Kismet’s Tale

     Old Fred placed the telephone down.

He sat behind his desk with his fingers intertwined. The Master of the Hounds…

Old Fred shook his head. He traveled his gloved hand on the desk before standing up. He took his coat off the rack, walked out of the door, and went out of the company after telling the clerks that he was going out.

Old Fred took his  car and traveled to the Imperial Palace. There was no one who barred him from entering. The sight of the Old noble gentleman had been a recurring presence in this Imperial Palace. He walked on the red carpet with a steady gait. He arrived in front of the Imperial Throne hall and went to the right where he was led by the Imperial Guard to the study room of the Emperor.

The Emperor was steady. He looked at the document on his hand with a rather frustrated look on his face. He finally looked at Old Fred, placed the paper down, and raised his chin up.

“Old Fred, it seems like you’ve become a frequent visitor of my Palace. Hmm, it seems that you are here for something?”

Old Fred didn’t waste time on pleasantries. “There will be a battle happening in Greater Lazon. We only have one demand from the Emperor, and that is to stay out of our way.”

The Emperor froze. He looked up and saw the frost on Old Fred’s eyes. There was no hesitation on him. Not a single ripple of light in the older gentleman’s eyes.

“You dare to demand from the Emperor?”

Old Fred didn’t look away. He just stared at the Emperor as if it was nobody’s business. If there was any other loyal subject of the Empire. They would have found this as an act of defiance, the trampling of the Imperial Pride and Dignity that the Empire has held on.

Unfortunately, it meant nothing to the current Greater Lazon, the current number one supplier of the Empire. Not to mention that most of their technology was based on the partnership between the Lazonians and the Holmians who have been partners for a decade already. The Empire might have the current influence, weaponry, and resources after two years of recovery, but it was not willing to let go of the benefits they are getting from Lazon and Holmia. Not to mention that they would make enemies with the Hounds who are half-in-control of the Ebony Market already.

The Emperor rubbed his forehead. “At least tell me what the reason is, Old Friend. Perhaps there might have been something I know.”

“If the Young Master had told the Emperor, then this old man would not dare to tell what it is.”

“Is it about the ‘Exiled One’ that he had discussed? He told me after he had silence the source of the spark, Old Friend.”

“So you know. Then you must understand that the Hounds and Lazon have been preparing for this. Not only that this will not affect your soldiers, it will cause us dire tragedy. What we are facing is...something beyond and we intend to squash this threat before it could reach the Empire.”

“If we joined forces then this would be much easier.”

“No,” Old Fred shook his head, “we will take care of this problem. By the chance that the Hounds, and the Young Master are not able to contain this threat, then it would be best if the Emperor secures the borders, and call in the army to contain the threat.”

“So you are facing this ‘Exiled One’. It looks like the time has come for that. Hmm, hopefully this won’t affect the coronation of the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.”

“I see that the Crown Prince has picked his dame. How is Lady Mildred taking it?”

“Pitiful. She has talent, and I would like to make her a minister, but I doubt she’d want to see anyone.  I understand your concern, but are you sure that you wanted to do this?”

“We do. Your men are untrained and are not equipped to handle the enemies that we might be facing. All we want from your Majesty is to make sure that none of the 108th nobles interfere. The Empire must not interfere,” Old Fred said. “My Emperor, we only ask little of the Empire, and this situation would benefit the Empire. We only ask that you and the nobles stay out of our way.”

“Your ‘asking’ is demanding. Your words would have been warrant enough to put you into a dungeon.”

“Would you? The Hounds of Lazon are already on the neck of the Empire.”

“Are you threatening me, old friend?”

Old Fred threw away his respect. “We are threatening you to stay our way. I know who you are Xander. I know what you will do to satisfy your curiosity, and I advise you now that you don't test the patience of Lazon as of this moment. The Master of the Hounds is back and if you have known the young master long enough, then if you interfere, then you better be ready for whatever it is that will be coming for you, for this dynasty, and the prosperity of the Empire.”

There were no lies in his words. The tripartite alliance, the five-year war, the aftermath, the research, and the pension for the soldiers had almost dried the coffers of the Empire. Most of the assets of the Empire are held by the massive profit that Lazon have, and the taxes and tribute they pay towards the Empire. The industries of the Empire as of late were inferior to the Greater Lazon, and at the moment they would need the resources of Lazon to survive the after-war. Not to mention that one word from the Lady of Wilde that was with the Tomas Family, would make the deal with the Wilde Duchy null immediately. They need the hydroelectric crystals and in the point of view of the Emperor.

It would be better if he accepts this deal. But inaction towards such an event would have been dishonorable as the Protector of the Empire, but it was the only way to satisfy the Lazon region who rarely asks for a favor and who the Empire owes too much lately.

The Emperor wanted to know the reason. But at the same time he was unsure if there was something more. Old Fred knew that he was being exceptionally rude, but it couldn't be helped.

The Emperor looked at Old Fred before sighing. There was nothing that the Emperor would lose here. Even accepting it immediately would have been fine, but he needed to know some information before he would accept.

“I shall agree to this. Nonetheless, your rudeness won't be forgotten, Old Friend.”

“I understand. This one is simply frustrated that he could do nothing more than stay still and watch the borders, waiting for news.”

“You are not going?”

“The Family might need to come here to the Capital if all things fail. I must be here with the Hounds if such a tragedy happens. Though most of the Hounds here are to protect the family if it happens.”

“You’re not confident.”

Old Fred didn’t answer. “I thank you for your, Cooperation,  Emperor.”

He walked out of the Emperor’s office.