Voraine Empire

"Do you have the papers?" Ivory asked.

Jason then handed her a stack of documents. She looked at it with a growing smile on her face.

She smiles evilly, "This is perfect, I left them handing in our last conversation but with this information, we can definitely catch them"

"You already set the groundwork?" Jason said surprised.

He originally wanted Ivory to come here and just gather some information about the place but to think she actually started negotiations and even... had the upperhand?

"Are you still underestimating me?" Ivory said with a small pout

Jason chuckled, "No, not at all, I know you're the smartest" Jason says as they approach the gate.

The guards noticed Ivory and bowed, "Miss Ivory, the Emperor and Empress are awaiting you in the room" 

Ivory nodded her head and proceeded to move.

The voraine empire is beautiful and has vast fertile land that spans many miles. It's easy to see why they aren't as heavy on war as the thorkell empire, they can get more resources by simply improving their harvesting instead of conquering. But the Voraine empire is fully aware of how many people covet their land so they had to make sure they are strong enough to protect it.

The two make way and eventually end up in the throne room.

"Greetings you majesty, I have come here for negotiations" Jason said potliely and with a small bow.

The emperor nods his head and ushers them to sit down.

"Ivory has told me a lot about the proposal, are you sure you can boost our harvest?" The emperor asked calmly.

"The harvest can definitely be boosted. It is quite a difficult method only known to my fiancé and I but we will gladly share it with you to ease your worries" Jason says with a smile.

The emperor frowns, only know to this man and his fiancé? Doesn't that mean I don't have another person to negotiate with if this fails?

"I was just asking politely, there is no need to stress yourself," The king said dismissively as if he didn't care about the potential increase in harvest.

"Your majesty, here are the documents that show the changes in harvet of almost infertile soil after they have been bathed with our magic" Ivory said as she handed the papers to the emperor and empress. 

They look at the papers with a calm face and then their faces immediately had a look of shock.

"20%" They yelled.

The emperor noticed he lost his composure and cleared his throat.

The voriaine empire, even with its current yield, has enough resources to fund and compete with the Thorkell and Kadence empire despite not being as skilled in combat. The average quality of life of the citizens in the Voraine empire are also quite high, this is all due to the yield of their harvest.

If there is a safe way to increase it, who wouldn't take it?

"It seems that your majesty is not very interested is this weak method of mine. You are right, it is unhealthy to stress myself. I will take my leave, thank you for your hospitality" Jason said as he pretends to leave.

"Wait!" The emperor quickly said.

Ivory quickly pumps her fist, she knew they had him right where they wanted him.

"What are your conditions, this method is quite good, I will like to implement it".

"I can agree to the 7-3 split that Ivory mentioned before" The emperor said.

"7-3? This woman, she wants us to lose money?!" Jason said as he stared daggers into Ivory's eyes.

"Will the 70% satisfy you, young prince?" The emperor said.

Jaosn stood a bit dumbfounded, wait, we have the 70%? 

He looked at Ivory again with a look of awe. How did this woman trick this emperor into only getting 30%, this is incredible. But what I want instead just more resources.

Jason eyes flashed with a cold glint as he prepares his next plans.

"Your majesty, we are not selfish people. How can we take 70% of your hard work just by providing you this method. Just like you, these wars have been very taxing for our people and we all will like a little time to enjoy life. Now that we are in this partnership, it is good to help each other when we can" Jason said slowly.

The emperor realized that Jason will most likely ask for something in return and was curious why he was talking in circles. What he wants must not be simple.

"Then how should we help you, young prince?" The emperor said cautiously.

"Currently, our common enemy has received funds from an unknown source and has now increased their military prowess significantly. Even with a better harvest, if most of it goes towards war, you will not see a great difference in the long-term. I suggest you provide just a little assistance for us fighting with them now because if they win, they will turn their fangs to you next" Jason said lightly.

The emperor gritted his teeth, he knows that it wasn't too likely that the Thorkell army will find trouble with them if they beat the Kadence army in battle but it is also true that as soon as the Thorkell army gains enough strength, they will undoubtedly aim to destroy our empire. The fact that this negotiation right now is taking place shows that the Kadence empire is safer to get along with an although hatred and fear towards the empire has been ahuge part of the Voraine empire's history, they don't have the same sense of inferiority as their ancestors.

Plus if we can use their magic for our own benefit and help take down those warmongers in the north, wouldn't that be a blessing?

"And of course, due to our partnership, we will naturally go a very long time without troubling your empire. As I said earlier, I believe it is time for a break" Jason said.

"A ceasefire huh?" The emperor rubbed his chin.

Conflicts with the Voraine empire and the Kadence empire has never been too bloody. They have more than enough Kortz to protect themselves from deadly attacks but they just lack a military culture that can rival the Kadence empire like the Thorkell empire has. So despite having better resources, they still lack in terms of overall fighting power, but barely!

"Alright, I agree. Once the Thorkell empire is crippled, it will do good for everyone. We will take a 5-5 split aswell" The emperor said.

Jason smiled, This old man is really greedy but Jason had no reason to refuse.

"I will be awaiting your good news, Once the battle in the Thorkell empire is won, I will implement the method. For now, we will survey your lands and make preparations" Jason said.

The emperor nodded and the negoitions came to a close.

The empress said worriedly, "What if they go back on their word? Won't our soldiers die for nothing? 

"He isn't that careless, if he was really considering scheming something, he would've requested to leave. Not that I would have let him go anyway. Last thing we need is to aid them in the war and to have them not boost our harvest. But the son of the emperor and empress and the niece of the empress? Those 2 makes great hostages. Even if they go back on their word, we can get more than enough ebenfits with them alone" The emperor said.

The empress slowly understood and rbeathed a sigh of relief, "It's good, hopefully, this is a sign of a peaceful future" she mutters under her breath and she stares at the calm sky.

Kadence Empire

Count Grenden is throwing a huge party in his estate. With his connections and influence, many people from the palace attended. His estate was the biggest in the capital and could accompany a very high amount of people.

The audience was buzzing and having a good time.

"What is this party for again?"

"I'm not sure, you know the super rich people just like to throw parties"

"Is count grenden like that? I'm not sure"

"What does it matter? There is so much food and drink here. Just enjoy yourself"

"You're right, with all the army at the Thorkell border now, we can finally take a break from those military guys"

"Hey, do you guys recognized those people?"

"No, I think Count Grenden said they were partners from his business trip and will help him make a lot of money"

"I'm so jealous, he's already so rich and he's able to get even richer. I need to get connected with him so I can get rich too"

"Why would he care about a small character like you?"

Conversations kept falling back and forth. Count Grenden stared at everyone down below with a sly smile on his face while shaking his wine elegantly.

"East, Laugh, Have fun, today, will be the day this capital changes" He says as he takes a sip.

Soon, a loud explosion is heard in the palace. Distance screams and panic were heard. A soldier ended up opening the door and saying, "Please, The emperor, is in trouble, a rebellion!" he says as he drop dead on the floor.

People start screaming and Count Grenden loudly bellowed, "Enough, the emperor is in trouble and you guys are all panicking? Can you take responsibility if something happens to the emperor? I will go stop the rebellion myself. Guards, follow me!" Count grenden yelled as thousands of soldiers quickly formed outside and was ready to charge to the Palace.

Many people were marveling at how well-prepared and patriotic Cuont Grenden is but Mr. Joabaine just looked at him with cold eyes at his left. 

Something was up but he had no proof.

The Palace is not something people can invade at will, you will almost always need help from the inside. Did he throw this big party to get everyone to leave this palace and then leave a way for those enemies to come in and attack his majesty? But even if thta's the case, his majesty won't fall down that easy. You might need a whole army to help. That isn't something he can easily sneak into the palace. This farce of his won't last long-"

Mr. Jobaine paused, wait, isn't he bringing an army to the palace right now? What if he isn't sneaking enemies in but just bringing them out directly in the name of helping the emperor? 

His eyes widened, How audacious is this man!

But there is no proof and I will be killed myself if I get caught.

"What do I do?" Mr. Jobaine says while deep in thought

Inside the Palace

The emperor is coughing up blood, "Grenden, Is this the path you really want to walk? There will be no good end for you"

Grenden laughed, "There won't be a good end to you either, your majesty. And I hope you aren't relying on those eyes that has long lost its power, you will be finished today".

The emperor's eyes turned cold, "My eyes may have lost its power but after making such a big commotion today, you don't think my son would have seen through everything and is on the way right now?" The emperor says.

Count Grenden laughed again, "The Thorkell army will keep that son of yours very busy for me. a small-scale rebellion at the palace or losing the entire Thorkell border-front and having them invade with boosted resources. I wonder which vision those eyes will show him".

"Either way, I will win in the end" Count Grenden laughed evilly. The Emperor's eye has always been his greatest concern but if he set up a checkmate where both options will lead to his eventual win, he has nothing to worry about. 

Lance seems to have left for the Thorkell Border and it shouldn't be easy to leave, I just have to kill the emperor before he comes back and everything will be manageable, I'm already the hero in everyone else's eyes.

Count Grenden smiles again, having money truly is a wonderful thing but there are limits, limits that can only be overcome with power. Power is what he deserves!"

As a slash of Count Grenden's blade dropped down toward the emperor, the door was kicked open and a blast of magic disarmed the Count.

"Zenat! Why are you here. You should've been locked up in your manor!" 

"You'll have to thank Mr. Jobaine for that, he quickly let me know your scheme and led the civilians to safety. As the emperor's right-hand man, I naturally know the quickest pathways to his room" Duke Zenat explains.

"When did you get so close to the Jobaines, to think he would go to you first, I miscalculated" Grenden said with a bit of annoyance.

"I just gave his daughter some guidance for a little bit, it's nothing serious. Now is time you die" Duke Zenat said as he launched forward with his palm full of magic.

Right when he was about to strike, a shadow quickly jumped in the way and blocked his attack with a Kortz shield. Then he felt a sharp pain into his body and saw it was a Kortz blade.

"K-Kortz? Grenden! Are you not aware how illegal this is in our empire" Duke Zenat screamed in rage.

He was unsure whether or not it was due to his extreme panic of the empire facing death or whether he has lost some of his edge but he wasn't able to discover the hidden soldiers in time.

Count Grenden scoffed, "I'll be making the rules soon enough, you don't have to worry about anything" Grenden said as he put his hand up to signal the soldiers.

Duke Zenat knew he would not be able to leave this room alive and quickly dashed towards his Majesty and threw him out the room.

Right before the blades fell, Duke Zenat looked into the Emperor's eyes from in the hall with a look of deep friendship and gratitude. 

"The empire still needs you your majesty and that boy Lance still needs you" Duke Zenat says as the blades crash down and end his life.

Count Grenden's face turned gloomy, It was good to kill off Duke Zenat but there's no point if the emperor does not die too.

He was still happy that Duke Zenat couldn't call any more people, given the fact that he saved the emperor only half a second away from dying, if he spent time trying to gather more people, I would've been able to kill the emperor by now.

Grenden sighed again, a good sacrifice but it will only delay the inevitable.

He then gathers his soldiers and chased after the emperor who disappeared. The palace exist are completely blocked so everyone is trapped like rats here. 

There are also soldiers outside, There is no way for his majesty to escape.

Once I get rid of him, the empress is next, and I can turn Lance into my puppet whether he wants to or not. He has no more backers! Count Grenden smiles as he laughs evily once more.

"Onward, today is the way I become the uncrowned king of this empire!"