Nathan ends up eating brunch with King Regis.

At first, he politely declined. I mean, who wants to eat brunch with the King of Lucis? But when a king insists, you can’t really disobey.

He arrives at Maagho feeling incredibly underdressed. But it was either going back to the hotel to change clothes (and risk being late) or arrive ready and early.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the Governor General of Galahd himself,” a dark-skinned man says, holding out his hand as Nathan gets off his gondola.

Shaking it firmly, he replies, “Uh… thank you for welcoming me, Mister…?”

“Armaugh, Weskham Armaugh.”

“You’re the Weskham Armaugh?! The name on U of A’s History Annex?! I’m a huge fan, I’m-”

“-Nathaniel Sodalis Ashwolf, a proud citizen of Tenebrae. Your father served in the Tenebraean Guard while your mother was on the Crown Council before moving to Insomnia. She was then appointed as the Secretary of Diplomacy which earned her a seat on the Royal Council of Lucis.”

“Uh… yes, that’s… exactly right.”

Weskham smiles, “Regis’ll be here soon. I’ll show you to your seat.”

“Th- thank you, sir.”

He leads Nathan to a secluded two-person table behind the open-air kitchen/bar and takes a seat on a nearby bar stool.

“You remind me of his son,” he states, scratching the bottom of his chin.

“Pr- Prince Noctis?” Nathan asks, lifting his head up to face the gray-haired man.

He nods, “You’re definitely more nervous than he was and you look less… like a leader.”

Nathan frowns, turning to a boat selling seafood.

“But you’re younger than he was when he visited Accordo and he’s been prince for much longer than you’ve been Governor General. From what I know at the moment, I see potential in you, Ashwolf.”

He turns back towards Weskham, looking genuinely starstruck, “Th- thank you so much, sir. It means so much hearing that from you.”

Weskham chuckles, “No problem, Ashwolf.” He hears the sound of metal hitting wood and looks to an arriving gondola, “Looks like Regis is here. I’ll leave you two alone. It was a pleasure meeting you, Governor Ashwolf.”

“I- it was a pleasure to meet you too, Mister Armaugh!”

“Don’t mention it,” he replies, walking over to greet King Regis.

A few minutes pass in silence as Nathan watches the king and Mister Armaugh talk, probably reminiscing.

Finally, King Regis walks over to his table. Nathan promptly stands up and greets him as he arrives, “Y- Your Majesty! Th- thank you for inviting me to lunch with you.”

The king looks to a clock on top of Weskham’s bar, “I think it’s more like brunch, Nathan. And for the Astrals’ sake, please just call me Regis.”

Nathan blushes, “Okay, er… King Regis.”

The king chuckles, “I suppose that’s an improvement.”

Not long after that, Weskham places a series of delicious dishes on their table: Caviar Canapé, Fettini di Cernia and Legno-affumicatura Pesce.

“Molte grazie, mio amico,” King Regis thanks, giving Weskham a pat on his arm.

Weskham smiles, “E di che?”

He leaves them alone and returns to the kitchen to deliver dishes to another table.

After seeing that no one is in earshot, King Regis turns his full attention to Nathan, “Forgive me for launching right into business, but I have something to tell you,” he says quietly.

“Wh- what is it, sir?”

“I’ve sent my son and his entourage back to Lucis to appease my people. They have been demanding that I return but due to the upcoming conference, it is clear that I am not able to,” the king explains, still keeping an eye out for people.

He looks up at a nearby building, where Nathan spots a man wearing Niflheiman colors.

“Commander Antonius Subeo, one of the Chancellor’s henchmen,” King Regis says, surprising Nathan with his knowledge.

He continues, “I’ll have the Glaives keep an eye on him. In the meantime, we should eat.”

“O- Of course.”

The first few minutes of the meal are filled with silence, both of them enjoying the taste of each bite. Finally, King Regis speaks, “I’ve always known that Weskham was a good chef but he has really outdone himself this time. To think that he was my diplomatic advisor back in the day is unfathomable.”

Nathan coughs, “The Weskham Armaugh was your diplomatic advisor?!”

The king chuckles and nods, “A good friend of your mother too. I’m not sure if she ever told you this… well, considering she keeps everything a secret, she probably didn’t.” The king looks at Nathan, expecting a reaction.

Nathan meets his eyes and coughs again, “Sorry, I don’t really know how to um… respond to that.”

“Should I continue?”

“Only if you want to… er… sir.”

“Very well. When I first appointed your mother to the Royal Council, she didn’t have an official title. In fact, the other councilmembers didn’t treat her with as much respect as the other members, considering she wasn’t a pure Lucian.”

Nathan puts his spoon down, “She wa- wasn’t pure Lucian?”

King Regis shakes his head, “No, her mother — your grandmother — was Galahdian. Your grandfather was the first and last civilian General of the Crownsguard. He died during the Great War when Niflheim ambushed a military base he was visiting in Cavaugh. My father, King Mors, awarded him the Somnian Cross posthumously. I’m sure you know the rest.”

Nathan looks at him wide-eyed, “General Caelius was my gr- grandfather?! I didn’t know my family was so-”

“-cool?” King Regis finishes, chuckling light-heartedly. “I’m not quite sure what compelled my father to appoint him as general. House Amicitia has always been the royal house in charge of Lucis’ military organizations. I’ll try not to repeat what you’ve learned in history class, but I’m sure a quick summary won’t bore you too much, will it?”

“N- not at all, sir! I can’t believe I’m going to get a history lesson from the King of Lucis himself, it’s su- such an honor!”

He smiles, “I’m glad to see your enthusiasm. You’re a much better listener than my son when it comes to history. Sorry, I’m rambling on now… where was I?” He briefly pauses to gather his thoughts, “Ah! Right, the date is April First, 725. The Great War has just ended with the Treaty of Gralea being signed by the Allied Forces and Niflheim. Just prior to my father’s trip to Gralea, he appointed my good friend Clarus Amicitia as General of the Crownsguard and Commander of the Royal Guard, thus reinstating House Amicitia’s position as leaders of Lucis’ military forces. Little known fact, I made a trip to Altissia along with Clarus, Weskham, Cor Leonis and Cid Sophiar while my father was in Gralea. This was when I met Princess Camelia to reaffirm Lucis’ alliance with Accordo. We’ve been friends ever since. You know, if I hadn’t met Aulea, I’d-”

“-You’d have what, Regis?” a hoarse voice interrupts.

He and Nathan turn towards the voice and are both surprised to see Queen Camelia, leaning on a newly-made cane.

“Camelia! What are you doing here?” Regis asks, standing up from his chair to help her.

Nathan also rushes to her before being waved away, “Oh please you two. I’m not that crippled.”

Leaving the kitchen, Weskham approaches her, “Buon pomeriggio, Camelia. I haven’t seen you here in a while. How have you been?”

“I’m feeling absolutely great, Weskham. How are you three gentlemen doing?”

He chuckles, “Glad to see that your humor hasn’t disappeared. Anything for brunch, Vostra Maestà?”

“I would prefer you not use that title, signore. Personally, I’d appreciate if you referred to me as la Regina Madre. My daughter deserves a little more respect, don’t you think so?”

“As you wish, la Regina Madre.”

“Oh, and I’d like one of those Maagho Lasagne please.”

“Right away, signora.”

As Weskham walks back to the kitchen, Regis pulls up a chair and pulls it out as Camelia takes a seat at their table.

“I can finally have a chat with you, Mister Ashwolf. Congratulations on your new position,” she says, turning to face Nathan.

“Uh… um... La ringrazio t- tanto, la Regina Madre,” Nathan replies, hoping his Accordoano made sense.

Camelia gives him what looks like a genuine smile, “Si figuri. Il tuo Accordoano ѐ molto buono, signore. You’d make a better Primo Ministro than Giovanna… Non volevo! I hope that my opinion does not affect any future interactions with him. I suggest you keep a close eye on him, Vostra Eccellenza.”

“Th- thanks for the advice, signora.”

She nods and turns to Regis, “And you signore, what are you two discussing here? I came as soon as I heard that my favorite ristorante was reserved for the delegations of Lucis and Galahd.”

“I was just about to give him my first official order, la Regina Madre,” Regis explains, quickly scanning his surroundings.

“Ah, I see. Scusi, I shall move to a different table then,” she stands up with great difficulty and makes her way to a table on the other side of the floating restaurant.

“Apologies for going very off-topic earlier. Considering that we’re practically done with our meal, I’d like to introduce you to someone. Weskham?”

He appears with a man wearing a black suit decorated with purple ribbons on its back and pelts of blue-gray fur on its left sleeve. As he comes closer, Nathan also notices that a pin of a silver coeurl is attached to his suit.

“Nyx Ulric, at your service, Your Excellency,” he greets, giving Nathan a bow.

“Please take a seat, Nyx,” Regis invites, looking at him fondly.

After he takes his seat, Regis elaborates, “Nyx is the Lieutenant Governor General of Galahd. While it is true that I never appointed anyone to replace your mother’s position as Governor General, Nyx has been running the province since her passing. If I were to choose someone to replace Clarus as my Shield, it would have to be him.”

Nyx gives Regis a warm smile, “You’re too kind, Your Majesty. I am forever indebted to you and Aurelia.” He turns to Nathan, maintaining his smile, “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Nathaniel.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well uh… Mister Ulric,” Nathan replies, shaking his hand.

He cracks up, “I’m not sure your mother would have liked you to call me that… so please, just call me Nyx. If you’re anything like your mother was, then I am very much looking forward to working with you. The compassion and bravery she exhibited on behalf of my people was simply extraordinary. I’m not sure how I’ll ever be able to repay her but I’m going to try to fulfill the promise I made to her: protecting you.”

“Sh- she made you promise that?”

“No, I promised her that. To my dying days, I shall do my best to protect you and Galahd. Wherever she is, I hope she knows that she is now a part of Galahdian history, whether she likes it or not.”

Nathan begins to tear up, “I- I don’t know what to say…”

“You can think of ways to thank me later. Right now, I believe King Regis has something to say.”

Regis nods, “Indeed. As you know, the treaty amendment conference will take place in less than a week’s time. Due to yesterday’s… after-party activities lasting much longer than I would have liked, we were not able to convene the first session of Galahd’s Executive Council. In addition to that, after much thinking, I also realized that we would not have enough members if we decided to meet yesterday. As a result, I have decided to give you a period of five days to gather members for the Council and convene a session no later than five hours before midnight. I hope you are ready to tackle this challenge, Mister Ashwolf.”

He notices Nyx giving him a resolute nod and turns toward the king, “Your wish is my command, Your Majesty.”

----------------------------

When he returns to the Leville, the sun is already close to dipping below the horizon. Thanks to a secret back entrance, Nathan is able to sneak past the growing number of reporters at the front.

As soon as he unlocks the hotel suite, Domani approaches him, “Where have you been, Nathaniel? I tried contacting you several times but it would never come through.”

“I was invited to brunch with the king,” Nathan replies matter-of-factly.

“Ah, well that explains it. By any chance, have you seen Jordan anywhere?”

“N- no… why?”

Domani walks to Jordan’s room and opens the door. Nathan follows him and gasps as he sees the messed-up room.

“It’s as if someone broke that window-” Domani points to the room’s only window, “-went through it and then decided to ransack this entire room. All his belongings are gone but I haven’t dared to do a thorough inspection. Considering it’s been a few hours and he hasn’t returned, I thought he was with you. I can see how wrong I was now.”

Nathan is completely panicking on the inside but after a few deep breaths, he’s able to calm himself down. Turning to face Domani, he launches straight into business, “Have the police been contacted?”

“Vincent and Rhea are at the police headquarters right now,” Domani replies, inwardly happy that Nathan is finally starting to look like a leader.

“Are all the other rooms secure?”

Domani nods.

“I need this section of the hotel cordoned off.”

“I have already contacted hotel security, they will be doing that shortly.”

“Has the media been kicked off the premises?”

“Hotel security is in the process of doing that.”

“Has my bro- the First Secretary been informed of this incident?”

Domani begins furiously typing on his phone, “On it.”

“I’ll inform King Regis and Queen Caelia… and Nyx.”

Domani nods as he brings his phone to his ear.

Nathan sighs as he calls Nyx’s newly-added number, “Such a broken mess…”