Chapter 23.1

Today's field of combat was the room that had been the sixth Duke's private office, and the room of his demise. Once a place for him to show off and intimidate, now it had been redecorated. Large maps of both Iceheart and Verglas, as well one of the entire kingdom, hung on the right wall. The left held paintings of the first five Flameheart rulers, then two empty slots, then one depicting an emotionless Eirwen.

The dining table had been replaced by several others, now serving as a place to put down maps, scrolls, ledgers, whatever was needed for negotiations. Some of the weapon racks from the throne hall now decorated the rear wall, with Verglas banners behind them. All combined made very clear this place now served as Eirwen's war room.

The rug was gone, burnt in the fire. Scrubbed as it has been, it still had soaked up her enemy's blood before, so it had no place here. As for the desks and bookcases, those had been moved to the rear part of the room, where once a throne had stood. That throne too had been demolished. Eirwen only needed one throne, the one she had at home. Here, she had no intent to solely rule from a chair while looking down on people.

Right now, multiple people were hard at work at the desks. All three remaining former Flameheart council members were discussing details with Eirwen's personal scribes, who had come over to help with the transition. Lady Roideach, former Baroness, would remain, but the other two would have duties elsewhere once all the visiting delegations had departed. As such, sharing knowledge had to happen as soon as possible.

As for Eirwen, she wore normal clothing, no armour, with just her sword on her side. She had left most of her gear, as well as Crimson, in her private office, because neither gear nor room sufficed for today's affairs. Today, she needed more space, plus she didn't want all of them to see the painting of her and her beloved. But one thing was very noticeable, especially since she stood in clear sight of anyone entering. On her chest, on top of her clothing this time, rested a white silver heart pendant.

The first guests of sorts were Duchess Ashwood and Duke Beirn, who brought over their own maps and paperwork. Today's talks would include them on Eirwen's side. With four dukedoms teaming up, they had a stronger negotiation position. The west would stand together. They claimed it was simply for their own good, but Eirwen understood too well that it also involved appeasing their own guilt.

Their guests were welcomed one dukedom at a time. On one hand, they all lacked the authority to make final decisions. On the other, their combined numbers meant a proper varied insight in what was available to offer and desire. So while no final deals would be made today, at the very least a solid proposal could be worked out, beneficial for both sides.

Since today purely involved trade talks, the crown wasn't involved. Sir Wigbeorht had had his chance to talk, which he had utterly wasted. There would be no other, no private meeting with Eirwen to either apologise or double down. Both he and the crown would have to live with the consequences of his acts.

To Eirwen's amusement, the man didn't even have the court mages for company today. When they heard that Aoife was familiar with the method the weapon master had used to contain the corrupted mages, to a man they had rushed off to discuss everything she knew. Burning up people's mana was a trick they were extremely eager to study, so how could they possibly resist this opportunity?

Judging from what Eirwen could sense, Aoife humoured them, explaining and even roughly demonstrating all she could. While it was limited, it would give them a head start for understanding anything the weapon master could teach them. Eirwen was fine with it too. It would be nice to make allies and get in the way of corrupted magic, additionally she knew he always enjoyed those kinds of talks.

Honestly, even if he wouldn't want to, she likely would still quietly request him to cooperate. His nameless status posed a problem, which she needed to find a solution for. If he held the respect of the court mages, that might very well prove useful some day. But it would have to wait until he woke from his well deserved sleep.

Time went by fast as Eirwen and her allies discussed business with their guests. If any had intended to take advantage of Eirwen's position, they managed to hide it well as they negotiated with the entire west. There were plenty of local goods that would become more easily accessible in the future, now that the war was over, so all sides could gain benefits. And even if it meant less profit margin per item sold, being able to sell more goods in one go was beneficial for several who did hold the ability to increase their production.

Eirwen paid little attention to time, as her business discussions took priority. She realised it was nearly noon when she felt her weapon master's senses spread their way throughout the estate, confirming her well-being first and overall security second. She held her face in ploy, but mentally smiled at him immediately preparing to come her way.

You can take today off. It's better if you're not involved in these talks, and you deserve the rest. Also, the court mages are eager to speak with you. So go greet them, then go for lunch and a bath, then enjoy yourself at the rear courtyard. Teach whomever whatever you find suitable.

He playfully grumbled mentally at having to spend time away from her, but obediently went to relieve Aoife who was still being questioned by the curious mages. She still had to get used to using her rank, which she could have just denied them with at any point. Or maybe she just wanted to be of help to Eirwen. Luckily for her, the weapon master was far more interesting a target.

Eirwen and her company also paused for lunch, food personally delivered by Lady Róisín who used the opportunity to provide her own reports. Much to the teasing displeasure of her weapon master.

"You tell me to take a day off, yet you're working even during your lunch. Please tell me you're at least going to rest once the delegations depart."

Says the person whose free days are always filled with training and sparring. When was the last time you spent a day just resting?

"That would have been... Nearly five years ago. I didn't have a skilled enough healer at hand so needed a few days of bed rest. I don't think that counts, though. So I think that time we went to enjoy the flower festival at the royal capital."

Eirwen thought that over for a moment. Had she ever actually rested and just relaxed? Back when he was off in the mountains, she also spent every day studying and training. She barely managed to hold in a blush as she realised he had accidentally called her out.

I loathe to admit it, but I think the same applies to me.

"Why am I not surprised. I should take you on a proper date in the near future."

The blush was harder to hold in now. Pertrellan gave her a sly smile, understanding just fine what would make Eirwen appear a bit absentminded and then cause her cheeks to flush. Pretending not to notice getting caught, Eirwen quickly composed herself and focused on work again.

The day went by fast as negotiations took place one after another. In the end, most talks had led to preliminary deals that would be discussed at home. It would be useful if the deals were sped up, but that would make the other parties smell blood. Instead, merchants would fill the gaps for now. There were plenty that needed to stay on Eirwen's good side, now that their espionage had been discovered. Either they helped, or they faced public banishment and no territory would ever let them enter.

In the long term, the deals made on this day would help. For now, they served as preparations. And with them taken care of, Eirwen could finally properly focus on her weapon master. As she sensed him with care, with a fright she noticed he was somewhat in pain. Holding in her panic, she observed in detail. It seemed he was actually allowing the court mages to practice on him.

That's enough. Get treatment. 

Only then did the court mages finally realise they had gone too far. Of course their victim had willingly agreed, but he was nameless so not many would believe he had a proper choice. And though they knew the truth, they still offered apologies for letting things get out of hand.

Fortunately, their skill was excellent. After a few moments of healing, the weapon master was almost entirely recovered. As for the mages, they handed him some gifts before leaving for dinner.

Dinner was again in the former throne hall, though Eirwen was skipping from the start today, eating with her guards in her office. She had no intent of letting anyone forget that Sir Wigbeorht had crossed the line. He still stuck around the entire evening, refusing to back down, even if it meant not a single person would talk to him. A stubbornness that only worsened his reputation.

As for her weapon master, he skipped dinner to sleep early, preparing to shield Eirwen in her sleep again. She doubted it was needed, but still took comfort from his plan. When Eirwen went to bed, he stood guard with his back against the door separating them. Though this time he had Sir Caerbychan as companion, who had brought over a late dinner for him to enjoy.

That night, Eirwen's sleep was restless once more, and as she woke she admitted that he had made the right decision. Again, he immediately went to sleep after she woke. She realised she missed him already and couldn't wait until the delegations finally left. Just two more days.