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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Oct 9, 2022 5:34:05 GMT
Inquisitor Vulpes marched to the door of the Acielonian Royal Residence, angrily brushing off questions as to the nature of his visit with a wave of a letter from Cosmin Avitus, Divinian Councilor of Unity. He would have an audience with the Regent come Hell or high water. If it were not for explicit orders that he personally deliver this message, the Inquisitor would be back in the capital, spending quality time with his new friends. Instead he was expected to try and “tactfully but pointedly” deliver his message to these foreigners. So he waited in some reception room in this country of faithless Latins, scowling into the charming surroundings and burning a hole in the floor as he paced.
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Post by Raeliana(Acielon/Isameine) on Oct 9, 2022 9:47:17 GMT
Currently strolling through the gardens of the royal palace, were one Roy and his princesse héritière, accompanied by their sénéchal. It was one of the days when the king would spend time with his eldest daughter and to hear from her which matters she had been up to lately. Not that the eight-year old had much essential to tell. Just which courtiers had lately annoyed her or what she and her sisters had done. At least it wasn't as bad when she came back from the Imperium Divinium and complained for days to him and anyone who'd listen how stuck up and plain boring their Emperor was. Something about the boy not wanting to do anything if he recalled correctly. Yet this peaceful if dominated by an eight-years old walk was interrupted when a royal guard started heading towards them with a somewhat faster pace. As soon as he was a few feet away the guard bowed and reported that apparently a Divinian official with a letter from some Divinian councillor.
"Just escort that man to these gardens and Legault? Order the servants to prepare that pavillon over there bring some refreshments and also some papers. Justine you will stay and listen to what that envoy has to say to us. Now let's see what is so important that they've to interrupt our family time."
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Oct 9, 2022 15:10:40 GMT
Hot-footed, Vulpes stalked his way across the garden, following his escort in silence and scanning the shrubbery. After what he knew, it wouldn’t surprise him if assassins were poised behind those lovely bushes, determined to make sure his information never reached his target. Or perhaps the Regent was already part of the plot. He would need to probe carefully.
What he did not expect was to be met with his contact and a child. Clearly a girl no older than 10. No this was not good. A pavilion in the open air. Too many ears about. He would need to be discreet. Damn foreigners. It was always a song and dance.
Despite himself, Vulpes wiped the grimace off his face, and bowed as politely as he could to both at their formal introduction. “Your Majesty. Your Highness. Are you aware that you have… friends in Divinium? It seems their business has gone south.”
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Post by Raeliana(Acielon/Isameine) on Oct 9, 2022 16:42:20 GMT
Renaud was perplexed. 'Business has gone south', it sounded like an affair where someone he know had gotten into trouble. Yet he couldn't recall anyone who was involved in Divinian affairs, clearly there was something going on, something he didn't know about but should. "I don't know of anyone I'm involved with who would be in Divinium at the moment. Elaborate a bit more, messenger?" He didn't like it at all, no certainly not because that would imply that people were doing things behind his back. Quickly glancing at his daughter, he noticed that she at least wasn't to bothered but rather perplexed. Maybe he should send her away? No. She was old enough to remain here with him and listen to just what was going on. It would hopefully be good for her growth... and if not he still had two other daughters.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Oct 9, 2022 16:54:31 GMT
“It seems people often mistake Divinian recalcitrance for laziness. Not so. We simply mind our own business. Thus, it won’t surprise you to hear we have our own house in order. And when men from outside Divinium try to undercut that ‘business’ well… you can imagine my associates and I are quick to hear of it.” He produced a small box from within his coat pocket, and slid it across the table to the man.
“What I would like to know, Sir, is how much of your own house needs cleaning out?”
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Post by Raeliana(Acielon/Isameine) on Oct 9, 2022 17:29:33 GMT
It was as he feared. There were traitors amongst the government and they had acted without his or the parliaments knowledge. How could these lowlives dare and bring shame upon the nation and him. Slowly he looked at what was inside the box. This... was troublesome and clearly not to be treated lightly. "I see how it is. So tell me where that dirt is, I would love to clean it up. Also, Justine." "Yes, father?" "I want you to get the sénéchal and the head of the royal guard. Tell them that they are to call an emergency session of parliament and afterwards report to me." Watching as his daughter scurried off, he turned expectantly and barely containing his rage towards the inquisitor expecting closer elaboration.
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Oct 9, 2022 20:01:10 GMT
Vulpes cracked a wicked grin. Finally, he was getting a worthy reaction. “Rats tend to scurry when you shine a light on them. And usually you cannot kill the whole colony in one fell swoop. The last thing you need is turn cloaks scurrying about even after a culling. If you’d give me an hour or so before you call your meeting, I think I can get you far more information. And if not, well, remember it was Divinium who was cordial enough to tip you off in the first place, eh?”
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Post by Raeliana(Acielon/Isameine) on Oct 9, 2022 20:13:01 GMT
The King nodded at the Inquisitors request: "You shall have the time and some more even. Gathering all members of parliament who are currently in the capital will take some hours anyway. If the couriers are fast they will be gathered in two hours perhaps, though this is impropable. Shall you need aid from the police, it shall be given. We shall expect you."
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Oct 9, 2022 20:23:21 GMT
With a vague smile, Vulpes was off to have a pleasant chat with the Prime Minister of Acielon. A different approach would be needed for this one. Cooperation would be better than an open struggle. What Vulpes knew, the Prime Minister would likely prefer to be kept secret. So he knocked on the door gently, after ensuring the secretary that he was on official business from the Divinian Imperial Council.
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Post by Raeliana(Acielon/Isameine) on Oct 9, 2022 20:57:20 GMT
"You may enter." The man in the middle of his life looked somewhat haggard and stressed. These past months had been the worst of his entire career. Being blackmailed into creating an intelligence agency and even failing to find those that pressured him into doing that. He felt power- and helpless, so he already had decided that he would retire after this term. He looked up to see who would enter thorugh it and was suprised...
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Post by Emperor Florin von Marcum on Oct 9, 2022 21:06:25 GMT
“You look like Hell.”
Vulpes pushed the door closed with a foot, and strode over to the man, stopping at his side. “Then let’s cut the formalities before you die of anticipation. The Divinian Frumentarii intercepted some men sent to spy on us. By you. Now, an unreasonable man would have told your liege lord and had you thrown in jail. But lucky for you, I am a reasonable man. I doubt you’re foolish enough to risk your career unless you felt you were out of options. So let’s help one another here. You want the men ordering you around to be gone. As do I. So tell me everything you know about who, how, and why you’re being blackmailed, and I’ll see if I can’t sniff them out. If you tell me what you know, I’ll leave your name out of my report. We can forget this conversation ever happened. Though… you should probably attend that emergency summons. You’ll look far more suspicious if you stay holed up in this office.”
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