To Kalgol we go

The city of Balohriar, capital of the Empire of Kalgol over four centuries during the reign of the House of Arman, said to be the beacon of civilisation in the east of the Continental Highway. A thrice-walled city, its interiors boast of a plentiful and prosperous citizenry reasonably affluent and high-spirited to a fault, fed by a bountiful and diverse agrarian economy supplied by a dedicated network of aqueducts that keep them all well-fed in times of plenty and famine.

Approaching its massive walls was a large entourage of armoured knights and cavaliers escorting a single carriage, meticulously crafted and polished to a mirror sheen.

"Hyoh hyoh... luckily, I was already in the area by the time I received that missive."

Sitting in the carriage was an old man of sixty years, a Human male by the name of Arnfried Kurrat. An esteemed diplomat, he served no fewer than four Danubian Kings of the Crown dynasty; Felix II, Artur, Friedrich and then your father Gabriel.

And having served to facilitate peaceful relations between Danubia and Ganadonia, the Ganadonians gave him the title of Lord Adaira - the Exalted.

Wrinkled and old, his eyes often looked closed to outsiders. His white hair was meticulously trimmed and groomed, his dress uniform meticulously cleaned and his brass buttons polished clean, and though he would seem persistently tired in his old age, his dignity as a noble and a veteran diplomat shone like a bright star in the night sky.

Approaching the gates, the guards there parted for them, having been informed of his arrival in advance.

Going through the streets, Arnfried could see the bustling mercantile activity among the stalls lined up, opportunistic owners haggling with customers over prices as part of their penny-pinching duplicity. A variety of goods were sold, boasting the capital's prosperity from groceries to weapons and armour, Kalgolian silk and even slaves - both for manual labour and pleasure.

"I see Kalgol's **** trade is as bustling as ever," He muttered, "Not that we don't practice slavery ourselves, but I fear they may be becoming too reliant on it."

A large portion of Kalgol's economy thrived on the **** trade, especially in the eastern and western peripheries of the Empire where border skirmishes frequently occurred as villages are raided for 'fresh stock'. In fact, it thrived so much that Kalgol's **** raids against its enemies were becoming more frequent as of late, and more criminals were ending up in it as well, save for those condemned to ****.

Soon, Arnfried's entourage arrived at the palace gates - wrought of fine steel and enchanted with strong sorceries, a testament to the metallurgic advancements of Kalgol. Escorted inside by the palace guards, Arnfried came to face a mighty woman atop her shining throne of deep oak.

A matronly woman, the Shahbanu of Kalgol, Akhtar Ghaffari, ruled over the Empire for twenty years since her ascension at the age of twenty-one. Radiating such sexual charm, the castrated eunuchs hungered with lust, their legs trembling as they desperately tried to keep their instincts under control. Her beauty was such that ordinary men were instantly smitten with her at first sight.

Her F-cup breasts and plump rear, her sensual curves and hourglass figure, all were concealed by her azure silken robes that hugged her body well, slits cut in for ease of movement. Save for her head and hands, all else was concealed by her clothes, and yet it detracted not from her sensual appeal.

Arnfried, being an old man, was unaffected in the slightest, though some of his escorts and guards did not fare so well.

"My humblest greetings and respects to Her Royal Majesty, Shahbanu Akhtar Ghaffari of Kalgol, Mother of the Empire and Defender of the Faith of Afagh," Said Arnfried, "I, Arnfried Kurrat, come on behalf of the newly-formed Empire of Hasounga to the west to request an alliance between our two Empires against a common enemy - the Sultanate of Yanikara."

The Shahbanu of Kalgol chuckled softly, a melodious and sensual tone, as she said, "I bid you welcome, Lord Adaira. I must admit, I didn't expect for you to come knocking on my door after two years of absence."

"Things back home have been hectic, to say the least," Said Arnfried, "Suffice to say, we're already making preparations for war, and we hope that combining our strengths will allow for us to triumph against Yanikara."

"Oh? I do admit, we are a strong Empire capable of fighting head-on with Yanikara, but what's in it for me?" Said Akhtar, "If you know about me, you should know this: I only fight wars that profit the Empire, nothing more."

"That, I am well aware of, Shahbanu Akhtar," Said Arnfried, "And if you come through on this alliance, then I, Lord Adaira, shall personally guarantee you a great portion of wealth as payment - a full fifth worth of Kalgol's treasury."

Whispers followed among the courtiers, some doubting Arnfried's claims.

Akhtar smiled and laughed at his words, and said, "Have you really lost your touch, Arnfried?"

For a moment, Arnfried was confused by her words.

Then, Akhtar stood up and said, "Even if you proposed only half or a third of said amount, I'd still agree to this alliance! A full fifth might prove a little too much to pay, considering the scale of the campaign."

"Which is exactly why we plan to compensate you by that much, Shahbanu," Said Arnfried, "We suspect this to be a costly campaign, and one that will exact a huge price from your treasury, though we do appreciate your thoughtfulness."

"That should be my line, Lord Adaira," Said Akhtar, "But go on ahead and tell your leaders that we agree to the alliance with Hasounga."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Said Arnfried.

And then, as she walked past him, Akhtar said, "The Three Lions of Yanikara are monsters. It's no fluke they managed to repel their invaders for three decades."

"I am aware, Your Majesty," Said Arnfried, "But this is the extent of what diplomacy can achieve; it falls to the military to perform its role."