The next morning, Michael and Dominic, accompanied by their chosen attendants, made their way to the palace.
At the gates, royal guards greeted them and verified their audience permits before escorting them inside.
The palace's grandeur was awe-inspiring, with its expansive halls and high ceilings. Striking a balance between elegance and restraint, it was neither overly ostentatious nor underwhelming.
The group was led to a waiting room, where Michael and Dominic steadied their nerves. They weren't the only ones summoned—several other nobles waited nearby, all observing decorum as they anticipated their turns.
Finally, their names were called.
Led by a royal steward, they stood before the enormous bronze doors of the audience chamber. As the doors opened, a brilliant chandelier hanging from the high ceiling greeted them with its dazzling light. Behind the throne hung an ornate tapestry, showcasing the kingdom's heraldry.
Michael and Dominic approached the king, stopping at the designated spot where they knelt, bowing their heads respectfully.
"It is an honor to meet Your Majesty," Dominic began. "We humbly present a modest gift gathered from the Drago Mountains."
A servant carried the carefully wrapped mandrakes forward. The king, holding up a hand, waved off further formalities.
"A rare treasure indeed," he remarked. "Please rise. Such excessive courtesy is unnecessary. I've heard of the Crassus family's remarkable achievements. I also heard that you were ambushed by assassins on your journey. How fares your health?"
Dominic replied humbly, "I am grateful for Your Majesty's concern. My father sustained significant injuries and required a week of recovery at a vassal's estate. However, the assassins were all eliminated. Their confessions revealed that this was a personal matter instigated by Orion, a priest's mistress in Radiant Sanctum, grieving over the loss of her son."
"Hm," the king mused. "If that's the case, there's no formal grounds for a diplomatic protest. Nonetheless, you've suffered in service to the kingdom, and I will ensure my gratitude is conveyed appropriately. After all, your efforts have spared us from paying tithes. Now, tell me—do you harbor any grievances over the relocation of your lands?"
Dominic hesitated briefly, knowing that voicing complaints would achieve nothing.
"Not at all, Your Majesty," he replied carefully. "It is an honor to elevate our station with a larger territory. However, the challenges of frontier development are undeniable, and any support you could provide would be deeply appreciated."
The king chuckled. "Good to hear. Support, you say? With the treasury strained from successive droughts, substantial aid is unfeasible. However, I shall grant you a privilege. Bring it here!"
At the king's command, a royal steward approached carrying an ornate box. Inside was a rolled parchment, which was promptly unfurled before Michael and Dominic.
The two men gasped as they studied its contents—a highly detailed map of the Drago Mountains and the surrounding northeastern and northwestern provinces. Marked upon it were significant resources, including some rare deposits.
"Surprised? Don't be," the king said. "As you've no doubt sensed, the Pamir Empire's movements are growing bolder. This map, acquired through… fortunate circumstances, is vital for the kingdom's defense. I'm not a tyrant, after all. You may choose your preferred land from these locations. Furthermore, I grant you a ten-year exemption from taxes. Should war break out and you distinguish yourself, you will also have rights to war spoils and the recruitment of serfs."
Michael and Dominic exchanged glances, silently acknowledging that the offer was more than fair. While the risks of defending the frontier were significant, the rewards made it worthwhile.
"Your Majesty," Dominic ventured cautiously, "this humble servant requires a moment to deliberate. May we have some time to consider?"
"Of course," the king replied generously. "Take your time. My steward will guide you to a side chamber."
They were led to a well-lit room furnished with a large table. Once inside, father and son spread the map out and began their discussion.
Several key locations immediately stood out, marked for their fertile soil, mineral wealth, or potential as transportation hubs. While the most desirable territories had already been claimed, the remaining options were still impressive.
Being granted the ability to choose their land was an extraordinary privilege. However, Michael understood that it was also a double-edged sword.
The northwestern provinces had endured successive invasions with relative resilience, largely due to the indirect support of other regions. No one wanted to face the aggressive Pamir Empire alone, so the surrounding provinces and even neighboring kingdoms occasionally extended aid to prevent the empire's expansion.
Michael scanned the map, deliberately excluding the most fertile lands. What I desire, others will covet as well, he thought. His finger eventually landed on a basin located where the northeastern and northwestern provinces met, nestled deep within the mountain range.
The basin, surrounded by mountains, was a natural fortress. While its soil wasn't exceptionally fertile, it promised sufficient agricultural yields for self-sufficiency. Additionally, the area contained an iron mine.
Dominic's expression tightened as he saw Michael's choice.
"Michael," he cautioned, "think carefully. That mine may be rich in ore, but extracting it is an entirely different challenge. The North lacks quality coal for smelting, and what little exists is of poor quality. Transporting charcoal from other regions would cost a fortune, leaving little profit. The iron from this mine might barely be enough for farming tools. Why not choose one of the more fertile regions instead?"
Michael smiled, offering a subtle reminder.
"Father, don't forget—we have Marcus. Dragons are exceptional at detecting resources and excel at development. Think about how they locate their lairs."
Dominic's face lit up in realization. Aha! How did I not consider that?
While the Drago Mountains promised untapped resources, their development had always been too challenging. But with Marcus, the prospect seemed far more attainable. Dominic's expression brightened, his earlier concerns easing.
After deliberating on their choice of land, Dominic and Michael once again requested an audience with King Charles V. The king, wearing a benevolent expression, welcomed them back.
"So, have you reached a decision?" he asked, glancing at the map presented before him. A spark of intrigue lit up his eyes. "Hmm, an interesting choice. Are you confident you won't regret it?"