Chapter 463: The Three Rulers Under Sol

Octavius took a deep breath and shot his cuffs. Looking down at himself, he smiled and knocked on the door before him. After waiting a few seconds, a Templar opened the door for him. Stepping in, his eyes landed on the round table. On it, Julius, Constance, Gabriel and Theodoric. Bowing towards Julius and Constance, Octavius took the final seat at the table, by Julius’s side.

"Shall we begin?" Julius happily said, taking his mask off and placing it on the table. Theodoric pulled a face, having never seen his disfigured appearance before, not bothering to hide his rudeness. "In the past twenty years, the continent has undergone a major change. The stalemate between the Church and the Followers was flipped on its head, and we have quickly found ourselves isolated."

Everyone knew that things had gotten bad for the Church. Julius took a deep breath and frowned, "And the source of this chaos, the source of everything that has happened, can be traced to one man. Alfred Lindonfall. Silesia’s return, the Slathan schism, the Commonwealth’s fall, and most recently, the destruction of the Free Cities. This can’t go on."

Julius looked around at the men, all bearing grim looks. Only Theodoric was relaxed, not caring. He had, in fact, benefited from Alfred, expanding the Gotics’ borders with the fall of Nogrovod. It annoyed them how relaxed he was in the face of their greatest enemy, but they couldn’t say anything. Although they didn’t need his military, they needed to use his land to stage the war.

"Here’s the issue I have. What has he actually done other than create his own faith? I haven’t heard anything beyond that, and quite frankly, all the issues you suffered these past few years seem to be all your own doing and that of your predecessors." Theodoric lazily said, leaning on his hand, looking at Constance, he patiently waited.

"The problems that have arisen are partly due to the actions of those who came before, but don’t be under the illusion that it was natural. All of it can be traced back to a source. The Ammary Empire. Maybe they would have happened in the future, but his arrival hastened it."

Theodoric scoffed and looked at Julius. "Let us cut the bullshit. I want to return home. I’ll help you on one condition. My son will marry your eldest sister. You disagree, and well, I have to put my people’s safety first, and I am bordering the Empire."

Julius dryly chuckled and wanted to refuse, but seeing Theodoric’s cold eyes, he knew that it was something he had to agree to. Looking at his brother, Constance had no change in expression, wearing his peaceful smile that he always did. The man showed no concern for his family and was content to leave the decision to Julius.

Thinking about Theodoric’s son, Julius’ mind eased. He was unlike his father, who cared for nothing other than his own enjoyment. He wouldn’t take numerous wives like Theodoric to fulfil his desires, being a pious young man.

"Done. But it will be your heir. My sister won’t marry some spare."

"Of course. My other children are pointless in the grand scheme of things." With a sly smile, he carried on, "But she will come when I leave. I need assurances that this marriage will happen, and if I leave her with you, I’m afraid you will go back on our deal."

"She is only fourteen, Theodoric. Not old enough to leave home yet."

"I went to war with my father when I was thirteen. Sure, I didn’t fight, but I slept in the dirt alongside my men. If I were old enough to see that, she is old enough to come to my home, or do you not trust me?"

"Thrust isn’t the issue. She is still young, and although you bravely went to war, you are a man. She is just a girl who can hardly speak your language."

"Just allow it, brother." Constance cut in, seeing the talks going nowhere. "If it makes you feel better, I will send a few Templars to protect her during her stay." Constance looked at Theodoric, "Right now, we need unity, so how about we all stop antagonising one another. We are all Brothers in faith after all."

"Your Holiness, I was making a reasonable request. Of course, if His Majesty wishes to keep his sister, so be it. But what people say after he desperately kept her behind might be strange. After all, why would the cold Severian Emperor act so strangely?" Theodoric chuckled and shrugged, "Rumours are a terrible thing. And the more juicy, the faster they spread."

"You dare do what you’re suggesting, and I will gut you." Julius coldly said.

"You’re free to try, but when Emperor Kaban hears those malicious lies, I wonder what he would say about sending his daughter to marry you." Theodoric chuckled. Although he disliked his job and found politics tedious, he had come to realise the weakness of his kingdom after his victory over Nogrovod. He saw how weak his position was and made the choice. To emulate the skills of his enemies and expand his Kingdom’s espionage capabilities.

He hadn’t bothered infiltrating the Empires in the East, knowing Julius and Constace had already placed enough there to get everything he needed. Instead, he focused on Severia and the Lisaponics. It was much easier than fighting wars and seeing the faces of the men who thought themselves so much better than him, warped with anger, was delightful.

"Theodoric," Constacne spoke. Even though he tried to hide it, the seething anger in his eyes couldn’t be hidden. "Don’t test my patient now, or you will beg Sol to face what my brother threatens."

His lip twitched nervously, chuckling. Even if he was happy to push Julius’ buttons, he wasn’t with Constance. The man terrified him more than anyone, having the means to remove him and put his son in power. "Fine, but I can’t budge on this. I need assurances."

Julius frowned and clicked his tongue, "Fine, she will come, but my bastard half-brother will go with her. He will ensure her safety and speak for her."

"I get to meet the famous brother you pardoned for treason. What a blessed day." Theodoric smiled and leaned forward, "My ports and land are free for you to use. I hope for a swift end to this conflict."

"Good." Julius finally relaxed and leaned back, "Octavius. Send the summons. Have every man possible, ready to mobilise."

"Is there any news from the Silesians?" Constance asked.

"None. It appears the Empire arrogantly believes it is sufficient. It could be a trick, but it is doubtful. Either way, Thedoric, man your border and watch. If they invade, you will be the first target." With a smile, Theodoric nodded.

"Gentlemen. We must be ready in a few months. Every day we delay, we give the Empire a chance to prepare. I will watch the situation in the Lisaponic Empire." Constance stood up after speaking, "This can not fail. We are not out for the destruction of the Empire but the death of Alfred Lindonfall. When he dies, the danger will be gone." All of them knew that the goal of the invasion was the same as destroying the Empire, but no one said anything. Gabriel stood up soon after and followed Constance out of the room.

"Have your sister and brother ready to depart in a few days. I will try to be patient, but I can’t stay away from my throne for too long." Theodoric stood up next and swaggered out of the room.

Alone with Octavius, Julius clenched his fists. "When this is over, prepare to wipe that bastard’s Kingdom from the face of the world. Forget any alliance we make."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Octavius rested his hand on his chest and bowed, quickly following him out of the room.

------------------------------

"Can he be trusted to do as told?" Gabriel asked Constance to get inside the carriage away from prying eyes. Looking out the window, Constance smiled and shook his head.

"No. He’s a liability who knows he’s inferior. His little schemes these past few years have been helpful to build up his son’s future reign, but his time is coming to an end." Looking at the palace, Constance sighed, "It’s not a bad idea that he requested this marriage. We’ve been grooming his son to align with the church’s teachings for some time now. Thankfully, he is such a bastard that those loyal wards happily assisted in making this reality. Now with this marriage, we may be able to have a Cosmatos ruling the only Church-aligned states."

"If others heard this, Your Holiness, they may believe you will try to have your family take your place after you pass," Gabriel said with a light chuckle, making Constance laugh.

"No, my family is too filthy to take over after me. Besides, that would be the final nail in the coffin for the Church if I named a second Cosmatos, The Holy Seat’s Chosen."

"I know that is not what you meant, but these are dangerous times. You must be careful who you speak around."

"Don’t worry, Gabriel. I know this game far better than you." Constance took a deep breath and closed his eyes, falling into a light sleep.