Note: Unlike other times, this return to Athenia will not be a resting phase. A lot will happen and I mean A LOT!!
As Queen Viola nurtured her belly and the child within, the king and the others discussed the grand welcome of the soldiers. Six months away from their homeland, some from many different cities, even kingdoms and species. Yet equal in the eyes of the protected, the party planned to welcome the champions with open arms. But of course, not everyone thinks the same…
"A waste of good gold, I tell you…" Scoffing at the suggestion from both centaurian women, Amelia and Ophelia, the Mistress rolled her eyes and turned to the king. Crossing her legs, she leered at him hard. "One welcome precedes another. How many wars do you think we're bound to fight? Will you celebrate every small victory? Award them the same generosity? Might as well be flushing gold down the latrines, and for my liking, we're spent more than enough on this war–on these people already."
The Queen's eyes lifted to the succubus. Squinting, she pondered yet again as she had for about a thousand times this year.
'Why do we have to deal with her, this devil…' Before her frustration slipped through her lips, however, the most mature of the bunch decided to speak up.
"More people equals more business for you, Mistress." Looking at the succubus, Ophelia gave a false smile. "Your potions, your oils, and the other services–imagine a group of war-weary soldiers coming home to such a fine outlet for their sexual frustrations."
'That would keep her away from influencing the nobles for a while as well…' Hearing Ophelia's reasoning, Milo heaved a sigh of relief, knowing that someone besides his wife had his back. After all, ever since they'd signed a contract with the devil for upfront influence on Athenia in exchange for her no longer tempting the nobles, even reporting on them trying to backstab the king, the hero and his party haven't paid much attention to the internal politics of the nation.
However, even then, Milo didn't blame them one bit.
'A war is probably worse than anything I have to deal with anyway.' As that thought crossed his mind, an agreeing hum from the Mistress settled the matter once and for all.
"Now then, why don't we move to discuss further details?" Chiming in as well was Amelia, her eyes glimmering with a calculating sharpness. The past year of trying to handle the dukes and duchess, along with visiting and helping Raven in the war effort by fighting minor horrors or scouting under Mino's banner, she'd learned more than in one year that she did as a princess back in the dark castle. "A wage should be the first of many important aspects that we must discuss."
The very word 'wage' made the Mistress click her tongue, but since she'd already agreed to the plans, her lips remained shut. As for the king, he gestured for the centaurian to continue on with her plans.
"I suggest we pay the soldiers of war more than the local infantry, this would incentivise others to join the war efforts as well."
"Wait…" While her ideas made sense, Milo had to stop her so he could think. Already, he knew this would cause a conflict of interest, even rivalry amongst the local militia and those fighting outside the kingdom walls. "I suppose you're right, but we need to keep that fact as a rumor and not a known truth. The soldiers might get themselves in stupid tussles with each other otherwise."
"Right as you say, my lord," with a bow, Amelia smiled.
"Speaking of compensation…" Injecting herself in the conversation again, Amelia got off her long, cushioned chair and moved closer to the king. Leaning closer to his ear, she whispered to keep her words hidden from the Mistress. "The most grand of soldiers, to have them reproduce with equally impressive soldiers or civilians, it would help us bring more might to the kingdom."
Eyeing Viola sideways with her lips still next to Milo's ears, she added.
"It would be no different than the queen carrying the hero's child. All you need to do is look at their records and marry them by decree." Finally pulling herself away, Amelia noticed a streak of red flushed across Milo's face. His eyes refused to look at her for his mind was once again filled with the thoughts of his wife lying with the hero, just as he had the last time he'd visited, even after getting her pregnant.
"I…I'll think about it."
"What was that about?" The Mistress asked, but nobody cared for her interest in the matter.
"Nothing." Turning his head to the front, Milo gestured for Amelia to take a seat again. Waiting for her to settle, he turned to Viola and watched as she caressed her ever so slightly building belly. The child was growing, but at a much slower rate than usual. Thanks to the snow spirit's magic, the child wouldn't be born for another five years, unless, of course, she decided to undo the frost binding.
Placing his hand on hers, Milo allowed her warmth to comfort him. And as her eyes turned in his direction, the king nodded before turning to the rest.
"Moving on, let's discuss the logistics and the expenses. We're bound to have some pressure from the nobles, so…" Looking right at the Mistress, Milo gave a brief nod. "We will need to prepare for it beforehand, and if any of you want to plan a coup, please do so another time."
While his words addressed everyone, they were mainly meant for the Mistress. Despite knowing that herself, her expression soured, but as soon as opportunities arose during the conversation for her to make more gold and form soul contracts with people, her frustration melted away, and she complied as was expected.
'Three more days, and everyone will be here.' Time slipped slowly while in wait, and these three days were about to feel like a year for both the centaurians. However, that also gave them time to prepare for the welcome of the soldiers, but more importantly, their future husband. After all, watching Viola caressing her belly was, needless to say, a source of jealousy that they wanted for themself. 'Soon enough, Amelia, soon enough…'