“He has them by the law and force” Arthur commented while sipping his cup and reading the report sent by the spies on Philip Jaen. It was mid-day with Ciana and Arthur were in a house accommodated by him, it was a neat house that Arthur has gotten, and its interior gave a calm pleasant mood of relaxation as the servants did their duties while the lady and gentleman were busy talking to each other. They both sat on wooden chairs between them was a small round wooden table on top of it was the tea they were drinking for the past time.

“If he’s so cruel to them by the leash it’s a wonder why they haven’t left the city, report to the officials, or even execute them” Ciana commented.

“To leave the city is to be hunted down by his mercenaries leaving their property entirely his, report to the officials will just provoke violence since he pays them though not the high ranking, and finally killing him is to endanger a person’s loved ones by the looks of the people I’ve seen most of them have someone to support and rest are fine with it. Eliminating this man down would give an opportunity to seize all of his assets”

“And you have them dependent on you Arthur and Mr. Barnett, I see that you’ve have been doing some saintly work around the city as the people see you as kind officials of the monarchy to please the common folk as they judge you by their appearances yet we both know that we all have an agenda” Ciana smiled as she sipped a cup of tea.

“Did your number of spies increase?” Arthur curiously asked.

“My income comes from my family in Galrance, with that income I’ve manage get a few more ears and eyes in the city”

“You simply pay them?”

“For the common street ears and eyes yes though for the upper class I did however by myself managed to get a few maids in my grasp threatening to expose their little secrets.” She proudly said.

“Planning on expanding your reach Miss Blaine?”

When the tavern boy’s friends had been under her control Ciana had planned to make sure that anything that goes in the city can be heard for her, then planned her reach beyond this city. I have the income to pay for expenses when needed but that wouldn’t suffice, I’ll need to make a deal further down the line.

“I plan to ensure that anything of valuable information reaches me that could provide advantages and opportunities for you and your matter” Arthur smiled at that statement, but Ciana wasn’t done with that statement and added “As well as mine of course”.

Arthur’s face sparked with curiosity and asked, “What really is your goal Miss Blaine? I know my master Mister Barnett has offered a ‘deal’ to you if have proven yourself but other than that you have shown no personal agenda of your own.”

Ciana hesitated on telling Arthur, the goal she’d finally got to her was a huge revelation that gave Ciana joy, anger, and satisfaction. She decided to tell Arthur a portion of her motives as to not offend him for mistrust, she knew that these men want power in the city yet their motives were hidden.

“Since you were so kind and honest to reveal your plans to me my goal is to return to my family who sent me away, ensuring my place not to be trifled with that even my own brother and father whom has the authority cannot send me away again” Ciana tensed at the last part. She would have influence and information that turns into power. She then remembered the days when she was young spending time with her father that she looked up too, helping him out in his study by bringing him food or even organizing papers that he misplaced, she loved helping him in his work that it broke her heart when he sent her off away in Anglox. I’ll return in time.

“In the topic of Galrance I heard the country is expanding their already establish territory in the country of ‘Hurence’ ”

“Ironic really, below Hurence is the 13 colonies of Avergio which is under the rule of the great king of Anglox and Hurence is about to be controlled by Galrance. It’s like having the two nations next to each” Ciana gave a small laugh at the situation since Anglox and Galrance had been rivaling countries for ages.

“Entertain me Mister Cedricstan if you and your master have considerable position in the royal court why can’t you simply remove this Philip Jaen yourselves” Ciana asked to why two men of position in the royal court can’t do that.

“To entertain you Miss Blaine my master is not from here yet I am though. he and I have done work outside of Anglox, we have a considerable position because of our work in foreign countries yet there are still people in position of power whom are not so easily brought down, Philip Jaen is not one of those people but other enemies would have defend or intercept to make sure both us couldn’t get higher.

The people whom suspects me and my master have already had the theory that we might seize control instead using our own resources, that’s why we tend not feeding the fire to that theory” he finished and dismissed the topic.

“Entertain me once more what is your motive for climbing higher up in the city?”

Arthur smiled not answering instead stared into the window next to him before answering vaguely “Just like you Miss Blaine, family.”

Their meeting ended as Arthur left for Mister Barnett while Ciana used very opportunity she has to further her influence. A small start was it was with just the ears and eyes on the common streets of the capital city and a few maids she threatened to expose and shame to for their little dirty acts. All I need is the opportunity. Taking carriage she made her way to the tavern Good Gold Spent to see how William Frill is fairing.

Still mid-day she expected the tavern to be busy this time but she was willing to wait and see how the father and son were doing. But she didn’t anyone else to notice a girl from nobility enter a common tavern, it wasn’t that she disliked going to the common people but she knew she will have enemies in the future, she wanted to concealed to it was just a simple disguise she took as she ruffled her neat groomed hair, letting it fall down, and wore a common cloak that goes well with the a common dress she wore today. Ciana would like someone from the middle-class in Galrance by her looks now not from the upper class.

Upon entering she took a seat near the corner of the tavern, surprise she was to see some of the friends of William to helping out in the tavern. One of the boys came to her and asked on what she would like to have instead Ciana told her she’d liked to speak with William. He arrived shortly and asked who she was, it was clear that her simple disguise worked that normally she looked neat, well-groomed, and looked someone from nobility. Ciana revealed herself which caught William by surprised.

“What brings you here miss and I’d like to thank you and the other man for giving my family money to support us”

“All the same to you mister Frill, I’d like first to know why some of the boys I told you to keep stalking Philip became servants to the tavern.”

“They only got back from narrowly escaping one of Philip’s guards, luckily they thought of them as robbers”

“Have you anything new to tell me?”

“For the past recent actions he’s done was visiting local businesses he has under his control”

“If I may ask do these other businesses share the same hatred and wanting to be freed of Jaen’s control?”

“Yes absolutely though some are not willing to do what my friends are doing”

“Continue”

“This part is new, apparently Jaen’s tending to court some noble woman, and he visited her in a house in Haeshill today. It’s not he recently started to court her because from what I’ve heard they were living the city for a trip about some time ago”

“Who is this lady?”

“I don’t know nothing about it miss but they heard from the people in Haeshill that she has inheritance somewhere in the fields between Cave Castle and Union’s Rising.”

“What is the woman’s name?”

“Jenne Burnet, lives off in a house nearing the road that leads out of the city, brick house about two story tall can’t miss it”

The name was familiar, she knew Lucine’s friend who was a maid who worked for that name, and she wasn’t as well one of the maids that Lucine had threatened, I’ll try to approach this matter differently.

“My gratitude to your friends mister Frill with that I shall be off then.” Ciana said as he go to leave but spoke again “Can your friends leave immediately right now?”

William frowned and replied “No, even if they need the money I won’t risk them leaving just to get beaten up or worse”

“Understood mister Frill, when they’re ready I’d like them to look into traders that are struggling in the city”

“When they’re ready and feel that it’s safe they’ll leave” with that Ciana left for Haeshill.

It was lucky for her that Darin known someone who drove a carriage around the city, as the carriage drove to Haeshill she decided best for her to change her looks as she took off her common dress and wore a pale yellow dress which belonged to Lucine and fixed her hair again, she looked as high class as she was usually in the estate.

As the carriage passed by Haeshill, it was the rural area of the city and certainly better than Croh Valley with the peaceful atmosphere. It wasn’t as a busy street as Croh Valley a few carriages around, people generally enjoying their leisure time, and it just peaceful.

The carriage stopped a few feet away from the house of Jenne Burnet, it was a two story large wide brick house, a walkway connecting to the road, and from the carriage window she could see a small garden in their yard. She saw someone opening the front door of the house, the person was a woman about the age of 20 years wearing a light green dress with a grey apron, she had ginger hair which were groomed neatly and certainly a pretty woman. Caris was the woman’s name, a friend of Lucine that met her when she was going out in her typical activities of meeting with people.

She and Ciana have been introduced, Ciana hadn’t paid much attention when she dragged was by her to go around the city. Caris was generally committed to her work serving under her lady who treated her like a sister, she was mostly with the lady Burnet though she does eventually leave the house for her leisure. Caris’ nature was free-going, loyal, and keen to advise her Lady Burnet. Caris’ impression was that she was somewhat emotionless, uncaring, and not the sociable type, granted that Ciana did not express her emotions where others would see lest it be people she could somewhat trust or rely on, uncaring was because that when she was sent to Anglox had struck her hard to the core that she didn’t care or had any friends with somewhat the exception of Lucine, and being sociable wasn’t her interest.

Ciana exited the carriage walking down the road to be noticed by the maid, it worked as Caris called Ciana to her attention with a surprised look asking why she is here. Ciana replied to her that Lucine had influenced to be more outgoing, Lucine would be surprised if she ever hears this yet happy. Ensuring any doubts that Caris has for her are gone though she knew that Caris wouldn’t easily be bought by this, but she also knew that Caris would wouldn’t want Lady Burnet be in harm’s way as told to her by Lucine.

She also knew that the maid had the often occasion of leaving after mid-day to take a walk around Haeshill, Ciana began to start a conversation with Caris in a casual manner, not mentioning Lady Burnet and Philip Jaen yet. At first they talked outside the house of her employer. “I’m planning to take a stroll right now” Caris said, “Can I join with you? I haven’t been to Haeshill often or much part that of the city”, Caris agreed though she noticed the maid being somewhat uncomfortable, the two left off with Ciana eyeing the carriage driver to stay.

Strolling around Haeshill she kept the conversation neutral going on to daily topics like recent events being an example of companies looking for workers to be shipped off to Averigo, the many sights and cultures of Pheuropa which Ciana knew as she and her family had often visit places in Pheuropa, and other topics. Ciana started to talk about Haeshill, Caris would answer questions on how it’s like living in Haeshill to how she worked for Lady Burnet with the slight mention of Phlip Jaen and in turn Ciana would talk to her about Galrance and other parts of Pheuropa; Neari which was to the east of Galrance holding much of wonders during the Ancient Age as well as famous works of arts during the Rebirth Age, going further east is Graeci where the greatest minds of the Ancient Age originated, going east again would land be Alsahra which gained the title from travelers and the natives “the land where the sun scorns”; going further a person would reach A’sun, and to the south of Galrance giving way to Ispavia which from what Ciana had remembered from her father talked about ships sailing as for to Zhong guo and even the isolated land to the east which is called Asahi.

The maid was astonished to the places that Ciana had told her and somewhat envious, which was good for her as the maid kept leaking short things about her employer and soon enough she’ll have her telling things about Lady Burnet and Philip Jaen. The two continued to exchange on what they know with each exchange building a foundation of trust and concern, the two were now heading back to the Burnet house

“Like always I always remain by my Lady’s side, she needs me.” Caris answered to Ciana’s question of leaving her job as a maid and somewhat an advisor from what Ciana was saying. Giving Ciana the opportunity “Even if she gets married you’re still with her?” she questioned in a skeptical tone. The maid was hesitant to answer as Ciana waited for it.

“Yes. I would still be” she finally said.

“Is something the manner? Sounding like you contradict the notion of her getting married”

“Have you ever heard of someone named Philip Jaen?”

“Why I think so, I don’t exactly remember it was either that I was with Madame Florence or overheard in some place” Ciana lied.

“Well I’ll tell you now he’s nothing more than a greedy man, exploiting a few unlucky working folks to his bidding. I’m telling you now because the Lady is being courted by him. She’s actually convinced that he’s not so wretched which bothers me”

“Then haven’t you told her that? You’ll be doing her a favor by all the things this man has done”

“She’s blinded, I don’t know if this man has fooled people before but he is an expert at it” the maid tensed “It was only not that long ago he had shown her the people he had helped and enjoying their false happily lives and even taking her on a quick trip outside the city”

“I suppose that the Lady doesn’t have any other suitors, the wellbeing of the Lady is secured by a wealthy man.”

The maid again refused to answer and tensed at the statement. The two were now back outside the house of the Lady Burnet, the maid said her goodbyes to Ciana as she began walking to the door of the house yet Ciana did say “Caris, I do happen to know someone who can help you, have you heard of Arthur Cedricstan?”, “You mean the man who came with the foreign noble yes I heard of him”.

“I somewhat met him during the party, we’ve have met on multiple occasions determined to help make the city far better because of his Master. By any chance I could tell him about your concerns, he did in fact mention of this Philip Jaen and saw him as someone who needed to be removed, and put a trial against him.” She had the face of hope and doubt.

“A trial against him would prove…. I shall think about it rush but thank you for the kind offer”

“If you do change just visit the estate and I bid you farewell” with that Caris entered the house and Ciana got back into the carriage returning to the estate.

Heading towards her room she encountered Lucine along the way, surprised that she even wore the dress she lent her. “A bit of a warning, Madame Florence is somewhat a bit angry to know your whereabouts”. I don’t want to confront her now, Ciana continued to head off into room. “At least tell me why did you ask for my dress? Are you meeting with someone you wish to impress?”. “Your joyous personality just rubbed on me, so decided to take a stroll talked to that friend of yours Caris”. “Oh how sweet, so you have been meeting with that Arthur person recently”. “I need to rest Lucine, I’m tired” she said final and entered her room. Laying on her bed she stared at the wall trying to get the stress of Madame Florence out of her head, the hatred for her grew.

She stood up beginning to look through her possessions; letters from invitations to parties that she declined as well as old ones that the whole estate went too and other things that didn’t peak her interest until she noticed something.

It was a goodbye bye letters from her family when she left. Her mother’s letter was sweet and caring, her brother and younger sister wrote about good wishes hoping that she returned home when the time comes, and then her father’s made her quell from sadness and anger. Ciana had always looked up to her father, wanting to follow in his father’s work of politics and governing, she remembered her father’s goal that one day the Blaine family will be one revered in the royal court of Galrance. She wanted to help yet denied, causing so deep a wound.

Yet it was different now, she has now the opportunity. All she needs to do is gain power, knowing that information is a very powerful tool. I could blackmail a lord to obey me, get a soldier to spy on me, and maybe if I’m bold enough get a monarch to do as I say. In her mind she had now planned to finish her father’s plan to prove a point, knowing right now her brother was just maintaining the family power yet not changing was something she had to change, all she needed to do was to complete her mission in Anglox, I wonder what Arthur and Eldrian offer me in return.

If the two using then she’ll work on her own, hoping that William’s friend manage to find what she was looking for to expand her resources and the number of eyes in the city.

I’ll return back to my family, and be the one in power.

In the morning Caris had sent her letter saying that she agreed to get the help of Arthur saying that her Lady was beginning to grow affectionate to Philip Jaen when she left at night, she replied saying that she needs to keep a close eye on her Lady and report everything she does involving her and Philip Jaen all while with a sly grin.