"So he will now serve as your butler, Your Ladyship?"
Ett frowned, a crease forming between her brows.
"Akan."
"Yes, Your Ladyship?"
Akan's eyes lifted from the papers strewn across his table. Confusion flickered across his features as he studied her.
"Why?"
She already knew, but she needed to hear it from him. The man before her was no stranger; the forgotten figure whose name had nearly slipped her memory.
"Ares, Your Ladyship."
Ah, Ares. She suppressed a sigh. Apologies she had truly forgotten he existed.
"I am the only one who may call her that."
Ett blinked. "..."
Ares inclined his head with a faint smile, bowing low. "Forgive me, Matriarch. Allow me to state it properly: this lowly one is Ares, at your service."
Ett tilted her head. "Quite unlike the famed Greek mythology I recall."
"Pardon?"
He smiled again, composed and gentle so unlike Akan, whose smiles carried the weight of calculation and subtle amusement.
"Nothing. I will call upon you when I require assistance."
"As you wish, Matriarch."
"Mm."
Once he had departed, Akan stepped forward, gathering the freshly finished records. "You consented to be called Matriarch, Your Ladyship? It strikes me as old-fashioned, do you not think so?"
"Rather than Mistress."
She had no husband, after all; it was a personal preference. Matriarch held a weight and authority she found fitting.
"Why, then, introduce him just now?"
"To accustom him to the duties and allow him to rest after the oath."
Oath, in another term, the brainwashing training that forged loyalty.
"Do not worry, Your Ladyship. He is capable. He possesses some of Butler Xiwen's qualities, if not more. A pity it was not the Butler who trained him."
Akan's approval was rare and measured; he was strict with nearly everything, yet surprisingly lenient toward himself.
"Then you shall oversee the Cast Iron Project?"
"Yes, Your Ladyship. After all, you named it. Is there aught else you wish to propose, since you have commanded my involvement?"
"We shall open trade with neighboring kingdoms and empires."
Akan raised an eyebrow, but she pressed on. "Thus, we shall secure more funds for the militia. A pact may also be forged."
"Did I hear correctly?"
"You did not," Ett said flatly, rolling her eyes.
"Your Ladyship, you understand well that the Adiand people are more reclusive than most."
"Yes."
"Then can the advantage truly outweigh the people's ire?"
"That shall depend on the actions of those who pledge with us."
The first to pledge alliance would traverse the first-ever cast iron bridge and receive materials to construct their own.
For now, it remained a beta experiment, no participants yet. The project would pause until completion.
"When did this thought occur to you, Your Ladyship? I have not heard it before."
Ett shook her head. "I was uncertain before. I merely pondered, staring out my window, behind the walls, reflecting on what could be. Then, somehow, it became clear."
"This..."
Akan hesitated. Normally, she shared everything, testing him before assigning tasks. But this, this project was sudden, daring, and direct.
"It is for the future."
Seeing his contemplation, she could not resist explaining further. The tyrannical rule of the Adiand royals remained, though now moderated. Still, it required guidance.
"I do not fully grasp. Training our forces is essential, yet it seems premature, Your Ladyship. And would the Emperor consent?"
"Akan, consider it a rumination. The Emperor will weigh the benefit of official trade. The products for export and import, specialized by Adiand, ought to have been established already. The Empire can sustain itself, yes, but connection to other lands is necessary beyond conquest."
"And this pact?"
"Yes."
"Then, if I understand, there are two paths: conquest or alliance. Those who agree become our allies; those who refuse may face war and subjugation."
In Guren's view, power was absolute: submission or death.
"The conquered lands became provinces, bound to serve and never betray."
"Akan, why must plebeians toil so?"
"Copper."
"Better than bloodshed?"
Akan's eyes sparkled as realization struck. He laughed, a full, hearty sound.
"Indeed, Your Ladyship. We were blinded by tradition, proving might as our forefathers did."
"Very well. I shall commence with the project and gather intelligence."
Ett inclined her head. Money dictated the world's turn, she knew. A wealthy empire commanded more resources, more influence. War was inevitable, but prudence could lessen bloodshed.
She glanced at the handkerchief pressed to her nose. Exhaustion had begun to seep into her bones.
Thud.
"The... Dowager has fainted again."
The Physician's voice carried a heavy sigh. Behind him stood Ares, her new butler.
"Really, must these old bones serve as guard, Your Highness?"
Ares could hear the Physician's voice murmur as he checked her pulse.
"Thank goodness it is not as severe as before."
"In what manner, sir?" Ares asked, perplexed. The Physician's glare silenced him.
"Listen well, young butler. You must be fearless, yet careful. Her Highness is stubborn to the marrow, indifferent to her health. Should she fall to peril, my neck and yours may well share the same grave."
"An unpleasant prospect."
Ares aided with a damp cloth as Ett broke into a cold sweat.
"You are new. They must have briefed you."
"Indeed," Ares replied.
"And yet half-briefed."
Ares chuckled. "Is it that plain?"
The Physician shrugged. "Sire Akan trusts your wit. And he has not spared you warning of betrayal's cost."
"Then may I presume the same for you?"
"Ha. Sire Akan's instruction surpasses any Emperor's direct command."
There was little more to do. Ett needed rest.
"Keep these Laur Leaves close. Place them beneath her nose when she faints. They shall ease her sleep."
"Would that not be improper?"
"Sire Akan consented. Her rest is for the Empire, even if achieved in shadow."
Ares tucked the sachet into a secret pocket.
"I shall leave you with the Empress Dowager. Welcome, Butler Ares."
Ares gave a tentative smile. "Thank you."
As the doors closed, he exhaled slowly. Purple eyes lingered on the sleeping Ett, placing the Laur Leaves near her nose.
"So this is my task," he murmured. Who would have imagined serving a being capable of toppling nations with her gaze, provoking war by mere presence?
The rumors were true, yet hidden well a maiden of obscure origin who could captivate and conquer hearts across lands.
The Empress Dowager, a child now far younger than even her own progeny, lay before him. Ares felt the weight of responsibility and the quiet dread of what might unfold should she be free.
"Oh, alack."
He understood the peril of beauty, of influence, of a hidden identity. He had endured exploitation for his own appearance; he could empathize with her plight.
Ares recalled their benefactor the Empress Dowager herself whose aid had quietly ensured his mother's welfare in times he could not provide.
"Right. Once she wakes, I shall guide her to her chamber."
A task necessary, yet delicate.
"I will consult the Matriarch when she awakens."
Akan smiled amused by the new person, "As you wish."