"This is your Mansion. I personally picked it for you. It is one of my properties. Thank me now!" Juliet said she and Valtherion stood in front of a pink mansion. It was not big; even if it was on two floors, at most it would have 5 bedrooms. The yard was massive, if anything, and it had its own pool and jacuzzi, while the front view was perfect. It was exactly on the beach, and the river was fusing with the ocean. Valtherion could sunbathe directly on the beach.
There were no passersby at all, as this seemed to be off limits unless you were allowed to by the guards. It was good to mention that it was extremely close to the Imperial Palace, albeit a bit far from the Academy. Under normal circumstances, Valtherion would not move from his grandfather's mansion; however, things there were becoming awkward.
Alexstraza had a lot of suitors, which was normal; she was extremely beautiful; however, her reputation was at stake due to the fact that she lived with her cousin, Valtherion Mograine. It would not have bothered him; after all, many of their relatives expected and wished that they would be married. Valtherion would probably not mind that at some later stage; however, he did not know Alexstraza's point of view on the matter, and he did not wish to discuss it with her yet. She was 15, unlike Valtherion, who had reincarnated with all of his memories.
It was for the best to move away, lest he ruin her reputation or be in the way of being together with a person she actually loved.
"Thank you, Your Highness. Would you please enlighten me: where are your living quarters? I would really be happy if you said that it was on the other end of the capital." Valtherion bowed as he spoke through his gritted teeth. This vixen had swindled him not just for a moment, but for the future as well.
"We are neighbours. Do you think I will let you out of control, to do whatever you want?" Juliet fired back. Their argument was silent as there were quite a lot of servants moving furniture and luggage back and forth.
"I need to secure my county's treasury, Juliet. I do not mind your control games, but I will make something very clear. We will have to work together if you insist on it; however, do not stand in my ambitions when it comes to my county and family. I do not need luxuries; I need to secure my people's peace and security. If you proceed to stand in my way like yesterday, I will achieve it without your partnership, no matter what it costs me. I hope I've made myself clear, Princess" Valtherion had had enough after yesterday's games.
What mattered was not just securing wealth for himself. The Mograine armies needed finances; the treasury had to be full so they could be prepared for anything. Why should people suffer, people that he had a duty to protect? At least, what he said made Juliet realise that she would not be able to dominate this partnership entirely.
"Who permitted you to call me Juliet? I am a princess!" she fired back, intending to use her royal status.
"Bah. Enough. You have plenty of money and security, yet you are greedier than any merchant I've seen. That is no way for a princess to behave. Last warning: cooperate, or I pull out." There was no backing down from this moment as both of them looked at each other, not willing to take a step back.
"Understood, I will help you secure your people's peace. It is not an easy task, however, creating money. The pellets will eventually be seized. Give me something that the Empire cannot privatise; make it easier for me so I can make it easier for you." She finally backed down as things turned towards negotiation and a way for them to achieve their ambitions.
"I will give you a bag. You will see waxed tablets in it; put it into your closet, and it will smell like roses without the need to pour out tons of perfumes. Additionally, you will see a small pink cloth with herbs in it; put it into your bath. The water needs to be hot; the herbs will relax your body, take care of your skin, and it is also scented. Finally, there will be a spray inside; use it on your linen bed sheets; they will smell divine. I will provide you with the recipes to begin mass production. Is that enough?" Valtherion asked, feeling smug as he looked at her shocked expression. He had not been idle, creating patents that could dominate certain sectors.
"I can create my own brand! Good, good, it is enough, Mograine! Is there something else you wish to discuss?" Juliet seemed impatient to leave and begin creating her own brand; however, Valtherion did not think so, not at all.
"Yes. I have marked a few spots in my county. I wish to build storage and farms. I need large amounts of wood as well as animals. Can you do that for me?" Valtherion asked with sincerity, emphasising the importance of this matter.
"Show me on the map; we will do it." Juliet agreed as Valtherion beckoned her to go inside the manor. It was a discussion to be had with tea before he headed back to the Imperial Palace to work.
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"So you see, Jenkins..." Alexander was explaining something to his right hand, causing his expression to turn from confusion to happiness, before finally resulting in anger.
"You hid that from me? Something this massive? If that prophecy comes true, it will cause massive instability. He is still young; if it happens now, it would be even worse. What preparations have you made in case things occur sooner than expected? Alexander, there is too much at stake here!" He exploded as he looked at the map, with a certain location marked there.
"Relax! Preparations have been made; they are even in progress. When things start moving into motion, the Empire shall be ready to move. Armies are being prepared; now we have pellets and bricks, and roads are being built. I will include you in the preparations. Just calm down; we cannot solve the incoming chaos like that..." Alexander smiled as he began to soothe him. In the Empire, only Jenkins could speak to him in such a tone, and he did not mind it at all. They had been through too much bloodshed and much worse arguments.
The incoming chaos would be their most turbulent time, yet both of them did not intend to back away. If anything, they would welcome it with open arms, because if such prophecy was true, then it was good for the Empire, no matter the cost.
"And where is that damn seer? She is too risky, can not be allowed to wander around like that!" Jenkins asked, worried about the hag that had lost her mind.
"I had her imprisoned and well taken care of...yet she disappeared. We cannot restrain the Goddess's voice; you know she can leave and come at any time...I am looking for her all around the Empire as of now." Alexander explained, his expression sombre. The seer was not someone that Archmages or Masters could restrain; she had her own type of magic and methods to do as she wished.