Chapter Eighteen: Age

  Not for the first time since arriving in Advantia, Elijah was more confused than a lion in the city. Here he was, in a council room of all things, discussing what seemed to be…war? He wasn’t exactly sure yet, but it was certainly something politically related, and, as an avid ignorer of politics, he felt out of place. And somehow out of touch too. How come he felt like he was a couple centuries too early to understand what was going on if he was from a place more technologically advanced?

  It’s because your brain isn’t as advanced, his Guide added helpfully, and at his groan, she continued. Did you get it? I just called you re—

  I got it, Elijah replied, gritting his teeth.

  “As I was saying,” a man in leather armor that seemed to have unending layers said. Elijah had heard him called Captain Ambrose, and he turned his ear to what the captain said, blotting out his Guide. “We cannot let the ódauelegur have our land.” He walked forwards to the round table in the center, wherein was inlaid a map of what Elijah assumed was the world he was in. The map only seemed to have two continents, though, so maybe it didn’t cover the whole world.

  Captain Ambrose pointed to a spot on the map: Advantian territory that bordered ódauelegur. “This land is rightfully ours and has been so for decades now. Whether they are bitter over their loss or not, we cannot afford to give it back. It is a great source of coal, the mines being located just a few miles north, and we must keep it at all times. Your majesty, we can defend this place if we try. Let me send the border army and I shall lead them personally to defend our rightful territory.”

  “Now hold on just a minute,” a woman—Chancellor Iriana—said, striding herself to the table. “You expect us to send the army to this piece of land and leave the rest of our bordering nation unprotected? We can lose Stormhold if it means we don’t start a war with the ódauelegur. Our relationship with them has been spotty for years. Do we really wish to start a war? Now, when the princess is near her sixteenth birthday?”

  “But the Dragonriders would join our side! We would have no chance of losing!”

  “We can’t be sure they would! Just because they are allied with us means nothing if we are foolish enough to start a war with one of the world’s superpowers.”

  “Valid points, both of you,” Queen Evangeline replied, still sitting down but massaging her temple softly. “To the other council members, I wish to hear your thoughts.”

  The other six council members, who were also all human, each stood up, striding to the table.

  Two more are chancellors, there’s another captain, and the other three are advisors. They make up the council Queen Evangeline asks for advice in case of any political issue she needs to resolve urgently. They are an invaluable help, even if the Queen may not always listen to what they say. And even if they argue, which I would advise you to cover your ears for. You’d be surprised how loud irritated adults can be.

  “I agree with Chancellor Iriana,” the only male chancellor—Derien— jumped in.

  “Of course you would agree with that bitch,” Captain Ambrose murmured. “If we didn’t hear you fucking all the time, maybe I would believe you’d thought about the issue for longer than a few minutes.”

  “How dare you!” Chancellor Derien slammed his fist on the table, his face reddening like a tomato, and it rankled Elijah, who crossed his arms softly.

  “Does your wife know yet?” The Captain asked, and Derien reddened further.

  “Shut up, both of you!” The queen interrupted. “I will not tolerate this kind of nonsense in this council room. If you shall keep arguing, leave.”

  “I apologize, your majesty,” Captain Amrbose bowed. He turned to one of the advisors and began to whisper in his ear furiously, and the advisor nodded along.

  What do you think of the issue, Amanda? Elijah’s Guide asked.

  Well, I’m not sure I understood everything, but if I did, it sounds like a war should be the last thing on our minds. Still, if Stormhold is as important as the Captain seems to think it is, we shouldn’t let go of it, right? Even if it exists just as a display of power.

  Then what should we do?

  Why can’t you tell me the answer? Elijah asked. You’re my Guide.

  I am guiding you, asshole, what does it look like I’m doing? If you’re me, then you can reason like me. Think for a second. You can get there. Think about what happened with the Karthans, and then form an opinion from there. You haven’t learned much while you’re here yet, but you’ve learned enough. So use it, oh princess-ly one. Convince these sons of bitches that you’re smarter than them.

  But I don’t know if I should take a side. Wouldn’t that create problems of its own?

  Then don’t, Guide Amanda replied, and suddenly Elijah understood.

  For a second, Elijah’s mind spun with ideas. In what he assumed was due to his Political Ease skill, he felt himself scanning every thought he had and arriving at a plan that if executed properly, just could help the council members reach a compromise. It was an unexpected occurrence, and he started at the thought.

  Queen Evangeline looked at him and winked, mouthing the words It’s your turn, my daughter. Take charge, I know you can do this.

  I swear, if you mess this up…His Guide warned in his mind, but nodding and taking a deep breath, he stood up and walked to the other council members, smiling softly and cocking her head.

  “We must defend against the ódauelegur,” he began, and was immediately interrupted by Chancellor Derien.

  “But, Your Highness, respectfully—”

  “Respectfully, shut up,” Elijah replied. “No one likes a douche who can’t listen.” Chancellor Derien’s mouth flung open and the Captain smirked. “That goes for you too, Captain. As I was saying, we must defend our city. Any piece of land is important to Advantia, and if we are in political turmoil, it is necessary now more than ever to remember we have power. Still, we cannot make the ódauelegur know of our moves. We must let them make the first.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “We will not send our border army, at least not all of it. Send in a portion, a few hundred, in secret, entering the city and hiding themselves from any spies the ódauelegur may have, enough to look like a normal, albeit slightly large, border patrol. We shall also need to start evacuating the citizens, which I assume has already begun. If they attack, then it shall be unprovoked and our army shall defend. During that time, we will send the Karthans too, to give them use. They are restless and doubting our rule, so we must show them we are not willing to let them stand idly by while we face true issues.

  “In the ensuing battle with the ódauelegur, we will have two options,” he continued. “One, if we are winning and they send a small army, we defend until we have won, and they shall be cowed. Two, if they have a large army, we retreat, and when they take our spot, we will prepare for a war, because since they were the first to attack, our allies will feel the need to help us retaliate. That is our best option. Either way, we may end in war, but at least, either way it was not our fault.”

  The council room was silent for a few moments, some members shocked by the princess’ display, and others stewing silently in thought. Eventually, Chancellor Derien jumped in.

  “Valid points and solid plans, your majesty,” he began nervously, clearly rankled from the princess’ outburst at him a few minutes ago. “I see a few issues, which someone of your age may not have recognized.”

  “Are you calling me inexperienced? Dumb?” Eliah, asked, spinning on him. “I will have you know that standing back and doing nothing will cause more damage than has been seen in decades.

  “I spoke with the Karthans but a few hours ago. They are restless, angry at our command, wishing that we would let them loose, hoping for any circumstance in which they can strike at us. Is that what you want to happen, Chancellor?”

  “No, you highness,” he said, looking down.

  “And what do u think the Karthan Emperor will imagine when she hears you can take land for Advantia without suffering any payback?”

  “Nothing good, your highness.”

  “Damn right it’s nothing good. In fact, it’s the opposite of nothing good, it’s…everything…bad…damn it, I really have to get my thoughts straight before I say them. Anyways, I think you understand. Tell me, what sort of relationship do the Karthans and the ódauelegur have?”

  “A neutral one.”

  “Correct,” Elijah, said, sighing in relief that he didn’t have to guess.

  You’re one lucky bastard, you know that? Guide Amanda growled playfully.

  “Now,” Elijah continued, “If both the Karthans and the ódauelegur realize how easy it may be to take Stormhold, then the Karthans may themselves reach an escape plan with the ódauelegur. Am I right?”

  “You are correct,” Captain Ambrose replied. “The Karthans are not much different than we are. We ally with the Dragonriders to be strong against countries like Valínor. The Karthans may be hard-pressed to do the same. But your majesty, forcing them into battle may not be the best move.”

  “I agree, but I believe they’re itching for some action, and giving it to them in the form of a battle with the ódauelegur instead of skirmishes with us may be ideal,” Eliah replied. “I know this is risky, and God knows there are so many flaws in our plan that may be exploited, but with our time frame, I doubt anyone will have time to expose them, even us. But, if anyone thinks they have a better idea than the sixteen year old genius princess that is me, then go ahead. I’m all ears.”

  Always hated that phrase.

  I know, right? Who would ever want to be all ears? Two is enough, especially when you—

  Have to listen to these bastards! Guide Amanda exclaimed.

  Finishing sentences, God we sound like twins. Did you read my mind?

  Only metaphorically, because I agree with you.

  I think I’m starting to like you.

  His Guide stayed silent, and he scowled. You’re supposed to say I like you back.

  Guide Amanda laughed, and he winced in response. Like you? In your dreams! Wait, no, that’s too nice. In your worst nightmares, bitch! By the way, you’re ignoring Chancellor Seren.

  Turning his view to Chancellor Seren, he found her looking at him with a cocked expression, face unreadable as she spoke softly yet firmly to the council room and the Queen.

  “---Gold’s plan is smart,” she was saying. “Yet I think there may be some tweaks before we decide to implement it. We must decide on much before we can declare this plan worthy, but I am impressed at the Princess’ thinking. A skill perhaps?”

  “Perhaps,” Eliah responded. “And perhaps I like you more than the other members.” Winking, Chancellor Seren turned to the Queen.

  “Shall we move forward with this plan and plan the details? Or does any other member have gripes against the clearly more intellectual minor?” She teased.

  The next few hours passed as a headache to Elijah, filled with bickering and indecision from the council members as they argued over every detail of the plan, down to the minutest point that even the most attentive people would never care about. It was an endless squabble, and by the end, Queen Evangeline was shaking her head.

  “Well, as pointless as this always is, at least this time it was slightly less,” she responded. “Captain Ambrose, ready the troops you will take and have them ready in a week’s time. That should give you time to prepare and choose them. This is an important mission. Do your best to keep yourself safe.”

  Captain Ambrose bowed to her. “Yes, your majesty. I shall not fail you.”

  “You are dismissed.”

  The council members began to shuffle away one by one, some throwing judgmental looks at others as they left.

  “Sometimes I wonder why I keep them,” the Queen said. “But they’re an invaluable help. This time, though, it was you who did the work. I am proud of you, daughter. You are dismissed as well.”

  Bowing, Elijah left the room, heart pounding. He couldn’t believe he had made it out, and with a perfect performance.

  I’m better at being Princess Amanda Gold than you’ll ever be, he thought to his Guide, who huffed back at him.

  Yup, I agree with you. Can you see the quotations I’m making with my voice?

  No, I don’t, because you’re stuck where you are, and I’m who you were. I can do whatever I want to your old body.

  DON’T YOU DARE! Guide Amanda screamed in clear panic. Mess with this gorgeous body and I swear to every God that exists, I’ll make you so fucking dumb you won’t be able to think straight.

  So…just like I am now? It’s a little hard to think when I have a bitch whispering in my head 24/7 with a voice so annoying, even the Gods can’t admit they created something this evil.

  Fuck you.

  Analyzing…

  Mission completed. Mana added to Princess Amanda Gold.

  No Level reached.

  Just then, a figure stepped in front of the princess: Chancellor Derien, arms crossed, eyes smoldering in barely concealed rage as he glared at the princess.

  “We need to talk, your majesty.” It was clear from his tone, he meant nothing good, and in Elijah’s head, his Guide gulped, and he mirrored it, doing everything to keep a clear composure. “And we’re going to talk now, far from anyone else.”