It’s a relief that nobles are concerned with themselves alone. Makes them easy targets.
“General, some House Dzuni members have expressed their concerns over the new law you’re about to pass,” a fae with white-as-snow hair, wearing a plum-colored silk tunic, says.
“Is that right, Nobleman Harushu?” General’s tone is light. Both of his eyebrows rise in amusement. “And why is that?”
“Well, General, there are concerns…about what may happen if we try to control one of the largest Caligos business ventures,” Nobleman Harushu says. “Besides, King Francis’s concerns were valid, too?—”
“You’re afraid of ruffling feathers of some criminals, Nobleman?” a fae in sky blue tunic asks. Signs of age are showing on her beautiful beige face. Yet, her gown is the most revealing out of all the fae at the table—the naked back and deep V-cut at the front reveals much of her luminous skin. “What a shame.”
“It’s easy for you to speak, Noblewoman Gadhi,” Harushu says. “Your slice of Ekios is not heavily populated by Caligos. If the law is passed, you won’t have to deal with protecting against the uprising. Unlike others like myself, who rule heavily Caligos popu?—”
“And who’s fault is that, Nobleman Harushu?” Noblewoman Gadhi challenges.
Tension between the two nobles is palpable.
Before it bursts, the General speaks. “Noblefolk. You don’t have to worry about the retaliation of a criminal organization. You’re House Dzuni, under the protection of me and my Ezkai. You don’t believe I would act without putting proper arrangements in place to ensure my government is protected?” He looks around the table. “Aside from that, it saddens me to hear such objections. What kind of General I would be—what kind of House Dzuni are you—if we’re afraid to pass laws thatinconvenience the criminals? I’m serving people of high morals and honor, not those who choose to live outside our prosperous society.”
Chatter rises around the table. Some nobles are nodding their heads in agreement while others are shaking theirs. Fear and worry show in the deep lines that form between their eyebrows.
These people are insufferable.
As if the criminals are the only issue.
The real danger and harm is these silk-wrapped bloated worms. They govern over lands where hardworking people are trying to make meets end.
And yet, they still starve. While here their government is, feasting.
“Speaking of the folk you serve, General—what about those loyal, honorable folk with high morals? Have you thought how this law will affect them? Many Ekions are set in their old ways and already have issues with some of your fresh ideas. I sense they won’t be too happy to see that whores from the streets are considered equal to merchants, fishermen, and other artisans,” a fae with sand-colored hair and a blood-colored tunic says.
“Nobleman Akitake,” the bold fae on the General’s right says sweetly. “You, just like the rest of the folk at this table, enjoy the company of Caetras. I’d expect you to have higher respect when speaking about the mater.”
“Don’t compare Caetras to those pedigree-less mutts from the streets. It’s an honor to be chosen and train to be a Caetra?—”
The bold fae interrupts Nobleman Akitake: “Well, think of this way, then, Nobleman. Once the law is passed, more folk will be able train to become Caetras. It’ll benefit us all—more entertainers to keep you nobles from boredom.”
A couple of chuckles go around the table. Nobleman Akitake purses his lips, but doesn’t argue.
“You have more proof than you need that shows just how well Ekios has been doing over the last hundred of years, Noblefolk. We’re already doing better than Wetra, and in ten years we’ll surpass Emera, too,” the General says. “The old ways are old for a reason. It’s time for Ekios to fully open up to the world and enter the new era of prospering and innovation that will make sure we thrive for centuries to come. This law is another step closer to that future.”
“Innovation,” Nobleman Harushu sneers. “Changing something that works is a waste of time and resources. It’s afool’serrand. We’re balancing a very dangerous line here, General.”
The air in the room shifts. Silence falls around the table.
Even the servers dotted around the nobles pause.
Driven by my curiosity, I inspect the faces around the table. Everyone is tense.
Noblefolk are prideful and lazy. But they’re not stupid.
Yet, somehow, this one managed to cross a line everyone knows better than to cross.
“Indeed, Nobleman Harushu,” the General says. He still wears the same pleasant expression, but there’s a threat in his voice as he speaks. “You’rethreading a very fine line here.”
Recognizing his misstep, Nobleman Harushu bows his head deeply. “Please forgive me, General. I didn’t mean to offend your honor.”
The General watches the nobleman while the rest of the table watches him.
“I’m sure you didn’t,” he finally says. “But as you’re so eager to advocate for the old ways and us following Ekiosh traditions, I’ll have you and your family exiled from Jaakii for disrespecting your Ezkai General. Your exile will last for nine full moons, or until I reign no more, whichever comes first. Only then are youallowed to come back to the city and claim your seat at House Dzuni back.”
