Chapter Text
Interlude: Support Convos Part 4
"I have to ask..." Ike trailed off as Zephyr turned his attention to the young mercenary leader.
They sat in chairs close to the fireplace after being done with setting up salaries and deposits for the new members. It was around this time that they could chat on various topics. Zephyr perked his ears, as Ike seemed serious based on his expression.
"Why on earth do nobles even bother speculating about the future when it hasn't happened yet? Doesn't it overcomplicate things when you need to focus on the present... like defeating Daein?"
The comment left Zephyr at a loss for words. What was this man referring to? It was then that Zephyr was reminded of the discussion about the aftermath of this war. It was when he pointed out Elincia's naivety in accepting no form of compensation from Daein. The conversation then delved into the consequences of this war. Sephiran summed it up perfectly: Elincia was next in line to the throne, and she needed to be aware that her intended actions after the war may dissatisfy her people and clique.
Needless to say, it confused Ike on the issue. None of them was supposed to worry about what was to happen after the war. They could address issues with Elincia's policies before or after she becomes a ruler. So why did they focus on such a thing to begin with?
"Hahaha..." Zephyr chuckled in response to Ike's inquiries. He shook his head in amusement and said, "Well, she is next in line for the throne. Fellow nobles need to assess her capabilities and future policies."
"But she hasn't even begun to rule yet..." Ike scratched the back of his head as his face scrunched to reveal his confusion. "What's the point of talking about what happens after Daein is defeated? It seems like we're getting too far ahead of ourselves with conspiracies. I'd be more worried about trying to win this war than focusing on policies."
There was no reason to fear these things when everyone was preoccupied trying to survive or fight back against Daein. All the surviving Crimean nobles are likely underground or hiding away until the time is right. Why would they even bother to plot against their princess when she hadn't done anything? Some of them may not even be aware that she exists.
Yes, Ike has a point that it shouldn't matter. But having fears about the future is not something that was intended within that discussion. It was a matter of one's disposition before their people and other nobles. Rather than criticism, it was a warning...
"Well, you hold the legendary weapons (not to mention two dragons as companions), so the chances that you do succeed are not minimal," Zephyr replied, to which Ike sighed and shook his head. Seeing the mercenary unconvinced, he continued, "But you're right... Such matters will not become an issue anytime soon. However, it is imperative that she become aware of herself and her surroundings, especially with her goals..."
It was then that Ike frowned. It was one thing to be self-conscious. But another to be paranoid about her followers/subjects. She hadn't done anything yet for her people to become angry. Her goals seemed perfectly fine... only to a simple mercenary like himself.
But then it dawned on Ike. He was reminded of what Zephiel had last said to Elincia about other countries staking their claim on Daein. It wasn't just putting focus on Elincia's future policies or what would happen to the nation of Daein if they defeated it. It was to see how she might conduct herself before others. Would her goals cause people like the Begnion Senate to take advantage of her? If she sought only victory and to reclaim her country, then there were numerous ways to achieve it. But not without a cost.
It was a similar situation that King Caineghis mentioned. People may become greedy for the Greil Mercenaries. Just like how the Senate would covet their skills and powers, they would covet many other things from the princess. The prime minister and the empress of Begnion may not always be there to warn her of such manipulations or other consequences.
"You want her to be more careful of how she conducts herself... I get it now..." Ike muttered as Zephiel nodded in confirmation. Ike shook his head, finding the entire political scene to be complicated. Putting such thoughts aside, he addressed Zephyr, "But you could have made it less of a reprimand... I hope you can tell Elincia. She seemed depressed after that talk..."
"I concede that it was a tad harsh... but as future rulers of an entire kingdom, one must have a deep understanding of one's surroundings and the outcomes, both intended and the consequences, the latter of which often need mitigation. It is to take into consideration the goals you've set and the ways to achieve them, despite how pessimistic and overly cautious it sounds," Zephyr explained as he soon got up from his seat. As he went to the door, he looked back at Ike and smiled. "That said, I hope you also keep watch of your surroundings in these types of settings with nobles in the future... despite your tentative occupation as a mercenary leader."
Ike blinked owlishly in response. Why would he be observant of his surroundings in a noble's gathering? He wasn't a noble. He wasn't planning on being anything more than a mercenary leader. Seeing the confusion on Ike's face, Zephyr smiled with a hint of impishness.
"After all, it wouldn't do for a leader of a mercenary band to remain as such before a princess if you were to lead the main resistance against a nation..." Zephyr turned the knob and opened the door. With a final sly smile, he said, "I will give you a warm welcome for the day that you become a noble, O' Sir Ike..." Ike jolted upon hearing that title, but Zephyr continued, "May you retire on this night and slumber peacefully as a mercenary... right before your inevitable change of station... A man of your caliber must have a rank befitting of your prowess and leadership..."
If Ike believed that he would remain a mercenary commander, he had another thing coming. It was likely that they would need an army to fight back against Daein. The numbers they had did not suffice, no matter how impressive their skills were. If Ike were to lead an army, he must be given an appropriate title. That meant he must become what he most feared these past few days... an aristocrat.
With that, he went behind the door, only to leave a slight opening to gain a glimpse of Ike's face. The young man stood up from his chair, dumbfounded by the prince's last words. That reaction was all Zephyr needed to keep himself amused for the rest of the night.
"Oi, what do you mean by that!? Hey, Zephyr! What in—!"
With that, Zephyr closed the door and went off with a satisfied look on his face. All the while, Murdock went with his liege, slightly exasperated by the young prince's behavior. Whatever happened to his prince? When did he resort to teasing others? He sighed, hoping that this mischievous side to his prince was not going to be brought back when he returned to Elibe.
"Thank you for granting me this opportunity to apologize for my words earlier today." Zephyr put his hand over his heart and bowed before Elincia.
The pair stood in a room as Zephyr was invited in. Two guards stood outside, one from each party. The red knight and the wyvern general stood across from each other behind the door. However, the former seemed eager to challenge the latter's performance as a loyal knight.
Whoever this man and his liege were, Kieran was sure that he and his lord would not lose. He was confident that his lady would be immune to all sorts of manipulations of other nobles, especially foreign ones. If Murdock had heard the man's thoughts, he would roll his eyes at the man for an overactive imagination.
"Oh, no, Lord Zephyr..." Elincia replied in a soft tone. "I must apologize for my shortcomings... I've lived most of my life in a villa. As a princess, I am ashamed that I've yet to achieve the same level of confidence as you and your peers in negotiations."
She was impressed that they presented themselves as worthy members of the court. The way they composed themselves without faltering. They truly were nobles. All the more reason that she hoped to learn more about their countries one of these days.
Zephyr quirked a brow when Elincia mentioned having lived in a villa. He heard that she was kept a secret from the public, as her uncle was set to be the next heir. The king and queen did much to prevent a succession issue.
"I must ask... what were they like...? The royal family of Crimea?" Zephyr queried the young princess, who gave a fond smile to the young prince.
Zephyr recognized that look. It was a look of familial love. He had expected some form of aversion towards someone. But all he saw was the earnest gaze of someone who loved her family with all her heart.
"Although I was raised most of my life in a separate estate, my family, even my dear uncle, found every opportunity to be with me. I loved them all..." Elincia then became sullen as she trailed off. "But this war... it took them all... all because of Ashnard..."
Ashnard... the ruler of Daein. Currently, the madman is seeking to plunge the continent into a state of warfare. From all the offending acts he's committed, one can assume that the man seeks only carnage or to conquer. He likely wanted to have Elincia be presented as the next in succession before she submits to becoming a puppet ruler under Daein.
To think such a man hunted down her family... Not only that, he invaded Crimea unprovoked. It was reprehensible, as the lives of her uncle and parents had been taken. How many lives have been impacted by this man's actions? He had already witnessed Greil, the leader and founder of his mercenary company, die before his family.
Seeing the earnest expression on the princess, Zephyr felt slightly ashamed. Perhaps he was expecting too much from the other party. He had gone through too many parallels with some people these past few days...
"That being said..." Elincia spoke up, bringing Zephyr's attention to her. "I've noticed you and your peers are well-adjusted to the Laguz here. You and your sister have been quite polite to them."
He and his fellow lords spent time learning about Tellius and the Laguz. It was an enjoyable experience the past week after a stressful first few days in Tellius. He was grateful for the courtesy and hospitality of the Laguz in Gallia. He couldn't help but wonder how the Laguz would be treated in Elibe.
As for the Laguz, if they were to enter Elibe, it may be difficult for the public to accept animal people. Aside from being deathly afraid of dragons, the concept of a race that transforms into the given animal they represent may bewilder the populace. History may repeat in Elibe with Laguz intolerance. Then again, there was a possibility that there may be acceptance...
"Yes... Guinevere is as chipper as a bird around them..." Zephyr nodded in agreement. He then looked into Elincia's eyes and asked, "Forgive me for asking... but how do you plan to be a ruler?"
An inquiry about her responsibilities? For what purpose? As Elincia mulled over the question, she looked Zephyr in the eyes. Her gaze was unwavering before the prince. She thought of her father and uncle, both of whom sought an ideal.
"I hope to be a fair ruler and protector of my people," Elincia answered. "And I wish to foster a budding relationship between our allies and my citizens. To that end, I stake my life to protect and support the country... for Crimea..."
Crimea's founding was built on Begnion's former senator, Duke Caradock, who wished to make peace with Laguz. Following the wishes of their founder and ancestors, the rulers of Crimea worked to promote relations, starting with Gallia. Her father made strides in outlawing Laguz hunts and cultural projects to have Crimeans live in Gallia. To have relations beyond just their nobility. That was what Ramon and Renning hoped for.
Now that they were gone, it was her responsibility to continue the work they left behind. To create the vision of a prosperous future of Laguz tolerance and to enrich the livelihood of her people. It may be naive. It may not be done during her lifetime. But she hopes it will come to fruition one day.
However, contrary to expectations, Zephyr held a neutral expression in front of Elincia. His eyes observed her with a patient look. But beyond that observant gaze was a glint of scrutiny. Did she offend him, perhaps?
"To seek the prosperity of your citizens and foster relations with your allies is a natural desire that every noble should aspire to. To live and die for your country is a given duty that all must recognize and abide by, whether you are a knight or noble... it means nothing if you are merely reiterating your sworn prerogatives." Zephyr stated, to which Elincia gasped in shock. "As the next ruler in line to the throne, you are missing a critical aspect as a ruler to achieve all your goals. It will greatly affect the way all three groups will react to your rule in the future..."
A critical aspect? What on earth could she be missing? What was she lacking? What could she do to improve? She took no offense at Zephyr's words, but she remained oblivious to what the Elibean lord was referring to.
Kieran could barely restrain himself from barging into the room and demanding an apology from Zephyr. The watchful gaze and the imposing aura of Murdock prevented him from taking drastic action. The moment he dares to slight the general's lord, it will not end well. Who were these people!?
"It is trust," Zephyr answered, to which Elincia was left speechless before the prince of Bern. "The support from feudal lords that help govern your lands, the loyalty from the knights, and the respect of the people. As the next ruler, you must gain the trust of all to achieve your vision."
Sadly, she had yet to achieve that aspect. The people have yet to fully confide in a princess who was kept secret from the rest of the populace. King Ramon and Prince Renning achieved all three and were noted to be commendable men. However, the circumstances of this war left some of that trust marred. Not because of King Ramon, nor was it due to Duke Renning, but the entire royal family of Crimea as a whole is responsible regardless. It is a burden and responsibility that they must take, as they are to be the protectorate authority of their people... They are to be responsible for whether it was their fault or not.
There will be hell to follow in the coming days after the war is over. Her lack of experience will be criticized, no doubt. But the trust that she has yet to gain may prove to hinder her efforts in the future. It was that warning that she mustn't forget as the next ruler of Crimea.
"There are three ways to become a ruler of a land: create something from nothing, gain the support of all three, like I mentioned, or possess the power to make others submit to your rule..." With that, Zephyr went to the door, leaving a distraught Elincia to mull over his words.
Zephyr was not wrong, as the Laguz have their kings declared based on strength. Ashnard was seeking the same by attempting to conquer the land. It is also the way of life between countries that often war over territories. Does Elincia possess the strength to win back her territory? Not when she only has her knights.
What will happen when the hopes and trust of the people are not fully directed at their princess? What if they become too reliant on foreign powers or a mercenary group? It will not do... even if this group was willing to fight under her banner... Some may even use the image of the ones who supported her to use in their own agendas...
Right before he went to the door, he gave one last bit of advice: "I suggest, as a man of a similar position as you, the next in line to the throne... You must become an active lord before the eyes of your people to foster trust."
With that, he opened the door to reveal Murdock expecting him. All the while, Kieran had a jaw-dropping expression. His princess was just as astounded. This young man is a prince!?
As Zephyr and Murdock walked through the hallways of the castle, they noticed a green-armored figure approaching them. Seeing the recognizable slit eyes of the man, they halted. It was Oscar. Zephyr greeted the chef with a smile, even as he saw the latter quickly bow before him.
Rolf. He must have told his eldest brother what had happened. Despite the cruel-sounding words he gave, it revealed to Zephyr a truth. A truth he buried for far too long... Seeing the man's actions, he surmised that the cavalier wanted to apologize in Rolf's stead.
"I beg your forgiveness; Rolf explained to me what happened in that room. I'm so sorry for what he said," Oscar told the prince, who shook his head and held up his hands to halt the former knight.
"Raise your head, Sir Oscar... I took no offense at your brother's words. There is absolutely nothing he should be sorry for..." Zephyr told the man as he quickly went past the mercenary with his guard in tow.
Murdock said nothing, but his expression showed slight confusion about his lord. What exactly was said? His liege mentioned nothing about the young archer. He then realized the last interaction the pair may have had.
They were both in the same room while Murdock was attending to Princess Guinevere. His lord had just sharpened and polished his rapier (much to the dismay of his servants, who wished to do the task for him). Maybe something private was mentioned between them that the young archer felt guilty for...
"B-But..." Oscar tried to reach out to the prince, but the latter kept walking past him. Looking back at the former knight, Zephyr gave a fond smile, or rather, a grateful gaze aimed towards him.
"I should be thanking your brother, as he taught me much about the due respect I should expect from a parent... even after all that, I've done everything to attain his love and approval..."
With those words, he turned away from the confused cavalier and even the shocked eyes of his retainer. What had happened in that room? Why has the prince's behavior changed so much? As he continued to walk towards the quarters of a certain infamous assassin, he muttered to himself something that Murdock would never forget...
"For too long have my deeds gone unrewarded... I will attain a compromise elsewhere..."
AN: Rather than a fourth part, this is the stuff I wanted to add in part 3. That being said, I also want to revise chapter 9, part 1. I realized there was too much of a tonal whiplash in the last sections that conflicted with the tone of the rest of the chapter. So there will be a re-upload of the last sections of the chapter with some added scenes and parts. In other words, I'm splitting up chapter 9 to make a better tonal consistency. You'll see that the attack on the port be removed.