Active [Osun - Ryke] A Seat at Risk

[Maxxob]

DISCLAIMERS
​

This RP takes place after the aftermath seen in Graded - [Caelia Barony - Ryke] Be it Welcome or Unwelcome

GOALS AND POSSIBLE OUTCOMES​

Objectives that Regula might succeed in:
1 - Regula (and entourage) manages to convince Count Sadek that everything is fine in the Caelia Barony. (Best outcome)
2 - If Regula fails to accomplish 1, she might try instead to convince the Count for the creation of minor titles (Baronet) and suggest to whom those titles will be bestowed to. (Not that good of an outcome, but still better than having randos or Baron Highgrove taking part of her current administrated territory)
3 - (OPTIONAL) Regula convinces Baron Highgrove to get off her business.

Elvario || Regula Caelia - Personal Goal: Obtain [Internal Ryke Diplomacy] asset
TheTimePiece || Teuihua

STREETS OF OSUN
​

The air in Osun shimmered faintly beneath the early spring sun, its golden light catching on carved cornices and tiled rooftops that lined the narrow, bustling streets. Between vibrant flags and the scent of blooming flowerboxes, the capital of Sadek County stood tall and unshaken—like a scholar with good posture, proud of its ancient knowledge and heavy with unspoken judgments.

Above the avenue, archways bridged noble estates and domed towers. The central spire of the Duke’s faith-sanctioned cathedral pierced the sky with authority, its bells silent for now, though birds wheeled around it like omens waiting to choose their bearer.

Through this storied road strode Dame Regula, the Baroness of Caelia. Her arrival turned a few heads—some in silent recognition, others in quiet whispering. Word traveled fast in Osun, especially when it involved trouble from Caelia Barony, where land and loyalties had grown as tangled as the old borderlines.

Retinue
​

Before her entourage could reach the next plaza, a distinct sound echoed down the stone—metal boots, perfectly synchronized. A retinue of eight guards, cloaked in old Sadek red and gold, marched forward at a purposeful pace. Their uniforms were older, worn with dignity rather than fashion. At their head, unmistakable even before he spoke, stood Baron Highgrove.

Baron Highgrove
​

His back was ramrod straight, the gold-trimmed mantle draped over one shoulder as if to remind the city it still had barons worth fearing. His expression, as ever, resembled a stormcloud carved into granite—set in disapproval, even when he meant to greet.

He raised one hand to pause his march, the guards halting instantly behind him. Without a bow, without a smile, he addressed her in that crisp, commanding voice—measured like a blade's edge.

"Dame Regula."

His eyes, pale with age but sharp with scrutiny, scanned the group accompanying her.

"The streets are busier than usual, it seems. Tell me—are you merely enjoying Osun’s architecture… or has Caelia Barony finally brought its troubles to Lord Sadek in person?"

His tone bore no hostility, but there was no warmth either. It was a formal probe, but one laced with implication—as if her presence might be interpreted as yet another administrative failing.

The guards stood impassive, but nearby civilians slowed, pretending not to eavesdrop.

 

[Elvario]

Spoiler: OOC Information:

Narrative Goal: – As stated by narrator.
Active Point Boosters: N/A
Title/Asset Goals: Internal Diplomacy Asset – Working towards Complex Asset.
(How well the barony gets along with the other nobles (barons, counts, dukes) and royalty in Ryke itself.)
Wanted/Criminal Titles: N/A
Special Skills: N/A
Notable Titles: Baroness of Caelia, Valkyrie, Evolved, Tail Freak, Hip Noble
Notable Skills: Minions [Tailed Administrative Taskforce] F (Talented Friends & Task Force), Minions [The Regulators] D, Wealth B
Using Downtime?: Yes
Character Sheet: Regula Caelia

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
https://gbf.wiki/Silva

One day, she was doing business with a high degree of fluff. Another day she was narrating a play and handing out toys for some orphans. The next, she was in the county's capital to try and finally get the increasingly annoying baron Highgrove out of her hair. Or, at the very least, to inspire some more confident from Count Sadek so that Highgrove's words wouldn't sway him.

The last time she'd been here was probably the time she'd actually been granted rights to the barony. Also when she'd pet some mermaid tail and first learned of her... specific interests. Yet that was a goal for later. She'd best stay serious today. The situation more than warranted it.

From a relatively small mountain city to an impressive city with a high-rise cathedral, Osun had grown a lot. Likely to do with Yemaya's downfall. She hadn't arrived alone, today. Whilst some of her administrative task force had remained to take care of things in the barony, she'd brought two of them along to take notes and serve as back-up for more annoying tasks. She'd also brought a few of her guards, but mostly just for ceremony. After all, Teuihua alone would normally keep any trouble at bay.

As if her day wasn't at risk of being annoying enough, she ran into that guy far earlier than she'd have liked. “Baron Highgrove.” She'd reply, though she decided to play it 'nice' and added the slightest of a bow. Just enough to be plausibly polite, not enough to seem subservient.

A practice smile would form on her lips. “Troubles?” She chuckled. “No, my dear colleague. I'm here to inform the Count of our latest successes.” With a smile as warm as the sunlight, she'd exhume a level of practised confidence that harvested much of what she'd obtained over these past years. Yet even a smile was a weapon, when wielded brazenly against someone far inferior with an overwhelming [Baroness' Charm]. Something that was welcoming someone to reach for the olive branch, but at the same time, warning what might happen if it wasn't accepted.

Spoiler: Ability and Relevant Titles

Baroness' Charm B – Seduction B, [Evolved] title, Character Grade B, Appraisal B, [Baroness of Caelia] title, Persuasion B, Energised B – Character uses their position and charm to make an appealing offer. - Grade Be – 3 Post Cooldown.

[Evolved] - Gain the title evolved. Something about your physiology or aura identifies to others you are of a higher species than your peers. Gain a +1 to social exchanges with others of your racial tree.

[Prideful] - Character has shown an awareness of self that would put them above other people and circumstances for better or for worse. Pride cometh before a fall, but it is only the prideful that strive for more, believing themselves worthy and capable. If their belief in self is true, who better to achieve the most?

[Well-Meaning] - Character has displayed several instances of attempting to help, so it is understood by many the character is at least trying to make circumstances better. However, their efforts struggle to achieve the best outcome.

[Connected] - character has a web of friends that are willing to support their endeavours. They will find it easier to gather support from those around them.

[Gregarious] - whether the character is among enemies or allies, they seem to know what to say or do that lets them thrive in the situation. A story or apt compliment, the character can make a good situation more fun or a bad situation more agreeable.

[Earnest] - This character has shown a willingness and drive to work hard for others.

[Peacekeeper] - Character tends to seek peaceful solutions to potentially dangerous conflicts.

[Hip Noble] - Character regularly brushes aside formalities of station to be more casual. Gives the character a more approachable vibe. Other characters of sufficient standing may be put off by the casualness of the character at times.

[Amiable] - Character has a knack for making other people feel more at ease. People character interacts with may feel less guarded in social interactions than usual.

Her smile didn't falter, even as she allowed her personality and character alone to potentially overwhelm the poor baron. “Then, baron Highgrove, might I inquire as to your own business here? Certainly, I hope all things are faring well in my esteemed colleague's bordering barony?”

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua

​

Elvario Maxxob

Teuihua followed Regula along, staying close, keeping watch with his [360 Degree Vision] feature, keeping view of the surrounding view on all sides of himself. The architecture was and definitely different than what he recalled from his own time in these sorts of urban areas, and he found it all to be rather interesting. However he made sure not to get distracted, his goal was in first priority, to keep Regula safe, second to keep the people of Ryke safe, followed by any innocents who needed help being safe. Hopefully there would't really need to be a reason for him to act in that capacity on this day and that his prominent presence alone would be enough to dissuade any shady uncouth business targeting the people who he was protecting.

The [Large] golem doing his best to keep track of what was going on exactly. Upon him approaching Baron Highgrove, Teuihua would take note of the guards which were present with him, as well as any other nearby people, before he'd give a respectful bow in his general direction. He figured it would probably be better not to say anything to him, and let Regula do the talking for the time being unless he was addressed personally, quite used to being a quiet authoritative enforcing presence.

All he could really do now was hope that Regula had the social game under control here and that they'd get positive results, knowing full well all these political matters weren't always that pleasant to deal with it.

 

[Maxxob]

Elvario || Regula Caelia - Personal Goal: Obtain [Internal Ryke Diplomacy] asset
TheTimePiece || Teuihua - Personal Goal: ???

STREETS OF OSUN


Baron Highgrove
​

The Baron’s jaw shifted slightly—not enough to betray anything so vulgar as surprise, but enough to register that Regula’s response had struck, pretty effectively, somewhere beneath the armor of formality.

His gaze lingered on her longer than etiquette required. Not because he needed time to formulate his response—but because he wanted her to feel the weight of it. An old soldier's tactic: never speak first when being measured.

“Successes, is it?” Highgrove finally replied, his tone thick with aged skepticism, as if he were testing a wine that claimed to be vintage.

He took a step closer. His guards did not. The sun caught the silver in his hair and the edge of the Sadek red draped over his shoulder like a general’s memory.

“You’ll forgive me if I say the road between claimed victories and actual stability is paved with far too much optimism for my liking.”

His eyes shifted briefly to the scribes and attendants in Regula’s retinue, and then upwards to Teuihua, who still stood with poise and restraint. The golem's stillness, like a mountain observing a weathered hill, made some of Highgrove’s men subtly adjust their footing.

“I suppose bringing an honor guard does lend gravitas to one’s reports,” Highgrove said, his voice not quite acidic, but certainly laced with an intent to sting. “Or perhaps it’s insurance, should those reports be challenged too closely.”

He folded his hands behind his back—not defensively, but the way a commander does before delivering a field assessment.

“As for my barony, it fares as it always does—quiet, disciplined, and loyal. Though I confess, I hadn’t intended to stay in the capital long. But when a neighbor arrives in Osun so suddenly, unannounced, and with her full measure of retinue…”

“…well,” he said, drawing the word like a slow blade from a sheathe, “it would be irresponsible not to inquire whether she’s here for the Count, or merely hoping to pre-empt his concerns.”

He tilted his head slightly, watching her with that half-scowl etched into every line of his face. There was no subtlety in the implication: he knew she came to sway the Count—and he was not about to let her do so unchecked.

Around them, the street’s color returned faintly. A fruit seller called down the alleyway. A pair of priest-acolytes crossed under the arch nearby. But in this little clearing of power and posture, the real audience was watching from balconies, shaded porches, and shuttered windows.

“Still…” Highgrove continued, stepping to the side as if yielding the road, “...if your intentions are pure, then I imagine you won’t mind if I accompany you to your appointment with Lord Sadek.”

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua
​

Maxxob Elvario

The golem still stood tall, listening to what Baron Highgrove had to say. It became apparent fairly quickly that he was calculated. Teuihua took note of the highgrove men who adjusted their footing, but still he did not move in response, just continuing to survey any people who were within his [360 degree vision]’s scope.

This was the one who had been causing the Baroness some issues, and this was the one who made it clear that he wasn’t there on pleasantries. That was a shame, Teuihua would have liked it better if everyone could just get along but it seemed like that wasn’t going to be the reality of the situation.

Furthermore it was evident that he wasn’t there to necessarily help but to scrutinize Regula. It didn’t even take Teuihua’s fairly high grade social analysis skills to understand what was going on when Highgrove phrased his words

‘if your intentions are pure, then I imagine you won’t mind if I accompany you to your appointment with Lord Sadek.’Suggesting that he thought there was a possibility that her intentions were not.

Regardless of all of this Teuihua continued to monitor the surrounding area and was ready to get a move on when Regula was. Thankfully for the time being he didn't see any potential threats that he didn't feel confident that he wouldn't be able to take on if necessary, even all of the men who Highgrove brought if need be, the golem had vanquish men and beasts alike in his past time..even if he was really hoping that it would't be required today.

 

[Elvario]

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
https://gbf.wiki/Silva

The fact that she'd made an impact didn't go unnoticed. That said, victory wasn't that easily achieved, as it sounded like her colleague still wanted to have some degree of confrontation.

“In times of great turmoil, it's a combination of great optimism and great effort that can least to such stability.” Regula replied with a smile. She wasn't going to let herself be discouraged or talked into a corner that easily.

That said, a frown formed when he mentioned 'insurance'. Still, she did wonder, despite governing for a while now, she'd never fully settled in with most 'noble' habits. 'Honour guard' was fun and all, but the main reason she wanted them along was far more simple. “Truthfully, it mostly makes it easier to show the crowds that I am here on formal business and currently not to be disturbed.” Her smile never let up, as she'd formed a plan for a counter-offensive.

“Although, forgive my ignorance, but I must ask, for what particular reason did you ask for Count Sadek's guards to accompany you, rather than your own?” Phrased as a polite and perhaps innocent question from someone less experienced, she very well knew she was asking whether his own guards were too occupied or lacking for him to choose to rely on Sadek's guards instead.

Seeing how Regula wouldn't have just gone to the Count without announcing it, the baron's next suggestion was a tad confusing. Then again, perhaps... “My presence here is not unannounced, baron Highgrove. It merely seems that count Sadek may not have seen any reason to report it to you.” Her smile didn't falter, but she did hint a bit more criticism in her voice. “To that extend, I do hope your own presence has also been confirmed with the count?” She'd cast the ball right back at him, as he was being too openly hostile for her liking. She knew they likely wouldn't get along, but he did start off more brazen than expected.

Having baron Highgrove along would certainly prove more annoying, yet the answer to it was rather simple. “Although I see no reason to deny you such a request, it would be up to Lord Sadek to answer whether or not he desires to speak to us both at once.”

That said, she did feel some people staring at her. If she couldn't sway Highgrove himself... “Still, to hear a colleague of mine harbour such fears is rather disheartening. I'd encourage you to listen to the people more, as I can assure you, you'd know not to have reason to fear.” She'd once again lean on her Baroness' Word (whichever grade would be cooldown appropriate in this scenario), leveraging it along her reputation as a Hero of Yemaya as Redhook's Demise, as someone Well-Meaning, Gregarious, Earnest, a Peacekeeper, a Hip Noble and Amiable. If he was to question her character, she had plenty of titles to counter him. Even if he denied it, she knew the onlookers would not. If all went well, she'd make it so baron Highgrove would end up in a rush to count Sadek by feeling the ground getting hotter beneath his feet on these streets.

Baroness' Word B – Leadership B, [Evolved] title, Character Grade B, [Baroness of Caelia] title, Culture B, Etiquette B, Insight B,, Persuasion B, Religion B, Energised B – Character uses their position and social skills to make a convincing argument. - Grade Be – 3 Post Cooldown.

 

[Maxxob]

Elvario || Regula Caelia - Personal Goal: Obtain [Internal Ryke Diplomacy] asset
TheTimePiece || Teuihua - Personal Goal: ???

STREETS OF OSUN

​

There was a short silence in the wake of Regula’s last statement. Her words rang out gently but confidently—layered with history, kindness, and strength of character. Even Highgrove, schooled in the art of verbal fencing, seemed to give pause as the effect settled in.

Onlookers who had initially slowed their steps now stopped altogether. A cloth vendor across the street leaned forward with folded arms. A pair of Sadek guards patrolling a side alley turned their heads—not to intervene, but to watch.

Highgrove inhaled slowly. Not in frustration, but in measured control. It was the breath of a man who had been rebutted in public, and was choosing not to draw his sword—not yet.

Baron Highgrove
​

“You do speak with the grace of a priestess and the confidence of a queen,” Highgrove said at last, his voice smooth, measured—but iron still lined its base. “Though I’d advise against attempting to dress a battlefield as a ballroom.”

He stepped forward again—deliberate, unthreatening, but unmistakably dismissive of her maneuver.

“Those who live beneath Osun’s rooftops may appreciate a rousing speech, but I’ve lived through three failed successions and two civil skirmishes. Words, however artful, do not shield villages from raids, nor convince bishops to return to their altars.”

He gestured faintly behind him toward his retinue—each man armored in the red and gold of old Sadek, same as the Highgrove’s house.

“And to correct your assumption, these are my men, Baroness. Perhaps Caelia’s earlier troubles with church oversight have made it difficult to tell whose banners march where.”

There was a flicker of steel in that last remark—a deliberate cut, wielded with precision.

Then, without waiting for a counter, he continued.

“Let us speak plainly, then. The people remember Redhook’s demise, yes. But they also remember the shrine that rose without sanction. The clergy's retreat. The merchants turning their ledgers to friendlier pastures.”

“And I remember, quite clearly, when Morbella’s trade routes shifted—while Caelia’s seat sat empty, and its steward whispered of orphans and stage plays instead of grain and faith.”

His voice never rose. He didn’t need it to.

“I am not here to undermine you, Dame Regula. I am here because Count Sadek—whom we both serve—is no longer content with promises.”

“I’ve proposed solutions. Territorial restructuring. Decentralization. Minor titles.”

“Not to punish—but to preserve. If you have better answers, he’ll hear them. But don’t mistake my scrutiny for sabotage.”

A beat.

“We are in Osun now. Not Stonewall, not one of your festive roadshows.”

“Here, your words must carry as much weight as your deeds.”

His final words were delivered with grave stillness, invoking the name of Sadek’s capital as if it were holy ground. And with that, he finally stepped back—clearly yielding the road once more, but now doing so in the manner of a senior noble allowing a junior to pass before the real test begins.

He would not press further in public. But he would be watching—and more importantly, reporting.

Baron Highgrove is using - Authority of Experience (Social Ability) – Character uses [Etiquette ?], [Insight ?], [Law ?], and [Standing ?] to invoke precedence and structure in place of raw charisma. Reduces the effectiveness of charm-based social pressure from lower-ranking or newer individuals if recent performance weakens their standing.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua
​

Languages: "Common" "%Analog%" "+Mictlantechulian+"

Elvario Maxxob

Teuihua listened to the conversation, indeed it seemed like a peaceful discourse wasn't likely to be brokered between Highgrove and the Baroness with the verbal back and forth. Regardless the [Sentry] continued to people watch for the time being, particularly those who deemed it of interest to spectate the nobles.

Teuihua then heard more of the general complaints that he'd gathered from spending time around Regula and likely hearing and seeing her have to deal with them. It was all rather unfortunate to say the least. Teuihua felt in general that the Baroness cared deeply about her people and was just trying her best to navigate not the most easy political landscape, but trying Teuihua supposed, wasn't always enough in the eyes of others and they wanted Regula to act more like a typical noble who was more concerned with the order of everything and preserving it even if it was at the expense of helping others. However Teuihua knew that it was not his place to express these views and opinions even if part of him really wanted too, all it would do Is cause more drama, no doubt Baron Highgrove would see his words meaning no more than they would coming from a talking tool who didn't understand politics. But that didn't mean eh couldn't reassure Regula later that he had her back and cared for her and her perspective on everything. Which he thought he ought to do ultimately.

The golem for the time being just stayed near Regula and followed along for now staying vigilant, fully aware that the Baron was going on a social counter attack from the looks of things, he really hoped that Regula had a proper response ready for this situation.

"+I cannot say I was expecting this degree of..opposing views so early on.+" Teuihua spoke softly to Regula in the ancient Mictlantechulian language.

 

[Elvario]

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
https://gbf.wiki/Silva

Seeing how words, rather literally, had convinced a bishop to return to his altar in her barony, Highgrove's words were rather ironic. Baron Highrove's counter to her address of his men was met with a frown. Even if he rambled first, she'd wait for him to finish and turn the topic back to it without falter. “How peculiar for your men to wear the same colours as those of House Sadek.” She lightly shook her head. “Not only is it against norms and might sow confusion” (Culture B, Leadership B) “it might also remind some of how you once proudly stated to be the only one with a claim to the county seat. It'd be best for nobody to risk thinking that dressing your men in House Sadek's colours means you still hold the ambition to take his place, would it not be?” She'd offered him an olive branch, but if he did not take it, he would end up playing with the roses' thorns instead.

“You speak of many issues that were identified, reported and resolved.” She stated. “Whilst it is good to learn from the past, something I can assure you has happened and will continue to happen, it does not do to dwell on it.” Admittedly, he was getting a bit under her skin. Thankfully, she'd resist showing signs of it (Character Standing S, Character Grade A, Evolved, Mind Shield B). She felt highly inclined to point out that the previous count lacked the aid and advise to steer him in the right direction and that she wasn't the one that was not in my current position during that time, whilst Highgrove was. Yet she withheld. She'd already been leaning enough toward hostility.

She took a deep breath. “Be it scrutiny or sabotage, I am, at least, willing to hear you out as you explain it before me and before Count Sadek.” However, she did want to add something. “Although, I shall say so openly and direct. Whilst I do not wish for negative relations with my colleagues, as I would rather we firmly cooperate towards a better future for both our domains, I will not sit idle if I feel the truth is bend to be against me or if outright lies are spoken. I have not forgotten the rumours surrounding Kirkwall.” She'd leave that warning in the air, especially as it came to sabotage. His presumed attempts at taking over the village through mayor Levin had made her doubt his words a whole lot.

As for Teuihua, whispering back to him in an unknown language would be rather rude, so she'd simply speak out in Common. “I'm convinced things will be sorted out.”

 

[Maxxob]

Elvario || Regula Caelia - Personal Goal: Obtain [Internal Ryke Diplomacy] asset
TheTimePiece || Teuihua - Personal Goal: ???

STREETS OF OSUN


Baron Highgrove
​

Highgrove did not speak immediately. He stared at Regula as she concluded, his jaw locked and one brow lifted slightly at her reference to Kirkwall. That name struck deeper than her earlier charm or critique—that was the sting of remembered accusation, one that could not be publicly addressed without consequence.

For a moment, the tension between them hung heavier than any word could cut.

“I see your silver tongue has not dulled,” he replied at last, quiet, clipped, “nor your memory.”

“Let us hope your sense of timing has improved to match.”

He did not contest her jab about the old Sadek colors, nor her claim that past issues had been addressed—at least not in front of the onlookers. Instead, he turned on his heel with the disciplined finality of a drillmaster and motioned to his men with a snap.

As he moved, the crowd’s tone shifted—that subtle, invisible tide of public perception. While earlier they’d regarded Regula as a calming, confident figure, now a few eyes lingered on Highgrove’s form with the kind of wary respect owed to someone who might just be right. Not because he’d won—but because he had managed to hold ground against someone so evidently charismatic.

A woman at a flower stall whispered to her daughter; a merchant muttered, “That’s Highgrove for you…” as the baron passed. The respect wasn’t warm, but it was there—rooted in fear, duty, and his long shadow over Sadek’s past. Yet, more than one gaze lingered on Regula, not with dismissal but with curiosity... perhaps even sympathy, or hope.

And that was its own kind of power.

---

The procession continued—stone steps rising gently until they reached the gilded promenade that led into the Sun Court.

SUN COURT
​

The structure loomed with a golden hue—its walls and vaulted ceilings carved with layered arches and sun motifs, wide windows spilling light across a mosaic floor inlaid with copper and obsidian. The symbol of Sadek’s County Seal, a many-pointed star layered atop a radiant disk, glimmered beneath their boots.

At the far end of the chamber, beyond a series of marble columns, the Count’s audience platform awaited—currently vacant, but soon to be filled.

Echoes of footsteps faded into the grandeur of the hall. For now, they had left the city behind. No murmurs from the crowd. No witnesses.

Just the polished echoes of ambition, reputation, and expectation—gathering like sunlight through glass.

As the retinue stepped fully into the Sun Court, sunlight streamed down through the oculus above, casting patterned illumination across the star-carved floor. The hall smelled faintly of polished stone, dry scroll parchment, and old incense. Golden highlights picked out the etched runes that told the county’s lineage—glory, rebellion, rejoining. It was a room designed to humble all who entered it.

Count Sadek was already present, seated at the apex of the dais.

Count Sadek
​

Clad in a deep green coat richly embroidered with gold, the half-elf's features were sharp and dignified, with high cheekbones and an unreadable expression forged through war and statesmanship. He looked not so much regal as resolute—the kind of man who weighed words as one might weigh artillery. One hand rested lightly on a scroll tube beside his seat, the other upon his knee. He didn’t yet speak—not until all pieces were in motion.

But then—they were.

“There she is!”

A boy’s voice, clear and unfiltered, rang across the hall like a gust through banners. A young noble in formal dress—a rich navy jacket lined with golden trim—came barreling from the side gallery, brown curls bouncing, wide blue eyes lit up with excitement.

Ludd Garanth.

​

Behind him, footsteps thundered in exaggerated frustration.

“My liege! My noble charge! PLEASE walk in a manner befitting your exalted station!”

Justin-sama
​

And so came Justin-sama, shimmering with sparkles and irritation, every inch of his gear enchanted, polished, and utterly overkill for court duty. A few stray rays of light ricocheted off his pauldron into the face of a confused court clerk.

Ludd halted—just short of running headlong into Regula’s path. The boy blinked up at her, awed.

“You’ve got wings! That’s so cool—wait, are you a Valkyrie?! Do they actually go to battle in dresses? Can I see your sword?”

He spun on his heel to look up at Teuihua next.

“And YOU! You’re a construct, right? A big one! Is there a person inside? Do you eat? Are you enchanted or real?”

He fired off questions with the precision of a tiny diplomat trying to get answers before being pulled away. All around, the Sun Court paused—not out of scorn, but surprise. There was affection in the air. Some of the stewards even smiled.

Baron Highgrove, meanwhile, stood stone still. His brow twitched. He leaned toward a nearby attendant.

“Who let the court mascot run loose?” he murmured.

The attendant, a bit red in the face, whispered back, “That is Baron Ludd Garanth, my lord. From the northern marches.”

“...Baron?”

“Under regency, sir. But yes. Direct vassal to the Duke.”

“...Of course he is,” Highgrove muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Meanwhile, Justin-sama, reaching the group, crossed his arms with a swoosh of his crimson cape and a cascade of self-congratulatory glinting from his chestplate.

“Fear not, nobles of court. I, Justin-sama, have safely escorted the northern star of Ryke, our radiant prodigy and Baron of Garanth, unto your midst.”

“Though I must say, deploying a warrior of my caliber for childcare borders on war crime.”

He struck a pose that audibly sparkled.

At last, Count Sadek stood, the movement silencing the ripples of laughter and whispers. His voice, when he spoke, was not loud—but it carried.

“Baroness Caelia. Baron Highgrove.”

“I trust your journey to Osun has left you enough strength to speak with clarity and civility in equal measure.”

His gaze slid to Ludd, lingering just long enough for the boy to adjust his collar and shuffle toward the court dais.

“And I welcome our young guest. You may stay, Baron Garanth—but I ask your questions wait until the floor is yielded.”

Ludd gave an exaggerated nod of exaggerated formality.

“Of course, Count Sadek. I will be quiet as a diplomat in a hostile camp.”

Justin gave a proud thumbs-up from behind him.

Sadek’s eyes returned to Regula and Highgrove. Though expressionless, one could feel the shift in gravity. This was the start of the real exchange.

“Let us begin. Baroness Caelia, you stand before the court under concern—not accusation. Present what you would have me know.”

 

[Elvario]

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
https://gbf.wiki/Silva

She'd make her way towards the Sun Court with her head held high. She might not have talked down Highgrove, but she'd said what she needed. That was, for now, more than enough. It'd been a while since she'd gotten there, but the place looked about the same as she remembered it. Perhaps a tad more clean and polished and with a few more personal details. Yet she didn't recall it well enough to notice most of such things.

Bowing respectfully to greet count Sadek, she was distracted by the voice of a child. In as far as she recalled, count Sadek did not have children. So whom would this be? It didn't help that she felt like the 'There she is!' was rather aimed towards her. Perhaps being the only 'she' in the company made that one a tad more obvious.

The man that followed did not give a great first impression... Then the kid started talking to her. She'd look at count Sadek to see if he was fine with her speaking. Assuming he'd show any sign that he was, she'd give a simple answer to each question with a gentle smile. “Indeed, I am. We do have armour made to be easier to fly with that might look like a dress. No, brandishing a weapon in front of the count would be discourteous.” In the end, she was too Well-Meaning, Earnest and Amiable to leave such innocent questions unanswered. A polar opposite from her colleague's response.

Oddly enough, the situation regarding this kid was pretty wild. A direct vassal to Duke Seroria? Not to count Ironwright, Countess Nightshade or Count Sadek? That seemed odd. Thankfully, as this 'Justin' and the child-baron seemed to stir chaos, Count Sadek's voice tore through it.

“Of course, milord, thank you for your concern.” She'd reply with a smile. Glad to finally be spoken too in a manner less insulting than Highgrove's had been.

Upon being asked to present, she'd nod and give another bow, a tad less formal, but still respectful. “With your permission, milord, I would like to report on the mayor events since I became baroness.”

“As you must have experienced yourself, the entire county was in great uproar short after both you and I were appointed. Whilst you, with knowledge and experience far beyond my own, have been able to rectify many of the late count Light's mistakes swiftly and aptly, I must admit that I myself I had much to learn along the way. Please, in your judgement, keep in mind that my barony was the former Barony of Light, the centre of the former Sol cult and the centre of the chaos that caused Yemaya's destruction. Not to excuse any mistakes on my end, but to explain how the road towards stability and prosperity was more difficult and challenging than it was in the other baronies. It's why I'm glad to have been granted the opportunity to lead Caelia barony, despite my inexperience at the time. Following, I do wish to explain the ways in which I believe I succeeded.”

She took a short moment to collect her thoughts. “First, the new the new capital town of Stonewall. It has been brought back to a fully functional town, it is attracting many individuals of not and peculiar talents, such as a chef that has innovated ways to cook food to degrees that reached even beyond the barony, as well as various warriors, artists and artisans.” Between Todo, Glacier, Ko, Seth, Kota, the Tinkerer's Triage, Gunhild and then some... There were many people that were notable powerhouses in their own rights and fields that had been drawn to her capital.

“Second, the village of Sootspire and our connection to it have both been improved. Its mines have become a stable source of income to our economy and no more monsters have been seen in the nearby forests after the late count Light's endeavours, leaving it a stable community of hard-working people.” A short pause. “There is one thing that I, in all honesty, shall admit. When a 'circus' more vile than anything one might imagine arrived, I do believe I might've acted a bit rashly in my fury towards the abuses of the poor and unfortunate souls captured, abused and even murdered for the gross entertainment of others. Whilst I did what I could to remedy everything, it still pains me that many did not come to believe the depths of the dark depravity of what happened with it and instead merely 'miss the entertainment'.” She'd bow her head. “It would be my honour, if you wished to grant it, to receive your counsel on how to handle such events in the future. I believe a detailed reports of all events had already reached you prior, should you wish to grace me with your time and knowledge to help me learn from my mistakes that day.”

Next up, a victory. “Thankfully, the most eastern village in operation in my barony, Kirkwall, has remained a stable source of agricultural income. With some odd rumours about the village wanting to separate from my barony and join Highgrove barony have been quelled and with Redhook, one of this biggest fears defeated, the villages Guards and mayor Kirk have been cooperating and aiding the rest of the barony most satisfactory. Truthfully, I'd gladly invite you to one day come visit its golden fields of grain, as it is a sight most lovely.”

Time for another admittance. “As I have written in my letter of apology before, I do recognise that bringing in the shrine, especially in the manner with which I did it, was a mistake that I was informed about most aptly. Thankfully, I was able to learn many things from it, such as taking immediate steps to mend relations, including helping citizens with new deals, personally addressing the matter with the Archbishop, and having one of the church's bishop investigate the situation to conclude there was nothing amiss. In the end, I do believe that my, and by extension my domain, has a better relation with the Church and Merchants than ever before.” (Ryke Church Federation B + Ryke Merchant's Guild Member B). “Whilst these were troubling times, caused by my own failure, I beg that you please see the positive results as a sign that I have learned much from making it and that I won't repeat such a mistake.”

Needlessly to say, a few challenges remained. “As it stands, some odd events like dimension-hopping magic towers and dimension-hopping apples trees with dream-inducting apples have been occurring, although they have mostly proven harmless, I am commited to getting to the bottom of what is causing them.”

That brought her to the last village in her domain. “Meanwhile, Yemaya's remains have been restructured to function as a village. That said, there is much interest in the former city. Adventurers are eager to explore its dungeons, merchants and tradesman of various types are seeking to invest in Yemaya and Kirkwall alike. The village even attracted former East Empire citizens seeking refuge. Whilst the latter group had been problematic at first, they have been properly dealt with and I can assure you they will be integrated into the barony before long.”

She took a deep breath. “So, whilst many things happened, I believe that, as a whole, all challenges that came my barony's way have been resolved by the efforts of myself and of the many that aid me, for I have found myself blessed with many trustworthy and loyal advisors, knights, artisans and scholars. It has allowed me to organise fairs that show off the many wonderful things about the barony and to even do simple things like picking a mascot or hosting a play for orphans. It's those small things that, I believe, show the growing prosperity, peace and stability within the barony. It's also what allows me to speak directly to my citizens and learn their woes and sorrows, as well as their joys and goals.”

It was time to bring it to a closure. “So, whilst I understand how my esteemed colleague may look upon all these events and worry about my barony's stability, I merely wish to reassure you that it is not beyond my control. Whilst the barony has gone through rapid changes and growth, coming with its needed growing pains, its issues have been resolved and it has many great things waiting for it. As it stands, my barony holds its capital town, Stonewall, the former city, now a village, Yemaya, the mining village of Sootspire and the agricultural village of Kirkwall. Other than that, a few Elves living in a tiny hamlet and some strangers living in the more untamed terrains are all that inhabits my barony. It's why I believe that, currently, splitting up the barony into further divisions would weaken it and that it would weaken the mutual support that each of these place can bring one another. All in all, the only exception to the common barony size is Yemaya, as otherwise it would be the same size as any other barony.”

She hoped that point would come across, but she was prepared in case it wouldn't. “However, I do not totally wish to shut my ears to honest advice. As such, I do wish to start looking for people to put in more formal positions as mayors to govern the cities more directly. Should Yemaya keep growing into a more town-sized location, I would, in fact agree with some of baron Highgrove's proposal and I would ask for you to allow me to appoint someone as a baronet to hold a more direct supervision over its affairs. That should allow someone to focus on Yemaya's growth in particular, without breaking its ties to the rest of the barony off too much.”

Spoiler: context

(100 was later correct to 1000 – the actual stated town size as stated above)

Although-out, she would have, once more, been speaking with passion and [Baroness' Word] B. Not even in an attempt to impress count Sadek, but simply from the fact that she got fired up when talking so much about the barony that'd grown dear and close to her heart. Something that her titles I won't list them all yet again would hopefully help carry across.

Baroness' Word B – Leadership B, [Evolved] title, Character Grade B, [Baroness of Caelia] title, Culture B, Etiquette B, Insight B, Persuasion B, Religion B, Energised B – Character uses their position and social skills to make a convincing argument. - Grade Be – 3 Post Cooldown.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua
​

Maxxob Elvario

Regula responded in a satisfactory way, dishing back what it seemed like Highgrove wanted to dish to her. Thankfully at the moment it seemed that Regula was more interested in just trying to get through all of it rather than continuing to escalate with him from what Teuihua could tell and with that exchange over it seemed like Highgrove even had to admit when Regula had hm somewhat. It was also nice when she had responded to him saying she was convinced it would all work out.

He continued to follow Regula acting as a body guard, keeping watch all around noticing the flower stall person, as he continued in the procession.

The [Large] golem looked at the sun court area finding its ornateness fascinating. When it came to seeing the half elf count Sadek, Teuihua also gave a bow, except he did not speak, knowing it was not his place to speak.

But with the sudden commotion of a child, and Justin-Sama on the scene he became a alert, he might have ignored the child's questions out of respect for the space, but upon finding out that they themselves were a Baron, Teuihua hardly wanted to upset them by not answering, as Regula had made the decision to as well.

He gave a bow toward The baron Ludd Garanth, before replying,

"Greetings, Baron Garanth, I am Teuihua, guard of the Caelia Barony. Yes I am a construct, no there is not a person inside of me, I do not eat in a traditional sense but can process organic matter and experience taste, and I believe that I am real." He'd put it simply. Figuring it'd be best to get the questions answered for the time being. Based on what Sadek said more questions might come later when the floor was yielded, but for now he hoped he gave a respectful enough and complete enough answers.

Teuihua also took note of Justin-Sama, the man seemed to have immense confidence? Was he someone with established power? Regardless Teuihua listened to Regula's speech and it seemed like she had quite a bit of passion, that was the Regula he knew and it made him feel warm to see how much she cared, even admitting places where she felt were shortcomings in the learning process but then how she had remedied them in response. She also shared the many victories which the barony had as well, while he would have wanted to verbally back her up and speak on her character, Teuihua knew that as a construct his words probably only had so much weight, nor was it his place to speak on that unless addressed directly on it, so for now he'd keep watch and gauge the perception, hoping that it would go over well and that if Highgrove tried to counter her, she'd be able to strike back verbally once more to counter his points.

 

[Maxxob]

Elvario || Regula Caelia - Personal Goal: Obtain [Internal Ryke Diplomacy] asset
TheTimePiece || Teuihua - Personal Goal: ???

SUN COURT
​

The marble of the Sun Court seemed to listen. Regula’s voice moved across it like a steady current—never rising too high, never faltering. In this chamber of judgment and lineage, her words didn’t echo—they settled, layer by layer, forming a mosaic just as intricate as the floor beneath her feet.

Count Sadek
​

Count Sadek stood unmoving through the entirety of her report, his expression carved in solemn patience. One might have thought him unimpressed—until the end, when she spoke of unity, of keeping the villages bound together, of resisting premature fracturing.

That’s when he moved.

A single step forward. His boots rang clear against the golden crest beneath his seat.

“Well spoken.”

His voice was quiet—but weighted. Not a compliment. Not yet. But an acknowledgment that she had, at the very least, earned the right to speak uninterrupted—and perhaps deserved more.

“You present your trials with honesty. That alone sets you apart from many I’ve seen in this seat.”

He glanced toward the great oculus above—the same sunlight that once illuminated kings now shining on a baroness molded in battle, failure, and growth.

“There is wisdom in reflecting on missteps. There is also power in claiming victories without arrogance. I have seen both in your words.”

A pause, and then, ever the strategist, Sadek glanced—not at Regula—but across the hall… to Highgrove.

The elder baron stood with arms crossed. He had listened to the entire speech without interruption, his face unreadable, his silence almost too disciplined. But now, with Sadek’s gaze upon him, he shifted ever so slightly—whether in irritation or calculation, it was impossible to say.

Sadek turned back to Regula.

“Your assessment of the barony’s size and interdependence is noted. And the proposal for a future baronetcy, should Yemaya rise again, is wise. It does not reject counsel—it shapes it.”

He nodded once.

“I will request a formal report to be compiled on Kirkwall and Yemaya’s economic ties. For now, however...”

His eyes swept over Teuihua—the silent pillar, who now responded with uncommon clarity to a child's honest questions.

“...I have seen enough to understand the structure of your court. It is not traditional. But perhaps tradition has failed us enough.”

That was the closest thing to an endorsement Sadek ever gave.

---

Meanwhile, on the side...

Ludd leaned forward on his toes, his eyes sparkling with unfiltered glee.

Ludd Garanth
​

“She is a Valkyrie… and he does taste things?! That’s amazing! They’re both like something out of a hero’s story!”

He spun slightly in place, clearly struggling to contain the excitement bubbling in his chest.

“Justin-sama, can you taste things?”

Justin-sama
​

“I taste only victory,” Justin replied without hesitation, arms folded across his gleaming chestplate. “And the occasional bitterness when people fail to appreciate my tactical genius.”

He winked at Count Sadek’s steward, who rubbed his temples as if fending off a migraine.

Highgrove’s glare, sharp enough to chisel stone, landed squarely on the trio—but especially on the glittering adventurer.

---

Back in center, Sadek gave one final, small nod of approval. Not a smile. Not from him. But to Regula—it felt like a stone wall had shifted an inch in her favor.

“You will remain while I confer with Baron Highgrove. Then we shall weigh what paths, if any, are to be taken.”

He gave a motion to a scribe, and the steward stepped forward with a ledger and quill.

Behind him, the political wind began to turn—not fully, but noticeably. A few attendants glanced at Regula differently now. One steward whispered to another. Ludd grinned like he'd just met a hero from a bard’s tale.

Even Highgrove—for all his steel—would feel it.

The court no longer looked at Regula as an untested noble. She had spoken like a ruler. And now, the old guard would have to decide how to answer.

---

Baron Highgrove
​

Highgrove stepped forward, his boots clicking against the court floor—deliberate, even-paced, almost martial in rhythm. He bowed at the waist—deep enough to honor the Count’s seat, but not a sliver deeper.

“My Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to present my perspective in this matter.”

His voice, though composed, carried that familiar gravelled iron—seasoned by years of commanding officers, not orators.

“I shall speak not in contradiction, but in clarification.”

He turned slightly, enough to include the hall in his words, but his eyes were trained on Sadek.

“Baroness Caelia’s recounting of events was thorough, and I commend her poise. But where her focus lies in the now and in potential, mine must remain with what has already been endured.”

“Under her watch, Caelia Barony has seen its clergy withdraw, its merchant alliances weaken, its citizenry splinter. Whatever repairs have been made—and I do not doubt some have—were made after fractures occurred.”

There was no sneer in his voice—just the calm bite of someone laying down facts like a scribe records bloodlines.

“Yemaya, though restructured, remains contested ground—not merely in memory, but in the minds of those who lost kin there. The presence of East Empire refugees, even if well-intentioned, stirs fresh unease. And though the idea of appointing a baronet is promising, I must ask—how many noble-born candidates has Baroness Regula mentored or appointed since her investiture?”

That question, deliberately unanswered by her speech, landed like a cold stone on the polished floor.

“Fairs, plays, mascots—they lift spirits, yes. But they are dressing. And no dressing can mend what continues to bleed.”

He folded his hands behind his back.

“The Count once told us that ruling was not unlike war. You do not win it with bold charges alone, but by knowing where to place each piece, when to hold ground, and when to draw new lines.”

Then, his eyes moved to Regula—not in defiance, but in wary calculation.

“It is not my wish to see her fail. But nor do I believe she should be tasked with governing more than she can steady. Splitting the barony is not an insult—it is a support structure. Let her keep her towns, if they are steady. But let Yemaya—and its wounds—be overseen by one who has no past there. No personal stakes to cloud judgment.”

He bowed again to Sadek.

“This is my counsel. Not to diminish a colleague, but to preserve the whole.”

With that, Highgrove stepped back—his face unchanged, but his words sharp and clinical as ever. If Regula was the passion of progress, he was the voice of precedent.

And now, it would fall to Sadek to weigh whose lens best served the future.

---

As Sadek’s voice faded and Highgrove took the floor with his measured cadence, Ludd Garanth had quietly peeled away from the line of formality. Like a particularly polite shadow, he circled behind Regula’s retinue—toward Teuihua.

The boy’s gloved hands tested a legplate. Then a foothold. Then—

“Just... a little bit higher,” he whispered, one boot pressed delicately against the golem’s hip joint.

The climbing had begun.

From behind him, Justin-sama sighed, arms crossed, chin lifted just so.

“Ah, yes—Redhook. A pity I was busy personally resolving that rogue Titan-Eater Wyrm in the Daine Scar. Otherwise I’d have decommissioned that clanking embarrassment myself.”

He glanced upward at Ludd scaling Teuihua’s back like a shrine to bravery, sighed louder, and muttered:

“Though to be fair, I doubt even Redhook could’ve withstood my entrance pose.”

The steward near him audibly groaned, yet no one dared to say anything.

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua
​

Maxxob Elvario
The golem was pleased to see that it did not seem that he offended the baron. Though he did wonder if he was received well enough by Count Sadek based on that response. But more importantly it looked like Regula's speech did not fall on deaf ears, and that Count Sadek at the very least acknowledged her honesty, even if he was not absolutely decided then and there. As long as Teuihua didn't actively hinder Regula's goal and he managed to keep people safe he was doing what he needed to do regardless of what others thought about him or not.

He found Ludd's response very like his age like., he also listened to Justin-sama, he sort of reminded him of some of the rulers of old with his confidence. But then it was time for Highgrove's response which Teuihua had no doubt was going to try to undermine Regula somewhat, he hoped that his efforts would not be effective and that Regula would be able to counter them at the very least, even so he listened and watched in the court. Teuihua listened to what was being said and points were raised which were surprisingly more fair than he thought it still didn't give Regula the full credit she deserved as far as he was concerned.

What golem hadn't quite been expecting was Baron Garanth to decide to climb him. Thankfully Teuihua was used to some people climbing him like Gunhild and even Regula sitting on his shoulder herself so instead of jerking away or reacting in an sudden way, he'd stay very still and statue like and softly speak, "Baron Garanth please do be careful."

Staying a still as a statue for the time being, perhaps his [Hard Mattress] title coming to effect in a way which he was not expecting soon enough. His metal was not cold but exuded a pleasant enough warmth which was not too hot for human organics from Teuihua's experience.

[Hard Mattress] – Character has occasionally served as a resting place for characters.

 

[Elvario]

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
https://gbf.wiki/Silva

Things seemed to be going well. Regula was allowed to finish uninterrupted. She was surprised to see that even Highgrove didn't attempt to interrupt her, as she'd surely expected him to be a bit more aggressive. Yet it seemed he was tactical enough in that regard.

Giving a short bow in thanks for the compliment of having been 'well spoken', she'd otherwise remain silent. Still, her facial features would reveal some relief, perhaps even joy, upon being told that her honesty was appreciated. After all, that was far from being a given. Some might see it as a weakness, as inexperience or as a foolish idealism. Thankfully, it seemed Count Sadek did not adhere to such thoughts.

The same went for her reflections. She'd debated on whether or not to speak of such things, yet seeing how she'd already written reports about them, adding them felt only reasonable. It seemed the effort had paid off. To that extend, she was equally glad that Sadek at least accepted the victories as victories, as there had been a moment where she feared that Highgrove's influence might've made it so they were written off mere temporary fixes.

It seemed that even her alternate proposal was taken into account well enough. Another short bow followed, to thank him for putting it into consideration. Upon the note of a formal report, she'd give a nod to one of her Administrative Fox Taskforce Members to note it down on their agenda, planning to go through it with them sooner rather than later.

As for the structure of her court, that brought the biggest, most clear, smile to her face. She truly cared a lot for those aiding her, odd and peculiar as they might all be. A thing she wouldn't try hiding, nor would she try hiding the joy that acceptance, or at the very least tolerance, of such choices would bring her.

Filtering out Justin's and Ludd's antics with practised [Focus] and perhaps even [Mind Shield], she would instead listen to baron Highgrove. Like the courtesy he'd shown her, she would allow him to speak uninterrupted. Much unlike the many thoughts were going through her head told her to interrupted. Still, she bit her tongue.

Carefully, she debated how to pick her fights. Trying to argue against all his points would be the wrong choice. She instinctively could tell as much. Yet letting each of these claims go entirely encountered felt like an equally wrong move. She'd need to balance her responses well.

After taking her time to think things through, she'd chosen which battle to fight and which battle to ignore. “Permission to speak?” She would ask. If she was granted as much, she would continue. “To answer my colleague, I shall admit that I have not trained any noble-born candidates. I did train two of my advisors for the potential position. One of them, Amanda Steelhaven, whom you have personally met and approved off, would have been my preference, had she not vanished. The other, Retili Loxinofican, is a more peculiar choice, but I do believe he might be suitable for the position. Sadly, he has been missing lately. My next to candidates would be the Aerial, Hera, whom has a long history with the city, or mister Benjamin, whom stepped up to be its current mayor.” Luck was really not on her side when it came to finding people that could function directly below her at governing positions.

The other battle, out of the ones she choose to fight, was on the state of her barony. “Although I do not understand my colleague's mention of restoring repairs only after fractures occurred. If baron Highgrove means the fractures caused by the late count Light, then I shall admit that all my repairs have indeed been made afterwards, for I was not a baroness when those occurred. Yet I have fixed many of his mistakes and repaired most of the damage he caused, even along with having mended the mentioned issues of my own making.” She'd add (Healthy Barony Asset B) as she'd gotten barony when it was already on the brink of utter collapse and managed to make it into a fully functional (albeit somewhat problematic at times) barony once more.

Finally, less of a battle, but still something she genuinely wondered about... “If I might ask, however, I am most curious as to why baron Highgrove would deem it wiser to have someone preside over Yemaya that doesn't know its unique history. I fear they won't be able to make use of its unique interest to adventurers due to its dungeons, or of its unique interest to artisans and merchants due to its central location and good infrastructure. Worse, perhaps, they might not know its utmost terrifying risks regarding the curse that might still linger deep below the surface, as someone without ties to the city will not have seen its effects with their own eyes. It seems, to me, all the more important to choose someone that knows Yemaya's in and outs, to have someone knowledgeable about the horrors that occurred there to protect it and to have someone that knows its past in order to shape and protect its future.” The only reason she could come up with, for Highgrove to want someone that wasn't tied to the city, was that such a person wouldn't be tied to her either, making them more easily influenced and set-up to be against her. She still didn't entirely trust Highgrove.

Like before, she put out some conscious effort to try ignore what Ludd and Justin were up too. Part of it did annoy her. Ever so slightly, but still. Seeing a kid, being such a 'kid' of all things, that held the same title as her... whilst she was struggling to defend that title and her right to it at all turns. The world truly wasn't exactly fair. Still, she'd be mindful not to blame the kid himself for the odd ways in which the world worked. So, for now, she'd just ignore him as best as she could.

 

[Maxxob]

Elvario || Regula Caelia - Personal Goal: Obtain [Internal Ryke Diplomacy] asset
TheTimePiece || Teuihua - Personal Goal: ???

SUN COURT


Baron Highgrove
​

Baron Highgrove’s arms remained crossed as Regula requested and received permission to respond. He listened in silence, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly when she named each of her missing or uncertain candidates.

When she was finished, he waited only a heartbeat before stepping forward once more. No bow this time—he had already shown his deference. This was rebuttal, not presentation.

“Lord Sadek, I do not intend to dispute Baroness Caelia’s effort. Nor her resourcefulness.”

His tone was notably less confrontational than earlier. More level. It wasn’t conciliatory—it was the voice of a veteran offering hard truths to an ambitious young officer.

“But it is precisely because of that resourcefulness that I must press my point.”

He looked directly at Lord Sadek, but allowed his words to echo out toward the entire chamber.

“Two candidates—both gone. One without explanation, one peculiarly absent. A third considered, but untested. A fourth—a good mayor, perhaps, but not a noble. All good people, no doubt. But not one of them was appointed. Not one of them held the reins.”

He gestured with one hand—not accusingly, but like a commander pointing to a gap in a wall.

“That is not a condemnation. It is a pattern.”

Then, calmly and without flourish, he returned to the crux of his argument.

“Yemaya is no ordinary village. We all know this. Its history runs dark. Its ruins reach deep. Its people, those who remain, live in the shadow of tragedy and memory both. To govern such a place is to walk a tightrope between preserving the past and not being bound by it.”

He turned slightly, this time allowing his gaze to include Baroness Caelia.

“Baroness Caelia has ties to Yemaya. Deep ones. I do not question her concern for it. I question whether concern alone is what that village needs.”

There was no venom in his voice—only that unsettling steadiness that made his points feel less like opinions and more like measurements.

“When you fear for something, you hold it close. You nurture it, yes—but you may also shield it from scrutiny, delay hard decisions, overlook dangerous signs. If something stirs in those ruins again—and the Baroness herself has confirmed lingering threats—can we be certain she would act with the detachment such a threat requires?”

It was a masterstroke—not calling Baroness Caelia weak, but calling her too close. It let him keep the respect he’d been offering while subtly shifting the burden back to her shoulders.

“This is why I say Yemaya should have leadership apart. Not as punishment, but as precaution. Let the Baroness’s vision flourish elsewhere in her barony, as it already has. But let Yemaya be watched by a steward whose eyes are not clouded by love nor loyalty.”

He finally stepped back, allowing his words to settle.

Even Count Sadek was still, absorbing the new shape of the debate. A steward had approached with a document, but the Count waved it aside for now.

---

As Baron Highgrove spoke, Ludd Garanth had completed his quiet conquest of Teuihua’s shoulder. He sat comfortably, legs kicking lightly in the air, back straight, posture perfect—a noble’s instinct balancing out the boyish mischief.

Ludd Garanth
​

He leaned in toward the golem’s head with a cupped hand, whispering softly:

“Do you ever get dizzy up here? What if someone sneezes and falls off you? Have you ever been used as a siege tower?”

The questions came rapid-fire, but his voice remained low—he knew better than to interrupt the heavy tones of the court. But once Highgrove’s final words drifted to silence, and the air turned expectant, Ludd tilted his head.

And then—he raised his hand, just high enough to draw attention without flourish.

“If I may?”

It was the kind of request no one was quite prepared to answer, until Count Sadek, brow lifting ever so slightly, gave a small nod.

Ludd turned slightly on Teuihua’s shoulder—still seated like a storybook prince atop a dragon—and spoke with a tone that was curiously steady for someone of twelve.

“I don’t pretend to know everything about ruling. Not yet. But I do listen to my chamberlain. And he says rules only matter if you remember why they exist.”

There were faint murmurs along the side walls. The boy didn’t seem to notice.

“In Ryken hierarchy, there are no rulers beneath a baron. Not formally. So if we appoint someone over a village, and give them the power to govern, but they aren’t a baron or a baronet... well, that’s a little odd, isn’t it?”

His foot tapped once against Teuihua’s armor—not nervously, but rhythmically, like punctuation.

“But even if we do make them a baronet, they’d still answer to the Baroness. And if something bad happens—some curse wakes up, or old things come crawling out of the dark—she’ll be the one this court looks to. Not the steward. Not the mayor. Not even the baronet.”

He shrugged, arms folded with the small flourish of someone imitating his regent.

“So if it’s her neck on the line, I say let her choose who gets to put theirs on the chopping block first.”

He paused, then added:

“Besides, I think I’d rather trust someone who’s made a few mistakes and learned from them, than someone who just shows up with a clean robe and no history.”

Silence followed. It wasn’t the kind that begged for correction—it was the kind that came with people reassessing what they thought they knew about a child.

Count Sadek did not speak yet. His expression remained neutral—but his fingers had curled slightly at the arms of his chair, as if in reaction to something sharper than expected.

Justin-sama
​

And from behind Ludd, Justin-sama’s voice drifted in with a grand sigh:

“Spoken like someone truly worthy of my protection. Though next time, perhaps deliver your political commentary before scaling a legendary artifact of war.”

---

The Sun Court was silent.

Count Sadek
​

Not stiff—poised. Like the moment before a blade finds its mark. Count Sadek’s eyes moved, not quickly, but thoroughly—from Regula, to Highgrove, and lastly to Ludd, still seated with princely poise atop the construct’s shoulder.

And then, finally, he stood.

“It is a rare day when three generations of nobility present their views in a single session,” he said, voice calm but resonant, “and rarer still when all three raise points worth weighing.”

His gaze lingered a moment longer on Ludd, the faintest curve forming at the edge of his lips.

“Baron Garanth is correct. It is the Baroness who will answer to this court should Yemaya falter. And so, it is she who bears the final weight of its appointments, its actions, and its defense.”

He turned next to Baron Highgrove—not to scold, but to counter.

“And yet your point stands as well. The risks in Yemaya are not resolved, only quieted. That silence may not last.”

His hands clasped behind his back.

“This court does not ignore patterns. Nor effort. Nor growth. Baroness Caelia, you arrived in Osun with a burdened name and a barony marked by collapse, cults, and conflict. You have presented both faults and resolutions. And unlike many who sit where you do, you have not sought to bury your mistakes in pleasantries. That, alone, deserves note.”

He turned slightly toward his steward, who handed him a folded parchment.

Sadek did not open it.

“You have spoken with clarity and conviction. But even conviction must be anchored by structure.”

A pause. Sadek looked toward Yemaya’s place marked on the great map mosaic embedded in the floor—its sunken spot still darker than the others, as if echoing the weight of its past.

“Yemaya cannot afford to be managed casually. And if you are to retain oversight of it, it must be with leadership installed.”

He nodded once, firmly.

“You will appoint a formal steward over the village by tomorrow. The candidate will be reviewed by this court. Should you fail to present one, or should they prove unsuitable, I will take the liberty of appointing a baronet myself.”

There was no threat in his voice—only consequence.

“You are expected to remain in Osun until the matter is resolved. Unless, of course, you have someone in mind already.”

He stepped back toward his seat, pausing just before sitting.

“Let this serve as precedent for other baronies recovering from conflict: adaptability is not abandonment of tradition—it is its evolution.”

And with that, he lowered himself to the dais once more.

 

[Elvario]

Regula Caelia

Spoiler: Full Image & Source

Alternate art generated and edited based on:
https://gbf.wiki/Silva

There were many things she could counter-argue when it came to those she'd considered, but the fact that the two most promising ones were missing remained. She had no clue what had made them chance their minds about loyally serving her as suddenly as they'd changed them. It, admittedly, even made her doubt her own judge of character just about enough to feel like Highgrove might have the slightest bit of a point to make.

However, his talk about Yemaya was utterly foolish. Count Sadek would know that claiming that her ties to Yemaya ran as deep as Highgrove tried to claim was extraordinarily far-fetched. She hadn't been to the city even once before it ended up cursed. During its cursed 'phase' and chaos, she'd been there exactly one day to rescue some of its civilians, yet unlike Michael and some others, she hadn't been there during the whole resurrection that made people worship count Light. After all that, she'd only gotten ties to it as a baroness trying to rebuild the city and explore what new chances it had. She had nothing to do with the previous nobility that caused it to become cursed, nor did she have any ties of note with the 'hero' and 'god' that some folk believed had created a miracle in resurrecting the people there. All in all, she was fairly confident that Sadek would see through Highgrove's bluff and the fact he'd defaulted to such a bluff meant that he'd been running out of other arguments, which was good.

His next argument was even more wild. How in the world would knowing of a threat make you less well-equipped to oppose it? Her face, otherwise trying to stay neutral, would show a tad of genuine confusion when such a wild and incomprehensible argument was made.

Oddly enough, the kid, at this point, made a lot more sense than Highgrove. A slight smile formed when Ludd mentioned the 'no history' part about Highgrove. She was fairly sure that count Sadek would recall when bugs arrived in one of Highgrove's villages and that neither the baron, nor his men, were anywhere to be seen. The only reason the place had been sapred was due to some random adventurers and the village's own leaders. Otherwise he'd have failed in one of the baron's main duties; namely being the outer-border protection against threats. Or one of this bigger villages Redcliffe, which had, at one point, been overrun with new and foreign nobles trying to aid it, even the late Count Light included, yet with Highgrove nowhere to be seen. The kid so innocently bringing attention to Highgrove's own flawed past made her wonder if she should humour his questions more later as a reward.

She'd bow towards count Sadek upon his judgement. “If I may, I believe your words and baron Highgrove's words have already made it clear to me whom I should appoint. Hera, the aerial, has distant noble blood. She has also faced many of the city's issues first-hand. Yet whilst we have some past together, she has not been working as a close aid of mine. Nor do I believe her views on what is best and safest for Yemaya would be influenced too much by my own views on the matter. That should allow her to see the issues, the threats and the potential with a somewhat detached view, whilst still cooperating with the rest of the barony in a peaceful and constructive fashion. Whist I believe the current acting-mayor is a capable man, he once already admitted to have only risked to the challenge out of necessity and he would be better serving under her, as he wouldn't have the same qualities or the ability to hold a more distanced view from mine.”

 

[TheTimePiece]

Teuihua
​

Maxxob Elvario

Regula explained herself well as far as the golem was concerned in response to what had been raised. She also raised points in response which seemed fair to him regarding Highgrove's critiques. Even with all of that though it seemed that she still had to bring up a possible watcher of some kind to manage Yemaya on her behalf and she brought up a good point that she knew it better than others, and had spent more time working on it. But then Baron Highgrove countered with a decidedly well placed counter, which one would hold up more to the count was really anyone's guess..Teuihua hoped that it would be Regula that Sadek would end up siding up with overall.

Teuihua continued to allow Baron Garanth to climb upon him, a place on his shoulder was a place that others had climbed before, he just made sure to be very still during the process to ensure that no harm would become the young Baron.

He'd then respond softly to the questions, this wasn't exactly a lot unlike having Gunhild atop his shoulders speaking to him either in her small form, except of course the Baron had a more solid use of language in comparison.

Teuihua responded back softly. "I do not generally feel 'dizzy'. If someone were to sneeze and I could feel them falling, I would hope to adjust my form and arm to catch them to prevent them from being harmed as quickly and effectively as I could. And..I suppose in a sense I have, I've had skilled ranged warriors stand on this very shoulder to use my height to there advantage, and I have also partaken in a siege or two in my past..but my military function was largely defensive throughout much of my service, protecting borders, and important people." Teuihua decided to clarify softly and calmly.

He didn't seem to mind the tapping against him having had Gunhild also do stuff like that in the past. He then listened to the young Baron and was pleasantly surprised when he heard him speak quite coherently and intelligently, it sounded like as far as intellectual rigor went he was well studied. Not to mention he brought up great points in Regula's defense.

Teuihua then looked to Justin sama and let out a soft chuckle at being called that. Even so he'd listen respectfully to what Sadek had to say, and it seemed he was still intent on someone else watching over Yamaya but that person would answer to Regula from the sounds of things. Regardless it looked like Hera the Aerial was getting the job when all was said and done. Teuihua supposed this was far from the worst outcome. Yemaya wouldn't be overseen by a complete stranger and Regula could still cooperate with them from the sounds of things.

​