The city of Gilbadia, located in Marquis Gilbert’s domain.
As a center of trade, the streets of Gilbadia were lively even at night. Merchants and adventurers from neighboring regions came and went at all hours. Among all the hustle and bustle, all the trouble and strife, life went on, and people found their own reasons to be happy.
Also located within Gilbadia was an extravagant mansion belonging to Claude Gilbert, marquis of this land. Unseen, the doors of the mansion opened, and four men emerged from inside.
“Mind your step, please.”
First, there was the butler of the house, Alfred.
“Sure. Thanks.”
Next came Yolande, followed by Gordoba, a quiet man who served as division commander of the Second Royal Magic Division.
“Mwa ha.”
Finally came the owner of the house, Claude Gilbert. They all lingered a moment outside.
Alfred felt something off about Yolande from the very moment that he stepped inside the mansion.
This man’s evil, he would think to himself. Pure evil of the most detestable kind.
But eventually, that became Tch, he’s gross.
With time, his hatred had mellowed somewhat, and that, too, disgusted Alfred. Meanwhile, Yolande delighted in watching the pieces of his plan fall into place.
Man, he is easy! thought Yolande. Lord Gilbert is a total pushover! He was so wary of me at first, but the moment I brought up Luke, the conversation started going my way!
The reason that Yolande had visited Claude was to set in motion what he had envisioned that day he met Luke at Aslan Magic Academy: a new story, with Luke at the center.
I will make Luke the ruler of this kingdom.
Heh, Luke… If there is one advantage I have over you, it’s that I was born into this world a little sooner than you were.
While Luke was tied to the academy, Yolande had a certain degree of freedom as a young man, and that was what allowed him to set up the meeting. That day at the academy marked the first time that Yolande had ever met someone who surpassed him. He had felt so alone for so long, and the meeting had made him incredibly happy. Luke shone so brightly in his memories. He was completely captivated by the boy.
It is you, Luke! You are most fit to become king.
It wasn’t a selfless endeavor, though. In fact, it was quite selfish indeed. Part of his reason for doing this was to fulfill his own desire to remain at Luke’s side as one of his pawns.
I must be sure to become indispensable to him before he graduates from the academy.
With Claude’s assent to Yolande’s plan, the story progressed at a rapid pace. Why did Claude agree, you might ask? One reason, of course, was the entirely excessive love he bore for his son, but that wasn’t all. Yolande’s proposal had awoken an ambition in Claude that had been dormant for some time. It dissipated like smoke the moment that Luke was born, but that ephemeral aspiration began to take hold once again…
He aspired to usurp the throne.
In his youth, Claude had been possessed of a burning and arrogant conviction that he was the one truly fit to be king of his nation. Yolande’s proposal lit the flame once more.
“You will provide the military strength, and I the firm political support for this move, correct?”
“Yes, Lord Gilbert. I will use the magic divisions to increase Luke’s influence, and I would like you to bring the other aristocrats on board.”
“I heard you were incompetent,” Claude said bluntly. “But it appears that claim was nonsense from those who had no eyes to see your talent.”
“Ah, you flatter me. Well then, do you believe this will be possible in three years?”
There was just a hint of a challenge in Yolande’s question.
“Mwa ha, do not make me laugh. Who do you think I am, exactly? I will find strong political support, a faction more secure than any that has ever existed in this nation. Do not disappoint me, Yolande.”
“I don’t intend to,” Yolande assured him. “I cannot stay for long, so I am afraid I must be leaving now. Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today, Lord Gilbert.”
“Return whenever you please.”
Yolande bowed deeply. “You have my gratitude.”
With that, Yolande cast a spell and flew up into the sky. Gordoba followed him, and for a while, they flew side by side in silence until Yolande could no longer contain his excitement.
“Ha ha ha! Oh boy, we’re going to be busy!”
The explosion of joy burst from Yolande’s chest, and he had to speak it.
“If there is anything I can do to assist you, please say the word.”
“Oh, I’m going to be working you hard too, Gordoba. Be ready.”
“Yes, sir!” Gordoba replied spiritedly.
Luke…I want to see what kind of king you’ll make. How will you guide this old-fashioned kingdom, so over-reliant on magic power and human supremacy? How will you change this nation? Ah, but I suppose if I take too much of your freedom away, you’ll become upset and uncooperative. We’ll have to get some talented officials on board. Oh, I am so looking forward to this.
Full of anticipation at the thought of what was to come, Yolande could not help but to throw back his head and laugh again, innocent and childlike.