Chapter 423: Janus and Elias

Waking up the next morning, Alfred felt Isra’s long, silky hair tickle his face, followed by her breath. Looking down at her lying in his arms, her head nestled deep into his chest, he smiled and hugged her deeper. The toy had always been close; they knew each other better than they knew themselves, but after last night’s conversation, Alfred felt like their relationship had reached its zenith.

The subtle fears Isra always had that she couldn’t get rid of by herself were gone. The last wall that she had around herself had crumbled. Alfred smiled and leaned over, kissing the top of her head. His movements made her wake up with tired eyes, and looking up at Alfred, she sweetly smiled.

"Morning." Her voice was like honey as she leaned up and kissed him on the lips. Alfred savoured the moment before getting up and sighing, wishing to dive straight back into bed. Isra got up shortly and went to Alfred’s wardrobe. Grabbing an outfit for him, she carefully laid it on the bed. "I’ll see you at lunch."

Heading into the next room, she rang a bell that was followed by a door opening and water being poured into the bath for her.

Alfred sighed and rang his own bell, and a few servants walked in to help him dress. It was something he had gotten used to after so many years. He remembered at first how awkward it was for him to be dressed by others, but after complaints from both Isra and his council that the ruler should dress themselves, he quickly caved to their demands and allowed it.

Looking at his elegant clothing, he quickly made his way to Issac’s office, the Prime Minister already deeply entrenched in his world. "Has Dimitri left?"

"He departs today." Alfred nodded and sighed.

"Any word from Horace?" Alfred took a seat and let himself sink into the couch.

"Yeah." Isaac reached into his drawer and pulled out a letter. "He has abandoned Magnus and our plans with Ash. His goal has changed to creating chaos. He’s working with a man named Bardas Ammorian. Another bastard of the Emperor, but one who works closely with the Cosmatos family."

Grabbing the letter thrown his way, Alfred skimmed through it and nodded, "As long as it keeps Servia distracted, his actions are fine." Holding the letter over a nearby candle, he burnt its contents and smiled, "When Dimitri leaves, we will begin the preparations to start colonisation."

"That’s why you wanted him gone." Issac nodded and looked deep into Alfred’s eyes. "Have you got a plan in mind?"

"We need to first get the people of the Empire to want such a thing. It’s not something we can force them to do." Alfred smiled as he thought about it, "First, it needs to be subtle. Make them wonder about the new world, the land beyond the Empire. Then we have the pantheon spread the word that we have a divine mission. To spread the faith of the Gods to the lands that have forgotten the true faith."

"And if there already exist people on these lands?" Issac asked the main question and the biggest hindrance to their plans. If they found people like the barbarians of the Great Forest, it would be easy. They could simply drive them out of the land they wanted, but if what they encountered was a Kingdom or Empire, it could start a war they didn’t have the luxury to fight.

Alfred quickly saw the concerns Issac was worried about. "If we meet savages, then we take what we want. It’s simple. But if it is a structured nation." Alfred passed and thought about it, pondering Earth and the actions of the European powers. "No nation is completely unified. If they have things we want, trade is the easiest option. There is no need to antagonise someone if it benefits no one."

"But, if they have what we want and do not wish to trade, someone else will want to. We identify individuals who wish to trade with the Empire and gradually expand our influence through them. Like I said, no nation is completely unified. Over time, tensions will grow. Arm those friendly to the Empire. When they weaken themselves through infighting, we come in as the stabilising force the land needs."

Issac closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "It’s a risky plan, but if the Musket is invented in time, we should be able to tip the balance of any side."

"That is an issue we will deal with when it comes. For now, we get the idea of a new world to spread. A land of opportunity to excite the populace. Then, when Sasha returns, I have her embark on her voyages across the sea. We can’t hesitate anymore, Issac."

"I’ll make sure Desmond is ready within the two years." Alfred smiled and nodded. Getting up he returned to his own office to begin his work.

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"Thank you for coming, Lord Elias." Janus reached out and held his hand out for the old duke. Looking at it., Elias didn’t stand on ceremony and returned the handshake.

"I am doing my duty to the realm and His Majesty Lord Regent." Janus nodded and offered a seat to Elias.

"You heard about the private coronation."

"Word spreads. It is a good thing, however. With Theodosius missing, we need someone to take charge. His Majesty Julius is a perfect replacement." Elias smiled and looked around the council room, "I must say, however, I am surprised you summoned me to take a place on the council. After all, don’t you fear giving my house too much power?"

Janus smiled and shook his head, "I had reservations about the idea, but you can be trusted in the war against Magnus. What happens after is His Majesty’s idea." Elias nodded, unoffended by Janus’s words. Looking at Elias, he carried on, "That being said. It wasn’t me who volunteered you, but Bardas."

"Lord Ammorian?"

"On the council, there is no need to be so formal with each other. Only His Majesty." Elias nodded in understanding. "I have wondered why Bardas would select you. I don’t mean any disrespect, you are a fine member to have on the council, but it is no secret you find Bardas distasteful."

Elias chuckled and shook his head, "Whilst part of it was probably because he can trust me not to work with Magnus, I don’t think his intentions were entirely for the good of the realm." Elias sighed and leaned back, "During General Octavius’ banquets, assassins attacked me. Can you believe that?"

"Impossible." Janus quickly countered, but he knew Elias wasn’t one to make jokes, "Within the palace walls."

"Yes. His Majesty had called me and Bardas to meet with him in private, and during our journey to meet him, we were attacked. I owe Bardas my life; he knows it’s a debt not easily paid." Elias truthfully spoke. Janus fell into thought and leaned forward.

"Why was I, the council or his majesty never informed?" Janus’s eyes turned cold. "This is a clear breach in the Palace’s security. If some..."

"I know." Elais didn’t deny his mistakes. Sighing, he grabbed his forehead and rubbed it, "I was suspicious at the time. Of His Majesty. As was Lord Bardas."

"Bardas?" Janus cut in. "What did Bardas say?"

"He had a theory that the attack was planned on him, but after my own investigations, I disagree. The security of the Palace wasn’t at its best. With so many nobles coming and Julius removing Theodosius and Cato’s loyalists, there would be gaps. The attack was directed at me aswell when it first happened. I’m still of the opinion Magnus ordered the attack."

Janus didn’t focus on the rest of the theory, focusing on the theory Bardas said.’His majesty would have told me if he planned to attack Bardas.’Janus frowned as he thought of the situation. Elias had no reason to lie about being attacked, even claiming he owed his life to Bardas. He didn’t show a sign he lied either.

’Did Magnus really attack within the Palace walls... No, that’s not possible. Even with security being lighter than usual, Magnus couldn’t attack so easily. And Bardas would uncover such a plot. He wouldn’t put himself in...’

Janus froze as he realised the truth. Covering his mouth, he chuckled and shook his head, "Unbelievable."

"Janus?" Elias questioned Janus’ self-muttering. The man shook his head and waved it off as nothing.

"Do not worry. I just realised something. I must send word to His Majesty. Please forgive me, Elias."

"No need for apologies." Janus smiled and got up. His steps were hurried as he moved as fast as his old legs could carry him.

’He faked the attack. He doesn’t have blackmail on Elias, but a debt that can’t be paid easily. With the Duke’s support, declaring himself regent wouldn’t be impossible.’Everything quickly fell into place, and rushing into his office, Janus closed the door behind him, locking it.

Grabbing a piece of paper, he quickly wrote out his findings. Stepping onto the balcony, he walked over to the bird cages and grabbed one of the ravens inside. Tying the note to its leg, he threw it into the air and watched it fly into the distance.