An offer is made

Lira leads you through the mansion to a small office, closing the door behind you. She sits behind a large desk, gesturing for you to sit as well. The room is lavishly decorated, but otherwise seems to be a perfectly ordinary working space. The desk is littered with documents, clearly Lira was busy managing things before your arrival. A window behind her overlooks the estate.

Folding her hands on the desk, the older woman sighs. “I have to say, I didn’t expect you to be here. From the stories we hear, you don’t seem the type for this sort of thing.”

You chuckle. “I’m guessing the stories of me are a bit more martial in nature.”

Lira nods. “Just so. Capturing prison ships, escaping imprisonment, fighting off armies, that sort of thing. Honestly, I expected the first we would see if you was at the head of an invasion force.”

You shake your head. “Despite my apparent reputation, I’m no warlord. I fight when I have to. If I could achieve my goals without bloodshed, I would. Sadly, that’s not how our world works.”

She leans back in her chair. “Fair enough. So, what is your purpose here? I can probably guess, but I’d like to hear it from you.”

You nod. “I want you to change sides. You’re already outspoken about the problems with the Order, and while you’re not loved by the people, they also don’t despise you the way they do some nobles.”

Lira shakes her head. “And why should I? As it is, my comments have caused me problems. Would you have me offer myself up to the headsman?”

You shrug. “I’m making you an offer that I wouldn’t make to your fellow nobles. I know it’s a risk, but in return I’m offering you control over Thalberg.”

Lira sits up in surprise. “You would just…give the city to me?”

You chuckle. “Under our banner, of course. I’m certainly not going to be staying here, there’s too much to do. And I’m not giving power to your rivals. Harald only cares for money, and shows no interest in anything else. Hopefully I can turn him without a fight. As for the so called ‘Iron Twins’, they are beyond hope. I’m sure you’ve heard more about them than I have. They must be dealt with.”

Lira slowly nods. “I see. So you’ll be…king?”

You shrug again. “I haven’t taken a lofty title or anything like that. For now, I’m just the leader. Thalberg is our first target.”

Lira leans forward. “You know I could just have you arrested right now. Unarmed, and alone, I could save myself from all this.”

Ferra stiffens, but you rest a hand on her shoulder to relax her. “You could try. Several things, though. You don’t have anything like enough troops to stop Ferra, at least for long enough to get me clear. Also, if that’s what you wanted, you wouldn’t have listened this long.”

You smile. “Besides, I think that whether you admit it to yourself or not, you know I’m doing the right thing.”

You stand up. “I’ve given my pitch. I’ll give you time to consider. I have a lot to do, so I’ll be back tomorrow, to hear your answer.”

You turn to leave, but before you can, Lira speaks. “You really aren’t what I expected, Nicholas. Who are you, really? Where did you come from?”

You chuckle. “I’ll tell you if you join us. Until then, I’m keeping my secrets.”