Chapter 152: Day 333 (2) – The President Waits For Me

Chapter 152: Day 333 (2) – The President Waits For Me

I rubbed my smooth face as I entered my office and took a seat. I waited for a minute before speaking up, “Send him in.”

Clarissa let in President Bob, and she followed after him. He took a seat across from me while Clarissa sat to the side ready to take any notes that were needed.

“Champion Michael, thank you for seeing me,” President Bob said.

“Clarissa said you wanted to speak, and it was important.”

“Yes. I want to resign from my position.” I took a deep breath to contain my annoyance. “I have already picked Rick as my Vice President. When I step down, he will take my position.” I didn’t say anything and stared at Bob, disappointed in him.

“Why?” I asked.

“The stress and pressure. I can run my store, but a city? It is too much.” I leaned back in my chair and thought over the situation. He had only been in the position for about 30 days and now he wanted to quit.

Clarissa was already busy enough and the people looked up to Bob based on what Clarissa had told me. Him resigning right now would signify a lack of confidence in the government. He was probably planning to flee.

“President Bob, there is one thing you are forgetting.”

“Um, what am I forgetting?” He asked nervously.

“A President goes down with his country. While we are a tiny country, you were elected and will serve out your term. You can wait for your term to end or resign in a permanent fashion. There will be no running away,” I said calmly.

He appeared to be trying to transform into a tomato monster with how red his face became. “I see,” he said in a clipped tone.

“This city needs stability and guidance to be built back up.”

“I am a figurehead, powerless,” he complained. I nodded at that.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via N0v3l.B11n.

“Your authority comes from me. What exactly am I stopping you from doing besides running away?”

“I thought the position would have benefits, like selling potions. Ken was making a mint on that.”

“Those potions, or drugs, cause cognitive decline. I don’t want people getting any stupider than they already are. There is enough stupidity around this place that adding more, well, it seems like a stupid idea,” I responded.

“Clarissa is controlling all the tax revenue.”

“She is. But, if you are volunteering, well you can take charge,” I said with a smile.

“Wait, really?”

“Yes. And Clarissa will conduct regular audits. If a single crystal is missing, or there is any kind of discrepancy, theft, or other problem with the city tax it will be you that answers to me. After having the treasury stolen twice, and used up once, I have zero patience left for any kind of shinnanigans. I don’t care if a level 4 monster comes and takes those crystals. Your body better be shielding them from any kind of theft.”

“That...I...please let me quit,” Bob said.

“No. You got exactly what you wanted. More authority. Clarissa make sure to inform President Bob of all the steps he needs to take to ensure the treasury. That is something that can be taken off your plate.”

“Also charge through the nose. The negative energy sensing can fund the doctor’s research and your operations.”

“People won’t be happy.”

“Well just tell them, once we confirm the limitations on summoning, we will consider opening it to the public,” I said.

“Really?”

“Yes, it is too big a tactical option. However, we are going to license the heck out of it. Make sure the summoners are mentally stable. Have people vouch for them. A couple of interviews. Set up the process and procedures. I will take a look when I return. For now, no green light.”

“I am surprised Michael. You aren’t afraid of another Ritualist?” Clarissa asked.

“No. Banning a path to power will only make people resentful. I just want to make sure we have firm grip on who is given the privilege of the knowledge. Don’t make all the requirements public either. Laura, their teammates, and one other person outside of the Union will all be interviewed to get a grip on their character.”

“And what type of character are you looking for?” Clarissa asked.

“Steady and willing to work with others. Also, people not inclined to begin human testing outside my watch in other cities. We could control the production of the powder and sell it for summoners. No, that will only make people look for a workaround and test things on their own. Anyone inducted has to understand that they are not to spread summoning no matter what.”

“The fact is, summoning is the only other source of crystal consumption besides the system store. We can’t be letting tax revenue decline,” I explained.

“I understand. I will implement strict requirements and consult with Laura, Gerold, and Bob in regards to this issue. The challenge will be implementing a way to tell our summons apart from another summons. Also, the risk of in city assassinations increase,” Clarissa said.

“No monsters within Purgatory unless Gerold or myself authorizes their use. With negative energy sensing, the tethers to the summoners will be sensed. Which will hopefully counter things.”

“Alright, I will being working on it. No luck on your pastor for your church. But I will keep looking.”

“Hmmm, good to know. Any other issues with religion around here?” I asked.

“Everyone is keeping their heads down. There is a regular meeting of people, who want to pray, but nothing political. No one is starting anything.”

“Feel free to remind people if things change,” I said.

“Don’t worry, I will. Leaving tomorrow?”

“Yes, first thing in the morning. I saw Naran cleaning my armor. I need to thank him for that,” I said.

“I suggest he be assigned to that duty permanently,” she said completely dead pan.

“I wouldn’t do that to him. Aren’t you hiring someone for that position? Well, if you think of anything nice I can do for him, let me know,”

“I will. Is that everything Michael?”

“Yes, dinner with Naran at the Gray Duck” I said, and Clarissa nodded. We had a dinner planned with the three of us. Then she got up and left. Everything was running smoothly. My subordinates were capable and getting things done. I had the slightest bit of hope that Purgatory would not be on fire when I returned.

It was probably a lost cause. Bob, well, he would either still be alive or Clarissa would take care of the problem. It was funny and sad. I wasn’t threatening Clarissa or the doctor, but the President, I was crushing on my metaphorical boot. Well, no one on my leadership council was running away and getting away with it. I really didn’t want to add a third name to my list.