Chapter 41 The Most Expensive Recipe in History

The next afternoon, Snow was preparing to leave the Mountaineer Kingdom. The King himself had orchestrated passage for them. Royal soldiers were loading gifts onto their caravan. Lussuria had woken up earlier that morning stating she had the best sleep she's ever had; Lussuria was currently at Lazarus’ estate with Arthur. Crow was seeing to Ares’ wounds. Snow had just finished wrapping up the details of the labor guild plans with King Raden. They also had a fun conversation where they exchanged stories of sneaking out of their respective castle’s causing royal panic. The King was more like her than she expected. It made him seem a lot more human and closer to her despite the distance between their kingdoms.

King Raden accompanied Snow to the regal district steps, they both looked to the twin constructs that were being repaired off to the sides.

“Did you really climb to the head of the twin guardian, while your sister wrestled it with a construct?” King Raden asked her curiously, looking at the remains of the giant statues.

“Yeah, it was pretty stupid honestly.”

“That must have been so cool to watch. I wish I could have witnessed it!” The King could no longer hide his youthful excitement, in the short time they spent together, he seemed to have opened up considerably.

“Yeah, It was cool I guess… Had a nice view of the regal district from up there.” Snow tried to act humble about it. She couldn't help but feel cool though.

“I would like Thank you again, Princess Snow. I owe you my life.” Raden bowed to her, in view of the noble’s district and everyone around the caravan. Snow blushed; she never would have imagined the Mountaineer King bowing to her.

“Of course your majesty. I just want what's best for everyone.”

“You will make a fine leader in the future. Stay true to that path. If you need anything from me, just ask. Perhaps, next time you visit, we may dine at the peak of the mountain.”

“That would be nice, your majesty.”

Snow descended the regal district steps and stopped at the caravan at the bottom. The caravan was long, consisting of several carriages, supply filled wagons and mountaineer knights on horseback. Sir harper was standing in wait in front of their carriage.

“Sir Harper, what are you doing here?” Snow approached him.

Sir Harper nodded. “Why Snow, looks are truly deceiving. Not only did you get your guild and construction passed, but you saved the King.”

“Well, I couldn’t do it without your help. Are you back in service?”

“His Majesty needs someone trustworthy to command his army so there are no more premature hostilities. I was reinstituted as Head General of the Mountaineer Republic, mainly to crack down on the generals who were conveniently ready for Frederick’s decree to go through.”

“Wow, that’s big. Congratulations, General Harper.”

General Harper laughed. “Thank you, princess. You may still refer to me as Sir Harper though, until I can beat you in praefectus. That is.”

“Now that you won't underestimate me, I’ll probably lose.” Snow smiled before turning to the back of her caravan. “What is all this?” There were soldiers lining behind their caravan with a bunch of crates filled with rocks, adding to the wagons.

“It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t give you a proper escort back home, considering the treatment you received upon arriving here. The King also wishes to send some supplies that Regalia needs, as thanks for your actions here.” The soldiers were loading up wagons of fresh ore.

“Wow, that would be great. I believe my mother could use the ore to upgrade the old district.”

“There’s nothing stronger than ore from our mountains. High Queen Deamonia would put good use to it. Let me know when you are ready to leave. I believe Princess Lussuria was gathering the last of her things from Head Councilor Lazarus's estate.”

“Head Councilor? Lazarus is head councilor now?”

“With Frederick being removed, the next upper councilor must take his place to finish the remainder of the term. That would have been me but as I am now head general, I can not. Augnem would be next, but he quit. Lazarus is next in line.”

“I see… the three…” Snow said under her breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, oh hey there is Lussuria!” Lussuria was approaching them. Snow went to greet her.

Lussuria must have cashed in greatly on Lazarus. Lussuria came up with a multitude of Lazarus’s servants behind her, carrying half a dozen crates.

“Lussuria, didn’t Lazarus just say ONE outfit, not his entire manor!”

“Oh my goodness Snow you should SEE Lazarus’s wardrobe, he has an entire hall full of newly designed outfits! Even the ones he claims are garbage are pristine. They are all unique!” The servants were adding more luggage to their wagon. The caravan seemed to be growing by the minute.

“That’s a lot of stuff, Lussuria. Was he fine with all that?!”

“Oh it's fine.” Lazarus appeared behind them.

“Lazarus!” Snow greeted him, she hasn’t seen him since she was running from Frederick’s guard. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I am glad I was able to put my trust in you. I knew you could accomplish it. Do you mind if we take a short walk?”

Snow and Lazarus went out of sight of the caravan.

“Snow, the labor guild. I understand It will need a few painters to spruce it up.”

“Oh, Lussuria must have hit your income really hard if your asking me for diplomatic favors.”

“Ha! You are very smart. That’s why I like you.” Lazarus laughed. “But no, I jest. I am here to offer you advice on how to acquire the funds for the guild,” he handed her a letter. “It just requires some.. Forgiveness. But I believe it’s better for everyone this way, do you agree?”

Snow’s eyes widened as she read the letter.

"This, how did you get all this information, all these transactions, all these names, all this proof?”

“I told you, I hate him. After you departed my manor I set out on my own mission. It’s the perfect punishment.” Lazarus smiled devilishly.

“Ok deal, send it! Wait, but first, you got a quill?” Lazarus offered her quill and ink and she quickly scribbled something on the back before she started to lightly blow on the paper.

“Is that a.. recipe?”

“Yeah I figure this is what he would get in return for his generous donation so he can't write it off his taxes.”

“I see, a very fair bargain then.”

"Indeed." Snow handed him the letter. “I guess I still owe you that portrait huh.” Snow said, Lazarus looked very happy at the mention of that.

“You remembered, no worries, I'll schedule a meetup in Regalia eventually. I must go there soon to sign the deed over to your mother. Now, let me go before your sister requests more of me.“ Lazarus looked tired at the mention of Lussuria.

“Hey she’s a huge fan of yours Lazarus, maybe your number one.”

“I’ve tailored more in the past day than this year. She would outgrow those clothes before she’s able to wear them all.

“It's all about options, Lazarus. Oh, and one last thing...”

“Yes, Snow?”

Snow’s innocent face was betrayed by her next words,

“I know that Jack wasn't offered a deal for the deed. I also know that there was no reason for you to have me crawl through that web system. Lastly, I know this was a plan from the start to become head councilor.”

Lazarus only gave a dark smile.

“Like I said, friends help each other. Did you not get your guild passed?”

“I do not approve of being used. Next time you want something, be direct about it.”

“But Snow, it is more fun this way, no?”

“No.”

“And what would be the other way? I played you to your strengths. Not to mention you became stronger in the process.”

“You played me, exactly right. You will make up for it too. Any legislation, any publicity, anything I ask. You will deliver, understand? Just like you used me, I’ll be sure to return the favor.”

Lazarus bowed.

“I am at your service. See? You and me work well together. It is why I chose you. Ah, but atlast, my influence on you will probably wane now that the mountaineer boy king has taken interest.”

“What?”

“He fawns for you. Quite clearly. I hope we can still remain friends, I truly wish it to remain so. Apologies if you dislike my means, but I wish nothing for the best for you.”

“Sure, whatever, just be direct next time you want something.. And unfortunately for the king, I already have someone else in mind. See ya.”

“Oh, young Love. So strong. So complex. Have a safe trip, Snow.”

“Bye Lazarus.”

Snow returned to the carriage where Crow and Ares were arguing again.

“Go inside you idiot, you need rest!” Crow demanded, Little Crow was perched on his shoulder.

“I can rest up here!” Ares insisted.

“You can't even move that arm anymore! If you're going to burden me by coming back with us then at least lay down in the carriage, so it doesn't get dislocated!”

“You're overexaggerating, see? I can move it!” The sound of the axe clicked, along with the forced muffled of his grunts.

“That doesn’t count!”

“The axe is a cast! It will heal in no time. Besides, the healers here suck.”

“You know, Lamille can heal that.” Snow interrupted them.

“Exactly, see! Princess Snow agrees. I’m coming.”

“Ugh.” Crow complained into the air.

“Shut up, I know you prefer me up here anyways. Arthur told me how you shedded a tear when you thought I died.”

“Wait, that’s not true!”

“Well, I’m offended you didn’t cry more! All I get is one tear?”

Crow grunted as Ares continued to tease him.

Snow had one more person she needed to see, it seems he finally made it. A man wrapped with bandages was seen walking towards them, Snow ran up to meet him.

“Sir Omeric.” He looked so different without his armor, he was a lot more slim than she imagined, his dark complexion went well with his hazel eyes and long hair.

“Princess. Thank you for saving the King.”

“Sir Omeric, I should be the one thanking you.”

“You came back for us in Regalia to warn us about the ambush. You are the reason why that beast tamer saved us. You freed your sister here. You saved the Mountaineer King himself. All you do is save people. You are an inspiration to what a real knight should be.”

“I want you to return to Regalia with me. After all that’s happened, I have no doubt my mother would reinstate your rank.”

Sir Omeric smiled at the thought before looking down.

“I would love to.. but, I am afraid I must decline, Princess.”

“Why is that?”

“General Harper offered me a position under him. As you’ve seen, some of the knights here should not be knights. There is a lot of corruption and no discipline. I feel like I can be most useful for the Lotus monarchy by assisting General Harper with instilling proper values into them. Perhaps I can be like you and help others.”

“I see. Well, I wish you the best of luck. Be sure to take care of yourself.” Snow gave him a hug at which Sir Omeric flinched in pain.

“rg!”

“Sorry!” Snow quickly let him go and finished saying her goodbyes. Afterward, she returned to the carriage. Lussuria was already inside, waiting for her. Snow was helped inside by Arthur.

A whistle sounded as the caravan took off, the King, along with everyone else waved them off. The royal caravan began traveling down the noble’s district. Hundreds of citizens had gathered outside to see the grand caravan passing through like a parade. Their journey here had come to completion and the mission was a success.

“Thank goodness that’s finally over.” Lussuria laid back. “And a good carriage too, thank the goddess.”

“Yup, it was a complete success. How is your arm Lussuria, can you cast magic?” Lussuria’s arm looked clear of ice but she still had trouble moving it.

“Warden Isabella said to give it a week. The ice may have receded but my nodes need to heal. You should have seen my frost blast, Snow. It was so powerful I almost beat that tracker guy’s strongest attack.”

“Yeah, but almost at the cost of your arm.”

“I’ll make a more efficient version of it. If I'm not juiced out, I should be able to cast it with no problem. I can't wait until my nodes heal, I have so many spells I want to experiment with!” Lussuria got giddy thinking about it. “Lord Lazarus even showed me a string manipulation technique when he was making an outfit! I thought it was a magician class spell but runic mages can do it too. I just need to connect them to my runes.”

“Look at you, not only did you get a bunch of clothes but you learned new spells.”

“Me?! What about you Snow? You're immune to lightning! I don't even know what type of magic or person who can do that!”

“I guess I have some questions for mom when we get back.”

“So, is the legislation going through? You know, the whole reason you came here?”

Snow handed Lussuria a copy of the construction details while explaining it,

“This deal is better than moms; more land, more money and the backing of ALL the councilors. Not to mention, we increased our reputation with the mountaineer kingdom!”

“So is the King paying for it all? This plan has a hefty price that is not deducted from the state treasury. Lussuria said as she read the terms note.

“We are going to get a charitable donation, Full coverage!”

“Full coverage?! from who?!”

“Oh I see,” Arthur interrupted, sitting in his usual corner, with a shake of his head. “Jirminshawl must be quite upset right now. Must have been some letter you sent him.”

“Yeah, let’s just say I sold him the most expensive recipe of all time.”

Lussuria handed back the plans.

“Now that it's over, do me a favor and don’t ask me for another ‘small favor’ again.” Lussuria stretched her good arm before looking out the window. “Wait, stop Crow!” The caravan came to a stop.

“What is Lussuria? Forgot something?”

“Look Snow” Lussuria pointed out the window. The life sized praefectus board was there.

“Are we really going to stop the caravan that has two dozen soldiers, half a dozen servants, and a bulk of supplies that Regalia needs, for a game of Life sized praefectus?”

Lussuria kept nodding yes.

“My money is on Princess Lussuria!” Ares shouted, while peeking through the driver window.

Snow mirrored Lussuria’s smirk.

“You’re on.”

End

Princess of Frozen Flowers: Book 1

The Mountaineer Rebellion

“‘The Kingdom in the Mountains,’ sounds cool, until you find yourself running up a million steps.” - Snow Regalia