May 21, 11 ATC

City of Guns N' Roses, Duchy of Gunnia, Kingdom of Guns N' Roses

When the Church heard of Jannis's fall, many of its members simply gave up. Their Vicars, Crusaders, and other noblemen converts approached the nearest Coalition ally and offered terms of surrender. Others continued the fight, trying desperately to carve out more territory for their men, or at least hold on to the territory they still held, but they were few and far between. Sphinx ensured that word spread quickly enough to cause many of their soldiers to desert before their commanders could come up with a plan. Still others opted to barricade themselves in the nearest fortress and try to sue for peace. They would be dealt with in time.

Now, though, the time had come for the official surrender to be made. The people of Guns N' Roses, the first city to surrender back to the Coalition, watched eagerly as Nitesco walked up to the stage. On his right was Bluewhale, recently returned from a campaign in Bumblebee. On his left was Austin, who had negotiated with the city commander for the safe return of Guns N' Roses. And Nitesco himself approached the stage, dragging a small man with a scarf around his face to the stand with him.

"Gunnians! Rosians! Citizens all!" he boomed. "Today we will hear of perhaps the most momentous occasion in our lifetimes: the surrender of the Church of Thorns!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. Nitesco gently pushed the scarved man forward, and he reluctantly obeyed. The scarved man set his notes on the stand, and Nitesco approached the front again.

"I ask that you all remain silent for this," Nitesco said. "No jeering or cheering until the end. This is important to hear." He backed up and gestured for the man to speak.

The scarved man cleared his throat. "I," he said, in as loud a voice as he could muster, "Viscount Link of the Viscounty of Snowflake Protection, on my authority as a convert to the Church of Thorns and as a member of Jannis's inner council, do hereby call for the immediate cessation of hostilities with, and surrender to the Sans Coalition." He stopped and shook his head. "Sans Coalition," he said, quieter. "What a stupid name."

"Keep reading," Bluewhale growled. Link swallowed and turned back to the papers.

"I," he continued, "on the aforementioned authority, do hereby abolish the position of Sovereign of the Subreddit, currently occupied by the Church of the Thorns, and order all remaining Church officials, officers, and convert natives to turn themselves over. All members that continue to resist Coalition forces are now in schism with the Church, until they follow said orders."

When Link rolled up the paper to put it away, the crowd finally erupted in cries of joy. Peace, at last? It was too good to be true. As the crowds celebrated, Link turned to Nitesco.

"And what will happen to me?" he asked. "Will you put me on the chopping block? Throw me back in prison?"

"No, actually," Austin said. "The King of White Rose has asked for you to be returned to him. I understand that you had a poor relationship with his father, didn't you? He was the one who gave you…" She trailed off and pointed to her cheek. Link pulled the scarf closer to his face.

"No need to remind me," Link said.

"I was just asking," Austin said.

"Regardless, you aren't going to your execution," Nitesco said. "The King has only asked that you go before him and recant. Your lands will be returned, and in exchange, you will allow Yurist missionaries into your holdings."

"I'll never!" Link spat.

"The alternative is execution," Bluewhale interjected. Link's eyes widened and he shrank a little bit.

"Then perhaps I'll consider it," Link said. Nitesco waved for the guards to take him away, and they watched as Link was escorted away to the prisons.

"So, Bluewhale," Nitesco said. "How was Bumblebee? I heard you went Church stomping there."

Bluewhale scoffed. "Once Sphinx got the word out that Jannis had gone to meet their Goddess, most of them deserted. Only the zealots stayed around, and there were so few of them that many surrendered upon seeing our forces! No glory in it, I'm afraid." He sighed. "But I did get to see Fort Bombus. You know they still haven't repaired the hole you guys blew in it? Damn good work, if I do say so myself."

"Ah, that," Austin said. She touched her eyepatch. "Quite the debacle."

Nitesco noticed Austin's discomfort. "Are you coming to the party tonight?" he asked Bluewhale.

"Yes, I'm afraid I have to," Bluewhale said. "I dislike parties, but Zealander is to deliver his farewell speech there, so I'm afraid I must. I hear there will be dignitaries from all over tonight."

"The fall of the Church is a momentous occasion," Nitesco said. "It's to be expected, I suppose."

"Well, I'll see you there," Bluewhale said. "Is it at the Badaz Manor?"

Austin nodded. "At eight o'clock tonight."

"Fitting, that," Bluewhale said. "An end to this, where it all began. See you tonight!" He gave a backward wave as he walked away.

"I can't wait to see who shows up tonight," Austin said. "You've told all the dignitaries about the plan?"

"Yes," Nitesco said. "Three years to sort out their affairs, to rebuild, and then we assemble another Diet." He sighed. "Hopefully the last one."

"We can think about that another time," Austin said. "We have three years. A lot can happen between then and now."

"I suppose you're right," Nitesco said. "Will you be at the party tonight?"

"I'm expected to be," Austin said. "And so are you, I might add. No slinking off to do government work."

"I would never!" Nitesco said, feigning insult. They chuckled.

"Oh, god," Austin said. "Do I have to wear a dress?"

"Not if you have a uniform," Nitesco said. "I have a couple spares, if you want."

"That sounds much better," Austin chuckled. "I guess I'll see you then."

"I'll see you then," Nitesco said.

It was nearly eight o'clock when Austin decided to get ready for the party. Nitesco's military uniform was a size too big for her, but it was leagues better than having to wear a stuffy dress. After a few minutes in the dressing room figuring out which buttons went where and how to get the accursed award pins out, Austin figured she cut a fine figure. She departed for the party, intending to be on time.

When she got there, however, dozens of dignitaries had already arrived. The rooms of the manor had been decked out with refreshment tables and music players in every room, and the main hall was fit with a stage and several tables and chairs. Austin moved through the party, through the crowds of people speaking in different accents and dialects, trying to find anyone she knew.

As she turned into the main hall, she bumped into a large man and almost spilled his drink. Austin quickly checked herself for spills on her uniform before looking up to apologize.

"Excuse me, sir," she said. "I wasn't—" The man turned to her, and she saw it was Coronam. They both smiled.

"Coronam!" Austin said. "So glad to find someone I know here."

"Austin!" he exclaimed. He shook her hand eagerly, almost crushing her fingers. "It's been too long. Have you seen Nitesco yet?"

"No, I just arrived," Austin said. "Is Opifexa here?"

"No, unfortunately," Coronam said. "We agreed it would be unseemly for her to attend, what with her wheelchair and all. Alfonse is here, though."

"Really?"

Coronam nodded. "I don't know where he wandered off to, but he's here somewhere. He's taking so well to matters of the state. Perhaps I'll abdicate when he's of age and turn Renora over to him."

"Perhaps," Austin mused. In the main hall, she spotted Vulpix climbing up the stage to deliver a speech. She pointed.

"Ah, 'Zealander,'" Coronam said. "This is to be his last public speech."

"Is it now?"

Coronam nodded. "Indeed. Let's hear what he has to say."

Austin and Coronam weaseled their way into the main room as Vulpix dinged a fork against his wine glass. As the assembly of the room quieted, he handed the fork to a servant and turned to the crowd.

"I, General Zealander," he said, "have a dream. A dream I know that we can achieve together. Today marks the day of the Church's defeat. Today marks the day we can finally work toward peace."

Light applause from the crowd. Vulpix raised a hand to quiet them.

"We must take time to recover," he said. "Time to rebuild. We must cast aside our petty rivalries, our disagreements, and work for change. In three years' time, we will assemble again and discuss what is to be done with the Subreddit as a whole. I know that sounds daunting for some, or like an opportunity for others. But if we don't work together, we all fall together.

"A wise man once told me that it's never too late to change. It's never too late to make our future brighter. But sometimes we must do that by casting aside the old and welcoming the new. It's why I'm resigning from my post in a few days."

The crowd began murmuring. Zealander, resign? They never thought they'd see the day.

"We need to work towards a new Subreddit, my friends, one free of old rivalries and selfish goals. Out with the old. Bring in the new, and we will all prosper. But of course, don't let that distract you," he said. "From tonight. Have a good time. Talk. Enjoy yourselves. The work may be new, but it can wait until tomorrow." He raised his glass. "To victory!"

"To victory!" the crowd cheered. Vulpix stepped down from the stage and approached Austin.

"Like the speech?" he asked. Austin nodded.

"Well-spoken," she said. "So, it's official, huh?"

"Indeed," Vulpix said. "It was hard to make this decision, but I'm glad I did. I—" he stopped. "Finally. Hozack and Sphinx have arrived."

Hozack, Sphinx and another woman walked in through the front door. Hozack spotted Zealander and gave a wave, beckoning for his grandfather and the woman to follow.

"I'll see you around," Austin said. "I'm going to find Nitesco." Before Vulpix could respond, Austin had disappeared into the crowd.

"Zealander," Sphinx said. "Did I miss the speech?"

"I'm afraid so," Vulpix said. "Don't worry. I'm sure there'll be plenty more things to see and hear tonight." He paused. "Who is this? I don't think I've been introduced."

"Oh," Hozack said. "This is Melanie Antiqua, an emissary from the Ilian League and a good friend of mine."

"Charmed," Vulpix said. Melanie extended a gloved hand and shook his hand, smiling.

"General Zealander," she said. "It's a pleasure."

"You were a veteran of the Third Shipping War, were you not?" Sphinx asked. "We must trade stories."

"Over a glass of wine?" Vulpix said.

"I'm more of a mead man myself," Sphinx said. "Let's go to the bar and chat. Hozack, Melanie. Run along now. Find someone else to talk to."

"Of course, grandfather," Hozack said. As Sphinx and Zealander walked off, Hozack and Melanie began patrolling through the other rooms, keeping an eye out for their targets.

"What are these fools' names again?" Melanie asked.

"Bluewhale and Vaniellis," Hozack said. "I need to chat with Bluewhale alone. Can you lead Vaniellis away?"

"You mean entice him?" Melanie asked.

"I was trying to be more subtle," Hozack whispered. "But yes. You don't have to go any farther than that."

"I won't if I don't have to," Melanie scoffed. "Men are so predictable. So stupid. They think they're so great."

"Well, I don't know about the rest of them," Hozack said, "but I am pretty great."

"You know what I mean," Melanie said. "Are they the ones?"

Hozack followed Melanie's gaze. Two Arkosian officers were chatting at one of the tables. One had his blonde hair cropped short to the scalp while the other had longer, slightly disheveled brown hair.

"Which one?" Melanie asked.

"The blonde one," Hozack said. "That's Vaniellis."

Melanie and Hozack walked over to the table, catching their attention. "I don't believe we've met," Melanie said to Vaniellis. "I'm Melanie."

"Vaniellis," Vaniellis said, a broad, boyish smile on his face.

Before Bluewhale could interject, Hozack put a hand on his shoulder. "Bluewhale," he said. "Might I have a word?"

Bluewhale glanced at Vaniellis. "Get a drink if you like," he said. "I'll have a chat with Hozack." As Vaniellis and Melanie went over to the refreshment table, Hozack took Vaniellis's seat.

"That was a very unsubtle way of getting my attention," Bluewhale said. "You could've just asked."

"I needed to make sure he was away," Hozack said. "That he wouldn't interfere. I have an offer for you."

"What kind of offer?" Bluewhale asked.

"One that benefits both of us," Hozack said. "I know Zealander is stepping down. Which means that there's a leadership change. Which means that things in Arkos will get unstable."

"What interest do you have in our affairs?" Bluewhale asked. His eyes narrowed on Hozack.

"I want allies," Hozack said. "You mustn't tell anyone yet, but Onyzyon has fled the country. His whole family too. I don't know where he's gone, but now that he's off the playing field, my grandfather stands to inherit all of Monochrome. We'll be a great power, and great powers need strong allies."

"An alliance?" Bluewhale asked. "That's what you sent Vaniellis away for?"

"Not just that," Hozack said. He looked around. "Meet me in the cellar at nine o'clock. We can discuss this more candidly there."

Bluewhale eyed him suspiciously. "Very well," he said. "I'll see you at nine, but I make you no promises."

"I would expect nothing more," Hozack said. Bluewhale looked over Hozack's shoulder. Vaniellis was nowhere to be seen.

"Very well," Bluewhale said. As he stood, he almost bumped into a Lancastrian officer.

"Watch it," the woman said. Bluewhale locked eyes with General Generic.

"You watch it," Bluewhale said. "Are you already drunk? You shouldn't be walking so close to the tables."

"And you shouldn't be on my people's land," Generic replied icily. "And yet, there you are."

"You'll get that land back in full," Bluewhale said. "Eventually."

"Eventually," Generic said. "Not yet."

"Please," Hozack said. "It's not even nine o'clock yet. If you two are going to fistfight, do it later, when everyone's too wasted to stop you."

"I won't stoop to barbarism," Generic said. "And besides, I have someone to meet. Good evening, gentlemen."

"Don't knock over anyone on the way there!" Bluewhale said. Generic ignored him.

"The nerve of that scrawny bastard," Generic muttered. She sighed. Even after the coalition's victory, the Arkosians still occupied her land, while her men were forced to quarter in Pollination. The boy Inferno was not happy about that, but they both had little choice.

But there was no reason to dwell on such unpleasant things. There was a party going on, and Generic hoped that her invitation had made it where it needed to go. Otherwise, the whole night would be hopelessly boring.

As she approached the main room, she saw the two she was waiting for: Presbyter MacGregor, and more importantly, Amelia, both wearing identical white cloaks. Underneath those, they wore plain leather vests and cloth tunics, and a small brooch with the emblem of their church.

"Amelia," Generic said, her voice softening. "It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you too," Amelia said. Her tone and her face were unreadable. She was the only person Generic couldn't ever seem to nail down.

"Hello," MacGregor said. He extended his hand in greeting. "Presbyter MacGregor, pleased to— wait. First, let me take off my cloak." He took off his white cloak and threw it on the edge of a nearby chair before reextending his hand. "MacGregor."

"Generic of Lancaster," Generic said. She shook his hand. "A pleasure."

"Mac," Amelia said, "why don't you find Nitesco or Austin and thank them for hosting us? I'd like to talk to Generic."

"Of course," MacGregor said, a knowing glint in his eye. As he left, Amelia beckoned for Generic to sit down at a nearby table.

"It's been too long since we've been able to sit down like this," Amelia said. "Meetings with Jannis and Coronam excluded."

"Perhaps," Generic said. "Those were lively, at least. This is so dull."

"At least they made an effort," Amelia said. "I'm sure they were expected to. But you didn't extend a personal invitation to me just to talk about the party."

"No, I didn't," Generic admitted. "I came here because I want your support."

"My support?" Amelia asked. She narrowed her eyes. "What kind of support? What game are you playing, Genny?"

Generic winced. She hated hearing that name. "I only mean to make Lancaster great again," she said. "The Arkosians trample our lands and our people."

"You'll get your land back," Amelia said. "Nitesco has guaranteed it, hasn't he?"

"I don't want just my land," Generic said. "I want to make sure that Lancaster is never laid low again. For thirty years, we've been the doormat of Junipera. The Third Shipping War. Celtic's Revolt. Now this. We are a proud people, and I plan to ensure we never have to undergo such humiliations again."

"I wouldn't antagonize Arkos," Amelia said. "That's unwise. They have the Coalition's backing."

"Arkos is weak," Generic said. "They've overextended themselves. Their men are depleted, their people are discontent. They won't recover from this war for a long time, no matter how much Bluewhale and Zealander bluster to conceal that fact."

"And what does this have to do with me?" Amelia asked. She did not look pleased.

"I need allies for this," Generic said. "Not troops or anything, just someone to back me up when I make my move."

"Your move?" Amelia said. She looked disappointed. "Genny, you know I can't go in blind like that."

"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you yet," Generic said. "But if it works, I'll guarantee Lancaster's future without spilling a drop of blood! All I need is you to work with me."

Amelia looked sad. "Genny, you know I'm not fit for subterfuge."

"It's not subterfuge," Generic said. She put her hand on Amelia's white glove. "It's an opportunity to work together again! Come on, don't you miss that?" Amelia's face twitched into a nostalgic smile for all of a second. Generic continued: "It'll be just like it was all that time ago, remember? You, just a diplomat. Me, just a guard captain. We laid there for hours in bed, talking about how we would change this Subreddit for the better. Don't you want the chance to make those dreams come true?"

"Not like this," Amelia said. She sighed. "I loved you when you had ideals, Genny. I loved you because you weren't like the stuffy, arrogant old men I had to treat with. You had potential to be different. But now?" She sighed and wiped her eyes. "You're just the same as they were."

"You don't mean that," Generic said. "Please, Mel, just listen—"

"Don't call me that," Amelia said. She got up and quickly turned away. "I know I won't be able to talk you out of this. But I want you to know that I do not approve." She turned her steely glare at Generic. "Have a nice night, Generic."

Generic winced. Somehow, Amelia had managed to make her own name hurt.

"Having a spat?" a voice said. Generic turned and saw Taco looking down at her through his thin-rimmed glasses. He looked amused. It irritated her.

"Piss off, old man," Generic said. "Unless you want to get me a drink."

"Here," another voice said. Generic looked up to see the Mask standing over her, close enough to see a pair of blue eyes staring back at her. Somehow, that was more unnerving than the mask itself.

He placed a glass of wine on the table in front of her. "You need it more than I do,"

"Fuck you, creep," Generic said. The Mask shrugged and turned to Taco.

"No good deed goes unpunished," the Mask said. He beckoned for Taco to follow. "You were saying?"

"I was saying," Taco said, making sure Generic wasn't listening as they walked out of earshot, "that I would like to negotiate for your services."

"Would you, now?" the Mask said. He pulled Taco aside into a secluded corner of the next room and took a seat on the sofa. "If you wanted my friendship so badly, you should've allied with us when you got the chance."

"It was a mistake not to," Taco said. "One that I thoroughly regret. But soon my neighbors will get uppity, knowing I'm out of the Coalition's good graces. I'd rather that not happen."

"By the sound of it, it already is," the Mask said. Taco sat down on an overstuffed chair.

"That's why I seek your help, to minimize that damage," Taco said. "I know you aren't the only crime syndicate in the Subreddit. You aren't the only group of smugglers, thieves, or 'tax collectors.' But you have the best intelligence network I've ever seen."

"I had a good role model," the Mask said. "An excellent predecessor. Too bad his success went to his head."

"Yes, well," Taco said. "What's important is that I can pay you a lot for your services. I don't need assassins or thugs. Just enough agents to keep an eye on my neighbors."

"Sounds…voyeuristic," the Mask said with a chuckle.

Taco sighed. "Are you in or not?"

The Mask knit his hands and sat up. "How old are you, Taco?"

Taco narrowed his eyes at him. "Pardon?"

"I asked how old you were," the Mask said. Taco could tell he was serious.

"Fifty-two in July," Taco said.

The Mask nodded and pointed to a woman at the bar. "Is that Lewdnep?"

Taco turned and saw, to his chagrin, that Lewdnep was at the bar. She had assembled several empty kegs of beer in an oddly-shaped pyramid and was currently downing another mug. Taco groaned.

"Yes," he said. Taco knew that the Mask knew about Lewdnep. She was his heir, his closest living relative. She already managed his largest estate, the Landgraviate of Sea Monkeys, but reports of her efficiency were checkered at best.

"What is she, your niece?" the Mask asked. Taco turned back to her and watched her try to put another empty mug on top of the pyramid before hiccupping and stumbling to the ground, clearly drunk.

"Cousin," Taco said. "Distant cousin." He turned back to the Mask. "What is your point?"

"My point is," the Mask said, "there is a lot of risk involved. A middle-aged patron most definitely past his prime, a drunkard for an heir, several ambitious neighbors and the reputation of a Church collaborator?" He leaned back, his point made. "I don't want just 'a lot', Taco. I want enough to make robes of solid gold."

Taco scoffed. "Very well," he said. "I have enough. I'll make you rich."

"Oh, I already am," the Mask said. "Let me make that clear. But I want everyone to know."

"Can I ask you to be discreet about this? "Taco asked.

"Aren't I always?" the Mask replied.

Taco shrugged and leaned back in his chair. He shifted to look around the room and saw that King Inferno, as well as another boy, were talking very close to them. Inferno turned and locked eyes with Taco.

"Oh, Taco," Inferno said. He sneered. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Don't go out of your way to be a pest," Taco said. "It's unbecoming of you, boy."

"I'm not—" Inferno began. He sighed. "Oh, forget it."

Taco looked over at the boy dressed in black clothes looking up at him. "And who might you be?"

"Prince Alfonse," the boy said. Taco raised his eyebrows.

"Coronam's boy, eh?" Taco said. "I'm surprised you're talking with him. Your father and his predecessor were always at each other's throats."

"Perhaps some of us outgrew our childishness," Alfonse said. "Unlike you."

The Mask barked with laughter. "He's got you there, Taco!" the Mask said.

"Very funny," Taco sneered. "Go harass your father. I have business to discuss."

"Fine," Inferno said. "Come on, Alfonse. Let's leave him alone."

The two wandered through the crowd of adults, dodging the ones who were drunk enough to begin losing their balance. As they made their way to the back, they resumed their conversation.

"What's it like being king?" Alfonse asked.

"It can be scary at times," Inferno said. "There are lots of visitors that come and ask you to fix their problems. Vassals who come and ask for privileges, or for lower taxes, or to tell me news. And then there are people who hang around all day, like my regent did before the Coalition arrested her, or my advisors and assistants. I know they want me to do things for them, or hold power over me. I do my best to not let them."

"That sounds intimidating," Alfonse said.

"It can be," Inferno said. "But I'll grow into it, I hope. And then I'll make Crosshares the power it was meant to be!"

"You mean like the Inferno before you did?" Alfonse asked. "But she died."

"Yes," Inferno said, slightly offended. "Flamma did die, and so did her brother, but they both did good work before they did. Hopefully, mine will stick."

"Hopefully," Alfonse repeated, not really paying attention. "Did you call her Flamma?"

"Yeah," Inferno said. "We're not all named Inferno, you know. It's just the name we take on becoming monarch. It's tradition."

"I can see that," Alfonse said. "What was your name?"

"Cinis," Inferno said. "But nobody's called me that in years. I prefer Inferno."

"Okay then, Inferno," Alfonse said. He smiled and looked around. "Can you see my dad?"

"Coronam?" Inferno said. "I can't— wait. Is that him, over there in the crowd?"

"Where?" Alfonse asked. Inferno pointed at a large crowd, which had formed around a table in the corner of the room. A few were chanting names, but Alfonse could make none of them out over the din of the cheering. The edged through the crowd, and Alfonse saw, to his embarrassment, that his father was arm-wrestling Various. Several mugs of beer were littered around the table. Coronam and Various were both red-faced, but after a few more moments, Coronam pinned Various's arm to the table. Various sputtered and attempted to stand.

"N-not fair! Cheat…" Various trailed off. He finally forced himself off the table, only to collapse next to it, to the roaring of the crowd.

"I don't understand it," Coronam said. "He drank, like, four meads tops. How—" He turned and saw, to his embarrassment, his son watching him.

"Alfonse!" he asked. "Why are you here?"

"I was looking for you," Alfonse said. "But it seems you're busy."

"I'm just doing diplomacy," Coronam said, oddly nonchalant.

"Diplomacy?" Alfonse asked, skeptical.

"Yup," Coronam said. "Gotta show everyone Renoran strength! It keeps our reputation afloat." He paused. "Is that Inferno?"

"H-hello," Inferno stammered. Coronam narrowed his eyes.

"Coronam!" Kazehh emerged from behind the bar, somewhat drunk. "I challenge you!"

"Oh, this'll be easy!" Coronam said. Alfonse sighed and wandered off as Coronam grabbed Kazehh's hand.

"Coronam!" a voice called. Coronam and Kazehh looked over to see Austin staring at them with disapproval. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Arm-wrestling," Coronam said. "What does it look like I'm doing?"

"Stay out of this, Austin," Kazehh said. "I'm going to reclaim Various's honor!"

"Oh, whatever," Austin said. "Can someone at least tell me where Nitesco is?"

"Upstairs," Coronam said. "He went up with Horsea to discuss something a while ago."

"Thank you," Austin said. She ignored Kazehh's grunts as the match began and he tried in vain to overpower Coronam.

Austin made her way over to the stairway that led to the upper floor of the mansion. She looked over the railing and saw Bluewhale descending into the cellar.

"Bluewhale?" she asked. "Why are you going down there?

"Hm?" Bluewhale snapped to attention. "Oh…just getting another bottle of wine."

"You know you could just ask the servants to do that."

Bluewhale shrugged. "I wanted to see what was here."

"Fine by me," Austin said. She gave him a nod and they went their separate ways.

Bluewhale descended into the cellar, wine glass in hand. It wasn't nine o'clock yet, but it was close enough. He threw open the cellar door and looked around.

There was nobody there except for two servants. One of them looked up from a wine shelf and saw Bluewhale.

"Oh, the Arkosian," he said. "Katie, the Arkosian's here!"

A female servant poked her head up from behind a barrel of beer. "Ah, mister, um, Bluefield?"

"Bluewhale," Bluewhale corrected her.

"Right. Two men came down here a few minutes ago. Told us to look out for an Arkosian. They're in the spirits room."

"The spirits room?" Bluewhale asked.

"At the very end of the hall," the man said. "Where we keep all the distilled stuff. Don't go drinking it!"

"Spirits aren't my thing," Bluewhale said. He walked down the hall and saw that a man he did not recognize was leaning on the door. The man wore a neatly-shaved beard and a black coat over his vestments. As Bluewhale approached, the man straightened up.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Admiral Bluewhale," Bluewhale said. "And you are?"

"Call me Peters," the man said. He opened the door and beckoned for Bluewhale to enter. Bluewhale obeyed.

Hozack stood in the corner of the room, which was only illuminated by torchlight. Peters shut the door behind them.

"Thank you, Peters," Hozack said. "Now, I believe I offered my assistance."

"What kind of assistance are we talking about?" Bluewhale asked.

"My agents, my infiltrators, spies, assassins, should you need them," Hozack said. "All at your disposal, if you help me."

"I still don't understand why you're helping me," Bluewhale said. "Why me? Why Arkos?"

"Because Arkos is uniquely positioned in Junipera," Hozack said. "Because, like I said before, my grandfather is about to come into command of all Monochrome. I intend to lift Monochrome up to greatness, to become the dominant power in Rubia. But I cannot do that without allies."

"You want Arkos on your side," Bluewhale said. Hozack laughed.

"No," he said. "I want you on my side." Bluewhale appeared surprised, so Hozack continued: "You have the potential to be the next Vulpix," Hozack said. "He united Arkos during its time of troubles. So can you. I know that Zealander is leaving Arkos in the hands of the Oligarchs."

"A mistake," Bluewhale said. "Vaniellis is the only one of them with any vision. The rest are too indolent or selfish to lead properly."

"Which is why I come to you," Hozack said. "And offer my assistance. If I can lift up Arkos in Junipera, and Monochrome in Rubia, we will be an unstoppable alliance. With your military and my networking, there will be nobody to stand against us."

"And what about Nitesco?" Bluewhale asked. "Of the Coalition?"

"The Coalition exists only out of convenience," Hozack said. "As soon as it suits him, Nitesco will disband it."

"Nitesco wouldn't do that," Bluewhale said. "He's an honorable man. A good man."

"Good men don't make great men," Hozack said. "And in this time of strife, we need great men. You can be one, Bluewhale. You're already a hero in your people's eyes." He got closer, enough to whisper in Bluewhale's ear. "Wouldn't you like to be a legend?"

Bluewhale nodded. What Hozack said made sense. "Alright," he said. "I'll consider it. But if I do decide to pursue this ambition, I'll need allies in Arkos."

"I'm afraid I can't help you there," Hozack said. "Do you have any ideas?"

Bluewhale scratched his chin, thinking. "Yeah," he said. "I may know of one."

"Very good," Hozack said. "I leave that to you. I think this will be a very profitable partnership."

"So do I," Bluewhale said, somewhat uneasy. Glory and progress. He had to take the opportunity.

"Farewell," Hozack said. Bluewhale waved goodbye, and followed Peters out the door. He looked back and managed to get a last look at Hozack's smiling face before Peters shut the door.

Austin wandered around the second floor of the manor. Unlike the first floor, barely anyone was up there, save for a few servants or lost partygoers. Austin approached Nitesco's office and pushed the door open.

"—all I'm saying is, we cannot take any overt actions at this time. A public alliance so soon would be unsightly."

Nitesco was talking to Horsea, who stood facing away from her. "I'm not asking for a military alliance," Horsea said. "But we both know now more than ever, we need allies. A trade alliance, nothing more, to rejuvenate our economies."

"The Coalition is not enough?" Nitesco asked. Horsea sighed.

"You know what I'm asking for," Horsea said, impatient.

"And you know my answer," Nitesco said. "I intend to keep the promises I made to you and the other Coalition members. That should be enough for you."

Horsea turned to leave. "Very well," he said. "I'll see— Austin." He stopped, and both of them looked at her. "I wasn't expecting you."

"Am I interrupting?" Austin asked.

"Horsea was just leaving," Nitesco said. Horsea frowned.

"I was just asking Nitesco if he wanted a trade alliance," Horsea said.

"And I gave you my answer," Nitesco said. "Please close the door on your way out."

Horsea sighed but obeyed, and he shut the door as he left. Once he was gone, Nitesco sighed.

"Can they not wait a few months to start politicking?" Nitesco wondered aloud. He walked over to the front of the room and opened the doors to the balcony. "I need some fresh air."

"I thought you said there'd be no government work tonight," Austin said, faking a pout. Nitesco shrugged.

"He asked for an audience," Nitesco said. "Didn't think he would go on for so long. How are things downstairs?"

"Certainly not boring," Austin said. "Coronam is winning an arm-wrestling competition."

"Of course he is," Nitesco said. He paused. They looked out at the city, illuminated by stars and moonlight. "So, what do you think you'll do now that this is all over?"

"Don't know," Austin said. "I suppose I'll…go back to Armed and Ready and find work."

Nitesco raised his eyebrows. "You don't mean mercenary work?"

"No, not that," she said. "But I'm sure the countess will find a good position for me. Marshal, or diplomat, or something."

Nitesco nodded. "It'll be a pity to see you go. After all we've done together…"

"Yeah," Austin agreed. They looked out at the city, more somber now.

After a few moments, Nitesco spoke up again. "You know," he said. "I had an idea."

"Did you?" Austin asked. She heard a hint of mischief in his voice.

"Well, you were a founding member of the Coalition, right?" Nitesco asked. "It wouldn't be right for you to not have something to do with it."

"What are you suggesting?" Austin asked.

"Perhaps," Nitesco said, looking away sheepishly, "you could be an envoy?"

"An envoy?"

"Yeah," Nitesco said. "Special envoy, between Coalition members and everyone else. You'd get to speak, travel—"

"Spend time with you?" Austin asked. Nitesco chuckled bashfully.

"Why not?" Nitesco said. "I mean, unless you don't want to,"

"No," Austin said, trying not to sound eager. "I'd love that."

"You would, huh?" Nitesco asked. His nervousness from earlier seemed to be disappearing, and he slowly got closer to her. Austin didn't mind.

"Yeah," Austin said, leaning in. "I would."

And then Nitesco kissed her. It was sudden, and it ended just as suddenly, but it told Austin everything she needed to know.

"Nitesco," she said. She chuckled. "Didn't think you had it in you."

"Well that's just mean," Nitesco said, but he smiled. "You know, we should probably get back to the party."

"They won't miss us," Austin said. "Come on. You're a lot more interesting."

"Am I, now?" Nitesco said. Austin smiled at him and walked back inside. Nitesco chuckled to himself, closed the balcony doors and followed her.