Project: Ikarus

“P-pardon me but can you repeat what you said, sir?” I managed to maintain my poise but those who were sharp enough could see my stiffened posture as my mind registered the messenger’s words.

“Ma’am, you are appointed as the new Royal Admiral of the Imperial Navy by the majority vote of the Parliament-”

“God fucking damn it-”

“Milady?” Ah, curses. I slipped.

“Nothing, please don’t mind my thoughts. Please continue, sir.”

“Of course, milady. As I was saying-”

There’s no other meaning out there. The last Admiral was incompetent to the point they fumbled this year’s trade convention into a disaster. I can guess the poor man’s head on the Wall now and I’m next on the chopping board. Joy.

“-by the orders of Lady Sophia, you are now hereby-”

“Excuse, by the orders of whom?” Did I hear what I had heard? Please let this be a-

“By Lady Sophia's order, milady.”

Outside, I stared at the messenger with an unreadable expression. Inside? I’m currently cursing my luck. Of course, the new parliament member appointed me because of my small but significant power within the merchant's table. She needs someone competent yet manageable for her own reasons and goals.

Which is fair because that’s how I will do it but it is not fun on the receiving end of the stick.

“Sir Gaston?”

“Yes, milady?” The messenger knight stood straighter.

“Give my regards to Lady Sophia, and tell her that I will come to her to negotiate my position.” I paused, idly picking up a certain research paper. Quickly scanning the manifest of the Merchants’ trade share of taxes while picking up another. This time, a plan is formulated in my mind.

“Yes, I think I should visit her tomorrow, personally.”

If I'm going to be someone’s puppet, then I'm going to see if my new "master" is great enough to weave through the viper’s nest that is the Parliament, and generally, the Empire itself.

“Ave Imperialis.” I whispered softly, both in fondness and bitterness.

God help me in this endeavor.

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Inside the automobile. The captain is checking the firmness of his uniform by the reflection of the window. Make sure that the caps aren't crooked. The belts are straight. The sash isn't loose. The lance and saber pin by the top right of the uniform are presented correctly.

As so, He glances up to his comrade by the front left seat, The second colonel from the 4th Fort-Grenadier regiment, of the 3rd Guard Army Brigade. He seems to be glaring at the district, outside.

He and several other officers and staff will represent the army at the imperial summit within the marble building that is the grand hall of foundations. The parliamentary center

The captain is expecting another sit down and hearing by the other "representatives" from the wide society within the imperium.

The ever-so-bureaucratic and enigmatic voices of the parliament

The overly decadent aristocrats

The scheming opportunistic merchants

The reactionary church

The out-of-time magical orders

The fraud figurehead of so-called "common people"

Each of them will be confronting the current matter of states clashing proposals and resolutions as long things are "civilized" within the discussion.

The captain felt sore on the forehead just thinking who would be present alone.

The army itself is weighing its internal problem on its shoulders.

Old generals clinging to outdated strategies for "valor"

Nepotism and family politics plagued the command structure.

Skewed logistical production and distribution

Incoherent lines of communication on the frontier

Along with several other issues that are too demanding to be noted.

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A crimson-eyed white-haired lady, stared upon the sea, as the sunlight, casting its golden glow upon the vast expanse of water, created a shimmering light on the ocean surface, with baggy eyes, she sighed...

I let out a sigh, contemplating the pitiful state of what was once been the glorious ‘lake’ of the empire.

It used to be a domain where our ships reigned supreme over the shimmering sea.

Now, it has fallen under the control of those cursed Demi-humans.

A faint knock echoed through the room, I stood up and walked towards the door, then unlocked it...

“Come in. ”

“Why did it take you so long? Don’t you know there’s an imperial diet in a few hours?”

She rolled her eyes as he heard Alexius’s voice...

“I know, just… gathering my thoughts, lead the way. ”

But would it make a difference? We are well aware that the real danger to our empire exists beyond our borders.

No country would be foolish enough to aid us unless the threat itself shows its underbelly…

”Then… we will show it to them, ourselves.”

I lightly chuckled, gaining a glance from Alexius.

”What so funny, Miss Sophia?”

”Nothing, just thinking of our current situation.”

I picked up my red cloak, and we departed for the diet.

On a cold day like today, even the strongest fires tremble, as it is not just the cold in the air but also the icy grip on the spirit that transforms fervor into faint echoes of lost bravery.

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I looked down at my garden below from the manor.

The Capital truly never disappoints.

"You should try our green apples. They are a delicacy, cultivated from the garden below you by my personal gardeners."

The Baron shook his head.

"Stop messing around Konrad."

"The diet is in a couple of days, we don't have much time left."

I took a bite from the apple I was holding out towards him.

If he doesn't want it I can eat it just fine.

"So? What do you want me to do about that?"

I said between bites.

He took his face into his palm.

"You know that the nobles want more. They will think of you as weak if you keep bowing down so easily to the crown."

I weighed the choices in my head.

"So the war hawks want to pounce."

I guess those old farts can't hold it in their pants anymore.

"Are you certain their thirst can't be quenched any longer?"

"Give 'em a couple more exotic gifts and the usual."

"I tried my best Sir. But, rumors are spreading that you aren't fit to lead the house or the nobles anymore due to your inaction."

Touched my beard's end.

Interesting.

"Well, well, well..."

"I guess if there has to be a winner to this struggle, it may as well be me."

The last thing this empire needs right now is power in the wrong hands.

"Butler!"

My butler answered from behind me where he was standing with an acknowledgment.

"Get me a train ticket. It's time to visit the palace."

I turn towards the Baron a final time:

"Start the preparations, I have an Emperor and General to deal with in the meantime."

A show of power...

It shall be sufficient.

The diet shall be the stage.

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The first thing I noticed on the letter was the seal.

The Imperial Seal, to be more precise.

What in the world?

I flip the envelope over, seeing that it was addressed to me:

"To be delivered to the Imperial Guilds' High Commissioner, Aaron Harkins".

I cut the envelope open with a precise gust of wind, reading through the contents of the letter, and double-checking twice before putting it down and turning my gaze to the ceiling, closing my eyes as a sigh escapes my lips:

"Damned formalities.''

I mutter under my breath.

"Sir? Is something wrong?"

I blink before shaking my head, more calmed now that I had time to compose my thoughts.

"No, I have merely been summoned to represent the Adventurers' Guilds at the Imperial Diet."

Just as I am about to twist the doorknob.

I look over my shoulders at him again, causing him to immediately perk up in attention.

"Yes sir?"

"Give my regards to everyone tomorrow."

"Of course sir."

As I step out, I glance in Matthias' direction until we make eye contact, and I nod in the direction of the entrance of the Guilds.

He follows my gaze before nodding back.

The adventurers are too busy enjoying the occasion to notice our departure, and we manage to slip through the crowd unnoticed.

As we step outside, I realize snow has started falling.

"Hmm, we should probably hurry."

"To where?", Matthias looks at me quizzically.

"Capital. The Diet has summoned us to represent the Guilds."

I say as we begin to stride our way to the stables located near the entrance of the town. Most of the town is asleep by now.

"What for? It's not like they pay any heed to our requests anyway."

I shake my head.

"I know, but we don't have much of a choice, do we? They'd probably have the Emperor presiding over the Diet that day, and our absence would not look good for the Guilds' image."

He kicks a stone in mild annoyance.

"Can't deny that now, can I? Whatever, if it's necessary then let's get this over with quickly"

We head inside the stables and stop in front of our respective animal companions, who notice our presence walk forward, mine nuzzling my neck affectionately, while Matthias' begins to lick him.

"Easy there, Dogabaz, feeling quite restless aren't you? Don't worry, my friend, for we have a long journey ahead."

As we start galloping our way to the Capital, Matthias looks back at me and yells:

"Let's race to the nearest city! Breakfasts on the one who loses!"

"Ha! It's on then, you bastard!"