Chapter 48: A brewing storm

                                    

                                          
Beta read by Shigiya and Fluffy Slayer
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-Feoh-

As a Princess Knights and co-leader of Feoh Alicia's responsibilities were manifold. From overseeing the Knights' training to managing the internal affairs within the kingdom, yet it was common for her to delegate the latter to Beardsley when her more pressing duties called. Today, however, was a special occasion. Beardsley summoned her to meet an Archbishop who had just arrived from Thorne to negotiate a land deal.

As she was eager to impress the Goddess Reborn currently residing in her Kingdom, the blonde Princess Knight took every precaution to ensure the meeting proceeded swiftly under her supervision. With Beardsley accompanying her, they rode through the eastern part of Feoh on horseback, surrounded by guards lining the now-crowded streets for her protection. 

"Alicia-sama, Feoh has prospered greatly during these last few years. Your praises have been sung by countless noblemen and merchants throughout the land, even as far as Thorne." The archbishop, Cecile Savant, declared in a loud voice, his pristine white robe barely concealing his deceitful intentions. As he spoke, he surreptitiously cast a glance at Alicia Arcturus, his mask of false flattery evermore evident. "A true paradise in the land of Eostia, I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to establish a cathedral here in the name of our Goddess Reborn Celestine Lucross."

"You praise me too much, Archbishop. My sister Prim and Beardsley here have been instrumental in our prosperity. And, of course, it was my parents who laid the foundation. I merely added the finishing touches" Alicia spoke humbly, her eyes sparkling with pride as the archbishop praised her kingdom. 

"Yes, indeed, our young princess has proven herself a capable leader. Facing the forces of the Dark Queen while still managing to keep a watchful eye on her kingdom is a testament to her perspicacity and resilience." Riding on the third horse, Beardsley offered a gentle grandfatherly smile, adding, "The Pantielle, Monleigh, Talvan, Branmond, and Davenmere noble families have all taken up residence here. It speaks volumes that even Marquis Davenmere, who once derided Ken as a corrupt cesspool of hooligans and dirty peasants, has come to see the value of Alicia-sama’s rule. Not to mention Maia went so far as to banish the family from her lands."

Alicia snorted, disgusted by her fellow Princess Knight's rash actions, "Humph, as expected of Maia. She has no understanding of the concept of nobility, belittling those who have worked tirelessly to keep Eostia safe and prosperous." A dirty girl like her who grew up on the streets would never comprehend the blood, sweat, and tears that the noble families have put into creating a stable kingdom. It was absurd to entrust the responsibility of managing the land to someone without a proper upbringing or a noble background. Such people were only capable of causing pandemonium and pillaging. "Is this the area you wished to acquire Archbishop Cecile?"

As they left the bustling streets brimming with life and beauty, they arrived at a more impoverished part of the kingdom. Thousands of small wooden houses were packed tightly together, many of them in a state of neglect and disrepair coupled, and a foul scent filled the air, assaulting her nose — it was a stark contrast to what she had witnessed in the central part of Feoh.
Despite her attempts to remain impartial, she couldn't help but feel that this place was an eyesore in her kingdom.
"Yes, this area would be an excellent location for the Church to erect a grand cathedral in the name of the Goddess," Cecile said, a broad smile on his face. 

"But wait," Alicia interjected, noticing that people were still living inside the houses. “Building a cathedral here would require demolishing the entire area and displacing its residents.”