Age of Kings 1066

POV Rio

I had been living in the palace for a few weeks now, and I could admit that it was quite a heavy workload. They had me doing many classes to make me ready to take over the Duchy as soon as I am deemed ready. I had classes on politics, economics, magic, etiquette, foreign affairs, history, socializing, warfare, languages, writing, math, science, religion, physical training, cultural studies, and a few other topics. I was very fortunate to have been reincarnated, as the amount of work I was expected to do in such a short time was overwhelming. Some topics could be nearly dropped because I know more than the teachers.

'Explaining advanced math to the court tutor was interesting.'

When I went into advanced astrophysics, he just begged me to stop as he couldn't keep up. We agreed to drop a few subjects like Math, Science, Economics, and Writing since I was extremely proficient in them. Languages were also heavily reduced due to the fact that I could understand any spoken language. The only thing I needed was a little refresher on how to speak some languages. Before I died, I was already a polyglot who knew over 3 dozen languages, including 1 I made myself.

'Well, I guess that was more of a cipher, but I think it still counts.'

There were still some languages that didn't translate perfectly due to them changing over the centuries, but they were still close enough. While some of the lessons were fairly boring, a few were really interesting. Mostly Magic, History, Religion, Foreign Affairs, and Physical Training. Magic because I was improving my skills with every class. History, because I was able to tell that there were some serious differences between the history I know and what was told to me.

'I mean, Carthage shouldn't exist anymore, and then there is the fact that kingdoms and empires are the standard here, rather than it being more common to see duchies and counties. I mean, there are at least 10 Empires rather than Empires being rare in my world.'

There were also a strange number of similarities compared to my last life in terms of history. Religion was interesting since Concordia worshiped the Greek Gods, and furthermore, they had definitive proof that they exist or used to exist. Foreign Affairs was interesting for similar reasons to History in the way that I learn of nations that didn't exist in my last life.

'I mean, I don't recall so many Kingdoms of the Rus in my past life, but maybe they existed and I didn't hear about it.'

The last exciting thing was Physical Training. I was taught by Geralt and the Marshal, called Kratos, in swordsmanship and other forms of combat. I was going to show them CQC, but I decided to keep it to myself for the time being. They would also instruct me on matters of warfare and leading an army. Which I was not very knowledgeable about, so I learned a lot. One of the biggest reasons all the training was bearable was that I wasn't suffering alone. Kirlia was forced to take most of the same classes as I. And she struggled more than I, which allowed me to show her that I was the better student.

'Then she promptly destroys me in combat training. Stupid Pokemon physiques.'

While it was all in good fun, I still disliked how she was insanely smug about beating me in every match. Mostly because I couldn't use magic during spars. But I get her back by having the Imperial Watchman show up and cause her issues.

'I still don't know how it still hasn't despawned.'

I didn't have as much time to work on my own spells as I would like, so I was unable to research why the Imperial Watchman was staying. My best theory so far was that he would remain until killed/dispelled. Whenever he wasn't around me, he was patrolling the palace or even the city. He could apparently spawn illusory horses to ride from nowhere. Even my magic teacher was baffled at how the spell worked.

'Oh well, it hasn't caused any harm to those that don't deserve it.'

The only time he had hurt anyone was when he was arresting criminals. How he knew what was a crime and not was something I wasn't sure about either. The most notable event was when he arrested a spy. I was extremely confused how he managed it, as I can't read his memories, nor do I have active control over him. I could command him, but I can't see what he does or how he does it. He was apparently very popular among the citizens.

'I can't blame them per se, since he is incorruptible and will never surrender. Not to mention, he can sense when a crime is committed regardless of whether the witnesses report it or not. Which means criminals are brought to justice even if the victims are too scared to say anything.'

The reason they were still arrested was that anyone brought in is placed under a mind magic spell that makes them tell the truth. So basically, if you are caught and are guilty, you will go to jail or get fined. It was also improving the public's view of me since I was the "master" of the Imperial Watchman, and as such, many believed I was the reason they were protecting the populace.

'Works for me, I guess, since I am safe from most assassins here. I don't think even I could break into the palace undetected. Maybe with my last life's gadgets, but that would still be only a maybe.'

The major downside of all the training was that I had only 15 minutes of free time every day. At the very least, they gave me 8 and a half hours of sleep time every night. And I was still fed twice a day. As for why twice, well, it was because historically there was often only one meal per day, and it was sometimes in the morning or at noon. Concordia didn't have a tradition of breakfast, and instead, more often than not, you would either have dinner or lunch. Or for more wealthy families or more labor-intensive industries, a lunch and dinner. Which led me to right now, which was lunch.

'I wonder what they needed Kirlia for?'

Kirlia wasn't eating with me as she was needed for something else.

POV Kirlia

I was a little confused when the Spymaster Xena said that Radovid needed to speak to me. I couldn't think of any reason why he needed to talk to me.

'Could I not have been doing good enough in the classes?'

I was told that I didn't need to take the same classes as Rio, as I would have 3 more years than he to complete my training, but I insisted on staying with him. They let me do so, but told me that they wouldn't hold back for my sake.

'They weren't kidding either, as this training has been torture. I don't know how Rio does it.'

I knew Rio was smart, but I never knew he was this smart. I loved it when he smiled every time he learned something new. Or when he frowned when I teased him about his lack of strength.

'Hehe, he still hasn't beaten me once without his tricks. And I am only getting stronger.'

Of course, he would get me back by sending that brute he calls a guard after me. I would end up in "jail" whenever I didn't have a class, Rio didn't have. Despite wanting to stay in all the same classes I could, as some were for only the future Duke and I didn't have a reason to be in those classes. I was still upset about that.

'I don't know why they can't just let me watch. I wouldn't distract Rio.'

As I was thinking this, I arrived at Radovid's office. Once I entered, I did the usual bow, and then he asked me a question that made me freeze.

"You love the brat, yes?"

I was frozen and wasn't sure how to respond. I felt myself blush, but the next words threw my head for another spin.

"Give up on him. You aren't compatible. He has a responsibility to produce an heir, and he can't do that with you. If you truly love the brat, then you will let him go and remain where you should be. He is a human, you are not. The only reason I am letting you stay here is because the Lady of the Woods insists you have to stay here. This is my one and only warning. Don't heed it at your own risk," Radovid speaks with a callous tone.

As I stand there frozen, I am dismissed, and I just walk out. Once I am in the hallway, I rush back to my room.

POV Radovid

"You can come out now."

Xena comes out from a false wall, and she looks at me.

"Was that really necessary?" Xena asks.

"Yes, the brat is important to the dynasty. He can't waste his time trying to produce a child with a magical creature. In the history of Concorida, how many children have been produced between magical creatures and humans?" I ask.

"One, maybe two," Xena responds.

"Once, it has only happened once. And that child was born sterile. But I now have a task for you." I tell her.

"What is it, my lord?" Xena says while bowing.

"If she ignores my warning and still pursues the brat, then I want you to get rid of her. I don't care how, just do it. I won't be around to keep her from making any moves for much longer." I tell her.

"What do you mean?" She asks.

"I am dying," I say simply.

"What?! Why didn't you tell me? I am your court physician. If you should tell anyone, it should be me," Xena demands.

"It's Cancer," My simple response causes her to freeze, then lower her head.

"I could have tried to heal you. A procedure..."

I interrupt her.

"No, we both know that those procedures are hazardous and they have low success rates with a disease like cancer. If it went poorly, I would die, and the brat would be given the throne before he is ready. I won't take that risk," I respond.

"How much longer do you have?" Xena asks.

"3 to 4 years at best. I know myself strong enough to know that I can't go any further than that. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you. You are likely my only friend, and as such, I didn't want to worry you," I said in a softer tone.

She was likely the last person I cared about on Earth, so I could at least understand why she was upset with me.

"Sigh. You're an ass you know that?" Xena retorts.

I just smile and don't respond. We spoke a bit more about a few topics, and then she left. 

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

Authors Note:

Yes, Kirlia is the first pairing. But it will likely take a while before she says anything to Rio, partially because she is too scared to say anything and partially because of Radovid's threat. I have most of the harem members decided on, but at least one could change depending on whether I can write it properly. Until next time, Ciao.