Mas Bagus

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

Jazdia decided to miss the inquiry and focused on what Yvonne had to answer. Of course, it was as shallow as that, but nonetheless, it gave her an additional insight into the magnitude of influence the Delving Clan had in this nation. Considering that the lord speaker earlier was also on their side, it was probably not very surprising.

She looked at the mercenary, wondering if she had to tell her things that had been weighing her mind.

She decided not to. Kindeance will be fine, the peace has been maintained and the status quo has been restored. Only idiots would even think about riling Fredricus up after this entire tomfoolery. Even f they are that stupid. She was done with this political game. She was retired, and it was no longer her call to be concerned with such a large-scale conflict and desolation it caused.

She wanted to direct her attention to her dinner.

Smiling, Jazdia forked her scallop and took a bite. "At least the scallop wasn't so bad. That alone would warrant less arrow to his legs."

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

"Welcome back." the elf regarded her. Though the portion was modest, it seemed the filleted salmon on Jazdia's plate was barely touched, and she deliberately had the knife placed through the fork's tines. The server saw this but was rather oblivious to the sign.

Considering that she didn't feel like wasting food, Jazdia asked for a pitcher of black pepper gravy instead.

"You good, Sparky?"

"I am good." the elf said perplexedly. When the servant was already left, she continued. "A politician, I can handle. But this... The Salmon is perfect, nicely done and so delicious when I am done with it, I will walk straight into the kitchen, and shoot the cook. I wholeheartedly invite you to try it out yourself!"

The elf shoved her plate and offered for her to dig in before leaning back on her seat. The dish seemed to be somewhat overcooked.

"So, good guy Silas was reaching for you now. I wonder what kind of history you have with him. Or with his gorgeous sister."

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

At Yvonne's words, Kirsten flustered "Wa-What does that even mean?! But yeah, since my brother is so slow-witted, I will be taking him with me and save you the trouble."

At that barb, Silas shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, at least I am approaching it in an appropriate order, unlike a certain someone who dragged a confused boy to dance and then dumped him afterwards."

Now repositioning herself, It was Kirsten's turn to add her own strength to her squeezed palm and clutch his brother's back, causing the admiral to grimace and let her hand go.

"That hurts you know..."

Smiling gleefully Kirsten turned to Yvonne. "He such a piece of work, isn't he?"

"Was that why our admiral is still single and pringle? His charisma doesn't extend to romantic affairs? Who would've thought."

"Maybe?" purred Kirsten.

"Look who's talking." groaned Silas almost bemusingly. "Ladies, you two are on the shelves as well. So we are equal in this misfortune. But I beg to differ, at least men like me have duties to prioritize."

"I'm not even thirty, that's barely an adult! Kirsten dear here have even longer to play around still. You sir, on the other hand..." She let the unsaid words hang in the air, the jab quite clear without having to be heard. "People will start thinking that you've got some issue down there, you know."

"I am afraid that's just your imagination." Silas tilted his head and smirked as if swallowing an urge to brag. It wasn't really a smart jab considering myriads of families and maidens were practically lining up to get his family's favor. The same could also be said for this Rosenving's heir but on a smaller level. So, yeah the banter has become less sensible in every word exchanged.

As if their pride were at stake.

"If you say so, Admiral." Yvonne's smirk practically said that she thought otherwise, but she was willing to let the conversation end. I have someone waiting, so if you'd excuse me. Take good care of Kirsten, you hear?"

But Silas persisted. a smug smile curled on his lips when he sneered back.

"Oh, backing down I see..." he said gamely. "It was a serious accusation, Miss Yvonne Rosenving, and I'm more than happy to show how wrong you are."

He winked and Kirsten rolled her eyes in dismay.

"Well, tell you what..." The mercenary stepped closer, and it brought up some attention toward the trio. Silas appreciated the gesture by slightly leaning forward, so her whispers would be unheard by the other guests. "If we're both still alive by the end of next year, I don't mind continuing this conversation, yeah?"

Stepping away, the roguish smirk still painted on her visage, Yvonne winked back at the siblings as she curtsied briefly at the two. "Adieu."

"Fiesty isn't she?" Mused the admiral as she left, his reward was a punch to the arm by his sister. "Hey, what's the deal?!"

At that moment a servant approached them. Silas thought he was offering them a drink, so he plucked two beverages from his tray and offered one to Kirsten. But unexpectedly the servant handed her a letter.

"For you ma'am." and then he left.

Ignoring his brother's offer, Kirsten opened the letter immediately. Her expression was deadpan when she read its content.

I had no idea such scandalous stories could be true.

Please accept my heartfelt apologies, and please enjoy yourself tonight! You would never have to work like that in the York household, and I would love to have you visit sometime, if I have not offended you too greatly...
---Gepard.

"The boy has guts, I give him that." quipped Silas as he elegantly retreated from his sister's striking distance. Kirsten's expressionless mien turned into an annoyed scowl, but no further strike was launched, so Silas continued. "Gepard. The name rings a bell somewhere."

"He is from York Family." Kirsten was still having her brow furrowed when he said that.

"Oh... yes. the former Duke of Hdur. So he is the boy you dumped earlier?" Silas rubbed his chin, and continued teasingly "He seemed pretty serious. If you ask me.

"Oh please, he was not the first."

"None of your previous suitors ever went this far. What I am saying is, Kirsten York has a nice ring to it."

"We were just dancing. Okay." she retorted, sharper than both of them had anticipated. Knowing that it was just a slightly distasteful jest, Kirsten then veered from tensed to a more relaxed disposition. "I don't know. He looks cute, but that's all I know for now."

"And seemed chivalrously reckless, if I might add." Silas handed Kirsten the wine he had intended to give and toasted her. Either because of the bitterness of the liquor or the brazenness of the words in that letter, he frowned. "Imagine the uproar if Father reads it..."

He spared a moment to look around them. Jonas Delving was still chatting with his co-conspirators and seemed to be absorbed in their hobnobs. But you never know, his spies and agents were everywhere and it would be easy for him just to intercept a letter from a servant. It was fortunate no matter how shrewd their father was he too is not immune to overlooking things that seemed trivial.

At his words, Kirsten just sighed.

"Sister. I want you to know that I am not in any capacity to deprive you of choice."

"I don't want to think about it now." Kirsten folded the letter and tucked it somewhere in her bodice. Her lips tightened trying to stifle a smile as if the words embarrassed her. "What if we grab a bite? I am a bit peckish now. And I am sure your lips are tired after all of that fake smiles."

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

"Well... well, aren't you a curious one, Mister Gepard?" Kirsten stood up from their bench and twirled to face Gepard to present all of her then performed a very formal curtsy.

"Still couldn't guess it? Let us say I am currently being employed in a very domesticated position." She lowered her chin, though the smile remained, it was strained and gloomy.

"Thank you for your time. It has been wonderful, but I guess I must return to my family... wherever they are. Until next time."

***

"Guess you know more about my colleagues than myself, huh? Personally, I'm strongly considering that lengthy vacation, but who knows. Maybe you'll not see the last of me just yet."

"I'd say it's a good call. If you ask my opinion, I do not believe the threat of war is over yet." Said Silas with an emphasis, before continuing. "On another note, our King surely knows how to pick his agents. What I know about them is not really a praiseworthy achievement. Those in your party are quite renowned people on their right."
He stared at her and smiled charmingly. "You, for example, with that Mad Blade moniker, I am sure if your assignment was not politically complicated in nature, countless aspiring boys would dub that name for their wooden blade or themselves. Another example, that Elven Lady was once an ambassador. Your masked friend is a legendary traveling doctor and that beastman... hmm. I think a lot of people already know who he is now."

A pair of hands with pearl-colored mittens suddenly closed his eyes from behind.

"Is he hitting on you Yonnie? And not even an offer to dance? How outrageous! You will have a lot to answer, Admiral!"

"Here comes the spoilsport! It means my time here is over I guess..." said Silas as he removed one of Kirtsten's hands and squeezed it.

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

"I think that's all the rumor I can get," Silas Delving shrugged, groaning as if trying hard to show a bit of sympathy. "But still, better to keep a name card of an attorney handy if you want to deal with them. Time's changed, Yona, Kindeance is more... constitutional than ever now. In a weird way."

He did not elaborate further, but it was clearly implied in its early implementation, the law may favor those with power and those who were many. And of course, those who were willing to deal with its lengthy proceedings.

"Well, fortunately, you seemed to have a good lawyer on your team." he smiled, sipping his wine before dropping his voice in a soft murmur. "Or was I wrong? Has this agency been disbanded after... the last incident?"

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

"So, I was saying..." said Jazdia with a straight face, the bear was just a few steps away from her when he walked away, wallowing in self-pity. Now the music has played again, with more lively beats than before, either to erase the remaining gloominess or just to pick up where they left off.

"No, it's not that the party is bad." she sighed, feeling the irony. "I am waiting for my salmon!" the elf glanced at the servant earlier, who walked steadily toward her appointed seat with a straight face. "There it is! It's a dinner, so I think I will dine, feel free to join me, you two. Or, you two can dance and leave this little old me enjoying my meal alone..."

Offering them a smile of false disappointment, the elf turned to go.

****

"Well, I am actually here to find my sister," said Silas awkwardly, the sister in question, the eye-glassed maiden with flowy hair was sitting not far with a blonde young man. "Turns out she is fine by herself. Youngsters these days."

He lets out an uneasy smile as if he was not young-looking himself.

"What about you, Yona? Couldn't help but hear the latest gossip about the Rosenving Heir. I kinda discounted it, but figured that you might want to hear it."

****

"Well, that was one heck of an outburst." Kirsten shook her head as everything returned to normal again. It was a lie if the scene didn't feel depressingly relatable to her, but she tried to distance herself from it. It was up to her to have a perfect evening. Let the Von Kruber widow wallow in her grief, it didn't concern her.

"Oh? I wasn't forcing myself," answered Kirsten when Gepard offered him his handkerchief and told her to not force herself. The gesture was rather fussy, but Kirsten let it slide, again.

"It was fun, yeah, go idea! I will see you at the next banquet."

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

"What my husband did before his death?" Sarah had asked her surviving servant. Right after she arrived at her home, where her beloved husband lay sundered apart. "And with whom? Was it that wizard?"

"They said they were king's agents. They were accompanied by a bear, an elf, and a masked man. After that, a fight broke."

Sarah had come prepared, the moment she entered this building, her faith was steadfast, there must be a good reason for it. The king would listen to her grievance, and she would listen to his reason. She had well past the denial, anger, and bargaining. All she needed was an explanation. If it was some kind of punishment, she would gladly accept. If there was something she need to reimburse, should give her possession. She just wanted a talk, not this.

A wave of shame and anger washed Sarah Kruber when the bear uttered his first word. Good? There was nothing good with her situation. Her husband was dead, and her home thrashed beyond repair. And now she had to attend a banquet to celebrate the promotion of people that might murder her husband?!

Next words struck like thunder. Sarah froze, prepared she was, but it was still hurting nonetheless. The bear was still speaking, but all Sarah could hear were foggy words, almost nonsensical save some keywords that further drew her ire.

All that ruckus, just to explain this? The stains hadn't even dried yet!

She was shaking, trying to wriggle free from debilitating grief. She looked at her children, their faces were a mixture of sadness and confusion. And while the bear's words remained hazy noises, something snapped when the nobleman beside her quipped the summary.

"Looks like he will be your new housemaster. How pitiful..."

A sudden shock and anger flared in her like never before. How dare he! She stood up, and the words were no longer hidden.

"You, I know you, you were one of the murderers! I asked why are you here? Was it to gloat?!" she panted, her voice was thick and reckless. She walked from her table shivering, blood thundered in her face as her outrage rose, deviant and irrational. Her eyes, wet with tears now locked at cedar.

"We don't need your pity! How dare you!" she shouted, loud, clear, and full of anguish all of the attention was now directed at her and Cedar. And for a split second, she glanced at the robed king on his throne. Majestic, powerful, and unreachable. While Cedar, the one she believed represented his Will, was here; big, reachable. An easy target.

"I-I just want an answer! Why did you kill him?! A-are you not going to tell me?" she pleaded, barely a second before her voice cracked in utter disgust. "No? Then tell your majesty I hope he is satisfied with my husband's sacrifice!"

"Come on, Dunand, Elaine. We have done enough for the crown today!"

It was a mess. The music ceased, and so was all the dancing. The servant sprung awake to defuse the situation, but as they got there, Sarah Kruber had already made her way toward the exit.

"Leave us be! I can leave by myself!"

Besides the guards and some servants. A certain journalist could be seen rushing to catch up with the widow and her children, peddling the name of his agency and the importance of her testimony. Silence engulfed the entire hall, following reproving murmurs that spread like wildfire. The annoying 'uncle' left his seat and joined his partner, seeking another group to mingle.

Only one person could be seen smiling triumphantly.

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

The talk stopped abruptly. "Oh, here we go again."

Cedar the bear, standing fully upright towered beside the sitting guest. The man with stained doublet was still for a moment, his ire rose and boiled as Cedar speak.

His voice was indistinguishable rambles, but nobles knew an order when they hear it, and this order came not from anything remotely superior or kingly, but rather from a woodland bumpkin who happened to earn their king's favor. How dare he!

He stood, face red not only by anger but also embarrassment, regulated lots of self-restraint. Either because he acknowledged the disparity in weight and perceived strength or tried to be a better man by not instigating a fight himself, nobody could know.

A harsh, confrontative glare was all he could do before he left the table. Meanwhile, his comrade leaned against his char, his expression was stern when Cedar uttered a name.

"Currect muh if'n I's wrong, but you's Mrs von Kruber, righ'?"

The woman was even more tense. He eyed the bear defiantly, her body trembled in a seething disdain, but he closed her eyes once and managed to appear emotionless. Her words were hoarse and stifled, yet comprehensibly calm.

"I am. What Do You Want?"

*************

Admiral Silas Delving laughed. "That's very kind of you asking that. It appears that I am quite well!

And then he sighed exasperatedly, though still trying to keep a hard edge out of his
voice, He failed. "but things could've always been better."

"Are you two not dancing?" he continued somewhat more jovial this time. "Don't tell me even the most lavish party in Rascade has managed to disappoint two gorgeous ladies and leave their feet cold! That would surely tarnish the reputation of our capital city."

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

The dancing goes on, the music was amped temporally and now returning to its slow melodies. Kirsten already lost count of how many twirls and harmonious cortes she did, but she was ready to do more.

Or perhaps a breather would do. Sweats were already formed on her forehead, and she tried to dampen the fatigue by humming the music. Dancing was almost like a swordplay, one step forward, two steps back, remember your footwork, easy your body, and let he music guide the movement. She looked at Gepard, and the two smiled at each other, enjoying the mellowing tune until Kirsten talked to him.

"Not too shabby aren't you, Gepard York? It's been a while since feel this worked up."

***

When Cedar accidentally jostled the man, the force was so strong that he instinctively grabbed the tablecloth before falling, taking with him a cup, and a plate of snacks and causing some glass wines to topple sideways and spilled its content toward the centermost persons of that group.

The stumbled man, similarly spoiled by his own man quickly rose up to his feet and deflected the helping paw, understandably angry with the whole situation. Cedar asked for a name but it seemed he wouldn't get any. The man was ready for an outburst until his friend stepped in.

"It's okay pal." The man said, looking up with a bemused expression. "accident happens... you okay?"

Murmurs were already rippled through the crowd. Two servants rushed in, and one of them immediately escorted the fallen man back to his seat. The other, who seemed to have been trained for this kind of situation politely ushered Cedar back to the spot he once was, maybe slightly more away to ensure that he is out of their line of sight. The widow and her daughter were wiping their laps with a handkerchief while the young boy sit there with a dumbfounded face, and eyes shifted between his mother and Cedar.

"What the fuck was that?" blurted the man with a stained doublet. Even from this distance, his voice could still be heard by the keenest ears.

"Fredricus's new pet, if you don't remember."

"I know he is, but fuck me, I swear it was deliberate. He had been there by the table for quite a while."

The man paused, he scanned the surrounding and called for another servant after realizing that his glass was now shattered glasses under the table. Irritatingly, he asked for a replacement before returning to his friend.

"Yeah, I saw him. What do you think, a newcomer, being endorsed by the king and he already thinks he owns the place. Disturbing another guess and then just go after a sorry as if the words sorry could clean the stains... Poor Elaine here is uncle's handkerchief use it to wipe the stains..."

"Messing with us just because he can." mused the guy with the stained doublet. "Back in my father's days, commoners like him would get beaten up! King's protection could only last so much, you know. Now everything is more blatant, no respect, and that fucking animal is the reflection of what is wrong with this country."

"The way you say that makes Delving's plan to restore the tradition sounds very reasonable." The man chuckled wryly. "But we might just overanalyze things. Like you said that guy is an animal, maybe his motives were not to mess with us, but because he is attracted to us?"

"Mason you piece of shit. There was no way!"

The man 'uncle' laughed. "Who said it's you? Maybe he is interested in you, Sarah. He suddenly gets clumsy after seeing your beauty. What about you, kids? Would you like to have a bear as a father?"

The reply comes somber, almost inaudible, but the man's reply was clear still.

"Then make up your mind, woman!"

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

"Since we're here and all - may I claim your first dance tonight?"

With one of her enigmatic mirth, Jazdia held her hand, but instead of letting the Rosenving daughter bring her to the dancefloor, she unexpectedly pulled her closer to her, releasing that hand once she was close and landed her hand on Yconne's toned shoulder. It could very ell lead to a tango, but instead, the elf spun once and pulled her closer again in a shoulder embrace, tilting her head closer to Yvonne's.

Their eyes met, things seemed to have paused for a moment, and Jazdia picked her words carefully. Should she decline it like responding to a jest? Would she offend her if she do so?

"I am afraid you have to look for another dancing partner, Miss Yvonne." the smile was maintained for a while until it gradually wanes as Jazdia's tone turned more sagacious. Should she decline it like responding to a jest? Would she offend her if she do so?

"I am no stranger to participating in a ball dance and I am sure you are more than capable to keep up, and I don't doubt the performance would be great, but such a spectacle would draw a dangerous amount of attention."

Then she released her, smiling warmly and diplomatically. "Well look at that, the charming Admiral himself in the flesh!"

As Yvonne turned, Silas Delving was just a few steps ahead of them.