Chapter Text
-di Cratez Castle, Infirmary-
“How is he?”
“He’s out of the worse of it.” Argeni reported to her commander. “I can’t believe you took time out of your schedule to come here, General. Especially with Valm in the state its in and with what you've been caught up in the middle of all of it.”
“Yes, but thankfully it’s not as bad as it could be.” Pheros said, sighing in relief. “Walhart might have thought himself to be inexorable, but luckily the people of Valm were more caught up in his legend than the man himself. Dying, especially in a noble sacrifice to save the capitol, just added fuel to the fire. Patriotism is running rampant. We’ve still got the riots, but they’re for the Empire, not against it. Which still isn’t good, but not as bad as the alternative.”
“Bet he predicted that, huh.” Zulas sighed. “I didn’t read the full pamphlet, just the outlines. Trust Robin to have a plan for that.”
The pamphlet he was referring to was part of a set that Robin had distributed as ‘emergency orders’ and turned out to be a disguised version of orders in the event that Walhart died. It seemed the Crimson Tactician was prepared for everything, though his orders weren’t absolute.Upon searching his possessions, Argeni hadalso found several other sets of orders, including for ones where he died, Pheros died, every general in Valm died, and a few other ones that made the current situation seem manageable by comparison.
“They indicated that we could tap into a fervor by calling for national mourning.” Pheros said. “I sent out the orders as fast as I could, alongside a condensed version of the story. I can’t say how all of Valm will react, but the funeral will be held a month after the death of Walhart.”
“Three weeks from tomorrow, then.” Argeni sighed. A mere six days had passed, and Robin still hadn't fully recovered. Even Morgaine, who brought him back, was at a loss for words about what exactly happened to him. She'd earned suspicion from everyone else for that, though if Morgaine had wanted Robin dead, Robin wouldn't have come back at all. “Excuse me, I’d like to go back inside his room and to continue healing him.”
“Denied.” Pheros said. “You’re drained, girl. I thought I taught you better. Know when you can help people and know when it’s all but impossible. I’ll take over. It’d be nice if he recovered.”
“And that’s the reason you came here, isn’t it?” Zulas asked. “What do you want with him?”
Once reports of the assassinations came through, and Morgaine had come riding back with Robin’s all-but-dead comatose body, he’d taken control and locked down the castle, before going on patrol with the Wolfguard. Argeni had remained and combined with the rest of the fortress’s healers had burnt through a quarter of the healing staves, barely managing to stabilize him. Order had returned to Valm, thanks to the absolute loyalty to the cause and the rigid structure in place, but with Walhart dead, Robin was technically the next in line for power, or at least to control it, since he was alive. With him unconscious, Pheros was next after him. As well as next after him if Robin died.
LikeArgeni said earlier, Pheros had risen to the occasion, sending out missives and orders, whipping the Empire into order, and calling for national mourning. Then she’d taken a host of her finest soldiers for protection, and ridden for the resting place of Robin: Zulas’s fortress.
“I’m not sure, honestly.” Pheros said. “I joined the Empire for Walhart, but now that he’s gone, I really have no idea of what to do.”
“Good news!” The door opened as Morgaine entered. Zulas noticed that she bore a suspiciously small amount of injuries. Is she in league with those assassins? Morgaine froze. “General Pheros!?”
“At ease.” Pheros said. She pushed her way past Morgaine, despite the woman’s protests. “If he’s awake, I’ll speak with him.”
“He’s not that awake!” Morgaine protested.
“Too bad.” Pheros said, turning around. “And it’s private. Certainly to you.”
-Infirmary-
Robin groaned. Normally he’d compare his wounds to getting hit by Wolf Berg, but these were actually caused by getting hit by Wolf Berg. So now he couldn’t even exaggerate his wounds to make himself feel better. And they hurt. A lot. He heard muted voices, and then an overwhelming amount of healing energy poured into his body, strengthening him, and overriding his pain.
“All right, I get the point.” Robin groaned and sat open, trying to open his eyes. He was partially successful. Oh, right. His left eye opened, to see a familiar blond-haired woman channeling healing magic into him. “Pheros!?”
“You seemed surprised.” Pheros said. “Are we not friends?”
“Well, we must be at this point.” Robin said, sitting up. He grit his teeth. Pheros's magic was strong and took away most of the pain. But he still felt like leftover rusted scrap metal. “Anyone with healing magic that strong can be my friend any day. What brings you here – well, wherever here is? A hospital, I assume.”
“What’s the last thing you remember?”
Inhale. I’ve got to take this slow. Start with things that are technically the truth. “Getting attacked. Telling Morgaine to get me help.” Robin grunted. “I see she was successful. I guess the attempt on my life failed.”
“Barely. You were unconscious for six days.” Pheros snorted, gesturing towards the mirror. “Have you taken a look at yourself.”
Robin lookedat the mirror and noted with bemusem*nt that he wasn’t wearing much clothing. Thankfully, his worst injuries were chest-related, and he was covered waist down by his blanket, but aside from bandages, his main injuries were exposed to let the healing magic take effect. Burn marks covered most of his chest, and he did have an X shaped scar on the center, like he suspected he would. His right eye was covered by bandages, but Robin could see the burns beneath it. Oddly, his left hand was bandaged, but he couldn’t remember sustaining an injury there.
On a normal day, he’d probably mind if a beautiful woman saw him half-naked. But this was anything but that, and he was pretty certain they didn’t have time to indulge in societal awkwardness.
“I look like Hell.” Robin dryly observed.
“Yes, I suppose you do.” Pheros started chuckling. “I’m glad to see you’re taking this well.”
“Tell you the truth, I was prepared for worse.” Robin coughed. “Ah, one of these days, that is. My luck’s never been the greatest, so I knew it’d catch up to me, and honestly it could have been worse. I do remember losing the eye, so that’s not as much of a shock. Not sure where all the burns came from, but I think I did some of them to stop the blood loss. Overall, I think I’m past the worse of it.”
“That’s good to hear.” Pheros smiled nervously. “Do you remember anything else?”
“My head hurts. I’m not as sharp as I usually am, but your healing spell and six days of bedrest did a good job of getting me back from a near death experience.” Robin said. “No, I take that back. It’s an alright job. But even that’s pushing the boundary of what can be expected. But you’re nervous, Pheros. And there would only be exceptional circ*mstances for you to visit me within six days of an injury. Or am I wrong? What happened that I missed out on?”
“No.” Pheros shook her head. “It’s … a bit worse than just you.”
“Right.” Robin said. “Those were dedicated assassins. They got awfully close to killing me. Remains of the rebels, I guess. Or maybe part of their backers. Now, tell me, who else did they target? I can see from those bandages on your arm that you were targeted. So let me make a few guesses. Cervantes. Ignatius. Oh, they didn’t go for any of my subordinates, did they?”
“Mostly wrong. And I would have been worse without Say’ri.” Pheros chuckled bitterly.
“Say’ri?” Robin blinked.
“You lent her to me for training.”
“Right!” Robin’s eyes snapped open. Can’t believe I forgot. “My luck isn’t that good. Ever. What else happened? Who did we lose?”
“Cervantes was killed, but no one was sent after Ignatius. In total, it seemed there were four targets. We’re the two survivors.”
“Cervantes was a target?” Robin frowned. “He’s nowhere near the same league as you or I, if there were only four targets. Besides, we both survived. I suppose his luck might have just ran out.”
“I don’t know why either.” Pheros said. “I thought you could tell me. Regardless, I regret to inform you that, aside from Morgaine who seemed to be mostly unharmed, your entire guard was killed.”
“All of them?” Robin sighed, dropping his head. “I mean, they pledged their lives to Valm but – not like that, you know. I thought I managed to get one or two to safety.”
“One did survive a bit, unfortunately he perished from his wounds shortly after.” Pheros said. “That’s what I was told, anyway.”
“No.” Robin grit his teeth. “Who else, Pheros? Who else?”
“I’m sorry, Robin.” Pheros said. “But do you remember that emergency manual you made?”
“The-” Robin blinked. “The attack on the capitol! I assumed it was a diversion, but you mean to tell me that it was a full-scale attack?”
“Somehow.” Pheros said. He eyes filled with tears. “It was well-prepared assault.”
“We’re the only survivors. They targeted Walhart.” Robin swallowed. “The Conqueror has fallen. Pheros … I’m so sorry.” I truly am. I wish it didn’t have to be this way.
“It’s …” A drop of water fell on Robin’s arm. “It’s fine.”
“No. It’s not.” Robin sat up, ignoring his body’s protest and placed his hand on Pheros’s shoulder. “Pheros, I swear that I will not let the Conqueror’s death be in vain. We were targeted so the Empire would fall, and I will do everything in my power to fulfill the Conquerors dream of uniting the world. You have my world.”
“Thank you.”
Robin was wholly unprepared for Pheros to suddenly embrace him. Is this...? No, I suppose it makes sense in this context. She didn’t worship Walhart, but he kind of was the replacement for her as something to believe in. That said, as the Empire’s third in command, she couldn’t deal with the grief, because of what she needed to do. But now that I’m conscious, I’m in charge. Which means that the weights off her shoulders and onto mine. Also … I’m pretty much the only person she can show weakness too, without causing them to panic. So, I suppose this is my fault.
Great. What am I supposed to do? Robin internally swore. Why don’t they make manuals for this!? I have a beautiful woman crying on me, and I have no idea what I can say to help her!But just as Robin was reaching the edge of panic, Pheros let go of him just as quickly and removed a handkerchief, cleaning her face. Within moments, the Valmese General was back to her austere and stern self.
“Thank you, Robin. I will hold you to that.”
“Pheros, we’re the two left alive.” Robin said. Guess she really can’t show weakness. Suppose I can’t either. “It doesn’t matter why. We have a duty to carry on the vision of Walhart, and unify the continent, the world, in a grand vision in his place. Don’t you know? A man isn’t dead as long as his name is spoken aloud.”
“Thank you, Robin.” Pheros inhaled several times. “I … needed that.”
“Good.” Robin said, stretching. “Take a few moments, while I see what I can do about my current state. It wouldn’t do for the two of us to be caught unprofessional.”
“Yes, your white-haired beauty wouldn’t like that, would she?” Pheros chuckled dryly. “I think I’m better, though. I didn’t get where I am by being overly emotional.”
Robin quickly located a loose pair of gray clothes, slipping on a pair of slacks and a shirt, leaving it open so it wouldn’t catch on his still-healing wounds. “That’s better.” Robin said, looking at his appearance. “The missing eye is going to be a problem.”
“It was completely incinerated. Nothing to heal from.” Pheros said. “How large of a problem is it?”
“Shouldn’t affect my tactical knowledge, but my combat ability?” Robin sighed. “I’m right handed. Magic should be fine, but I’ll have to adjust my fighting style. You are right that it was beyond saving from a healing perspective, even before I cauterized it.”
“You cauterized it yourself?” Pheros stared. “Is that what knocked you out?”
“You told me about a man who sold his eye for all the world’s knowledge a while back.” Robin said, thoughtfully. “I suppose I ended up paying that price. Before you think I’d some pain-loving masoch*st, I was using a dark magic technique to counteract it at the time. Of course, that didn’t stop the accumulating injuries from taking me out. But right now all we need is my tactical knowledge, so I’ll have to make do. General Pheros, where do we proceed from here? What’s the state of the Empire?”
“Walhart’s funeral is in three weeks and one day.” Pheros said. “Do you have a plan?”
Yes. Of course I do. Robin’s internal monologue finally emerged. I have a plan, and everything is proceeding perfectly. In three weeks’ time, we’ll finally be able to put a cap on all this. Less time than I wanted, but I was lucky to only spend a week in that coma.
“Do me a favor.” Robin said. “I could really use a bit of personal time with Morgaine. Would you mind sending her in? And make sure no one else enters?”
“You two are like that?” Pheros asked, raising an eyebrow. “Guess those rumors are true. The Crimson Tactician and his Dark Mistress. But now of all times?”
“I would appreciate it if I didn’t have rumors spread about me.” Robin scowled. “And it’s not quite like that. Stop believing everything Argeni tells you. In this case, it’s because she’s my spymaster.”
“Ah. That makes more sense.” Pheros said. “I should tell you, Zulas suspects ill of her because she had too few injuries.”
“She brought me back, didn’t she? If she wanted me dead, she would have done so there and escaped suspicion.” Robin groaned. “And as for injuries, Morgaine has mastered a tricky spell like the dark magic Nosferatu but can only be cast by her. She’s kind of a vampire.”
“Seems like you are you, even when missing an eye. I trust you won’t do anything stupid.” Pheros said. “Am I understood?”
“Yes, General.”
“Good.” Pheros left, and Morgaine entered moments later with a seductive smile on her face.
“You asked for me~?”
“Knock it off. I don’t need the mood lightened right now.” Robin said. He looked her over and noticed a number of small cuts all over her body, and a large bandage covering her side. “Those self-inflicted?”
“Yes.” Aversa said. “I wasn’t sure how to act when you came back mostly dead, so I cut myself a few times with knives and once with a fire tome. Was I right?”
“In general, self-harm is frowned upon, but you did a good job.” Robin said. “You’re due for a promotion when all this is over. Zulas is suspicious, but I disclosed your ‘Night’ ability to Pheros, so thankfully we’ve managed to avoid the worse of the suspicion. I mean, you’ve avoided it, my injuries have made me beyond reproach, and I don’t intend to hurl you under the carriage.”
“What happened to you?” Aversa asked.
“I’m glad you asked that.” Robin said. “We need to get out story straight. We were ambushed by an elite group of assassins, and we were forced to retreat. They lit the forest on fire, which forced us to the plains. We managed to kill most of them, and at that point I was separated from the group. I lost my eye to a knife attack, and they had an enchanted berserker hit me in the chest with an axe while I was weak fromlosing the eye. He left me for dead, but I managed to use fire spells to cauterize my own wounds and use Ignis Corona to kill him. At that point, I passed out. What happened next?”
“The guards and I managed to fight to your prone body.” Aversa said. “I suppose I fought behind as a spellcaster, which explains my lack of wounds. And we managed to win, but at a high cost. But what actually happened?”
“We just went over it. I suppose that’s good enough for now.” Robin coughed. “I’ll need my notes I left back in my manor. I don’t trust myself to think straight right now, so I need to read the full plan written out there. We’ll need to go back there, and I need my notes.”
“We don’t have time for that.” Aversa frowned.
“We’ll make time.” Robin said. “We’ll need to be in the Vermillion City anyway. We need to convene a meeting. Zulas. Say’ri. Virion. Pheros. Farber. Ignatius. Myself. Those eight will be the main participants. They are allowed to bring in whoever they want, however it must be made clear to them that only those eight are the important ones, and the rest will be ignored. This meeting will be head in two weeks’ time, in my mansion. Understand?”
“I’m-”
“Aversa, I don’t have time for this. I’m the eminent power in the Empire, and you are my Spymaster. I don’t care how, get it done!” Robin snapped. “Understand?”
“Yes, my Lord.” Aversa said, raising an eyebrow.
“Thank you.” Robin heaved a sigh of relief. “I knew this would be the second-hardest part of the plan, after Walhart, but I was very much hoping that I wouldn’t have spent a week comatose, with how precious time is. It means a lot that I can count on you.”
“Is that your excuse?”
“Yes, sorry. And I know I only gave you seven names, the last is mine to invite.” Robin said. “Two more things. The first is what you discussed back on the ride here. Do you remember that?”
“When I professed my love for you?”
“Yes, that. Your platonic, non-romantic love.” Robin coughed. “I – don’t really have much experience with that, and I foresee a great deal of trouble in the next few weeks, but for what it’s worth, despite what Say’ri says, I think we go well together.”
“Well, if you insist.” Aversa said. “I suppose I’ll have to lay off the teasing. Or maybe increase it.”
“Also, why is my Mark of Grima bandaged?” Robin lifted his left hand. “Is there a special reason for it?”
“You knew that it was a Mark of Grima?” Aversa paled.
“Of course I did.” Robin waved his hand. “I’m Robin. I’m a bastard of the Plegian Royal Line, but I didn’t figure anyone here would care that much about it. Or do you know something that I don’t?”
“Let’s… save that discussion for later.” Aversa said, narrowing her eyes. “But yes. There’s … something about that mark but telling you can wait. I’ll start the preparations.”
-Vermillion City-
“Let me start this meeting. All of you know me, on a personal level, in fact, but introductions can’t hurt, and I’ll start. My name is Count Robin Obsidian, and I hold the rank of Battlemaster. With Walhart dead, I currently command the most power within the Valm Empire.” Robin said. “I narrowly escaped assassination, as it seems they were focused on our esteemed leader, but I lost an eye in the process.”
“My name is General Pheros, formerly of the Holy State of Mila.” Pheros introduced herself. “I command Fort Steiger personally, and I am responsible for the second largest army of Valm, behind Walhart’s own host. I was also subject to an attempt, but it seems like they underestimated the strength of the Fort Steiger garrison.”
“I suppose I’ll start from the small fries too unimportant to kill.” Farber said. “My name is Farber, and I hold the rank of General, although clearly not on the level of General Pheros. I hail from the cavalry of the Wastes, and I’ve been one of Walhart’s oldest and longest supporters.”
“I am Ignatius, of the sea.” Ignatius rumbled. “As a long-time sailor from the Island Nations of Nova, I am the foremost veteran of naval combat, and I hold the title of Admiral, seeing as I am in naval duties. I am actually the highest ranked naval officer, which is why I was invited, I suppose.”
“Lord Zulas Albert.” Zulas introduced himself. “I suppose there was a bit of nepotism involved for me to be in this meeting, but I might as well introduce myself. I served as infantry until I was promoted to Count Robin’s second-in-command. After the Rosanne war, I was reshuffled into service training in the Vermillion City, until I was discovered to have old nobility from Archeaneia. I married into the di Cratez family, which makes me in line for a Dukedom.”
“Viscount Virion.” Virion said. His customary flair was thankfully absent, it seemed like the fop knew enough to know to be serious. “I served as one of the nobility for Rosanne, and after they were defeated, I changed sides to serve as its governor. I can’t say I share the same zealousness for the Empire as the rest of you, but I do feel your pain.”
“I am Say’ri, of the Chon’sin.” Say’ri inclined her head. “There is a good chance several of you knew or worked with my older brother Yen’fay. Like him, I have elected to serve our people through serving Valm. I am also the sworn sword of Robin, however, he has given me explicit orders to act as my own agent during this meeting.”
“Then I am last.” The masked figure at the table removed her butterfly mask and brushed her long blue hair back. “I am known as Foreseer in Ylisse, I served as the West Khan’s Champion in Regna Ferox, and my name is only said in curses in Plegia. I am Lucina, and I do not serve, nor agree with any of you present. I am only here as a direct representative to the Voice of Naga, Lady Tiki. As such, you may call be Marth.”
“An Ylissean?” Farber looked up. “Now, I can tell from the fact that you’ve called people from all four corners of Valm that you have some idea in mind, but do we really need an Ylissean wretch?”
“Hold your tongue, sir.” Lucina said. “I did not say I was Ylissean, I am merely known as the Foreseer there. I will not say that I did not have a great many dealings there, but that was then. Now, all that I am is a representative of the Voice, and as foreign to the land as she is. Or do you habitually start discussing with crude insults?”
Never seen this side of Lucina before. Robin blinked, smiling internally. She’s had diplomatic training? Well, that’s good, I didn’t know that. Just who is she?
“I withdraw my Ylissean comment, but I am interested that the Voice has deigned to visit us mortals.”
“If you wish to descend into chaos, kindly leave.” Pheros slammed her fist on the table. “You were invited, Farber, and you can be withdrawn as fast. A belligerent attitude will not serve us. We are here to discuss Valm.”
“Fine.” Farber said. “I am here out of respect to Robin, and none other.”
“There certainly is a diverse crowd here, would you not say?” Virion asked, adjusting his cravat. “Why, if I had to serve tea, I wouldn’t know where to start. Bitter? Tart? Sweet? Milk? Mild? Strong? Can I assume there is a reason for this, Robin?”
“Obviously.” Robin said. “Every single member of this group was handpicked with a specific intention in mind.”
“You are talking about the territories we are from?” Say’ri raised her eyebrow. “But you have doubled-up on the Holy State of Mila.”
“I wouldn’t say that I’m still from the Holy State.” Pheros interjected. “Steiger may be built on the border between the Duma Wastes and the Chon’sin States, but I am from Valm proper.”
“Wouldn’t I overlap with you, then?” Zulas raised an eyebrow. “And where would Robin fit in?”
“Pheros is the exception to that reason. And I am just a drifter.” Robin said. “But between us, there are other specialties. Cavalry. Infantry. Artillery. Navy. Strategy. Assassination. Healing. Politics. Aside from that there is also the fact that you form a decent smattering of the various social structures and classes of the Valmese Empire. Noble, commoner, military, religious.”
“Suppose that’s true.” Ignatius said.
“But there’s another reason, isn’t there?” Lucina asked.
“Yes.” Robin sighed. “The fact is, with the notable exception of yourself, Pheros and I know all of the members at this meeting personally. Which is why I called you all. The eight of us are going to continue the legacy of Walhart.”
This is it. Robin thought. If this is successful, all of Valm will be at my fingertips. This is the last piece of my plan. Now, to execute it with precision. It would not do to fail here.
“Walhart was killed three weeks ago defending the Vermillion City. That is a fact.” Robin said, standing up, gathering up all the authority he could muster, and forcing it into his remaining eye as he looked across the table. “It is both a blessing and a curse that we’re meeting today. Our minds are clear enough, but we only have a week. Or did you not think that we’d be discussing the future of Valm?”
“I knew as much.” Pheros said. Most of the other nodded.
“Very well.” Robin said. “Now, we could do this the old-fashioned way, where all the generals decide to seize power and the infighting leads to a slow collapse of Valm. Or we could be smart and appoint a successor.”
“Yourself, of course.” Ignatius sarcastically noted.
“No. That’s not how I work.” Robin shook his head. “Walhart appointed me Battlemaster. And honestly? I think that’s where I work best. I’m not a charismatic leader, I’m someone who plots behind closed doors, or in a tent on some battlefield pouring over a map. Walhart gave me the rank. And I’d like to keep it.”
“You’ve brought us here to determine who would be first?” Farber said. “The next Walhart, so to speak?”
“If that’s the case there are some people clearly unsuited for this meeting…” Ignatius began, only to be abruptly cut off.
“None of you are on my level.” Pheros said. “If there is a successor to Walhart, it is either myself or Robin, and since our tactician had declined, I’ll be the one to succeed him.”
“You? Pah!”
“And what do you mean by that, Rosanne!?” Pheros turned to him. “What objection do you have?”
“Is it not obvious?” Virion replied. “You a fair maiden with dreams and aspirations. Wholly unsuited for the harsh reality of the ruler’s chair.”
There was silence in the room as everyone turned to the blue-haired man, who blinked in surprise.
“Er, Pheros, to clarify.” Robin said, attempting to save his pawn’s life. “Virion just meant that you’re too much of an idealist. Right, Virion?”
“How could I have meant anything else?” Virion asked, innocently blinking.
“Shut your mouth, Rosannean.” Ignatius said. “General Pheros is the finest general in Valm behind Walhart.”
“Even if she isn’t a Duma at heart,” Farber added. “She’s more of a man than some fop like you. Remember that.”
Wouldn’t have expected those comments out of those two. Did Virion just badmouth Pheros, knowing that the other Valmese would take the bait, and rise to defend her, when in truth, they’d be her biggest opponents? Robin wondered. But why Pheros of all people? Eh, it’s Virion, who knows?
“To an extent, yes.” Robin said. “General Pheros, I’d like you to deliver the eulogy for Walhart, as well as take over in his place. But when you take over, you are going to make another announcement as well. Walhart was a man like no other, and if we want to continue Valm without him, we’re going to have to evolve the Empire.”
“Evolve?” Zulas blinked. “How so?”
“Up until now, Walhart has kept the strands of the Empire held together by sheer force of will. But any Empire dependent on a genius like him once a generation is doomed to fail.” Robin said. “The fact of the matter is that our Empire will crumble within the generation if all we do is try to replace Walhart with someone who isn’t. I am not saying that Pheros cannot do the job. I am saying that her successor cannot. At least, that’s been true from a historical perspective. Obviously, something greater is required.”
“You sound like you have a plan.” Lucina noted.
“I wouldn’t have called you all if I didn’t.” Robin said. “General Pheros will take over as the leader of Valm, title is up to her discretion. However, there will be a second unifier. And that will be the Council. A Council of Power, which will be equally public, and have power, not as much as Pheros, but not to the point that Pheros can overrule it with a thought. In fact, it might be better to think of General Pheros as the Chair of such a Council, just with a different title.”
“And what would this Council do?” Virion asked.
“Everything. Commerce. Military. Politics. Nobility. And we’d be public about its actions. By splitting the power from one unified source, into a group, we may be able to prevent the Empire from splintering through a pre-emptive strike. But don’t mistake my thoughts. The Council may be representative, but it would in no way be a democracy. The Council itself would select members based on qualifications, such that there’d always be an expert on at least one topic of many, and someone to represent someone from a certain place. Obviously, overlaps would be ideal to keep the Council from growing too large. I don’t have a set number in mind, but it must be a minimum of five, maximum of eleven, and always odd.” A dark glint appeared in Robin’s eye. “In fact, I’ve already drafted the basic provisions for such a Council.”
“Of course you have.” Say’ri said. “So, why are we here?”
“Simple enough, really.” Robin said. “We’re here to ratify the draft. This is the first meeting of our Council. All eight of us will sign, with myself as the witness, and Lucina representing Tiki, to form the seven members, with Pheros as the Chair. As a unanimous vote is required to select a Chair, we’ll also be voting on that. And for those of you worried about my role, I’ve kept in a provision to keep myself as Battlemaster. I will not be a member of the council, but I will have more power than anyone else, except for Pheros.”
“Unanimous?” Ignatius asked. “Well, count me out, boy. I’ve sailed the seas with you, but I’ve no intention of letting you stack the deck with your own men. I know that Say’ri is your sworn sword, Virion seems to be loyal to you, and Zulas is your spearman as well. Pheros is in your court, and I don’t even know about Lucina, who may very well be an enemy. I won’t vote unless-”
“You misunderstood.” Robin’s eye glinted again. My bad lucks strikes once more. The odds were only 12% that Ignatius would speak out. I thought it would be Farber, but I suppose the man has enough respect for me. That, and I suspect he’d be fine with myself seizing power outright. Seems Ignatius doesn’t like the idea, and this is how he’s going to try to stop me. But I need him, for the people he represents. “This wasn’t a request. I am the sole power in Valm now, and I order you to vote. Do it, or I’ll have you killed for treason. Right here. Right now. And try some cliché like ‘my people will avenge me’ and I’ll kill those people too.”
"Why would you-”
“Put someone on a Council who disagrees with me? Because I need your naval expertise, your connections to Nova, and a few other things.” Robin said. “Also, I have no objection to someone disagreeing with me under most circ*mstances. In fact, it’s good for looks to have a voice of dissent. Now, sign the paper.”
“Aye.” Say’ri signed first, using Chon’sin characters that were unrecognizable to the rest. Farber went next, followed by a scowling Ignatius. Virion signed his name elegantly, then passed in on to Zulas, who just scrawled his name. Robin took the paper and signed at that point, followed by Pheros.
“I am the only proxy in the room.” Lucina hesitated over the paper.
“It’s fine.” Robin said. “She gave you her permission.”
“Not … entirely accurate, but right in a sense.” Lucina frowned. “But as a proxy, I am immune to your threats, Robin. Thus, I ask you. Is what you’re doing really the right thing?”
“Of course.” Robin said. “How could it be anything but?”
Message from Battlemaster Robin Obsidian, to all Valm citizens: All are invited to attend the public eulogy for Walhart the Conqueror in one week's time. Transcripts and readers will be sent touring afterwards.
