/n/jackal-among-snakes-1520/c-269
chapter-270

“What exactly do I call you now?” Argrave questioned Leopold, his tone somewhat lacking its typical vigor. He genuinely did not know. Relize never gained a leader in ‘Heroes of Berendar.’ This was a new development entirely divorced from what Argrave knew… just as Elenore’s actions were.

The two of them sat alone in the Dandalan patriarch’s study. Things had simply ended up this way. He was unused to being anywhere without Anneliese, but right now he felt fine with it.

“The leader has no title,” Leopold shook his head. “This position has been taken only once before. It has no name because it is fundamentally transitory. The Grand Council would not abide giving legitimacy to the position by assigning it a title—I am merely the leader of Relize.” The aged patrician looked to Argrave. “Soon enough, I’ll be calling you ‘your Majesty.’”

Argrave nodded. “You’ll put the crown on my head, most likely.”

Leopold leaned into his desk. “Less excited than I thought you’d be.” The patrician pulled back a drawer, retrieving a casket. He pried it open with his knife, then retrieved a purple bottle. “Want some wine? This is fine stuff, and I know you have quite a thirst.”

Argrave shook his head. “Enjoy it,” he said somberly. “So, I suspect you’ll be revoking the Rescindment of Profligacy and Corruption?”

Leopold nodded. “On the day of your coronation. Bit of… sleight of hand. Hide something monumental behind something even more monumental.” The man thumbed at the cork, looking around for something to remove it. “First thing… we have to send the Relize magic architects out to that site you spoke of. They’ll examine the mountain and determine if this fortress you intend to construct in Indanus is actually feasible.”

Argrave’s brain cleared for a moment, reminded of his duty. “That’s good. Don’t forget to bring Melan along for that—he owes me.”

“Not sure how you managed that thing with the vampires…” Leopold shook his head. “I’m especially not sure how you got the Wratsons to help you with that. They’re… standoffish. It’s a comforting development, nonetheless. I never knew they had an S-rank mage in their service… they’re the only in Relize, I think…”

“Mmm,” Argrave nodded, not feeling his typical urge to show off or act grandiose. “Leopold. If one of your sons killed someone, what would you do? And not in self-defense, not in passion… but cold-bloodedly.”

Leopold had been fiddling with the bottle’s cork with his knife, but he stopped and looked at Argrave. “What do you mean, ‘if?’ Rex did.”

“Rex?” Argrave repeated.

Leopold nodded. “Yes, Rex. He was… well, he was a grandson, come to think of it… but I loved him well enough to call him my son. His father died in a raid, you see, so I mostly raised him. He…” the patrician paused. “I don’t want to talk about it. This is supposed to be a happy day, you damned fool,” he rebuked. “Shortly put, I disinherited him and turned him over to the Council’s hands.”

“Immediately?” Argrave pressed.

“…no,” Leopold admitted. “It took… some time. Had to change my mind… see him for who he really was. See how I failed. Steel myself.” He shook his head, then stroked his beard once. “Enough of this. Move on.”

Argrave nodded slowly, staring at the windows behind Leopold and into the rushing river.