Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 119: The Image of the Fievegal

Grand Prince Yaulander kos Strylaph studies the slate map of the known parts of the continent, which extends only about half way across the estimated territory of the Demon Wildlands. His hand is currently bleeding where he slammed a glass down on his desk, and two maids and a butler are standing by nervously. They’re waiting for him to calm down before approaching, but they also want to make sure he gets his hand tended to quickly.

He has just received reports that Daniel, the commoner filth that embarrassed him in the Imperial Castle, is in Mattarglos negotiating a truce with the Grand Premier of the primarily-beastmen kingdom. The eastern kingdoms all have long and sordid histories, and in the past, the gatonines, boruans, shenwulves, crawdistes, and all of the other humanoids possessing beast-traits were driven into the large, but harsh lands that became Mattarglos and unified, forming a territory and later becoming an independent kingdom, though they vowed to never have a ‘king’ or ‘emperor’. Instead, they seem to operate on a system where the Grand Premier is chosen by special conditions and a polling of the people of Mattarglos, not just their noble families. In fact, even to this day, Mattarglos does not actively broadcast merchant and aristocratic families, generally to simply spite the other kingdoms that place a heavy focus on nobility.

Mattarglos has provided soldiers to the alliance in order to defend against the demons since the war began, but if they’re negotiating with Daniel, it means they are courting treason. Such negotiations should be through the Empire.

Yaulander finally looks at his hand as the pain gets to him. Blood is trickling onto the map, and one of the maids speaks up, “Your Majesty, please, let us take care of your hand.”

He is still irritated, but he nods. He flops down into a seat as the maid instructs the other one, “Summon the doctor.” She retrieves a bandage roll from nearby and approaches the Grand Prince as he stares at the map from his chair.

“If Mattarglos can defeat the otherworlder…”

The maid says nothing as she bandages his hand, keeping it from getting any worse.

There’s a knock at the open door, and a different maid peeks her head in. “Your Majesty, you have received a letter.”

Yaulander waves her over, and he receives the message. He recognizes the seal immediately, and it causes him to flinch. He looks at the maid wrapping his hand. She’s just finishing, and she takes a step back. “The doctor will be with you soon, your Majesty.”

“Guide him to the drawing room and inform me when he arrives. Now, leave me.”

She bows even lower. “Yes, your Majesty.” She quickly leaves the room, followed by the butler. Yaulander reads the letter.

“[Greetings Young Majesty,

Many great opportunities have arisen now that the otherworlder has spread his forces. He is looking for citizens to move into his alleged territory, and with that, employees to serve him. It will be a challenge, but it should remain a priority to infiltrate the enemy castle.

We’ve also been spreading rumors to prevent his expansion into further territories without meeting heavy resistance. The rumors have taken root and are spreading quickly. Give it time, and his reputation will suffer, preventing him from being selective with his servants.

What we need of you at this time is simple. Having proven their effectiveness, we need you to gain control of the summoning device and the methodology employed to summon otherworlders for our use.

It seems Empress Sundenelle is seriously considering an amicable relationship with the otherworlder Daniel. Do not try to leverage your status as suitor, or the delicate balance could be broken.

It’s no secret the Empress is not fond of you, personally. If you put pressure on her in a feeble attempt to overtake the otherworlder, you will lose. Instead, you should encourage a union between them. It may bring the known power of Daniel over to our side. His… independent nature can be dealt with later.

For now, focus on getting Rikuto to hand over the summoning necessities. If you can do that, we’ll ensure your route to becoming Emperor remains certain.

Report any failures or progress.

Regards,

The Friar of the Water]”

Yaulander makes sure he makes mental notes of all of the important bits. He knows very little about the ‘friars’ except that they have control over nearly everything in the world.

Nearly everything,... thinks the Grand Prince to himself. He scoffs in disgust. The friars treat him like just another pawn, but they are ineffectual without people of high rank like the Grand Prince. He can always inform the Empress about the mysterious group if they try to turn on him. He is well aware of their influence, whether or not it truly encompasses the world, as they seem to claim. He has been making his own preparations to deal with them.

As for Daniel, he’s not sure if the friars know that he’s in Mattarglos, and if that interferes with the plan at all. 

Yaulander uses a simple flame spell to ignite the letter and tosses it into the fireplace to burn away. His family descends from a long line of magic users. His bloodline has been cultivated with strong magic potential. Nobility is his divine right, and becoming Emperor is his destiny.

***

Queen Heralesse sits idly at the dining table as she stares at her meal. Erimaya is sitting at the head of the table directly to her right, while the two goblins, Shek and Skloe, bring out homemade meals. It’s been about a week since the rest of Daniel’s inner circle left, and Heralesse has been Erimaya’s ‘guest’, just as promised. But, it’s strange to her.

If she was told that what she is experiencing is a weird nightmare meant to brainwash her, or proof that the brainwashing is working, she’d be almost thankful.

The bed is more comfortable than anything she has ever slept on, including her royal bedding in the castle of Mornistae. The food is more delicious than anything she has ever had. The royal chefs would kill to achieve flavors a pair of goblins are able to create reliably. And, that is in addition to their duties as the chiefs of domestic affairs, it seems. And, as if the bedding and food weren’t enough, the Citadel is peaceful. There are workers doing their jobs, but there’s seemingly no political scheming whatsoever. When Erimaya took her through the town built around the outside of the mountain-like castle, the denizens would look at them, greet them, and then move on. There was no animosity, and there still isn’t. 

Heralesse really feels like a visiting princess instead of a prisoner.

Erimaya says warmly, “Thank you so much, your Majesties Shek and Skloe.”
The two goblins blush, and Skloe answers, “You don’t need to be so formal with us, Erimaya.”

“I’m thankful! But, someone might tattle on me to our parents and etiquette teachers if I were to address a queen so casually.” The young princess makes a point of looking directly at Heralesse, which causes Shek and Skloe to look at her as well.

Heralesse whines, “What!? I… I’m not… Listen, Eri,...” She becomes flustered. Shek and Skloe are goblins; demon-kin that are usually regarded as little more than sword fodder, leading the charges. Many goblins are greedy and violent, but they’re weak. The problem is, Daniel’s weapons make even the weakest demons stronger than virtually all of the strongest humans.

And then, three more individuals enter that put Heralesse even more on edge.

Two of them are obviously demons -not just demon kin-. They belong to the Greater Demon race, calling themselves the ‘Uhl’tall’; Thymeria and her protector, Illianna. Thymeria is gentle and kind, but she is sister to Vaergraes, the former Demon Queen of the entire Demon Covenant; the collection of demons and demon-kin that Mornistae and the Empire have been at war with for years, constantly being pushed back.

“Good afternoon, Queen Heralesse, Princess Erimaya.” As always, Thymeria's greeting is kind and welcoming, but Heralesse and her younger sister are now vastly outnumbered by demons. Illianna bows politely, walking with Thymeria to their usual seats, which are roughly in the middle of the long table. Heralesse manages a soft and nervous reply, and Erimaya warmly welcomes the two demons. Shek and Skloe extend their own greetings to Thymeria and Illianna, and they take their own seats as Ahok asks, “Um, Shek? Skloe? May I sit with you?”

Both goblin queens agree warmly. “Of course! Please do.”

Thymeria asks, “Are we not being joined by the princes and princesses?”

“Not today,” replies Skloe. “The children are sleeping.”

“Ahh. I see. Adorable little munchkins.” Thymeria’s tone is sweet, and if anything rather envious. She then turns her attention to Heralesse. “So, Queen Heralesse; I’ve been curious, and Erimaya has been very helpful for my curiosities, but I sadly haven’t learned why the ritual isn’t used more often to summon otherworlders like Daniel and Rikuto.”

Heralesse looks at Erimaya with concern. Erimaya is very much not a prisoner, by all appearances, and she has made herself at home. The young princess replies to her elder sister’s gaze, “I did try to talk Daniel out of retaliating, but that’s the key, dear Elder Sister; the Fievegal lost many soldiers who were defending Fort Twilight. The Empire ceded control of Fort Twilight to appease the Fievegal after the failed invasion and attacks. As much as I don’t like it, Rikuto attacked unprovoked. Mornistae and the Empire are at war with the Demon Covenant, which does not include the Fievegal. If anything, the Fievegal is a collection of refugees, and our kingdom attacked them three separate times because they hoped it was a weak target.” Erimaya saddens a little. “Daniel allowed his territory to be attacked three times before retaliating because he didn't want himself or his companions to be objects of fear.”

Heralesse is quiet as she ponders her younger sister's words. She wants to object that Daniel allied himself with demons, their sworn enemies, but several such demons are presently seated around them. Whether she realizes it or not, Erimaya is a hostage in all but name.

But, in some part of her mind, the young queen can’t deny the truth. There are no reports of the Fievegal launching any attacks prior to Rikuto’s attack on Fort Twilight, which he hadn’t even told her about.

As if reading Heralesse’s mind, though, Thymeria speaks gently, “Daniel didn’t ally himself with us, your Majesty. We came to him as refugees. Whether you believe it or not, he saved this world from an unstoppable monster, and he has disrupted the Demon Covenant, which hasn’t made a move since. Given the new refugees appearing at our borders, it seems the bulk of the Covenant is in disarray.” She looks at Ahok, adding, “And, until recently, a demon-kin was a very high ranking magic artisan in your very own Royal Court, yes?”

Heralesse looks at the half-goblin woman in question. She heard it from Ahok; that she was sent to the front lines with the special weapon Rikuto had built. And, in the aftermath, she was attacked with the intention of being left for dead until Daniel and his companions rescued her, making her a Court Magic Artisan once more. The only difference is that she works for the Fievegal.

It's baffling that treachery comes so easily for so many people, including Aramellianna of all people. The problem is that Rikuto has changed, and he is obsessed with defeating Daniel.

Heralesse replies in the best diplomatic tone she can muster, “Forgive me for saying so, your Grace, but I’ll believe in Daniel’s alleged generosity and kindness when he returns me and my sister to our kingdom.”

“Oh! You mustn’t show me deference, your Majesty. I’m just a simple priestess. My sister is vying for Daniel’s hand. Please just call me Thymeria, as I’ve requested multiple times.”

Heralesse is quiet for a moment.

And then, Erimaya surprises her. “And, I’m not going back, Sister.”

Heralesse snaps her gaze to Erimaya with a look of betrayal. “Wh-Wh-What!?”

“I said, I’m not going back.” She grins as she holds her hands together at her cheek. “Daniel said he’ll marry me when I turn eighteen.”

“E-Eri! You can’t! Th-That’s… Daniel’s…”

The young blonde princess sighs. “Am I supposed to hide in the castle until the end of my days as a premature spinster because of the accusations of small-minded nobles and disgusting rumors spreading around?”

“E-Eri… that’s not true…”

“It is true. Or, should I wait until a political marriage is arranged with the sort who would ‘overlook’ my impurity? I’m sure I’ll be treated MUCH better than I am here.” Erimaya pointedly drinks her VERY high quality drink made of fruit juice not available even to the royalty of Mornistae; grape juice. But, it’s not just any grape juice; even Heralesse has noticed that it is extremely rich in flavor, the likes of which she has never tried. Even the best grape juice she has had possessed a fairly tart flavor with minimal sweetness.

Erimaya adds after enjoying her drink, “Ahhh. Oh! And, I’m not even married to him yet. Daniel treats his consorts with gifts, he goes on trips with them, he shares hobbies with them…” The human princess blushes as she imagines what sorts of things she’ll ask for. “He also regularly trusts them to act in his stead or to fight alongside him, as well as to perform important work more than just managing the maids of the castle and looking pretty at gatherings. Why in the world would I want to trade all of that for being someone’s silent wiuben.”

Heralesse knows what Erimaya means. The wiuben is a small bird often kept as a pet because they are very friendly and like to sit on shoulders and forearms. They are beautiful birds, and often will fluff up their feathers to display elegant patterns and colors. Voiceless or ‘silent’ wiubens are rare, but they're often used as a slightly mocking term for aristocratic women who are generally only married for political or financial gain, or their beauty is acceptable to present as an accompanying decoration on a man’s arm. In some cases, they would be nothing more than a concubine, and not the official wife, due to one reason or another leading to the official tie.

Erimaya isn’t wrong. In the eyes of many of the aristocrats in Mornistae, and even in the Empire, she is seen as almost as dirty as Daniel himself. Heralesse understands the concerns, but she was there and saw it with her own eyes.

Daniel saved Erimaya’s life. He only ran his finger up her abdomen one time, and it was to find the right spot to perform the chest compressions. It was clear that his actions had no enjoyment in them. He was covered in filth, as was the young princess, but he didn’t hesitate to do everything in his power to save her without any magic.

Heralesse doesn’t want her sister to rot away or to be unhappy, but their lives of luxury come with responsibilities as royalty. They can’t change how Erimaya is perceived, but Daniel is not the answer. 

Suddenly, the serious-sounding voice of Xyreko speaks as the golem approaches. “You speak as if you are not enjoying your current role of freeloader.”

Erimaya gasps. “I’m not just a freeloader! I’m Hekate’s etiquette and history instructor!”

“Is that so?”

In spite of the fact that her body is metallic and she has no face, the postures of the caretaker are incredibly expressive, making it clear when she is being smug, teasing, sincere, serious, or even threatening.

Heralesse is overwhelmed by everything, but she has to stay strong for her sister. Erimaya doesn’t realize how much danger they’re both in. Even if Rikuto has made mistakes, Daniel sided with the enemies.

“Is the meal not to your liking, your majesty?” asks Xyreko when she looks towards Heralesse. The teenage queen flinches, looking at her plate. “Oh! No, it’s… good.” She hates to admit it, but it’s one of the best meals she has ever had. “I was just… deep in thought.”

The strange ‘Prime Minister’ doesn’t respond right away, staring silently and without any motion, as if she became a statue. Finally, the golem stirs, and Xyreko replies, “Indeed. May I ask a question?”

The blonde elder sister hesitates, but she nods once after thinking about it.

The caretaker asks her question with a fairly serious tone, “How much do you know of the Grand Prince of the Empire?”

Heralesse cocks her head. “That’s… a surprising question.”

“Yes. He insulted our beloved Emperor, and Daniel was content with a verbal riposte, but it left a hollow feeling in me. Do you believe disrespect and insults should be met with a proper response?”

Heralesse hesitates to answer. It’s clear that Xyreko is leading her into a trap; one where she admits that Rikuto brought everything on Mornistae.

The teen sighs. “I understand Daniel was keeping to himself here, but I can’t overlook that he sided with… our perceived enemies. If not the Demon Ty-... er, Demon Queen, then the dragons. My grandfather perished in the last major battle with a dragon. He and seven thousand men fought desperately, while the mere hundred warriors who survived were able to finish it off. And, Daniel is… helping them reproduce.”

Xyreko cocks her head back a little, indicating her semi-smug pose. “I was asking about the Grand Prince, your Majesty. But, your grandfather sounds very brave. My grandchildren were also killed by Morthybargaron, the dragon lord. My husband was killed by assassins in the oni clan. One of my daughters eloped with a human from the east, and I never saw her again. And, the Grand Prince appears to be conspiring to kill my current beloved lord. Were it not for Daniel’s compassion and forgiveness, I would lay waste to the Empire, the Kingdom of Mornistae, the Demon Covenant, and the Kingdom of Henbarr and the Queendom of Gleasa. And, I would not be alone. The supposedly wretched soul your kingdom cast off to the ends of the world is the greatest thing that has ever happened to this world, and your people see only the same petty conflicts and insular problems that allowed the world to rot. Tell me, Queen Heralesse; can you name a meaningful accomplishment of Rikuto’s that he hasn’t undone himself?”

Heralesse starts to say, “He restored Mornistae’s eco-…” She trails off, looking at Ahok. The half-goblin magic artisan is enjoying her meal, talking quietly to the two goblin queens. Ahok probably didn’t have to worry about the budget working on Rikuto’s weapon, but she’d easily be able to estimate how many resources went into the two identical weapons, specifically the enhanced magic crystals that the kingdom had to purchase from the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy. Those alone have nearly cleared out all of the profits Rikuto had achieved. Mornistae was staying afloat before Rikuto arrived, but he was granted the rulership because his ideas to restore the kingdom to completely self-sufficient were working. He probably could recover the economy again, but he is obsessed with the conflict with Daniel and the Fievegal.

Heralesse sees it herself; the Fievegal isn’t organized like a kingdom should be. They function based on how powerful the bulk of the ‘empresses’ are; three dragons, Hekate, three Uhl’tall, and the Stalvaltan family. Given time, Aramellianna will undoubtedly guide the Fievegal and make them an unstoppable force with their combined areas of expertise.

Heralesse replies quietly, but a little coldly, “If you want me to suggest that I’ll ally Mornistae with Daniel, you can forget it. I won’t betray my kingdom.”

Xyreko nods once. “No objections. We will simply conquer the kingdom. Depending on how you behave will determine whether or not you are Heralesse kos Mornistae or Heralesse the commoner.” She looks at Erimaya. “Thankfully, your younger sister could likely take you in as a maid. Daniel is merciful like that.”

Erimaya looks nervously at her elder sister, knowing that Xyreko is speaking harshly, but unsure what to say in her defense.

Heralesse does her best to keep her temper in check. She’s a prisoner, but she’s being afforded a great deal of freedom to wander around under supervision, enjoying the garden on the rooftop, the library that has more tomes and books than even the Imperial library in the capital of the Empire, and the lake that is peaceful and beautiful at all hours of the day.

Xyreko finally adds after letting them stew for a moment, “I can be indignant as well, as you can see. You should get comfortable no longer having power over Daniel. You could have made use of him, and he would likely have helped you win the war against the Demon Covenant. But, then, I would still be prisoner of the Feral Feldrok in a state of disrepair and voiceless helplessness. You don’t have to like Daniel, but you should be grateful that it is he who is your ‘enemy’, instead of any of the rest of us.” She turns and starts to walk out of the room. “You understand protecting your kingdom, Queen Heralesse. You have more in common with us than you think.”

With that, she exits the room, and Heralesse sighs. Erimaya replies softly, “Sorry…”

“No… I should be the one protecting you, but here we are, at the mercy of Daniel and his companions…”

“If I may, your Majesty,” starts Illianna, who is usually quiet.

Heralesse looks at her, worried she’s about to get dressed down again. But, the Uhl’tall secretary says sincerely, “I would recommend that you visit the township and speak to Baeka, the Mikadresselle of the dattakoriens. I believe she has just returned from visiting various villages to invite citizens to move to the Fievegal. I think you’ll find that the war is not something the average citizen of any country supports. Everyone wants safety, and they’ll say close to the one who offers them the most promising vow of protecting their livelihoods. And, in many cases as well, they don’t even care who the ruler is, so long as they can live their lives. It’s a far cry from the political maneuvering and scheming of aristocratic gatherings on either side.”

Thymeria nods in agreement. “It’s understandable that you’re suspicious. But, I agree with Illianna. Baeka is more in touch with citizens than most of us. I’ve been trying, but I’m over-brightened by my sister’s history and her regal status. And, Shek and Skloe are directly royal family of the Fievegal.”

The two goblin women smile and nod in agreement. “We’ll help introduce you, if you wish,” replies Shek.

Heralesse looks at Erimaya, who smiles gently. “I’ve only met Baeka in passing a few times, but she’s very polite. From what I’ve been told, she was among the group with Skloe and Shek, as well as Aoloan and Kera’tai, who met Daniel when he defended Fort Peony.”

“It’s true,” confirms Skloe as Shek nods in agreement. “Kera’tai ensured our safety by declaring that we were Daniel’s war brides.”

Heralesse turns pale for a moment. Erimaya quickly adds, “Daniel doesn’t take war brides! He has said that many times. But, Kera’tai decided it herself.”

The young queen stares at her sister skeptically. Thymeria is chuckling, borderline laughing, and Illianna is amused. Heralesse exhales deeply as she simply lets go of whatever she was thinking of saying. “I suppose I have nothing better to do. Shek, Skloe, if you would, please introduce me to this Baeka. I won’t promise anything, but…” She looks at each of them briefly before settling on Erimaya. Erimaya preached diplomacy with Daniel and the Fievegal all along, and only when she mentioned Daniel’s ‘god-killers’ did Rikuto become obsessed with defeating Daniel. The teenager finishes her thought, “If the war can be ended without more bloodshed, I… can see no downsides.”

Erimaya smiles and hugs her. “I’m so happy you understand! If we can convince Rikuto to negotiate and apologize, then we can begin restoring.”

Heralesse is quiet. She’s not sure if Rikuto can be convinced to give up his position, and he’s certain Daniel is a threat to the whole world.

If she can figure out what to do next, Heralesse can make efforts to get herself and Erimaya back home to safety.

***

Hekate enters the laundry room of the Stalvaltan airship, where she finds exactly who she hoped to find.

In the Citadel itself, it’s a non-issue, since everyone is well-trusted by Daniel -with the exception of the person doing his laundry now-. But, a bit ironically, she has enough trust that Daniel is slowly growing closer to her. 

That person is Doephluev, the archoneldwyn former-assassin and now lady-in-waiting to Daniel, for all intents and purposes.

She’s currently folding Daniel’s clothes, which many of his companions insisted should be handled by someone they know is loyal, rather than chance one of Aramellianna’s servants being bought off. Doephluev is the safest option, since she normally does his laundry, is contracted not to harm him, and seems to care about Daniel in her own selfish way.

“Um… Doephluev?” asks Hekate softly. The young woman wearing clothes almost identical in style to Hekate’s perks up, surprised to be summoned. She was engrossed in the song she was humming, which sounded gentle and happy in tone.

Doephluev looks to see who it is, which usually means she’s calculating her response for how indignant she can be with her ‘rivals’.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Hekate is number one.

“Oh! Your bantam Greatness. If you are searching for my beloved, he is not here.”

Hekate flexes her fingers to resist making fists, and she does everything she can to keep her composure. She’s easy to rile up, and Doephluev only wins if she succeeds in doing so.

“I'm here to see you, D-Doephluev.”

Hekate can see why Daniel has come to like Doephluev. She effortlessly is feminine and cutesy, even when Daniel isn't around to try to seduce him. Doephluev gasps, “Me? Really?” It was a fake gasp, but her tone is genuinely a little surprised.

The young feldrok empress nods. “Yes. I want… your help learning a certain kind of magic.”

“Magic? Are you hoping to assassinate someone, your Grace?”

Hekate shakes her head. “No. I just want to learn illusion magic so I can watch over Daniel without him knowing.”

The archoneldwyn woman cocks her head, surprised. “You? Can’t you just… follow him?”

Hekate looks aside. “Sometimes… I just… I’d like to use it, please. I… I have my reasons…”

Doephluev sighs. “In the end, I suppose it only really benefits me…” 

This causes Hekate to tilt her head this time.

“Nevermind that, your Grace. But, in turn I want something, too.”

Hekate narrows her eyes skeptically. “What do you want?”

“Just a chance,” replies the caramel-skinned elf-like woman with a carnivorous smile.

Hekate hesitates, and Doephluev clarifies, “When we go out on the second mission, I want to have a bit of a bet. If I slay more monsters while defending our mutual darling, then I get to be Empress…”

Hekate immediately recoils and puffs her tail up instinctively, flattening her ears in anger. Doephluev adds quickly, “For a day! I was going to say ‘for a day’.”

The defensive feldrok girl relaxes a little, and she asks cautiously, “That’s it?”

The archoneldwyn nods. “Yes. I get to be by Daniel’s side, say and do whatever I want, and I get all of the ‘Hekate’ privileges for that day.”

Hekate becomes a little nervous. “And, what if I win?”

“Hmm? Isn’t getting to learn illusion magic from me enough? But, fine. I’ll do anything you want for a day that I am capable of doing. Nothing that will damage my relationship with Daniel, though.”

“I’m not that cruel,” retorts Hekate with a huff. “If anything, I’d make you dress like a clown or something and make a fool of yourself. But, that might embarrass Daniel… Oh!” Hekate grins. “I know exactly what I’ll ask for.” She cackles deviously, and Doephluev rolls her eyes and shakes her head, returning to the laundry she’s working on. “Now, learn from this.” She waves her finger, even as she works, and a swirl of magic energy creates an exact copy of the archoneldwyn woman, save for being dressed in a maid outfit. The ‘copy’ immediately says, “Alright, your Grace. Let’s begin our lesson.”

“Y-You can copy yourself?” asks Hekate in shock.

The caramel elf smiles playfully. “I’m saving it for when I start to lose Darling’s favor.”

Hekate frowns, prompting Doephluev to chuckle and add, “I’m kidding. It’s an illusion. But, it’ll demonstrate the versatility. If you get really proficient at it, the illusion can speak as if it has a mind of its own.”

“That’s right!” exclaims the copy. She waves her hand across Hekate, and her arm passes through Hekate, surprising the feldrok girl. “See? I’m just an illusion. But, I can teach you the basics while the real me keeps working.”

Hekate glances back and forth between the two. “This is really an illusion?”

Both Doephluev’s reply, “Yes, your Greatness.”

“And, it's going to teach me magic?”

“I'm a spiritual copy, for all intents and purposes, so I have all of the appropriate memories, since I was created with this purpose,” replies the copy. “Please have a little faith in me. That me gets to benefit when she beats you at the competition.”

The feldrok girl’s tail twitches. She points at the real Doephluev, saying boisterously, “There’s no chance of you winning, Doephluev. And, when you do, you’ll never, EVER be an empress so long as I am the Empress.”

“We’ll see,” retorts the real archoneldwyn, still focusing on doing laundry. She folds a bed sheet, wiggling her fingers over it, ‘whispering’, “Sprites of the soul, hear my words, and bless this sheet to make its user fall madly in love with me and me alone.”

“Hey!” whines Hekate, causing Doephluev to grin broadly as she snickers. “If it was that easy, your Greatness, I would already be the one and only Empress.” She walks by Hekate, setting the sheet in her basket. “I’ll make you a bet that Darling sees through your illusion immediately, Hekate.”

Again, the feldrok girl twitches. “Sh-Shut up! You!” She points at the copy. “Begin teaching me immediately! If you’re lying to me or tricking me, then the real you suffers.” She looks at Doephluev with a scowl, and the real archoneldwyn woman simply smiles, walking back to the cover blanket to fold it as well. She says some gibberish in what could be heard as the ‘archoneldwyn language’, and she ‘whispers’ again, “Feldrokolb Urrepelolb.”

“Gimme that! That won’t work on me!” Hekate snatches the blanket from Doephluev, folding it as she scowls at the copy. “Well?”

“Yes, let’s begin, your Greatness.”

As the copy of Doephluev is explaining the spell’s mechanisms, which will help Hekate visualize it when she’s casting, Hekate idly works her hands by folding laundry to prevent the real Doephluev from actually cursing any of Daniel’s clothing with nonsense to bewitch him.

And, that’s how Doephluev tricked the Empress of the Fievegal into helping with the laundry.

***