Reborn From the Cosmos

My goal for New Quest is a city that governs itself.

One day, the best men and women of the city, filtered through trials and vigorous testing, will guide the people of my territory to a better future, fueled by the hunger of ambition and the hope of building a better life. That day is years down the line. In the present, the city is filled with undereducated, biased, angry people I can’t trust to make decisions I approve of. We’re in the process of discovering talent and putting the right people where they need to be, but for now, I’m stuck making decisions.

Along with the rest of the city, the estate has also seen some changes. The scorched, ruined ground has been infected with the lively green of spring under the careful attentions of my gardener, the beginnings of a proper landscape starting to take form along the sides of the estate where the numerous guests can’t trample on his efforts.

Why do we have numerous guests? I didn’t suddenly wake up with the irresistible need to play hostess to half the city. However, as the highest power in the city and with no one trained to take over the responsibility, I have the unwanted privilege of mediating matters related to my new laws. Until my new council is up and running, anyone with a legal dispute can arrange to bring a petition before me.

To keep a bunch of strangers from tracking dirt through our living room, my lovely imp constructed a new building at the front of the estate, elegant magic adding flair to drab earth packed together to make walls and a roof. The short walk from the front door of the estate to the back door of my hearing room, dubbed by my very uncreative knight, is short but arduous, made so by heavy dread. I do my best to shake it off as I step over the threshold, ready to give the coming matter my full attention.

Lack of time and lack of care means the room is simple; the only piece of furniture is a large, round table to facilitate conversation with a dozen chairs pushed up to it, everything made of smooth stone. On the back wall is my personal crest, devoid of color but full of so much texture, I almost feel like I can flip the pages.

I take the seat in front of the crest, straight across from the door. Talia sits to my right, pushing the closest chair even closer and taking my hand. A paper is waiting for me and I look it over with a disdainful glance. “Really? These idiots need me to hold their hands over this nonsense?”

“What is it?” the flower whispers, countering my disappointment with her sweet voice.

“More idiots complaining about living alongside animals.” I warned them things would be different.

“Living alongside pests will cause problems.”

“Except the Temple has their own methods of keeping the animal populations under control.” I might have chosen them as my guards for a laugh but I did so with full confidence they could make it work. All the problems that have cropped up so far are because people won’t let the experts do their jobs. Sigh.

“Who knows? Maybe someone on this list will surprise me.”

A hand massages my shoulder. “You know they won’t.”

“Way to kill my hopes.”

“Not without help.” She lays her head on my shoulder, letting out a soft breath as if she’s found a comfortable pillow instead of tough muscle. “Perhaps you should offer a reward. Benefits to those who manage to make the most of their new homes.”

“They’re receiving enough benefits,” I grumble.

“Then punishments.”

“Even I won’t flog people in the streets for annoying me.” Not yet, at least.

“Smaller, then. A sign, maybe?”

“Yeah…we can have the guard hammer it on their doors.” I think of all the stupid petitions that have come through this room and giggle. “Have to think of something catchy though.” I can see it now. They come in thinking they can whine their way into saints know what and leave with a permanent reminder of how stupid they are.

“Focus on that when your mood gets down.”

“…you don’t have to keep my happy twenty-four hours a day, you know.” It must get exhausting.

“No, but I measure my success in how close I get. Isn’t it natural to seek excellence?”

“For you, maybe.” I lean over to kiss the top of her head. “Part of what makes you amazing. Saints, I’m lucky to have you.”

“That is my line.”

I wonder how hard I can push her before her mask cracks. If I give her the chance, will she lather me in verbal honey from dawn to dusk? I should try one day, maybe while on the road. Sounds like a great way to pass the time.

Unfortunately, the sweet mood is interrupted by quick footsteps and an awkward throat clearing. I glance up, taking in the petite blond standing across from me. Leena Teppin, former noblewoman and my current assistant, offers a smile that is growing more assured by the day. She’s come a long way from the trembling girl clinging to her mother’s dress, though not far enough she can look me in the eye without shuddering.

“Good morning, my lady.”

“Leena.” I crook a finger and she practically runs to my side. I look her over, for once without any intentions. Her “peaceful detainment” in the estate left her looking worn out, but she’s put a little weight on and her skin is looking less haggard. She’s taking to work well. Not that she needs to. With what I paid her and Madame Teppin for their home, they’re probably one of the richest families in the city now.

“How’s your new place? Good?”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Told you about calling me that. Lou is fine.”

Her smile twitches. “I prefer to keep things respectful. If you don’t mind.”

How could I, with you looking so unnerved? I sigh but wave for her to continue.

“It’s an…adjustment, moving into such a smaller space, but it’s good. Mother has joined a group of ladies that have tea together on the weekends. She’s looking forward to hosting it in a proper shop once the city has recovered.”

“Hey, she could open her own.”

“Perhaps with the right people to carry the…operational burdens. She’s never been one for the details of life. I think her energy is about survival. She needs to keep busy to not think about Father and Villarey.”

“Ah. They’re…”

“My sister is much the same. Father…they allow him to send word.” She scoffs. “The crown isn’t completely immune to its hypocrisy. They allow him some privileges, provided he can pay for them. His sentence is also reasonable, given the circumstances. Seven years. It’s not the lifetime he could have been given but…”

“It’s not a long nap either.” Saints, but I feel for the girl. And her family. I kicked them out of their house, but at least I paid for it. I expected them to trot off to a quiet corner of the kingdom and live their years in peace. The king screwed them hard and didn’t even bother to tuck them in afterward. It’s not right. Probably why I’ve kept the girl around. Saints know with the succubi, I don’t need her. Another balm on my fickle heart.

“And he’ll be coming back to the city that was taken from him. From our family that’s ruled it for generations.” She jumps, eyes widening with panic for a moment before she forces herself to calm down. “But we’ll get past it. With the opportunities you’ve granted us, I’m sure there’s a future for my family here.”

“Mm. You’ve been a great help.”

She relaxes. “Thank you, my lady.”

“So, tell me about what we’ve got today.”