Mas Bagus

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"I wonder if Fred would allow a royal lunch for us." Jazdia was the first to break the silence when the group walked down the stairs to the first floor. The maid who accompanied them dully shook her head, saying the lunch will be delivered to everyone's room in an hour. When Jazdia asked what was the menu today, she also replied with minimal interest.

"Milady is welcomed to visit our kitchen if she was curious."

Jazdia only replied with a weak smile.

But after a while, a chuckle slipped out of her. "Well, Ced. Did you hear that? You have madam maid's permission to raid their kitchen."

The bear snorted, with a slightly amused chuckle followed afterward.

"'at 'd sureleh git me tosse in deh dungeon agin... Doubt dey coul' afford muh eatin' everthang dey has..."

"They'll need to feed you eventually, dont they? Might as well hand over the whole roast hog sooner than later." Quipped the mercenary, recalling just how much the bear grabbed at the farm... barely a few days ago. It felt like way longer than it actually were.

"yea, but uh gotta save room fer dinner!" replied the bear. "Mebe we could git a drink instead? Jus' not in da town-- Crazy folk out dere."

"Raiding the cellar it is! Day drinking happen to be my expertise, you're in good hands." Claimed the mercenary without an inkling of shame.

"Already make yourself at home I see..." said Jazdia, suddenly feeling lethargic. The report she had been carrying this entire time was starting to make her elbow sores. "Remember that we have a banquet tonight. It's not the possibility of you two downing the entire cellar by yourselves that worries me, but you two arriving at the party fully inebriated is. Master Bear, before you accompany Miss Yvonne to have a taste of the royal collection. Can I lend your paws to help me taking this to Fredricus's office?"

Without even waiting for Cedar to either accept or decline Jazdia handed him the papers.The bear quickly obliged

"Guess I gotta go--- Don' drink i' all witout meh naow!"

When the two took their turns to the north, the bear swung his head down to Jazdia, speaking in a low tone.

"you's gunna show meh where she headin' af'erward righ? I's a big fellar-- kin hol' a lot a liquor."

"Sure. If not, then I am sure one of the maids would gladly help."

A cheeky grin escaped his bearish muzzle as they continue walking.

"Bu' 'at lil' thang prolly drink jus' 's much-- I wan'ts sum too ya know. We'll drop 'is off in ol' Fred's lap-- an den see where he keep da good stuff."

Jazdia only nodded, in front of them was the wooden staircase heading to a balcony that leads to Fredricus' office. It was just four days ago the first time they were being summoned and asked to wait around here. She would stand on the balcony, leaning on the railings, and use her eyes to observe the other agents. Back then there were Chonan and Henri among the crowd.

"So, have you overcome the horror of humanity's harshest law yet, or still working on it?"

"I' dun' make no sense...." the bear sighed, and that was the only pause before he stormed the conversation with sheer verbose. "Don' git meh wrong-- uh ain't no stranger tuh killin none-- Gotsta to live ya know... Thang's a bit diff'rnt fer meh like 'at, since I knowed other critters got feelins. Still gots ta eat. Just more picky 'bout whom, and why. ... Don' mean I likes doin' it. On toppa 'at, 'eres when ya gots ta stop somethin tryin' ta eat MUHSELF, ya knows? ... But one thang we don' do-- at's makin' a show a killin', er ... celebratin' a killin. ... Cain't wrap muh head 'round it. ... Dun make no sense... 'at man already beat; ya gunna kill im, jus' kill im, and git it o'er wit. ... Why ya gotta .. .. .. Em poor horses... Dey dun know nor wanna do dat nohow... an dey dun gone an made em do it-- 'an cheered like it da bes' thang they e'er saw... ... I kin see killin' somebody all messy like, ifn' dey all fights it real hard-- at damn wizard in da purple pajamas, fer instance.... Lotta people got hurt puttin' at fucker in da groun'.... Don' see me celebratin' it. Won' see me celebratin' it neither...."

"So who deserves the blame then? The people or the authority that make it a spectacle?"

"Mebbeh both? One set it all up... The odder partehs and gits drunk, thinkin' it the bes' thang evar."

"So everyone is at the wrong here?"

"Only reason I kin see, is dat peoples WANTS ta kill odder peoples, an' makes up excuses ta. Ann delights in 'er 'need' bein met."
"aint 'nuff ta jus' end at fellar. Naw. Gots ta rip em apart in de street, wit him all helpless like. Human's got some sick 'needs', An not just sum o' em. Naw. It were all o' em." .... "E'en 'Vonnie."

"Interesting."

When they reached the second floor, Jazdia greeted one of the guards. "We are here at His Majesty's order. There was a report he need to see. Can you inform the Chamberlain that we are here? Thank you."

When one of the guards saluted back and departed to fetch the chamberlain, Jazdia leaned against the railing while Cedar stood in the opposite direction.

"Say, if a serial killer killed your siblings. What would you do if you find him locked up in the village prison?"
"I'd make sure he da one as done it... En I'd break his neck. but afores at, I'd a made sure muh brother don' do sommat at deserve bein killed fer. He a right ass sometimes."

Jazdia decided to miss the wordplay, "What about the victim from the other family that he killed? Don't you think they deserve to see Justice being served as well?"

"Justice wut? I don' follow. S'pose it were an accident-- Or couldn' be avoided. Woulda been avoided ifn' it could... Like em poor folks at Fanghorn.... We killed em peoples... I killed em peoples, and most o' em did nothin' wrong. But more peoples woulda been killed, we not acted. Ya gots ta be sure ya doin' da right thang, when ya ends somebody. At man in the purple PJs? He were actively hurtin' people. Where you think all at' fire started from? Weren't us, at's fer sure! At fellar so upset about a few lil weeds, he kill people in 'er own damn houses.-- an' he'd do it again. Meh? I don' wanna 'dance' e'er again. unnerstan? Sometimes, killin' aint de answer. But I also knowed 'at humans ofen seems ta 'feel good' when sommat at caused em pain git ended. ... uh aint like at.

"Em folks at Fanghorn? Frum what I seened tuhday... 'ey'd tear me apart in da street. Ya calls at 'justice?'"

Jazdia shrugged, partially surprised when the bear mentioned Fanghorn accident. Another jab came not long after. A theoretical question.

"Every crime warrants a different kind of punishment. But, since you asked, yes, based on the law of the land they will have you hanged to death in public. Would I call that Justice? My opinion matters less than the people who have their houses destroyed and their families killed. Can you blame them if they want to see justice being served?"

"Mebbeh we gots diff'rnt ideas what 'justice' is. E're a diffren' word, 'retr'bution'. Justice, be when ya corrects summat as been done wrong. 'retr'bution', a thing when humans loses they minds, and go on a rampage, ta feel better-- 'en tells emsleves it's good."

Jazdia eyed him, her expression slightly hardened, but her tone was calm.

"Regardless of how cruel it is, Humans aspire to see that their law is not just words written on parchment. Assurance in law ensures that their society won't tear itself apart." Jazdia cleared her throat before continuing. It was never intended to argue, but Cedar seemed to have a very strange outlook on how human society implements the law, and it was easy to imagine that kind of train of thought would put them at odds, if not now, then in the future.

"Executing a murderer in the dark dungeon sounded less gruesome, true, but the family of the murdered may never see justice being implemented. What if the murderer bribed the guard to let him go and send a false report to the people that the deed was done? Public execution removes that doubt and instills fear and warning so the other humans wouldn't do the crime because the punishment is apparent. The state has the obligation to ensure that no crime will be tolerated in their society. And society wants that."

"At dont esplain de beer, de hootin,, and de hollerin." replied the bear, sulking.

"Maybe. Human emotions as collective beings are hard enough to understand. Think that like when you squash a fat flea after you remove them from your itchy butt."

"Flea alive, same as any odder livin thang. I jus' don wan it on muh butt. Sos I scratch."

"Now you get the idea. Humans too, would feel glad if they managed to get rid of a nuisance." Or maybe not. But at least she tried.

"ain't like a tick er summat like at--- em thangs burruh in, and ya caint pick em off witout squashin' em.--- I asked muh pappy why deys exist; He tell meh at they helps keep critters like muhself, as ain't got nuttin' as really eats it proper-- from bein tuh plent'ful. Same wit diseases, --ooh, er tapeworms. Nasty thangs, tapeworms..."

Jazdia earnestly tried to suppress a laughter. "My knowledge about insects is limited. Still, I think you get my message. Humans feel satisfied when they see those who threaten and have ruined their lives are gone. Like you are glad when you removed a lice or tapeworm. The nastier the crime, the happier people are to see them gone. Right now you might see humans tend to glorify judicial cruelty, but it arguably works best in their current society."

Again. It was not clear if Cedar gets the message. Especially when he began to tell another example of his anecdotal experience, and it make Jazdia smile wryly. It is the harsh reality, whether he liked it or not. But she hoped the reasoning would give him another perspective.

The chamberlain arrived with the soldier and Cedar ceased his prattle immediately.

"His majesty is busy today," he said pompously, sparing a single glance toward the document. "I am afraid he wouldn't have time to read it."

"Oh, he can read it anytime he wants. I just want it delivered, It is after all, part of my agreement with King Fredricus and I am sure both of us would prefer to see everyone involved fulfill their obligations down to the smallest detail."

"I am not sure Milady understands." said the chamberlain in a concealed disdain. "For His Highness, information comes as easy as drawing water from a well."

Your Majesty's wells are polluted with deception. Jazdia wanted to say that, but she preferred to keep the sass to herself. Her decision to moderate her impudence had proven to be beneficial apparently.

"But I shall fulfill this request." Said the chamberlain. Another parchment was quickly stretched, and the elf asked the King's servant to sign it with a graphite stylus before transferring the document from Cedar's paws to his.

Some more witty pleasantries were exchanged before the duo headed back to the main hall. No more banters happened between the two when they walked down the mostly empty corridor, and Jazdia found the silence refreshing.
Humans are an ever-changing species. She thought, there will be a day when Cedar's idealism may find its relevance, but that was not today.

Unsurprisingly Yvonne was no longer there. Jazdia activated her eyes and saw that the petite noblewoman was already inside a decorated room below the kitchen.

"Through that door, take the stairs down to the basement. Then go to the room to your left. Yvonne is there."

"And, Cedar. Mone more thing. I'd invite you to have this... paper towels." it was not, they were, in fact, a part of the report that was supposed to be delivered to Fredricus, but later omitted by Jazdia herself. "Keep it as readable when bored, or use it to wipe beer foam from your mouth or just toss it into the fire I don't care."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"If you would look at the belt, Doctor Solomon." he said, walking toward the masked man and presenting the belt with both hands. Like the rest of the item that comes with it, it was polished black with pebbled textures, yet smooth to the touch.

When Solomon let the belt run pliantly across his gloved palm, Mario continued. Smiling proudly.

"Not made of your standard cowhide leather. No, The Crown wanted the best, and here in Kindeance, Shark shagreen is the best gold can get. At least five times stronger than its bovine counterpart. Water-resistant. And very durable. It will hold unless your tome is as heavy and cumbersome as an adult horse. You can take it with you now if you want to test it. The rest, will be delivered by the staff to your room before 3 o clock this afternoon."

It seemed everyone was satisfied with what they got. Returning his clipboard, the tailor added another checklist, before turning at them again. "That's the last on my list," he said before placing his right hand on the chest and bowing. "Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a pleasure working with you. I will see you tonight at the banquet, for I am also eager to see if my handyworks would do you justice."

Prudently, one of his assistants gestured the group toward the door.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

When Jazdia closed the box, the tailor's steadfast expression falters. Hastily he marked several sections in his clipboard with three checklists and he ducked his chin as he speak to his assistant. "Please arrange the delivery," he said as he realized that every maid he summoned earlier had departed to transport Cedar's clothes.

"Well then, Ladies and Gentleman. I am profoundly delighted to be of service. Now if you will excuse me, I shall continue my work--"

At the time, the doorbell chimed again. A masked man entered the premises with a maid beside him.

"Pardon. I have another of the king’s guests here to see Master Mario." said the maid.

Mario's misaligned eyes darted at the stranger, wondering if he was really on the list, his stature seemed matched with the description in the dossier he received earlier, but his mask made it hard to verify.

"Are you Doctor Solomon?" He asked politely.

"Yes, I am."

There was a brief pause until Mario decided to sweep away his doubt to the back of his head. "I hope you can be lenient with questions earlier. Twas an old Habits during my service in the military. Unimportant now, in this context."

He straightened his posture and walked toward one of the cupboards on the other side of the room. "Unlike what I am working on earlier, the details for your order are the most basic. But that doesn't mean the end result should be basic too."

"For an esteemed Doctor like you, Master Solomon, I reckon it has to be sharp, but not gaudy. Elegant, and professional are the keywords."

He turned back and fondled a piece of black clothing before putting it on a metal tray

"Elegant shirt and tailcoat jacket with two-buttons style. Tapered trousers, and leather belt. And of course, a Helvetian fedora with a gray satin sweatband to complement... should you prefer to keep your mask on. All in black of course."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

One more customer was satisfied, and two to go.

Like a living bronze statue, Mario the royal tailor wore his black eyeglasses and turned toward the other patron.

'Misus Yvonne. It has been a long time since I make a finery for Rosenving." he said with a perfectly straight face. "You may not remember me, but most of my career as a needleworker was usually spent in either Rosenving Mansion or The Royal Palace. I do not know if you would like it, but His Majesty had given his order.

One of his assistants brought up a wooden mannequin wearing a navy blue dress with embroidered bodice. "I know you would prefer gambeson and breeches, dyed in a darker color. But this is a Royal Celebration and a woman wearing back on such occasion might as well go to a funeral."

"Ah, I know I've seen you somewhere before." It finally clicked why she'd find the tailor familiar. Yvonne didn't get too close to the servants, back in the days, leaving her with a niggling sense of dejavu until the man introduced himself.

"Dont worry too much, it does looks nice. Maybe a bit tight around the waist..." The mercenary circled around the dress, noting that it did seemed around her size. A bit creepy if one think about it, but let's not dwell too much into it. "Easier to keep a blade under a dress, yeah? Then we can still make it a funeral if necessary."

She let out a hyena cackle after that, and it was unclear whether she's joking or not. Mario could only shake his head, while Yvonne returned to her party, eager to see what's in store for Sparky. The elf cut a stunning figure, that much was obvious.

"Well, glad if you like it." Said the tailor, and like Cedar's newly acquired garbs, it will be delivered to their room.

The man looked at his clipboard.

"Miss Jazdia Crystalspark...

***

Nobody knew since when Jazdia had slipped away unnoticed and was now busy looking around the machinery and finished produce. It wasn't a particularly novel sight to behold, but sometimes she missed the charm of industrial progress and was eager to wander about and sate her curiosity by using her power to inspect a hand-powered sewing machine that seemed the have been imported from Helvetia.

Next to it were lines of samples of finished gowns, colored with exotic dye-job that pleases the eye but seems to be too radical for today's fashion trends. Perched on a head of a wooden mannequin was a hat with semi-transparent trim adorned with eagle feathers. while the body of the display dummy itself wore a very ridiculous robe with a ridiculously high collar.

The tailor coughed to get her attention and Jazdia answered.

Next to the tailor was a box layered with cheaper-looking fabric. When Jazdia approached, he removed the lid and showed a red dress folded like an accordion. "It was commissioned by His Highness..." he shook his head and revised his words. "OF course everything was commissioned by our Milord, but this particular one came with instructions."

Smugly, he smiled again. "The details, I can't tell. But it's a sleeveless design to emphasize your flawless shoulder, neck, and collarbone. I figured you would prefer having the hem hanging slightly above your ankle, to amend your dislike of wearing high-heeled footwear. Yours was the first I finished, Milady," he said, beaming as he invited Jazdia to take a good look at her soon-to-be evening dress. The elf however gestured a polite decline and eyed the tailor.

"I don't see either Cedar or Miss Rosenving complaining. You seemed very sure with your handiwork. Mister Mario." Jazdia tried to keep it light and unoffensive, though to be honest, being complimented with a deadpan tone was rather unnerving.

"Ah, the question often asked," he replied with a mirth. "My crafts require precision I know, and you don't see measuring tape hanging on my neck, nor we have ever done any measurement." he tapped his eyeglasses. "That shouldn't trouble you, Milady, my clothes are made to fit their wearer, and how do I know your sizes? I can measure just by seeing, and I can confidently say that because my expertise is indeed that good."

Silently Jazdia acknowledged the claim, though, she couldn't resist but to quip gamely. "Is that so?"

"Yes, it is," said the man, staring emotionlessly at his clipboard. "your height is 173, your bust size is, 67, your waist is 49 or 50, and your hips are 84. Our young Lady Rosenving's height is 151 her bust is 77, her waist is 58 and hips is at 86. All in centimeters. If the measurements were proven wrong, I will be more than happy to refund His Majesty's generous payment and remake the commissioned outfits free of charge."

Jazdia stared at the box containing her ball gown, assuredly bemused. On another day and another time, she would have no qualms about slapping anyone who dared to spew her three sizes, but the tailor's detached and professional tone and the context behind it made her nod in acknowledgment. Not sure about Yvonne though.

She touched her dress once, feeling smooth satin before closing the lid, still refusing to do any further. It was after all, a gift, and it was best to not waste a good moment on one occasion.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

After a short walk toward the west wing, the trio climbed the warmer staircase leading to the first floor. In one of the corners was a room, and the sound of mechanical sewing could be heard from the outside. The maid beckoned them to follow, and the sound of a bell interrupted the workers as the door opened.

"Pardon the intrusion, Master Mario. But The King's Guests want to see you.

"Ah about time, don't bother to sit, I will be there shortly."
A tanned, bald man peeked from behind a large, hand-cranked sewing machine before showing himself to the group. He was probably as tall as Solomon, with wide shoulders and a pronounced, muscular physique. His clothing was nothing unusual people often attributed to clothing artisans; they were just a shirt and khaki trousers.

"Nice to meet you. I am Mario." He said, voice booming, but polite as any Royal staff would. His posture was straight, his gait dignified like a disciplined military sergeant. Immediately he eyed Cedar and removed his eyeglasses, showing a pair of eyes that were apparently misaligned and heterochromatic.

"Master Cedar, isn't it?" He said, his demeanor changed slightly when he beckoned his assistant to push a rack where what seemed to be large, single clothes stretched. It was black and some streaks of white, with silver adornings. One might say it was a typical elegant doublet often worn by courtiers alike but with its size quadrupled.

"To work on this particular request is challenging. To say the least. So I'd play safe with this one." he said, rushing his breath.
"Black is gentlemanly, ornamental use of metal buttons, and decorated leather to emphasize elite status, and you don't have to wear anything too garish to complement it. It is, Master Cedar, is a uniform best worn as is."

The Bear's stammering seemed to make the tailor's smugness grown.

"Of course despite 'best worn as is', Gentlemen still need a perfect undergarment for it. Embroidery, no matter how small or well hidden they are can still cause itch. And The Gentleman surely doesn't want his fur sticking out of his doublet."
His other assistant presented several white buttonless shirts folded neatly on a large metal tray. The tailor picked one and beckoned Cedar to feel the fabric. Or even wear it straight.

"Sadly such type of clothing does not allow for extravagant decors, but it will definitely serve its purpose. Made with thread combined with silk. It's smooth, strong... comfortable to wear. Suitable as nightwear after a long banquet. Or just as everyday clothes.

The bear seemed to be at a loss for words, and the lack of raw expression of gratitude or admiration didn't bother Mario a bit. To serve a various array of customers was already a homer for him, from kings, nobles, and now... a druid. It was the experience that matters the most.

He clapped his hand and ordered the accompanying maid to call the other maids to help deliver Cedar's sizable order to his room.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

It was Cedar the bear, and to say that he looked confused was an understatement.

It was a mixture of anger and disgust. His posture, eyes, and how they looked at them, the beating thump of his great heart. Jazdia, once a Sentinel of the Elven nation Varenheim didn't really need her eyes to identify a confused animal, and Cedar, despite his druidic background, was still part beast after all.

And his growling further reinforced this assessment.

Jazdia listened, and that was a lot of resentment in one sentence. The Bear finally finished talking, and the Rosenving girl was slightly stunned before she shook herself awake and chimed.

"If it isn't my favorite bear! Cedrick? Cedar? Which one's the right one? Anyway, what's with the long face? This day out of all should be one filled with joy!"

The greeting, cheerful as ever, but it was clear The Bear did not share the sentiment, and it onfly deepen frown in his bearish visage.

'...a cause we saved deh prince,..or acause we shud be happeh as people gittin ripped apart in de damn street?' he scowled, his tiny eyes darted to Yvonne as if searching, and expecting the reply to come more thoughtfully. Of course, it was hard to deliver such a response when you keep lashing out.

'Cause only one a' dem thangs worth bein' happy 'bout...though from de way dey's actin, dis whole damn place be thinkin' it de secon' one... crazy fuckers, all o' 'em.'

"What about new clothes?" Jazdia interrupted. Now Cedar's simmering anger was turned to the elf, but she tried to keep herself composed and unprovocative. "Most people buy a new set of clothes once a year. To know that our host had prepared one for a special occasion is enough 'something' to be happy about."

Pausing, Jazdia let her word hang between them, it was still a sharp rebuke, delivered matter-of-factly, but that was the gentlest she could muster,

"Let us not tarnish the hospitality provided by not cursing in his palace. About his people, about their way of life and the law of the land."

Cedar's ears flipped back and forth irritably. And for a mere second, Jazdia thought he would bark or growl some more. What actually followed was Bear hunched his back a bit, retelling what he just saw, fortunately with a slightly calmer tone.

'....it wut I was GUNNA do... afores I laid eyes on e'ryone all up each o'er's arses an' carryin' on out 'ere...climbed deh wall, an' looked out tuh see what de commotion was. ... idjiots up on de wall was making dumb fuck noises 'bout havin' ta be up 'ere, insteada out seein' it, an' gettin drunk...an 'ats when I seened what 'eys up tuh. Tiein some beat down barstard up tuh some horses, an slappin' 'em on deh butt ta makes em pull! Ripped at fellar inta chunks, righ' ere in da street, wit' all em people cheerin'! ... .. I jus' wanned sum damn clothes!'

The accent and the cursing were so overwhelming Jazdia could only shake her head when he finished.

***

A comment about missing quite the sight rose to the tip of the tongue, but seeing how upset the bear - whose exact name was still an enigma - were, Yvonne tactfully changed course. Just a little bit.

"They quarterin' someone? Must've been a damn mean motherfucker then, no one will miss the bastard."

'YA HAS A NAME FOR IT!?' His grumble echoed in the palace hall and both women tried to not shake their heads in exaggerated patience.

'Yes, the condemned gets divided into four parts of himself. That's where the name came from."

There was a pause, a hopeless pause radiating from the bear that was currently experiencing an extreme cultural shock. Jazdia's deadpan explanation regarding the origin of the name further depressed Cedar, apparently.

'What deh hell's wrong wit' you humans?!' Cedar rambled again, but now in a lower tone. None of them feel inclined to answer that.

Who's getting it though? Any idea?" Yvonne shifted Sparky, who seemed to be very informed of things somehow. She could bring up some names that may be deserving of the treatment, but there's the small little problem where those people were recently killed by her party. Cant execute a dead man now, can they?

But Sparky only inclined her head, tactfully shushed her with a single raise of her eyebrow. Not now!

Regardless, she shrugged and patted her disgruntled friend on the... waist, because the shoulders were too tall. "Dont overthink it, people can make a spectacle out of damn near anything. These people ain't seeing blood all their lives, they get curious. Especially when it happens to someone very much deserving of it, yeah?"

Perhaps Yvonne wasn't the best choice for comforting someone.

"Anyway, clothes! Since we all need some, let's go together." A glance confirmed that the maid still stood respectfully aside, waiting for them to stop chatting. Cedar, who seemed to be still in deep thought, but had nobody to entertain his grievance could be heard muttering under his snoring breath.

'... clothes. Yeas... clothes.. uh needs sum clothes'.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Jazdia didn't have any particular likes or dislikes regarding anything attributed to the word "Royal" in it. Sure she appreciates the comfort, the cleanest, and the resplendence it offers, but she also knew those qualities are the result of a pretension to brag, and for those who are deep in the hospitality business, pretentiousness seldom brings comfort.

That was also the reason why she didn't sleep that well last night and ended up waking up early at five. After having a small breakfast and a good soak, she asked the maid to bring her ink, quill, and a quire of papers. It took her two hours to complete. A full report detailing their mission. It was not an obligatory task, but Jazdia preferred to keep everything on the record.

The meeting commenced and concluded just like that. She returned to her quarter, her so-called reward was tucked inside the large mahogany cupboard, well hidden from prying eyes and locked. She didn't really expect the monetary reward, but valuables were still valuables.

Her attention returned to the pile of paper she had arranged neatly. It would be rechecked again.

It took her some time, but that was alright. When Jazdia strolled toward the main hall again, she could only imagine what happened outside. The entire execution must have been ended, but surely the people were still celebrating outside, and the gore must have been left there for quite a while to entertain the belated onlookers.

So going to the Angel's Share was not an option, no matter how eager she was to see how Lucas would handle the wave of patrons coming in today.

Without no one accompanying her, Jazdia walked back toward the main hall, carrying the bulk of documents crammed in a transparent wrapping and secured with a few knots of black ribbons. Apparently, Yvonne was also heading toward the main hall with one of the maids in tow.

"Good day." she said when she managed to catch up with her and currently walking side-by-side. "I heard you are going to visit the royal tailor. I'm tagging along with you!"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

And there it is. Finished. There are more things to write for this chapter, but let it be known that at least the main story has been finished, The King's order has been fulfilled and the VIP has been returned safely (for now)

And as you might have imagined, the continuation will follow. Maybe one or two months later.
I know I should make an Interest check thread soon-ish, but I think I will have to take some time to rest first.

If you interested in joining the sequel, and would like to know more about what's going on (The plot, characters and etcetera) feel free to join our discord discord.gg/XeDNVHWM

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

It was a clear day. A perfect day to see some bloodshed.

As far as Roland could remember, Kindeance had several methods of capital punishment, that would be by hanging, decapitation, execution by firing squad being the most recent, and quartering, which was the most ancient, most gruesome, and reserved only for the most terrible traitors and their conspirators. It was so cruel that for many decades, nobody was executed that way, and the only account that told the details of the execution was dated so old it was almost apocryphal.

And now here he was. The prospect of seeing such cruel and unusual death had attracted people all around Rascade to gather in the public square. Beers will be provided and musicians be summoned. He should have known that this kind of occasion should be seen more as public entertainment rather than a way to instill fear.

But there was something more today. The mounting hatred after the failed assassination of King Fredricus had made the crowd even more roused.

They wanted blood. They wanted justice.

Four masked men ushered their condemned from an enclosed wagon that had been parked there since early this morning. Geralt had had his arms and legs chained, and he was brought out without any resistance. He was modestly clothed, too modest for the criminal imputed with the worse crime possible, his head however was left unhooded for everyone to see.

The crowd jeered. Yet the condemned followed quietly, his face feigned no emotion and his black eyes glanced down. His skin had been heavily powdered nobody save those who had the keenest eyes would notice the liver mortis

Though the wound he received was still throbbing, it was still a fascinating sight to behold. Roland wondered where Doctor Solomon was, earlier he had rejected the proposal of being a part of the team that carried out the execution so he could observe the process as close as possible. He wanted to ask how his spell managed to overcome the stiffness of rigor mortis, how the undead no longer spasmed and walked like a sedated normal man.

A master of ceremony, someone he wasn't acquainted with stepped forward, addressing the crowd after the condemned had been brought to his knee.

"Hear ye! Today I speak for the crown, and I will be brief. We gathered here to see the wretched squashed under the hammer of justice. To see him pay for--"

"Shut up and snuff that King slayer already!" one of the citizens shouted, to which the crowd replied with a chorus of an angry agreement

The master of the ceremony beckoned the executioner to fast ropes on Gerralt's appendage and the man would be suspended with head facing down. Four horses, the best in the entire Rascade waited solemnly, unagitated by the screaming crowds or wayward debris that was intended for the convicted...

..who merely stood there like a clay statue. Metal cuffs linked with ropes, now flaccid, but that won't be long.

"Gerralt of Black Serpent, you have been charged of crimes against the Sovereign Crown of Kindeance and crimes against the Nation and its people. The charges are as follows: Attempted Regicide. Murder. Enforced disappearance of individuals."

Roland could see the Jailer shudder.

"Enslavement. The abduction of children. Torture. Rape. You will be torn apart and your remains gibbeted. May Gods Have mercy on your soul."

In an instant, the ropes tensed. Geralt fell, but before his face could touch the ground he already hovered above ground, legs, and arms outstretched in four equal directions. A masked executioner watched not far, armed with a hatchet. Roland watched in morbid curiosity how the undead screamed in a piercing shriek before his body was torn in two, then into four.

Black putrid blood littered the earth and sprayed the unfortunate onlookers who watched too close. The smell was so horrendous some of them threw up on the spot. It happened so fast so brutal, nobody could have imagined that less than a minute ago there was an intact, walking human being before being turned into four lumps of meat. Silent for a while, then a mixture of confused murmurs until the master of the ceremony exclaimed.

"Behold! The blood of the wicked!"

Then the crowd cheered, applauding. The music played again, the folks danced, beer chugged and they yelled Long Live the King. It didn't matter whose blood was spilled, or if the trial was fair at all, Or if the preparation had been a pure fabrication. The state had eliminated a monster from their lives, and it was worthy of a celebration.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

When the morning came, everyone was summoned.

From their room to the designated place, it was no longer maids that accompanied them, but rather, royal guards led by Matilda herself. And so they followed, politely, for they have reason to object. The reward has been prepared.

The room was not the chamber they entered when Fredricus summoned them for the first time, but rather, a seemingly old hall located on the Palace's westernmost wing. Laid in front of them were four ornated containers that looked like large briefcases with handles on top, not too small to be considered austere and not too big it would render the carrier hunched.

Behind the formations of packaged reward, the chamberlain stood firmly next to Matilda who herself preferred to lock her lips tight. Poshy as ever The Chamberlain waved his hand airily.

"His Highness... asked me to send his regard. The rewards have been prepared by the Crown himself, and he regretted not being able to personally award them. Please be assured that His Highness's absence does not diminish the gratitude he and Young Prince feel."

For someone so sophisticated, his choice of words was deliberately insipid. As if indirectly telling the group to just get their reward and leave.

He regarded five royal servants, who then brought the briefcase before every agents present. When Jazdia activated her eyes, she saw gold nuggets arranged neatly, and a smaller wooden box containing uniformly white diamonds.

"His Highness had also arranged a noble steed for every each one of you. They are waiting for you to claim at the stables. The groomsman will guide you."

There were murmurs, yet nobody opened their prizes yet. Jazdia could almost see the bear Cedar expressing his personal concern, but the Chamberlain quickly silenced him with more poised words.

"A royal party will be held this evening. His Highness hopes to see Lords and Ladies attending the soiree as well. If Gentleman found the prize lacking, be delighted to know that there will be a special audience held when the party has ended. His Highness Fredricus had personally asked me to describe the event as a casual meeting."

It was a long word to describe a secret meeting. Jazdia blinked once, certainly, she was not the only one who thought that the nationwide hurdle had ended with the return of the prince, but she wondered why would Fredricus employ them again. Suddenly she remembered Baker's word and the prophecy didn't look very good.

But she said nothing for now, and let the rest interpret it their own way. As far as the law was concerned, there was nothing stopping them from leaving this palace with their just reward.

"Again, on My King's behalf, I thank you all for your service." said the Chamberlain finally, bowing just slightly. "Feel free to go back to your room or enjoy the rest of the day in our Capital City. Everything has been prepared for your attendance this evening."