I collapse on my bed after everything ended. Horse riding outside of the capital was great honestly. Hydrangea gave us space, but mostly we just used it to enjoy the freedom of riding. Jessica will plan out dates for us that give the public what it wants.
I'm happy we're separating for mission. In a few days, I'll join those headed to Dragit. My task will be like the rest, but I also have a bonus mission: figure out the goblin situation.
The packet I was given is simple over all. As Father said, if a person is born of those who have citizenship, they should be able to pass. The biggest issue would be the lack of language. I assume goblins would struggle to learn and speak our language. I cannot create a citizenship test in Goblin. I don't know if there is even a written part to the language.
It clearly says, the test can be taken orally with an instructor. Or it can be written silently as a written test. Then it is a matter of proving you live in the country. Which 'proof' can be vague. Because we want to make it as easy as possible for our citizens to be citizens.
Accurate numbers help us understand where and what areas deserve further attention. Do we need to place another noble in an area or give support to help boost the population? Then a citizen would be paying taxes. They pay a percentage of whatever they create or the equivalent cost comparison. Many nobles will accept payment in whatever and then sell it themselves while passing the taxes due to the king in pure gold.
We only gain benefits having a clear understanding of who is living in our country. As long as the goblins aren't planning to create issues anymore, it would suit us better to have them as citizens. Can I persuade them of the benefits?
The few days before the mission begins gives me plenty of time to practice. There are so many weapons I need to learn. It's not really a need to learn situation, but it's been the royal members learn everything. Jessica is ahead of me with knowledge too. She'll be half in the capital while I'm in Dragit. Our upcoming tasks are different. The reason Mom decided that was because of our last mission together. As much as I don't mind the contract, we cannot act on it. The stress of not being together may be harder than I expected.
Still I made my mind up. Friends only until we're older. Until we're ready to skip out on knighthood. Which is not a goal any time soon.
I review the bag I'm bringing with me. Knight wear won't be all I need. William said I could just ask him for any assistance. He can access everything that is mine without concern. I should just keep it at the castle where he'll be most of the time. Most would think my important items should be kept at the castle. I am more comfortable here, but there is less protection for my things here. The same guards that block my room work for my wing at the castle. Plus the various servants I have given specific permissions. I vetted everyone in my wing and that's after my mother's vetting process. Our goals and desires are slightly different, but I know my wing is safe.
"You ready, Thomas?" Daniel knocks and calls in.
I open the door for him. Ryan is behind him. We're on the same team. "Yeah. I want to stop by my room before we use the teleport stone in the castle."
"Yeah, yeah. Need to grab William anyway." Daniel scratches his head looking to Ryan. "How does it feel?"
"What feel?" Ryan glowers. Is his anger at me? Who knows.
"Being William's brother."
I pause to watch Ryan. He's... Wait. No. William said he was looking for siblings. "Did that happen?"
"Yup. Priscilla too. My brother was worried until it came forward."
I think it over. To boost the ties of the house, William is trying to get siblings of those who need title for a reason. That's also why Butch was offered. And it reminds me of what Hydrangea said before. This was going to happen once everyone agreed. "So the marriage will be processed?"
"Yup." Daniel glances in my room. "You said you were ready. What's taking you so long?"
I pick up my bag and lock the door. "Are you bringing anything?"
Daniel holds up his bag. Ryan huffs, but has something as well. "William said he'll handle it from his room in your wing. Are you sure you're fine with that?"
"Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?" I glance between them. "Want to be listed for my wing, too? Probably would help."
"Friends with the crown prince. Who'd think I'd manage that?" Daniel chuckles. "As if that's not why my parents celebrated your parents marriage."
I lock my jaw. The nobles get laid a lot from six months before the wedding date to six months after. In hopes that they conceive a child for the crown to befriend. The second child would have several close but all younger. No one knows when they'll show up.
Or maybe it can be planned as well. Magic can be used to guaranteed things. An accident won't be known about, but they can set up a planned pregnancy. My parents did. Well... They didn't. The castle did.
Ryan sighs. "I wonder if it's safe for me to even be alive at this point."
"What?" Daniel grabs Ryan's shoulders to shake him. "You do not speak such words. Ever."
Ryan forces Daniel off. "Having a name again? I'm closest relation to the crown outside of the main line."
"They wouldn't want you." I say. "You have no magic use." Priscilla would be a bigger concern. Thinking it over... Actually it seems strange Ryan doesn't have magic. The way he seeks knowledge screams mage blood. Can't blow up towers this way though.
"Yeah..." Ryan holds up his hand. He eyes Daniel. "Priscilla is skilled in a lot of ways. You'll enjoy being her brother."
"Aw. I didn't want that." Daniel shoves Ryan. The fight seems normal between them.
Lucas stops us. "William at the castle?"
I nod. "That's where we'll use the stone. Didn't you suggest that was the better choice?"
"Yeah. Your parents will be on top of you." Lucas glances between us. "I'll see you in Dragit. You aren't my only group I'm leading."
"Then... Who is our actual lead?" Daniel glances between us. He's had the most missions now. "I'm not a four yet." He's not even a two. I can lead, but they won't wish for it. Especially if I'll separate myself out often.
"Yes. Good question. I'll get back to you on it." Lucas pats Daniel's shoulder. "See you there in a few hours. No pressure. Mission starts tomorrow morning."
"He can say no pressure all he wants." Daniel crosses his arms. "Who is our lead?"
I wouldn't know. And really at this point, I don't care. I'll be able to have a mission without Jessica and my mother around. That's really as far as I thought. I pause. "Could Raida be our default lead?"
"Oh. Yeah. That's possible." Daniel nods. "Alright, Your Highness. Let's head to your wing."
I want to hit him for the titling. I hate being titled. But... Now's not the time to fight. I want to get far enough away that I can't be tricked into a date with Jessica. That's my real current goal.