Chapter 101: The Cocagne Affair (1)

“–considering the key strategic necessity of binding Cocagne to our cause in the pursuit of House Magnos’ worldwide dominion, it is my will that my bastard son Simon be put to use on the matter should this campaign remain incomplete at the moment of my demise,” the Keeper read out loud. “He shall be sent there with an appropriate Crestone in order to serve and assist my trueborn daughter Norbelle, whether as a marriageable asset or a soldier, or to be executed should he refuse to behave.”

Simon feigned a gasp, while Lauriane paled in horror and Thalas smiled wickedly.

“Looks like Father found a use for you, bastard!” Thalas taunted him.

Simon ignored the jab and observed the only person present whose opinion mattered. Euphemia herself frowned, her gaze undecipherable as Shabram leaned over to whisper words in her ear. Simon saw her nod at the spymistress right before everyone’s attention focused on the Keeper’s next words.

“–as a test of my children’s worthiness, I do hereby bequeath my Class to the sole daughter of Gargauth, Vouivre Ashmodai,” it said, to the astonishment of all the people present. “Let whoever slays her and complete the extermination of that fallen bloodline ascend to the Crimson Throne.”

The room erupted into shouts and gasps, “Vouivre?!” “Gargauth has a daughter?!” “A competition?!”

So far, Simon had mostly named Casval in his will as the heir since it took out a threat to Anna’s life, ensured he got killed—no grudge was ever too small to settle—and led the War Party to track down Vouivre anyway. However, the dragon warlord always managed to avoid death and remain a threat in spite of those measures. Simon was curious to learn what would happen if he fully mobilized House Magnos against her. The name Ashmodai would ensure Casval ended up on everyone’s hit list either way.

Most of the people present all but ran through the doors in their hurry to get a lead on the hunt for Vouivre, with Simon doing his best to avoid glancing at Mastemo. Could Euphemia and Norbelle have honestly missed the demon host right next to them? Maybe they knew and were using his secret to blackmail him… it was something to explore during this reign at least.

“When we meet again, bastard, I will be Overlord,” Thalas told Simon on his way out. “And with luck, you’ll be dead.”

Simon squinted at his half-brother. “Will either make you happy, Thalas?”

Thalas frowned at the question. “Yes,” he said, a bit more hesitantly than he would have if it were entirely true. “Yes, of course it will!”

Simon watched his former bully leave without a word. His contempt for the small, petty man was barely matched by the pity he now inspired in him, chasing the shadow and affection of a man who never respected his son.

In the end, only Euphemia, Shabram, and Lauriane remained behind. The empress dowager pitilessly stared at him, while Simon’s half-sister stepped forward.

“Don’t you even dare, Your Grace,” Lauriane warned threateningly.

“You have heard my husband’s will, Lauriane, as did all of the generals,” Euphemia replied coldly. “They will act on that testament even if I do not. That man treated us all as pieces.”

“This was a shrewd move from His Majesty,” Shabram pointed out, “As I have told Her Grace, although we have secured a royal engagement for Princess Norbelle, King-Consort Filip remains suspicious of our activities and might gather more support in Cocagne’s senate to oppose us. Sending another of His Majesty’s children to the Queendom would convince his wife that we are serious about peace and grant us more leverage in negotiations.”

“But I don’t want to be shipped off to Cocagne!” Simon ‘protested.’ “I was told I could attend the Academy!”

“You should know by now that few people in this world can do as they please,” Euphemia replied, her eyes meeting his own. “Do you know what your father told me when I asked for your head after you dared to punch my son Thalas in the face?”

Simon scowled. He never did learn why his father had saved him that day. “No.”

“He replied, ‘Why would I execute the man of the two?’” Euphemia sneered in disdain. She obviously still resented her husband for that insult years later. “So prove yourself worthy of that lofty compliment if you wish to keep your head. While I consider this matter settled, my son has not forgotten that slight and he will act upon it when given the opportunity.”

“None of you vipers will touch him,” Lauriane threatened the empress. Every reign reminded Simon why she was his favorite sister. “I won’t let you–”

“Wait,” Simon cut in, glaring at Euphemia. “Father’s will says I will get a Crestone, and that I am to help Norbelle in Cocagne. That’s all.”

Euphemia frowned. “What is your point?”

“That means I will be free to go with the Crestone once Cocagne falls under Endymion’s control,” Simon replied. “I just need to help Norbelle with her mission, and then we’re done.”

“You will no longer be our concern should you achieve this feat, yes,” Euphemia conceded. “I do not care whether you choose to join the Academy or disappear afterwards.”

Lauriane looked at him with concern. “Simon, are you sure about this?”

“I don’t want to give her or Thalas any excuse, or you to be in trouble because of me,” Simon replied earnestly. “You’ll already have your hands full.”

“Still…” Lauriane clenched her jaw, torn between concern and practicality.

Euphemia studied Simon for a moment before turning in Shabram’s direction. “You said one of our prisoners has a Scholar Crestone?”

“Yes indeed.”

“Then he may have it. Cocagne prizes spellcasters above all else, but scribes are still honored. He might prove useful to my daughter as a clerk or assistant.” Euphemia walked past Simon and Lauriane without sparing them much of a glance. “I leave you to arrange his transportation, Shabram.”

Are you that eager to get me out of your hair and so confident that I am no threat to your daughter’s ambitions, Your Grace? Simon wondered as he watched her leave. Such a poor Judge of character.

“I’m… I’m sorry, Simon,” Lauriane apologized.

Simon cracked a smile. “Just make sure Thalas doesn’t get the Overlord Class, and I will forgive you.”

“Do not worry about that. Louis will put this Vouivre into the ground and that upstart empress in her place.” Lauriane then glared at Shabram. “If anything happens to Simon, I will hold you personally responsible.”

“I will keep it in mind, Your Highness,” Shabram replied with a pleasant smile, knowing everything had gone exactly according to her master’s plan.

Simon now had a perfect excuse to join Norbelle’s retinue and leave for Cocagne without arousing suspicion, and obtained a Class that could let him hide some of his abilities. Although Scholars traded pure spellcasting progression for analytical abilities, few would raise an eyebrow if Simon suddenly discovered some surprising affinity for spellcasting thanks to it… or why he would one day request access to Cocagne’s grand library.

Simon would be sure to thank Lorimor for his donation in a later reign.

Simon spent the next few days preparing for his departure.

The first thing he did was to have Shabram arrange Eole’s ‘disappearance.’ He met with her in secret, freed her, gave her his prophet spiel, and then sent her on her way for her own safety. As much as he appreciated her company, the links between the Cobweb and the Church of the Light might cause the former to track her down or cause issues down the line. At least Leonard and Meredith would stay with him for this trip.

The second thing he did was to meet with Belzemine to arrange the same anti-elf conspiracy operation he ran last reign. And the third…

“Here are the cattle you requested, Your Majesty,” Shabram said as she introduced him to a barn at the edge of Marthrone. Twelve cows idled within their enclosure. “I purchased them alongside the farm to ensure they are not disturbed. They possess strong mana reserves for their kind and won multiple prizes at dairy shows.”

“Excellent,” Simon said before putting on his Overlord outfit and addressing the cows, his Unquestionable Ruler Perk ensuring they would submit to his will. “Can you understand me, ladies of the plains?”

His All-Seeing Perk translated his words into whatever language cattle used, causing the cows to perk up and stare at him. “Moo, are you the new nourisher?” one of them asked. “The hand that feeds?”

Simon had learned in Telluria that creatures like hellhounds could be branded so long as they verbally agreed to bear a brand out of their own free will. It was time to confirm whether or not this applied to normal animals, too.

“I am your new master, and a gift I offer you: brands that do not hurt and reward instead!” Simon opened his hand and manifested a Brand of Lust. “Accept it, and you shall never grow hungry again! You shall be free of age and disease, healthy and eternal!”

The cows mooed in enthusiasm, to Shabram’s amusement. Simon proceeded to brand them one after another. This confirmed he could probably mark any beast or monster, should they submit to his will.

“I cannot help but wonder why your father never made much use of those brands, especially if the Overlord can use them to restore themself,” Shabram pointed out once he completed his task.

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“My guess is that since brands create a soul-bond between the branded and me, it can create vulnerabilities others can exploit,” Simon said. “Still, I doubt anyone will expect the Overlord to keep a barn of cows to heal himself with.”

“I will ensure your cows are kept in a secure and innocuous location.” Shabram crossed her arms. “Is there anything else Your Majesty wishes for?”

Simon nodded. “Do you know of any ability that can breach through anti-teleportation wards?”

Shabram stroked her chin. “May I ask what Your Majesty has in mind?”

Because I am sick of having my escape routes cut off. “I suspect I will face opponents who can block teleportation within a certain area, and I would rather avoid being trapped.”

“I see.” Shabram pondered his question before confessing her ignorance. “I unfortunately do not know much about the subject. The Summoner has Perks that let them summon allies inside teleportation-warded areas, but I do not know if they can teleport out of one. I have also read reports that the Adventurer has a teleportation ability of some kind, but its range and limits remain to be assessed.”

Oh? A pity that they had disappeared then. Simon guessed it could be worth investigating whether or not that Perk would be a good addition to his collection. “Is there no empowered teleportation gem that can break through such boundaries?”

“Not that I know of. Teleportation gems are extremely rare and costly, with only high-level crafters and spellcasters being capable of manufacturing them. Moreover, the fact that they need to imprint on a given location and shatter after a single use makes extensive use of them extremely impractical. Current imperial research focuses on finding cheaper methods to mass-produce or at least recycle them rather than improving their potency.”