As the Nobles of New Ottawa arrived at the Castle, there was a line of Nobility awaiting introduction.
As the servants helped move carriages, they found that the Autowa wasn't their normal carriage.
What kind of sorcery is this?
Not magic, classy technology.
Other nobles scoffed as the Ghost parked the Autowa and rejoined his group. The line was moving inside one group at a time. After about fifteen minutes, it was their turn.
Now introducing the Nobility of the New Ottawan territory. Sir Kenji, best merchant of New Ottawa and he is accompanied by Lady Brittany, expert pharmacist and doctor of New Ottawa. The two of them waved as the crowd of nobles clapped as they entered. Following them, considered the "Wealthiest Noble in New Ottawa, nicknamed "the Overlord of Ottawa", Sir Pat of New Ottawa's Eastern District. Pat raised a fist in the air, smiling at everyone as he entered the room. Following Sir Pat, Grandson of New Ottawa's former leader, Archie of Ottawa, arriving in what is called the "Autowa Car", the most Militarily Influential Noble of New Ottawa and the Ashfeld Kingdom, Sir Ghost of Ottawa. The Ghost shook hands and smiled as he walked inside. Prominent nobles gathered around the new nobles as this was their first royal event and they were all eager to find out which royal faction they would buy into.
May I have everyone's attention! Introducing the Royal family. Lady Arwen, the Queen of Ashfeld. Following the Queen down the stairs, Prince Zane, second Prince of the Crown of Ashfeld. Following the Second Prince is First Prince Roan, future king of Ashfeld. Now ladies and gentlemen, introducing his majesty, King Eldword of Ashfeld.
The crowd clapped as the royal family made their way down the steps and began to mingle with the crowd.
You Ottawans clean up nicely! said Prince Zane as he approached the New Ottawan Nobles.
You forget to give yourself credit for educating us on Nobility Etiquette Prince Zane.
The group exchanged a laugh drawing the attention of Prince Roan.
Tell me brother, what about this group do you find amusing?
I'm sorry Lord Brother, I don't understand?
They are nobles, they are beneath us, yet you stand at their side as if they are your equals.
Lord Brother, please. The New Ottawan Nobles are friends of the crown.
Yes, friends only because you forced father's hand. Once I am King, you New Ottawan's will do well to remember your place. Be mindful, you won't get special treatment, and you'll have to earn any seat you wish to choose.
I have no problem with that First Prince Roan. In fact, we New Ottawan's welcome any challenge your grace sees fit to try to trip us up with.
Prince Roan scoffed and made his way to another group of Nobles.
What a fucking jackass.
Hold your tongue Pat. We have no idea of the politics at play here. Best we can do is observe and listen to what it is they want from us.
Understood Ghost.
As the ball began, everyone took to the dance floor. Nobles offered their daughters ands sons to the First prince in the hopes of gaining favor and power should the First Prince accept. However, the Ghost went around gathering information as he listened in on conversations. After a while, his surveillance was interrupted by King Eldword.
Good Evening your Majesty.
Yes, it is a rather fine evening Noblemen Ghost. Word has it your territory has finally taken in slaves, elves at that.
Yes, Noblewomen Brittany has been using them in her medical studies.
Excellent. As a show of good faith, I personally wanted to send you a large shipment of slaves. Beastmen, all of them should benefit your country.
I am honored your majesty but I couldn't possibly accept...
You wouldn't want unfounded rumors spreading that New Ottawa is anti-slavery, now would you? I'd hate to see how the other nobles and the nobles of neighboring countries would see that.
The Ghost squinted and took a deep breath.
Then, I humbly accept your majesty's gift.
Excellent, once the ball ends, they will be loaded onto carts for you. Royal guards will escort them to your home.
Understood, I appreciate your generosity.
King Eldword left and the Ghost clenched his fist. It was bad enough with the suspicions of the Crown, now forcing slaves upon a city that had done away with slavery years and years ago... This was a power move, an attempt to check the power of New Ottawa.
However, the Ghost had anticipated this. As the party moved outside, the New Ottawa 99th Air Squadron had been order to perform a fly by and some aerial acrobatics.
This is Gold One, all fighters begin your fly by, and leave enough room for fast black to make their entrance.
As the crowd watched the planes dance in the sky, the SR-71 flew overhead in a display of strength along side a squadron of F-80 Starlight's. The planes flew overhead as the crowd cheered and clapped. The Ghost bowed and looked to King Eldword and his eldest son.
Checkmate. he whispered under his breath as he smiled and talked to other nobles.
As the night went on, Prince Roan chose Katlyn of the Noble house of Zenox to be his wife and the future queen of Ashfeld. Lord Zenox had been chatting it up with the Ghost of Ottawa the entire time and had formed a secret alliance.
As the crowd cheered, Prince Zane knew the time was coming for the New Ottawan's to help him with a plan that would be considered treason if he executed it wrong.