Linvart, one of the two major port cities that connects the self-proclaimed island Kingdom of Fortra to the rest of nations across the Sea of Medinan, is under the control of House Lomn. Not a year ago, they ended up selling the land deed and the port to my father in order to keep their coffers fit enough to survive the then ongoing succession war between the two princes for the throne.

The first prince, Bildim Hilgan Von Ostraburg, is supported not due to his ability but due to his weak will that if he is to be put in charge. He could be easily influenced by those who supported him. So those nobles who held high ambitions joined him. The second prince, Arwin Linden Von Ostraburg, is the "righteous" successor as he is chosen by his father before his death. Therefore those noble who seek traditions and laws of the land followed him.

That war only ended a year ago with the death of the first prince. What follows is a period of civil turmoil as nobles who supported the first prince make their choices. Some ran, gathering their wealth as much as they could and make a journey for other nations. Some fought, their ambition or rejection of the second was so strong that they continued the resistance even after the first prince had failed. And finally, some turned. Just as grass follows the way in which the wind blows, these nobles renounced their allegiance to the first prince and accepted the fact that they might be seen as dishonorable and traitorous by others within the court.

Due to the instability of the nation at the time, my father had neglected to expand the trading business in the area; citing it is too risky and the rewards too light compared to other choices. Of course, that does not mean we have not profiteered from the war; it simply means we had no physical expansions. That is, not until now.

To my wise and humble son, Leonhard Zieten.

My son, your management of Eadral Port for the past eight years had been most exemplary. You have expanded the port enough to double its size, you have attracted merchant far and wide, you have made our presence known within the court of Viceroy Tashina, and you have bared the name of house Zieten proudly. As such, you have been granted the utmost important mission of expanding our trade and relationships in the Kingdom of Fortra. You shall expand our port, Port Isal, within Linvart, turning it into our main base of operation there. You shall then man it to the fullest of your ability; it is of most importance that you adequately man them. Finally, you shall set up trade posts along certain roads where you see profitable.

Be mindful, while the war has ended, and stability had somewhat returned. It does not mean it is as peaceful as it is in Eadral Port. Do not mistake peace for safety, face for the heart, and mutual gain for an alliance.

Lastly, my son, that you are the only one who truly represents the house Zieten once you are there; and only one of the few representing our Republic. As such, I had also set up a deal with Count Lomn. Once you arrive in the soil of Linvart, the third daughter of Count Lomn, Siara Lomn is to be betrothed to you. You need not thank me.

Your father, Head of House Zieten,

Patrician Fabio Zieten.

This letter had been given to me by one of the carriers when the ship finished docking in Linvart. The letter itself had the seal of House Zieten; a diamond-shaped wax with 4 phrases, "For Trade, For Republic, For Honor, For People", carved on each side and in the center is a decorated wheel with the words "We Arrive". I had confirmed that the carrier was specifically ordered by father to not give me the letter until the ship has docked.

"Sly Fox will always be a sly fox until the day he dies." I sighed. I had expressed to my father the wish to stay single to further my own studies. For the past 10 years, it had worked. After all, most nobles will be married within a year or two of becoming an adult, at the age of 15. It seems that my father had enough of me being a free man and not a political piece. He knows that it annoys me and he sure got a good laugh while doing it.

I sigh once again before taking the first step into this island. I fought the urge to go straight back to Iodeal and demand an answer from my father about this third daughter of Count Lomn, whom I have never had the pleasure to meet. But I know better, it is not something that is possible to change, not now.

"What a great start."

The Port of Linvart is as one would expect from a major port city. Workers massing around the dock unloading the goods, fisherman arriving with their morning catch, and the usually salty stanch from the mixture of the sea and sweat swarm can be noticed miles away. However, unlike the port-cities which I had familiarized myself to. There are no walls erected to protect the city or restrict the entry to the port itself. The size of the port is also lackluster if it is to be compared to the Port of Iodeal.

A large paved road led down to the center of the city; on the side of such a road is two building that is no less than 3 stories tall armed with several double doors the size of a small castle gate. Those storages are not an uncommon sight for most large cities, especially trade centers.

"Sir Leonhard are you well?" An all so familiar voice asked me from my right.

The person is Ulrike Cole. We found her abandoned by her family 10 years ago in the middle of the road. While it is a sad sight, it is all too familiar in this world. Although now you couldn't see a trace of the helpless crying child. She is currently wearing the custom version of the Iodeal Heavy Infantry equipment; steel plate with a red surcoat over it, a steel arm guard, a pair of leather gloves, a pair of leather boots, a kite shield on her back, and a flanged mace by her belt. In other words, she is utterly terrifying. Even though she is almost a whole foot shorter than me and not to mention 5 years younger; her posture would suggest I am a puny existence compared to her in combat which is not false.

"I am just a bit shocked is all. Apparently, my father had neglected to inform me that the third daughter of Count Lomn is now betrothed to me when he first told me of this mission." I said while shaking my head slightly.

"I must agree with you, but it is a good time to get a wife. Is it not? After all, time does not tick back." Ulrike suggested, obviously hinting that if I am not careful; I might let my prime pass me by.

"It is hard for me to focus on both love and my studies. I am still well enough to wait another 10 years before getting married." I boasted.

"As long as you do not become like that of princes of the Herbonic Empire, I shall support you to my fullest abilities." She replied. Her sharp obsidian eyes pierce through me. Without a doubt, she thinks I will become one of those nobles who marries someone that is the age of their grandchildren if I were to wait.

"As much as I would love to continue the discussion of my nonexistent love life, I think it is time to move on," I said as a company of 10 horse riders emerges from the street. Although it is less emerging from the crowd than the crowd gives way for them.

"Greetings, Sir Zieten." The leading horseman greeted me as he dismounts his horse. His horse which is armored to the teeth with steel and decorated with carvings and the coat-of-arms of House Lomn, a steel gauntlet in front of snow peaked mountains. The person himself is fully plated just as his companions behind him. However, unlike them, his armor is dotted to the brim with decorations, patterns that will not reduce the ability of the armor but show the importance of the person wearing them.

"Greetings, Lord Lomn I take it." I greeted back. The person seemed slightly taken back by the fact I called him Lord Lomn.

"No, Lord Lomn is the title of my father, I have yet possessed the honor or ability for such a title. Please call me Kai" Kai explained and it makes sense. Through the raised visor I can clearly see someone whose age is near that of mine.

"And I apologize for meeting you in such a state, I would choose a much less aggressive attire, but the security of this nation now isn't the... best." He continued with narrowed eyes.

"Bandits?" I questioned while Kai adjusted his ax on his belt.

"Deserters, a bunch of worthless scum who not only run from battle but also turn against their very own countryman. But none of that now, come, let us talk indoors." Kai gesture for us to follow him.

As it turns out, the heat is a lot worse in Linvart than Iodeal. The walk to the mansion of the governor, the building which passed down from governor to governor of the city, is perhaps less than 30 minutes. I sweated the whole way; it isn't even summer. It seems that I am the only one though, Ulrike seemed indifferent as she walks next to me, utterly silent. If Kai or any of his company did sweat, I didn't notice it and they didn't complain. Although he did take the time to apologize for being inconsiderate and not preparing a carriage.

The governor's mansion is nothing to write home about, but it does tower over all other building we saw so far. The mansion itself is located atop a hill, overlooking fields upon fields of golden crops. The mansion is one story taller than the storages and by far much more decorated as one would expect. The building can, in estimates, house 100 servants or guards discounting rooms for other uses such as art or dining hall.

"We have arrived at the manor. I suppose now my manor." Kai gestured towards the gate guarded by two men who are armed in a less dramatic way than any of my company right now. "Welcome to my humble abode, Sir Leonhard."

Nothing and I mean nothing, says humble abode like a 4-story mansion enough for a tiny army. He must be comparing that to the "mansion" of my house, which can be classified as more of a palace than a mansion.

"Thank you. But please, refer to me as Leon. After all, what are brothers who are always stiff towards each other?" I returned. Kai simply shifts a small laugh before leading us into his mansion.