Duke Renard's Castle

Westgrenze, the second province of Ostgrenze. Westgrenze contributed to the fleet by maintaining old ships, repairing damaged ships and building new ships. It's biggest city administered by Duke Renard is only two days away from the capital city found in the original province of Ostgrenze.

Renard had been informed in advance of your arrival and took the necessary preparations for such the occasion. A carpet was laid out by servants. At the end of it was Duke Renard. He has been waiting for you. He has dark hair in a bowl-cut and a goatee. He is short and swarthy, with a forgettable face. As far as you can remember, this is the first time you've ever met the man. His arms are stretched outward to the side as he happily greets you, "My King, I welcome you to my home." He holds out his hand and you shake it. "Rest assured that your stay here with us will be quite pleasant. It is an honor to have you with us."

Humbly you respond, "The honor is mine." You keep it in my mind that beneath his joyful outward expression, he is probably no different than most noble; self-serving and ambitious. Like you, you mentally chuckle. But the man is loyal especially when there is something to benefit. He will not break his and his family's oath to you and your family. Not lightly and on a whim at least. It was Renard's family who initiated the first strike against your family generations ago. Your ancestor defeated them in an outstanding display of military tactics and annexed their land while giving them generous terms such as allowing them to stay in power. As long as they kept their oath, they got to keep their wealth and domain.

"I took the liberty of preparing you a feast, my King. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. Please lead the way."

"Follow me then, Sire. My family awaits."

You twist and turn for a while before entering what appears to be the main dining hall. The dining table was long as would be expected from a nobleman. There waiting at the table were two women. It was easy to determine who was who. The older one is Duke Renard's wife. The younger woman is his daughter, Lady Camilla. You hate yourself for thinking it but the word disappointment is the one word you'd use to best describe Camilla when it comes to expectations. She was no beauty. She lacked any charm or physical enticement. She was unattractive, plain-looking. You know and have fucked women who are older and have worked in the fields who are far prettier than her. Dietrich's words to you and the men on the way to Westgrenze suddenly come back to you.

Introductions are made. Understanding why you are here, Camilla's parents have you seat beside the girl. A little awkward at first but slowly you begin to talk. From that, you discover that for all her unattractiveness Camilla was actually a kind, sweet girl. It was only right you treat her with the same kindness. She was funny and learned too, having read and studied scripture. You two bond over the knowledge of subjects you both know. You converse with her with laughs here and there up until the feast ends.

"My King, would you care to join me in the garden for a walk?" You agree, and head off together.

"Sire, it has been an immense pleasure spending time with you tonight." She smiles which helps to lessen the homeliness of her visage. Her smiles fades quickly though. "You have truly given me a wonderful night. I cannot remember a time ever when I had such a wonderful time with a nobleman. I... I absolutely hate spoiling a good moment. But I have a confession I must tell you. It would be not be right if I withheld it. Especially from you."

You tilt your head in confusion. Compassionately, you ask her, "Please tell me. It may make you feel better to get it off your chest."