Chapter 45: ~No assistance needed.~ (1/2)

***Norfolk, Nord-Capital City***

***The Jarl***

“Why do I have to deal with this?” I try to get into a more comfortable position, but I am simply too fat. “And what kind of stupid reason is that!? Self defence!?” I wave the declaration of war around. “They attack us purely out of selfish reasons! I hope they freeze to death while marching through our territory!”

I am on my throne while being tended to by my wives. Life is hard if you have to be taken care of.

“They are simply frightened of this new toy of yours. Don't you think it's time to discard him?” My second wife helps me into a better position.

“You should realize that you burned your fingers this time.” The beautiful third wife speaks up while cleaning the nails on my left hand.

“I didn't burn my fingers! I made more money through Sarn than in the last ten years together!” I became a nursing case long ago. To my great shame, I have to admit that I wouldn't be able to deal with my cumbersome life without my wifes.

But despite my body, I am still looking down on most other humans. “Those guys really think that everything is good and fine, as long as they don't attack any other principalities of mine! But I can't let them do that! What about my reputation!? Do you think that anyone would give a shit about me as a Jarl, if I would lean back and do nothing!?”

“One hundred and sixty four years! That's how old I am! And I am still being annoyed by people with half my brains. I forged the warring states of Norfolk together when I was nineteen! Back in those times I simply beheaded everyone who spouted nonsense at me!” Yes, those were good times back then. And I could move on my own!

“We know that you will always come to the right decision dear. We are simply trying to help.” My first wife pats my cheek.

“Haah. I know. I am just angry because humans don't understand anything else but violence. The only cure for idiocy is death. Maybe the mind magicians from Mislow are right with their brutal policy.” I shake my head.

At that moment, the door opens and a familiar person enters the room. He walks in front of me and bows.

“Long time no see, Ascathon Asceron. You know of the army from Mislow?” I bend a little forward to get a better look at my best entertainment. Watching this fellow made my bleak life a little more colourful. Being a politician is simply too boring. But this fellow is really interesting. Everything he touches becomes something unexpected.

“I heard, and we are preparing to defend. Fortunately you didn't allow them access to a nearby Gate.” Ascathon smiles and looks up.

“Well, it's the only form of protest I am capable of. My army is in the capital and it would be a pain to send them through a Gate to assist you. They would have to face Mislow while abandoning all tools of war which are bigger than a man. That means no carriages and no dragons. Our tamed dragons are our biggest advantage against Mislow. Dragons are too stupid to be distracted by mind magic once you let them loose on the enemy.” I scratch my itching belly.

“It's almost impossible to move an army through Norfolk without supplies. I hope you understand.” I arch an eyebrow while looking at the man. He didn't change his smile during my entire speech.

“There is no problem. It will take them more than three weeks to arrive in my principality. Fortunately this form of warfare is really slow, compared to sending messages through a Gate. I will prepare a surprise for them.” Ascathon's voice sounds confident, but I am not convinced.

“Are you sure that there is no need for me to act? I could still send a few elite troops. They can't defeat that army on their own, but they would be a help.” I squint my eyes while thinking of my possibilities.

*zzzzzzzzz* My third wife is done with cleaning my fingernails and is now polishing them with one of those marvellous artefacts from Sarn.

“There is just one question on my mind. Why aren't you concerned about my course of action? Everyone else seems to overreact because of my presents to the world.” He waves his hand at the small polishing tool in the hands of my third wife.

“Ha! Now you are downplaying the situation just a little bit! Don't think that I don't see what this will lead up to. There will be many changes to the world and who knows what else you are planning. But it's true that I am not concerned.” I grin with glee.