Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 100: Clandestine Alliance

Aramellianna and her five daughters, escorted by Stalvaltan Guards, await the return of Daniel, Hekate, and Ryuogriar after they departed to investigate the damage from Rikuto’s weapon, escorted by two additional dragons.

Aramellianna’s group, as well as Daniel’s companions that remained behind, are all waiting at the ‘interlocking station’, a defensive measure Daniel and his team implemented after the Citadel was infiltrated by following one of their inner circle through teleportation. The Grand Duchess didn’t even know such convenient magic was possible, though it explains how Daniel is able to move so quickly around the Citadel and other areas that he has been to.

The interlocking station is merely a medium-sized fortified building where anyone teleporting in passes through, as well as returning citizens of the Fievegal returning to the castle town surrounding the mountain-like fortress. They’re more closely tracking who comes and goes, apparently to ensure no infiltrators are able to get in.

And, Aramellianna can’t help but be impressed as she watches the two Goblin Queens, as the Fievegal recognizes them, Shek and Skloe. They diligently speak with the goblin guards manning the security desk, as well as dattakorien security officers who are checking cargo and weapons. Though Aramellianna is guilty of assuming that, even as kind as they are, Shek and Skloe lack a great deal of intelligence. But, it mainly comes from how they speak, which has improved since the last time Aramellianna met them. They are attentive, speak kindly and warmly, and keep track of a great deal of the citizens of the Fievegal on their own. Those immigrating also have to go through this station, which affords the goblins the chance to learn new faces.

The receiving circle illuminates, and four bodies appear in a flash. Rather, five bodies appear; one of whom was unexpected and is being carried by Daniel.

All of the guards of the Fievegal kneel, murmuring, “Your Greatness, your Graces! Welcome home.”

Daniel sighs, stepping off the platform as he is followed by Hekate, Ryuogriar, and Xyreko’s remote golem. “Everyone rise. Shek, Skloe, can you draft a regulation for soldiers on Watch. Watchstanders should salute known dignitaries, but should remain alert and ready. No more kneeling.”

The two goblins nod, and they explain to the soldiers in the room. The guards glance from them to Daniel a few times, but they confirm, saluting in various styles from each tribe.

Daniel salutes in his American military style, and the guards fidget with their saluting hands, mimicking his. “Oh! No, I wasn’t trying to correct you, I was just returning the salute. The military I was in required a salute to be returned in most circumstances. I guess technically, I would be the situation that would outrank that… Anyways…”

Skloe says gently, “Daniel… They wish to salute as the Emperor does. Shek and I will create new training.”

Daniel nods. “Thank you. I know I’m taking too long to come out with these kinds of things… I’ll work on policy once we can get a moment to breathe.”

Wenlianna approaches, “Daniel, is that… Lady Ahok?”

Ahok wearily opens her eyes, looking at Wenlianna with an exhausted expression. Ryuogriar used healing magic to restore as much as possible, and Daniel fed her some of Shek’s milk, which also helped, but she is too weary in soul, now, to be as energetic as she once was.

“Oh… L-Lady Wenlianna… I think… I’m going to retire, too…” She closes her eyes, and Wenlianna looks at Daniel. “Wh-What’s going to happen to her?”

“I don’t know yet. It was eastern soldiers that did this to her. We’ll have to wait until she awakens to discuss it further. For now, we’ll put her in a holding cell. Xyreko, make sure the bed is comfortable and a guard is stationed with her at all times. A golem, just in case. She is a magic artisan.”

“Of course, Daniel. Allow me.” Now that they’re inside the interlock station and a cooldown period has passed by, Xyreko is able to teleport with Ahok to give her treatment.

Daniel then turns to Aramellianna, who, other than his Empresses, outranks everyone in the room. “Grand Duchess, apologies for neglecting to welcome you properly. I’ve had more than court etiquette on my mind lately.”

Aramellianna bows her head respectfully. “Do not trouble yourself, your Imperial Majesty. I came for a leisure visit with my beloved daughter to celebrate the good news. I am bound to your leisure in this matter and will wait patiently for time.”

Daniel looks around the room they’re in. It’s rather public, though there aren’t very many visitors or immigrants yet. Regardless, Daniel knows it’s not the place for the conversation he needs to have.

“Would you mind joining us in a more private setting, your Grace?”

She nods. “Of course. Lead the way.”

The entire group of royalty from both territories moves together to a conference room. The Stalvaltan Guards post up along the hallway to protect the entrance, and the inside is catered by a handful of dattakorien and Uhl’tall women.

“Thank you for your work, ladies,” states Daniel.

“It is our pleasure, your Grace,” replies the head maid proudly. “Would you like us to vacate the room?”

“If you would. I’d like the following discussion to remain private.”

“Say no more, your Grace. Come, everyone. Let us depart.”

The maids all bow as they pass the group, leaving gracefully without complaint.

Everyone takes seats around the large table.

Daniel takes a breath and exhales. Hekate asks, “Would you like me to, Daniel?”

He nods. “Go ahead. I’ll fill in.”

She nods in agreement. The young feldrok empress clears her throat before explaining. “As you reported prior to your arrival, Grand Duchess, a weapon from the east wiped out Fort Twilight, killing about ten percent of our forces stationed there, including one of our generals. There may be time to recover him, but we won’t know at this time. As you are a member of the east, but also our ally, we’re going to give you fair warning. We’re going to invade and capture Mornistae with the intent of bringing Rikuto Tachibana to justice for employing a weapon of mass destruction against our soldiers unprovoked.” She looks at Daniel for confirmation, and he nods.

Aramellianna isn’t shocked, nor are her elder three daughters -Wenlianna having known when Daniel, Hekate, and Ryuogriar left-. 

Ryuogriar adds, “The destruction was sudden and total, with no attempts at negotiation.”

“Unfortunately, I am to blame,” replies Aramellianna. “I knew of Rikuto’s weapon, but I underestimated what it was capable of, or what the weapon he was trying to counter.” She looks at Daniel. “He kept trying to convince everyone in the kingdom’s nobility that you possessed some sort of world-ending weapon. He even made several trips to an ancient elven mage to petition his help. Daniel… Emperor Daniel, I… I am sorry.”

Daniel nods. “It’s ultimately not your fault, your Grace. But, we will be declaring war on Mornistae, and we will not be holding back.”

Aramellianna replies confidently, “You’ll find no resistance from the Grand Duchy, assuming we can expect our same level of autonomy.”

“You would turn on the kingdom so easily?” asks Erimaya. “B-But… Daniel. You… Grand Duchess…”

“Calm down, Eri,” replies Hekate. “We’re not after your family. Just Rikuto and anyone working directly with him.”

“M-My sister?”

“I can vouch for the first Princess,” replies Yanidere. “For what my statement is worth. She has been focused on gathering allies to push for negotiations for the release of Erimaya from Fievegal captivity.”

“I-I’m not a captive!” cries the young second Princess. 

“They don’t know that, your Highness,” replies Aramellianna. “But, better they believe you’re a captive than a traitor.”

Daniel adds, “In effect, whether you acknowledge it or not, you are our captive. Ideally, Mornistae can’t attack us directly because you’re here.”

Geirahoel scoffs. “They shouldn’t be attacking us at all. The fools tried to assassinate us already.”

“What do you mean?” asks Yormollett.

The fiesty red-haired dragon replies snappily, “Because, we were pretending to be at Fort Twilight.”

Daniel noticeably grits his teeth and closes his eyes. Doephluev, the archoneldwyn servant to Daniel, is the quickest to try to comfort him. “Master, you were wise to use decoys. The Empresses and Consorts are all safe.”

“Unlucky you, huh?” retorts Hekate sourly.

Doephluev looks at her, but then looks away, not refuting or contesting the statement.

“That does escalate things,” replies Aramellianna. “It is unlikely any of the other allies or even the Mornistae nobility sanctioned the assassination of a high ranking leader, even if it is of the opposing Fievegal. And, to target the non-combatant consorts as well? No council would approve of that.”

Gwenesphia asks a little nervously, “Did… King Rikuto attack Twilight believing the Fievegal royal family was there after meeting with Sundenelle?”

“Unfortunately, that is the safest assumption,” replies Aramellianna. She looks at Daniel and Hekate, adding, “And, I assume it does nothing to curtail your plans of invasion.”

Hekate looks to Daniel, and he replies, “It doesn’t.”

“Will… you be invading through Mattarglos?” asks Treia. “They aren’t the strongest kingdom, but they won’t just let us pass through.”

“They will if they know what’s good for them,” retorts Geirahoel, cuddling her eggs affectionately.

“Take the Grand Duchy,” replies Aramellianna casually. Everyone looks at her, surprised.

Yanidere understandably exclaims, “Mother!?”

“You would have us wage war against these people?” asks the Grand Duchess a little facetiously. “They have dragons.”

The others, especially the dragons, chuckle at the matron’s joke. Reignleif adds to the joke, “Don’t worry, my dear descendants. I would never incinerate my family’s home.”

Even Aramellianna chuckles warmly, though Yanidere and Yormollett, her second and third daughters, aren’t amused. The reality is, they are seriously discussing the Fievegal conquering the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy without contest.

Daniel replies to Aramellianna, “I appreciate the sentiment, your Grace, but we would still have to pass through other territories.”

Aramellianna doesn’t respond right away, and she simply takes a sip of the proffered drink she has. “Not… if we go through the gulf,” replies Wenlianna. This causes the Grand Duchess to smile proudly.

Wenlianna blushes, continuing her thought as she explains, “Around the time Daniel was transferred to Fort Peony, the Kingdom of Bromlund began a revolution, and the kingdom fell to anarchy very rapidly. The Empire and Mornistae dispatched troops, and in the end, the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy was able to claim a great deal of former Bromlund as Stalvaltan territory. That includes the region leading up to the gulf. The mountains run from the gulf in the south to the ocean in the north, and the main three pass throughs for an army are the three forts. Since the Demon Covenant army is, to my knowledge, focused primarily in the north of the Wildlands, we should be able to reach the gulf with relative ease. Then, we could use the Grand Duchy as a staging area.”

Aramellianna replies instantly, “I agree entirely, of course, under the aforementioned agreement that we remain the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy. And, of course, I would like to sue for the safety of the Mornistae royal family, including the retired King and Queen, Queen Heralesse, and Princess Erimaya.”

“You do understand that this is treason, though, right?” asks Daniel seriously.

The Grand Duchess smirks wickedly. “You have my eldest daughter and greatest asset hostage, your Grace. I am but an emotional woman and mother.” She feigns a distraught tone before turning to sarcastically dry. “I have been approached for the last ten years since my husband, the Grand Duke, passed away and told all manner of things to be remarried. That includes King Greydald and his wife, Queen Orphelsia. ‘It is your noble duty.’ ‘What about a proper heir?’ Pah! I have five daughters of excellent health, all with excellent dispositions, and the strongest territory in the kingdom, if not on the continent. Well, save for one.” She realizes she was ranting, and she clears her throat. “Anyways, pardon that unseemly display.”

Daniel and the others chuckle, and Daniel reassures her, “Trust me, your Grace, I’m glad you let loose. As for the Grand Duchy…”

“As I said, take it. Just as Wenlianna explained, enter from the gulf, capture the Stalvaltan seat, and stage your armies from our territory. This realistically accomplishes two important tasks; your war effort and protecting our assets from looters. I’d rather them be in your hands, than in the hands of cowards.” The Grand Duchess leans back in her chair, placing her hands on the table. “Now then, come up with some convincing threats of what horrors you’ll do to my daughter. Oh, and don’t forget to mention my grandch- I mean, the child you have so savagely-...”

“MOTHER!” shrieks Wenlianna with her entire face flush with color. The others laugh playfully at her, and Aramellianna adds seriously, petting Wenlianna’s cheek, “In all seriousness, I will draft a letter at once. I have come to petition you for my daughter’s freedom, and we will be negotiating for some time. I’m a desperate, distraught woman after all. Some threats, your anger about the attack, and the coming invasion. We have no choice but to surrender preemptively.”

“But, what about our ancestral home?” asks Yormollett nervously. “Father used to say…”

“My Lord Husband, rest his soul, was a far greater man or person than I will ever be,” starts Aramellianna. “I was not born a Stalvaltan, but it is as much my family as yours.” She looks at Daniel, who will likely understand the point better than anyone. “What I have learned in my life, moving from my home to find a home somewhere else is… Your true home resides where your family is; the one truly irreplaceable thing in our lives. I was brought into the Grand Duchy of Stalvaltan, a scared young girl little older than Bunnrimae, and I am now one of the most powerful people in the world. Your father, my beloved husband, made that possible. That is why I refuse to remarry. No alliance, wealth, or power could ever fill your father’s place in my heart. My heart is full. And now, all I want, is for our children to achieve something similar. If that means the mansion is razed to the ground and every gold and silver coin we ever earned is lost, we will find a way to stand on our feet again. But, you will always be my precious family, wherever in the world you are.” She stands up, saying proudly, “Treason? Rikuto committed treason when he attacked a country with an unbeatable army, unknown weapons of mass destruction, and soldiers that all allied kingdoms rightly fear. He may be King, but a foolish king is no king the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy will follow.”

“In my experience,” starts Vaergraes gently. “‘Treason’ is determined by the winning side. Rikuto and his forces have not won yet.”

Aramellianna smirks, nodding in agreement.

The Grand Duchess then looks to her daughters. “You are my children. I have said my piece. If any of you truly object, then make your case, and we’ll find a solution. But, I stand behind Emperor Daniel and the justification of his actions.”

Yanidere thinks for a moment, looking at her mother, at Daniel, at Wenlianna, and the others as she ponders her response. Yormollett answers first, saying softly, “Pardon me for speaking out of turn, but… If you think it’s for the best, Mother, I agree. I just worry about… What if they call us traitors? The other noble houses will hold resentment, won’t they?”

Gwenesphia replies, “If I may, court nobility are often an unknowable mix of schemers and patriots. My family has been petitioned in the past for financial support in… political moves against the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy. O-Of course, my father turned it down. F-For what it’s worth.”

Aramellianna nods in agreement. “The most powerful house is always the target of those seeking to move up. That’s why, if we want to come out of this on the right side of history, condemning Rikuto’s actions is the way to go.”

Erimaya is nibbling on her thumb, upset, but unsure what to say.

Daniel adds, “Erimaya, I won’t hurt your family. I promise. Our goal is to capture Rikuto and anyone involved in making the weapon. Ahok will likely be able to shed some light on that, but in the meantime, we’ll begin planning the invasion.”

“C-Can I warn my family?” asks Erimaya. “I… I don’t want them to get in the way…”

“I’m afraid we can’t let you warn them ahead of time. Once the invasion begins, we’ll give them the chance to escape. You can send a letter with instructions to help them then. If they fight, we’ll capture them safely and escort them out of harm’s way.”

“What about the soldiers?” asks Kera’tai. “Are… you planning to fight conventionally?”

Daniel nods. “We’ll be retaliating in full. As Geirahoel pointed out, they tried to assassinate me and the majority of you. If I wasn’t angry about the attack to begin with, I might take it personally.” He takes a breath and sighs. “Regardless of my personal feelings on the matter, Rikuto has shown that negotiation isn’t an option. I get why he thinks the bombs are something to fear, but we didn’t attack him with them. He snapped straight into world war three territory without even a cold war in between. The most important thing with weapons of mass destruction is that they can’t be in the hands of emotional tyrants. No one stopped him from using this one, and now an unchecked weapon of terror is a threat to the peace and stability of many collateral areas.” He looks at Erimaya. “You saw what my weapon did. Rikuto’s is smaller in scale, but it’s magic. The long term effects could be as bad or worse. Regardless, the collateral loss of life is untenable in both cases if the weapons are used against civilian populations. That was how it was used in our world; a threat against not just soldiers, but everything that makes a country run.”

“He claims… your country used them against his in your world,” replies Erimaya softly. She is clearly trying not to pick a fight, but is bringing up what she knows.

Daniel nods. “Yes, but that was roughly 80 years ago. A lifetime for Earth humans. Not that I would see the weapon used against people if I had my say, but Japan became one of the most technologically advanced and prosperous nations in the world, when they were a fascist regime during the war. The bombs were used because they were prepared not to surrender under any circumstance… except the unimaginable. Rikuto is just one person here. He’s dragging Mornistae into a fight they can’t hope to win, and even if they do, they will swiftly be destroyed by the demons.”

Yanidere finally sighs to give her answer to Aramellianna’s question. “He has nearly bankrupted Mornistae. Most of it went to us.” She looks at Aramellianna, “I agree with you, Mother. This is the best thing for the people.”

Yormollett nods, and Wenlianna nods. “Daniel, if I may petition you…”

“The inheritance of the Grand Duchy will be unchanged and continue to be under the cognizance of the Grand Duchess,” replies Hekate, guessing correctly what Wenlianna might be concerned with. “But, we should speak of after we capture Mornistae and Rikuto. Eri… please understand…”

Erimaya looks at Hekate, and then at Daniel and Aramellianna. She is still distraught at the notion, but, she looks down, fidgeting. “Wh-What if Mother and Father wish to remain independent? W-... What would happen then?”

“We’ll negotiate, sweet child,” replies Ryuogriar. “The thing this otherworlder king refused to do.”

Reignleif adds, “The east is not formally at war with the Fievegal, since we’re not recognized as sovereign yet. However, we are in negotiations with Sundenelle. To attack unprovoked and without warning is why we’ll be invading.”

Erimaya fidgets, but she nods. “I… I won’t stand in your way… even if I could.”

Hekate approaches Erimaya, kneeling to take the princess’s hands. “Eri… You are my precious friend. If you would stop being my friend because of this, I wouldn’t do it. But, we NEED to do something about Rikuto and his weapon. If he is allowed to continue using it in open warfare, he could do a lot more damage than anything we’ll do in an invasion. I promise.”

“If you can convince your family to depose him and hand him over as a prisoner, as well as anyone involved in constructing that weapon, then we won’t need to invade,” points out Daniel.

Aramellianna refutes the idea with, “You’re talking about almost every magic artisan and artificer in the kingdom, and some on loan from other kingdoms. You will not be granted that wish.”

“If Erimaya believes she can, then I will allow her to write a letter to that effect, and even meet with them in person. You’re also not actually our prisoner, Erimaya, so if you so wish, we’ll return you home, but we’ll be right behind with the invasion.”

Erimaya nods. “I… I trust you, Daniel… A-A-And…” She looks at Hekate. “I trust Hekate… I won’t help you invade, but I won’t stand in your way…”

Hekate nods. “I won’t betray your trust. Rikuto and the weapon are our goal. We will not cause any collateral damage ourselves.”

Wenlianna adds after a little bit, “Sooo… if we’re going to invade… Should we also get the artifact?”

“That will depend on how the conflict goes. If we have to conquer the castle, then of course. If the royal family surrenders without a fight, then we’ll negotiate for it.”

“I’ll send word to the guard and Yanidere’s husband. I… assume, during our ‘negotiations’, Emperor Daniel, you will allow us to reside in accommodations. If not, the airship…”

Hekate crosses her arms as she leans back in her chair. “The welcome will always be, ‘Grandmother Aramellianna’. You can have the same room as before. Let us know if you need anything.” The young feldrok empress puts her hands together at the fingertips in front of her face, looking directly at Wenlianna with a devious smirk.

Wenlianna smiles sheepishly. Aramellianna hums approvingly of Hekate’s remark, saying, “I appreciate that, your Greatness. That is the most generous title I could ever be given at this stage of my life.” She gives Wenlianna a thumbs up, and Wenlianna covers her face even more, embarrassed to be teased so obviously in front of everyone, even if it is true. Daniel chuckles at the matronly woman making an Earth gesture at an appropriately awkward time.

Daniel then says, “Your Grace, I do have an offer to make the Grand Duchy of Stalvaltan.”

She looks at him. “Oh?” asks the Grand Duchess coyly.

“We’re working on establishing a monetary economy for the Fievegal, and we need workers and resources, as well as tradesmen. If you’d like, we could establish a branch territory and estate for the Stalvaltan family in the Fievegal. In exchange, you’ll initiate trade on a macro level between the Fievegal and the Grand Duchy over time, establishing shops, professions, and trades that can elevate the economic potential of both.”

She smiles. “I had assumed the trade would go without saying. But, if you are offering us our own estate within walking distance of my grandchild, I am certainly not going to refuse.”

“Glad to hear it. We’ll have you work with Xyreko, Shek, and Skloe once you’re settled in. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go begin reassessing what equipment we have to launch the invasion and a few other things. Ladies, please help the Grand Duchess and her family settle in.”

“Thank you,” replies Aramellianna. “My wisdom and experience are at your disposal, your Imperial Grace.”

Daniel bows and makes his way out of the room to check on Ahok first, who is still unconscious. He then checks the alchemy lab where the potation brewers are making various potations. He makes polite greetings with the various brewers and alchemists as he heads for the Chief Scientist’s station. The Uhl’tall chief scientist is the one working on the revival potations, and he greets Daniel with a polite bow after rising from his seat.

“Apologies for interrupting, Tyarul.”

“Not at all, your Grace! I am wise enough to reach a stopping point if I was in the middle of something critical. How may I be of service?”

“I doubt the word has spread far yet, but… Choul… will need a revival potation. He’s in storage for now, but… he’s in bad shape.”

“I-I see, my Emperor… Forgive me. I… I have been taking additional time to ensure…”

“Quality, Tyarul. I want one hundred percent effectiveness. He’ll be alright in storage. I’m not here to rush you, even if I want to. I just wanted an estimate on completion time. Specifically at your current pace.”

Tyarul looks at the various vials, containers, canisters, and drip pots around him, as well as the various liquids and magic crystals. He replies, “If I can borrow the chief of manufacturing, Clenduiris, she has comparable brewing talent to my own, and we’ll be able to finish at least one by Seconday.”

Daniel tries to remember what day it is, and Tyarul says gently, “T-Today is Eighday, your Grace. The third day after today.”

Daniel nods, “Thank you.” He is the reason they are using the eastern week breakdown of 9 days, conveniently enough named in the Eastern Imperial Trade language as contractions of the position in the week and the word for ‘day’. Thankfully, the Uhl’tall especially, are quick to adapt to Daniel’s needs, and he has it on his list to make more effort to learn the other languages around him, though everyone spoils him by speaking Eastern Trade.

“I'll inform her immediately. Do we have enough ingredients to continue producing beyond what you’re currently working on?”

“I’m afraid not, your Grace. That we have been able to produce as many as we have is good fortune. That is why I have been so careful with the current ingredients to maximize our production. We lost one, so there are nine that should be complete next week. Apologies for my incompetence.”

Daniel chuckles. “I can't do what you do. That you have nine nearly complete successes in such a delicate process is acceptable. That's why I want you to take your time and finish them correctly.”

“Of course, your Grace. With additional hands, the same care can be taken, but increase the speed a little. As for more, I have one of my juniors searching archives for sourcing locations for the necessary ingredients, and another scouting information sources in our former village. If I have any updates, I will relay the information to you immediately.”

“Thank you. Let me know as soon as the first one is complete. I’ll go inform Clenduiris to report here as soon as possible.”

“By your will, my noble Emperor.”

Daniel nods, turning around to exit the lab, only to be startled by a person who has apparently been standing behind him without his knowledge for a long time.

“Jesus Chr-...!” yelps Daniel in English, taking a moment to relax. He returns to Imperial Trade when he speaks again. “You scared the crap out of me, Doephluev.”

She bows with a soft, amused smile, “Forgive me, Master. That was the furthest thing from my intent.”

Daniel sighs. “Did you need something? Shouldn’t you be assisting the others to receive the Grand Duchess?”

She replies politely, “I was chased off by her Imperial Greatness Hekate and her Illustrious Grace Geirahoel. And, I am your servant first before anyone else, Master.”

Daniel rolls his eyes. “Fine. But, did you have to stand so close?”

“Forgive me, Master. If I am overzealous, it is only because I wish to be the best servant I can be.”

“I’d rather you relax a little.” He starts to walk past her, somewhat remarking sarcastically, “Of course, you’d be supremely helpful in this instant if you know any alternative ingredients to revival potations or spells to revive individuals.”

She replies as she falls into step a few steps behind him, “If you are asking, Master, I can’t help with spells, and I don’t know enough about the runemagic used on me, but there are ingredients that can substitute the ones that we currently have shortages of.”

Daniel comes to a stop, and he turns to look at her. He doesn’t say anything immediately, gauging whether or not he believes her. She smiles innocently, patiently waiting on him to ask or say something.

“Like what?” asks Daniel.

“It’s highly dangerous, but ignityal can be used in lieu of astyrus nectar and garphallilux. It just has to be diluted more and kept cooler. Also, crawdiste carapaces contain a unique trait that can ferment potations more efficiently, and can increase the tolerance of quality of the ingredients some.”

“Crawdiste?” asks Daniel. “Isn’t that the amphibious crustacean people of the east.”

She hesitates, replying softly, “They shed their carapace shells. Though, it would need to be fresh.”

The human mechanic sighs. “What about ignityal. Isn’t that…?”

“The fluid that dragons produce for their natural flame breath. Yes, Master. It’s extremely volatile, especially under even low heat, so it’s dangerous to use, and even more dangerous to obtain.” She smiles at Daniel with a teasing playfulness, though her tone remains sincere and serious. “For most, anyways.”

Daniel looks over her, since he is tall enough to still see Tyarul, who has been listening. “Is what she says true?”

Tyarul looks down at his equipment for a moment, pondering the question. He then looks to Daniel again. “I have never done it myself, and I have never had the opportunity to analyze ignityal, since Dragons don’t just give it out. If you are able to get me some to analyze, it may open up a lot of chemical mixes, including substituting the two most critical bottleneck ingredients.”

“I’ll ask the Empresses, then.” He then looks at Doephluev, speaking directly to her, “If you are telling the truth, I’ll be very grateful for your suggestion.”

She smiles warmly, adding in her feminine way when she wants something, “If you’d prefer, Master, I will happily perform the work once you obtain some ignityal. I’m probably not as experienced as Lord Tyarul, but I have worked with ignityal before. I am confident in my dexterity.”

Daniel studies her for a moment. When they met, she was a very cocky and hostile enemy, and she is extremely dangerous with her magical prowess. But, ever since Ryuogriar made her proposal in order to restore the archoneldwyn to prevent them from going extinct, Doephluev has been surprisingly docile, though she always seems to be scheming something.

Daniel is cautious, but if what she says is true, and ignityal can supplement needs for the rarer ingredients -even if not all of them-, then they have the strong potential to secure the future of the Fievegal and make it easier for Daniel to relax. It's not quite a cure-all to death, but can save lives if they can get to the bodies quickly enough, and Daniel has access to a nigh-unlimited supply of ignityal, assuming the dragons are willing to donate it when they aren’t in combat.

Of course, they’ll also have to figure out how to collect it safely.

***