Chapter 667: Federations Fate (2/2)
”Will it not bring scrutiny to the church?”
”Forget the repercussion, we ought to publish it.”
Next followed the 19th, 20th, 21st, and lastly the 22nd. In those days, Phantom published the manuscript under the name 'The truth'. A very obnoxious title of which drew traffic. The company's profit would be put towards Arda's crumbling economy. Only a few copies sold, and already, the shift on the Arcanum was consequential. Matters of said kind need time to brew. In a way, the goal was accomplished. Ardanians learned of the truth, they knew what happened in those months secluded inside said prison.
The royal family's castle rose on high. A heavy gate lifted for entry, an audience with her majesty the queen was granted. Igna, not thrilled by the prospect, sighed heavily on the drive.
'I represent the faction. I have to negotiate for the future of a whole province, quite the pressure to put on the shoulders of a young adult. I can picture my mother and aunt laughing at my troubles. They enjoy shoving the harder jobs onto my stead,' the car parked neatly. Suspiciously envious guards watched, a butler arrived, ”-Viscount Igna?” he inquired.
”Yes.”
”Please follow me this way,” he walked at a pace to match Igna, ”-the capital has heard a lot about the various exploits.”
”Elementary I should say,” the corridors and pathways became convoluted. All while the promenade, casual small talk gauged one another's stress level.
'The theme's changed quite a bit. Feels friendlier and guided towards a child's moods.'
A singular path continued down a hall of portraits and status. ”-Her majesty the queen waits.” Two guards opened the doors when he arrived. A large room expanded, one could see the normal décor and feel of an office. The queen, in her late thirties, was quite the sight to behold. Her visage didn't give to age nor did her hair.
”Viscount.”
”Majesty,” he bowed.
”Raise thine head and take a seat,” she offered, a holographic display of the land vanished, ”-I've heard a glimpse of the visit from the duchess of Rotherham.”
”Queen Gallienne, I'd like to set the reason of my visit straight. The topic I speak of is the rupture of the Argashield Federation.”
”Pardon me?” she frowned.
”Please allow me to elaborate, not to be awfully obnoxious, I bear with me the crest of the Blood-Kings faction as well as the crest of Arda. They give me the full authority on the matters of state.”
”I don't understand how a new noble would have the fate of a province granted so easily.”
”In a way, I speak using the authority of a king.”
”I gathered much,” her stone-cold visage didn't change, ”-we're at a level playing field, do explain what's to happen next, Viscount.”
”I presume you've read the book titled, the truth?”
”I have, and what of it?”
”Arda, and I'm ashamed to admit, has no viable ruler. Queen Shanna isn't suited to rule, the public won't allow it as she's the reason why we were engaged in war. The second prince and third princess have abdicated their claims. The scope not only covers the royal family, but the nobles too. Everything has been left to ruin, the Blood-King's bastions of leadership barely held the province from utter anarchy. The Argashield Federation must be broken, I know the history behind said foundation, and I also know the reason why such strong nations were together. My uncle strongarmed his way to a coherent alliance. The pillar's gone, and the strong players will fall sooner or later. It reads clearly, something needs to change. The invasion showed how weak the Federation is, Elendor's suffered copious amount of damage.”
”True that,” she resettled, ”-what about a solution?”
”The establishment of new rulership, the true unification of Hidros under the Riverty royal family. The true patriarch and thy bloodline allow for the rightful claim.”
”Tis easier said. I understand my blood allows for Arda to unite under my rule. What I don't grasp is why. The true royal family of Arda is the Haggard's, what of the dynasty Staxius built?”
”It must be broken for the sake of the people. My mother, current head of the Haggard's, is already the Duke of Rotherham. If we were to grant the title of the monarch, she'd become the Queen of Arda. The power struggle of the nobles will harm…”
”Viscount,” her eyes sparkled, ”-what you said is possible. The solution stares us straight. King Staxius Haggard's twin sister, Duchess Courtney Haggard. Her experience in ruling the land of Rotherham will suit the task.”
”Are you proposing the Duchess to become Queen of Arda?”
”Yes, her influence and strong persona will aid us greatly. You hoped for I to take the title of Queen. Instead, I wish for the legacy built by my old friend to forge on until the end of time. The Argashield Federation will revive under our rule. After all, the duchess is my best friend. Take the news to the Blood-King's faction, a new leadership will establish from here on. The province of Arda shall be granted to Duchess Courtney. Before her ascension, do kindly take care of conspiring nobles.”
Heavy gates dropped, '-it worked,' he cruised down the slope, '-the idea crossed my mind when we spoke. Mother is in a great place to rule the province, she's smart, strong, and very vindictive. Queen of Arda, the Haggard's legacy forges into history.'
'Viscount Igna,' wondered the Queen, '-he's stronger than imagined. A young boy with the foresight of a wise leader. Arda's best in their hands. Her influence will forge the Federation anew. The Empire's allied to a new land, we need to stand stronger. Show me what the Haggard name will accomplish, newer generation.'