316 The General of FalHerim (1/2)

By that time, Tim had gained near-total control of Fal'Herim.

Among the blocs of power of the Desert Kingdom, the religious traditionalists suddenly became fanatically devoted to making Tim king not just of the Underground, but all of Fal'Herim. The reason for that was that they'd spotted him riding Khar'al-dras and speaking to the Great Dragon in a friendly manner on the way back from the Spectre War. Therefore the faction which previously supported the Queen Mother quickly turned their support toward him.

The economists, the Bankers Circle, the Alchemists Guild, the Mercenaries Union and all four Clans very quickly agreed that Tim was one of the most important business leaders in Fal'Herim, seeing how well his Industrial District was doing these days.

Even Asda's faction liked the way Tim freed slaves and offered them fair wages in his employ. Not only that, when an ex-slave was first starting out, Tim made sure to see to all their basic needs, including housing and food, before even discussing employment. Several known cases occurred where older slaves and younger children were simply unsuited to employment, and were cared for nonetheless. In three famous cases, Tim deliberately went out of his way to customize jobs for the elderly in order to properly employ and support them. Those too young even went to school.

This left Asda more or less just a figurehead spending her days whittling down her family's accumulated wealth while doing little or nothing to or for Fal'Herim itself. At least half her edicts and orders went completely unheeded, and the other half only received token response.

Her greatest claim to fame was the one time she'd asked a newly hired maid. ”Who is the most powerful man in Fal'Herim?”

”Are you seeking a husband, your majesty? I believe Tim the Emancipator would be a good match for you. He is near your age, you know!”

”Tim? It's him?” Asda blinked. ”But how powerful is he, exactly, compared to me? Mathematically speaking?”

”Mathematically?” the new maid considered. ”Compared to you… over a hundred times more powerful.”

That maid was sentenced to death. Oddly enough, the sentence was never actually carried out and she found herself with a new job in the Industrial District that very day.

Not that Asda cared. She never asked about that maid, ever.

But one fine day, she asked about Tim. On top of that, she made her way to his office in the Industrial District.

”Your majesty?” Tim blinked, half-rising in startlement more than respect. ”What can I do for you?”

”Tim. I hear you're the most powerful man in Fal'Herim.” Asda said with an emotionless face.

”Err… I wouldn't say that of myself, but I do seem to be able to get things done.” Tim hesitated.

”I would have you do something for me. Nay, I… I ask it of you. Please, do me this favor.” Asda bit her lips.

”A favor? What exactly do you want me to do?” Tim stared.

”I want you to get something for me.” Asda said slowly.

”And that is…?” Tim asked, tense.

”That is…” Asda drew a deep breath, and whispered. ”Cheese.”

”C-cheese?!” Tim's jaw dropped.

”It's impossible!” Asda suddenly burst into a wail. ”No matter how hard I try, what guards I hire, how much I try to buy… it's impossible! It's completely IMPOSSIBLE to get cheese in Fal'Herim! I haven't had cheese in eight months!!”

Sitting on his desk, Mika exchanged bewildered glances with Tim. Looking into the lynxmouse's eyes, Tim could see sympathy.

How low had the Desert Queen fallen at this point, that even mice would pity her?

Mika, by the way, was getting incredibly fat. He could have all the cheese he wanted, ate cheese every day, and often did so several times a day. To hear that Asda hadn't had cheese in eight months… he truly felt sorry for her, and even a little bit guilty. Just a little.

”If it's so hard to get here, why don't you leave? Take a trip to Ashdale or someplace and buy cheese there?” Tim had to ask.

”I can't!” Asda gasped. ”It's too dangerous! They don't know it, but I can sense them! They're after me!”

”Who?” Tim blinked.

”I don't know! I don't know who they are! But I can sense them! They're everywhere, watching me, following me… just waiting for a chance to… to…” Asda buried her face in her hands. ”It's too dangerous! I can't leave!”

”Uh…” Now even Tim had a guilty look on his face. ”Um… I think if it's cheese… I could maybe help you out there. But I want something in return, all right?”

”Name it!” Asda exclaimed.