Whispers of a Dead Empire
Chapter 168

To this day, people still message me about this novel. I feel bad because it could have been great but I was a novice writer then. (Still am tbh) and you guys deserve a really good version of this book. Something I haven't been able to emulate, or do with this novel in any of it's rewrites. I feel bad. Because I feel bad, I'll post all the back log I have left of this book. (It's actually quite extensive. something like twenty chapters or something). At least this ways you guys can still enjoy this book as I try and figure out what I should do with it.

Calixa Pov:

I spared once last glance back at Nyx to make sure that she hadn’t moved. She was still curled under the blanket, reading whatever book was in her hand. A part of me felt sad that she was so distracted, yet another part of me realized I must have appeared the same way to my parents with my phone and what not. At least she was being productive.

“Alright Alessia, let’s go meet with Redrick real fast, and then we can head out into the town together.” I grinned underneath my mask and held back the excitement that coursed through my veins. I was so happy that I got to take Alessia out. Even more so knowing that I would get her all to myself, at least for a few hours.

I glanced around the hallways and carefully shut the door behind me. Now where were the butlers at? “Hello?” I called out into the empty hall, and waited.

In the blink of an eye, Gerald seemed to have appeared in the air. His gloved hand was placed across his chest, and he gave us a small bow. “How may I assist you?”

“I wish to have a meeting with Redrick, if he is available, of course.” I replied as I crossed my arms.

“Of course. I’ll take you to his office.” The butler nodded his head, and he spun on his foot and walked down the hallway.

I motioned for Alessia to follow along and fell in step close to her. Now what did I want to go do? I know I wanted to stop by a few more stores and pick up as much as I could. I know for a fact that I needed to get armor, potions, weapons, rations, and resources. Honestly, anything at this point would help bolster my domain and allow me to push onwards.

I would also have to hire people to bring into the domain to act as advisors and what not. So I would need to compile a list for that, and see what I can do. But more than likely, I will need Redrick’s help in procuring people. Why was here always so much work to do? Mentally, I wanted to scream as I realized the sheer amount of work that needed to get done, but I kept it contained. For now, I would just do what I could.

A few brief minutes passed before we stood in front of the door that led to Redrick’s office. Gerald reached his hand out and gently rapped his hand against the door. “Master Redrick, the Empress is here, along with her chosen to see you.”

Silence hung in the air for the briefest of seconds before Redrick’s voice radiated from behind the door. “Enter.”

Gerald nodded his head and reached out to the handle, and opened it. I thanked him, as I stepped into the man’s office, and my eyes quickly fell on Redrick’s form. He stood gazing out of a window, with a pipe in his hand, and the faint scent of tobacco filled the air. It wasn’t the harsh, unforgiving smell that I associated with my father, but something that was gentle, and carefully graced the nose.

“Thank you for having me. I just wanted to inform you that Alessia and I will explore the town for some time and that my daughter will remain here.” I stepped into the room and gracefully covered the distance to the closest chair to take a seat.

The man stiffened slightly, as if he was shocked by the statement. “Are you sure that's a good idea?”

“Well, my entire guard will remain here, outside of Alessia, and not to mention your own personal retinue. I have nothing but the utmost faith that no harm will come to her.” I laced my words with nothing short of honey. There was enough trust between the two of us I knew he wouldn’t hurt her. But i also trusted Nyx. I knew what she was capable of, and one day I wouldn’t need to protect her at all, even though I would still want to.

I heard a soft sigh escape from his lips as he turned around. “You won’t have to worry about that. No harm will come to her.” He told me as he walked over to his desk and sat his pipe down.

“Well, I’ll be honest with you. I’m not as much worried about her as I am for you.” This was the part that I was honestly the most worried about. I knew how my daughter could be, and if I paired that with skills, then it’s a concoction to be feared.

“Is that so?” The man asked as he sat back in his chair and took another slow draw from his pipe. The tip lit up like a cherry as the air rushed in.

“Yes. My daughter is very temperamental, and if and or when she leaves the bedroom, she may grow angry that I’m not here. I suggest you bribe her with either food or some sort of magical artifacts if you want her to calm down enough to listen to you. Otherwise, she may barge her way out by force if nessessary.” That was an actual possibility that needed to be contended with, which is why I thought to bring that up to Redrick.

“I see. Well, I will do my best to ensure that no harms to her while you are away.” He puffed his pipe once more, before he sat it down on the desk. “Though I’m sure that I can handle your daughter.”

I felt a grin spread across my mouth. Oh, he had no idea what he was in for. “If you say so. Redrick. Pleaser remember what I said about calming her down. If all else fails, just remind her that I asked her to be on her best behavior, and that I will be back as soon as possible.”

He nodded his head once, and I saw the exhaustion rise like a tide in his eyes. “I understand.”

I nodded my head once, and pushed myself off of the chair. “Alright, I’ll leave you be for now then. Alessia and I will be back later in the day. Remember what I said, Redrick, it could save your skin.” I turned away and gestured for Alessia to follow me, and glanced at the butler. “Did you get all that?” I stopped mid movement and glanced in his direction.

“Of course. I will keep your words close to heart. I also apologize for Master Redrick’s demeanor. He is tired.” The butler gave me a nod and a small bow.

“It’s perfectly alright, I know how it goes. Take care of my daughter, please.” I pulled my eyes away from him and walked down the hallway with Alessia in tow. It was finally time to explore the town a little more.

A few moment’s later:

The sun had been in the sky for what felt like an eternity. But it was finally making its journey downwards. I had a feeling that days here were longer than what I was used to, but that was something that I didn’t quite care about. Once I headed back home, I would go back on that familiar twenty-four-hour schedule. “Come on Alessia.” I wanted to reach back and tug her hand like a child would, but I stopped myself. I had to keep appearances up after all.

“Where are we going again?” Her words came from behind me as we pushed through the crowd. All around us, I could feel dozens of sets of eye come to rest on us, but I ignored it all.

“General store, for starters. I wanted to pick up a bunch of stuff and use it for Asteria.” I crossed my arms and came to a stop in the town square. People rushed around us, with a few eyeing us down, and a couple were sweating and standing back.

I forget that Alessia is one of the strongest bosses in my domain, so her presence alone must be a shock to alot of people here. Though I’m not sure what black magic that Redrick may have used to stop people from attacking us. But let them come, I’ll kill any one who lays a hand on Alessia.

“Where else?” Alessia came to a halt next to me. Her golden eyes danced around the through of people and her hand rested closed to the hilt of her blade.

“Well, I want to buy more alcohol for starters. I need something for my days off and when Nyx isn’t around. Then we go to an Alchemist store next. I want to buy potions, and creation kits, an armorer to buy bulk resources. Maybe a tanner to pick up leather. I also need to find some more of those magical cores since Nyx ate into my supply.” I crossed my arms and spoke as I glanced around. Something felt a little off, but I couldn’t place what.

“I think you should stay off the alcohol your majesty.” Alessia casted a quick glance at me and smirked at me.

"Never. In fact, I’m going to buy a wide variety this time. Though if you are worried about me becoming an alcoholic, I wouldn’t. I just enjoy the buzz.” I shrugged and motioned for her to follow me down the road towards the merchant district.

“I don’t know Empress. The last time you were drunk you attacked me. I feared for my life.” Alessia faked indignity as she reminded me of those moments.

I felt my face flush slightly as she teased. “No, if I remember correctly, you took advantage of me while I was intoxicated. If anything, you were in the wrong. I was just a helpless maiden, at the mercy of a sober woman.” I huffed at her slightly and crossed my arms and glanced away from her.

“Oh please, you a maiden? You are anything but.” She quipped at me, and I felt my jaw drop as I spun to look at her. The nerve of this woman, I swear.