A Vow under the Moonlight

Chapter 6: Division

Cassandra got herself thinking of what sort of a mess she was dragged into. While she does not mind going into politics since she was more or less educated to maneuver in that muddy swamp, she does not like being blindsided more than anything.

As she more or less had a limited social network or appearances in her almost seven years of stay, she admits she doesn't have a picture of this kingdom's political climate. All she knew was a ruling monarch and five ducal families with them scattered in key places: north, south, east, west, and central.

She knew that the north is often standoffish towards the other regions due to their environment. They lived in constant battle against outsiders who were threatening their often snow-covered lands. They had less time for personal scheming and are relatively not fond of politics if they can help it. The military is their greatest power and identity.

The Central regions are known for their lavishness due to their close proximity to the monarch and power. Not to mention they don't deal with threats much in the physical sense. Military-wise they aren't much to talk about. Influence- and connection-wise, they hold most of them.

The East was known for their trade and being the bridge for other nations to contact and connect with Ronin, especially with those from their extensive coastline and access to the sea. This region thrives with many products from these neighboring nations and far beyond.Their people held most of the wealth in the nation.

The West was a mountainous region with plenty of minerals they could utilize. They produce most of the timbers that are used throughout the kingdom. Honest people who took pride in their trees and their mountains.

And there is the south. It was a fertile land rich in food. Most of their food was grown by the South. They are the food bowl of Ronin. Prideful of their produce and the fact they are vital for the rest of the kingdom.

From what Vivian and Kathrine had once told her, the regions mainly leave each other be and work around their own specialties to keep the kingdom going. Only at special times do they overlap each other. And these times are often a sign of civil unrest.

"The Center is no longer satisfied with what they have," Cassandra easily concluded. "You're quite unlucky, my dear cousin. You just happen to land at the perfect spot that they can start over."

"Don't remind me if you will." Keith slammed his hand on the desk in indignation. "I don't wish for this kind of circumstance at all. There are plenty on my plate already, and adding more onto it will truly make me go mad."

"Aren't you already mad from all those years?" Cassandra offhandedly said as the servant came back with a plate of biscuits and pot of tea. "You had options but still chose to stay with Victoria. She is not worth all your devotion and nothing but human agreement, and your children bid her to you."

Keith quieted down at the mention of his marriage. It was something better not discussed or revisited. A skeleton in his closet would rather stay hidden and be taken to his own grave.

Sensing his discomfort, Cassandra was quick to apologize for speaking out of turn.

Keith sighs deeply before dismissing the earlier remarks against his marriage as never having happened. For now they had to make sure that everything goes well and he will not even incur his liege's ire. With how long he had served the man, there is more to his impulsive decisions to drop by when he was here during the ball his wife had made.

Knowing that Cassandra is more than capable of salvaging the situation, Keith didn't hesitate to give his cousin a breakdown of his lord's personality. For her protection, he didn't hesitate to give her the unfiltered audacity he committed under all his titles of prowess. He might have committed a crime for being too truthful, but it is a necessary thing he needs to say to his cousin.

"...Alister Arsini is a horrible man whom you, under any circumstances, should not be alone with." The Baron grumbled as he ended his rant.

Cassandra was intrigued at the words her cousin was spouting. Never did she hear him speak that much, nor did she expect him to say a familiar name in the conversation. It bewildered her for a moment to connect the mysterious man who almost cornered her back then to the Elusive Duke of Eamon, whose entire public persona was a terrible man who does not mind anyone climbing into his bed. He is considered the most controversial figure among the nobles due to his many scandals.

She might have looked thoughtful that Keith was quick to pick up an abnormality from her.He called her out; one Cassandra only blinked innocently in ignorance. But the man knew her enough that she was hiding something from him.

"My dear sister, I hope you will spare me from any more surprises," Keith said as he took the entire teapot and poured himself a cup. "If you have something to say among my long, winding nagging, please save the trouble of making me brew another one by saying what's on your mind now."

It's not really a surprise or something Cassandra felt she needed to hide. One way or another, Keith will know. It's better to honestly give her input to avoid issues in the long run.

"I met the duke during the welcoming ball your wife prepared." Cassandra's eyes trained on her cousin, who was on the verge of cursing hearing them meeting. "He got me in a corner and made me reveal a few things I shouldn't."

Keith turned pale hearing Cassandra's confession. He does not want to think of consequences that may arise from the incident. Still, he tried to gain a trace of rationality. After all, he simply cannot charge to his lord and had the courage to question what he is playing at involving his cousin in whatever he is scheming.

"He didn't bring any harm back then." Cassandra took a sip from her cup. "He was gentlemanly enough towards me, but he was more than what you know him to be."

"I know enough, my cousin," Keith said. "Our family had a pledge of loyalty to him for generations. He is not just a duke; this kingdom knows him for more. Your meeting with him is telling you enough, right?"

"He is not human." Cassandra looked at her reflection at the surface of her team. "Mana does not lie, and his knowledge is otherworldly for someone to be merely human."

"Most found families on the north descend from the supernatural." Keith ruffled his own hair as his anxiety was spiking. "While I cannot tell the specifics, the house of Arsini plays a role in it. He is both a ruler and guardian of this land."

Filing the information away, Cassandra understood the danger about the man. She'll revisit the topic when things get back to her uneventful day. But for now, she has a feast to prepare and oversee.