Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die For Me/ Book 3 Paradise

Chapter 75 Incongruity

<Italy, Turin, King's Palace>

Despite the political climate of the King's court, the two men heartily engrossed themselves in an interesting discussion. The guards and servants had been ordered out of the throne room and the king himself sat on the floor, across from the envoy. King Victor's features were imposing, and he was a giant of a man with baggy robes that swelled his frame. A chiseled Roman chin and a royal nose embolden his expressions. His mere appearance granted him authority.

"It's the first edition. Write by Hays himself. His handwriting is impeccable, I thought it was print but he personally wrote a few pages for me. He's a rather generous bloke, shame he passed when I was but a boy." King Victor laughed heartily.

What a booming voice he had thought Frederick but that didn't bother him. He was rather tall himself and Adrienne had improved his confidence by a significant degree. He remembered all her compliments although they were plenty.

"It's a shame I must head downstream. I hear the Po River is nice but the Congion is rather rough towards the beginning of Autumn."

"Perhaps I'll gift you this book after all you've done all of Italy a service. Your tour by ship was more effective than your uncle I dare say. Less, well there were fewer of his Holyship's eh setbacks. Ah, my friend please report that I was respectful."

"Of course, my uncle shan't hear a word. He will only read reports of cooperation and the success we've achieved in the past few months."

"You truly are a friend," King Victor wiped a tear from his cheek. "I wish to never see your uncle again. He was quite a presence. He hates me. He hates my core."

Frederick hid a thought. Victor was correct, Cain especially hated nobles like Victor. It didn't help that his history with Italy involved the death of his parents. In decades past the City of Bounty was threatened by beasts and men. Frederick was still unsure of the details but the previous monarch, Victor's mother, was known to be spoiled. She was the Apocalypse's most obedient figurehead whom the nobles had no regard or respect for.

"Yes, I'm quite worried. Spain has been silent. He rarely reports but the rumors are unsavory."

"My retainers tell me he started an inquisition. The Queen of Spain follows his orders but not much else gets leaked."

Frederick smiled apologetically. The rumors were worse than what the King knew. Frederick's conversations with the retainers, the dukes, and nobles were always laced with fear. Why did they withhold information from Victor? Frederick thought Victor was like his mother initially but he learned on his journey.

"Ah indeed. I have some guards. Leroy and Janica. They're a bit homesick and refuse to visit. Under royal decree, I will have them escort you. Leroy is one of my finest guards and Janica is one of my most loyal Valkyries. I ask you to take care of them."

"Of course," Frederick smiled. King Victor had made Frederick's job simple. Due to the loyalty he commanded the Black Rose had a very loose footing in Italy. It was also beneficial that Italy suffered the least in Nikolas's corrupt rule. The City of Bounty and the bountiful land provided for the poor. There was also fierce loyalty of his subjects and his nobles. Those in Nikolas's inner circle were spies for Italy.

"Then I'm assured. Ah, perhaps I should gift you another book from my collection. I've memorized quite a bit."

"Please don't I will feel rather rude."

"Nonsense, you've dealt with the heretics kindly and my citizens have no fear of losing a member of their family. I've banned the book but those who read it can be saved. It's quite an interesting story but it's just a story, not a faith."