Reincarnated As A Peasant

Chapter 61: Supplications And Conflicts

The Western Duchy, Kingdom of Man

Vlane, The Next Day

Sakura

This place is cold, Rayce complained as we stood in line waiting to get into the court. Why is it so cold?

It's almost winter here, Yu explained and she pulled an extra cloak out of seemingly nowhere and placed it around his shoulders. There, now stop complaining son. We are here to make a good first impression. If they hear you are whining about the cold, the servants will pass it on to their masters and well be in a less favorable position for these negotiations.

We were let into the first floor of the stone keep along the outer wall of a city named Vlane a few minutes later. Cutting the line, only because of our escort bareing Prince Tavads colors and letter of introduction. As soon as we were inside, the wizened robed mage excused himself and in a flash of magic returned to his prince's side.

Teleportation magic, I thought curious. I wonder how that works. And if I could learn it.

The Keep looked like it was in the final stages of rebuilding after a battle. Rubble piles were neatly placed in the court yard outside. Servants and artisans painted and swept dust off steps and walkways, and the line of would-be petitioners to this place's measly throne was long.

What kind of leader would make elderly peasants stand in the falling snow just to pay their taxes? I thought as I stared out a window and waited to be given an audience with this Arch Duke character.

The room smelled dusty, and even the inside of the keep was filled with people. Mostly those people who passed for low level nobility. But peasant farmers and craftsmen openly mixed with them. Sitting on the same couches, drinking the same drinks, and eating the same food provided by the overworked and overly stressed servants in their odd uniforms denoting house staff of some kind.

It reminded me of the western Buttler outfits I would see on TV back on Earth, but only in color and basic design. The garments themselves were of a completely different make, and made from a fabric I hadnt seen before. Though the white gloves were perhaps the main similarity to what I had seen on European and American TV shows as a kid.

My mood soured at the thought of my past life, and I stood.

Sakura, my mother chided softly. Where are you going?

One of the servants said there was a small library. I was going to see what they had to offer. It would be rude to not take advantage of our potential new overlords' hospitality, would it not?

Yu looked uncomfortable for a moment, her eyes flickering towards the strangely armored knights that seemed to darken a corner of every room in the cold stoney place. After a moment of consideration, she nodded her acceptance.

Go. Be back soon.

I found the library, it was little more than a collection of books on a tall shelf, with a couple of comfortable chairs up against the opposite wall. I began to peruse them. Most were uninteresting. Western lore about magical theory, mana manipulation and the like.

But there were several novels that piqued my interest.

The Lord's Lost Daughter, a Dragon's Tail by Master Penman Sloss, I read the title out loud. The writing was in imperial, as was this country's language. But the writing was more blocky then back in the Empire, and the speech had a strange accent about it.

I flipped through the first few pages, and found the female lead rather intriguing. Aaaand the knight and dragon are having sex in a hayloft in the middle of the capital city. I closed the book, and put it back where I had found it.

Never mind.

I returned to where my brother and mother were a few moments later. Do not read western romance novels. I said as I sat back down next to them. Completely unbelievable.

Yus eyes twinkled with mirth. Western Romances are seen as some of their best literature. And the only kind permitted in the central district of the Empire, and the Capital City, by imperial decree. She winked at me, and Rayces expression became one of horror at the topic.

Can we talk about anything else?

Literature is a perfectly valid topic for a noble family to discuss. Yu said. But before she could expound on the topic one of the servants approached us.

My Lady Yu, and children. She bowed to Yu first, then to Rayce and finally to me. I was older, but perhaps they didnt hold to age-based honorific customs. I am here to ensure there is nothing you need before your audience with the Arch Duke. I am given to understand that teleportation travel can be upsetting on the stomach. Might I offer some saffron pills? They settle an upset stomach when taken with tea. She gestured towards the tea cart in the far corner.

I am fine. Thank you. Daughter? Son? Yu looked to me then to Rayce. I shook my head, and race smiled at the woman and did likewise. We are sufficiently prepared. Whenever your Arch Duke is free.

Then please, follow me. She smiled, and bowed, before turning and leading us back towards the main entrance to the stone building. The double doors opened, and we walked into the throne room together.

Yu stroad in confidently, and I walked to her right, with Rayce on her left. The room had several sets of raised stone benches to either flank of the door, with the center of the room being a large hollow flat circle. Beyond that were stairs that lead to a large dias and the simple stone throne.

The man on the throne had a large beard that was well kept in the western kingdoms style that farmed his face in a way that reminded me of European men in old TV commercials. He wore no armor, and sat at ease in his throne. His smile was broad and easy, but the scars that ran along left face, including a missing ear, were indications he had not lived an entirely peaceful life.

Welcome to Vlane, Mistress Yu, and kin. I am Arch Duke Mortimer. Master of this duchy, and protector of the kingdom. Head of the fifth bloodline to the throne of the Kingdom of Man. I trust my servants have treated you well?

Yes, your grace. Most well. Yu said with a respectful bow. We have been nothing but protected and welcomed since we came through the portal opened by your Prince Tavad.

Good! Tavads a good kid, but hes shit with teleportation magic. Or at least he was last time I saw him. Glad to hear hes gotten better at it. Mancer, he motioned towards one of his scribes who scurried forward with a pen on a piece of hardwood.

Yes, your grace?

Remind me to send Tavad a thank you gift, and congratulations. Apparently hes worked out the whole causing people to vomit every time he sends them through a portal thing.

Yes, your grace. Mancer backed up again towards the wall behind the throne, taking a careful note on his pad. Next to the clerk were several others. Clerks, warriors, and scribes who were there to answer his call.

Kid was working on it for years. I did everything I could to help him, but, Mortimar chuckled. I have the same problem.

Teleportation and portal formations and spells can be particularly difficult. Yu said as we stopped in the central circle. I can sympathize. I have yet to master them myself. Though not for a lack of trying. I am only at the Baron stage.

I hadnt realized Yu was so advanced. I had assumed she was a Knight at most given her focus on magic over cultivation. However there were clear signs, given her physical strength, and how complex and long lasting her spell work was.

Oh, thats right. You easterners have your own ranking system. Let's see . . . I think I would be, what. A Count? Duke?

If your Prince Tavad is to be believed, you have achieved the expression of one of the icons of your path. The icon of death, if I am not mistaken? The ArchDuke only nodded in response. That would make you something akin to a Prince then. Though in your parlance it would be near about level twenty. Forgive me if I am wrong, I have only just begun my study of your categorization methodology.

Yeah, around that. Mortimer smiled genuinely. I was hoping for a different icon to be honest.

Death is a part of life and nothing to be ashamed of your grace. Yus voice was kind, but firm. Death is but one aspect of life, and life an aspect of death. The two are inevitably intertwined.

Sure but, I mean, I was aiming for the weavers icon. Mortimar looked annoyed.

Yu hid a smile. Then your grace has missed it by a walking mile, over rough terrain, in difficult weather.

Mortimar barked a harsh laugh and several members of the court tentatively joined in the levity. I have at that. I like you Yu. Well, best we get to the ugly business that brought you here. What do you say?

Most wise, your grace. My family, as I am sure you are aware, is in exile from the Jade Empire. Your Prince Tavad has agreed to one of several potential solutions that would allow us a peaceful transition through your lands. Or if you are amenable to it, to grant us settlers rights on your far western most provinces. A region marked on the maps as the Wildlands.

Mortimar listened intently as Yu explained the different options, how many people we estimated bringing with us, and the various social, economic, and legal challenges that she thought might crop up given the different options. One of the main ones being the Kin, and their legal status in a kingdom literally called the kingdom of man.

That is not a concern. An old scholarly man said when Mortimar asked for his input. Your grace, the southern Duchy is known to have given legal protections to many types of civilized water-kin. The Mirfolk being the most prominent example. They are not given citizenship, but are granted protections outside the caste system. His Majesty's predecessor devolved the power of dealing with the kindred to the duchies. We can, if you wish, integrate them into the duchies' legal systems.

Several times different advisers, or high nobility from the court chimed in with concerns, questions, or helpful pieces of information. But largely they left the conversation between Yu and Mortimer. Eventually, the issue of the Kin was left with us.

If I allow you to settle on my western border youll be a rump state. Nearly autonomous save for taxes and a few other things that we can discuss. Mortimar explained. Whatever your current legal structures are, well allow you to maintain them. And as we integrate through trade and training, well cross those bridges when we come to them. How does that sound?

Yu bowed. Most gracious, your grace. Now, what other questions do you have for us? We have not decided if we would accept travel, or settlement yet ourselves after all.

Mortimer smiled. Yeah alright. Let's get into it.

It took the better part of an hour. But eventually the various proposals were whittled down to two. Allowing us to pass through and become distant neighbors off to the west somewhere, or allowing us to set up shop just west in the flinty hills, just east of the mountains where several dwarven mountain holds and trade partners existed.

Your people are nomadic, yes?

We can be, Yu explained. But we can also be largely stable. It entirely depends on the nature of the cultivation of the kame in question. But at least half of the settlement-sized Kame would need room to roam and migrate with the seasons.

The long strip of foothills does sound like it would be ideal. Mortimar said as he motioned towards a large map that someone had brought in a while ago. But let me ask you, how do your people handle cold winters?

We try to avoid them. But when necessary we can endure.

That might prove a challenge. Winter is already showing its ugly head this year. And even the most southern tip of this range will have feet of snow until the spring thaw. You must remember, we are far from the ocean here. Weather is harsher and the seasons more defined then your old home land.

Your Grace, one of the elderly nobles from the gallery to our left raised a small paddle in his hand. The Arch Duke gestured for him to continue. There are a series of hot springs that the dwarves along the southern tip of the mountain range prefer to use during bitter winter's chill.

Kergars Bend. Yes I'm aware. Mortimer said. But we will not take from our friends, to give to new ones. He looked at Yu. No offense, but we would be bad neighbors to steal from one only to give to another.

No offense taken. You would be right in that assessment your Grace. Yu bowed slightly. We would prefer not to start our new lives by laying a foundation of bad blood.

Yes, your grace. The old man continued with his explanation. However, there are dozens of much smaller hotsprings all around that region that are largely left untapped. The weaker dwarf clans sometimes hunt for minerals there, and the local climate around these hotsprings is rather warm. Perhaps those would be good winter roosts for these giant turtles?

And why have we not used this abundant natural resource until now? Mortimar asked, a hint of a smile returning to his face.

On account of the natural gasses, your grace. They can be deadly to the unprepared.

The group continued to discuss the idea, when I heard something odd from behind us. Several of the guards along the outer edges of the court quickly left, sliding out of side passages or doors to go help with whatever was causing the ruckus.

Something loud crashed, and muffled shouting.

What is going on? Mortimar asked.

It is being handled, your grace. A minor scuffle at the front gate. A guard captain said. One of the nobility laid hands on a merchant family. The Auditors took care of it before it escalated. The noise you heard was people scrambling to see the excitement through the windows.

Good. Give the auditors my compliments please.

The man put a closed mailed fist over his heart and ducked back out of the room.

Now. Where were we?

I believe we were discussing the dispensation of slaves. you explained. While legal in the empire, my husband and I have always frowned on the practice. My understanding is your kingdom does as well?

The conversation continued, but it was clear at least to me that this unsettled, half civilized region would be done well by us. They needed the population increase we offered to help tame the land, and put down threats. While we needed their resources, and political asylum. It was a match nearly made in the heavens if there ever was such a thing.

There is one last thing I need to ask, your grace. Yus expression had grown stern. We have heard rumor that there are elven strongholds in the forests of these wildlands. Is this accurate?

Yes, but they have been nothing but peaceful. I know of the nature of their eastern cousins, but these settlements are small in size, and seem to be of a different ken to those violent sadistic creatures. Will this . . . be a problem? I would prefer to avoid racial animus among those who live within my borders. The elves might not technically be my charges, but they are residents here. And as such have certain rights as I grant all beings within my realm.

It . . . Yus expression was a sour one.

It would prove a challenge your grace. I spoke up and stepped forward next to my mother. Our people have seen much death and evil from their kind for generations. There are many blood debts with their kin. However, it is not a challenge I, nor my mother, believes is insurmountable.

Yes. Yu breathed out a breath she had been holding without realizing it. Thank you Sakura. My daughter speaks the truth. I find the idea of living next to anyone of that species a difficult prospect. But I am sure, given time, we will grow to respect one another. And perhaps come to a greater understanding than their cousins ever found with us.

Mortimar nodded as if still considering our words.

War can be a terrible thing. Many of my own people still hold red hot animosity for the elves from our own struggle with them from a mere five years ago. And from what I hear tensions in the east are even higher now then they were before that destructive endeavor.

Yu Gamra. I have come to my decision. I would be open to either of these plans. Your people would be welcome to join mine. Ruled by you and your husband as a rump duchy, under your own rules and laws temporarily, until we are able to come to a greater understanding and can blend our two peoples. To knit them into one. Or you are welcome to try your hand at carving out a space in the Wilderlands for yourselves. Which do you choose?

Yu looked to me, then Rayce and a smile crossed her face.

Something loud seemed to explode just outside one of the side doors into the chamber. Loud shouting muffled by stone and wood rose distractingly. Someone was shouting for guards, but the knights stood as still as stone.

The Arch Duke didnt move a muscle, watching and waiting for our response.

Yu stepped forward, and bowed. First in respect, and then she got to her knees and pressed her head to the ground in supplication. I quickly followed suit, as did Rayce, forcing my body into an unfamiliar kow-tow.

We accept your rulership, and are honored to join the western duchy under your care. Yu said, but her voice was interrupted by shouting from above us this time. Yu stood, and motioned for me to bring the gift out of the bag she had given me.

The bag had been inscribed to be larger on the inside then out. I pulled a gift wrapped in the finest silk harvested from my own silk worms, closed the bag and walked up to the steps then kneeled. I lifted it up for the Duke's servants to take.

Something shifted, mana poured into the wood flooring above us in amounts that I had rarely seen outside of battle.

A knight standing guard behind Mortimer stepped forward, sword drawn and eyes fixed on the ceiling. But I stayed put. To act scared would be to show my new overlord that I did not think he was capable of defending his own court.

As a servant scurried down the steps towards me, the wood above us shattered into millions of tiny slivers that fell like snow. Along with them came two people, a man in what passed for armor in this kingdom, and a young man around my own age.

Beams of wood, stone tile, and boxes and crates filled with sundry items fell amidst the rain of splinters. People screamed, guards pulled nobility and servants away from the danger.

I stayed right where I was. My instincts told me to run, my companions shouted warnings. But I stayed, holding the silk covered gift for my new liege.

That is, until the boy landed on me in a tangle of limbs.

Crap! He yelled, as he tried to pull himself away. He was strong, but not as strong as me. I grabbed an arm, pulled him into a restraining hold and kept him there. Let go of me or else!

Stop moving. I said as I wrapped my legs around his waist from behind. The guards would be there in a moment, and then I could let go of the miscreant. I didnt know what was going on, but I knew this, person, was at least part of the problem. Hold still!

Fine, you little brat, I warned you. The boy used his free hand and grabbed something at his belt. A moment later a cakey powder smashed into my face and burned. My eyes burned, my nose instantly started running, and the coughing fit was instantaneous and violent. I released his arm, and a few moments later he was free from my grip entirely.

King, a little help?

A green wave of rejuvenating energy washed over me, cleaning my eyes and throat of the cakey powder. I could think and act again.

The boys expression had changed. Rage mutilated his expression again, and he bore his teeth like that of a wolf about to charge. He was scrambling over debris towards the man who had fallen with him.

I reached for my daggers only to realize they werent there.

Use your hands. You dont need a metal fang. Sky sent the image into my mind how exactly how to modify the technique.

In a heartbeat my hand was coated in thick viscous venum, and I jabbed the boy's spine. I grabbed him with my other hand and pulled him into a choke hold. Sleep, I said as I willed the sleeping venum deeper and jabbed my fingers harder into his spine.

He growled like an animal, and it was then I saw the spirit inside. But it hadnt fully taken over. Their wills were one, united in purpose. But the animal had yet to take full control. You fool, sleep and we will help you.

With one hand he clawed at my hold. The other reached for something on his belt. Your powder will not work a second time. Sky had already created a small bubble of air around my head to protect me from it. Stop fighting it and -

An ax head launched up from his belt and hit me square in the jaw and a magical explosion rocked my senses. I wheeled back, my vision distorted and my hearing overwhelmed.

Get off me lady, I'll kill him! Kin stealer, pup butcher!

The young warrior's voice growled with an animalistic rage, as he lifted his ax and brought it down on my skull.

A shield sprang to life around me. Feral child, you will not touch my daughter! Yu yelled, as she stood from the rubble and pulled a disoriented Rayce with her. He had been hit by a thick wooden beam. Given a few moments he would be alright, but Yu pulled him to his feet.

Yus aura erupted over the scene. Calming, authoritative, commanding everything and everyone to be still and silent. Whatever spirit possessed the young man who snarled down at me pushed back against it. Feral, wild, and filled with so much raw mana it actually stood a chance of holding its own against my mothers will.

Ezekial. Take that child into custody. Duke Mortimer commanded. He sounded largely unbothered by the events transpiring before him. Dont kill him.

Yes, your grace. A man in pristine armor stepped forward from behind the throne, and in between the feral man and his target.

The other warrior was already being helped by servants. They were taking behind the throne to safety. A thick piece of wood had stabbed through his armor and into his leg from the fall.

You there, submit.

Another will, this one weaker than Yus but worlds stronger than my own emanated from Ezekial. Joining my mothers command as another voice in a chorus might. As I got to my feet Ezekiel's armor blazed with light, and his will intensified until it nearly matched Yus.

Formation armor. I was impressed. Such things were not uncommon in the Empire. My own clothes held a complex formation of my own design that softened blows and redirected force. But the riot of auras that came off the knights' armor meant there were dozens of active formations. Not just one or two.

It was all the feral warrior could do to stay standing. He lifted his ax into the air and with a snarl of frustrated rage, and in an overhead two handed attack threw it directly at the wounded knight.

Duke Mortimar extended a hand, and caught the ax. He brought it closer to him and inspected it. Fascinating. These are dwarven runes. A bit old fashioned really. But still, effective. And the level of mana inlaid in them . . . hmmm.

The young warrior fell to his knees, his shoulders slumped. Defeated. He raised his bloodshot eyes to glare at me. You did this, he whispered. You stopped me from killing the bastard who took my sister as a slave. The creature was gone, only the young man's soul stared back at me through his eyes.

My mind reeled. I had no idea what was going on.

Someone get Sigvald from upstairs. Hes probably still sleeping off last night's tower climb. I could use his help in identifying the quality of these runes. Mortimer said, as guards from outside rushed in and secured the scene, helped the injured, and helped those buried under debris to free themselves.

A moment later the young warrior pitched forward and collapsed into unconsciousness. With a sigh Yu lowered the shield she had around me. I picked up the discarded gift, returned to her side.

Are you alright? Yu asked, as she checked me over for injuries.

Im healthy mother. But . . . that young man.

Yes. I heard what he said to you. We will get to the bottom of it, I swear.

What did we just get ourselves into?