Fire Emblem Protagonist 22

"My apologies, but Lady Anastasia could not make it. Therefore, as her knight, I shall participate in this meeting on her stead." He bowed.

Miklotov, representive of the Council of Wise Men, nodded. "Very well. From the reports you were directly involved in the subjection of Sloth anyways, Sir Julius... Is that correct?"

"Yes, I personally fought that monster." The Finest Knight said those words with no small amount of pride.

Why wouldn't he be proud in helping extinguish a plague that had haunted Lugunica for so long after all? Perhaps it was a bit arrogant of him, but it made Julius feel a bit like the heroes of his beloved tales... Although he was most certainly a side-character in this adventure.

Miklotov took a deep breath. "So let us start. I believe the first thing we should discuss is the obvious... can we truly be certain that Sloth has been slain? This is not the first time such claims have been made after all."

That's right. Some decades ago a knight had reported to the killing of Sloth... only for the Arcbishop to reappear a few months later. Other similar accounts existed too, though this one was by far the most prolific.

Though Julius now knew the truth. The Arcbishop of Sloth had simply switched bodies in those past instances.

Priscilla Barielle smirked. "I have throughly burned that thing's soul. He is dead and gone." Indeed, her sword was... something else.

It made him think of the Yang Sword Vollachia of course... but it couldn't be so, right? There was no way she would wield it with so little subtlety if that was the case. Therefore, it had to be one of the other ten enchanted swords... Perhaps the Life Sword Zeam? Julius had heard rumors a luxurious noble had acquired it recently, and Priscilla Barielle was certain luxurious.

Bordeaux, war hero turned councilman spoke up. "And we are to believe that we without proof?"

Immediately Crusch Karsten stepped forward. "I can confirm it as well, as can Lady Emilia and Sir Julius..." He nodded, as did the half-elf.

There was... sadly... frowns all around at the slightest movement from Lady Emilia. It seems contributing in the defeat of such a legendary foe had no helped her as much as it should have.

Crusch continued. "And of course... there is also Sir Reinhard here. I believe he can confirm what we are saying as well."

That's right, Lugunica's strongest was in the meeting, presumably to stay on top of recent news for his chosen candidate. Julius did not know who he had left guarding Lady Felt, but having him here was a immense relief.

Reinhard bowed, sounding uncomfortable for... reasons. "Indeed. No lies have been said, I can confirm it with my Divine Protection of Wind Reading." The same one Lady Crusch possessed.

His friend was amazing as always. Although not amazing enough to actually contribute to the slaying of Slot—.

Julius crushed those dark thoughts as soon as they came to his mind. It was no fair. But... thinking of himself as someone just as important... more important than Reinhard was oh-so tempting. It made Julius disgusted at himself.

A mix of pride and guilt filled his conscience.

Bordeaux squinted his eyes. "But such a protection can be bypassed if the liars truly believe they're saying the truth... But we shall believe Sloth has been felled for now." They had no other choice, really.

With the personal armies of the candidates occupying the city, doing otherwise would just be foolish. Besides, if Sloth did reemerge once more, all the embarrassment from it would go towards the ones who had claimed to have defeated him.

Bordeaux continued. "But that brings us to the next matter relating to the subjection of the Archbishop of Sloth. Heitor was it? The young man who spoke-up in Lady Emilia's defense... His ability—."

Lady Priscilla cut him off. "Is none of your concern. He was able to identify Sloth's weakness, that is all." Ah, so that was the way she was going to go about this.

Julius had wondered if she would brag about her... husband or not, but this made sense. The Council were currently, regrettably, their enemy. There was no reason to explain such an ability.

Bordeaux scowled. "Quite the ability it must be..." He looked mad, but Julius knew the truth.

The old war hero actually liked Lady Priscilla's answer. That was the type of man he was after all, one who appreciated forwardness... It was just a shame he was also a man who held so much contempt for demi-humans.

Heinkel, the man that was making Reinhard uncomfortable, grinned. "Yeah, it's amazing alright. And we knights gotta reward amazing things like that, yeah?" Oh?

That was... surprising.

The Deputy Commander of the Royal Knights was a nuisance at the best of times, so seeing him actually want to praise someone felt weird to Julius. In the end the Finest Knight supposed the Deputy Commander simply saw more to gain in standy by the side of the candidates...

Bordeaux squinted his eyes. "I suppose so..." He looked at the two knights in the room. "Sir Julius, Sir Felix, what do you two have to say about this Heitor?"

The reason why he had asked the knights was clear, he was contemplating turning Heitor into one. With Heitor's ability it wasn't surprising... After all, even if Lady Priscilla refused to give details, their reports had told tale of how Heitor had an ability that helped with commanding, and with discovering the weaknesses of an enemy.

Felix bowed. "He's quite amazing, nyah. To be honest, his ability makes him feel just as overwhelming as Reinhard sometimes." Quite the claim, but one that Julius agreed with. "But... that's all I can really say about his abilities. The rest is up to Julius."

That's right. Felix wasn't really a figher after all, so analyzing Heitor's skillset was beyond him.

The Blue continued. "I will say he has a good personality though. A good man who does the right thing, nyah."

And now it was Julius' turn. "I wish not to enter into details about Heitor's ability to command the battlefield, but I will say he did not hesitate to assume a commanding role." Was that something he had developed in his world?

He then remembered his spar with the man. "And that's not all... His sword skills are amazing. I would say he is as good as Sir Heinkel." For some that might be seen as an insult.

But it was not. Although the Deputy Commander was inferior to his son, and his grandfather, he was no slouch. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say Heinkel was one of the most skilled knights in the entire kingdom.

It was just a shame his conduct did not live up to his skills with the sword.

And speaking of conduct... "But one thing that I must say is that Heitor truly does not have any training as a knight. That is something he would have to be taught." Which was to be expected, but Julius felt he had to bring it up anyways.

Bordeaux hummed. "Um... Interesting. We will take all of that into consideration." So they would not confirm his knighting right now?

That was fine. Julius was sure Heitor would get more chances of glory with whatever operation the duchess was planning. Even now Lady Crusch had a knowing smirk on her face.

The man frowned. "But now onto what is by far the most urgent matter here... Elior Forest. This supposed seal most be investigated immediately, while Lady Emilia should be arrested immediately."

His statement was so shocking that even the other members of the council had lost their words. Not to say they did not agree with the first sentiment, but the second... it was...

Lady Emilia could obviously not accept such a thing. "May I ask why I'm suddenly being treated as a criminal?" This was dangerous for her.

With the Great Spirit of Fire indisposed, she was vulnerable... Or at least she would be if the Fire Emblem didn't exist. Lady Anastasia had given him orders to defend her should the need arise, and he would do so... Though before he did that, he would let her speak.

Bordeaux started tapping his finger. "Do not misunderstand me, I am not talking about arresting you under some sort of criminal charge. I'm talking about taking you to a secure location where the Witch Cult shall not find you."

Emilia glared at the man. She lacked hostility, but made it up with resolve. "That is not what you meant." It certainly wasn't.

He had tried to arrest her, and then stepped back once he read the room. Even a forward man like Bordeaux was still a politician, it seems.

He clicked his tongue. "It doesn't matter. Even you cannot deny this, Lady Emilia... The Witch Cult searches for you to open this seal, and we cannot give you to them. It is as simple as that."

He cleared his throat. "We cannot let you stay in the capital either, lest we attract those monsters here, so... We shall take you to a discreet location, only known to a select few people and—."

"Would that mean my leave of the Royal Selection?" Emilia questioned him before he could go further.

The councilman sighed. "Not necessarily... but you would have to leave the matters of running your campaign to your allies." So she was right, she would have to drop-out.

She had no allies after all.

Emilia looked down. "In that case I..." She took a deep breath, and put a hand to her chest. "I refuse. Instead I shall simply eliminate the Witch's Cult." That...!

Was quite the campaign proposal. Not a single one of the candidates had dared to claim such a thing besides her, knowing how ludicrous it was.

And maybe because of that, Bordeaux didn't seem convinced at all. "Oh? And do you plan on defeating the Black Snake next? Perhaps you shall brave the Pleaides Watchtower?"

Spite was dripping out of his tongue. "To eliminate the Witch's Cult like that would be impossible... If finding them was so easy, it would have been done ages ago."

Lady Emilia didn't backdown. "Even so, I will do it. I don't care if you believe in me or not, I already have someone who does so... I can do it." Was she talking about Heitor?

Even that man would be astonished by such a claim.

Lady Priscilla laughed. "Fine words half-wit." So she wouldn't be vulgar in here... "Fine enough that any man who attempts to continue this talk of taking you to a secure location is mine enemy." Ah, so the defense of the Fire Emblem was beginning.

Lady Crusch nodded. "Indeed... besides, Lugunica does not fear terrorists! We won't bow to the Witch's Cult."

Julius smiled. "As per the command of my lady, I stand by Lady Emilia's side."

The living flame that was Reinhard Von Astrea immediately got the attention of all. "Lady Felt has commanded me to stand by Lady Emilia as well. She has my support."

And that was that. The four other candidates had chosen their side.

Heinkel grit his teeth. "Brat... Don't speak out of turn, Reinhard." It was clear that he was trying to hold back his own hatred as much as possible... and failing miserably at it.

Reinhard's smile waned. "My apologies, father."

Heinkel waved him off. "Don't call me that here." And then his gaze shifted to the council. "The Royal Knights stand by Lady Emilia as well." Julius almost gasped. "Those are the orders of the Divine Dragon, after all."

He truly was on their side...

Bordeaux immediately looked at Marcos, the Knight Commander. "Is that correct?" In the end Heinkel's position was more show than anything.

Marcos raised an eyebrow. "Um? Of course. The knights of Lugunica will naturally uphold the order of the Divine Dragon." His tone was markedly different than Heinkel's, more neutral.

But Julius knew the commander, he was a just and fair man... The truth is that the Council of Wise Men had truly been put on the back foot by this point.

So Bordeaux had no choice, but to accept this, even if he did almost growling. "Well then... let us hope Lady Emilia does not get captured. Or worse."

Miklotov sigh. "Yes, let us hope... The seal in Elior Forest truly cannot be ignored however. I shall send Lord Roswaal an order to look into it, but before that we should at least make sure the area is safe."

Marcos frowned. "A troublesome thing to do. The area is infested with the poison of the Black Snake... Soldiers will die by the hundreds if sent there." And considering there was chance of combat with the Witch Cult...

Miklotov hummed. "Then perhaps it is best we ignore it? The Witch Cult seems to have done so..."

Bordeaux scoffed. "Nonsense. For all we know they are there, hidden, plotting." He looked at the Sword Saint. "Sir Reinhard, I ask of you, do you possess a Divine Protection that may allow you to deal with this?"

The Sword Saint nodded. "Yes, I possess several." So Reinhard would be sent there...

But what of Lady Felt? Hopefully she had built a sizable base already...

Heinkel grumbled to himself. "Of course he fucking does..." A father that feared his own son was a ugly sight indeed...

Bordeaux smiled, or at least did as much as he could. "Then go there. Kill any cultist you find, and secure the area until Lord Roswaal has prepared sufficiently to investigate this supposed seal."

Reinhard did not hesitate. "As you wish—."

But he was cut off by Miklotov. "Elior Forest is close to the border with Gusteko... Sending Sir Reinhard there might incite something dangerous. The last thing we need in such troubled times is a war."

Bordeaux grit his teeth. "I cannot deny that, but... can we really ignore this issue? For all we know a evil beyond our understanding could rise at any moment... And I would rather face an army than face the Witch of Envy."

Coming from a man who had his entire platoon destroyed, that meant a lot.

But a war with Gusteko would definitely be disastrous. Not only because Lugunica currently lacked solid leadership, but also because the frozen kingdom would most likely seek an alliance with Vollachia. Not to mention how if the Divine Dragon saw Lugunica as the aggressors, he would not lend his aid.

Miklotov however, relented. "You are right my friend... Sir Reinhard, please make way to Elior Forest as soon as possible. In the meanwhile, I shall write a letter for Gusteko explaining the situation."

"I shall be as fast as the wind." So the Sword Saint really would go...

Miklotov scratched his beard. "Now... do we have other matters to discuss." There was the plague. But that was in Lady Priscilla's territory, so it would be up to her.

She raised a hand. Had she decided to do it after all. "Yes. I have gotten married once more." Oh, right. Julius had almost forgot.

Talk about a marriage more troublesome than even that of the Sword Demon...



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"Thank you for agreeing to meet me in such a short notice, Lady Anastasia." Heitor bowed.

He wasn't sure if that was the right way to go about things now that he was married to Priscilla, but he really didn't want to come of as disrespectful to her. Especially since he was the one who had come here to beg for a job.

She waved him off. "No worries. I'm mighty interested in ya after all... especially after the things my knight in shinin' clothin' told me." Julius really didn't wear armor, didn't he?

Still, now Heitor couldn't help, but wonder what Julius had talked about... Well, he didn't tell the Finest Knight any crazy secret anyways.

Heitor smiled. "Still, thank you. To be honest, I didn't even think I would be able to meet you today. I was sure you would be... occupied meeting the Council of Wise Men." Her knight was super important in defeating Sloth after all.

Anastasia sighed. "That meetin' huh? I just sent Julius in mah stead. I have some bigger things to worry 'bout right now." What was more important than that!?

Wait, if that was the case, wasn't it still strange that she was meeting him?

She continued. "Anyways, take a seat and let's chat. Time is money... and also everythin' else, so we shouldn't waste it."

Heitor nodded and did as she ordered. It reminded him of the meeting that had forged the Fire Emblem, both him and Anastasia were seated, while their bodyguards stayed standing up behind, guarding them

Heitor's bodyguard was Aldebaran of course. Anastasia's was a demi-human named Ricardo... definitely a powerful warrior, one that Heitor had low chances of overcoming, but he also wasn't as strong as the Finest Knight.

He cleared his throat. "So... I'm just gonna go straight to the point. I'm from beyond the Great Waterfall."

She smirked. "Oh? Really? That's crazy..."

He chuckled. "I see Julius has already told you about it. Am I right to assume that much like him, you don't really believe it?" He would have to convince her somehow. It was essential for his plan of making money.

She shook her head. "Nah, I believe ya... somewhat at least." Oh? "Ya remember when I said I would be fieldin' some spies to find out just who exactly hired those assassins?"

She looked away, faking shame. "Since I was already goin' through so much trouble, I did some research into everybody else too. A gal like me has to be proactive if she wants to stay on top of the game. Hope ya ain't mad."

He wasn't. Though he had somewhat forgotten about the investigation concerning those assassins... They seemed like very small fry when compared to the Archbishop of Sloth after all. Now he was wondering if anything had come of that... well, she was sure to tell him if it did.

So he just reassured her. "It's completely understandable, Lady Anastasia."

All that shame immediately disappeared from her face. It really had been fake. "Great. What isn't great though, is that I just couldn't find a damn thing about ya... Seriously nothin', it's like ya popped out of thin air."

Her smirk became a bit shaky. "And then ya went and beat Sloth... and got married to a candidate..." So Julius had told her about his marriage as well... "So I can buy ya bein' some super stranger from beyond the Great Waterfall."

She squinted her eyes. "But what does that have to do with what you wanted to talk with me about?"

So she didn't have anything to say about those assassins? If she hadn't continued on that topic Heitor would assume so and move on. "I... this may sound a bit arrogant, but..."

He cleared his throat. "I would like to bring some products from my world into this one. I'm sure they will sell well." He wasn't, but telling her that would definitely be bad for his yet to exist business.

Anastasia's eyes immediately gained a strange glow. "Um...? Would your wife really be okay with this infidelity?" This definitely wasn't infidelity! "By the way, Julius already told me yer a womanizer, but it's gonna be hard work gettin' me. I ain't come for cheap."

Heitor blushed. "Please don't tease me like that, Lady Anastasia." Julius sure was babbling about stupid stuff.

But he could see what she was actually asking. "And about Lady Priscilla... she gave me permission to go ahead." Or at least she told him he could find jobs in other camps. "But while this is something done out of my initiative, I would like if some credit went to her as well."

Anastasia hummed. "Makes sense, and I ain't exactly against it as long as yer ideas bring good profit." She had said before she loved a deal where everyone profited...

Still, he had to keep his guard up. People didn't become super merchants by being nice.

She put a hand to her chin. "Especially since I feel like the Hoshin company needs some fresh air to spice things up. We're havin' a pretty tough time enterin' the Lugunica market."

That wasn't surprising to hear. She was a foreigner after all, and one running for the throne at that. It was only natural that people would resist her.

She sighed. "It also doesn't help that lately I've been facin' my toughest competitor yet. The Pleaides company."

Heitor tilted his head. "Isn't that the name of the Sage's watchtower?" It was such a big deal that he had actually heard about it occasionally.

A tower in the middle of the desert, guarded by the legendary Sage Shaula... It was said that no man could get even close to it, but if one did, then he would know insane secrets. Naturally, it was a location he was interested in, as a Fire Emblem protagonist.

She nodded. "Ayup, the boss of the company must be full of themselves..." She pouted. "And maybe they're right to be. They're growin' super fast, bringin' crazy new ideas everyday, and somehow the name of the boss is a complete secret."

She scowled. "There's also some rumors that they... deal with some unsavory practices, but I can't confirm anythin' right now."

Heitor raised an eyebrow. "Like what...?" Drugs was the first thing that came to mind, but what kind of company just sold drugs on the side?

"Slavery." Oh. "It's all rumors though, and I wouldn't be pay too much attention to it. Since they're a new company, stuff like that just gets thrown around."

That made sense, and for all he knew Anastasia was the one spreading that rumor to crush this surprise rival of hers...

But it was technically possible. Although slavery was illegal in Lugunica, that was not the case in Kararagi and Vollachia, and so human trafficking to those countries was common, more so to Kararagi who did not have a military rivalry with Lugunica. And while such practices were illegal in Gusteko as well, the nobles of that country tended to just ignore it.

So there were people who got sold to slavery in Lugunica. Typically captured demi-humans, or people in severe debt.

It was something that didn't surprise him since this was an isekai... but he hoped to completely destroy it once Priscilla became king. That was something for the future though.

Anastasia crossed her arms. "So for now their really troublesome traits are their unique, never before seen products." She snapped her fingers. "Ricardo, bring the jar. I wanna show him."

The wolf man smiled. "You got it." He left for a moment, showing a surprise amount of trust, and came back with a jar containing some sort of condiment.

He put it on the table. "This is mayonaise. It's pretty good." Oh?

Both him and Al flinched for a moment. Could the leader of the Pleiades be an Earthling? Or at least they had someone like that working for them... It was definitely possible, Heitor already knew of two other isekai'd people after all.

Anastasia pouted. "Hey Ricardo, you're ain't supposed to compliment the product of our rival."

The mercenary chuckled. "Hah! My bad, but it's rare for you to be so competitive." Really? He would expect it differently from a top merchant.

Anastasia clicked her tongue. "That's just 'cause my competition is typically a joke." Ah! A surprise Priscilla!

She opened the jar. "Anyways, feel free to taste it Heitor... you too mistah bodyguard." She said looking at the gladiator.

Al gagged. "I'll pass. Don't wanna take my helmet off, miss." Wow, the small wasn't bad at all, so what was with that reaction? It didn't matter, Heitor wouldn't blame Al for wanting to keep his helmet on.

But he himself took a little bit of the mayo with his finger and tasted it. "This..." Tasted alright.

It was mayonaise alright. So either someone from this world had just invented it and picked the same name... which was definitely possible, or his Earthling theory was correct.

Anastasia closed the jar. "This is sellin' crazy well. Maybe 'cause you can mix it with so much stuff... Ya gotta any crazy ideas that could rival it, sugah?"

He almost had a heart attack in the spot. "P-please warn me before giving me nicknames...!" Being called sugar by a woman with a cute accent...! Too much power...!

Seeing weakness, Anastasia grinned. "Sure. I'll warn ya next time, sugah." Were all candidates out to kill him!? "But let me warn ya right outta the gate. I get pretty close to my bussing partners."

Ricardo nodded. "Yeah, the Hoshin Company is like a big family." That sounded like what an abusive company would say.

Though Heitor was too cowardly to say that out loud.

Al was different however. "That sounds like what a abusive company would say so they get free extra hours from their employees..." He even added more detail!

Anastasia winked at the two. "Maybe, but my company actually means it..."

Right... "If you say so. But about the mayonaise... this is just a condiment from my world."

"Huh?"

He continued, ignoring her shock. "Honestly, it's a pretty common thing that you can find anywhere... I could give you the recipe of you wanted to. For free even, as a show of good faith."

If this Pleiades company really was run by an Earthling, he would apologize to them one day for teaming up with the super merchant to crush them... But he would still do it! His livelihood was on the line here!

Anastasia looked like she wanted to hug him. "I would definitely accept that! Even if it's already patented..." She shook her head. "Still, I'll take any food ideas ya got!"

Food ideas huh?

When he had come here, he had expected he would be trying to bring about a industrial revolution, not recipes. But he preferred this, mostly because it was much easier...

But what food should he talk about?

First of all, naturally he should discard any food that this world already had... Which included hamburgers for some reason... and tons and tons of unique Japanese food from Kararagi. That brought the idea of bringing Brazilian food, but... he should go for something a little more crazy first. Something that could change the culinary industry, just like mayonaise.

He tilted his head. "Maybe... how about powdered milk?"

Anastasia confirmed he was headed in the right direction. "That sounds crazy sugah, I love it already!"

And like that, he got a job.