Koyuki, the Necromancing Foxkin

CHAPTER 291: Politics

After my declaration we had a quick evening meal and went to bed. I was still trying to process the events as I was lying in Helena's arms.

"Am I making a mistake?" I wondered.

I felt her hand stroking my hair. "No. Helping a friend is not a mistake. Do you know her well? You have never talked about Christa."

To be honest, I had not talked a lot about my time as a slave in general. It was a time in my life I preferred to forget. "She is a year older, we did not spend that much time together."

Helena waited patiently until I continued: "She was always rather proper, followed orders and did not question our trainers. I tended to misbehave. I pushed boundaries and was punished more frequently because of it. But Christa was always there to help me, if I needed it. I guess I never wanted to see her, or anyone there, as a friend. They used that, you know? They might punish your friend if you misbehaved. They tried to make sure we were isolated, I guess."

"Is Christa an orphan as well?" Helena asked.

"Yes, it is a rather common story. If you are not an orphan your parents are likely slaves too, mostly if they are from the desert tribes. If someone captures a whole family they are usually split up. A child is of no use for most people, so places like Rossalyn buy them cheaply, train them and sell them for a profit." I replied.

"We will free her. Then we can get her a job. I am sure my dad would hire her." Helena reassured me.

I yawned, getting sleepy. I snuggled back into Helena's embrace and closed my eyes. Despite my inner turmoil I was exhausted and quickly fell asleep.

The next morning my thoughts returned. I had to remind myself that this was not a dream as Christa served us breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

"My ladies, I have been allowed to become your personal maid for your stay." She said, completely professional.

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It felt awkward. I had gotten used to Hatsumi being my maid, but with Christa it was different. Especially seeing her collar. Christa did not sit at our table, once the food was served. She just stood behind us with perfect posture, waiting for a new command. Kaito and Hatsumi had joined us at the table to strategise.

"So, what's today's plan? The convention starts tomorrow, right?" Cassie asked.

I nodded. "It starts tomorrow but we can set up our booth today and make preparations. The convention lasts three days and our presentation will be on the second. On Solday we are visiting the palace and have an audience with Princess Olivia. On Lunday we return to the academy. I was hoping we could do some sightseeing today but…" I glanced at Christa.

"Your friend is more important. We could visit Derrick today and make sure we have the funds we need. I am sure my brother will be delighted to help." Helena said with a grin.

"Thank you." I said, feeling grateful.

"You know, I have been thinking." Skadi said. "Maybe we should contact your mother, Cassie."

"What? Why would we do such a thing?" She replied.

"Because your mother promised to support us and to try it our way. She is into politics and Koyuki is going to increase her influence." Skadi said.

"She makes a good point." Kaito agreed. "Maybe you should form your own political faction. It would have to be part of the royal faction, of course. With Count Frost and Countess Ashburn you have a reasonable start. I believe that Valeria could be manipulated into supporting you as well. Busting the thieves guild has helped the Barkworths and they seem to be looking for allies."

"What?" I replied, feeling confused.

"Count Frost has a good connection with the dwarves and a lot of their trade runs through his county. Skadi's family runs trade caravans. Countess Ashburn seems to have some trouble with Duke Ashfield. We could likely bolster her position with trade. Dwarven goods are less common and more expensive in the south. As for Duchess Barkworth, she lacks allies among the dukes and has a large border with Ilestria. As Koyuki grows in power we might be able to offer her security." Kaito explained.

"Don't forget Derrick Payton and his friend Christopher Black." Hatsumi added. "Maybe we should contact them again. While the fake engagement plan did not last long they might still be useful contacts."

"None of those people are here in the capital, right?" I asked.

"Probably not." Kaito replied. "However, they don't need to be. I believe freeing Christa is something small enough that you can convince the princess on your own. However, you can make an impression at court. Your allies can use that, especially if you mention them to important people. I would simply recommend writing a few letters today."

"You are awfully adept at politics for a young undead goblin." Helena mused.

Kaito smiled. "Thank you."

"And let us not forget the conference." Hatsumi added. "Koyuki's revelations will elevate her influence. It will make it clear how powerful she truly is."

"We should try to use our connections to get more corpses for Koyuki." Skadi suggested.

"Yes, it's time to build your undead army!" Helena suggested. "And if a war starts we will march into Ilestria and carve our own duchy out of them. Muahahaha."

"Meow." The cats cheered.