Armed Enlightenment V2

Violence of action

Earlier

Library, Palace of Altefest

Sleep had become a stranger to Angelica since the flames of war reached Lestaria. She could lay her body down in the dark, draw herself to the calls of her soft bed, but her thoughts would always clash over the throne that was her decision.

She looked at her father, King Lythowe the Fifth, and his pronounced wrinkles, and saw her exhaustion mirrored back. He had forgotten to leave a bookmark on his page as he pondered whether Angelica's initiative was the resourcefulness of his daughter or recklessness.

Her brother, Crown Prince Primenst, paced by the window. A swift end to a war was childish, but Adel Enders and Avrora Kalasinova were too interesting to ignore. The opportunities were almost endless even with only their muskets.

A well-placed shot against an officer could break, if not stagger, entire ranks. Fear would sweep across the Thuidian nobles. And in their moment of weakness, Lestaria strikes.

It was a gamble to tell Adel Enders what might happen to him if Lestaria was at a disadvantage, but it showed Angelica that he was at least familiar with it, unfazed even. It became clear during her conversation with Avrora Kalasinova that they were people Lestaria mustn't cross.

"Primenst, have Master Aberack prepare a ritual to emancipate one of our guests tomorrow morning."

Master Aberack, the Court Sorcerer. They mean to discover Madam Avrora's magic.

"Let the servants know we shall be having guests tomorrow for lunch. Ensure the palace provides a warm welcome, but refrain from any excesses. Angelica, remain."

Warmth and modesty had always been Lestaria's specialty. There was no need for emphasis.

"Yes, father."

With her brother gone, her father took a deep sigh. His wrinkles softened, and he eventually sat back.

"You've done well."

"I'm unsure if I've made the correct choice."

"Reason is not built upon absolutes alone. The correct choice yesterday may not be the correct choice tomorrow. Your runner has informed us of your journey, the choices you've made that led you and your caravan to safety, and the welcoming of the two strong warriors."

"As for the supplies?"

"We'll prepare a ship for Oberwolrech. Sereivan and Vardenis will be relieved to know you are safe."

"Thank you, Father."

***

Evening

Lantern House

It would take some getting used to, but the meals were fine. The fish was different, the kingdom's apples were still a few centuries away from matching the sweetness of convenience store apples, and the dessert washed off the fishy taste and was nice.

But a care package of one big bottle of multivitamins and fiber was already foreshadowing what was to come for their spoiled tongues and bellies. Nevertheless, what mattered was that they were full, and a full stomach was one less distraction for tomorrow's preparation.

Once Adel strapped the stab vest over his undershirt and the 5.7 magazines around his waist, the rest of the suit and overcoat quickly followed. He moved his limbs around, getting a feel for the clothes.

"So, how do I look?"

"Like wasted potential," Avrora said, focusing with her finger camera. "I should've staged an absence and put you on the spot as an emergency model."