-March 30th of 1313

It has been almost three months since, Lena had been granted the Duchy of Hyacinth. Renovations of the township and the construction of new buildings, where completed as new projects were extending out now into the surrounding towns of the Duchy.

The first batch of Investigation Unit’s needed a few more months before being ready to establish branches in all the major cities. Eventually there would even be Investigation Units in all the cities down to the villages. But for that Lena would first need to establish head branches.

Her Royal Father and the council had already approved the change in the kingdom’s judicial system and info-structure. And strangely even the Captain of the guards approved of the change. Although having never met the man other than at social functions, Lena couldn’t be certain of his sincerity, but her fathers did speak well of him.

The nobles did not oppose the change as the Investigation Unit was to target everyone else. A pity, as her cunning fathers had worded the change in law so well, that the nobles failed to notice the danger. And by then, they wouldn’t be able to protest as it is already an official law.

Though what came as a surprise was the official invitation inviting Lena to attend the Championship Tournament, (a fighting tournament that is hosted by a Kingdom every 5 years.) This year’s turn was the Demon Kingdom of Reinhart. The championship would allow Lena to meet Xerxes Reinhart and possibly all the love candidates as well.

Even though it was an opportunity, Lena could not bear to miss, she felt uneasy. Was it a trap for her or for Delilah?

The crystal before Lena begins to glow releasing the beam that enlarged before her.

The light screen comes into focus and shows the seated figures of her father’s. Her father smiles at Lena in delight as the royal father says, “Lena, if I had known the value of your dwarf, I would have stolen him first. But at least he is now in my employment as well. And I must admit, his presence is a breath of fresh air among the craftsman and inventors.”

“I do not mind his working on other projects, but mine are to always take priority. And royal father, I would take it very badly if you were to poach him from my services,” Lena sternly said as her royal father tried to look innocent at her statement.

Dolly had informed Lena of the offer made to her father from the King. But Gadrin was rather loyal and firmly turned down the King’s request.

Her royal father hastily says, “Shall we commence the discussion?”

Her father hides a smile as Lena arches her eyebrow in reply. All traces of warmth and emotion disappear from both of their eyes as they return to wearing their usual masks.

“What is the current state of the Duchy?” Her royal father asked.

“I am pleased to say, that I have resolved all bandit, criminal and poverty issues. As of now the Duchy has once more been restored to its former glory. Not to mention that the training for new recruits and school for Investigation Unit is going well.

Much of problems that I am encountering are not a lack of intelligence as the new recruits know the kingdom’s laws inside and out, but rather a lack of common sense.

Though the Church of Light has been unusually active,” Lena dryly stated.

Her father snorts and warily says, “Yes, the capital has had an influx of clergy members as well.”

The three of them are silent for a moment as they ponder that thought. Rather than opening another can of worms, they toss that problem aside for now.

“The crown is pleased with your progress and must thank you for silencing those that opposed your new title and position,” Her royal father added.

“Let us stop walking about. What is thine opinion on the invitation to attend the Championship Tournament? I must admit it came to me as a surprise.

There is no doubt an ambassador must be in attendance, but it should be the crown prince, who should be invited to represent the Kingdom of Alyssum. I have to ask, are we at ill terms with the Demon Kingdom of Reinhart?” Lena warily asked.

Her royal father sighs and replies, “No, we were just as surprised as you were. It is most unusual for you to be invited, but it is not strange. After all, the rest of the kingdoms are curious to meet the new princess of Alyssum. And though there were ambassadors at your presentation, they are not the most trusted personal of the Kingdoms or Empires.

As for the Kingdom of Reinhart, we are neutral with each other. There is no good will nor ill will, we have largely stayed out of each other’s way. I do not think the King of Reinhart is plotting any sort of trap by inviting you, but one can never be too careful.”

“Understood. But in regards to my marriage I have yet to receive a list of potential fiancés,” Lena cheerfully chirped.

Her father dejectedly mutters, “It’s precisely because no one knows you. Everyone is either afraid to offer for you hand because they have heard the many rumors surrounding you or wish to meet you beforehand. I’m afraid that we won’t receive marriage proposals for your hand until they meet you or receive a report that can trust concerning you.

And that is why at the Championship, you must be at your most charming, Lena. Therefore, you cannot participate in the Championship in itself. We don’t want to scare away any potential suitors.”

Lena frowns a bit unhappily. It wasn’t like she was planning to win, but it sure would have been fun to pit her strength against the strongest competitors in the land. What did she have to do to have some fun around here?

Lena sullenly replies, “Fine.”

Her father’s notice her distress as the royal father swiftly adds, “Lena, I am sure you will amply enjoy yourself regardless of your participation in the tournament. And remember on the morrow to depart to the tournament.”

Lena sniffs in reply as the call ends as she glares at the dark room. With her weak magic, she barely could use the communication system, but it still worked. With a sigh, she dials a familiar number.

Lena was going to inform Chief Officer Gauthier of his new position as Military Liaison. Chief Officer Gauthier had been begging her to be allowed to become a member of the Investigation Unit, but she had been forced to decline as she still needed him at the fort.

However, Chief Officer Gauthier had trained his new replacement and all was for his departure. Besides Chief Officer Gauthier would oversee the Investigation unit while she was away. Lena was fully confident he could handle them and if not, he could always scare them to death.

*

~ POV of Chief Officer Gauthier (Subordinate of Lena) ~

Chief Officer Gauthier cheerfully packs his things and readies for them to be delivered to the duchy of Hyacinth. He had been begging the General for months, before finally being appointed to that of Military Liaison.

Chief Officer Gauthier did not have many friends, but for the first time he found himself among people of his own. The Investigation Unit were rather open mined about studying the art of death and murder.

A stuffed duck flaps his wings and sullenly says, “Master, are we really taking the metal suit?”

Chief Officer Gauthier raises an eyebrow at the question. “Coco, do you not like the new body I am making for you?” Chief Officer Gauthier sadly asked.

The stuffed duck shivers and hastily answers, “No, master, it’s just the suit does not work yet.”

Chief Officer Gauthier frowns in thought. “You are right, perhaps I am lacking a crucial ingredient,” Chief Officer Gauthier mutters to himself forgetting his current project.

The stuffed duck coughs bringing Chief Officer Gauthier back to his senses. With a cheerful whirl, Chief Officer Gauthier summons a skeleton crew to help him pack. One can never have to many helping hands.