Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 110: The Mechanic and the Scratched

Daniel carries his luggage to the shuttle that he’s preparing for the trip to Mattarglos. He has permission from the Fievegal inner circle to leave his house arrest, though he’ll obviously be escorted by most of his new friends, including Neith, his primary male friend on Zenkon.

The shuttles aren’t the most comfortable form of travel, but they’re fast and effective, requiring little space to take off and land, and able to close a great distance faster than riding on a dragon.

Thymeria, Illianna, Shek, Skloe, and the children will be remaining at the Citadel, while the four Empresses, Gwenesphia, Treia, Kera’tai, Aoloan, Doephluev, and Vaergraes will be accompanying Daniel to witness his duel and establish friendly relations with Mattarglos, if possible.

Just as Daniel is turning to pick up the next crate, he halts.

Grand Duchess Aramellianna is entering the hangar with her usual guards, though her daughters appear to be elsewhere. She walks with a grace that Daniel could never hope to complement, let alone match. She carries her head high, no matter where she is going or what she is doing. 

She approaches Daniel without any hint of having other business, and he hesitates, straightening to receive her. “Grand Duchess.”

“Your Grace.” The guards with her bow respectfully to Daniel… in spite of his many protests.

Daniel simply sighs quietly. “Anything I can help you with, Mother?”

“In fact you can, dear Daniel.” She passes him, inspecting the shuttle for a moment. “You are heading to the territory of Mattarglos, are you not?”

“I am. Myself and a handful of others.”

“I see.” She peeks in the back of the shuttle, where the seats are much like the coach seats of an airline. “It seems quite crowded in these shuttles of yours.”

“It serves the purpose,” replies Daniel respectfully, watching as she studies the seating.

“This won’t do at all. We’ll take my airship. It is much more spacious.”

“‘We’, Mother?”

She smiles at him and nods. “Of course. Did you think I would miss out on an important diplomatic trip to Mattarglos?” She muses, “I hear the confections of Mattarglos are uniquely flavored, thanks to the honey produced by a species of insect found only in Mattarglos. I’m looking forward to trying it.”

“If that’s the case, Mother, we should try brewing with this honey. A whiskey I liked on Earth used honey as a flavoring, and it was quite good.”

She smirks. She’s not a heavy alcohol drinker since he introduced her, but she does have the occasional wine with dinner, and she has tried Daniel’s rum. “Interesting… Then, we have a mutual reason for going.”

“Actually, Mother, I have a reason for going. Yours… doesn’t seem like a good idea.”

Her expression dims to that of slight disgust, as if he insulted her by countering her. “Hmm? And, you would go to this place with your entire harem, which includes my eldest daughter?”

Daniel twitches, stammering a little. “I… well… you see…”

“I know you wield a great deal of influence because you make decisions swiftly and with confidence. Admirable, of course. My late husband was the same way. But…” She grins at him wickedly. “The real power lies in those you wish to make happy. Those whose opinions you will always consider, unless your own decision is resolute. I expect you will have a great deal of trouble refusing me, my dear, sweet son.”

Daniel sighs. She’s not wrong. While he could put his foot down on the matter, Wenlianna is not the only one who will likely argue for Aramellianna’s presence on the trip, especially once she makes the extremely logical and simple argument that she has much more diplomatic experience than anyone in the Fievegal. Leaving her behind would almost be foolish more than wise. 

Daniel asks without trying to sound suspicious, since he’s just curious, “Mother, I am fine with you going, though I can’t guarantee your safety as much as if you stay here…”

“I am well aware, my dear son.” She pets his cheek gently, which Daniel notices seems to be abnormal, from what he has seen. Aramellianna isn’t usually physically affectionate, though it’s meaningful when she is. He suspects she’s trying to make up for lost time with him, as much as to ensure he has more and more loyalty to both the world of Zenkon, as well as the Stalvaltan family.

He adds, “May I ask why you wish to go? What you hope to gain? Word of your affiliation with us might…”

“You’re intending to either win over Mattarglos as allies or at least earn their neutrality. And, I am most confident that Rikuto already has some idea what’s going on, since I’ve been ignoring him for months now, except to sell him enhanced magic crystals. The stock of which will run out soon, since my territory has been captured.” She smiles deviously at Daniel. She’s awfully cavalier with the fact that she’s now a traitor, never hesitating to tease Daniel that her entire legacy and family are in his hands now. 

No pressure.

The Grand Duchess adds seriously, “I think you know me well enough now, Daniel. What you might not know is that, while Mattarglos is an ally to the Empire, they are insular as a nation. I hope to expand the Grand Duchy’s influence into the territories of Mattarglos, and increase the wealth of the Stalvaltan family.” She looks out the hangar bay doors at the horizon, hazily obscured by the humidity in the sky. “I suspect I’ve never talked to you about my family. I don’t talk about them much to my own daughters. No reason other than I just typically keep my own self reserved.” She is quiet for a moment, and Daniel waits patiently. “I am obviously a member of the Stalvaltan family now. They are my life, and even if Stalvaltan blood doesn’t run through my veins, I have dedicated my life to protecting the legacy of my beloved husband.” She smiles tenderly, looking rather unguarded compared to her normal self. “I was born a countess’s daughter, of the County of Phenglegorn. My grandfather was a skillful businessman, and he built our wealth and taught me many things. My parents… squandered that wealth and ruined the county shortly after I was married.” She scoffs. “Maybe treachery runs in my blood…” She looks at Daniel. “I learned what I know from my grandfather. My parents destroyed it because they became greedy and foolish. They tried shorting taxes to the kingdom for years, and it finally caught up to them. I was spared ruination due to my marriage. And, I vowed to myself two things; I would never betray the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy, and I would seek out every opportunity I can to increase the Stalvaltan wealth or influence. That includes making contact with the untapped territories of Mattarglos. Especially if my newest and greatest ally to date finds worth in doing so.”

“You have to know if you already knew about the plan…”

“That the mission is largely personal for Lady Gwenesphia and Miss Treia? I am aware, you are correct. If I leave empty-handed, then it is no great loss. But, if I can find business opportunities that few others have been able to make use of, we stand to gain.”

Daniel nods. “I understand. Thank you for sharing, Mother.”

She smiles and cups his cheek once more. “You know I seek to use you, but you should also know that I deeply trust you, Daniel. I was not blessed with sons of my own, no matter how long my husband and I tried. I am thankful that you have allowed me this.”

“Your daughters are all wonderful, Mother.”

She immediately teases deviously, “Now now, Daniel. Indeed, only two of my daughters other than Wenlianna are claimed, but you can’t seriously expect me to give you my youngest two as well, can you?” She feigns deep thought as Daniel simply rolls his eyes. “Though… Three daughters married to the Emperor increases the chances of an heir of Stalvaltan blood…”

“I’m afraid I have my hands full, Mother. And, I’m happy for it. I won’t try to impose Earth customs on anyone here, but I would be happy to debate the differences with someone like you.”

She smiles. “I am certain I would like that.” She then turns more normally serious, asking, “Now then, when are we departing for Mattarglos? I shall have my staff begin preparing the airship at once.”

Daniel looks at the shuttle. He replies, a little dejected at his wasted effort, “I was planning to leave tomorrow afternoon. The shuttle can make it to Mattarglos in about two hours.”

This impresses Aramellianna, and she smiles. “I see. Your shuttles truly are quite interesting. I suppose speed is the trade off for comfort, yes?”

“Yes. And, efficiency. The magic crystals seem to hold charge long enough to make at least twenty trips of a similar distance, where I hear from Wenlianna the airship will need to haul crystals to be swapped out in flight.”

“Indeed, it is true. It is no small matter, but it pays to have a mansion in the sky.” She smiles, adding, “Very well, we will leave tomorrow morning. I believe the airship should still be able to arrive by the afternoon. Will this work for you?”

“Sure. Especially if I get to relax during the trip.”

“Indeed. And, why don’t you bring one of your shuttles as well. One that can fit all of us. We can depart the airship while the crew takes the time to land. This way, both speed and comfort are available to us upon arrival.”

“Sounds good. I’ll let Xyreko know.”

Just as she’s about to depart, Daniel asks, “Mother, may I ask you one more thing?”

She turns and smiles. “Of course. Anything I can, I shall answer.”

“Please take no offense, since I’ve only been curious, and I suspect I know the answer. I have no doubts in your love for the Grand Duke, may he rest in peace…” Daniel hesitates a little, beginning to doubt if he should finish his question.

“You’re wondering if I ever considered remarriage for political reasons, or if I ever had a second love?”

Daniel nods. “Either. And, please forgive me if it is none of my business.”

“Perhaps it is…” teases Aramellianna playfully. “Perhaps it has crossed your mind to court me as well, hmm?”

Before Daniel can answer, she waves her hand, giggling. “I know. I’m teasing you.” She answers sincerely, “I have had many offers, obviously. Many suitors are always trying to curry favor. They even tried to marry me to the Grand Prince of the Empire, saying things about duty and responsibility. But, two things would happen in any of those cases. The Stalvaltan name would no longer belong to the Stalvaltan family, and a male heir could all but surely seize the name and assets. Especially if my daughters all marry out of the family.”

“Couldn’t you adopt the sons that marry your daughters to keep them as the heirs?”

“In a way, yes. But, in practice, this still means that my husband’s legacy goes to someone who is likely more interested in their own legacy than that of the Stalvaltan family.” She smiles softly. “Of course, it would be easy to say that I could have done the same thing, but my family is no longer a threat, and I have been baptized in the love and strength of the Grand Duchy of Stalvaltan. I would die to protect the Stalvaltan legacy… as well as the legacy of my Yaandrestar.” She is clutching her chest, and tears start to glisten at the corners of the iron-willed matriarch’s eyes.

Daniel reacts without thinking, and he embraces her in a hug. And, this time, it is the Grand Duchess of Stalvaltan who finally has herself a good cry.

After she has settled down, she sniffles, and Daniel provides her with a cloth to wipe her tears and nose with. “I would appreciate it *sniff* if you and I could keep this conversation to ourselves. You know how it is.” She sniffles again.

Daniel nods. “Of course, Mother. Take all the time you need to compose yourself.”

“Thank you.” She nods, taking some calming breaths. “I feel safe leaving the fate of the Grand Duchy and the Stalvaltan name in your hands, Daniel. Safer than anyone I’ve met thus far. You have no ambitions of greed or self-promotion. You have a strong sense of fairness and justice. And, some of the concepts of your world intrigue me, of which I hope we can discuss much further. And, perhaps, once the Grand Duchy is stable and secure once more, I’ll consider using my remaining years before I go through the matronly change to try for an heir to the Phenglegorn name, and restore my birth family’s legacy as well.” She smiles, adding playfully, “Or, simply more Stalvaltan children, since I like the family and name much better.”

Daniel chuckles. “Anything I can do for you, Mother, is at your disposal.”

“Thank you. I’ll take you up on that.”

Daniel watches her leave and resumes loading the shuttle, since they’ll be landing with it anyways. He hasn’t inspected the airship much, other than from the outside, so he’s curious just how much of her statement about it being a mansion in the sky is accurate. 

Knowing her, it’ll be a true statement.

***

Rikuto looks out over the southern lands extending away from the castle and the capital city. He can’t see even the border of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy from this distance, but he knows where it is. He’s not sure what he’s looking for, but obvious signs of treachery would be nice. He’s not entirely sure how he’d handle the Stalvaltan Guard, but all Aramellianna has to do is resume cooperating, and bloodshed can be avoided.

And, if not, then the assets of the Grand Duchy will be forfeit.

He looks at the void artillery stationed on the castle walls aimed towards the south. It took a lot of effort to lift the two onto the round turrets of the castle defensive structure, but it will allow them to intercept dragons if need be, and they’ll be able to rotate the artillery pieces to attempt to intercept wherever they might land to engage the defensive forces.

It’s not perfect, but Rikuto doesn’t have the knowledge to make firearms the way Daniel does. He understands some of the basic mechanisms, but even the mages are struggling to keep the barrels from splitting and the cannons from exploding, nevermind being able to make moveable cannons for defense.

And, then, to scale that down…

Rikuto slams his fist against the wall. Damn! Why is he doing this? Daniel claimed he wanted to lay low and avoid causing trouble or changing the world too much. And instead, he’s making Mornistae threaten to fracture into pieces. Not to mention the nukes.

Rikuto looks at his pain-stricken hand, and he flexes it to make sure it’s still alright. He uses healing magic to recover himself, feeling better at once.

No matter. I have magic, and he doesn’t. And, I’ve learned a lot about how to use it since the last time we met. There’s no way he can anticipate it, so if I can just get him close, I can stop him.

Rikuto’s eyes track movement racing into the castle; a squadron of knights on the backs of buckrokhs. “Finally…” He makes his way out and through the castle to meet the knights. He is just exiting into the courtyard as the knights are dismounting. One of them reports to the Captain of the Knights, while another notices Rikuto approaching.

“All hail his Majesty!” The knights pivot and kneel together, and Rikuto calls out, “Rise, my knights. I’m more interested in the report right now.”

“Yes, your Majesty.” Everyone in the courtyard, including the knights, rise from their kneel. 

“What do have for me?” asks Rikuto without nonsense.

“Yes.” The leading knight of the squadron hands over a scroll. “This is a rough map with anomalies around Fort Twilight.”

“The shape of the crater… has it been altered?”

“Yes, your Majesty. It appears that intense heat was used to alter the shape of the crater.”

“I see… Intense heat you say.” Definitely Daniel and his dragons. He clearly has them on a leash, and he’s using the alteration to the crater to make it obvious what happened. Or, so he thinks. His weapons and his dragons are an easy scapegoat for the appearance of the crater. My reports should be reaching the Empire any time now.

“Any signs of the dragons or Daniel?”

“Nothing immediate, my King. We scoured the area, but there were no definite signs of the stay-behind team or the scouts sent to investigate before. We found blood and armor pieces, but as the expeditionary force reported during the firing of the void artillery, many enemies appeared with demon staves and demon wands, and many soldiers were hit. It’s unknown what became of the bodies.”

“I see.” Demon staves and demon wands. It’s an understandable name to assign to such weapons, which hadn’t existed in this world until Daniel. Most of the wisest scholars still have no idea how they function, and assume it’s some sort of magic of this rumored ‘Feldrok Sorcerer’ or ‘The Harbinger of Calamity’. Rikuto can’t help but scoff as he thinks of Daniel’s nicknames.

So, you’re a chuunibyo [Jap.: emo/edgelord], are you Daniel? Figures, with an American.

“Have we had any word from the team sent to the south?”

“None, sire,” replies the Captain. “Would you like the recon squadron to go?”

Rikuto thinks for a moment. In two different directions, when he sends scouts, they seem to be disappearing.

As much as I don’t want it to be true, the most likely explanation is that Aramellianna is covering up her treachery. Or, even worse yet, an invasion from the sea.

“No. Begin calling in the First through Fifth battalions.”

This shocks all of the knights present. “The army?” asks the Captain.

“Yes. I said no more half-measures, and I meant it. If we’re not seeing a return of scouts, then something is wrong. We must secure the Grand Duchy to ensure no greater losses occur.”

“If that is your command, your Majesty, so it shall be.” The captain straightens and begins shouting out orders. “Let’s go! Get the word out! Begin forming up the Royal Army at the southern perimeter of the city! Our enemy is powerful, and there is no time to lose!”

“Yes Captain! Your Majesty!” The knights bow briefly before jogging to their respective tasks.

The Captain stays behind to ask quietly, “Your Majesty, I understand that the demon-kin defending the Citadel have performed a seemingly impenetrable defensive battle, but offense is very different. Dragons have held back for a long time. It’s possible their offensive might has been exaggerated to a degree, Sire.”

“Hmm… I wonder…” Rikuto is mindful of the crater, and the large conical distortion drawn on the map. It’s a sketch, but if the scale is even remotely close to the actual thing, the dragons were able to drastically alter the landscape with just their fire breath. And, he saw the reports about the damage done to Fort Peony when Daniel held off a dragon; it melted through the defensive wall with ease.

Mornistae’s capital will be putting up a fight with a much larger army, but the offensive power of the dragons alone is nothing to underestimate. Not to mention Daniel’s firearms, which he likely has the ability to scale already. If he were to simply put tank cannons on the backs of his dragons, flying tanks would be a near-literal possibility. Or, even flying fortresses.

Fortunately, there is one weapon even I am able of bringing against the dragons.

“Captain,” calls out Rikuto.

“Yes, my King?”

“Begin staging the scorpions and missile launchers. And, order the advanced mage corps to assemble as well.”

“Of course, your Majesty.”

Rikuto looks at the warehouse he had built to experiment on what things he knew how to develop. The main focus was the void artillery, since it’s the only thing they could build to counter Daniel’s atomic weaponry. As for the ‘missile’ launchers, it’s not what he would associate with the term from Earth, necessarily. It’s more akin to the basic definition of ‘missile’, in the sense that it’s a magic device that launches projectiles. In this case, the projectiles are specially rigged magic crystals with fire magic. In simple terms, they’re explosive arrows using a standard magic crystal as the explosive warhead. With the right mages present, the bolts can be guided to some degree. The missile launchers require a larger crew, and the operators have to be fairly advanced in magic usage. With the scorpions, which are enhanced versions of what this world already uses, just a single operator is capable of launching a spear-sized projectile at even airborne targets, though usually the scorpion teams consist of at least a loader and a firing operator.

Dragons are the most obvious enemy, but they’re not the only enemy, and the alternative ammunition for the missile launchers will be a sort of MIRV-style warhead that breaks apart after firing, barraging an area with explosions.

What will you do, Daniel? It’s clear you survived Fort Twilight, however you did it. But, you’re not the only one from Earth here. I have my pride as a Japanese, as well as the university I went to. And there, I learned more about warfare than an untrained mechanic ever would. 

Daniel knows how to be a versatile tinkerer, but all of his ‘wisdom’ is artificial. He only knows how to adapt his strange knowledge from Earth. He doesn’t have what it takes to govern or to run an economy, or to adapt to the unknown when all of his tricks go up in smoke.

***

Sundenelle reads the letter she received most recently from the Citadel, sitting on the edge of her seat as the messenger who brought it, a young shenwulf woman, nervously waits patiently for further instructions. They went through the precautionary steps, just to be safe, so Sundenelle has the two halves of the letter sprawled on her desk, and her expression is ponderous to anyone but her Mother.

Byleathea, for her part, is sipping tea nearby as she awaits the Empress’s response.

“[Dear Empress Sundenelle kos Lindenmorg,

I have received your messenger and understand your position. At this time, the Fievegal has no evidence linking the attack on Fort Twilight to the Empire, so in regards to the Empire, no additional changes of plan or moves will be made until further investigation is completed.

Likewise, the known culprits are being dealt with. I sincerely ask that you stay out of the way of our investigations and restitution. Many of our own fell to this ruthless attack, including one of our prized generals, so this has become a personal matter for us.

Mukori- Emperor Daniel is still awaiting a formal reply regarding the earlier matter discussed, though I personally will not blame you if you feel intimidated into refusing. 

Regardless, that is not the matter to be discussed now. In regards to Fort Twilight, it appears an incredibly dangerous magic weapon has been developed in the east, and this destruction was meant to showcase its power. I urge you to take caution when dealing with the owner of this weapon.

I send my best regards, Empress Sundenelle.

Sincerely yours,

Empress Ryuogriar gur Lawson,

Second Empress of the Citadel,

FIrst Dragon Empress

Proud Mother to the first of many dragon offspring to come.

P.S.- I included the part about me being a mother because I wish to boast. Mukori will not mind.

Fare thee well,

Until our next correspondence.]”

The message is admittedly simple and straightforward, but Sundenelle reads over it a couple of times to be sure she doesn’t miss anything. One thing has caught her eye and has her thoughts churning. She hands the letter over to Byleathea, requesting, “Lady Byleathea, please read this and give me your thoughts.”

“Of course, my Illustrious Empress.” Byleathea sets her tea down and receives the letter, reading over it with a stoic expression as well

Meanwhile, Sundenelle thinks out loud. “One word stood out to me more than the others; ‘Mukori’. This ‘Ryuogriar’ scratched it out the first time, but did not do so the second. Could it be some sort of code for someone? Perhaps a secret name belonging to Daniel?”

“I… can confirm that it is a name or title that was used about Daniel, your Imperial Majesty. The ones calling themselves ‘Dragon Empresses’ and carrying eggs around used the name often while I was delivering the message and awaiting a response, and it always seemed to exclusively refer to Daniel, though I can’t say for certain.”

Sundenelle nods as she absorbs the information. If I didn’t miss anything through that narrow illusion spell during the audience, there were three such women carrying eggs, implying three Dragon Empresses, if I have to take a guess. What could that term mean?

“Who else received you? What sort of staff did he have? And, why was the reply not written by Daniel?”

“There were five women present, your Grace. No Daniel. But, Hekate was present and spoke a lot, though very little of the information seems useful.”

Yes, the little black-haired fox girl. She seems to have a talkative personality, but she doesn’t seem to be a complete fool. “Who else?”

“A fourth woman I presumed to be a dragon, but I took her more as a lady in waiting, rather than an Empress like the three that were at the audience. Her color was a rose-pink for starters, including pink hair, metallic pink horns, and a deep pink reptilian tail like the other three. If we’re assuming the three reptilian women are in fact dragons in disguise, I am confident this woman was as well. The name they gave was ‘Roeta, Einherjar of the Fievegal’. Your illustrious Grace.”

“Ayn… hair… yar?” repeats Sundenelle thoughtfully, not knowing the word.

“That is how she was introduced, your illustrious Majesty.”

“It must be something from Daniel’s world… The meaning could be anything, though.” She sighs. “No use speculating on Daniel’s language or choice of titles. Anything else you can tell me about the dragons?”

“They… were surprisingly polite, your Grace. Prideful, but not disrespectful.”

“I see…” She looks to Byleathea, who has finished reading the letter herself. 

“From what we briefly witnessed at the audience, and this letter, I sense the same, your Grace.” Byleathea hands the letter back after giving her thoughts. “More concerning, from my perspective; it seems that Daniel and his… ahem… ladies already know who the culprit is with certainty, yet they did not explicitly name them.”

“My best guess is that it’s King Rikuto of Mornistae. He’s the only other otherworlder in our world at present, at least that we know of. And, this unprecedented power could only be the work of either Daniel or Rikuto.”

“As we discussed before, your Grace, we can not rule out other forces for certain. It was only last time that we speculated Daniel could have done it as a bad-faith self-attack.”

“Even if he wished to simply make the mountains virtually impassable to us, which is ironically one of the smartest decisions he could make, I believe he would have communicated that, rather than faking an assassination attempt.”

“But, how would Mornistae have learned of Daniel’s presence at Fort Twilight? It happened so shortly after, he would have had to have received word almost the the day after.”

Sundenelle sighs. “Don’t put it past intelligence networks.” She thinks as she looks at the two halves of parchment with the message on it. One of the dragons replied to the message, rather than Daniel. It’s just what Daniel would say as well, though, so it seems the dragons have the same interests as Daniel, but for some reason he was indisposed enough not to meet with the messenger.

“Alright. Let’s see if we can fish for more information.” She drafts a letter, offering to assist in the investigation, and sends it out with the messenger. She did her best to include subtle questions inquiring about Daniel, who the attacker might be, and if they intend to rebuild Fort Twilight, she will endeavor to get her own workers in on the project to acquire the methods and technology of an otherworlder.

Just as she's ready to leave for her next order of business, a different messenger comes in. This messenger has bandages on his head, and his left arm is in a sling. His clothing is slit in several places. He coughs, wearily making his report. “Your Majesty… Forgive my unsightly appearance. I have only narrowly returned…”

“Your mission?” asks the guard at the entrance.

“I am one of the messengers sent to the Citadel to make contact with the otherworlder Daniel. We… were attacked.”

“Attacked?” asks Byleathea, concern in her voice. “But, we just received…”

“Tell me more,” replies Sundenelle, cutting off her mother. Byleathea glances at her, shocked by the Empress’s apparent disinterest in the fact that another messenger was just present.

But, of course, Sundenelle is thinking the opposite.

“A group of us approached the Citadel, and no sooner did we meet with Daniel did he send his dragons upon us, your Grace. I narrowly escaped, and I rushed back here.”

“I see. You did well to make it this far.”

“Thank you, your Majesty.”

“If I may, your Imperial Majesty,” starts Byleathea.

Sundenelle looks directly into her mother’s eyes, giving her a serious gaze that causes Byleathea to flinch lightly. “This brave messenger is weary from his harrowing journey, Mother. I believe it will be better to get more details later when he has had time to straighten his thoughts and recover.” She looks at the messenger. “What is your name, brave messenger?”

“Gintor, your Grace.”

“Gintor, go and rest, and make a more detailed report first thing tomorrow. You shall be rewarded.”

“Thank you, your Imperial Majesty! You honor me!” The messenger bows and makes his way out crisply. The room is silent, shocked by Sundenelle’s response. No sooner is he out of earshot does the Empress say quietly, “Have that man followed and begin spreading rumors among the servants that we are going to begin calling in the army to march on the Citadel.”

“Y-Your Grace?” asks her senior guard.

“Did you notice the slashes on his clothes?”

“Other than it looks like he narrowly escaped an attacker with a sword.”

“He said the dragons attacked. I can’t imagine any of the messengers we sent surviving an attack by dragons, nor escaping. Additionally,” she gestures at the letter. “This reads like what I know of the letters I exchanged with Daniel, just from a woman’s slightly altered perspective. This is a genuine letter from Ryuogriar, the white dragon.” She points at the door where Gintor passed through moments ago. “That was a man with clean cuts from a dagger and minor injuries from a fistfight.”

Byleathea and the guard both gasp, and Byleathea whispers, “You think… his report was staged?”

Sundenelle smirks. “Let’s find out who he talks to after this, and where he goes with the next message I’ll be sending.”

“As you wish, your Grace,” replies the guard. He steps out of the room briefly to order his juniors to find and tail Gintor until proper spies can take up the tracking. Sundenelle looks at her mother. “Mother, I am beginning to believe Daniel and his companions know more about our own circumstances better than we do.”

***