Chapter 29: Hierarchy

I took a deep breath and focused my attention on the detailed information that Kharon had provided. The maps were laid out before me, showing the intricate web of political and territorial boundaries within the Kingdom of Angria. This was no simple kingdom; it was a vast and complex realm with power dynamics that could easily entrap the unwary.

The Royal Family of Angria stood at the center of it all. Elyndor Angria, the current king, ruled the kingdom with a firm hand. By his side was the Queen, a woman whose influence was felt more in the shadows than in the public eye. The Royal Family also included the Royal Princess and the youngest prince, both of whom held significant positions within the kingdom's hierarchy. But there was a void where the late Crown Prince once stood—a reminder of the fragility of power, even within the royal bloodline.

An important figure within the Royal Family was the king's brother, who served as the Royal Adviser. His counsel was sought in matters of governance, strategy, and diplomacy. However, the king's influence extended beyond his immediate family. He maintained a harem, filled with tens of beautiful concubines, each bearing him countless children. Despite their proximity to the throne, these concubines and their offspring held no real power in the kingdom's politics. They were ornaments in the court, their roles confined to the private chambers of the palace.

Another key player in the kingdom's structure was the finance minister. This individual was responsible for overseeing the kingdom's treasury and finances, a task that included collecting taxes, managing the kingdom's budget, and funding military and public works projects. The stability of the kingdom's economy rested in their hands, making them a pivotal figure in the administration.

As I reviewed the information, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. Though Kharon's report was thorough, it made no mention of the kingdom's intelligence network. Yet I was certain it existed, operating in the shadows under the leadership of a figure whose identity was likely known only to a select few. The absence of this detail only heightened my suspicions. In a kingdom as vast as Angria, with so many power players, intelligence would be a weapon as vital as any sword.

The kingdom's noble hierarchy was dominated by five Duke Houses: the Rosefall Duchy, the Albian Duchy, the Roshar Duchy, the Nalthis Duchy, and the Braize Duchy. These houses wielded immense power, each controlling vast territories and commanding large armies.

My thoughts lingered on Calista, whose information was provided as well. She was the only daughter of Duke Faelan Albian, the head of the Albian Duchy. The Duke also had a son, a fact that made Calista's position both privileged and precarious. In a world where power often passed through male hands, her future would depend on the political maneuvers within her own family and the broader kingdom. 

The Rosefall Duchy, however, was a different story altogether. It was ruled by Duchess Elowyn Rosefall, the sole surviving heir after the late Duke's death. Elowyn's rise to power had been anything but smooth. Upon her father's death, a fierce dispute erupted over who would lead the Duchy. The Duke's younger brother and his son had claimed that a woman could not possibly lead a duchy and that they were the rightful rulers.

Their challenge reached the king's ears, but the matter was resolved before he could intervene. In one chilling night, the entire family of the late Duke's younger brother was slaughtered with merciless efficiency. Whispers spread through the kingdom, suggesting that Duchess Elowyn herself had left evidence of her involvement, daring anyone to challenge her right to rule. The official investigation concluded that the infamous organization 'Shadow' was responsible, but no one truly believed it. The Duchess's ascent was a bloody testament to her ruthlessness and determination.

I couldn't help but consider the irony. The very foundation of the Kingdom of Angria was laid by a woman during the Dark Ages. Angria herself, a legendary figure, had united cities and led humanity in a desperate fight against the monstrous creatures that once roamed the land. To question a woman's right to lead in this kingdom was to question the very roots of its existence. But Elowyn's actions were too hot-headed, and I doubted she would survive long if the Royal Family ever deemed her an enemy of the kingdom. She was fierce, but even a flame that burns bright can be extinguished by a strong enough wind.

The noble hierarchy extended beyond the Duke Houses. There were seven Marquis Houses, each holding sway over significant portions of the kingdom, and thirteen Count Houses, whose influence was more localized but still potent. Baron Houses numbered in the hundreds, though many of them were scattered across the kingdom, far from the capital. Their power was often tied to the land they controlled, and while they might seem insignificant in the grand scheme, their collective influence was not to be underestimated.

The only institution that existed beyond the influence of the Royal Family was the Church of the Goddess. This was no mere religious organization; it held a power that transcended the boundaries of politics and governance. Like every other kingdom in the world, the Kingdom of Angria had to bow its head in reverence to the Goddess and show respect to her church. The Royal Family, despite its authority and control over the land, was not exempt from this rule.

In fact, the Church operated with a level of autonomy that no other entity within the kingdom could claim. It was untouchable, an entity whose influence could neither be swayed by gold nor threatened by the sword. The Royal Family might command armies and control vast territories, but they knew better than to challenge the church's supremacy.

The church was woven into the fabric of every kingdom, an ever-present reminder that no matter how powerful a ruler might be, they were still subject to the divine authority of the Goddess. Even the mightiest kings and queens had to pay their respects, acknowledging that their power was granted by the Goddess and could be taken away just as easily.

This relationship between the Royal Family and the Church created a delicate balance of power. While the monarchy governed the physical realm, the Church held sway over the spiritual, ensuring that no ruler ever became too arrogant or ambitious. To disrespect the Church was to invite disaster, a lesson that had been learned countless times throughout history.