Issac took a deep breath as he stood outside the council room of the palace. He had been given a small leave by his father when he returned but he knew that work never ended. By his side, he had his new wife, Johanna, and her brother Reinhard behind him.

Pushing the doors open he saw Alfred sitting with Abu discussing a small matter. The two stopped and looked at the door, getting up with small smiles. Johanna and Reinhard made sure to bow deeply towards Alfred but Issac dispensed with the formalities going over and gave Alfred a handshake.

"How was your trip?" Alfred asked kindly getting a soft smile from Issac.

"All around pretty good. But I don’t know how Catherine and Sasha do it. The water ain’t a place for people." Alfred chuckled as Issac turned to Abu, the two shaking hands. "Good to see you, my friend."

Abu nodded looking behind Issac. "Your wife?"

As if just remembering Issac smiled and turned, going next to the two. "Your Majesty. I introduce my wife Johanna Flanders and second Prince Reinhard Goltz of the Slathan Empire."

"We greet the Emporer." The two spoke politely feeling a bit strange by the atmosphere in the room. They knew how their father was and he would never be so friendly with his vassals in front of strangers. Alfred’s interactions with Issac were off-putting and if they didn’t know better may have believed he wasn’t the Emporer.

Alfred smiled as he looked at the two. "Raise your heads." He retook his seat and leaned back, pouring himself another drink. "You got back in a good time Issac, I’m sure you heard the news."

Issac dropped his head as he and Abu took their seats. Alfred pointed to the others, allowing them to sit aswell. "Yeah," Issac said bitterly. "He didn’t deserve to die like that. Should have been in the heart of battle taking ten down with him." Alfred and Abu laughed at his words. "But I’m sure he doesn’t regret it. He died protecting you, Your Majesty. He would have seen it as an honor."

"I know." Alfred took a sip of his drink before taking a deep breath. "Enough of this conversation, we have grieved for too long. I’m sure William told you a little but a lot of things have been put into motion and I need you to take on your role earlier than expected."

"What will you have me do?" Issac had prepared himself for this ever since he returned. Whilst everyone, himself included, had wished to have time to train him up more, it was a luxury they couldn’t afford anymore.

"First, I’ll ask. What do you see happening in the coming years?" Alfred leaned back calmly drinking his drink as he watched Issac fall into thought. Unlike the others in his inner circle, Issac was the one who surprised him the most and seemed to think differently. It was why he wanted him close. Whilst Alfred didn’t believe he was the only person keeping the Empire together, any policy he introduced from the old world was something most struggled to come to grips with quickly.

Issac was the exception, even thinking of concepts that became heavily prevalent in his world as it modernized. He could understand Alfred’s ideas in a way others couldn’t.

"Truthfully, I believe it depends solely on the Severian Empire. They are the greatest power the Holy Seat can mobilize, more so with Constance on the throne. If they don’t move the Holy Seat won’t either. That’s not to say they will leave us alone. If war doesn’t break out then we can expect an embargo being placed on us for all nations that follow Sol."

Alfred smiled and nodded. "But it’s meaningless." He took a sip of his drink saying that. "Vladmire has already sided with us. The Slathans whilst they may not join the war could potentially remain a trade partner." Alfred took a glance at Reinhard who gave a small nod meeting his eyes. "Chent only see money and the Khorish nations won’t care."

"But that only applies if the Severians don’t call for war." Issac poured himself a drink. Taking a sniff of it he realised it was whiskey and let out a small internal groan. "Chances are they will end their war as it’s a meaningless one right now. If that’s the case, our best bet is to heavily reinforce the border with the Commonwealth as well as the key ports in the old Safrid lands."

Alfred nodded in agreement. It was everything he and the rest of the inner circle had thought of themselves. It was the reason for his discussion with Abu before Issac’s arrival, to prepare the workforce for strengthening the border. "I would also have Catherine place part of the fleet in the Tears of Gaia."

Issac added getting a raise of the eyebrow from Alfred. The man smiled seeing that as he took a sip trying to think how to word things. "We only have one land border with a hostile nation. Chances are any other parties getting involved will cross the Great Lake. If we have Catherine there we can halt their journey. The Church doesn’t like spilling blood in it, so it could give us time to prepare."

"I’ll make preparations when needed." Alfred smiled as he looked at the two. "If you would excuse us, I must talk with Prince Reinhard. Abu have a rough estimate of the costs and time it will take for the project for me by the week." The two got up with Johanna quickly following. Abu didn’t bow and walked off but Issac did, leaving shortly after.

The atmosphere around Alfred changed quickly as he looked at Reinhard with sharp eyes. The sudden change from the friendly man previous was so sudden it shocked the prince as he quickly adjusted.

’So this is his real face.’ It was all Renihard could think. The previous appearance was simply because he was with his friends. "So, I just ask before we go any further. Do you talk for the Emporer?" Alfred looked into him as if peering into his soul and Reinhard nodded.

"My father has instructed me of his vision for our future partnership, but he is open to negotiation." Alfred nodded in satisfaction. "What he has proposed is neutrality in any coming war. He does not wish for conflict with the Severians for certain reasons; but in saying this he will be open for trade and if the war situation becomes favorable may consider joining the conflict, if he gets certain things."

Reinhard was quick to adjust to Alfred’s sudden change as he laid out the deal. "What does he want?"

"Well, it depends on how you plan to leave the church." Reinhard leaned back as he watched Alfred, this time silencing him.

Kissing his lips he took a sip of his drink. "Whilst we are still in the early stages of the preparations we have chosen two paths." Raising one finger he smiled. "Church and State. The head of the new church will simply be placed into my hands and my continued dynasty. I believe this is fair, as I am the Blessed One."

Alfred saw Reinhard’s eyes narrow, the displeasure of the option obvious. Raising his second finger he carried on. "The second is a council. The core decision-making of the new institution will be split among the highest-held positions of the new institution."

"Will those in other nations be able to join this council or is it solely reserved for the Ammary people." Reinhard snapped back. Alfred didn’t speak yet only swirling his drink. He didn’t even want the choice, only proposing it as a way to try and entice other nations to join his side.

"It can happen." Reinhard huffed out some air hearing the answer. "Before we go down this avenue let us first solidify what has already been proposed. I am in agreement with the Slathans neutrality in any conflicts with the church."

Reinhard frowned but didn’t press. The trade deal was necessary for his home and whilst he didn’t enjoy the ambiguity of Alfred’s second choice it was of less importance. "We need this in writing." Alfred smiled and got up.

"Come, I will have a scribe do it for us now."

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Outside the room, Abu and Issac walked down the halls of the Palace. Issac took a glance at Johanna and smiled. "Dear." He spoke lovingly to her. "It is possible you give us a minute, I will catch up with you." Johanna looked at him before giving a small nod. Leaning in she gave him a hug and kiss before walking off, already knowing where their room was.

"Abu." Out of sight of anyone else, Issac spoke quietly. "Has his drinking gotten worse?" It was obvious who he was talking about as Abu could only sigh.

"You should have seen him the month following Chris’s death. I don’t think he went to sleep sober." Issac clicked his tongue, brushing his hand through his hair. Alfred had only begun to recover after Raven’s death. Abus smirked and patted his back. "You don’t need to worry. With the Empress by his side, he will be fine."

"I hope. We need him to be at his best right now."

"I think he knows this. He keeps his drinking during the day to a minimum only getting heavy after his work is done. Word of advice, a matter you need him to deal with, try and bring midday." Issac nodded as the two stood in silence for a second.

Abu smiled looking down at Issac. "Your wife. Will William expect Grandchildren soon?"

Issac chuckled the mood becoming lighthearted again. "Piss off. Why don’t you get married? Give the Prince a friend when he grows up."

A hearty laugh came from Abu as he slapped Issac’s back as he walked off. The young man shook his head quickly chasing after his wife.