, still chewing his meal looked down, while Stritzel, made good use of time elapsed between her question and his reply by sniffing the air around her.

"You..." she beamed, her breathing was getting heavier. "You are... so young..."

The lady who had been following her stood beside her. Her eyes fiercely stared at Cedar, hands balled into fists. "Hey, you!" She barked. "My mistress is speaking to you!"

The shouting naturally attracted more attention to their table, including Prince Alec who sat just three tables away from them. But the young boy said nothing, for he himself was also busy with his own share of aristocrat pleasantries.

"Oh Olga! No need to be all tight with this Young Gentleman. It's okay, let him enjoy his... time" said Stritzel, with artificial meekness in her voice, there was an angry gleam in his eyes when she looked at her servant, indifference when addressing the staring guests, and somber toward Cedar.

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

The banquet was officially open, which means everyone now could do whatever they please as long as etiquette allows. Jazdia stood up from her table, and Yvonne followed, seemingly having a similar idea of looking around to find some fresh air.

The musician had been playing, filling the air with a warm and ambient melody to provide the right atmosphere for the gossip and..flirtations.

"A candlelight dinner, just the two of us?" asked Yvonne when the two finally away from the arranged table, "If I didn't know any better I'd thought Freddy's trying to set us up!" she winked.

"Oh please. I am flattered."

"You... are really Looking good, Sparky! And Mario really went all out with the fashion sorcery!"

It was indeed a pretty dress, elegant, and red like a fine wine and... charming thanks to its sleeveless design. It came with mittens of the same color, but Jazdia left them in its box and opted to wear the hair accessory instead.

Jazdia, who had been restrained herself from smirking gave up. She raised the hem of her skirts, posed with what seemed to be a half curtsy, and smiled at Yvonne slyly as if she was a young woman teasing a suitor with a scandalous glimpse of her ankle.

"Putting on a gown was already a battle, so, I will gladly take every compliment I can get," she said. This was a rare occasion when she would allow herself to be complacent, and truth be told, it was never baseless; Jazdia wore her hair long, letting the golden treses untied and sway freely. Her arms and shoulder were bare, showing her skin that was as smooth as a pearl. That, and the small bastardized version of curtsy she did was starting to draw looks. And While her vanity was somewhat stoked by the attention, for the most part, she could not have cared less.

"Well, you look equally stunning as well," Jazdia said, eying her substantial bust, further emphasized by the gown's generously low neckline.

Jazdia straightened herself before smiling at their admirers in one sweeping glance. Then she turned to Yvonne again. "Well, let's go get something then before someone took our seats! "

There were several areas where food and drinks had been laid out, and the duo moved to the least crowded one. There was an assortment of red and white meat, and deep fried snacks all cut in small portions except a large roasted turkey on the middle table, seemingly untouched for now.

A well-dressed manservant sprung up from his seat and immediately readied his serving tongs. A small porcelain plate had been prepared on his side.

"Poultry and red meat, huh? Hmm, not what I am here for." Jazdia shook her head. "Rascade Specialty should be something from its sea. Correct? I'd like to have seared truffle scallops, sauteed in... well tell the cook to surprise me. And grilled Salmon for the entree. What about you, Miss Yvonne?"

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

6:40 A.M.
[Jazdia "Slyph" Crystalspark]
Rascade Royal Palace, Kingdom of Kindeance.

---

For this evening soiree, the Chamberlain, which also served as a general organizer, had briefed the party with his words of wisdom, that the team was expected to maintain some amount of propriety, and they will be seated on the smaller round tables closer to the King's throne; Jazdia with Yvonne, Cedar with Solomon and they should stay there until Fredricus formally opened this banquet.

Jazdia found that such code of conduct was acceptable.

The flock of guests kept coming in, seemingly endless for such an exclusive party. Amongst the attendees were numerous faces, some she knew many years ago, some others--- or many others she barely met or saw just a few days ago. Of course, Jazdia could still remember the visages of upperclassmen and women attending Geralt's bloody gladiatorial a few days ago. Now some of them had looked at her with eyes bulging, while the rest managed to keep their cool. One particular seemed to be drooling with her eyes fixed on a certain Bearman.

She should be the least of their worry, really.

Fredricus was not stupid, he might be slow sometimes, but his eyes and ears were keen. Surely he knew who had conspired against him and who aided them.

And thus, for the last half hour, Jazdia spent her time occasionally darted her vision over Fredricus and his guards, wondering what would they do next. There was no smart nor foolish answer in both options. This was simply politics at its finest, and that was how their lack of trepidation toward the actual lions in the room was somewhat justified.

Politics is a wonder. Eldarian once had said, and Jazdia groaned.

Her father chuckled, eyes twinkling in mock humor when he patted her head. At that time, she already thought he might be right, but to fully understand and appreciate the beauty he described, it would take many years.

"Where else you can find an occasion where enemies and friends alike gathered in one room, sharing wine and laughter while at the same time inwardly thinking how to end each other in the most effective way? All you have to do is don the mask of frivolity and deceit.

Bless his soul, Jazdia thought.

The arrival of the Delving Family further reinforced such anomaly--no, wonder. There were Silas and Kirsten, following an older man wearing their family symbol emblazoned on his shirt. He entered the banquet with head held high, reflecting a disciplined soul that whose body might longer be in its prime but remained steadfast and poised.

"There he is, the rabid fox Freddy have no choice but to invite to the henhouse."Yvonne murmured, inviting a snicker into Jazdia's glossed lips.

"Not exactly henhouse. More like wolves gathering, with the lion as the host."

Another seemingly prominent family entered the hall with their scions. This time the Yorks. Jazdia only remembered the face of their kids, whom Baker's daughter nicknamed as Guppies-- a not-so-graceful sobriquet, really. Their father was a rotund man with a seemingly friendly image, and towering next to him was a middle-aged lady with a perpetual scowl on her face and eyes that observe like a watchful eagle.

The party went on, and Fredricus ceremoniously opened the party by welcoming the guest, all kinds of guests; honest, loyal, insidious, dutiful, and unreliable, all were welcome. His eyes were tired, and wrinkles on his face were proof that time had not been not very friendly to him, yet he squared his shoulder, straightened his posture, and his voice vibrated with authority.

"I will first address the concern regarding the Prince's safety." he said, immediately after delivering his welcome. "A fair warning we all appreciate, but at some point the act of rocking the boat must be stopped. As you can see he is here, safe and sound, returned on time and...unscatched." He beckoned at Prince Alec, who sit in on a lesser and less lavish throne usually reserved for advisors alike, his expression was stiff, but he managed to force a smile.

"But We heard about an attempt to ambush Prince's Convoy!"

The voice came from the front, and Fredricus, the King of Kindeance stilled. The one who interrupted was a feisty young gentleman with long auburn hair tied in a silly topknot. Instead of being ashamed of the sudden silence he caused, he opened his notebook and readied his graphite.

"What is your comment about that, Your Highness? And was it linked to the attack on Fanghorn by Mechean terrorists?"

Someone in that crowd was smiling mischievously, and Jazdia wondered what Fred would do next. The King let the question linger for a while, then unexpectedly, and patiently he smiled.

In the older era and the previous regime, someone like that will be dragged out and flogged in public. Or if the Crown was generous and Moderate, such inquiries would be directed to his Chamberlain for more unpleasant sessions with Kingdom's interrogators.

"You are from Rascade Chronicles, correct? My comment will be It is too premature and reckless to assume anything when the investigators are still working on the case, even more so to have unreliable information printed and publicly distributed. Surely such irresponsible action would smear the freedom of the press we all must uphold. Don't you agree?"

The words were laced with a thin-veiled threat, and indeed, most people would give a more damn when there was a threat. The journalist now found himself stared at by the entire member of Fredricus' court, while his supporter, looked away to nod at Fredricus' words.

"Regarding the suspected ambush." Fredricus continued, allowing some amount of callousness to infuse his voice. He then introduced the 'reinforcement' that aided the Prince's convoy. Doctor Solomon tipped his fedora in a small bow, while Cedar, upon hearing his name and druidic origin clumsily stood from his table before taking his seat again.

"I wholeheartedly offer them a position in my court." he said again, and some of them gasped. Fredrcus seemed to enjoy their reaction, though he had to silence their murmurings with a single stern glance.

He stood up from his throne, to welcome a glass of wine offered by his servant, then spoke again. "Today, we also witnessed the usurper being punished." he glanced at the crowd, and focused on a particular guest before continuing."Thanks to Miss Matilda and with the assistance of independent investigators, Miss Jazdia Crystalspark and Yvonne Rosenving, their plan has been thwarted, and our nation finally returned to its peaceful days."
He raised his glass and toasted at the attendees. "To peace and prosperity!"

"To glory and victory!"

A similarly aged man exclaimed, and Jazdia wondered how many more of those nitwits were left to test the old Lion's patience. So she activated her eyes and glanced toward the troublemaker, apparently, it was Jonas Delving himself. And he toasted Fredricus back.

For the briefest moment, they were locked in a battle of stares, as if their eyes could stab each other, until the Delving patriarch regarded his King steadily, calmly, yet still respectful. And Fredricus too, returned the regards with the briefest of nods in acknowledgment, without any hint of revulsion, nor anger.

Or he was just good at hiding it.

"Yes, to Glory and Prosoperity!" The king raised his goblet.

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

"I wonder if Fred would allow a royal lunch for us." Jazdia was the first to break the silence when the group walked down the stairs to the first floor. The maid who accompanied them dully shook her head, saying the lunch will be delivered to everyone's room in an hour. When Jazdia asked what was the menu today, she also replied with minimal interest.

"Milady is welcomed to visit our kitchen if she was curious."

Jazdia only replied with a weak smile.

But after a while, a chuckle slipped out of her. "Well, Ced. Did you hear that? You have madam maid's permission to raid their kitchen."

The bear snorted, with a slightly amused chuckle followed afterward.

"'at 'd sureleh git me tosse in deh dungeon agin... Doubt dey coul' afford muh eatin' everthang dey has..."

"They'll need to feed you eventually, dont they? Might as well hand over the whole roast hog sooner than later." Quipped the mercenary, recalling just how much the bear grabbed at the farm... barely a few days ago. It felt like way longer than it actually were.

"yea, but uh gotta save room fer dinner!" replied the bear. "Mebe we could git a drink instead? Jus' not in da town-- Crazy folk out dere."

"Raiding the cellar it is! Day drinking happen to be my expertise, you're in good hands." Claimed the mercenary without an inkling of shame.

"Already make yourself at home I see..." said Jazdia, suddenly feeling lethargic. The report she had been carrying this entire time was starting to make her elbow sores. "Remember that we have a banquet tonight. It's not the possibility of you two downing the entire cellar by yourselves that worries me, but you two arriving at the party fully inebriated is. Master Bear, before you accompany Miss Yvonne to have a taste of the royal collection. Can I lend your paws to help me taking this to Fredricus's office?"

Without even waiting for Cedar to either accept or decline Jazdia handed him the papers.The bear quickly obliged

"Guess I gotta go--- Don' drink i' all witout meh naow!"

When the two took their turns to the north, the bear swung his head down to Jazdia, speaking in a low tone.

"you's gunna show meh where she headin' af'erward righ? I's a big fellar-- kin hol' a lot a liquor."

"Sure. If not, then I am sure one of the maids would gladly help."

A cheeky grin escaped his bearish muzzle as they continue walking.

"Bu' 'at lil' thang prolly drink jus' 's much-- I wan'ts sum too ya know. We'll drop 'is off in ol' Fred's lap-- an den see where he keep da good stuff."

Jazdia only nodded, in front of them was the wooden staircase heading to a balcony that leads to Fredricus' office. It was just four days ago the first time they were being summoned and asked to wait around here. She would stand on the balcony, leaning on the railings, and use her eyes to observe the other agents. Back then there were Chonan and Henri among the crowd.

"So, have you overcome the horror of humanity's harshest law yet, or still working on it?"

"I' dun' make no sense...." the bear sighed, and that was the only pause before he stormed the conversation with sheer verbose. "Don' git meh wrong-- uh ain't no stranger tuh killin none-- Gotsta to live ya know... Thang's a bit diff'rnt fer meh like 'at, since I knowed other critters got feelins. Still gots ta eat. Just more picky 'bout whom, and why. ... Don' mean I likes doin' it. On toppa 'at, 'eres when ya gots ta stop somethin tryin' ta eat MUHSELF, ya knows? ... But one thang we don' do-- at's makin' a show a killin', er ... celebratin' a killin. ... Cain't wrap muh head 'round it. ... Dun make no sense... 'at man already beat; ya gunna kill im, jus' kill im, and git it o'er wit. ... Why ya gotta .. .. .. Em poor horses... Dey dun know nor wanna do dat nohow... an dey dun gone an made em do it-- 'an cheered like it da bes' thang they e'er saw... ... I kin see killin' somebody all messy like, ifn' dey all fights it real hard-- at damn wizard in da purple pajamas, fer instance.... Lotta people got hurt puttin' at fucker in da groun'.... Don' see me celebratin' it. Won' see me celebratin' it neither...."

"So who deserves the blame then? The people or the authority that make it a spectacle?"

"Mebbeh both? One set it all up... The odder partehs and gits drunk, thinkin' it the bes' thang evar."

"So everyone is at the wrong here?"

"Only reason I kin see, is dat peoples WANTS ta kill odder peoples, an' makes up excuses ta. Ann delights in 'er 'need' bein met."
"aint 'nuff ta jus' end at fellar. Naw. Gots ta rip em apart in de street, wit him all helpless like. Human's got some sick 'needs', An not just sum o' em. Naw. It were all o' em." .... "E'en 'Vonnie."

"Interesting."

When they reached the second floor, Jazdia greeted one of the guards. "We are here at His Majesty's order. There was a report he need to see. Can you inform the Chamberlain that we are here? Thank you."

When one of the guards saluted back and departed to fetch the chamberlain, Jazdia leaned against the railing while Cedar stood in the opposite direction.

"Say, if a serial killer killed your siblings. What would you do if you find him locked up in the village prison?"
"I'd make sure he da one as done it... En I'd break his neck. but afores at, I'd a made sure muh brother don' do sommat at deserve bein killed fer. He a right ass sometimes."

Jazdia decided to miss the wordplay, "What about the victim from the other family that he killed? Don't you think they deserve to see Justice being served as well?"

"Justice wut? I don' follow. S'pose it were an accident-- Or couldn' be avoided. Woulda been avoided ifn' it could... Like em poor folks at Fanghorn.... We killed em peoples... I killed em peoples, and most o' em did nothin' wrong. But more peoples woulda been killed, we not acted. Ya gots ta be sure ya doin' da right thang, when ya ends somebody. At man in the purple PJs? He were actively hurtin' people. Where you think all at' fire started from? Weren't us, at's fer sure! At fellar so upset about a few lil weeds, he kill people in 'er own damn houses.-- an' he'd do it again. Meh? I don' wanna 'dance' e'er again. unnerstan? Sometimes, killin' aint de answer. But I also knowed 'at humans ofen seems ta 'feel good' when sommat at caused em pain git ended. ... uh aint like at.

"Em folks at Fanghorn? Frum what I seened tuhday... 'ey'd tear me apart in da street. Ya calls at 'justice?'"

Jazdia shrugged, partially surprised when the bear mentioned Fanghorn accident. Another jab came not long after. A theoretical question.

"Every crime warrants a different kind of punishment. But, since you asked, yes, based on the law of the land they will have you hanged to death in public. Would I call that Justice? My opinion matters less than the people who have their houses destroyed and their families killed. Can you blame them if they want to see justice being served?"

"Mebbeh we gots diff'rnt ideas what 'justice' is. E're a diffren' word, 'retr'bution'. Justice, be when ya corrects summat as been done wrong. 'retr'bution', a thing when humans loses they minds, and go on a rampage, ta feel better-- 'en tells emsleves it's good."

Jazdia eyed him, her expression slightly hardened, but her tone was calm.

"Regardless of how cruel it is, Humans aspire to see that their law is not just words written on parchment. Assurance in law ensures that their society won't tear itself apart." Jazdia cleared her throat before continuing. It was never intended to argue, but Cedar seemed to have a very strange outlook on how human society implements the law, and it was easy to imagine that kind of train of thought would put them at odds, if not now, then in the future.

"Executing a murderer in the dark dungeon sounded less gruesome, true, but the family of the murdered may never see justice being implemented. What if the murderer bribed the guard to let him go and send a false report to the people that the deed was done? Public execution removes that doubt and instills fear and warning so the other humans wouldn't do the crime because the punishment is apparent. The state has the obligation to ensure that no crime will be tolerated in their society. And society wants that."

"At dont esplain de beer, de hootin,, and de hollerin." replied the bear, sulking.

"Maybe. Human emotions as collective beings are hard enough to understand. Think that like when you squash a fat flea after you remove them from your itchy butt."

"Flea alive, same as any odder livin thang. I jus' don wan it on muh butt. Sos I scratch."

"Now you get the idea. Humans too, would feel glad if they managed to get rid of a nuisance." Or maybe not. But at least she tried.

"ain't like a tick er summat like at--- em thangs burruh in, and ya caint pick em off witout squashin' em.--- I asked muh pappy why deys exist; He tell meh at they helps keep critters like muhself, as ain't got nuttin' as really eats it proper-- from bein tuh plent'ful. Same wit diseases, --ooh, er tapeworms. Nasty thangs, tapeworms..."

Jazdia earnestly tried to suppress a laughter. "My knowledge about insects is limited. Still, I think you get my message. Humans feel satisfied when they see those who threaten and have ruined their lives are gone. Like you are glad when you removed a lice or tapeworm. The nastier the crime, the happier people are to see them gone. Right now you might see humans tend to glorify judicial cruelty, but it arguably works best in their current society."

Again. It was not clear if Cedar gets the message. Especially when he began to tell another example of his anecdotal experience, and it make Jazdia smile wryly. It is the harsh reality, whether he liked it or not. But she hoped the reasoning would give him another perspective.

The chamberlain arrived with the soldier and Cedar ceased his prattle immediately.

"His majesty is busy today," he said pompously, sparing a single glance toward the document. "I am afraid he wouldn't have time to read it."

"Oh, he can read it anytime he wants. I just want it delivered, It is after all, part of my agreement with King Fredricus and I am sure both of us would prefer to see everyone involved fulfill their obligations down to the smallest detail."

"I am not sure Milady understands." said the chamberlain in a concealed disdain. "For His Highness, information comes as easy as drawing water from a well."

Your Majesty's wells are polluted with deception. Jazdia wanted to say that, but she preferred to keep the sass to herself. Her decision to moderate her impudence had proven to be beneficial apparently.

"But I shall fulfill this request." Said the chamberlain. Another parchment was quickly stretched, and the elf asked the King's servant to sign it with a graphite stylus before transferring the document from Cedar's paws to his.

Some more witty pleasantries were exchanged before the duo headed back to the main hall. No more banters happened between the two when they walked down the mostly empty corridor, and Jazdia found the silence refreshing.
Humans are an ever-changing species. She thought, there will be a day when Cedar's idealism may find its relevance, but that was not today.

Unsurprisingly Yvonne was no longer there. Jazdia activated her eyes and saw that the petite noblewoman was already inside a decorated room below the kitchen.

"Through that door, take the stairs down to the basement. Then go to the room to your left. Yvonne is there."

"And, Cedar. Mone more thing. I'd invite you to have this... paper towels." it was not, they were, in fact, a part of the report that was supposed to be delivered to Fredricus, but later omitted by Jazdia herself. "Keep it as readable when bored, or use it to wipe beer foam from your mouth or just toss it into the fire I don't care."

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

"If you would look at the belt, Doctor Solomon." he said, walking toward the masked man and presenting the belt with both hands. Like the rest of the item that comes with it, it was polished black with pebbled textures, yet smooth to the touch.

When Solomon let the belt run pliantly across his gloved palm, Mario continued. Smiling proudly.

"Not made of your standard cowhide leather. No, The Crown wanted the best, and here in Kindeance, Shark shagreen is the best gold can get. At least five times stronger than its bovine counterpart. Water-resistant. And very durable. It will hold unless your tome is as heavy and cumbersome as an adult horse. You can take it with you now if you want to test it. The rest, will be delivered by the staff to your room before 3 o clock this afternoon."

It seemed everyone was satisfied with what they got. Returning his clipboard, the tailor added another checklist, before turning at them again. "That's the last on my list," he said before placing his right hand on the chest and bowing. "Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a pleasure working with you. I will see you tonight at the banquet, for I am also eager to see if my handyworks would do you justice."

Prudently, one of his assistants gestured the group toward the door.

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

When Jazdia closed the box, the tailor's steadfast expression falters. Hastily he marked several sections in his clipboard with three checklists and he ducked his chin as he speak to his assistant. "Please arrange the delivery," he said as he realized that every maid he summoned earlier had departed to transport Cedar's clothes.

"Well then, Ladies and Gentleman. I am profoundly delighted to be of service. Now if you will excuse me, I shall continue my work--"

At the time, the doorbell chimed again. A masked man entered the premises with a maid beside him.

"Pardon. I have another of the king’s guests here to see Master Mario." said the maid.

Mario's misaligned eyes darted at the stranger, wondering if he was really on the list, his stature seemed matched with the description in the dossier he received earlier, but his mask made it hard to verify.

"Are you Doctor Solomon?" He asked politely.

"Yes, I am."

There was a brief pause until Mario decided to sweep away his doubt to the back of his head. "I hope you can be lenient with questions earlier. Twas an old Habits during my service in the military. Unimportant now, in this context."

He straightened his posture and walked toward one of the cupboards on the other side of the room. "Unlike what I am working on earlier, the details for your order are the most basic. But that doesn't mean the end result should be basic too."

"For an esteemed Doctor like you, Master Solomon, I reckon it has to be sharp, but not gaudy. Elegant, and professional are the keywords."

He turned back and fondled a piece of black clothing before putting it on a metal tray

"Elegant shirt and tailcoat jacket with two-buttons style. Tapered trousers, and leather belt. And of course, a Helvetian fedora with a gray satin sweatband to complement... should you prefer to keep your mask on. All in black of course."

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

One more customer was satisfied, and two to go.

Like a living bronze statue, Mario the royal tailor wore his black eyeglasses and turned toward the other patron.

'Misus Yvonne. It has been a long time since I make a finery for Rosenving." he said with a perfectly straight face. "You may not remember me, but most of my career as a needleworker was usually spent in either Rosenving Mansion or The Royal Palace. I do not know if you would like it, but His Majesty had given his order.

One of his assistants brought up a wooden mannequin wearing a navy blue dress with embroidered bodice. "I know you would prefer gambeson and breeches, dyed in a darker color. But this is a Royal Celebration and a woman wearing back on such occasion might as well go to a funeral."

"Ah, I know I've seen you somewhere before." It finally clicked why she'd find the tailor familiar. Yvonne didn't get too close to the servants, back in the days, leaving her with a niggling sense of dejavu until the man introduced himself.

"Dont worry too much, it does looks nice. Maybe a bit tight around the waist..." The mercenary circled around the dress, noting that it did seemed around her size. A bit creepy if one think about it, but let's not dwell too much into it. "Easier to keep a blade under a dress, yeah? Then we can still make it a funeral if necessary."

She let out a hyena cackle after that, and it was unclear whether she's joking or not. Mario could only shake his head, while Yvonne returned to her party, eager to see what's in store for Sparky. The elf cut a stunning figure, that much was obvious.

"Well, glad if you like it." Said the tailor, and like Cedar's newly acquired garbs, it will be delivered to their room.

The man looked at his clipboard.

"Miss Jazdia Crystalspark...

***

Nobody knew since when Jazdia had slipped away unnoticed and was now busy looking around the machinery and finished produce. It wasn't a particularly novel sight to behold, but sometimes she missed the charm of industrial progress and was eager to wander about and sate her curiosity by using her power to inspect a hand-powered sewing machine that seemed the have been imported from Helvetia.

Next to it were lines of samples of finished gowns, colored with exotic dye-job that pleases the eye but seems to be too radical for today's fashion trends. Perched on a head of a wooden mannequin was a hat with semi-transparent trim adorned with eagle feathers. while the body of the display dummy itself wore a very ridiculous robe with a ridiculously high collar.

The tailor coughed to get her attention and Jazdia answered.

Next to the tailor was a box layered with cheaper-looking fabric. When Jazdia approached, he removed the lid and showed a red dress folded like an accordion. "It was commissioned by His Highness..." he shook his head and revised his words. "OF course everything was commissioned by our Milord, but this particular one came with instructions."

Smugly, he smiled again. "The details, I can't tell. But it's a sleeveless design to emphasize your flawless shoulder, neck, and collarbone. I figured you would prefer having the hem hanging slightly above your ankle, to amend your dislike of wearing high-heeled footwear. Yours was the first I finished, Milady," he said, beaming as he invited Jazdia to take a good look at her soon-to-be evening dress. The elf however gestured a polite decline and eyed the tailor.

"I don't see either Cedar or Miss Rosenving complaining. You seemed very sure with your handiwork. Mister Mario." Jazdia tried to keep it light and unoffensive, though to be honest, being complimented with a deadpan tone was rather unnerving.

"Ah, the question often asked," he replied with a mirth. "My crafts require precision I know, and you don't see measuring tape hanging on my neck, nor we have ever done any measurement." he tapped his eyeglasses. "That shouldn't trouble you, Milady, my clothes are made to fit their wearer, and how do I know your sizes? I can measure just by seeing, and I can confidently say that because my expertise is indeed that good."

Silently Jazdia acknowledged the claim, though, she couldn't resist but to quip gamely. "Is that so?"

"Yes, it is," said the man, staring emotionlessly at his clipboard. "your height is 173, your bust size is, 67, your waist is 49 or 50, and your hips are 84. Our young Lady Rosenving's height is 151 her bust is 77, her waist is 58 and hips is at 86. All in centimeters. If the measurements were proven wrong, I will be more than happy to refund His Majesty's generous payment and remake the commissioned outfits free of charge."

Jazdia stared at the box containing her ball gown, assuredly bemused. On another day and another time, she would have no qualms about slapping anyone who dared to spew her three sizes, but the tailor's detached and professional tone and the context behind it made her nod in acknowledgment. Not sure about Yvonne though.

She touched her dress once, feeling smooth satin before closing the lid, still refusing to do any further. It was after all, a gift, and it was best to not waste a good moment on one occasion.