According to imperial law, founding a mercenary company required a minimum number of members. Ten, to be precise. Jadis and her companions didn’t have those numbers, even if she were to be counted as three instead of a singular Nephilim, as most people saw her. Vraekae had been willing to temporarily waive that requirement and give Jadis special dispensation via her authority and the application of certain loopholes. She’d still need to recruit more members, but at least her little guild could be established sooner rather than later.
The speed at which Vraekae was able to cite those loopholes had been rather fast. Suspiciously fast, in Jadis' opinion, but at that point she didn’t care too much about whether or not Vraekae had been planning for the eventuality of her founding a mercenary company. While Jadis had balked at the idea of joining a mercenary company and thus being under someone else's control, starting up her own company and thus being her own boss had a much greater appeal. Even if it was playing into some plot Vraekae had been trying to manipulate her and her companions into following, that was, at least in this instance, acceptable. Jadis and Vraekae’s desires were aligned in this one thing, so it was a common ground Jadis could stand on, even if Vraekae might have sown a few seeds of her own making to make the land.
There were other aspects of founding a guild that had to be addressed, ones that couldn’t be skirted around. Writing a charter, establishing a power structure, assigning duties to individual members; there was quite a bit to be done. They even had to talk about where their guild would be based, since one of the requirements was they had to have a physical base of operations. Jadis and her companions ended up spending the rest of the day with Vraekae, most of it in the inn’s common room gathered around the one table. There wasn’t just the guild founding to do, either. Vraekae had wanted to hear the details of their trip through the cave system and had, unsurprisingly, asked a lot of questions. Jadis was mildly surprised that Vraekae hadn’t gotten much information of what had gone on in the tunnels from Thea, but apparently the guardswoman hadn’t been pumped for info as soon as she’d gotten back to town, just a general outline.
There weren’t many opportunities, but Jadis did manage to get her companions alone at different points throughout the day to speak with them privately, outside of Vraekae’s hearing, just to be sure that they were okay with what they were signing up for. It was an abrupt career change for them, and a drastic one for at least two of them. Yet, despite her concerns that they were making the choice under some sense of obligation or coercion, the answers she got were encouragingly positive.
Aila didn’t mind the change at all, considering she’d always planned on being in a mercenary company from the beginning. Founding one hadn’t been something she’d pictured, but the idea was fairly attractive to her. Something told Jadis that even if her name was on the books as the leader, Aila was going to end up having a greater hand in the practical decision-making side of things. Eir had little issue with it since it was actually fairly common for temple priests to join mercenary companies, at least temporarily, so that they could better serve both the people and the gods by healing those who needed it out in the field rather than only in the streets of a town. Besides, she had repeated, it would take an act of god to separate her from Jadis. Thea had been less nervous than expected about the situation, considering she was going through the biggest change. She had to resign from the military to become a mercenary, a huge deal for someone who had planned on the military being their whole career. But Thea had been adamant. She wanted to do the most she could for her country and felt she could do more by Jadis’ side than being Vraekae’s guard. Jadis valued her trust and hoped to prove her feelings were right, but also made sure to insist that Vraekae be willing to take Thea back into her service, just on the off chance things didn’t work out.
Kerr had been Jadis’ biggest concern, since the wild woman had made it clear to her that being in a mercenary company had always felt too restrictive to her. That she was willing to join one for her sake was a big deal, and Jadis had made sure to take her aside and discuss exactly what the move meant to her.
“So, my bar didn’t make it,” Kerr told Syd while they both stepped outside the back of the inn, ostensibly to stretch their legs. “That burning fuckface set the roof on fire. Most everything inside was fucked.”
“That’s so fucking shit,” Syd had exclaimed. “What are you going to do?”
“Join you, duh,” Kerr said, poking Syd in the stomach with a sharp nail.
“I meant—”
“I know what you meant,” she waved Syd off. “Hans made it out fine and I still have some coin to my name. That pay the blue bitch in there handed out means I’ve got enough to consider rebuilding the place, though I don’t know if I want to. It’d be a big investment to get it all back to where it was and I’m not sure I have the patience for it.”
“But enough patience to join a mercenary company?”
“Well, if it’s your mercenary company, sure,” Kerr toothily smiled up at Syd while resting a hand on her stomach. “I can’t imagine a world where any venture you’re involved in is boring or burdened with bureaucracy. As long as you don’t turn into some kind of tight-ass autokrat like most of the fuckers sitting pretty over in Eldingholt, then I’ll stick around. There are a lot of perks to keeping you nearby, anyway.”
The places Kerr’s hand had wandered from there hadn’t been acceptable for polite company and Jadis was glad the rear of the inn was private enough to afford them a few moments of indulgence.
One matter that took a bit of discussion had been the naming of the guild. A few different suggestions were floated around, though initially none had felt quite right to Jadis. Eir had thought a holy name appropriate, The Divine Arms of Destarious and Lyssandria. Kerr had immediately countered with The Nephilim’s Sluts. Both were rejected. Eventually inspiration struck and Jadis had decided on a name she felt encapsulated both her nature as a chosen avatar of D, god of luck, as well as her penchant for bold action.
“Fortune’s Favored,” Vraekae mused, signing the last of the guild application paperwork. “That does feel like a fitting name. What inspired it?”
“Fortune favors the bold,” Jay informed the Magistrate with a grin. “At least, that’s how I always saw it.”
“So it would seem,” Vraekae nodded. “I will have to remember that. It is certainly an interesting and, from what I have seen of you, generally accurate bit of advice.”
The meeting hadn’t gone on much longer after that. There were still many things left to do before they were an official mercenary company, but there was only so much paperwork Jadis could handle before her skin started to itch. Vraekae had left just before nightfall, heading back to the mountain of responsibilities that had been waiting for her all day. Everyone else stayed for a quick dinner made by a well-compensated innkeeper, though afterwards Thea and Kerr had left to attend to their own business. Left alone with just Aila and Eir, the priestess had leaned over in her chair to whisper into Dys’ ear. The question she had asked had instantly perked Jadis’ interest.
“Would you be willing to help me with my first ritual?”
Once back in their shared room on the second floor, their door securely locked and clothing optional, Eir had explained the nature of her starting core skill given to her from her newly acquired Oracle class.
“It’s a sex-based ritual, much like the ones you perform,” Eir said while removing her robe and neatly folding it. Jadis found it a little difficult to focus on the gorgeous elf’s explanation while she was so casually stripping down to her skivvies, but she did her best to focus. “I can only perform it once a month, which is actually more than most high priests I know of who are capable of communication with the gods. It’s in line with other oracle classes I have knowledge of, though. Since you’ll be performing the ritual with me, you should be able to speak with Destarious directly. You may ask three questions, which he will answer in whatever manner he sees fit, so be careful what you ask him. From what I’ve been told, the gods are usually circumspect in what they are willing to say.”
“This is divine magic, right?” Jay asked, pulling her own shirt off. “Why is this a ritual? Isn’t that more of an eldritch magic sort of thing?”
“Any magic class can potentially have a ritual spell,” Aila answered her question. “It’s just that most eldritch-based classes are ritual classes, and most arcane and divine classes aren’t. They can still have some overlap, though.”
“Well, this should be interesting,” Dys grinned. “Never done one of these sex rituals that wasn’t one of mine. You’ll have to tell me what to do.”
“Your role won’t be that complicated,” Eir informed her, “though my part will require some… self-control.”
“I can imagine,” Syd said, having already stripped down completely and her cock halfway to full mast.
“Before we get into this,” Jay said, pulling Eir’s attention away from the distracting spectacle Syd had made of herself. “You never told me. What’s the wording for your ‘Lustful Oracle of D’ class description? I’ve been curious.”
“Oh, um, one moment,” Eir said, her deep purple eyes obviously having trouble staying away from Syd’s body. “Here it is.”
Lustful Oracle of D Your connection to Destarious has grown strong, thanks to your involvement with a certain Nephilim. This class will allow you to commune with Destarious via the typically lewd methods you have grown to love and desire to indulge in. This class’s skills will also allow you to provide support and aid to Destarious’ faithful followers.
|
“Well shit, I’m literally right in the class description…” Jay said, hands on her hips. “That’s got to be rare.”
“Exceedingly so,” Aila agreed. “Very few recorded classes make specific reference to individuals, and most of those are directly related to a Hero of times past.”
“Fair enough,” Syd said, “but I’m tired of being the only one fully naked here. Let’s get this thing started, yeah?”
“What do we have to do?” Dys asked, turning control of the event over to Eir. This was her ritual, after all.
“Ah, the ritual requires a certain position,” Eir advised. “And I’m not sure we can do it easily, considering our size differences.”
Indeed, Eir was the shortest of Jadis’ companions, her head barely reaching eyelevel with Jadis’ crotch. Some positions were a challenge, just thanks to how much larger Jadis was than the elf.
“I’m sure we’ll work it out,” Jay assured the priestess before bending down and giving her a tender kiss. “Just tell me what you need.”
A brief explanation and some creative maneuvering later and Jadis and Eir were arranged the best they could to be able to pull off the ritual.
Eir perched on top of a stack of the ration crates Jadis still had, a folded blanket placed on top for comfort. The position had her kneeling as though she were in prayer, hands clasped, head bowed, and knees tight together. Her feet and ass hung slightly over the back edge of the crates though, giving access to her glistening pussy, which Syd was intended to make full use of.
Kneeling on the floor behind her, Syd positioned herself so that the tip of her cock rested lightly against Eir’s slick entrance, ready to start the ritual at the priestess’ command. Jay, on the other hand, knelt opposite of her other self in front of Eir, her head laid down on the elf’s lap, just under her clasped hands.
“So, this ritual would normally need three people,” Dys pointed out from where she sat to the side on a comfortable pile of blankets and cushions.
“Good thing it seems tailored for someone with your unique skillset,” Aila mused from her seat on Dys’ lap.
She was, of course, as naked as Dys was. With Dys’ dick sticking up between her thighs in a familiar position, Aila was ready to enjoy the show her lover was going to put on, while also getting to sit back and idly toy with and be toyed with back by her lover.
Once again, Jadis had to say that she loved having multiple bodies.
“Go slowly,” Eir warned, her breathing already coming faster. “I need to recite the full Devotion to Destarious. I cannot botch the wording while I do so or we’ll have to start over.”
“Okay, but you can’t put me in this position and expect me to not want to taste you,” Jay said with her face pressed into Eir’s lap.
Eir let out a delightful squeak as Jay’s long tongue dipped between her thighs. A second later she gave her a light tap on the back of her head.
“Please!” she said, “I need to concentrate!”
“Alright, I’ll be good. Just tell me when to start.”
Eir took a deep breath, then nodded slightly.
“We can begin.”
Easing into Eir’s tight wetness was made especially difficult because of the angle Syd had to maintain. Putting one hand on Eir’s waist and using the other to guide her cock, she firmly pressed into Eir, eliciting a soft gasp from the elf once Jadis’ cockhead finally popped inside. A moment later, Eir began to chant.
Whatever language Eir was reciting her prayer in, Jadis couldn’t understand a word of it, but to her it sounded Nordic or Scandinavian in nature. As Eir spoke, Syd moved, driving her shaft deeper into her. It didn’t take long before Jay felt something bump against her head and, from Dys’ perspective, she could see that Syd’s cock had filled Eir up enough to create a bulge in her flat stomach.
To fulfil the requirements of the ritual, Eir stiffly held her kneeling position, her lips the only part of her to move as she chanted. As Syd pumped in and out of her pussy, her voice caught and her words hitched at times, but she persevered in her part of the spell.
As the ritual continued, Jadis could see the effects of Eir’s magic appearing on her. When Jadis performed a ritual, a white glow manifested from within her, lighting her up so that by the end she would literally glow. For Eir, it was different. The divine glow she displayed when healing was there, but that warm light mixed with a faint purple haze that, as time passed, morphed into something more like translucent fire. The purple flames were outlined with the glow of divine power and didn’t burn at all. Instead, as they grew in size to envelope Eir completely, Jadis found that they only tingled pleasantly against her skin wherever they touched her. Which, unfortunately, only made it harder for Syd to control herself as she gently fucked her elven priestess.
“So beautiful,” Aila murmured from her seat on Dys, one hand running idly up and down Dys’ slick shaft.
Jadis had to agree. The eroticism of the display paired with the scintillating flames made for an amazing sight.
Eventually, the ritual reached a peak as the purple flames practically licked the ceiling overhead. Eir’s chanting came to an end right as Syd couldn’t hold off any longer, her pumping having turned somewhat erratic. She released her seed within Eir just as the priestess unclasped her hands and put both palms down on Jay’s head and uttered one final word that rang in Jadis’ mind like a bell.
All went white, then complete and utter darkness. Everything was silent as Jadis floated in nothing, all the sensations from before having disappeared. She was alone.
Except.
“Well hey there, little gal. It’s been a while.”
About Vraekae.
I was checking information what Magistrate was. Apparently the role is based on ancient Rome. Consul and Praetor are alternatives to it.
Basically, it is a supreme commander over a region. Yet, there might be more than 1 per region. 2 was preferable, one leads army while another manages the city. Only regions engaged in war have such commanders. Peaceful regions are managed by the senate.
The role is most prestigeous but also very fickle. Few positions and many candidates. So if one underperforms, or even simply doesn't achieve any triumphs, they can easily be replaced. The positions have fixed service time and unless one has good support, then another will likely be chosen in replacement once the time is up. Or say if demons get completely eliminated from the region then a Magistrate will not be needed there.
In Vraekae case, it seems to me that she's new to the role, as she was given a region that was supposed to be relatively peaceful, with but a minor demonic incursion. Which is bad for her as it doesn't provide much opportunities, albeit it could be the only reason she got the position in the first place.
It turned to be out quite differently. I am not sure if the battles' outcome will be perceived favorably or not considering all the loses. (And she got an extra quest in form of a multi-bodied Nephilim).
Some questions and observations:
1) How do you know Vraekae was made new to the role?
2) How do you know she was sent there because the region was expected to be peaceful?
3) A 'Magistrate' is also a term for a judge. I think this was particularly true for the British? Not sure.
4) I think it is safe to say things are going swimmingly for Vraekae, as much as they can in world in the middle of the Demon Lord Invasion cycle.
One thing I remember from some of the early chapters, I can't remember where, Jadis was told that the Demon Lord Invasion cycle happens on an almost clockwork like basis. That would mean everyone knew the demons were coming and were going to be coming all over. As such, I highly doubt the Emperor appointed Vraekae to the position of Magistrate with the expectation her region would be peaceful. Especially since the main demon body is currently camped out on an island and building its strength and the southern region is only accessible by sea. This means they are more vulnerable than most regions.
The appearance and presence of Jadis, as a Nephilim, is, I think, both a blessing and a curse. Aiding Jadis could indeed be considered a special quest for Vraekae. However, if Jadis should die (assuming her plot armor would allow it) then it would be catastrophically bad for Vraekae. Odds are, she would be out of a career in politics for the rest of her long life. Worst case, she loses her head.
5) I think it would be more appropriate to say that a 'Magistrate', especially as how Agdistis is using the term, is more akin to a Governor of a region. And, given that the nation is an empire, with an aristocracy and all that entails, it is probably safe to assume that the position means control over both the civil government and the military government.
@Maddhawk the region is new and was underprepared for invasion. So having an appointed Magistrate to it, is in itself a novelty. Also, as was said in earlier chapters, the expected amount of demons in the region was believed to be small and the imperial forces were relatively minor, especially compared to main theaters. I don't believe an experienced commander would be sent to such a minor and distant region when they are needed elsewhere.
In Rome, a Magistrate, is basically a supreme commander of the region. Their function is to command armies, manage cities, as well as be the chief judge of the region. Which is why the role has such a huge prestige as well as so many people would want the role. Though, at the later stages of the Roman Empire, the responsibilities got divided between different people.
@ALX23 Your conclusions and assumptions make sense. I guess I missed the part of the region being new.
With that in mind though, I do remember Jadis being told the region is of great importance due to the abundance of that special mineral that is critical to producing enchanted equipment. I doubt the Emperor would appoint someone he didn't trust or had questions of their competence to oversee it.
Perhaps the extent of demonic activity wasn't expected, but it is here now. If I had to wager a guess, I'd guess the people of Oros were hoping their lack of presence in Weigrun, combined with establishing only a small presence would go unnoticed by the demons and thus demonic activity would remain light. Good thing Vraekae has been given her own hero to help.
On a side note, Vraekae confirmed single too, if I read last few chapters right. Vraekae for the harem? Anyone?
@Maddhawk assuming it follows similar bureaucracy to Roman Empire, the Magistrates could be elected by the Senate rather than Emperor picking them. And to be a candidate one had to serve as an official for several years in other roles. So, all candidates should be somewhat competent. While number of experienced Praetors/Magistrates should be very limited - the last large-scale conflict was a very long time ago, during the previous demon lord.
About importance of the region - it is definitely very valuable compared to its size, but it is still a small region. Also, this is why I have some doubts about people seeing Vraekae performance as success. She failed to reestablish mining, which was her main task.
One can argue that it is already stellar performance that she hasn't lost the region to the horde of demons, but in politics everything can easily be distorted. Like her policy on the Nephilim. Some hardline religious senators will surely argue that she should have shipped them straight to the capital rather than permit them to stay and adventure. Also, that she didn't send an expedition to rescue possible other Nephilim survivors will be terrible in their eyes.
@ALX23 I really hope this empire isn't based on the Roman style. The Romans were a mess, for all they got accomplished. I haven't seen anything to say what form the empire takes at this point in time. All the information we have is in the negative.
What little positive information, that is information provided by the author and not us just guessing, is as follows:
1) The Weigrun region is part of one of the larger, if not largest, continents of Oros.
2) It is primarily reached by sea due to an extremely large and treacherous mountain range acting as a natural wall between it and the rest of the continent.
3) The continent is dominated by a singular large Empire, ruled by an Emperor.
4) At least one title for a regional governor is "Magistrate".
5) There is a large church devoted to the primary god of the people, but they also aid and facilitate the worship of the rest of the pantheon as well, except Samleos who is seen as the enemy of all life. (Quite the nice church for a fantasy world.)
6) Weigrun has been settled off and on again a few times, but a concerted effort is being made to stay this time due to recent discovery of the enchantment mineral.
7) Far Felsen is the primary city in the southern region and is on the southern most tip of the region. It is also the major seaport and command and control hub for the region.
8) There are other, smaller nations on Oros, but none of them have a foothold on the main continent known. Only the empire controls that one.
9) One of those side kingdoms was overrun and destroyed by the demons and now they are holed up there, amassing their forces instead of attacking into the fortifications of the empire relentlessly. They are using ambush and guerrilla warfare tactics to harass weaker regions of the empire not normally accustomed to being focal points of the great "Demon Lord Invasion Cycle".
10) The official Hero and Hero's Party are in the north of the empire for that very reason.
11) Mercenary companies comprised of independent men-at-arms, women-at-arms, and adventurers are the primary force of auxiliaries employed by the empire. They are also the primary skirmishing and front line troops used.
12) Nothing else of how the government, religion, and society of Oros is known with respect to the empire.
13) The demon-cat people, that Kerr comes from, are much like Miqo'te tribes in Final Fantasy XIV. That is they are dominated by an alpha male or female who predominantly controls the tribe and tribal breeding. They are also live on islands out in the Verdant Sea. (Chapter 125)
That's... pretty much it as to what hard concrete details about Oros that we have for culture, nations and civilizations.
I was under the impression the mining had never stopped. At least not since the story started. Remember, Jadis came across a caravan transporting a haul of the mined mineral and helped them fend of a demon attack. That was were she first met Kerr.
We might need some clarification from Agdistis on this.
@Maddhawk we do have more information.
Thus far, nobility of any sort wasn't mentioned. And Vraekae implied that the politics can be treacherous in the Empire. Both somewhat remind of Roman Empire. Though, it was a lot more warlike, while this Empire doesn't seem to have pro-war religions or ambitions. Likely, just secretly backstabbing each other.
The mining town where Jadis appeared was completely butchered and I had the impression that most towns and villages had similar fate as only the city could be properly protected.
I don't think that mercenaries are the main force of the Empire. It is just that they are the main force in Weigrun, which is more of a backwater region.
@ALX23 Implications are not hard facts. Politics being treacherous is a universal property of politics. The type of government doesn't matter. Nothing in this story ever made me think of the Roman Empire. That is just my perception though. You are right though, so far there has been no mention of any nobility.
Given how classes create power, I could see a much more fluid system of power where those who have powerful classes rise to the top over everyone else. A nobility of, literally, "class" elite?
I never said mercenaries and adventurers are the main force the empire. I said they were the primary auxiliaries. Auxiliary troops are usually comprised of local militias, mercenaries, and regular soldiers who haven't had the benefit of being put through the full training regimens of the main line military. They usually fill in the roll of scouts, reserves, skirmishers, and other various duties/roles that main troops can't be spared for.
@Agdistis Would you be willing to share what your influences and inspirations guiding you in the lore creation and world building for the empire in Oros?
Side note: I use "empire" and not "Empire" because we haven't been told its formal name nor if it is the sole empire on Oros, or if other empires also exist elsewhere in the world.
@Maddhawk nothing made you think of Roman Empire? What about shield wall tactics deployed by guards? Massive expanding Empire? A magistrate that commands over both military and the city? Treacherous generals? At later stages of the Roman Empire, they hired lots of mercenaries (which was actually a bad move).
Well, there are obvious deviations. Like the huge war is against demons rather than barbarians, but a huge war is present. No slavery and citizenship isn't a big deal but it is relevant. Also, not sure about general aesthetics, whether they match or not.
I never said mercenaries and adventurers are the main force the empire. I said they were the primary auxiliaries.
Just in the last comment :/
They are also the primary skirmishing and front line troops used.
@Maddhawk @ALX23
It's easy to miss as I think I only ever mentioned the name of the empire once, but it's The Alfhilderunn Empire. I believe the first mention was in chapter 42.
In chapter 54, Aila almost declines Jadis' offer of power leveling because
What you are offering is something nobles pay high level mercenaries to do for their children for a lot of coin, and you are trying to give it to me for free.
So as to that specific question, nobles are actually a thing, at least to some degree.
The title of Magistrate is meant to reference the more Roman idea of an overall leader of a region, so that's an accurate assessment.
There will be chapters in the (near) future that go into the culture and power structure of the Empire, so I will refrain from going too deeply into details, but:
The Empire has aspects of many different real-world empires that I took parts from. There is a bit of a roman influence but the greater part of its design is based off of renaissance era Europe. The Empire is meant to feel as though it is a nation that took the better parts of different systems and incorporated it into its own, since it is a long, long standing nation that has many different races with different cultural backgrounds all mixed together in it. If you are seeing something that reminds you of a historical empire or nation, then that's probably on purpose.
@ALX23 Well, thing is Romans were never unique in their use of shield walls. They just took it next level. First extensive use I recall hearing about shield walls was with the Greek Phalanx. Roman Legions were just so much more flexible and nimble. In many ways, Rome was just an extension of Greek civilization. In that same general line of thinking, so is much of European and American civilization.
I wouldn't call hiring mercenaries a bad move. Later in the Roman Empire, they had also suffered severe man power drains thanks to disease and poor management of Rome itself, combine with the fact that only those either born in Rome or born to verifiable pure blood Roman families could ever become full citizens. At that point, mercenaries became essential. Too essential in fact, which was indeed a problem. Drains yer coffers much faster relying on mercenaries.
I think I just have read far too many novels over the years and have a generally broad exposure to too many empires, kingdoms, republics and more to really draw specific parallels.
On the other hand, turns out yer spot on! Agdistis confirms Roman inspiration. I do hope that doesn't include Roman style politics though. Their politics were especially bad and we can see that style playing out today in the US.
Front line meant they were often first into the foray of battle. In a fantasy world, that actually makes much more sense and would be a sounder practice. Adventurers and mercenaries would have a greater diversity and are much more likely to have much more powerful classes available to combat monsters and evil foes. A nation, like the Alfhilderunn Empire, would have troops generally weaker and possessing far less potential.
Take Thea's base class for a good example of a functional combat class, but one that is also vastly weaker than most adventuring combat classes. It only fairs well in large formations of soldiers. Her secondary class, is an improvement, but still generally on the weaker side.
Given how things are going though, I suspect her third class will be a massive leap in capability. Probably some kind of lewd rear guard class to help her cover their rear better, have lots more sex, and builds upon her first two classes in a way that they actually become a solid base despite the fact that she isn't operating in the army anymore.
@Agdistis Thank you for the clarification. So ALX23 was spot on then with their take on things. I do hope you won't be including the Roman Senate. That den of thieves was just... yeah...
And ok, nobles confirmed. I am guessing Magistrate Vraekae is a noble then?
OH, OH, OH!!! If you want a good storyverse with some interesting takes on government, check the novels about Honor Harrington by David Weber, the "Honorverse".
First novel in the series is: "On Basilisk Station" chronologically speaking.
They are all published by Baen books in e-book, softcover and hardcover. Your local library may have them. He has been writing for decades.
The Star Kingdom of Manticore has a very unique take on the Constitutional Monarchy. They have a full empowered aristocracy and House of Lords. A strong, non-rubber stamp, House of Commons. And ministerial cabinet is made up of members from both houses. The role of the monarch is more that of political umpire, keeping things moving and doing their best to keep the politicos from going too far. They do, of course, have their own royal agendas too, but everyone has an agenda. That is to be human lol.
@Maddhawk I have actually read the Honor Harrington series. It's a good read and I also highly recommend.