Chapter Three: The Senate

When they entered the guard room, they were greeted by the sight of four Queen's Knights standing in the center, seemingly discussing something before they came in. Georg was there as well as the veteran-looking old man who had been standing at the right of the entrance to the Audience Chamber, Galleon.

Zahhak, the one who spoke with Ferid earlier, was beside a woman who could be mistaken for a dainty, pretty young lady with a graceful charm. Her name was Alenia, and she had bright-orange hair that was tied together in such a way that she had long bangs framing the sides of her face. Her features seemed to be refined and her eyes were narrowed.

"Ah, His Royal Highness," Zahhak greeted, bowing respectfully with his fist laid on his chest. Alenia did the same.

Georg gave a brief wave. "Hey," he greeted casually.

Natsu and the others stood at the very back by the right side of the room, waiting. Zahhak and Alenia glanced at them before ignoring their presence entirely; Ferid had briefed the four of them about the foreigners and needless to say, the two of them were not very pleased. Only Galleon was neutral to it while Kyle… well, he wasn't there when Ferid informed them.

"Huh? Where's His Majesty Ferid?" Kyle asked casually.

"He went out through the back," Zahhak said curtly. "He's a busy man, you know."

"Never mind that, Kyle! Where have you been?!" Alenia interjected angrily.

"Me? Heh, nowhere. Just wanted to see the Prince, that's all," Kyle replied nonchalantly.

"That's all?! Do you ALWAYS take your duties so lightly?!"

Galleon chose that moment to step forward. "Your Royal Highness!" he said, bowing. "Sir, you must be exhausted after your inspection of Lordlake." He rose his head slowly, looking Frey directly in the eyes. "Actually, I should have accompanied you on your trip, but His Majesty didn't give me the order…"

"Of course he didn't," Georg spoke up. "After all, Lordlake is your hometown, isn't it, Galleon? Ferid wouldn't make you go there. The guy's not heartless, you know."

"Yes, but I have already been back there once," Galleon grunted. "His Majesty needn't protect me."

"But Galleon, I don't see how you could EVER come to terms with it!" Lyon said, sadness overtaking her eyes as she remembered the horrible state they had clearly witnessed.

"It's been two years, but the Queen STILL won't even let them rebuild!" Kyle spoke, shaking his head. "Man, talk about heartless…"

"Hold your tongue, Kyle!" Alenia said angrily.

He looked at her. "Alenia…"

"Her Majesty imposed a suitable punishment on those traitors, plain and simple! She did what a Queen has to do!" she defended. "And we, the Queen's Knights, have NO business second-guessing her!"

"Yeah, that's what you say, Alenia," Kyle argued, "but…"

"Silence, Kyle." Galleon clenched his fists at his sides and had his head bowed down. "No matter the circumstances, the fact remains that the people of Lordlake committed treason. They must serve their penance."

Kyle sighed. "I'm sorry, guys, but I think the Queen went way too far…"

"Kyle, how dare you disrespect our Queen?" Alenia said indignantly. "The Sun Rune is proof enough that this nation and Her Majesty have heaven's divine blessing! It's only natural that the Rune's judgment would come down on anyone who dares defy Her Majesty's authority! If you ask me, I don't think Her Majesty has used the Sun Rune enough!"

"Yeah, right!" Kyle frowned. "You're starting to sound just like Lord Godwin. And on that note, I don't know if I can trust a Knight who's merely a pawn of the Godwin family."

"Insolent fool! You're one to talk, seeing how you're just a mouthpiece for the Barows family!"

"Ridiculous! You don't know what the hell you're talking about!"

"That will be enough!" Zahhak said. "Do you realize how disgracefully you're acting in front of His Royal Highness?" In unison, the three of them bowed before Frey. "We are terribly sorry, Your Highness."

"No, that's all right…" Frey said softly.

"You are most kind, Your Highness," Zahhak praised. "But we should be protecting the royal family, not getting involved in private quarrels that might affect our duties." He gave a sharp look at Kyle's way. "Kyle, especially you."

"Huh? Me?" He pointed to himself comically.

"Your manner of speaking sounds like a criticism of Her Majesty. You should restrain yourself a little."

"That's all right, Zahhak," a deep voice resounded. "Please, everybody, continue!"

"Your Commandership!" Zahhak exclaimed, and all of the Queen's Knights, including Lyon, bowed to Ferid as he made his way towards them.

"Hmph, don't mind me," Ferid said. "As you were."

The Queen's Knights straightened.

"As you all know," Ferid continued, "Her Majesty has been troubled ever since the split between the two factions of the Senate. The Godwin faction has been gaining more and more power recently, which has caused Her Majesty much anguish. At a time like this, Her Majesty wants true loyalty from us, the Queen's Knights.

"Some people may believe that knights must give absolute obedience to their master. But that's not true loyalty. True loyalty means being able to speak openly about what you think is right and what you think is wrong."

Frey and Lyon stared at Kyle, who was closing his eyes and humming a little to himself, not really paying full attention to his commander's speech.

"Of course, I'd be upset with any fool who thought he could criticize Her Majesty wherever and whenever he wanted. But… at the very least, in this room, I want us to be able to express our views openly without fear of reprisal. Now, if there are constructive opinions you'd like to share with Her Majesty, I'll be happy to pass them on for you. Understood?"

The Queen's Knights immediately saluted. "Yes, sire!"

"Frey! Lyon!" Ferid called out, causing the attention of the two youngsters to fully focus on him.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Lyon said happily.

"When you two have thoughts and ideas of your own, please don't be shy about sharing them with us. The Queen's Knights are known for their artistry with a blade. But they also have much wisdom and insight to impart. Be wise and heed their words."

"Yes, sire!" Lyon obeyed. Frey nodded his head.

While the two of them scoured the room, they came to a stop in front of Zahhak and Alenia.

"A word, if you will, Prince Frey," Alenia spoke. "His Majesty Ferid says the House of Godwin is responsible for all our troubles. Do you believe that, too?"

Frey hesitated. "I really don't know."

"The Godwins care about our country's future! It's the only reason they want to put the Sun Rune to use!" Alenia declared passionately. "It's absurd to think they're playing tricks with Her Majesty! No, we have to look out for the House of Barows! Their fear of change is putting our country at risk!"

When the conversation was over, Zahhak spoke to them.

"Since His Commandership feels we should express our views… I personally feel His Commandership's actions are taking idealism to an extreme. What Falena really needs are disciplined Queen's Knights ready to act upon the will of Her Majesty." Zahhak gave a slight sigh. "Sometimes, the best way is not always the ideal way. Don't forget that, Your Highness."

This time Erza, Gray, and Natsu went with them as they walked towards Georg.

"Sounds like the Godwins want to use the Sun Rune to become a powerful force and broaden the country's borders and the Barows faction is aiming for domestic and foreign stability without the use of Runes, eh?" Georg let out a sigh. "Every country has its share of conflicts among its nobles, but it's much worse here because of the Runes. It's particularly sad that the Queen's own Knights can even agree."

Then they went to Galleon.

"Your Highness…" he said slowly. "I thank you for voicing concern to Her Majesty regarding the situation at Lordlake. I am truly grateful."

Frey gave a smile and a nod of acknowledgment before going on his way to Kyle, who was standing at the far north side of the room, seemingly thinking about something.

"So, Prince," he began, "did you notice anything… unusual… about Georg on your trip?"

Frey was confused but answered honestly anyway. "Not that I can think of…"

"Hmm… I see… No big deal… It's not like this is a bad thing, but we still don't know too much about Georg. Not ONE of the Queen's Knights can match his skill in combat without Runes, except maybe His Majesty Ferid. Also, I heard a rumor that before Georg came to Falena, he served as a general in a land far to the north." Kyle paused. "It makes me wonder about his connection to His Majesty. Just what convinced him to bring Georg here? Well, come to think of it, His Majesty's also kinda mysterious! He always says he used to be some "wayfarer" from the Island Nations. But I've never come across a wayfarer so dignified. And strong!" It was then that he seemingly caught himself. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I obviously forgot my place. I mean no disrespect to His Majesty."

After the talk with Kyle, they moved slowly, somewhat aimlessly.

"From what I've heard, it seems that your country's council… or Senate, rather… has split up due to divided opinions of your Runes," Erza spoke. "Although in my opinion, since Runes have already become a part of your culture, it has to be used for good and not for corruption. It may be complicated because there will always be greed in the presence of power, but that is why the Senate is there to bring things into order."

Lyon smiled faintly. "Do you have a Senate back in your world, too?"

Erza nodded. "We call them the Magic Council. They organize the chaos and help brought about by many guilds, though the former is especially because of the dark guilds. Dark guilds do not have the consent of the Magic Council, therefore they are usually referred to as rebels or criminals of some sort."

"Who are the Godwins and the Barows anyway?" Gray inquired. "They sound pretty important to me."

"Who cares who they are?" Natsu said, his voice filled with boredom.

"I am much interested now in Sir Georg's skills," Erza spoke. "Would it not mind him if I proposed a sparring session?"

"Sure," Lyon said happily. "Georg wouldn't mind. You can ask him anytime."

When they entered the Commander's quarters, Ferid was standing by one of the couches.

"Hey, there you are, Frey!" he greeted with a fatherly smile. "Have you seen your sister yet?"

"I haven't seen her yet," Frey replied.

"Well, I think you should check on her," his father advised. "I know you're tired, but I'm begging you! Please check in on her… for my ears' sake! The whole time you were gone, she would NOT stop nagging me about when you were coming back! Don't keep her waiting."

Lyon giggled as they exited. "The Princess must have shouted at him earlier while she was trying to find you."

"She sounds scary," Natsu remarked.

"She is," Frey jested with a chuckle as they moved to go outside the guard room.

At that moment, the doors slammed open by force, revealing a small girl with a fierce expression on her face. She was very pretty, with long, straight brown hair and large eyes with the same shade. Her features were clean and refined. Coupled with her royal garments and gold earrings, she looked pretty much exquisite, if you excluded her seemingly brash mannerisms.

"Frey!" she yelled, her head darting around the room. "Hey, has anybody seen my brother in here?!"

"Princess…" Lyon said with a smile.

"Oh!" Lymsleia's face instantly lit up. "Brother!" Immediately, she rushed over to Frey and tackled him with an affectionate hug, her expression very happy and contented. "Brother! Brother! Brother! Brother!" she chanted melodiously.

"Yikes! Quite a welcome there…" Kyle remarked.

Frey gripped his little sister's arms warmly in acknowledgment, a handsome smile curving his lips.

"Gee, the Princess sure is crazy about her big brother, huh?" Lyon mused, giggling.

"I'm home, Lym," Frey said softly.

"Oh! Welcome back!" Lym pulled back from her embrace, looking up at her brother with adoring eyes. "I missed you so much!" She then hugged him again, causing Frey to wince at the fierceness of her grip.

"Princess," a dainty voice called out, "did you find your brother?"

At that instant, a woman in her early twenties stepped inside femininely, her blue skirt flowing slightly as she walked. She was a Queen's Knight; her armor was the same as the others', but a seemingly blue dress peeked out from the gaps of her uniform. Her purple hair was tied up into a high ponytail but with twin circles that are then tied by her black headband. Her eyes appeared to be the same shade as her hair and were the same size as her charge's.

"Oh, my, my, my!" she cried, giggling as she spotted Lymsleia sticking to her brother like glue.

"Um, hello, Miakis," Frey greeted.

Miakis gave a brief curtsy. "Well, hello! Welcome home, Prince!" Her eyes then turned slightly mischievous. "You know, the two of you standing there like that, you look just like… an Armadillion father and daughter!" she giggled. "Yup!"

Lyon laughed unsurely.

Kyle sighed. "Oh boy, there she goes with that nonsense again…"

"Miakis!" Lymsleia yelled. "Need I remind you that you're my bodyguard? You're not bad-mouthing me, are you?!"

"Noooo, of course not," Miakis drawled teasingly. "Your Highness was imagining things."

Lymsleia grumbled in response.

"Ha ha ha! Things are never dull when you're around, Lym!"

Ferid stepped in, his face having that perpetual ready-to-smile look.

"Oh… Father!" Lym exclaimed. "It's you…"

"Frey!" Lym said, catching her brother's attention. "You already came to see Father and didn't bother to come see me? How dare you?!"

Frey looked taken aback at the sudden accusation.

"Now, now," Ferid soothed. "Don't be so hard on your brother. Frey was looking for you, too, you know."

"But Father!" Lym protested. "I wanted to see him so bad! He's always off on some inspection or something these days. He's never around! He's probably going off someplace again tomorrow, isn't he?"

Ferid looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, not exactly tomorrow. He'll be here for a while yet."

Lym looked satisfied. "Well, okay. That's good, at least. But you really keep Frey busy, don't you? Where is he going next?"

"Hmm… Since he just got back, I thought I'd wait a while to tell him. But I guess it couldn't hurt to let him know." Ferid turned to his son. "Frey, I'll be sending you to Stormfist to check on the preparations for the Sacred Games."

Lym's face lit up in recognition. "The Sacred Games? Oh, that big fighting tournament. The one that's going to decide who my husband's going to be. That."

Ferid looked taken aback. "H—Hus… Well, yes…" he stuttered.

"Your Majesty…?" said Lyon.

"Not quite on board with the idea, are you, Your Majesty?" Kyle spoke up.

"Of course not!" said Ferid. "She's far too young!" Then he paused slightly. "But… she's our nation's princess. It's her sacred duty… There's nothing we can do about it."

"Well, to be fair…" drawled Kyle. "Your Majesty wouldn't be here today if you hadn't won the last Games…"

"Hey, Frey," Lym spoke. "What about you? Would you hate it if I had a fiancé, too?"

Frey grimaced. "Of course I'd hate it." The thought of his little sister already being married sent him into overprotective-big-brother mode. Just as his father had said, she was far too young for this. She hadn't even had the chance to live her life freely like other children. Her duty was imposed on her from the moment she was born. It was unfair if you thought about it in that way.

"You would, huh? Hmm…" Lym looked deep in thought.

"By the way," Ferid interjected. "Frey. I would like the three mages to go with you to Stormfist. Is that all right with you?"

Natsu and the others perked up at finally becoming acknowledged.

"Huh?" Lym turned towards the foreigners as if noticing them for the first time in the room, her expression curious and a bit distasteful at the sight of Natsu's revealing clothing. "Who're they, Father?"

"They are… friends of your brother's," Ferid explained, not wanting to go into detail. "They will be accompanying Frey wherever he goes. If you three would not mind, it is also for the sake of precaution."

"Understood, sir," Erza said. "We will be on our best behavior."

"Good." Ferid smiled. "I am glad we are on friendly terms with each other."

"Hey, what is with your clothes?" Lym addressed Natsu almost scornfully. "Men don't usually reveal their chests."

"It's my style!" Natsu replied proudly.

"And are you a hunchback or something?" ranted Lym. "Also, what is the use of that vest if you don't use it to hide your front?"

"Hey!" Natsu protested, looking positively offended. "I ain't a hunch — whatever that is! It's only Happy!" Without further ado, he removed his vest to reveal the sleeping cat.

Lym was about to correct him on his version of the word 'hunchback' when the sight of Happy instantly drowned all her unfriendliness away. "Oh!" she cried. "What is that? It's so cute!"

"He's my partner!" Natsu said proudly. "His name is Happy!"

"He can fly and talk, Princess," Lyon supplied helpfully.

"Wow!" the Princess' eyes were almost sparkling. "I've never encountered a cat like that before!"

"Oh! By the way, Princess, this is Natsu, Gray, and Erza," Lyon introduced. "They are new friends of ours."

"Nice to meet you!" Lym said.

"A pleasure." Erza bowed.

Gray, on the other hand, gave a smile and a nod of acknowledgment.

"I'm Miakis!" the purple-haired Queen's Knight greeted. "Nice to meet you, too!"

After the introductions were over, Miakis brought up the topic of the Sacred Games once more.

"Annnnyway… I wonder who's going to win? What kind of man will the Princess end up with?"

"They're keeping the list of applicants over at the Senate," Ferid responded. "Not that I have any interest in reading it, mind you!"

"Well, I want to see it!" Miakis exclaimed. "Don't you, Princess? I bet you do!"

"Hmm… Well, maybe I'm a little curious…" said Lym.

"Ooh, ooh, can I see?" Kyle said excitedly.

"M—Me too, please!" Lyon joined in.

"That sounds kinda boring," Natsu complained.

"I—I am curious myself as well," Erza stammered, looking slightly pink.

"I'm interested in participating, but I don't think I'm fit to be a husband yet," Gray remarked. "No offense."

"None taken," Lym said evenly.

"I don't care! If it's a fight, then I'm all for it!" Natsu declared. "I'll beat them all into a pulp!"

"Hey!" Lym protested. "I don't want you as my husband!"

"Huh? That's the prize?" Natsu said cluelessly.

"Weren't you listening?" Kyle sighed.

"I know exactly how you feel," Gray told him.

"Then it's settled!" Miakis interrupted, looking like she was raring to go any minute now. "Come on Prince! Let's go!"

"Okay, let's go," Frey conceded, not exactly looking forward to knowing who his sister's husband would probably be.

"Come on, let's go read about your future brother-in-law!" Kyle teased, laughing slightly at the sullen expression on Frey's face.

"All right. We're off to the Senate Hall, then!" Miakis announced, already out the door.

When they were outside, a familiar figure was standing nearby, her hand on her hip.

"I heard what you were saying. Sounds like fun."

"Oh! Lady Sialeeds!" Kyle exclaimed. "Welcome back!"

"Oh, Aunt Sialeeds!" Lym greeted as well.

"Huh? I thought you were asleep in your room," said Miakis.

"Oh, I was," Sialeeds said. "Off in dreamland. In my nice, warm, comfy bed — and then all of a sudden… 'Where's Frey?!'" She stepped forward. "That was you, wasn't it? Lym? Miakis? Hmm? You completely woke me up!"

"Lady Sialeeds, lemme clarify things!" Miakis said. "The Princess was the one doing all the shouting. I was just there!"

"Hey! Miakis!" Lym yelled.

Her bodyguard looked at her innocently. "What? It's true."

"Why, you…" Lym forced herself to calm down and faced her aunt, nearly stuttering in her words. "W—Well, isn't it kind of your fault, Aunt Sialeeds? Sleeping in the middle of the day like that? Frey, Lyon, and Georg just got back, too, but you don't see them just lying around! Maybe your age is catching up with you?" she said cheekily.

There was a moment of silence before Sialeeds closed her eyes, her smile almost seemingly menacing. "Lym…? Your Auntie Sialeeds couldn't hear you so well just now. Could you please repeat what you just said…?"

"Eek!" cried Lym as she hid behind her brother in fear. "Frey! Aunt Sialeeds is scaring me!"

Frey smiled. "You started it, Lym," he reminded her gently.

"Wh—Whaaaaat?!" Lym exclaimed in shock and anger. "Frey, you traitor!"

"Well, Princess, you have to admit, what you said was kind of rude," Miakis said reasonably. "Even if it's true, you don't really need to say it, you know…" she added a bit cheekily, eliciting some poorly-concealed snickers from the others.

"Oh, thank you very much, Miakis. Why don't you teach us all some more about tact?" Sialeeds said sarcastically. "Anyway, forget it. I'm awake now, whether I like it or not. You guys are going to the Senate Hall to see the list of applicants for the Sacred Games, right? I'll go with you."

"Nothing better than a day out with all these beautiful ladies," Kyle remarked happily. "And cute girls. Am I right, Prince?"

Before Frey could give a dumbfounded reply, Sialeeds interrupted.

"Less talking, more walking. Let's move it!" she announced, already walking ahead of them.

When they entered the storage room on the way due to interest from the three foreigners, Natsu, Gray, and Erza were awed at the sight of so many boxes piled up along with several treasure chests strewn all over. Curiously, Natsu poked open a few, but stopped himself afterwards when he received a warning glance from Erza.

An official was standing in the center of the room, holding a clipboard in her hand. She smiled gently, almost wistfully, as they approached.

"This room used to be Queen Falzrahm's personal treasures. She had a passion for the finest gold and jewels. But Queen Arshtat sold off her mother's treasures to fund the rebuilding after the Armes invasion. And because of that, Falena's back to its former glory eight years after the attack. In fact, it's better than ever! Some nobles criticized the Queen for selling her own mother's belongings, but personally, I think it was a wise move."

"Who's Fazaram?" Natsu asked cluelessly when they exited.

"Oi, Natsu, don't go saying the former Queen's name like that," Gray told him, his eyes widening in slight alarm. "You might get arrested for treason."

"Queen Falzrahm was our mother," Sialeeds told him, courteously ignoring Natsu's innocent mistake. "During the Armes invasion… Well, that will have to be a story for another time."

They decided to give the foreigners a quick tour of the palace before they left for the Senate Hall.

In one room which they entered, an injured guard greeted them with a grin.

"Ah, Prince Frey! Welcome ba — Arrgh! Ouch!" he grunted painfully.

"Oh!" Lym exclaimed, coming over to his side with Miakis in tow. "Are you all right?"

"I—I'm sorry. I was wounded in the fighting eight years ago, and it still gives me trouble sometimes." A nostalgic look crossed his face. "As you may remember, Your Highness, it was a very bitter conflict that swiftly took its toll on both sides. When Queen Falzrahm died, Falena was plunged into chaos. The tension between the factions nearly escalated to civil war. Seeing Falena on the brink of civil war, the New Armes Kingdom took it as an opportunity to invade! But Queen Arshtat and Commander Ferid didn't waste any time reuniting the Queendom. Differences were put aside, and we fought back the Armes forces as a single, united front!

"And finally, raging battle after raging battle later, we succeeded in driving their army out! And it was all thanks to Queen Arshtat and Commander Ferid's spectacular leadership. Two shining lights, rushing in to save Falena in its darkest hour — it's proof of our divine protection of the sun!"

Soon, while touring the main hall, they learned many things about the brutal war eight years ago.

"I remember that the Queen's Knights fought valiantly to protect Falena during the Armes invasion eight years ago. But they paid a heavy price… Most of them died or were too injured to continue their duties after the war. Only Sir Galleon, Commander Ferid, and Sir Zahhak remained. That's why most of the Queen's Knights on active duty these days are so young."

"More than a decade ago, the ill will between the Godwin and Barows factions spilled over into bloody conflict. Even the Queen and the royal family were dragged into things! There were so many casualties... The fact that they united under the Queen's name when Armes invaded eight years ago is irony itself!"

After the quick tour, they came to the outside of the Palace.

"The Queen and the Commander seem to be very respected figures," Erza mused. "I am glad your country has found noble gems like them."

Lym's smile was radiant. "Mother and Father are the best! Right, Frey?"

Frey gave a nod, his smile adding to his agreement.