Final Fantasy XVI - Thunder's Torrents

Ch. 3 - Family, Duty, Honor

This didn't take long, as Erie kept the inventory as up to date as possible on a daily basis, and the servants were always happy to help her. She maintained an almost friend-like relationship with them and enjoyed not always being surrounded only by the nobles of the court. After Erie had picked up the latest information, as well as a bit of gossip or two from the city, she quickly returned to the throne room, where Elwin was sitting alone by now - Rodney was probably either with the garrison or already in his room at the castle.

Her father and Erie kept their own chambers in the castle, as they had to work daily for the Archduke, while Erie's mother - Lady Hanna - resided in an estate in the city. Erie would stay as long as the Rosfields remained at Phoenix Gate, and then, when war would break out, return to her mother's to await victory and the return of Rosaria's shields - and in the meantime, make plans for escape should the worst happen and the Iron Kingdom win.

Erie walked toward the throne, from where Elwin watched her expectantly before bowing and handing him the folder with the requested information.

"The inventory is complete, Your Grace. I have taken the liberty of adding the directory of our shields. Rosaria's force is large in number and strong."

"Thank you, Erie." Elwin took the folder and opened it before her, briefly skimming the entries before his eyes met hers again. He smiled, shut the folder, and placed it beside him on the wide, stone armrest of Rosalith's throne. Nervously, Erie watched as he folded his arms and looked at her for an agonizingly long time. She waited for him to dismiss her so she too could retire to her chambers.

"Erie, before we leave for Phoenix Gate tomorrow, I have a few words to say to you," Elwin finally broke the silence, "I'll say it to Clive and I'll say it to you too: don't let the Duchess intimidate you. Both you and Clive now have the chance to prove yourselves once and for all. You will hold the fort here at court. Be polite, be graceful, be orderly, and keep your eyes and ears open for me."

Elwins looked thoughtfully at the ceiling before continuing. "I don't know if I'm getting paranoid or if the situation is stressing me out too much, but the whispering among the ladies-in-waiting and servants seems to herald a change. Which one, I can't say." 

Again he looked at Erie, serious and imploring. "I want you to find out for me. Something big is going on. Something bigger than the Battle for Dragon's Breath. Don't let Anabella know what you're doing. Show her that she has nothing to fear as long as you are my handmaiden."

"I will - like Clive - do my duty, Your Grace." She bowed. "I will not fail you." She spoke the last words as seriously and confidently as she could.

Elwin relaxed a little and wrung a half-hearted smile from himself.

"Very well, my child." He stood up, walked forward the few steps that separated them, and placed both hands on Erie's shoulders. "I'm very happy you're going to be my daughter-in-law. You make your father and me proud every day that we have arranged this union."

"I am equally proud, Your Grace, that I may bear this honor."

Elwin smirked before giving her shoulders a quick squeeze and then letting her go. "And once you are married, you can stop addressing me so formally."

Erie had to grin. "Just force of habit, taught to me daily, Your Grace." This time Erie deliberately emphasized the last words effusively. This elicited a soft laugh from Elwin.

"You can go now. Be there tomorrow to see Clive off."

Erie nodded and took her leave for her room.