Age of Heroes (Age of Heroes Chronicles)

Chapter 371: Regency (1)

Arial returned to Arrandy with foul mood since his request for aid has been denied but seeing the preparations for the expedition had been going on with great vigor during his absence, his mood soon lift itself up.

Today after a few days of rest and spending time with Helia in bed since she was sickly for a while because of a winter cold and of fatigue probably because of her hectic schedule, Arial began preparing to march.

He has a war to win. Then surely, Arial feel, that his life will finally find some semblance of peace and tranquility. 

With this war Arial would dismantle one threat to his family and at the same time fulfilling Helia ambition for the Vanguan throne.

Arial also after spending some time with Helia, holding her hand when he returned and changing the water for his wife, finally Helia has shown some improvement and that made Arial feel relieved.

Helia has recovered her health and Arial also have received guarantee from Oliver connection in Aetherland court that Adrian will not try to hinder Arial plan but neither would he offer any aid. 

Adrian is steadfast in his decision and Arial is also stubborn in his last statement towards the King. 

If Arial succeed in his venture, the King of Aetherland would have lose his one great vassal. However, if Arial fail then Arrandy will be devoured by Aetherland.

There is risk. There is great profit.

Now there is one last arrangement that need be to be made before Arial could proceed with marching to the Kingdom of Vangua and face Harald one on one.

And he is thinking to talk about this important matter together with his trusted council to hear their opinions and concerns.

Arial push opens the council door and the council member all bowed slightly as they have been waiting for their lord arrival. Arial nod slightly.

Arial sit down and take his seat on the honored seat at the end of the long table, presiding over the lords as the other lords also sit.

'Hmm��� Arial said as he put his hand on his chin and then he said.

'There is a matter that need to be cleared today that requires your opinion and approval.' Arial said.

The other lords begin paying attention. 

Honestly, the Duke rarely enter the Council chamber but since the war began it was almost like every day the Duke would come to the chamber and asking about reports or just for the general concern.

And since the duke is telling them this is an important matter, surely all the lords perk up their ears, to listen to the duke worries and to counsel him if he so wishes.

'I will be leaving the region for the Conquest. And there stand before me a last great measure which it is necessary for me to address before I depart from Arrandy.' 

The other lords nodded. 

'Of course my lord.' In the minds of the great lords in the chamber only one matter warrant this much thought. 

The regency for Arrandy during the Duke absence.

'When I am gone, there needs to be a regent for my region, to oversee the charters, to supervise the works.' The other nodded in agreement. 

'This is true, my lord' some lords chime in.

'I have made a decision in this important matter. If one of you feel aversive to my candidate, then tell me after I announce it.' 

'Yes, my lord.' Oliver said

'Surely my lord will choose the perfect man for the job.' Massey supported

'Woman' Arial said smiling. 

'Pardon me my lord? Did you jus-' Massey said, his face is a mixture of disbelief and shock.

'Helia. As my regent. If any of you object this appointment speak now or forever hold your peace.' 

The other lords look at each other and nodded. 

They all know Helia. 

Even though the Duchess is a woman, compare to all the other wives of the ruler in the Human Continent excluding the Great Renasia, she is a woman that defies convention. 

To meddle in the matter of politic this much and surprisingly to be good enough that even opposition turn to allies, Helia is the model wife for a strong woman in politics in a time where men rule the world.

She is cunning in her own way, wise in statecraft and modest in her virtue. She was like Lady Diana reborn.

The lords could find no fault in such a capable woman and the fact that she is the Duke wives descended from a Kingly line, which Arial had used to derive his claim to the Vanguan throne, only solidifies her position in Arrandy. 

Even though the Duchess bear no male son for the Duke, which still remains a debate for the Duke courtiers, if by contribution alone, Helia has surpassed any noble woman contribution towards the husbands.

They have no objection to the appointment of regency by the Duke and they express it clearly.

'We accept your wise decision my lord. There is no one wiser in statecraft then the Duchess.' 

The lords all agree in this matter for the Duchess has proven herself time after time.

'Good. This is good. Then I will appoint Massey as her military advisor, Silas as her councilors and Oliver to help her if she needs it. I will give the related offices later and appoint capable men to counsel her and help her during my absence. Her safety must be protected' Arial ordered.

'Massey, Oliver, Silas' Arial said looking at these three men. 

'Yes my lord. Your order will be done.' Both of these three spoke in unison and bowed their head.josei

'Assist her in her deliberations by giving her information and advice, and to manage, under her direction, the different departments of the government. I would expect this of you for the three of you is the few I trust. Render her your aid and intelligence and strength. Your loyalty will be repaid.'

'Of course, my lord. There is no need to be so respectful. Such words are wasted on us' Massey said, his eyes shining with pride.