React with grace and serenity. Only cry later, when the baby is not watching and the page has left.

Also, does the baby have a name? Name him after the previous emperor if not.

>>477991
Sorrow over the loss of your friend. Worry over the coming turmoil in a land without an Empress. Hope for the future in this child, and probably a sense of honor and duty in being given the heir to raise as your own.

Oh my that page has such fine ronin beard~
but I'm being insensitive. Cool, let's take the little guy in and offer the page a drink or something. Are you married? Do you have a stable income, if your raising an emperor, that means your a regent now, which means I think you and your comforts are paid for by the government treasury. I think you run a country along with a bunch of military assholes now.
Cool. Sad thing about your friend, but your just kinda moved on up in the world. And you got prediction powers? You must be a royal vizer or something! That's really good for being a regent, more often then not they're executed or killed somehow for killing the head of state!

>>477991
The first thing I would do is question the page what exactly happened and if there was truly no way for them to escape.

>>478009
And be worried about those who will say you engineered this outcome to become regent.

Also, find out who was responsible.

Ansei 2012/12/11(Tue)21:16 No. 478028 ID: 8682da
File 135528940152.png - (177.50KB , 308x778 , panel2.png )

As difficult as this is, retaining my composition is a wise idea indeed.

As for my marital status I am still unwed. There has been no time for that sort of thing.

A regency is not truly possible either. These are volatile times. When both the emperor and the empress are assassinated out at sea with an heir not placeable on the throne for another thirteen years, my retention of power is highly unlikely! Enclosed in the same envelope was a modest amount of money and a deed to a private estate and a portion of the treasury but this cannot possibly be enough to last us until he reaches adulthood. I’m afraid I’ll have to watch the country fall apart into civil war while raising a child and earning a wage all at once.

I do know this page. His name is Paon.

Paon... Thank you. Is there anything else you know?
…
Do not make this any more difficult than it already is. Please. I can handle whatever news there is.
That is just it, Lady Ansei. There is none. I know nothing else. I had fled the ship without knowing our assailants. I avoided all confrontation so none may know of the heir’s safety.
Well then. Would you like to come inside?
… Thank you, milady.

[You have earned your first income! Hooray! Income is used for basically everything, and it must be managed carefully. It will be received on a regular basis as pieces of the treasure are sold. Of course... if you are feeling greedy... Ancient goods from the treasury may be salvaged without selling them.

This baseline amount of money should last you and the little tyke trough most of his basic life. When he begins his schooling these funds may start draining faster that predicted. As far as you're concerned, getting the child comfortable is your only priority.]

Is there any way we can invest this money?

What sort of jobs are available for us to take?

We need a trust, to build a future. I suggest an investment in something capable of generating money unlikely to be destroyed by war, like a smith or a small quarry.

what's he gonna be doing, and does he have any thought or recommendations on what we should be doing?

>>478030
This! Make capital make more capital!

You're living in an empire, the emperor and empress have recently been murdered. If you already know some good investments for these specific circumstances then go for it. Otherwise don't count on politics being stable enough that businesses will be favourably stable and profitable.

Describe your name, rank, family political importance, and other notable features we have to work with. Are you nobility, or related to nobility? What was your education, if any? What vassals, servants, slaves, properties, and significant investments do you already have at this time? What oaths (of fealty or otherwise) are you bound by?

Now, the child: Does he have any identifying features that would make him notable? What's the short-list of people likely to kill the emperor and empress and how many of those would want to kill the child? Is either side of his birth-family noted for any particular talents or skills? Are there any particular upbringing requirements to fulfill in raising him so that he could claim his heritage?

World particulars, society and tech level: Please describe the economy, major products, imports and exports of your country. Is there magic in your world? Is there advanced technology around (I.E. useful electricity, combustion engines, printing presses, automation, electromagnetic communications, etc.)? What political power is there in this country besides your late friend and her husband? What kind of climate do you live in? How common would it be for a woman your age to be unmarried, and how common would it be for one to have a child as well?

Answering these questions will help to map out how much you need to hide or need to remain publicly engaged to deal with this situation.

>>478028
>I’m afraid I’ll have to watch the country fall apart...
A war torn nation isn't the best environment to raise a child. Clearly, you must find the strength within yourself to claw your way to the top to ensure the child's birthright and security. All you need to do is just start building up supporters and an entourage.

Offer Paon a job, seeing as his former employers have been assassinated and he is the only other person to know the heir's location, it's best to keep him close.

Also, you might want to start thinking of a cover story for the child if you do intend on keeping a low profile.

And do hang onto that letter, it could be the only hard proof of the child's identity which may help if you or he intends on reclaiming the throne.

>>478087
In order to figure out how you should handle this, we'll need some information about you and your previous situation.

You were a close friend of the empress, so most likely you're either another noble or were a personal servant. What's your social standing? If you were a servant, then it will likely be conspicuous if you've suddenly come into a good deal of money. If you're a noblewoman, it'll be extremely conspicuous if you're unmarried and start raising a child. Let us know which one is the bigger issue to plan around.

Similarly, you said "there has been no time" for finding a suitor. What has been occupying your time until now?

Lastly, you expect to watch the country collapse in a civil war? Was the situation surrounding the royalty so contentious? Normally even without a direct heir there would be some obvious successor. Was there already trouble within the royal family even before the Emperor's death?

All that aside, you should definitely keep Paon close. If you are a noblewoman, it would be best if you could take him as your own page now that his previous mistress has passed on. ...unless there are cultural taboos that would make that difficult?

Also, try to determine who else knows anything about the existence of the child. If the Emperor's heir was born, it's almost certain more than just Paon knew of the birth... and if Paon managed to escape from the sinking ship, others likely did as well. Anyone who has reason to believe the heir could be alive may be a danger to the three of you.

1/3 Ansei 2012/12/12(Wed)14:35 No. 478216 ID: 8682da
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“This is just happening so quickly. Now please tell me, how did you survive?”

>Context?
Very well.

>Who are you?
Mila Ansei, Empress Fotia’s personal handmaiden. I’m fairly certain his highness’ courtesan had more influence than I. I am well educated in the arts and domestic work. All around quite the desirable woman if I do say so myself. I know nothing of the blade or any magical exploits, though. Many would expect me to have a child at this age but my disinterest in wedlock would be shocking for a common woman. My duty has lied with the court and the court alone. If I must be honest... I am rather uncomfortable with the way many men look down on me. Peli was the only one who I could really talk to genuinely.

>What about the society and its technologies?
The Fotinese empire is as powerful as it is vast. The result is a high valuing of culture, and a multitude of architectural advancements and revolutionary ideas in our crafts coming from far and wide. Some have dabbled in machinery but it is far from mainstream. Magic is studied by some but it is quite the social taboo. It is considered a weakness to resort to magic over doing a task yourself. There are many scholars available but they are rather reclusive.

We are large enough to be self-sustaining, and have discovered printing solely to ease the production of currency. The range of wealth is quite dramatic. Our interactions with the rest of the world are rather limited.

>Are there any other political powers?
It's a sprawling tree of bureaucratic offices and poorly organized provinces from his highness downward. The nation is fairly divisive in its territories; allegiances and dialect draw clear lines through the land.

>Offer Paon a job, seeing as his former employers have been assassinated and he is the only other person to know the heir's location, it's best to keep him close.

Well this shouldn't be difficult. He's far too pleasant to say no.

They were trapped within their personal chambers by the raiders, but had access to a starboard window. I had managed to seize an escape vessel and have them lower their child down to me before escaping from the chaos. We were only a stone’s throw from shore! I stayed by the coast for hours to see if anyone else had escaped but I’m afraid there was nothing.

“You were very brave, for someone paid so little...”
“Hm?”
“Well, his highness was never the generous sort for this kind of thing. I however am more than grateful for your efforts. Would you like to stay with me? A handmaiden raising a child is suspicious.”
“Wait, Milad-... Mila. It’s far too dangerous here.”
“No worries. The estate Peli has given to me is located on the Teten peninsula. We can raise him there until he is old enough to understand what is going on.”
“... I don’t have many other options. Before we go further, shouldn’t we check on the child?”

2/3 Ansei 2012/12/12(Wed)14:43 No. 478220 ID: 8682da
File 135535218586.png - (332.78KB , 702x800 , panel3-2.png )

>Investigate this child.

It’s a baby. There’s nothing to investigate. There is only one trait truly identifiable of the royal family but I would rather not wake him to check.

>Was the situation surrounding the royalty so contentious?

While I love Peli, his highness was not exactly a “good” ruler.
He was... awful. Simply awful.

I have been warning Peli of the people’s unrest for years now and while she believed me it never was pushed through.

They’re good people, I swear! Royal habits are just difficult to break.

When your royal habits are taxing your people to the ground and rewarding them with an inattentive military force and mediocre services... I understand why the land falling apart. I know not a single peasant who wants a Fotia back on the throne.

I’m sure this child will be different with my guidance but when anyone looks a Fotia in the eye all they will see is-

3/3 Ansei 2012/12/12(Wed)14:45 No. 478221 ID: 8682da
File 135535230137.png - (402.46KB , 702x1008 , panel3-3.png )

I...?

What was I saying?

>>478221

Moriat Ansei Fotia.

That way, you can avoid using his real last name if it is necessary.

Alternatively, if you plan to wed . . .

Darius Tzu Ansei/Fiota

>>478234
>>478225
Moriat Tzu Ansei Fiota
because I like those ideas almost as much as I like stealing ideas.

It's a boy child right? Call him Yori. Yori Ansei.

Puyi Fei Fotia

1/3 Ansei 2012/12/12(Wed)20:05 No. 478321 ID: 8682da
File 135537153023.png - (385.47KB , 702x1008 , panel4-1.png )

Good enough.

Keeping my family name would be the logical thing to do. I'll need to find a way to alter this more convincingly later on once we are settled.

2/3 Ansei 2012/12/12(Wed)20:10 No. 478323 ID: 8682da
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"I... I think he likes me..."
"Well-"

[Welcome to the status menu! It's pretty empty right now, but soon it will be full of scribbles of your observations of your child's development. If you are unclear on any terms, you may ask to have them clarified. To the left is Yori's basic information. To the top right is a chart of his relationships, and his standing socially. At the bottom left is his current condition and health. At the bottom right is his talents and skills.

This means very little at the moment, but the more time you spend with your child the more you will be able to detect his growth. Once he gets older it is important to check his condition often.

If you want to fill in gaps in his information, you can always ask others to see how he is preforming. Or when he can speak, ask him yourself!]

I don't believe he's had anything proper to eat for a day or so now... I've given him a little goat's milk, but... You know...

...

3/3 Ansei 2012/12/12(Wed)20:11 No. 478324 ID: 8682da
File 135537188099.png - (108.59KB , 346x484 , panel4-2.png )

Oh.

Okay, so we need to make friends with a pregnant female then. Great.
Or however else adopted mothers or other caretakers take care of orphans. That or have sex with the page until your pregnant but by the time THAT part of your systems start working he'll be starved by then.

check identifiable feature of royal family. try to feed him milk... I'm not sure how orphans were fed before baby bottles were invented.

>>478324
Well, it is possible to induce lactation. You could try that, but if that doesn't work out you'll have to find a breastmilk substitute or a trustworthy recent mother. Honestly though, breast milk is the best thing you can give a baby.

>>478327
Dangit Dirtbag, stop living up to your name. Right. We can DO THIS. We just need to find a vaguely compatible pregnant mammal... Hmmmmm.... Well, there's wild boars, wolves, goats, sheep, or finding a nurse maid for the poor wee lad. Just make up a sob story about some relatives who died of acute sword poisoning who sent their child to you. It's the perfect excuse.

>>478331

metal poisoning, let's go with metal poisoning.

>>478328
The features were his blue eyes. As for feeding him, we'd need a wet nurse. Ie, someone who had kids of her own, then kept her breasts lactating by professionally nursing other children.

Need a wet nurse!

massage your breasts to induce lactation.

make sure to do it really really slowly.

>>478373
Stop living up to Dirtbag's name! He's got it covered!

Err, I'd like to clarify that if you DO try to breast feed him yourself, you should do so in private.

>>478334

you had me at "wet nurse".

>>478334
>>478344
>>478330
These three have the right idea.

Send Paon immediately to fetch some goat's milk from the market until a wet nurse can be summoned.

Wet nurses were a common thing throughout the centuries in different countries of the world. If one is currently unavailable, animal's milk will do for short-term, but might not have the nutrients the young'in needs.

If it's possible with the funds you were given, hire a live-in wet nurse to help you raise the child as well. They should have the skills needed to handle the things you might be unfamiliar with (that you can also learn by observing and doing yourself with the hiree) as well as keep the child fed until he can eat food.

Though if you do hire one, you'll probably need a cover story as to why you are suddenly with child unless it is poignant to inform them of the full situation (which you might have to given the royal feature is cannot be hidden.) Either they'll have to be paid to keep the secrecy of the situation or you'll have to find someone you personally know and trust.

Wetnurses were a thing back in the day. Get one of those.

Lie suggestion for recruiting wet nurse:
Say that you were given the infant by a close friend who had been unable to care for the infant and you need guidance on raising the child well. Vauge but not specific on circumstance. At least you shouldn't have to concoct a story and evidence on why you were suddenly pregnant.

...

Do you consider yourself to be physically fit for a hand? Because in rare cases, some women could get pregnant and not notice until the date of birth.

In any case...

It's probably best to work with paon on a back story before you go to recruit a wet nurse for Yoric. I mean Yory.

1/3 Ansei 2012/12/17(Mon)19:57 No. 479572 ID: 8682da
File 135580307690.png - (95.47KB , 521x405 , panel4-1.png )

>Locate mammal

Chowmein is a boy!

2/3 Ansei 2012/12/17(Mon)20:03 No. 479574 ID: 8682da
File 135580340053.png - (168.38KB , 866x639 , panel5-2.png )

> Give it a whirl.

This is it, Mila. This is your first duty as mother. I can do this.

But not with you watching.

>Send Paon for supplies and spare lactating female.

Wait, what.
You know what I mean! This is a private moment between mother and high empress' son.
Right... I'll just... go... pack...?

Alright.
Deep breathes.

3/3 Ansei 2012/12/17(Mon)20:08 No. 479575 ID: 8682da
File 135580373071.png - (253.35KB , 700x797 , 5-3.png )

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand oh by the heavens this is never going to work I'm a complete failure and wait a second oh okay he seems to be latching (that is the term right I'll need to read more on this before I continue) and now he's starting to suckle oh sweet mercy I think that actually worked.

Well, the child- I mean, Yori- is clearly healthy! And thirsty. Please slow down.

If this is any indicator of his mood, he is fond of me already. Or needs me to live more than a few hours.

This will do for now.

With this issue sorted out, I'm not quite sure what the next course of action should be. Teten is a day or more by carriage away so packing may be wise. I can handle any affairs with the treasury by post if necessary, or I can get that organized now.

Additionally, I really must pay some sort of tribute to the divine for delivering this child to me completely unharmed.

Once Yori finishes... this, I believe it would be fine to leave him with Paon if there are indeed any affairs I should have settled now before proceeding.

Get everything organized now, and go bring an offering to your local shrine/temple/whatever

Get organized now. Thank the divines later when you all arrive safely in Teten.

How active are the gods in your world? We don't know of any actually doing anything provable in mine, and all the stories about them seem to be superstitious nonsense. On the other hand we don't have anything we would consider magic either, just physical forces, matter and energy we exploit using different methods and devices.

Where this consideration is leading is to the question of I'm pondering if you really should bother to involve clergy and worship in this child's life at all. Clearly the god(s) did not protect his birth-parents.

It might be a good idea to start working out a battleplan, so to speak.

Best to get organized now while still in town. Make haste with your final preparations and packing. Thank the Gods when you arrive in Teten