“YOU LIED TO ME MALEVOLENT WITCH!” Stalsboug cried out as soon as the Cardinal was out of the view.

“Oh you know the Cardinal….he is always joking like that….”

“YOU DARED TO INTERFERE! THEN TO LIE WITH SUCH IMPUDENCE!”

Vanessa slapped her forehead. One day….just one day…..I AM GOING TO KILL THE CARDINAL

The Cardinal never appeared when you needed him the most and always appeared when you didn’t need him.

No it was worse than that – the Cardinal was the brand ambassador for misery. His timing was impeccable - almost as if intended….. Vanessa growled slightly – This was his revenge. She had no one but herself to blame for this. The Cardinal was a bothersome person for exactly these reasons. Those who tried to involve him in their affair; would regrettably suffer. Vanessa was now suffering. She had almost fooled the Norito’s commander….but now everything backfired.

One day….just one day…..I AM GOING TO KILL THE CARDINAL

“YOU WRETCHED SNAKE! LYING TO ME LIKE THAT! NOTHING LESS EXPECTED FROM A CHILD FROM THE FALLEN HOUSE!!”

The last sentence stung.

To explain why, a bit of background is needed on the social classes and political structure of the Empire.

The Empire consists of Thirteen Houses of Nobility. There are other Houses of Nobility but these thirteen are the more prominent ones basis influence and wealth. These Thirteen Houses are spread across the five States of the Empire. The Capital of the Empire is considered a state on its own and hence there are in actuality four States. Strictly speaking, the Thirteenth House – House of Alfen, is an electoral body thus resides only in the Capital. The other twelve houses are spread across the Empire having influence and residence in all five states.

Each state is governed by a High King, who oversees the functioning of the five kingdoms in that State. The High Kings were originally elected by the Emperor but now the title passes on to the rightful heir. However, the Emperor still reserves the right to appoint new High Kings in the event a High King falls from his grace.

Just as how the Emperor reigns over the Capital exclusively, the High King reigns over his own Kingdom. Thus the other four remaining kingdoms in the State are governed by a king each with the support of their council.

Although there is no difference in terms of influence or power between the Thirteen House Heads and a King; a King is granted with more official authority in his own Kingdom. However, that authority is rarely exercised since the King’s council consists of minor and major noble houses.

To sum up, there are a total of 20 Kings, 13 House Heads, 4 High Kings and one Emperor.

Vanessa belonged to the Noble House – Alfen, the electoral house. A house fallen from the grace and favour of the High King of Furada (the region in which Feladonia came under) after it was learnt that Alfen had been conspiring a revolt with the Alliance. It was only on request of the King of Feladonia to the Old Emperor that the House of Alfen was pardoned. The pardon was granted after the execution of the traitorous House Head . Although, the House stands pardoned the stains of treason never fade.

“MIND YOUR TONGUE!” Vanessa screamed back. “My House has nothing to with these matters! Furthermore, the Emperor pardoned it…”

It may also be added that belonging to a House of Nobility does not mean being born into it. Like everything, there are pure bloods, mixed bloods and adoptions. Adoptions are cases where promising commoner candidates are adopted by a Noble House. The idea behind adoptions is to have excellent candidates filling administrative and military posts while promoting the Noble House’s fame and repute. Normally, senior posts would be reserved for pure/mixed blooded nobles – however these nobles were often incapable. Thus the adoption system was devised; where the House adopted the individual and sponsored their education etc etc. Vanessa had been adopted by the House of Alfen. Hence, she felt very strongly about it whenever anyone spoke against it.

“Lying runs thick in the blood of the Alfen, eh?” Stalsbourg retorted seeing an opening. For those curious Stalsbourg is a pure blooded noble belonging to the House of Admonté . Hearing such words from a pure blooded is the same as sprinkling chilli powder on someone’s open wound.

“Better than not listening to reliable intel.” Vanessa had been provoked. “If you had listened to me, I wouldn’t have had to send word to him!”

“SO YOU ADMIT IT! YOU LIED TO ME!”

“Heh! If you are stupid enough to get manipulated is it my fault! You even apologized!”

“HOW DARE YOU GET ME TO APOLOGIZE!”

“I DIDN’T ASK YOU TO! IN FACT I EVEN TOLD YOU NOT TO!”

This was turning into a shouting match more than anything - a shouting match between a couple?

*THUD*

Stalsbourg slammed his gauntlet covered fist on the table. His blow was strong enough to crack the table in two. The slime drenched on his hand splattered everywhere; the carpets, chairs, tables, and the interior walls of the tent. Some even fell on Vanessa, she could have avoided the droplets of slime but moving would be a sign of fear / cowardice. She held her ground firmly. She didn’t even blink.

“This matter will be reported.”

“Report what? For me performing my duties?” Vanessa countered. She didn’t do anything which was against the rule book.

Stalsbourg assumed a grave expression. “I’ll be reporting it to Legatus Legionis; I am sure he will have a say on these matters.”

“Go cry to your boss for all I care!”

“I will! This will be the day you regret making the Norito an enemy of yours.”

“Like I said! Go Ahead!”

The two commanders were glaring at each other while standing no more than a seven centimetres apart. Stalsbourg was taller than Vanessa and glared from above. Vanessa would not back down or cower; she was staring her counterpart back in the eyeball. The air in the room became stiff and stale. They both released their killing intent.

Stalsbourg broke away from the staring contest; actions are more powerful than words and staring at Vanessa was not going to accomplish anything. He made his way back from where he came. Vanessa accompanied him for formalities sake. She didn’t have to but Vanessa was already in enough trouble with losing an adventurer, right now even the slightest deviation in her code of conduct would spell her doom.

As Stalsbourg exited, his guards who were heartily chatting with their counterparts smiled seeing their commander; they could finally go back.

Before Stalsbourg could leave, once again for formalities sake, Vanessa extended her hand out to shake.

“Have a good day!” She said with a teeth clenched.

Stalsbourg finally understood Vanessa; she was a perfectionist. If he wanted to have any chance of impeaching her; he would need to find a fault. Even now when the two had a heated discussion she was maintaining protocol and following the rules of conduct – a terrifying woman.

Stalsbourg followed her lead; he too would conduct himself spotlessly! He was not going to be outdone by her! If this matter was investigated then questions over every action and inaction would be looked into. Stalsbourg was in the same boat as Vanessa; he messed up destroying the slime. It was one of the rare opportunities for the Norito to earn honour and respect of the citizens and he lost that opportunity.

Stalsbourg extended his hand to shake…but instead punched Vanessa in the stomach.

The Erito and Norito guards looked on in horror.

Even Stalsbourg was horrified; what did he just do? He had no intention of punching her….

Stalsbourg looked on in horror; the spikes located at the tip of his knuckles on the gauntlet were covered in blood.

Sh*t! She was wearing no armour.

Vanessa struggled to stand. She didn’t even expect a punch. She thought she had just been punched….Vanessa felt her shirt go wet…before she could understand what was happening, she collapsed to the ground and a pool of blood surrounded her.