Chapter 62: The Grand Duchy of Maldenberg

The road to the Maldenberg family's capital was not a comforting and pristine journey. The carriage, a sturdy but lavish mode of transportation, rattled along the cobblestone road, its rhythmic clatter a counterpoint to the rhythmic thud of Marshal Bessières's boots against the floorboards. 

Archenshien, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Maldenberg, was a journey fraught with more than just the usual discomforts of travel. Victor was burdened by the task of securing friendly relations with a grand duchy that was accustomed to war. For the sake of peace, there was no room for error. The air crackled with unspoken tension, a silent acknowledgement of the weight of their mission.

The journey was punctuated by brief stops near wayside inns, where the aroma of spiced wine and roasting meat offered a temporary respite from the grim anticipation. Victor, usually a man of few words, found himself drawn into conversation with the local innkeepers, gleaning snippets of information, and whispers of discontent brewing in the outlying villages. 

He learned of rising taxes, unfair land seizures, and a growing resentment towards the Grand Duke's increasingly autocratic rule. This wasn't simply a mission to secure friendly relations; it was a journey into the heart of a simmering rebellion. 

Bessières, ever watchful, remained silent, but his sharp eyes missed nothing. He seemed to understand the unspoken message in the hushed tones and worried glances of the villagers, confirming what Victor already suspected: their mission was more obscure than initially led to believe.

As Archenshien's spires finally appeared on the horizon, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, a sense of foreboding replaced the earlier tension. The city walls, usually bustling with activity, seemed eerily quiet. A sense of unease settled over Victor and Bessières. 

They had arrived not only at the capital but at the precipice of something unknown, a change about to reshape the fate of Luxenberg, a fate they might not survive. The carriage rolled through the gates, the silence of the city more ominous than any battle cry. Their journey had just begun.

The lavish-looking Maldenberg palace stood out amongst the plain and worn-down buildings of the city. Victor was aware that the Maldenberg family prioritised its military over everything else, but not to the extent of lowering the quality of life in the territory.

As Victor and Marshal Bessières stepped out of the carriage they were greeted by 2 platoons of Maldenberg soldiers who were standing at attention. The coat of arms of the Maldenberg family was displayed all over the palace exterior, a black musketeer on a field of orange.

 An attendant of the Grand Duke Maldenberg bowed and gestured for the 2 men to accompany him. Following the attendant the 2 men grew cautious about the Grand Duke. For someone who had sunk a lot of money into his army, barely any soldiers could be seen apart from the palace guards. 

It was worrisome that a city, that is said to have the most impervious walls, defended by the best troops was now reduced to a skeleton crew garrison. Uneased by such strange circumstances the duo kept their guard up.

Escorted into the palace lounge the 2 men were greeted by a towering figure. You could almost mistake the man as an ogre due to his absurd height, he stood at a whopping 7 feet tall. His body was well-toned and he had skin that had an angelic glow about it. Youthful in appearance the giant was around his late 40s.

His eyes were a dazzling orange while his hair was a blackish-blue colour that reflected the night sky. Seeing the 2 men from Luxenberg enter the lounge the Grand Duke rose from his chair to greet them. It was when he stood up that they could fully grasp the height difference of the man, he towered above them.

His name was Arthur Maldenberg. He was an only child of the previous Grand Duke Maldenberg. Arthur's family consisted of his wife, Priscilla and their 3 children. The oldest child was 22 which was a year older than Victor. Her name was Penelope. The middle child is slightly younger than Victor and is called Adrian. Finally, the youngest was the same age as Veronica, her name was Adeline.

In a deep and bellowing tone, the Grand Duke began to speak, "Grand Duke Luxenberg! At last, we finally meet. I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Please have a seat, I am sure you are tired from your long journey."

Both Bessières and Victor were surprised by the Grand Duke's cheeriness, obliging his request the pair sat down on this luxurious couch. Mustering the words to say Victor properly replied to the Grand Duke. 

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Grand Duke Maldenberg. I can not wait to meet your family later this evening. I would like to introduce the commander of my elite guard, Jean-Baptiste Bessières." Gesturing towards his marshal, Bessières bowed to the towering Grand Duke. 

The first impression of Arthur Maldenberg was that he was an enigma. Although his physical description was perfectly correct, his personality was a bit out of sorts for someone famed to be a war-hungry ruler who dedicates his life to military pursuits.

With a hearty laugh from Arthur, the 3 men began to converse.

"I must admit Grand Duke Luxenberg, I did not think much of you when I first heard about you. But then you took over your dukedom and quickly defeated that red pig bastard Harold Cruyff. After that, You piqued my curiosity and then you conquered and kill the Maximillian family. You must give me all the details of that war, my informants were not able to give me many details. Is the Maximillian family still alive?" Arthur questioned enthusiastically.

Indulging the Grand Duke's curiosity, Victor began to give a detailed recount of both the battle at the farmstead and the siege of Jenkas. He also admitted to the deaths of Osmund and his son Osiris, while the rest of the Maximillian family was rotting in the dungeons of Hannover.

Delighted and astonished Grand Duke Maldenberg could only compliment and applaud Victor at such warfare. "I might have to use those strategies in my next conflict. I hear you also went pirate hunting at some point, was that true?" Arthur asked again.

Once again Victor recounted his experience on the open seas battling against a pirate fleet and decimating their haven. With each word flowing out of Victor's mouth, the Grand Duke remained captivated. 

"I regret not learning of you sooner. You would have made a fine son-in-law and a good husband for my Penelope. Nevertheless, I must congratulate you on both your marriage and the birth of your son. There is no greater feeling than becoming a father." Arthur said in a warm tone.

Victor agreed with the Grand Duke that there was no greater feeling than being a father. After conversing with Arthur further, Victor felt unsure about how he felt about the Grand Duke. 

The man he was easily conversing with did not seem like the hellish monster that the rumours portrayed him to be. Soon enough, however, Victor would come to realise why the Grand Duke garnered such a reputation.