Haru glanced at all his men who looked at each other and shared a nod. They had come to an agreement on their discussion.
"So we have come to an agreement then?"
"Yes sire, the agreed terms could not be any more fitting, especially in a godless world that has not seen the light of Christ."
Haru held up the paper, the document that would hold the details of what the Orders and the Duke had agreed on.
I, Duke Haru of Whirlingpool, together with the Grandmaster of the Templar Order, and the commanders of the Knights Hospitaliers and the Teutonic Order, hereby declare that the Kingdom of Thore shall be renamed the Duchy of Amelborough.
I, Duke Haru of Whirlingpool, hereby declare that lest the King of England arrives here to seize power, the citizens of the Duchy of Amelborough will answer to the authority of God, the Church and the Duke of Whirlingpool alone.
I, Duke Haru of Whirlingpool, hereby declare that the city of Thore be renamed to the city of Amelborough.
"These three statements will act as the basis for the rest of the Duchy's establishment in this new world. These will be declared in public tomorrow at midday." Haru said as he rolled up the scroll and tightened it with a red ribbon, before setting it aside. "But sadly, that was only the easy part of our meeting. Now we must speak of our next move against the Black Dogs, and that is not an easy task to accomplish."
Haru stared at the knight commanders, who were all analyzing the map on the table. Even though the Crusader army was vastly superior to the Black Dogs in terms of morale, quality and fighting ability, the enemy had numbers and resources, which was all they needed to defeat the Crusader army. They needed a plan, which Haru had much trouble figuring out.
"Well knights, what is your proposed plan? I cannot do this alone, as much as you may think so."
"Well milord, before your arrival, three knightly orders have made separate plans." Grandmaster Oswald replied. "Though we had yet to agree on a plan during your absence."
"Let's hear it then."
The Hospitalier commander moved up to talk as he then gestured to the map on the table.
"Sir, the Hospitaliers wish to claim the lands outside the walls of Thore. If we were to reclaim the villages outside, we would help restore order and boost public support for our cause."
"That's quite the excellent plan Sir Rene Antoinette, but how do you plan to execute it?"
"Sire, as one of the commanders of the Hospitaliers, I can command about 300 men, while bringing about one to four knights with me. These villages only require about 65 men to reclaim."
"Hmmm… Quite thought out, but should your men get ambushed?"
"We have the advantage of mobility, sire. The Black Dogs lack horses and cavalry, we should be able to outmaneuver them."
"Excellent work Sir Rene, I will take note of your plan."
"My thanks, sire." Sir Rene said as he backed up.
Grandmaster Oswald then moves up to the table as he then places a dagger on one area of the map and then another area of the map.
"These areas are lands that are unknown to us. Though the locals have given us much information about the continent, I have noticed that there are areas that the locals claim that even the Black Dogs dare not go to. What I ask is that we may scout the area around Thore before making any major moves on the enemy."
"Good thinking, I suggest you bring about 120 men on horseback, and no more. As not to catch unwanted attention. I trust the rest of the operation to you."
"You have my gratitude, milord. That is all." Grandmaster Oswald replied as he stepped back.
"Milord?" the Teutonic commander called as he stepped forward.
"Herr Weiss von Schnee, what do you wish to say?"
"If I may be so bold, there is actually one thing we managed to agree on."
The Duke was surprised to hear that.
"Even with training the levies, our numbers would still fall short in fighting a long-term campaign against the Black Dogs. Which is why I suggest that we gather help from the neighboring kingdoms."
"Are you suggesting we make alliances with these strangers?" Haru asked in a surprised tone, realizing that the other Orders agreed to it. "And the others agreed to this?"
"Well, yes and no. We were thinking of gathering recruits from splinter factions who broke off from their original kingdoms."
"That's also a good idea, we do need to swell our numbers if we are to stand up against the Black Dogs. But where should we start?"
The Teutonic commander then points to one area of the map, in the northeastern area.
"We shan't trust the nation of Dark Elves, they were responsible for the conjuration of the Legion."
"If anything, they should be slaughtered once we have the chance." Grandmaster Oswald voiced.
"We estimated about one thousand rebels ripe for recruiting, if we are lucky." Sir Rene added in.
"One thousand men?" Haru asked disappointedly, before turning to his assistant, Ruby. "Ruby, tell me, what are the numbers we face?"
"W-We've estimated about ten to twenty thousand men alone, with even more monsters backing them up."
"Deus adiuva nos omnes…" Grandmaster Oswald muttered. (God help us all)
"God be with us, that's more than twice our army size!" Haru expressed in horror. "Even if we are to succeed in fighting off the men, what of the monsters and demons?"
The men had an intense discussion of what to do, before a timid voice broke their discussion.
"M-Milords, if I may. I wish to share information that may be of use."
"Well go ahead Ruby, the floor is yours."
Ruby walks up to the table and points to the south.
"W-We aren't the only kingdom who is threatened by the Kuro Inu." Ruby said as she pointed to an area below Thore. "To the south, the Kingdom of Dragundaala still holds strong against the demon advance. The ruler, a wise dragonness named Lady Xiaolong who had the foresight to prepare against the growing threat."
"Interesting…" Haru commented. "Does that mean our southern borders are secure?"
"I-I'm not sure… Lady Xiaolong distrusts all males, there is no guarantee until you prove your good intentions to her."
"Noted, carry on."
"To the northern tip of the continent, a warrior culture thrives in the snowy climate, with warriors so fierce that the Kuro Inu have tried and failed so many times to occupy them."
"Wait, are these men raiders or bandits by any chance?"
"Yes, that is what they are popularly associated with. How did you know?"
Haru looked at Grandmaster Oswald as they both shared a nod, same with all the knights in the room. There was one word that came into their minds when they heard the words "snow" and "warrior" in the same sentence.
"Vikings…"
"What is the name of the land of these warriors?"
"G-Gridastadur. Not even Celestine knows what the name means."
"Then there's no doubt that these men are Scandinavian. Even the name sounds Norse." Haru concluded as he then gestured for Ruby to go on.
"A-And here is the land where shield-princess Kaguya came from." Ruby stuttered as she pointed to the far right of the map. "Nicknamed, the Far East, it is ruled by an emperor who commands an army of fearless, disciplined warriors."
"How large is this country?"
"I-I don't know milord, Kaguya never talked about it."
"So men, in light of this new information, what do you suggest we do?"
"I say we still go through with our current plans." Sir Rene suggested. "We can't split our resources like this."
"But surely we can spare a few men to act as emissaries!" Herr Weiss retorted.
"Are you really suggesting that we make an alliance with these stranger nations?"
"As much I'd hate to admit it, we are outmatched in numbers, Sir Oswald. If we choose to fight with what we have now, then we will look like nothing but a bunch of fools who dare oppose the Black Dogs."
"Actually, Herr Weiss has a point, we cannot hope to face our adversaries like this. We need all the help we can get, regardless of who is helping us."
"I'd imagine you agreeing to this." Oswald grumbled. "You were quick to ally with the infidel Mamluks when we faced the Seljuks."
"But even those men had faith and honor! These monsters, these Black Dogs have little to no regard for the damage that they have caused! If you cannot see the good in the people who stand against them, then at least see them as a lesser evil, a necessary evil."
The room was silent as Grandmaster Oswald hung his head and said.
"Fine, we'll do this your way."
"Then we must decide on how we send our emissaries." Sir Rene added.
"A group of men will catch too much attention." Herr Weiss stated. "Knowing the enemy, they might be monitoring for any possible moves on the other kingdoms. We can't risk drawing too much attention while we're still vulnerable."
"So what? We sacrifice security for the sake of covertness and vice versa. What should we do?" Grandmaster Oswald asked.
"How about instead of the emissary having a guard, what if we had the emissary guard himself?"
The commanders were confused at what Herr Weiss just suggested, before Sir Rene realized what he meant and squinted at him.
"Are you suggesting that we send our very own knights to act as mere emissaries?"
"No mere man can traverse this land safely, but a warrior dedicated and loyal to God should be seen to safety by the Savior Himself."
"But we risk losing our precious knights!" Oswald cried.
"Then they have earned their place in Heaven Grandmaster. There was a reason why the knights received the greatest training available." Herr Weiss stated before adding. "And to prove my point, I will personally volunteer as an emissary."
This sparked immense silence as the knights looked at Weiss with a shocked look on their faces.
"Herr Weiss, I did not mean to be so opposed to your plan—"
"This has nothing to do with your opinion Sir Rene, do not fret. I merely wish to see the task fulfilled myself."
"But think of the risks!" Grandmaster Oswald pleaded. "You are a talented young knight with a promising career! A young prodigy should not be so reckless with his life!"
"But who could be a better candidate to undertake such an important mission?"
"But who will lead the Teutonic Knights?"
"I merely am one Teutonic commander among many others. They will do a better job of leading men."
Haru sighed before saying.
"Look, Herr Weiss… We simply cannot accept you going out into such danger, as we do not want a repeat of… the incident."
Ruby was curious on what exactly was this incident that Haru referred to so solemnly.
"That incident did not weaken me in any way. I will go regardless of what you say." Herr Weiss said defiantly, before his face darkened. "Unless you wish to stop me."
The other knights hung their heads in shame as they did not utter any more words against Herr Weiss.
"I will try to search for this Far East nation. The land is practically devoid of demons, I'll be safe for now, there is little need to worry." Weiss said reassuringly.
"… Alright then, if Herr Weiss wishes to search for the Far East, then let him. Who will we send to Grisdastadur? To Lady Xiaolong?" Grandmaster Oswald asked.
"Say… do we still have those Varangian mercenaries?" Haru asked. "They should be good candidates to send to the northern tribes."
"You want to send them?" Sir Rene questioned.
"Why not? The northern tribes are clearly of Norse Culture. It would help them reconnect with their roots, and their cultural similarities will help boost interactions."
"No offense sire, but it's been centuries since the Viking Age."
"But it is our best chance at securing a pact with them." Haru countered, thus ending the debate.
"Who will go to Lady Xiaolong?" Sir Rene then questioned.
"I volunteer. I would like to see this Lady Xiaolong for myself." Haru said straight out.
"Sir! You too? But how about the—"
"We'll settle all political matters before we begin our plans." Haru said, cutting off Rene, and thus changing the subject. "Now we must focus on the task of enforcing the law upon our new citizens."
"And how will we do that?" Grandmaster Oswald asked, leaning forward in interest.
"We will make examples of the ones who think of betraying us." Haru stated simply. "And to do that, we need a little magic on our side."
Everyone then glanced at Ruby, who was bashful at all the attention.
The innkeeper gazed out his window worriedly. The area had been put under martial law to quell any remaining resistance in the kingdom. He nervously returns to his station as he begins serving his patrons. But a slam of the door reveals a trio of soldiers, who wore chainmail and tabard, one of those foreign soldiers from the look of it. The other customers were intimidated by their presence. Not only by the fact that they were soldiers, but also their physique.
These foreign soldiers were much taller than the men of Thore. They had a very fit physique that boasted health and vigor. Their youthful faces indicated their young age and their dirty shave showed their ruggedness. It was clear that these men had their fair share of scraps. The men ignored them as the soldiers walked to the counter and sat there. The tallest one of the bunch spoke up.
"Keeper! Three mugs of your finest ale!" the soldier requested with a jolly voice.
The innkeeper timidly gets their drinks. While he does, he whistles at a girl, who approaches the soldiers sitting at the bar.
"Is there anything else you would like to get?"
"That depends, do you accept payment in shillings?" one of the soldiers asked.
The girl looks uncertainly at the innkeeper, who lips out.
"Say yes!"
The girl nods at the innkeeper and turns back to the soldiers.
"Yes, we will accept any form of payment."
"Ah, good." the soldier expressed in a satisfied tone. "I would like to get a small meal for my friends and I."
"Nonsense! You couldn't even pay the bartender in the last town!" the other soldier laughed.
"Bugger off! I just got my wage early!"
"Hahaha! Okay then! It's not like I would turn down a free meal anyway!"
The waitress was amused by the friendly banter between the soldiers. But she takes a look at them again. These were the men who fought valiantly against the Black Dogs and lived. The very men who drove them back to the dark pits they came from. They would be considered legendary. Their physique and looks certainly live up to their achievements. They very much reminded her of the heroic stories her father told her as a child. All of a sudden, these men suddenly became a lot more dreamy in her eyes.
"Say, is that innkeeper your father?" the black-haired soldier asked.
The girl nodded with a bit of a blush.
"Figures, you both have the same eyes." the black haired man observed with a nod.
"Anyway…" The waitress trailed off shyly while handing the menu to the soldiers. "What do you wish to order?"
The soldiers took a moment to examine the menu carefully. They were quite surprised with the wide array of choices that she offered.
"Bread and roasted fish for me." the blond man said.
"I'll have some bitter vegetables and marinated rabbit."
"I would like the boiled beef and carrots." the black haired man added in.
The waitress bowed and left them to get their orders. The men had their conversation while waiting for their meal.
"So Liam, how goes the refugee guarding?" the blond man asked the black-haired man.
"Ah, they are still settling in." Liam said while leaning back. "There were plenty of empty houses in this kingdom to accommodate a few thousand. The rest will have to stay in tents until we can build more residences."
"I heard that Ibrahim is opening a bar in his residence downtown."
"Really? We must visit there soon, the man knows how to make some good tonic."
"I'd like to try this land's cuisine also." the brown-haired man expressed.
"Why Noel, I didn't think that you had refined tastes!"
"Smart-arse…"
The waitress returns with the food that the men ordered. The men made a Sign of the Cross as they muttered.
"In nomine Patre, et Filii, et Spiritui Sancti. Amen." they said in unison.
"Benedicat nos, Domine! et haec tua dona quae de tua largitate sumus sumpturi, per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. " Liam recited as he closed his eyes while clasping his hands together.
(Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.)
The girl was curious about their prayer, as she never saw patrons practice such things in the inn. They usually gorged in right away. The language they recited sounded so graceful and eloquent, it made them look sophisticated. She worked up the courage to ask.
"What you muttered, what did it mean?"
"You are aware of our one true God? We are giving him thanks for this meal, because we are taking it from his bountiful creation to sustain ourselves."
"Oh, okay."
The men did the Sign of the Cross and ate their food. Their faces showed delight as they swallowed the food.
"Goodness, this meal is delightful!" Liam expressed with a full mouth. "Who cooked this wonderful dish?"
"T-That would be me milord."
"Well, you are certainly a very good cook, any man would be lucky to have you as his wife."
The waitress blushed even deeper, as Liam felt a slap on the back of his head. He glared at Noel, who was also returning a glare at him.
"What did I do!?"
"May I remind you that we are in a different land and culture?"
Liam glances at him, then at the waitress, then back at Noel, before realizing his mistake.
"A thousand apologies to you milady! I did not mean to be so tactless!"
"It's okay…" the waitress said blushing, using the end of her apron to cover her red cheeks.
"It's normal for women your age to marry in our culture! That's why I didn't think it would be such a sensitive topic!"
"So that does that mean you're already married?" the waitress blurted out, before looking completely mortified from what she said and goes back to covering her blushing face.
"Er… No. I've never had a lass in my life."
"Only his mum!" Noel quipped.
Liam glared at Noel, before noticing that the waitress still had a mortified look on her face.
"Don't look so abashed. I bet you'll look much better smiling!"
"Y-You really think so?" the girl asked, her blush deepening, but her face still covered.
"I'm sure of it!"
Before the conversation could be heard much longer, some commotion could be heard outside.
"HELP ME PLEASE!"
Liam and his group were alarmed. The woman's voice sounded like one of the refugees as they left their unfinished meals to the front door.
"Wait! What about your—" the waitress called.
"Just pack it in for us! I left the money on the table." Liam said before chugging his ale down. "Tell your father to keep the change!"
As soon as the three mercenaries composed themselves, they scrambled for the door. Though they were all outside, but Liam peeks his head through the door.
"Say, what's your name?"
"Marin…" the waitress replied shyly.
"Well Marin, it was nice to meet you! I hope we get to meet again soon!"
"Come on Liam!" Noel shouted from outside.
"Okay, see you!" Liam saluted as he went out.
Stunned at what happened, the waitress Marin takes a moment to walk to the back. From there, she uncovers her face, revealing a growing smile as she squeals.
"Kyaaah!"
Tonight was a good night for her, she finally got to talk to one of the soldiers who fought the Kuro Inu. Liam was so charming and nice, he certainly made her night.
But sadly, the rest can't be said for Liam and his companions as they see a few men attacking a veiled Arabic woman. They rush in to save her as the townsfolk peeked out to see the ongoing commotion.
Haru massaged his forehead on his throne, which was built in front of the Great Cross. Due to lack of churches, the clergy and royalty were forced to stay in Celestine's Palace for the time being. Not that it bothered them, the woman's palace was huge. With so many servants running around, the place was kept in good shape for both Catholic and royal matters alike.
Haru took a deep sigh while addressing the three mercenaries below him.
"And you, Liam Jørgensen swear that this is true?"
"Yes I do milord." Liam said. "The townsfolk are threatening the refugees out of spite against our new government."
"Anything else?"
"Yes milord." Noel responded. "Some of the townsmen want Celestine to be given to them as a sex slave, saying that the Black Dogs would be better leaders if we refused their demands."
Haru clenched his fists in anger, gritting his teeth at such barbarism and uncivilized demands by these heathen. He then calms himself and says,
"Is that it?"
"Not really, we also found a group of nuns bunkering in a hidden dorm downtown. We found a woman among them who names herself Prim. She wants to speak to Alicia, whom we know is currently held prisoner."
Haru stroked his chin at the new information given.
"I'll take care of that. just transfer Prim into my custody."
"Yes milord, she is currently in the hands of the guards outside." Liam replied.
"Is that all you wish to inform me?" Haru asked again.
"Yes milord, though the soldiers are wondering how we should confront this mass unrest."
"There is one way to do this." Haru announced as he then hands out scrolls. "Go and hand these plans to the English commanders only. We need to enforce them immediately."
Noel and the other soldier take the scrolls with a bow before heading out the door. Before Liam could follow them, the Duke stops him, saying.
"Wait Liam."
Liam turns around, awaiting Haru's words.
"Let your friends handle this first. There is something else I'd like to speak to you about."
"What would it be sir?"
"Don't worry, I won't take long." Haru said while standing up and approaching Liam. "After all, I have other tasks that I must attend to."
Haru then glanced out the window and at the prison tower, where they kept Celestine as prisoner. He had a lot to do tonight, and he was going to start with the issue of Prim and her sister.
Alicia and Claudia sat idly in their jail cells as they were despondent. As soon as they were brought to their cells, they were stripped of their clothing and made to wear rags. Though they had tried to aggravate their guards, they were only met with proud sneers and faces of disgust. They only felt insulted by their dismissal, as if they were lower than them. Claudia had fallen fast asleep while Alicia was left to reflect on their situation.
"We haven't heard much from Celestine. What happened to her? Those damned men had to imprison us. I just hope they don't find—"
Her thoughts were interrupted by the door opening, revealing Haru, and two guards behind him. Claudia wakes up and creeps to the edge of the cell, whispering to Alicia.
"Why is he here?"
"I don't know! Just be calm."
Haru grabs a chair and sits across the cell. He then takes out a scroll and unrolls it.
"Madam… Alicia?'
"Yes?" Alicia asked stiffly.
"Do you happen to know of a woman named Prim?" Haru asked.
Alicia thought about this carefully. It would be unwise of her to say yes, as they might torture her to reveal the location of her sister and the nuns.
"No, I do not know of this woman." Alicia calmly replied.
Haru wore a face of mock content at the reply.
"Well since you don't know her, I guess she was looking for a different Alicia."
Alicia's eyes widened as she immediately snarled at him.
"Don't play tricks with me."
"What tricks? We found a woman with the same name bunkering in a dormitory downtown with some nuns. Sound familiar?"
The statement shocked Alicia, before she got even angrier as she screamed.
"WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER YOU DOG!?"
"Calm yourself, we did nothing to your precious sister." Haru replied nonchalantly. "Your sister told us everything. I just came to discuss the terms."
Alicia and Claudia grew interested at the mention of that. Claudia and Alicia sat down in front of the jail cell.
"What terms?" Alicia asked, her brows furrowing in suspicion.
"For your cooperation of course."
"I will never ally myself with the man who imprisoned Celestine!" Claudia said rather brusquely.
"Go ahead, I have no qualms with throwing you to the Black Dogs." Haru replied bluntly. "I heard that they have been low on sex slaves."
Claudia immediately shut up, humbling herself, thus letting Haru control the situation.
"Now as you know, I have your loved ones held captive. Celestine is currently in her private prison, Prim is currently with the town guard, and Claudia's husband, Klaus, is currently under house arrest."
"My husband!? Why would you resort to such methods!?"
"Because I need your utmost attention to what I am about to tell you." Haru replied sternly. "Now I have taken the liberty of granting you two mercy under my conditions."
Alicia and Claudia shared a glance at each other, with Alicia turning back to Haru.
"We're listening."
"You will be forbidden from leaving city premises. Any sign of rebelliousness or inciting rebellion will be met with immediate execution. You will be required to aid our war effort against the Black Dogs, be it on the battlefield or on the tactics table. You will be required to help train levies. You must also attend tomorrow's proclamation. And last, but definitely not least, you will not question or dispute my authority. All orders I give you must be obeyed and followed to the last word. Within reason of course."
"That simple?" Alicia wondered in her head. "No strings attached?"
"Only the devil would attach strings in his deals. I assure you that this deal is spotless, just sign this paper."
The Duke hands a scroll and pen to Alicia, unrolling it to read the terms. It was as Haru as said. There were no loopholes, no hidden rules, no terms for either side to exploit. Alicia and Claudia retreat to the far side of the cell to discuss this among themselves.
"What do you think Alicia?" Claudia asked.
"I think this man makes a good point. I wouldn't be so quick to trust him, but right now, we have no choice."
"Of course, he still holds our loved ones hostage. This is the only way!"
"Okay, let's do it."
The two women nodded at each other, with Alicia signing, then Claudia also signing. They then returned to the front of the cell.
"Haru, we agree to your terms." Alicia said as she handed the scroll to Haru.
"Splendid." Haru said in a delighted tone while rolling up the scroll. "The Templar Knights will come bring you to the proclamation. They will then bring you and your loved ones to your new quarters."
Haru then left the room, leaving Alicia and Claudia in their jail cells.
"Do you think we made the right choice?" Alicia asked.
"I don't know…" Claudia despondently replied. "But it is the only choice we have."
Haru overhears heir words but dismisses them as he exits the castle and goes towards the tower where Celestine was kept, because he had something special planned for her.
Celestine's jail was certainly not the worst that was given to her. It was an average room of average size. The bed was small and wasn't the glorious queen-sized bed that Celestine slept in, but beggers can't be choosers. There was also a small dining table, accompanied by two chairs. There was a small window overlooking the rest of the town, from the top floor of the jail.
Celestine sat quietly on her bed as she contemplated her situation. Her toga was replaced with a very modest white dress, covering her entire body. Though it failed to hide her voluptuous body, it was a step in the right direction. She was mostly fascinated by apparent self-control these men had. Their moral code surpassing any carnal desire. These men were certainly interesting, and the kingdom of Thore had not been abused like she anticipated.
Celestine was thoroughly impressed by the zeal shown by these so-called "Crusaders". Not even Celestine's forces fought with such fervor to their lord. She could see in the eyes of the soldiers, their conviction, their determination to serve their beloved God. Even the hungry, lustful eyes of the Black Dogs could not compare to the look on the Crusaders' faces, a look of tenacity and willpower. It was something that would shake this world for sure.
Her thoughts are interrupted as the door opens, revealing Haru at the doorway.
Haru was a tall man, towering over most men and women. His Scandinavian ancestry has lent itself to boosting his height, but not to gargantuan proportions. He had smooth, combed golden hair that barely reached down his neck. His face was shaved and could be considered to be quite dashing, if it wasn't for it being blemished by the numerous scars that lay on it.
The Duke then gives her a nod.
"Milady."
Celestine gave the Duke a friendly nod as he pulled up a chair.
"So how is your stay so far?" Haru asked gently.
"Not that bad, all things considered. Your men were very fair in their treatment."
"You are a political prisoner, no harm shall come to you until we decide your fate. And though it was a hard choice to make, we decided to let you live."
Celestine was shocked that they even considered executing her.
"You were planning to kill me?" Celestine asked in horror. "But what did I do?"
"Claiming godhood is a major offense under Church law. You will be named a heretic and blasphemer and be burned on the stake. Though we worried that killing you would incite outrage within the public"
Celestine was shocked that these men were going to use such horribly slow and barbaric means to kill her.
"B-But I am—"
"Stow it." Haru said curtly, silencing Celestine. "I won't believe a word you say. You're lucky that I am being patient with you."
"B-But I can prove that I am a—"
"Like I said, stow it. We are aware of your divination powers, and you should be lucky that we aren't accusing you of sorcery. Now let's get down to business."
Celestine was hurt by the man's bluntness. He gave no consideration, and had little interest in her godhood. It was as if he treated her like something that could be cast aside. Like he was above her. She dejectedly accepts the change of topic.
"There is just one thing I need to know Madam Celestine. With your divination powers, tell me, who among the populace is likely to betray us?"
"M-More than I can count milord." Celestine shakily answered. "Corruption in this world are motivated by lust and if they see a chance to indulge in their desires…"
"Okay, okay. Thank you so much for your help milady." Haru thanked as he stood up.
As Haru stood up, Celestine could hear the sound of chains. She hears the noise come from Haru. It took her a moment to realize what was going to happen before he suddenly pins her to the bed.
"D-Haru! What are you doing?"
"I'm so sorry." Haru said solemnly as he forcefully made her lie on the bed.
Celestine was helpless as she was chained to the bed, on all her limbs, attached to the bed, leaving her completely immobilized. Celestine was even more scared as her body trembled in fear.
"Milord… What are you—"
"Just sleep…" Haru said as he put a cloth over Celestine's nose and mouth, knocking her out.
Haru stood over Celestine's body as he got ready to do what he must.
The next day was a noisy one. The city folk had gathered in front of the castles, with great commotion as they awaited the words of their new leader. The crowd was curious about the crane-like contraption that was connected to a supposed cage, covered in a cloth. Everyone was anxious as they saw a man stand over the balcony of the castle. It was Haru, together with the knight commanders, the shield princess Claudia, Alicia and Prim, and his assistant, Ruby. The Grandmaster notices that there was a black veiled woman among them.
"Who is she?" Oswald questioned.
"Just a guest." Haru answered before moving up front to make his declaration.
Haru stared down the sea of people. He had to make this plan count otherwise all their work would have been for naught.
"Hear my words, citizen of Thore, that this city now belongs to me!"
There were sounds of panicking in the crowd, with many shouting and crying, before the soldiers below silenced them.
"And as you know, there will be some changes around here!" Haru shouted. "The Kingdom of Thore is no more! The Duchy of Amelborough will reign as of today!"
The crowd became even more restless as a huge uproar emerged from the men who were trying to cause a scene again, before being pacified by the soldiers once again.
"Now there is no need to worry! We are not like the Black Dogs! We will treat everyone in this kingdom fairly, regardless of race or gender!"
A large part of the crowd calmed after that, but there were still a few troublemakers among the sea of people.
"Now as an act of good will as your new ruler, I will give this gift in a cage to you all!" Haru said as he then turned to the crane operators. "Raise the cloth!"
The operators cranked the lever and raised the cloth, to reveal the contents of the cage. It was Celestine, tied to her bed, bound and gagged, naked. The townspeople gasped as they saw their goddess in a cage. Alicia and Claudia were shocked before moving up to attack the Duke, with the knights holding them back. Grandmaster Oswald then growls at the Duke.
"What is the meaning of this!?"
"Now, I've been informed that the townspeople desired Celestine! So I took the liberty of tying her up and delivering her to you!" Haru declared, ignoring the Grandmaster. "Now don't be shy! Whoever wishes to take this gift, step forward into the large white border drawn around the cage!"
There was a long pause in the crowd, before a huge shout of joy could be heard. Hundreds of men poured out of the crowd and gathered excitedly outside Celestine's cage. Many had already taken off their pants while some were already nude. Haru waited until men stopped pouring from the crowd, seeing that the white border was already full. He then signals to the operators.
"Raise the cage!"
"No!" Claudia screamed as she watched the cage slowly open.
"Haru how could you be so immoral!?" Grandmaster Oswald shouted. "Why would you let those lustful men get what they desire!?"
Haru didn't respond as he watched the cage open. The men poured into the cage and began to immediately rape Celestine, with many of them fondling the poor woman. Claudia's eyes flowed with tears as she watched her beloved lady get raped. But something shocking occurs, Celestine explodes into a puff of smoke. The men raping her grow confused at her sudden disappearance. Haru grins and raises his hand.
"Everyone stand back!" he shouted as he then ordered. "Archers! Target all who stay within the white border!"
Archers revealed themselves as they shot fire arrows at the naked men, who were panicking and confused at all the occurring events. The ground below the naked men combusts and sets them aflame. Some try to escape the blaze but the nearby soldiers keep them squared in. Everyone watched in horror as the men burned, until nothing but black bodies remained.
Grandmaster Oswald was shocked, he thought that the Duke was resorting to sex slavery, but this turn of events turned out to be delightful. He and the knight commanders stare at the Duke, who was grinning from ear to ear.
"I'm sorry that I didn't inform you about this. I just wanted to see the look on your face."
The knights pause a bit before laughing and patting the Duke in the back.
"You really had us there." Grandmaster Oswald laughed, "But I believe that you still have a crowd to address."
The Duke chuckled before turning to the crowd, who was still frozen in horror at the spectacle that they had witnessed.
"You think that I will be so compliant!? The threat of rebellion does not faze me!" The Duke proudly boasted. "You all are lucky that I made an example of these scum! Those who would dare jump onto a helpless woman!"
The people in the crowd frightfully mutter among themselves.
"Remember this! Follow the law and I will protect you fully! But disobey us and you will end up like these poor souls!"
The crowd stood silently, as if they were waiting for more.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Disperse! Go back to your daily routine! I have nothing else to say!"
And with that, the crowd begins to thin. The soldiers begin to clean up the charred remains of Celestine's would-be rapists. Haru watches with satisfaction as his plan had succeeded, he had disciplined an unruly people with an unexpected act of cruelty. Though the knights were pleased by this, Claudia and Alicia were a little harder to please.
"Y-You killed them…"
"Of course I did! Why would I let scum like them live? I bet that if they had the chance, they would have raped you three as well!"
"But you didn't have to mass murder them!" Alicia countered.
"I'm learning from the mistakes your leaders made." Haru said, leaning forward and looking at Alicia right in the eye. "I'm letting these people know the consequences and repercussions of being rapists. If they find joy in a woman's suffering then they are no better than the Black Dogs."
"Hypocrite! You tied up and gagged Celestine!" Claudia screamed as she tried to thrash herself free from the knight's grip.
"I did not harm her, in fact, she was safe the whole time!" Haru stated sensibly.
"Then where's Celestine!?" Alicia snarled.
Haru then whistled out. The black veiled woman takes off her veil, revealing Celestine under the dress.
"Milady! You're well!" Claudia said while breaking free from the knight's grip and rushing to the goddess. "How—I mean why—I mean—"
"Be calm Claudia, Haru did not harm me, but he did have to force me to cooperate in his plan."
"What did he do to you!?"
"Well if you want the full details…" Haru said sheepishly.
Celestine lied down unconscious, with her body tied to the bed. Haru opens the door for Ruby as she walks into the room and gets her magical items ready.
"Are you sure that this will work?"
"Y-Yes master, if Celestine stays still and calm, her shadow copy will be properly created." Ruby said as she began rubbing the body of Celestine. "I just need to caress every part of her body to get the shape of her body."
"What?" Haru asked blankly.
"I have to fondle her whole body to create her copy, master."
" But is that really necessary?" Haru asked.
"I'm sorry master, but that's how the magic works… Now I must begin if we want that copy as soon as possible."
Haru could hear Celestine moan as Ruby began stroking the thigh.
" Okay…. I'll be outside if you need me!" Haru said as he quickly left the room.
"And those are the crude parts of the story." Haru concluded.
"So you cloned Celestine and used her as bait to draw out the lustful men?" Claudia asked. "That's… actually smart and safe. I have to applaud you for that."
"Likewise, I have to appreciate your measures to protect the kingdom." Alicia said as she grimaced at the sight of the charred bodies. "Regardless of how questionable your methods may be."
"No need to thank me miladies. Besides, now that we have finished the political matters, we must prepare for the impending battle against the Black Dogs."
As they all entered, the Duke then turns to the knights and said.
"Please take these ladies to their new quarters downstairs." Haru said while gesturing to Alicia, Prim, Claudia and Celestine.
The knights nodded as they began to guide the ladies to their rooms.
"So sire." Grandmaster Oswald called. "Will we begin preparations for the emissaries?"
"Yes, I already had the men at the stables prepare the horses for Herr Weiss, Sir Liam and I. I will leave the scouting mission to you."
"I will not fail you."
"Of course you won't." Haru nodded before walking away. "There is little room for error after all."
As the Duke walked out of the castle, he was stopped by a familiar face, one wearing fancy looking robes dipped in gold and purple.
"Bishop Gregory?"
"Yes sire!" Gregory confirmed. "The Church is in need of your assistance!"
"Of course, what do you wish me to help you with?"
"Please come this way." Bishop Gregory said while gesturing to the church nearby.
Haru was exhausted for the day. After finishing the speech to the public, he had to prepare everything else for the diplomatic missions. He also had to assist in helping the clergy set up their hierarchy and organization in this new city. A leader's work was never done, and his body felt like it was going to collapse, as he shambled his way to his bedroom, which was located only a floor below the throne room. He opens it to see a pleasing sight.
He saw Lady Rias, his beloved wife, reading a book by the bed, using the nearby candle as a source of light. Her body was bare, showing her beautiful porcelain skin and her flawless face. The woman put down her book and smiled at Haru, who creeps into bed and kisses her passionately. After a hard day's work, Haru deserved a reward after all.
The next day wasn't necessarily a good one for Haru. Sir Rene had taken his gift horse to Dragundaala, even though it was supposed to be the Duke himself bringing the gifts. He even asked the Hospitalier commanders and they gave him the same answer.
"So he had entrusted the Hospitalier missions to you?" Haru asked sternly.
"Yes milord, unless you have any quarrel with that."
Haru took a deep sigh while massaging his forehead in frustration.
"No it's fine, take over for him. I'll deal with him when he returns. You may leave."
The commander bows before leaving the room. Grandmaster Oswald then commented.
"You know, Sir Rene was right to leave you out of harm's way."
"I know, but I didn't think he would go that far." Haru commented with a sigh.
"Let's be realistic sire, this newly founded country needs your guidance." Grandmaster Oswald candidly spoke.
"I guess you're right… I merely wished to see the Dragonness for myself." Haru sighed disappointedly. "Well, at least now, I can concentrate on the new task at hand."
A messenger enters the throne room and bows before Haru.
"Milord, I have brought the shield princesses as you requested."
"Good, bring them in."
Haru sees Alicia and Claudia walk in with newly-fashioned armor, fully covering their bodies, unlike those pathetic bikini plate armor they wore before.
"So Sir Haru. What is the plan now?" Claudia asked while stepping forward.
Haru sheathes his longsword, and dons his visored barbuta. He then walks up to the shield princesses and responds.
"We train the townsmen for the impending battle."
Volt had a blast raping Olga, she was his favorite, biggest tits, and the haughtiest one around. He just loved breaking her spirit with every motion of his hips. Though he couldn't wait to get a taste of that High Elf goddess Celestine. But somehow, he felt something ominous coming, as if something bad was going to happen. He shrugged off the feeling and continued raping the Dark Elf queen.