Uneasy Alliances

Within a cold room of the Cromwell mansion, a glistening fireplace has been flicking and twitching — barely illuminating the room. The breezy night was howling a gush of wind, while owls perched at the tree branches — hooting and spinning their heads to scan in the darkness. There sitting 3 men of high positions, all gathered for one purpose — to discuss with Astrap and Naseth for their assistance.

As a reward in aiding the city defense while it was under siege from the ork klan known as RedLootas. The deal was simple, discuss the cost of the amount of effort of the others contribution but it turns out that it wasn't so simple as Richard was anticipating. It turns out that the loses the Astrapan receive was quite the heavy blow for the casualties was quite severe for the Tagmatarkhis (battalion leader).

The total lost was around 478 dead and 237 wounded — the severity ranges from minor injuries to life threatening. That's why he was so hostile towards me, withdrawing my troops and letting his men finish the rest for me was pretty d*ck move, I have to say. He thought, cursing to himself for his selfish deeds.

But my men were already exhausted and worn out after weeks of battling the orks onslaught. If they didn't made it in time then I would only have fight off the horde another 2 weeks if my men were to hold off that many orks.

As for the Naseth's, they have been sailing the Elládoia archipelago and they only loss 2 ships on the way since they too have been attacked by another ork klan. Thankfully, the Nasethian's are experts in sailing the waters of Elládoia. A reasonable excuse I have to say since the ork activity have been more frequent since the last war with them ended 300 years ago.

"Sir, Neomon was it?" Richard said, raising an eyebrow as he starts their conversation.

"Yes it is, shall we start on the amount you owe Naseth and Astrap?" Neomon, the man wearing a chiton and was the one that convinced andreas to discuss it with words and not actions.

Richard nodded in approval "Then let us begin." He said while sipping a cup of tea he never likes but apparently these two prefer it as their choice of beverage.

Richard never liked the taste of tea, even though he lived in the UK for 15 years, it was difficult for him to adjust to the new environment. While he was daydreaming of his past and grinning the funny moments he had with his platoon back in earth.

The diplomat representing Naseth was briefing Richard the compensation of goods that the Isstvanians promise if they aid in the city's defense. "Judging from my calculations, you owe the Naseths 2,500 Perans and a total of 250 slaves from different ethnicity's. And as for the Astrapan's-" Before he could finish his sentence, Andreas interrupted him.

"Will have more than 7,150 Perans, including the dead and wounded men I had to endure. As well as the damaged weaponry that we have experience. I would also like to have 50 slaves that are only Alerrian." Andreas said coldly in his Astrapan helmet.

"[Sir, Andreas have you gone mad! 50 Alerrian slaves are already pushing your boundaries too far! Do you have any idea what 1 Alerrian cost?! 500 PERANS EACH!!!] Neomon growled in shocked as he was flailing the pieces of parchment within his hands in a state of panic.

"[I will still have my Alerrian slaves so I may sell them again to rich merchants. After all, they are the best quality of slave you can find in this continent; am I right Neomon?]" Andreas replied back to his Nasethian partner with an expressionless face that his helmet was covering.

"Then you have yourself a deal." Richard replied without any second thoughts. Looking confused and taken aback by this unexpected reply, Neomon then scribbles a few calculations. "That won't be needed, I have calculated the cost that you will be receiving sir." Richard said, waving his hand to assure the anxious diplomat.

"Are you sure, Mr. Cromwell, sir? What about the cost of the Alerrians?" Neomon said nervously as his right hand shakes uncontrollably.

"Oh, I won't be giving any Alerrian since that wasn't the deal, I promise to you." Richard said, raising both hands as if he is holding plates by the shoulder level. Upon hearing that the duke would not give any Alerrian slave, Andreas tightens the grip of his palms in a fit of rage.

"But that wasn't what we agreed!" Andreas growled, triggering the guards (that were escorting Richard) to raised their halberts at the Astrapan. It was still uncomfortable to them since they aren't wearing any proper armour.

"And that is overstepping the cost I agreed to you. Andreas, in the letter that I sent to you, along with the Nasethian fleet — it specifically says 'If you aid me in Isstvans defence, I will humbly lower the taxation price for your fleets merchants in the next 5 years and I shall reward you anything that is of your interest. Albeit Tools, luxurious goods or slaves shall be given only with a limit of 10,000 Perans.' Don't you think that giving you free slaves is a bit too extravagant? If I ever give you 50 Allerian slaves then you would have 32,150 Perans worth and my treasury can't reach that high amount of coinage that it can store. So tell me, Andreas, how about we do this instead — you will have only 180 human slaves with the best quality that the slave traders that give you only the price of 20%? How about that?" Richard said, speaking in a very detailed explanation to which he has unleash his inner nerd.

Andreas on the other hand was dumbfounded and very lost to dukes words. He doesn't even know what he was blabbering about in that arrogant and enthusiastic tone; he doesn't even realized that both Neomon and Andreas was still in a trans.

Seeing the bewildered looks on both his potential allies, Richard decided to stop and explain it very slowly and not as fast as he was before. They quickly got the dukes idea. Neomon though was so impressed of Richards quick calculation thinking that he even ask if he could personally tutor him.

Richard for the most part, politely refused his offer — partly because he has too many things on his plate to do and having to teach someone the modern and complex mathematics of his world is too much for Richard.

Now that the goods have been taken care of, it seems to be the right time to make some special arrangements for the 3 cities. One that it could even strengthen all three of them combine — both economically and strategically.

"I would like to propose an alliance with Naseth and Astrap or more specifically a triumvirate." said Richard in a monotonous tone that piqued the interest of the latter. He grins eerily, thinking of the many benefits that this alliance would bring.

*****

A few days later

In the bustling port of Isstvan, where many cargo are loaded and unloaded by many seafaring merchants that are trading many goods. Few of whom trade spices from lands far away that only 1 ship can sail to it and return a year later to make a profit of this precious substance many of the nobility craves it for its spicy taste.

Although there were a lot of people selling other things like fur, since it is already fall in the draconic calendar. Everything was going to the way it was before after a few days refurbishing some places that would be suitable for locals to start selling.

It always amazes Charles how fast the Isstvanians could recover after a battle that resulted in many houses destroyed that were near the gates. He too was still rejuvinating by the wounds inflicted by Skulznapper.

He was holding an elbow crutch made by duke Cromwell so he could stretch his legs while he recovers. Cellica was not keen on the idea of someone still recovering be allowed to walk after receiving so many injuries but she eventually suck it up since she can't resist Charles puppy eyes.

The reason why he was at the busy docks was Charles was wandering around, scrutinizing the many commodities that sellers were offering to any passerby that would be interested in their product. He was quite fond of going to places like this since it reminds him when he first bought his very own toy.

If Cellica were here; she would lose her mind just being around in crowded places like this. It always amuses him seeing her face turn into a shy and helpless damsel in distress, just thinking about also reminds him of the time when he and his father were out fishing in one of these docks.

He wanders further to the many small shops that sell regular necessities like fruits, wheat, fresh fish and all sorts of delicacies that are not native to Isstvan.

Charles wanted to explore more and buy something that caught his attention or at least be something interesting. If it weren't for the wounds of his last battle that he has endure thanks to the Ork warboss, he would have stayed till noon but alas the pain stings and he needs to be quick.

While he was searching for any ripe fruits that hasn't been swarmed by any maggots; a peculiar women bumps into him. The hood she wore flipped over, revealing her face to the man she bumped.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't see you miss..." As he was apologizing to the girl while giving her, his hand so she may get up. The head knight was suddenly shocked to see it was the girl he saved during the defense of the northern gate.

"Mr. knight... it's nice to have bumped into you like this... I'm sorry for my clumsiness." The women said while reaching towards the hand he offered. Charles grinned and picks her up, Caboosing her bottom.

"Oh no, it was my fault. I am the who should be apologizing... Right, Paulina?" He cheekily said to her as she made a flush of incarnadine red, in her face.

*****

Within the mansion of the Cromwell household, Richard was busy at work trying to restabilize the economy of Isstvan. Due to do the remuneration that I had to pay for the Naseth and Astrapans service in aiding the defense.

Luckily, they agreed to my suggestion of banding together so we can further strengthen our forces against any would be invaders since the ork infestation and the rise in their population. Richard believe it was the best idea to have a triumpervate in times where the attacks of the orks would threaten caravans that go by road.

Richard pity them for driving their carts, full of goods to go into hostile territory. It's actually giving me a headache, listening to the reports of merchants being harassed by few goblins that would only do nothing but be a nuisance.

Richard understand their feeling, but I am more concern about the food in the granaries than a bunch of entrepreneur salesmen that would only bring silk and silver spoons. Richard have no time in dwelling the luxuries of the noble life than worry about the people starving, because if they have no wheat to bake bread then a revolt would be ensued and my trust to them would be tarnished.

I also have to worry about the infrastructure, the many houses that were affected by the trebuchet that the orks have been firing large boulders of rock. It was meant to hit the walls but due the orks poor accuracy rate in precision; they managed to destroy a lot of dwellings. At least I finally have casualty count, if you even call it a good thing.

The total death toll was surprisingly low. Only 10% of people that either got wounded or died as a result of the infighting. But for Richard, it always made his heart ache. Although for some reason his expression doesn't show it.

Could it be all the stress of overwork? Perhaps it is, but there is more work to finish than there is for him to do any experiments and study. Scratching his head in a way to alleviate some of his stress; he hears 3 knocks from his door. Upon hearing the sound, Richard began to frantically fixing his hair.

"Y-yes, who is it?" He asked, gulping the saliva in his throat.

"It is your head butler, my lord. You have a guest that seeks an audience with you regarding the infrastructure." Said butler Daniel, cross arms to the his back. Looking as diligent and dignified as what a butler should act.

"Ah, yes and who is this person that wants to see me, Daniel?" I replied back with a small inquiry. He first wants to know who might want to see him while he is busy in his study.

"He goes by the name of Gaius Flavinius Linaris. He is the Architect that is responsible for building many dwellings and manors." Daniel said, speaking through the thick door.

"Really? Then let him in, I have plans that requires the architects expertise." Richard said, eagerly as he wants to see the man behind all the wonderful buildings he has contributed to the Infrastructure.

"Yes, right away, your grace." Daniel said and then finally strolls back to the architect.

"Why does the architect requires your audience, my lord?" Karsodian said, raising an eyebrow even though he was wearing a hemlet.

"Well I want him in since he will be building this." Richard said as he grabbed a parchment of what looks like a modern blueprint (which is not blue FYI) of a strange building. Curious, Karsodian leans towards the strange drawing that his lord was holding.

"Hmmm? That seems quite interesting? Have you been practicing your artistic skills my lord. It looks splendid!" Karsodian remarks and complements Richard.

Richard on the other hand, shrugs it off and picks up a homemade pencil he crudely made a month ago. The lead was thankfully made of graphite to which he found it at one of the dumpsite where the leftover debris was toss over by the miners near the jewel hills mine.

He was still thankful that Jake also gave him lessons about rocks... Quite a lot of rocks he has to say. Richard half-heartedly shakes his head slightly in a delighted mood. The serene mood he was displaying was suddenly cut short after he hears several knocks by his door.

"My lord, Gaius Flavinus Linaris is here." Daniel called out and opens the door slightly, only showing his head at the doorway.

"Yes, let him in, while your at it. Please fetch us some beverages, I'm sure our guest here is partch from travelling all the way to my mansion." Richard said in a polite tone. Daniel nodded and proceeds to open the door wider.

Behind him was a rather short or at least a bit smaller than him and his figure seems to be a bit less muscular. What's more eye-catching is that this man seems to look androgynous in nature. He can feel the lustful aura that Karsodian was emitting.

"Greetings your grace, I am Gaius Flavinus Linaris. Architect of Isstvan and one of the best artisans that this city has to offer." Linaris bows to show his respects to the Archduke.

"Arise my servant. Have a seat for we have much to discuss." Richard said politely and puts down the parchment he was holding in his hands. Revealing the drawing that he was working on for the pass couple of days. The architect, curiously squinted his eyes at the draft.

Confused he asked "My lord, I don't want to be rude but what is this?" Richard grins at the dumbfounded architect; he points out the pamphlet with the tip of his finger.

"This is what I call a mall." He said slowly as he gives the blueprints to the architect to take a closer look.