His Highness’ Decree
Matthew unrolled the scroll and started reading with grace, fluently pronouncing word by word, "Feigan has been under the siege, by the siege means, Most of the population of Feigan has been under the plague, old or young commoners. Feigan was also lacking some water rations and foods, which caused the siege to become worse and spread the plague, The government does nothing."
The Grand Duke's eyes widened at the report's contents. He had never expected to receive such bleak news from Feigan. He turned to Matthew, an annoyed expression on his face. "And why wasn't I informed of this sooner?" he asked, his voice rising in frustration.
Matthew snickered, "Why not ask the Feigan Council?"
The Grand Duke narrowed his eyes at the government officials of Feigan, his annoyance turning to anger. He slammed his fist on the table, sending a shockwave through the room. "How dare you keep this information from me!" he yelled, his voice echoing throughout the Grand Hall, "This is an utter failure of your duties! You are all dismissed immediately. I expect to see new faces in your place by tomorrow morning!"
The officials stood up from their seats, nodding their heads in agreement. They were clearly shaken by the Grand Duke's outburst, and many of them had tears in their eyes as they left the room. With a couple of sentences, their titles were stripped instantly.
Matthew remained silent, watching the scene with an indifferent expression on his face. Then he spoke pointing at elites, "You, why won't you move? Go ahead and investigate in Feigan." He commanded, though Matthew had no place, and nobles are even forbidden in such politics related meetings, Matthew was an exception; He was The Grand Duke's concubine, and the bestest friend of The Grand Duke since childhood.
The Grand Duke was taken aback by Matthew's command, but he couldn't deny his concubine's request. He nodded to the elites, "You heard the man, go to Feigan and investigate. I want a full report on the situation, and I want to know what can be done to help those who are suffering. Go!"
The elites bowed and left the room, their faces painted with fear to fulfill the Grand Duke's order and Matthew's command.
Matthew turned to the Grand Duke, "Is there anything else I can do for you, Your Grace?"
The Grand Duke thought for a moment before responding, "Yes, I need you to speak with the Royal Physician and make sure he is aware of the situation in Feigan. I want him to prepare medical supplies and send them to Feigan as soon as possible. And Maximino, I want you to make sure it is done."
Matthew nodded, "I understand, Your Grace. The physician will be notified immediately. I will make sure the supplies are sent as soon as possible."
The Grand Duke nodded in approval, "Thank you, Maximino. This is a dire situation, but with your guidance, I know we can make a difference."
Matthew bowed, "It is an honor to serve you, Your Grace. I will do everything in my power to assist you in this matter." With that, Matthew left the room, ready to carry out The Grand Duke's orders and help those in need.
The Grand Duke calmed down a bit, though he's still young but he stresses like an old man. At this thought, he knitted his eyebrows and pressed a finger between his temples then he sighed, "I must know if there are already teachers in the schools and what are the subjects that the students need to learn."
As the Grand Duke's thoughts ran through his mind, he couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. So many things were happening at once, and he needed to make sure that everything was being handled correctly. He quickly looked around to see if anyone had any information about the schools and the subjects that the students would be learning. As he looked, he noticed a group of teachers in the corner of the room, discussing something among themselves.
"Excuse me, can one of you provide some information about the current state of the schools and what subjects the students will be learning?" The Grand Duke asked.
One of the teachers stepped forward, "Your Grace, we have been preparing the curriculum for the students. We plan to teach a range of subjects, including Reading, Writing and Penmanship, Arithmetic, Religious Education, Manners and Social Etiquette, Needlework and Practical skills, Music and songs. We also plan to have a physical education program to promote healthy lifestyles among the students."
"That sounds excellent, A great start," the Grand Duke said, relieved that there was already a plan in place. "I trust that you will make sure the students receive the best education possible."
The teacher nodded, "We will do our best, Your Grace. We are all very excited to start teaching and to help mold the minds of the next generation."
The Grand Duke simply sighed, "I am glad to hear that. I have faith in your abilities, and I am confident that you will make a positive impact on the students." He nodded to the teachers, acknowledging their hard work.
"How about the teachers assigned in academies?" The Grand Duke added, "What subjects are you going to teach?"
"Well, Your Grace," said the teacher from the academy, straightening up. "We have a very diverse curriculum, ranging from mathematics, language, fine arts, history, literature and rhetoric, to practical skills such as carpentry, metalwork, and cookery. Our goal is to provide a well-rounded education to the students, allowing them to find their strengths and interests, and to help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's world."
"Very well," The Grand Duke nodded, "How about the universities, what subjects are you going to teach?"
The teacher from a university stood up to answer, "The universities will provide a higher level of education, focusing on more specialized fields such as theology, law, medicine, and the arts. We will be teaching a wide range of subjects, including classical language, mathematics, natural science, languages and literature, history, social science, fine arts, applied science, languages of commerce and physical education and rhetoric, among others. The goal is to provide students with a comprehensive education that will prepare them for their careers and for life."
The Grand Duke nodded, pleased with the teacher's response. "That is an excellent curriculum," he said, "It covers a wide range of subjects and will provide our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields. I'm glad to see that our universities are dedicated to providing a high-quality education."
He continued, "Now I need to ask something, for all of the teachers present in the municipality: If a student from a dame or in an academy who has more advanced intelligence than the rest, what are you going to do?"
"We will be sure to challenge these students with more advanced material and provide them with opportunities to learn at their own pace," said the teacher. "We will also encourage them to pursue their interests and provide them with extra resources and support as they navigate their education. We believe that every student has the potential to excel, and we are committed to helping them reach their full potential."
"What if this kid is only eight years old, and their intelligence is not right for a dame but for an academy, what would you do?" asked The Grand Duke.
"In such a case, we would recommend placing the child in the Academy with appropriate guidance and support," said the teacher. "We believe that every student should be given the chance to receive an education that fosters their unique talents and interests, regardless of their age or cognitive abilities."
With that said, The Grand Duke is fully satisfied with the plan, "That's all I wanted to hear, the meeting's dismissed, thank you." He said he stood up from his seat and turned to leave.
The teachers all nodded as The Grand Duke left the room. They turned to each other with a sense of relief, glad that they were able to provide him with the information he needed. It's already dusk when The Grand Duke left the municipality, the sky was painted with warm orange, sending the sun to set, he stepped in his carriage, looking forward to resting in the palace.
As he sat on the carriage, his mind wandered for a brief time, thinking if Elias would be excited in the following days of the school opening, and hoped that Elias would cooperate among the others. He thought that it's such a waste he didn't see the two off earlier, but it's fine anyway, there are always chances of meeting Elias again since he was welcome in the palace.
In the blink of an eye, The dame, Academy, and Universities of the chosen town of Landroich opened on the same day. While the news of Feigan Desolation has been going back and forth in the Palace. There is a slow progress in lifting up the siege in Feigan, which made Kaiser think if his men are not enough to solve it, or was he lacking. He'd provided all the town's needs: food and water, clothes even for their cleanliness. He also ordered the clean-up of the town to help the environment under siege.
While the case of Elise Chambers is still ongoing.
In the opulent drawing room of the grand palace, adorned with gilded furniture and intricate tapestries, a large ornate table was set for a game of "Regal Conquest: Kingdoms of Elegance." The Grand Duke, Kaiser, a man of refined taste and strategic brilliance, sat at one end of the table. Opposite him, the Marquis Maximino, known for his cunning wit and diplomatic finesse, prepared himself for the game. The room was dimly lit by flickering candelabras, casting an air of mystery and anticipation.
Servants and the butler, Nery, stood by, ready to attend to any need, as the two noble men carefully arranged the exquisitely crafted pieces on the board, each one a masterpiece in miniature. The game was more than just a pastime; it was a demonstration of power, influence, and intellect.
With the first move, Matthew strategically positioned his castle at the crossroads of two fertile lands, indicating his intention to establish a strong economic foundation. Kaiser observed with a serene smile, recognizing Matthew's cunning choice.
As the game went on, each player showed off their strategic skills. Matthew was all about making alliances and gaining favor from the courtiers, while the Grand Duke was a pro at military moves, slowly taking over more land with his well-thought-out campaigns.
As time went on, the room started to feel more tense. Matthew looked really confident and ambitious, while the Grand Duke seemed calm and didn't show what he was thinking. The people at court quietly talked among themselves, wondering what would happen in this important showdown.
In a big moment, the Grand Duke took a daring action, attacking a crucial area controlled by the Marquis. It was a risky move, but the Grand Duke's troops were unbeatable, taking over the land and weakening the Marquis' power.
Matthew was deep in thought, tapping his fingers on the table while considering his choices. He glanced at the courtier cards in his hand, trying to decide what to do next. The Grand Duke's castle on the board was a clear display of his impressive strategy skills.
After a couple more intense rounds, the Grand Duke pulled off a bunch of carefully planned moves. He used his connections at court to sway some political decisions, which set off a chain reaction that worked out in his favor. With some clever strategizing, he also teamed up with another player, making sure he was protected from any potential backlash.
As the game was coming to an end, Matthew realized he had fewer choices and felt like he was definitely going to lose. He gave a friendly nod and a smile, and reached out his hand across the table. The Grand Duke, just as gracefully, took the offer and shook Matthew's hand.
"Well played, Maximino," the Grand Duke said, his voice carrying a mixture of respect and admiration. "Your strategic brilliance is a marvel to behold."
The Marquis nodded, acknowledging the compliment. "Indeed,Your Grace, you have proven your prowess once again."
The room erupted in polite applause as servants brought forth a tray of crystal goblets filled with fine wine to toast the victor. The servants then carefully tidied up the game board in silence.
"Regal Conquest: Kingdoms of Elegance" is a strategic board game that mirrors the political intrigue and grandeur of the 18th-century aristocratic societies. Played by nobles and royalties across the regions and kingdoms, the game is a blend of strategy, diplomacy, and cunning maneuvers. It is set on a beautifully crafted wooden board, intricately designed with depictions of opulent castles, lush gardens, and regal attire. The pieces are exquisitely sculpted miniatures representing various facets of courtly life.
The goal of the game is to achieve "Regal Supremacy" by carefully orchestrating political alliances, economic dominance, and military prowess. Players must aim to gain control over key regions, win the favor of influential courtiers, and solidify their position as the most prestigious noble in the kingdom.
Nery poured wine to the Grand Duke's glass and to the Marquis, with a bow that represents his congrats on each. The Grand Duke slumped on his seat comfortably, he sighed with a 'pfft' sound as he relaxed. He murmured, "Do I really need to wear a corset.."
Matthew placed down his glass after taking a sip, he smiled, "Well, you need a perfect body to perform The Royal Ancestral Dance of Dämonisch. It also has advantages on your own, you know?"
"Cheer up! I'm actually excited about how you dance." He added.
Unfortunately, Kaiser was not swayed, he replied, "It'll be hard to use since I'll be training with a scythe." With a gentle sigh, his hand unfurled like a fragile blossom greeting the morning sun, revealing the secrets— worries nestled within its petals. The coronation is approaching, thus he has to perform The Royal Ancestral Dance of Dämonisch, to honor his ancestors of being successfully a king in Landroich.
This dance serves as a reminder of the enduring strength and history of the Dämonisch royal family. It symbolizes their responsibility to carry the legacy forward and uphold the traditions and values passed down through generations. The dance also carries an element of mysticism, with some believing that the spirits of the ancestors watch over and guide the current ruler through the mesmerizing movements of the dance.
Kaiser didn't like the idea of dancing, yet it is a must for ascending to the throne, so he's reluctant to participate in such. In addition, The Dämonisch Crest. The royal crest is a symbol of great importance. It features a crown, a shield, and a rose intertwined with a hawk's wing. Each element represents a different facet of the kingdom's values: sovereignty, protection, beauty, and strength. This crest will be drawn like a tattoo to his abdomen before the ritual of dancing starts.
"This is ridiculous, why do I have to shape my waist? I'm a man!" He said irritably.
Matthew chuckled, "Your Grace, even I question that issue, why do the royalty of Dämonisch need to shape their waists? Kings, too?" he took a sip of the wine, "But we can't avoid that matter, it is in your culture already, we can't oppose that."
Kaiser switched the subject, the more they talked about the ancestral dance, the more Kaiser felt upset and reluctant to do anything. He sighed, "Have you received any news from Feigan? I'm getting impatient with their delayed reports," He turned his head to Matthew, "It's getting fishy."
Matthew halted and placed his wine on the table abruptly but he didn't speak for a brief moment. His expression turned serious, "It really is fishy."
The Grand Duke's voice turned stern and cold as he declared between them, "If tomorrow and I hadn't got any reports from Feiga, I will go personally."
Matthew's eyes widened, his brows narrowed, "Your Majesty, It's dangerous."
Kaiser waved a gesture, "I'll bring a Silver Hawk, don't worry."
Silver Hawk..? Matthew thought, Right, think about it, I've never seen Silver Hawks in my life.. It is intriguing for how elite they were that they were never seen by any level of people unless the Grand Duke summoned them.
Matthew's curiosity peaked, "Really? Well, we can consider that."
The Order of the Silver Hawk. An elite group of knights dedicated to safeguarding the Dämonisch royalty— specifically the Grand Duke. They wear distinctive silver hawk emblems, and their oaths are sworn in an ancient ceremony that binds them to protect the royalty with their lives as the kingship lasts. Their titles are much higher than the Imperial Guards
The Grand Duke's words were final, and there was no room for negotiation. Matthew nodded in acknowledgment, but there was still a twinge of anxiety in his eyes. He knew that Feigan was under siege, and he had no idea what they were about to face, there was no telling them how worse the state had been and the unknown risks of having The Grand Duke being infected with the disease.
NAPPEN'S EXTRAS:
Nappen: [cheering] Hell yeah! I didn't miss my schedule today!
Kaiser: [glaring] Is shaping my waist really necessary?
Nappen: [grinning] Well, you know, it's tradition, Your Grace. Gotta maintain that regal figure for the ancestral dance.
Kaiser: [sighs] Tradition, tradition. I never signed up for all this royal fuss. Can't we just skip it?
Nappen: [laughs] If only life were that easy, Your Grace. But seriously, the people expect a grand spectacle at the coronation.
Kaiser: [mutters] Spectacle, right. More like a torturous display of awkward moves and tight corsets.
Nappen: [teasing] Come on, it's not that bad. I've heard you have the perfect hips for it.
Kaiser: [deadpan] I don't appreciate your humor, Nappen.
Nappen: [mimicking Kaiser's voice] "Is shaping my waist really necessary?" You sound like you're preparing for battle.
Kaiser: [crosses arms] This is a battle, a battle against unnecessary traditions. Tradition? Aesthetics? I don't see the point. I'm not here to be a fashion model.
Nappen: [smirking] Maybe not a model, but a king with a snatched waist? That's a whole aesthetic.
Kaiser: [sarcastically] Oh, wonderful. Next, you'll have me twirling around in a ball gown.
Nappen: [teasing] Now that's an image! The fearsome Grand Duke twirling in a ball gown. You'd break the internet.
Kaiser: [rolls eyes] Very amusing, Nappen. Just tell me when this ridiculous dance is over.
Nappen: [grinning] Don't worry, Your Grace. The whole kingdom will be talking about it for weeks.
Kaiser: [deadpan] Fantastic. Remind me why I agreed to this again?