Ruler relations

Later that same week, you set up a communication with your allies to plan your next move. Queen Selka is the first to contact you, and as you engage in some small talk, Queen Kallista joins in.

Sella is teasing you about your home life. “You’re just making sure there’s plenty of heirs, aren’t you?”

You chuckle. “It’s your fault, you know. Little Frey is just too cute. After we visited, I’m pretty sure all the girls wanted kids.”

She laughs. “It happens. I notice you’re not complaining too much.”

Kallista cuts in. “Even if he did, those girls would outvote him. Josh knows better than to go against them!”

You laugh. “You joke, but you’re not far off. I’ve learned to trust their opinion, it keeps me out of the hospital.”

Sella nods. “They are smart girls. They mostly give good advice.”

You smile. “It’s nice having a built in council. That reminds me, I wanted to ask you both something, if it’s not too personal.”

Sella nods, and Kallista smiles. “I think we’re past worrying about that, we’re practically family now.”

You chuckle. “I noticed that both of you are monogamous. I was told that most monster girls prefer a harem. What’s different with you two?”

Sella smiles. “We were born royalty. It’s a bit different for us. I can’t speak for Kallista, but I wasn’t allowed to chase that urge, and now that I’m older…I’m happy as I am.”

Kallista nods. “Your situation is unusual for a ruler. It helps that you became popular among the people before you became king, as well. I imagine that if your child takes your place, the expectation will be closer to ours.”

Just then you notice that Forgefather Unir has joined the communication, and he adds his opinion. “Outside of you, Josh, generally rulers don’t have harems, simply because of succession. It makes things complicated quickly.”

You smile. “Thanks for clearing that up. I was curious.”

Sella laughs. “Not just prying into our love lives?”

You shake your head. “No, no. Nothing like that. Remember, I’m not from around here.”

Kallista nods. “It’s easy to forget that you have been in the old world for less than a year.”

“Indeed, I forget myself sometimes! Anyway, we should get down to business. Queen Sella, any word from your scouts?”

She nods, looking through some notes. “It would appear that the war between the demon lord and the triumvirate has ground into a stalemate again.”

You sigh. “I figured that would happen. I believe that we could beat the demon lord right now, especially with them defending on two fronts, but it would be bloody. The ‘victory’ in Humanitas cost us. I don’t want to beat the demon lord only to have the triumvirate conquer us in return.”

Kallista rubs her chin. “Have you factored in forces from Ellon? If they support us, would it make the difference you need?”

You think for a moment. “I hadn’t, because they turned down our offer of alliance before, but now we’re facing the demon lord. Their answer might change. Kallista, can you send an envoy to them?”

She smiles. “I can, and I know exactly who to send. Daigo owes me a favor anyway.”

You chuckle. “In that case, tell him to visit me when he’s done. I should ask him a few things myself.”

Kallista nods, and Unir speaks up. “As long as you’re sending envoys, we should consider finding a way to communicate with Polevil. They’re still holding their position in the far northwest, with the support of the Queen of the Wind. If we could get them to strike from behind as we move…”

You nod. “Sadie mentioned them, ages ago. Does anyone know how to contact her? Sending someone on foot is suicidal.”

Everyone shakes their heads. You sigh. “I’ll see what can be done. A good thought, however.”

You look at your three allies. “I intend to go on the attack soon. Tell your forces to prepare, and I will consult my generals for battle plans.”