"And burgundy…"
He paused, just before the seat strangle him
"Congratulation, on your new son. I called you to join this council because I trust you. May our friendship be continued within our lineage"
"Certainly, Your Majesty"
Burgundy smiled, pulling his cheeks as wide as possible. A hollow smirk. Meant to impress. Just like the king words. a blade was hidden at every syllable. He knew, and he was sure the king also knew.
When he was a child, there was one question he had always asked. 'What is power?'
For years, he finally got one answer: Power was an ability to influence or direct action, beliefs, or conducts of actor. A genuine good answer. One he could understand
And now he understood something else about power.
In the presence of the king - he had none
Therefore, he let them continued - the council. Trying his best to hid under the words of other nobles. As hidden as possible.
The first who spoke was Karakal, ending with the same command. To take, to use the slaves as a labor, for a road that stretch between Slyanaris to Atrakan - the nation of man. They called it a task. Yet, it couldn't be more wrong. The distance between both nations was absurdly long, there was a reason the kingdom had never attempt to build such road before. Also, the guy had to work with Duke Justitia, only him could hide the scent of slave.
Receiving the task, he could see Karakal's fingers trembling under the table. Happiness. Crazy bastard. He bet the guy was imagining the mountain of coin he could grab. Greed – as always.
Yet, among the storm of words, one sentence stole his interest
'The Eyes' report
Even as his ear was sliced under every syllable, he forced it to open.
"The rogue. Is gone"
Said 'The Eyes' with a voice as to tearing his own throat. Clacking his teeth along the sentence. He ignored the melody. Yes - the rogue. Even 'The Eyes' was unable to find the rogue.
It could mean one thing
They are watched. The entire meeting. If the one who managed to sneak behind the demon king was missing, she could be anywhere: Inside the mansion, hanging in the ceiling, or even sat between them. His attempt to test earlier was as futile as trying to scoop water -using a basket.
So, instead of glancing around searching the air, he locked his neck in place.
Better to enjoy his life while he could
"How is your wife?"
The king's question yanked him back to the meeting. Abrupt. He could hear Canti breath, dragging close to his nose. He knew what the king was doing - all the nobles knew. A threat, masked in caring prose. Not only that, he announced it for all the council to hear. Brutal. Now each one of them held the joker weakness. He glanced at 'The Eyes'
The main piece.
"They are fine, my king. As happy as ever can be"
One thing he would do when hearing Joker answer, was giving him standing ovation. Calm at every tone. It was like the man was clueless. Even under the mask, he could see the smile. The king nodded against the answer, with a grin that match his tone.
"Good. Now, as promised: I gave you land, I gave you title, and I gave you freedom. Your plan had successfully destroyed the demon continent - our greatest enemy. As such, you force me to do the impossible. To be the first commoner to rise to nobility, without a proper channel. And it saddens me to tell you that I will not extend my hand anymore than it should. So…"
The king leaned forward, eyes like hawk piercing the Joker
"…You need to earn your keep"
The joker tilted his hand, folded his hand on his stomach, just how a butler would serve.
"Certainly, my king…"
"… Actually…" One of his fingers rose, as if to halt the moment
"I have a proposition. One who you would gladly hear"
"Tell me" The king commanded
"An opera. A stage. An Art-laced propaganda. A story written in script, played by actors to impress people in times of war. We will sing you praises, we will steer the mass, we will tell the story of the hero who, under your blessing alone, could obliterate the demons. We can aim the kids - for the next generation to hear, to learn, and to remember. For years to come"
The speech ended with joker standing atop of his seat, hand rising to the ceiling. The way his hand flowed, dancing in the air as if possessed by something. Disrespectful. A gesture that would cost his head if done incorrectly. Yet, the tyrant stood silent. Enjoying. Or is he?
"Useless. Waste of capital investment. We have song, bards, and literature"
Arthur roared from across the room. Nose flared, brimming with anger. Only the gods knew the reason for his burst. And his attempt of sabotage - plausible, if not for the king letting the joker continue his performance.
"Acceptable, consult with Karakal for the gold"
"But, my liege…"
The king snapped at him
"Not once I ask for your opinion Arthur. Do not overstep"
"Ye…Yes. My liege"
The threat landed hard, judging by Arthur's manner of withdrawal. Burgundy could hear a shaky breath as his whole body dropped, hand trailing the sword handle. It must be difficult, to hold such anger.
Devotion - A strong force, enough to chain a general.
The meeting continued. Undisturbed. Until the end, the room still reeked of greed and anger, hidden words thrown wrapped tightly under duty and business.
Yet, one thing couldn't help but linger
The joker.
What lay beneath the mask of the Jester?