Post

The Graveyard - VI
Expansion

Nogliano, Nogliano

The Viceroy sat with two other figures around his dining table: a representative of the Council to his right, Domingo Aguayo; and one of the Banco to his left, Manuel Manrriquel. Both had arrived two days prior aboard an Admiralty vessel, and opted to take a brief rest, agreeing to dinner only tonight. They also brought with them a self-evident rebuke of what was, presently, considered fashionable in the high-society of Nogliano. Apparently a little ruffle in your silk robes was now considered in vogue, and wearing it straight with an expensive brooch piece adjoining the two halves was not. At least, so it seemed to the casual observer that he was himself - high society was anyways rather insulated on the island, and most days it was the Viceroy who was the trendsetter. Visitors of such high regard as these were rare indeed (not only because they were few in number anyways).

In any case Agnolo felt outclassed, but then again how could he not? Individually both other men were more powerful than he, and ultimately they each answered to the same master, and so would work in tandem, though from different directions, should they need to milk any concessions from his requests. As a long-standing Viceroy he had some power to dictate terms, but far less than they. He supposed he ultimately also served the same master as they, but much more removed in many senses.

Pleasantries dispatched, and charcuterie and wine heartily dug into, the conversation at last turned to the business at hand.

“Have you any...recent reports from the situation in the east?” Domingo inquired, his bushy black eyebrow raised but his tone flat and official.

“They come in here and there,” Agnolo set his glass down, “The most comprehensive was received some two months previous. A junior commander returned some prisoners, and full correspondence from General Poras, who heads the operation. Myself, and my local attaché from the Generalship, judged progress to be swift and effective from these reports. General Poras maintains my full confidence, for what it’s worth.”

“What of those...prisoners?” the Council representative pressed.

“They are currently in the rural fringes of the province, being used as labor until we can properly return them to their former villages. They had been uprooted by an enterprising local general, you see, and were being marched back to the interior when General Poras came across them. They are not exactly friendly to us, but it is better they be used for our gain rather than the enemies, at least until they can have their homes back without fear of being removed again. I’m sure, like the natives of Nogliano as it stands now, they will come - in time - to be productive citizens of the rural Empire.”

It was all partly true, of course, in its own interpretation, and so Agnolo could pass it off without sounding deceitful. Not that there would be much inquiry anyhow. Land was much higher on these men’s agenda than the uncivilized inhabitants.

“My ears picked up mention of some rather brutal atrocities out east while I was at the local Banco branch today. Can you speak to that any further?” This time Manuel.

“Ah, yes. The intervention we dispatched was certainly appropriate. As you know, the Okimosi had a tenuous grasp over the land at best. With their collapse, the remaining groups - Polarii, Revelationist, native Merchedi - went at eachothers throats. The former remain cold to our approaches but civilized, the latter pair torch the earth and commit massacres en masse. The most problematic this far south is certainly the Merchedi, however. As of, I would reckon, at least a month ago, General Poras was pursuing a considerable warparty - led by this local general I mentioned previously - with full intent to remove them as a threat.”

“Do you expect a considerable uprooting of the local populace?”

“Oh certainly.” Agnolo agreed with a full nod, “Yes, there will certainly be plenty of land which was once used that is no longer. Numerous Polarii townships were entirely wiped off the map, and thousands of native Merchedi settlements disturbed. A number of larger settlements will likely remain, mind you, but we will have quite the...tabula rasa, per se, in the hinterlands.

“Well I have yet to pass my judgement,” the conversation swept back to Domingo, “But you have faithfully served nearly two terms as Viceroy here, seemingly to considerable success. The Council expresses general pleasure in reappointing you come the termination of your current term. Would you accept?”

“Most heartily.”

“Very good. I shall host a ball at the Banco later this week, provided I am welcome to…”

“Certainly.” Manuel assured.

“Provided that goes swimmingly - that is, the locals whose support you require give their approval - I foresee no issues in reappointing you here. Further, as that appointment is forthcoming, I see fit to divulge that these new lands will indeed be appointed for you to rule on behalf of the Crown. It seems you have a competent understanding of the current situation within them, and I sense they will need a strong hand with a stable base,” he gestured to the city beyond, “To properly develop them into something useful to the Empire.”

“I appreciate your kind words.” Agnolo bowed his head, “And of course express my utmost loyalty to the Council. There was further mention of relabelling me as...beyond the mainland. Was this also expressed to you? I don’t want to misinterpret my position, is all.”

“Yes, yes.” Domingo waived it away, “That is all in the paperwork. We can speak to that post-ball.”

“Of course.” Agnolo said respectfully, “And barring any unfortunate catastrophe there,” he continued with a chuckle, turning his attention to Manuel, “I should heartily hope that cooperation with the Banco is further in the books? I imagine I should need some resources to aid in building up those new lands, and I’m sure the Banco could find many most profitable endeavors in such an effort.”

“The Banco always welcomes mutually beneficial partnerships with Viceroys.” Manuel gave a knowing smile, “And we do believe you will have many, many such endeavors to offer.”

“I would drink to that.” Agnolo said with a raised glass.

And drink to it they did.