“My lord, why is it you oppose the royal family so?”
Alvin’s question elicited a chuckle from Lord Slade. Had it been any other servant who asked the question, they’d be torn to shreds immediately. That he didn’t kill Alvin was proof of how much he valued him. Magic was the most powerful force in the world, and he was capable of rendering it useless. Every mage wielded only one kind of magic, and nearly infinite types existed. Alvin’s magic, Nullification, was unique to him.
Even if Slade hated Alvin, he wouldn’t be able to easily replace him. He also couldn’t treat him as if he were any other servant. Quite the opposite—the marquess was incredibly accommodating of him, despite Alvin not being a Slade.
“Do you see my actions as deliberately aggressive?” Slade asked.
“A bit,” Alvin admitted.
“I see. I do view them as an eyesore, certainly.”
“Because you wish to become king?”
“No,” Slade said. His denial prompted Alvin to tilt his head. “I do not wish to become king. I wish to reclaim the title that is rightly mine.”
“You were a king once, milord?”
“Indeed. Do you know how this kingdom was founded?” Slade asked, and Alvin shook his head. “This country was formed by six smaller nations. Each leader of the Great Five Marquess Houses is the descendant of a king from those ancient times.”
“They were all royalty at one point? My, my.”
“That they were. And our five houses were invaded, conquered, and used as the building blocks for the Federal Kingdom of Ausgrid. Naturally, our resentment toward the so-called ‘royal family’ has never faded. Were things as they should be, I’d have a crown of my own. That wretched girl should never have been allowed to take the throne.”
Alvin looked at the floor as Slade ranted. The marquess’s ramblings—basing his entire life’s beliefs on historical what-ifs—came across as delusional.
“My house has fought for many years to take our country back from that wretched royal family, and soon, it shall be ours once again. I will finally exact revenge in the name of all the Slades before me.”
Despite Alvin’s obvious disregard for the subject, the marquess continued his diatribe.
“The time is nigh, and you will do my bidding, for my benefit. Is that clear?”
“Yes,” Alvin said, deciding to simply follow orders. He would not peer further into the marquess’s mind.
✦ ✦ ✦
“Reading The Genesis of Ausgrid, are we?”
“Ah, my dear marquess. Fancy seeing you here.”
I smiled at the sight of the mysterious man entering my library. Using Heart Realm, I erased all traces of his visit. “Heed my words! Everyone other than the marquess will forget he was here, and no one will remember the contents of our discussion.”
After I cast my magic, I addressed the marquess. “You visit often for someone so busy.”
“My apologies, Your Majesty.”
“So, what do you think of the Ausgrids?” I asked, lifting up the book. “Were they a tribe who invaded five other nations and plundered them? Or do you see them as the protectors of mages everywhere?”
He smiled, looking pensive. “I’m sure I told you so many years ago, but my ancestors were members of the Ausgrids’ military. They made a pact to protect both their own family and the kingdom’s citizens.”
“It sounds as though you’re saying the Ausgrids were both of these things at the same time.”
“Our land was home to many mages and even more enemies.”
His answer prompted me to smile. “Sharing an enemy can be a wondrous thing, don’t you think? A perfect excuse to forge the bonds of friendship.”
“Indeed,” the marquess agreed.
“Are similar tales passed down in the families of the other houses?”
“I don’t know. It isn’t likely, considering some of them see the throne as something to be returned to them—even though such theft of authority never occurred in the first place.”
“Aha, so that must be it. We vanquished our common enemies, and over time, the records of the Great Five became distorted. This led to a loss of trust between the Great Five and the royal family. How truly fragile that alliance was.” I studied the marquess, then went on, “This is a serious matter. The alliance the Great Five currently enjoys with one another is bound to crumble if I, their mutual enemy, am defeated.”
“Most likely,” he said, forcing a smile.
“Well, what brings you to me today?”
“The ongoing investigation of my bureaucrats.”
“I see. You seem to have a solid grasp on your own men. I expected House Weston to show up before you did.”
“Weston? Why him?”
“Not the lord himself, mind you. Someone from the same family with a keener mind.”
“Hmm. Seems your revenge is coming along well,” the marquess remarked.
“Quite. I assume you’re here because you’re feeling a bit of pressure, and you wish to clarify matters?”
“Correct. You’ve given me plenty of time—more than plenty. I will relinquish my status as a marquess and leave myself at your mercy.”
“I see. But I need you to keep your status for just a bit longer, Lord Alcott.”
“Really? But—”
“This will be my last request of you,” I cut in. “Your judgment will come at a later date. I will not do ill against your family or your people, just as I promised when you pledged your loyalty to me years ago.”
“Your words are a relief, Your Majesty. Very well then.”
Lord Alcott bowed profusely before leaving the room.