The previous night after huddling into the quiet corridor, Maya listen to her son finally unveiling the plan he had been holding back for hours; She wasn’t surprised that he had a lot to unpack because every now and then she couldn’t even pick up on the small details that he might’ve uttered out of the blue. In spite of it, she can go with the flow with most parts, especially with the wedding. However, when he stops to let others have a say, that was when she attempted to reveal her intentions.

“Sigh… as he said… I want… ally… because… b-because... I... I want...” However, she drops out after nearly breaking character in front of Shugo, Alek, Liivi and Mira; A few breaths were hushed before she continued to stammer. "That neko... he... h-he want... infiltrate... I think... we could get... something... if we allied. That's why I... I wanted... I said... I... boku wa...!" She stops there, only because she needed to recompose after holding back and missing her window.

When Alek asks about how to approach Elmars, she shrugs in response, but only because she doesn't know either. Even so, when he does speak his words, she nods back in affirmation. "We all are. We will... help... what you say... we will. Also... dress formally... means... what... n-nani... w-what you wear... is fine. I-I think..." She responds in broken Lancean. In spite of the worries that cloud her judgment, there was one tiny detail that swung her mood around before they concluded: She cups her hands to her mouth and gasps softly when Renar continues to voice, even as he abruptly abandons them and declares his steadfast decision not to back away from the fight. This is him. This is the leader she envisions her son to be when she has to step down. This is the little boy she knows. Inside, she’s filled with joy and excitement, a total contrast to her sour mood that persisted throughout the entire day; Outside, no one else could tell what she was thinking and her expression was more or less the same. 

The moment the kitsune mother wakes up from her slumber, out of sight, she envelops herself in a wisp of magic before her tattered outfit repairs itself. Then again, she’ll be wearing the disguise that she had retained since she arrived, so of course she dons it over her entire body and puts back her hood on before anyone else could spot her. Of course, if the opportunity arose, she didn’t hesitate to show Renar signs of affection through her snuggles. Noticing her son phasing out after a while however, she taps him lightly on the shoulder. “Renar-kun! Watashitachiha shuppatsu shimasu! (私たちは出発します, We’re leaving!)” She pouts before she hastily trails behind the rest as per usual.

Outside, Maya does notice the carriage speeding past, but she didn’t realise it was containing Mira’s mother until the latter spoke up. “Eh?” If that’s her mother, the current ruler of this planet… maybe she could find an opportunity to find common ground with her. Kanojo mo joōdesu yo ne? Sorenara nantoka shite kureru kamo! (彼女も女王ですよね？それなら何とかしてくれるかも! She’s a queen too right? I can probably do something if that’s so!) She wonders, a little shocked by this revelation.

The previous day after the trial Liivi had joined everyone to speak in the alleyway. She was still trying to get her around how it was that this group had been asked by Elmars to track down bandits. And evidently, they had not done that.  But if the bandits were Peoples' Army, they had certain run into some of the folks, hadn't they?   

In any case, at the mention of fine clothing, she looked a little confused. As it seems several of the others had been as well. "I really have nothing fine to wear. Is that going to be a problem?"  She had tries to follow the plans, not quite sure what to make of them. If someone is going to disrupt the wedding, they could certainly foil the plans. Perhaps that would help out Mira. Though she's not sure.  The problem is, Liivi doesn't really feel like she's the sort to really meddle in all these political affairs. She just hopes someone will have an assignment for her that she can carry out.  

The next day, the tabaxi is nodding along as other encourage Mira. "I think if your mother can offer any advice or aid, then you definitely should speak with her Mira."  She then shrugs. "And even if she can provide none of those, and you simply wish to see your mother, then I for one would support that as well."  When Alex mentions Elmars she adds, "I suppose if we must, then we go see this Elmars afterward."  She pauses, then asks the others. "It seems politically he is a rival to Mira's plans. But is he an ally? Or was? I'm not sure how the meeting with him will go." 

A short walk to the fort later, you finally arrive at the drawbridge to the fort. The guards who watch over the wall almost close the drawbridge in front of you, but they let you in before closing the drawbridge for real.

The guards are busy preparing for the wedding, as always. Walls are being repainted, and grass is being cut, but the real highlight and what stands out the most is that the guards are arranging a bunch of fresh pineapples into a pyramid shape on a table. Right now, the pineapple pyramid is huge, at least two grown men in height... At least for now. Historically, pineapples, especially fresh ones, are extraordinarily hard to come by, so nobles would often put them on display, with security and all. It is an ultimate symbol of luxury and wealth, because he doesn't just have one, but at least a hundred pineapples all gathered in one place.

The tip isn't even being formed yet, so this one is still under construction.

Elmars is perched on top of the fort's wall, observing his men going about their day. He doesn't seem to acknowledge your existence for now.

You see a new figure in view, it's that elf stablehand lady who let you talk with Aquila the griffon from earlier, and she's carrying a pineapple in her hand. She climbs onto the table and attempts to place the tropical fruit on top.

The table's leg creaks and snaps in half, and the stablehand lady crashes down to the ground, along with the pile of pineapples on top of it. Everyone immediately stops what they're looking at, but no one tries to comfort her or help her get up.

"What the hell!?" Elmars flies down from the wall and lands right in front of the stablehand as she slowly gets up, "You clumsy buffoon! Do you know how hard I have to work to arrange all of this in place? You ruined it all!" His face is full of anger, as far as you can tell.

The stablehand smirks, "How hard you have to work? Whose idea was it again to arrange a bunch of heavy tropical fruits on some old table you found in your attic? And don't let me tell you about—"

Elmars brings his claws skyward and slaps the woman with full force. Blood starts to seep from her face right where his sharp talon lands. "Is that how you talk to your boss? Do I have to remind myself of who I am!?" 

The rest of the guards are completely silent; they're too scared to risk their own employment. Elmars squawks, "I am Duke Elmars Pavlovskis of Rauna, soon to be King Elmars IV of Kerwos! Do not speak with that attitude to me ever again!"

Liivi had watched the table collapse along with the kind elf stable hand they had met before.  She had been going to move forward to offer her a hand when Elmars flew down. And the woman ended up getting up without aid.  She continues to watch, not terribly familiar with Elmars, but aware he was a noble and evidently someone the others had been supposed to do a task for.  

After the full-force slap, the tabaxi moved into motion. With great speed she was alongside the woman, and face to face with Elmars. "I know you probably misspoke, but you should remind yourself of who you are." Her words are firm, but calm, the large woman speaking in a measured tone. "You indeed are Duke and should act as such. I've been here scarcely five minutes and this woman has been working almost non-stop. And surely this calamity has only added even more work that she will have to do." To now she had been facing Elmars, but now she turned to the woman. "Sadly, you have bloodied her and foolishly wasted even more time. You will have to allow me to have a look at her and make sure she is ok."  

And with that she softly asks the woman, "Are you ok?" as she starts to examine the cut. She tries to find something to staunch the blood. (Medicine: 19)

Maya couldn't do anything besides quiver in fear when the table broke, at least until Elmars seemingly scraps the poor elf's face, because that's when her attitude takes quite a turn. "AY! NANDE-?!" Baka! Sore ga watashi no musukodattara, kare ga ishiki o ushinau made tōfu nagetto o tatakinomeshite yarudeshou! (バカ！それが私の息子だったら、彼が意識を失うまで豆腐ナゲットを叩きのめしてやるでしょう, That idiot! If that was my son, I would slap the tofu nuggets out of him until he's unconscious!) It didn't take the rather clueless kitsune to morph into fury over what Elmars did to that lady; In fact, her movement was as swift as Liivi's when the two ladies rushed to defend the elf without a second thought. As Liivi tends to the stable hand, Maya suddenly but angrily leaps in front of the two without hesitation, her sharp teeth visible as she snarls in anger over what he did to her. "What did... s-she do to you?! You had no right to do that to her! D-did anyone... any... one dishupu... rine you?!" She aggressively snarls at Elmars unflinchingly; He doesn't know this but he's now come face to face with a true queen who knows better than to behave like the world revolves around him. "I don'tu... I don't know you... but... I don't care... if you king or not! How are people... accept you if... if you don't behave like one?! Where your... morals lie?! That's not... how... a king must behave... is it?!" Her claws are sharpened in case she needs to defend herself, but she does turn to Liivi for a brief moment... "Um... y-you... you need help?" She fearfully asks her before turning back to tremble at the thought of having to "fight" with yet another arrogant king in months.

Renar

“What the-?” I was shocked that baka came out of nowhere… but even more so when he… slash her in the face?! What the heck?! “I… Boku wa…- (僕 わ)!!!” I was lost for words at that moment. Without even thinking twice, I stomped over, my right hand furiously gripped on its sheath as I narrowed the gap between myself and that baka… Before that stupid birdbrain could double down on that poor elf and further injure her, and stood between him and the subject in question; my right arm, unsheathing Inazuma when it happened, just stops with its sharp tip a mere inch from slicing his neck open; I nearly gave in, but managed to hold it at the last minute…

“What… what is your freaking problem?!” I threatened him in a soft whisper, twirling my unsheathed Inazuma before holding it in a defensive position as I stood in front of Okaa-san, Liivi-san, Mira-san and the poor elf lady who was unlawfully abused by this baka. “You came back from your honeymoon, you assigned us… to do… whatever… Y-You held us in high regard from the beginning and… and this… is what you do in front of not just your subjects but, but us… us five as well?!” My voice raised with every word I spoke. “You accused her for ruining your mundane “utopia” of yours. Get your eyes and brain checked will you?! All she did was place that… whatever that fruit is… on the table! That was it! She did nothing else when the table gave way! Also, she’s right. How can you not even understand the weight of a pyramid of… that fruit that I don’t know… do you not understand how heavy a pyramid of that fruit is and how much weight that mere table can take?! My respect for you has already hit an all  time low since we first met… If you're still intent on relieving you’re right despite the fact that you’re clearly wrong in our eyes… you are clearly worse than the average criminal.”

“You guys who did almost nothing to help!” I snarl at those bakas staring at us, infuriated by the fact that they acted like nothing but bystanders. “Just by acting as idiotic bystanders… Ugh… You’re already just as horrid as he is… if not worse! You guys are supposed to defend others right?! If you're not gonna do anything… why… why are you all even here?!” Clenching Inazuma tighter in case that arrogant birdbrain attacks me for standing up for the right thing, I bare my teeth and cause my eyes to glow yellow as my caged fury leaks out of my soul… “If I were you guys… Either step up… or Get… The Hell.... Out!” Intimidation: 12

Mira

“Gosh… they didn’t have to go this far when it comes to decorations…” She murmurs with a pinch of disgust in her tone; Last night she also forgot to address Liivi about her clothes too. “Oh uh, I mean what Renar said was vague but I think you should be fine. He said dress formally, but to me that uh, that translates to dress like normal… I guess.” She responds to her. Out of every single event that she has to deal with, it has to be the wedding of the king she needs to dethrone. And speaking of which, the moment she spots her mother's and soon-to-be-her rival accusing a familiar face, she gasps. "Hey! That's not how-" Before she could even finish, the next unlawful act she witnessed made her contemplate for five seconds straight with a half-frozen stare of shock.

“Exc-USE me?!” Mira gasps again in horror; Seeing Elmars harassing the elf woman for ‘messing up’ his creations was bad enough, but to spot him striking a gash on her face one minute after she reasonably told him the truth? To her, that was the last straw. She does flinch when Renar is seemingly about to strike Elmars with his sword but just pulls up short and enters a defensive stance; He is playing with fire there. However, she is actually confused that when Renar spoke his piece of mind, he doesn’t know what a pineapple is. Nonetheless, like the other two ladies, she dashes with them and swiftly defends the elf from being struck again. Especially when Elmars demands that he has to remind himself of who he is…

“Need I have to remind you that with this attitude, you're on track to earning the royal title of 'everybody’s meathead'?” She counters his demand of reminding himself of who he is. “What on earth did I just witness?! You dare go out of your way to treat a lady out of all people like that?! Does she define a stupid servant to your brainless thinking?! Royal ruler or not, that doesn't give you any right to go over the law as you see fit! It’s no wonder why people are slowly resenting you left, right and center! Especially my mother! Your attitude constantly betrays your flattery!”

Help: Seeing Renar’s futile attempts to coerce the rest to think otherwise, Mira smirks to herself. Heh. Sorry Renar but… that was a poor tactic if you were trying to scare a bunch of tactless guards. Watch how the firm lady of Platone does it. As she does so she steels herself…

“Speaking of my mother, I saw her in town today by the way. Let that be known. Want me to tattletale on her that you’re being a big baby in front of  a poor lady doing her job and some people that saved my life from your minions? No actually… you want me to do that don't you? Ah silly me, but my friend, the fates are cruel… (Loveless Act IV), I should've known that someone like you was so predictable in expecting the expected…” She slowly closes the gap between herself and her adoptive mother's rival. “...or better yet… How would it feel if someone who's as insignificant to the commoner's eyes… what if they were to sacrifice their heart and soul to… you know… what if they amplify your worst fears: To have the authority that you’ve rightfully abused stripped away from you? How satisfied will you be when you can’t do anything but watch as that one equally snarky rival of yours dethrones you using every single one of your misdeeds, every single one of your senseless reasoning and every ounce of your weakness that no one, especially your clueless wife in hand wants to know AGAINST YOU?!” She raises her voice on her final two words and, despite her small height and stature, she pulls him down close to her face as she threatens him, that green spectral clock glowing alongside with her most infuriated stare ever yet, because she really meant it, however, she didn't mention she herself was gonna dethrone him specifically, especially because everyone wants to go incognito for now. Intimidation: 19

(Medicine check passed)

The cut thankfully wasn't that deep, it seems like Elmars holds back a little bit, but there is nothing a little Cure Wounds won't help. The stablehand moves behind Liivi, and she stays silent.

Speaking of which, the bird seems surprised; he didn't expect someone he hired to show up here right now, and there are two new familiar faces in the party too. He points to Liivi and Maya, "Explain your presence, and make it quick, and why is Duchess Miranda's daughter here too."

(Intimidation check failed)

It seems like Renar's lecturing adds more salt to the wound. It's to be expected that some people might not know what a pineapple is, since they're very hard to get, so that doesn't raise any alarm. "These are pineapples, one of the rarest and most expensive fruits in the world. It costs 5 gold each, and it isn't meant to be eaten, more like admired." It was true, back during the 17th century in England, each pineapple cost 80 pounds to produce, or roughly 3,000 pounds or 4,083 USD in today's money. Pineapples in Lancea are much, much cheaper than its real-world counterparts. Even Louis XV had some growing in the greenhouse, then the nobles started copying him and even began dressing as pineapples during the banquet.

"Look at you, you're in my fort, in my duchy, and you want me to get out? Please..." He scoffs, then he bends down to Mira to be at her eye level. "I could have you arrested, and your mum won't be able to help, because this is my duchy and I can do whatever the hell I want as long as I'm here. And by the way, Prime Minister Joel Hakkarainen is here, I expect all of you to behave, or else there will be a diplomatic crisis looming on the horizon."

Joel Hakkarainen, everyone (besides the two interdimensional travellers) knows who he is. He's a blue lizardfolk who leads the Kingdom of Arusa in the north. Unlike Kerwos, Arusa is a constitutional monarchy, and it's the original homeland of all dragons, kobolds, and lizardfolks in Lancea, which also makes up the bulk of the population. You will eventually be there in the future, that's for sure. Arusa typically has a dragon king or queen who serves as the monarch, but they're mostly there for ceremonial purposes; all the powers actually lie in the parliament, and of course, the prime minister.

Elmars is a duke, Miranda is a duchess, Mira is the daughter of the duchess, Joel is the prime minister of another country. It's clear who has the most power here, but it's a shame he's not in the right place.

"Anyways, I don't have all day, the wedding is coming, and I need to talk to you about something important." As he speaks, the guards pull the cranks and slowly raise the drawbridge up, making the only entry and exit inaccessible. "Come join me and Prime Minister Hakkarainen in the chambers, and I'll remind you once again—behave, you're already on thin ice here."

Mira

Mira was unshaken by Elmar’s initial threats, but was furious that Maya and Liivi were looked down on. “Considering my near death experience at the hands of your own people, I’m not even the tad most intimidated, kind sir.” However, one thing that did catch her nerve was the mentioning of Joel Hakkarainen; someone that even her mother is scared to negotiate with. She adjusts herself before she releases her grip off Elmars. “But… I guess I did take things too far. Keeping my emotions in check is the first step to diplomacy. You taught me that. I truly apologize on behalf on not just myself but the rest who have decided to accompany me…” As Elmars leans in to meet her face though, she does curl her eyebrows into one last disgusted expression. “One final warning though: Don’t… Berate Maya and Liivi like that.” Upon finishing her last warning, she relaxes and hops over to comfort Maya if what Elmars said shook her nerves. She gives a thumbs up to Liivi and Renar for their selfless acts too, but grimaces upon seeing that Shugo and Alek have kept their distance. 

Eventually, when Elmars draws the bridge and orders the group to follow, Mira felt that there was no choice but to just go with the flow for now. “You all should come. There might be something crucial we need to take note of. Follow me.” She gestures to the rest before she walks behind Elmars, the hatred for his attitude secretly fuelling her ever expanding ambition to kick him out not metaphorically, but literally… and for good.

Renar

Whatever that stupid birdbrain said to Liivi-san and my mother was almost enough for me to revert my decision to not cut his throat out. But once again, I held it in, albeit with a sour taste in my soul. “She’s right. I suggest you watch your tongue around those two. Just because you don’t recognise them doesn’t mean you treat them like nobodies either.” I deadpan without even changing my tone; My right arm swiftly locking Inazuma back in its sheath the moment I sensed that he chose to hold back as well; He knows what’s not needed to be done. I said nothing else especially when the others began to trail behind the two nobles (well three, because of my mother).

However, I recalled something fishy the moment I began to trudge without expressing slight interest or enthusiasm. The way he conversed sounded vague and just outrageous, but I don’t even hear a slight hint of the fact that he cares about them or what they do. This may sound demoralizing at first glance but thinking hard about it… He’s not taking the ladies too seriously… I don’t if I’m overthinking this but if that’s so, we can potentially cause him to let his guard down even more, maybe turn the tides of those that chose to work with him and… I don’t… but he’s not even batting an eyelid over their presence at his wedding or any of his ceremonies, which means, if he doesn’t suspect that they’d be the biggest hindrances to his… 

Suddenly, in the midst of the walk towards another board meeting that I’m gonna sleep on, I quickly pulled out my tiny notebook whilst no one was looking and scribbled something quick on two separate pages; The moment everyone started walking, I slowly tore out the papers, scrunched them up and stealthily slipped them in the two’s pockets if they have any (if not, under the edges of their sleeves where they won’t fall off). “Keep them to yourselves… until it’s safe to do so.” I whisper to both Okaa-san and Liivi-san as I paced slowly but cautiously into the depths unknown. 

What the notes say: 

No one notices it but Maya herself is holding so much back after Elmars hurls so much hate at her. Yamete… Damare! (やめて。。。 黙れ!) She doesn’t even budge one inch even as Elamrs leads the way... at least until Renar shoves something in her cloak pocket and whispers feintly in her ear...  “Eh?” She wonders why her son would wanna leave such an inconspicuous note like this, but right now, that thought doesn't hold for long, not when it doesn’t really distract her from the fact that she wants to rip that king’s corrupted soul out of his body.

Liivi is not fazed by Elmars' words in slightest. "I am here with Lady Mira and traveling with these other companions," she says quite directly, as though it should have been obvious to even him what the situation was.  She does make note of how Mira had not objected to going with Elmars though. 'She should have just mentioned she needed to meet with her mother and delayed the man. But perhaps she knows best how to handle the situation,' she thinks. 

She appreciates Mira sticking up for her and Maya, though she shows no outward sign.  She simply moves to follow after Mira and the others once the decision is made to go talk with Elmars. 

Along the way, she is rather surprised to hear Renar's whisper and marks the note that he slipped into her pocket. 'What in the world is he up to this time!' she wonders.  Out of discretion, she waits until she is clearly not being watched to fish the paper from her pocket and look at it.  Just as quickly she crumples it and places it back.  

Alex would have been the first to rush forward but everyone else was faster. He frowns at Elmars, and then places a hand on the guard's shoulder casting cure wounds to heal her injury. 

He turns uncharacteristically cold eyes towards Elmars, "Just because you can do whatever you want doesn't mean you should. I really wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt, but after seeing this, not to mention you are responsible for Cezars having free rein and for allowing him to carry out his heinous acts, I just can't. A ruler is supposed to serve the people, not treat them like slaves." He turns to face Elmars squarely. His loyalty is first and foremost to his God, not to any ruler, so quite frankly, he's lost all respect for this bird and has no desire to take anything he says seriously. 

Alex does give pause at the mention of the prime minister, "Thin ice? I still can't wrap my head around why you asked us to take care of those bandits in the first place? I was honored at first. I mean, who would have thought we'd get singled out by the duke himself?" He shakes his head, letting out a long breath, "Sorry. My nerves are getting to me. It's been a long few days, and my world view has changed significantly since I first started this journey." God help him, he needed to hold his peace even though the sight of this bird makes him angry. For some reason Elmars has sparked a much greater anger in him than Cezars had. 

Meeting Elmars's eyes Alex says, "Answer me one thing, if you would. Why us? I for one am quite literally a nobody. My parents made a bit of a name for themselves but I really doubt you know who they are. Really I doubt you know anything about any of us, especially considering two of my companions are foreigners. So why are you wanting us to join you for an important conversation with the... the prime minister?" All anger is gone from his tone, he's genuinely asking out of curiosity.

Once he gets his answer (or lack thereof) he sighs and says, "Fine, lets get this over with."

As soon as he sees Elmar's lash out, any doubt in his mind about birdboy having even a tiny bit of good in him is dashed. That along with any will to play double agent for an extended period of time. With Renar and Mira both already chastising him he holds remains silent for the time being. He lets Alex say his piece and Elmars have his response to Renar before speaking his mind.

"Thin ice?" He says flatly. A tone he'd never used near the birdman before. "Really? Might i remind you that YOU are the one who asked us to do a job for you, and to be frank none of us fully accepted it in the first place. We have every right to just walk out of here especially seeing as Cezars, a man responsible for countless crimes that I'm certain you were aware of, walk free. Then that very paladin has caused us more trouble than the party you wanted us to arrest. Honestly I dare say you are walking on thin ice." 

He puts his hands on his hips, "Like Alex said just because you can do whatever you want doesn't mean you should. Really. You think you are going to be the next ruler when you act like that? Do the people's opinions mean nothing to you? A ruler is nothing without his people." He shakes his head. He's not going to try and reason with this birdbrain. 

"Aside from that I also would like to know why you chose us to complete your task... and why the hell you think we need to answer to you whenever you want us to. Renar and I could easily just go back to our own country and not bother helping you with this election or finding the artifact. Which again, I'll remind you. None of us agreed to give to you, we only agreed to think about selling it to you. Then on top of that, you snap at our newer companions. They are traveling with us, that should be enough for you. We are not part of your duchy, we are guests that you invited here. That said, you want us to behave? Well take your own advice. If you want anything from us don't think money is the only thing that's needed to win us over. This whole show of yours has already caused all of us to lose what little respect we had for you. So I say again YOU are the one who needs to get your act together." 

He nods towards Alex, "My friend here made another good point. I really doubt you truly know who most of us are. So if you try any funny business you better find out who you're messing with lest you stick your hand in a pit of vipers." Shugo keeps a firm gaze on Elmars as he says all this. He seems to almost be a totally different person than he was when they'd first met Elmars... well he'd seem like that to anyone who hadn't seen him be serious. 

Shugo is confident that Elmars has no idea what family he's from. He'd used an alias when he'd first met. Now to see how the birdbrain reacts to his speech. He probably should have kept his mouth closed, but he's never been good at that... plus his companions had already started speaking their mind.... Tch. This is why he never makes real plans. 

Quote from Aroc_of_Eaf>>

Meeting Elmars's eyes Alex says, "Answer me one thing, if you would. Why us? I for one am quite literally a nobody. My parents made a bit of a name for themselves but I really doubt you know who they are. Really I doubt you know anything about any of us, especially considering two of my companions are foreigners. So why are you wanting us to join you for an important conversation with the... the prime minister?" All anger is gone from his tone, he's genuinely asking out of curiosity.

Once he gets his answer (or lack thereof) he sighs and says, "Fine, lets get this over with."

"You've probably seen all those adventurers gathering to find an artefact, but after the cyclone hit, everyone quit, all except you." Elmars crosses his arms, "People thought adventuring was like fun and games, until the stakes start getting higher, with the life of our entire planet at risk. Suddenly, it doesn't seem fun anymore; no one wants to step up, not even the most powerful mages or warriors out there."

So... Elmars does know about the interdimensional invaders, judging by 'the fate of the world is at risk.' Maybe that's why he wants you to talk with the Prime Minister of Arusa. He might know something that happened in another country.

"There is no reason why I choose you, it's by a total random chance, and unfortunately, it's too late for you to back out now." The drawbridge is closed; you have no other choice but to move forward, or if you really want to run off and be on your own, there might be a way out of this fort. "You are not a chosen one, you are just a normal group of people, you don't have any special powers hidden inside you, at least not right now. But I will make you one, you will be my hero, and once I become King, you can have anything you want. Do you want a land? A house? Your personal knights? That's definitely more than money."

He raises his finger, "But if you still refuse, then maybe once you spend a day in a dungeon, you might want to change your mind?" Once the word 'dungeon' is uttered, the guards start stepping closer, their spears raised.

A dungeon in a regional capital is definitely much tougher than a county jail, but not as impenetrable as the ones in the capital. There is definitely a way out.

Alex gives a solemn nod, at this point having expected as much. 

"I for one don't want anything. Worldy possessions and power mean little to me, especially if they are given at the cost of others who need them more," his expression hardens again, and he seems rather unintimidated by the guards. He's lost all respect for Elmars, instead holding himself in a manner that demands respect himself. He's done treating these corrupt politicians like they are above him. The only difference between them is the path they chose to walk. Lifting his chin and clasping his hands behind his back--notably away from his sword (which is currently peace tied) he says, "We are coming, though maybe if you treated your subjects with a little more respect you wouldn't have to resort to threats, especially when no threats are needed."

He looks to his companions, "There's no harm in joining this conversation, at least none that I see. However..." 

He turns to Elmars again, prepared to follow, "I will come, but I do ask that if my newer companions wish to stay uninvolved that you let them." He gestures to Maya, Mira, and Liivi, "They were not there when you chose us, so please give them the option to leave." For once it seems he's thinking ahead, if this interaction goes south it might be better to have someone on the outside. He makes no attempt to encourage his companions either way, really this is also a test to see how reasonable Elmars can be... or if he is ready to force all of them into some chosen role... even Mira. 

Elmars response clearly annoys Shugo even more. He's not sure why, he'd been expecting a stupid response like this. Though despite being annoyed he also finds the response to be quite funny. 

He laughs, "Really? How the heck do you know we are the only ones willing to do anything? Just us, out of the entire world. I'm sorry but that's just a stupid assumption." He shakes his head. To say something like that, then accuse them of thinking they are special... which none of them ever claimed to be... is just ridiculous and contradictory. "And on top of that, if we are the only ones willing to go adventuring then i don't think throwing us in a dungeon is going to get you anywhere. Just listen to how ridiculous that sounds." 

He tilts his head back and sighs. "Whatever, your kind don't listen to anyone but themselves... even when the world is at risk." He makes a dismissive motion. "We'll go with you, but I still don't appreciate the threats. Especially when, despite what you think, you are still not in a position to make them in my eyes... and no amount of money or power is going to win me over either. Seems kinda silly to even offer that when the world is at risk." 

He nods to Alex's words, "And I agree. Despite none of us committing to anything... Maya, Mira, and Liivi weren't even part of this group when you asked for our help. If they decide they don't want to be a part of this, so would you please, out of the kindness of your heart, let them have a choice in the matter." Shugo can't keep the mocking tone out of his voice. For a moment he feels like he's back home taunting his brothers and their noble friends. 

After hearing Shugo's words, Elmars order his men to back away, although he seems a little bit disappointed. "I thought you were going to say no, but fine, at least you're willing to comply."

He walks to the three, but he seems to eye Mira the most. "Listen, once you're committed to the mission, there is no backing out, but if you do it, there is a great reward for you." He places his claw on Mira's shoulders, "Wealth, fame, power, getting to be the one who saves the world. Prime Minister Joel has something extremely important to say, but this has to be kept a secret, which means you cannot abort your missions by any means necessary."

He flicks his claw, "If your reason for leaving and letting the planet die is good enough, then I might let you leave, but if you say yes, then we can proceed to the most important part of the mission." And now, he waits for the girls to answer.

The moment Maya heard Elmars mentioning that this planet is at risk, Maya gasps in horror. Surely he can’t for sure know that she and her son are not from this place right? There’s no way she’d let her secret mission be compromised like this, not especially as Elmars asks her and the other two ladies again… “I don’t need them. What you offer… means nothing to me. I want peace. And… And my son back. Something you… don’t… under… stand.” She speaks in her lowest voice yet with a certain demonic echo to her normally gentle tone. Shikashi, musuko no kōfuku hodode wa arimasen. (しかし、息子の幸福ほどではありません。But not as much as my son’s happiness.) She whimpers to herself. Once done, she brushes past Elmars in silence behind Alek, Shugo, Mira and her unnerved son, but underneath her closed lips, her fangs stay razor sharp; The urge not to bite his throat is slowly losing its grip on her poor soul.

In response to Shugo’s plea for Elmars to give the ladies a chance though, the kitsune in disguise only has one response which she will not repeat:

"I will stay."

Renar

‘The life of our entire planet is at risk’ This line struck a nerve in my heart such that I froze in place. My eyes dilated in shock whilst my ears and tail twitched. Does he know about me and Okaa-san? Shoot... Why… why am I trembling?! I thought to myself, my claws suddenly losing their grip on my sheath. 
“Are you done spitting out what you want to say? I thought you’ve got a meeting to attend? It’s just as Shugo said: Your kind is the type to only dish out orders and never accept them. Besides… what you’re offering… It means zero value to me. So what if everyone backs out? Not like you care about anyone other than yourself anyways. You gave us this job, so we’ll finish it regardless of whether you want us to or not.” I impatiently snarl; I’ve got no reason to listen to his ridiculous offerings, because if there’s one thing that me and my mother would like, it’s to return home and win the war against Tiamat, whether this planet gets destroyed or not. That’s all we’d ask for. Money... power... fame... I already have it plus so much more over there... and in Japan...
“If there’s nothing else, I’d like to move on peacefully.” I mutter as I walk on. As for the dungeon… sorry pal, but… I’m used to spending time in places like this and having to fight my way out of it. Something like this isn’t going to scare me in the slightest.

Mira

Mira had to halt her pace the moment Alek and Shugo stand their ground. Of course Elmars would be the type to intimidate his rivals to stall for time. She shakes her in disgust when Elmars repeats his question to her, but becomes unnerved the moment he lays his talons on her. “What you’re offering to me, I already have them back home. I don’t deserve to transform myself into a spoiled noble with the assistance of… well… another spoilt noble, thank you very much.” She refutes. “Though I’m actually disappointed that your “gifts” lack one thing on the catalogue… I hate to tell you this but these things cannot buy you everything in the world... some of which are loyalty and friendship. Besides, without this, your personal growth as the country's no, the planet's King, will grow, just in the opposite direction, as far as I can tell.” She is shuddering slightly, but as the next Queen of Lancea, she’ll have to prove her worth if she would ever want to tear down his tyranny for good. Well, she doesn’t like the fact that she’ll need to avoid being stuck in a dungeon, but even so…
Without a further thought, she squares herself. “I took the path less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. So if you’re done with your blabbering, I’d appreciate it if we stop beating around the bush. I need to talk to my mother personally after this. And also, I have to ask you, if the planet is at risk, why aren’t YOU doing anything to prevent disaster smartass? Just because you have all the authority in the world and don’t have to do anything but take your riches for granted? Pft. I’m disgusted.” However, she winces in pain over something that’s been on her mind up until now and retains her dirty look. “What else… oh yeah: Get… your filthy talons… off me.” She firmly commands as she rips him off her royal garment despite her small size. Once everyone else has finished their part, she moves along with them, ignoring any of Elmar’s further remarks in the process. However, she does make one final remark without even a trace of fear in her voice as she looks back, a glare to rival her mother’s rival’s.
“So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee… I'd loved to be recognized for it one day, but it won't even matter. I’ll say this once and mean it: I will NEVER back down.”

(OOC @PyromaniIsDeadThankGod - I presume Raiden is Renar? Just not sure why it keeps changing.) 

Liivi had watched impassively as Elmars summoned his guards and closed off the exit to the castle. As he then relaxed a bit, she listened to the words he had for her. "You offer us no choice. Not really. You simply flaunt your presumed power before us and coerce us with threats. The greatest reason for not accepting an offer which you have not even explained yet would be to preserve our own freedom. What good is saving anything if you are bereft of any true dignity?"  Her voice is calm as she keeps her gaze fixed on the man. "I will listen to your offer if you make it. But I will only decide when I know what I might be agreeing to." 

She continues, still speaking an even, measured voice. "Your time shall not last forever. Nor shall mine. Imprison me. Strip me of my freedom. It shall one day come to an end one way or another." 

Elmars leads all of you into the fort's interior, and the dusty chandeliers illuminate the dimly lit stone walls. It isn't a comfy mansion or a castle; it's a place built to defend from outside threats, and it was also one of the few places that hadn't been completely decimated during the Planetary Wars, so all the paperwork is here and the nobles didn't bother to move even after the war ended.

He opens the door to the meeting room, and PM Joel sits there on the opposite end of the wooden table. He's a blue lizardfolk, wearing goggles, and he has a glowing, starry pattern on his scales. It's obvious that he's a Druid, or more specifically, a Circle of Stars, not that it matters since he's probably on your side, for now.

The Aarakocra's attitude seems to change the moment he sees the man: "Good morning, sir." He bows, because a prime minister outranks a duke like him. "I've brought you my candidates. I think they're ready for the mission."

Joel places his claw on the table. "Let's get to the point."

"It's been five thousand years since the war ended, Lancea is at peace, no one—not even the undeads and the demons, has ever tried to murder anyone, until now." Joel snaps his fingers, and a bunch of files appear on the table, it's labelled with a big, red CLASSIFIED.

"There are reports of five deaths under mysterious circumstances, all of them are goblins, all of them right near the border of the Duchy of Varkalu, that's the duchy Adelaide controls." Joel states, "They died in different ways, some were cut, some were fireballed, but all of them died near each other. We know for sure that this is a murder, and not just that, but a targeted murder of a specific race."

"Our mages from Arusa sensed a disturbance in the magic barrier around our planet a few months ago, which is supposed to protect us against interdimensional travel, both in and out, but about a few months ago, it was shattered, and an informant has told us that we might know which realm is responsible for this violation of our sacred grounds of Lancea."

"But before I share more information with you, though. Please answer this question: how do you defy what 'people' is?" Joel leans closer and asks.

It seems like they knew what Janus knew, and their stance is probably as hostile as his. This guy isn't even a leader of the country you're in, but these kind of thing is acceptable for other nations to meddle in, after all, the fate of everyone is at hand.