Chapter 39: Pests, Problems, and the Issue of Coronation

It was currently at the break of dawn, and I was in my office petting the cutely yawning Bellerophon on my lap, who adamantly refused to part ways with me ever since I returned a week ago, as Horus and Abraham protectively stood behind me as usual, while Kira stood professionally near the door awaiting any instructions, like an exemplary maid.

And as I continued petting the lazy creature, who's horns and wings were starting to sprout out of his head and back respectively, I couldn't help as my mind slowly drifted back to this past week, as a slight smile bloomed across my features, whilst I remembered how I played with Alisar and Cyrus for hours, as their infectious laughs resounded all around me.

Or how I spent hours listening to Nizam remove his usual mask of maturity as he enthusiastically spoke about his new found passion for the magic arts. Or how I would accompany my mother on her evening walks through the Palace gardens, with Azrael and Dido.

And my smile grew even larger, as I remembered my mother's enraged, yet concerned and loving tone, as she loudly scolded me, for hiding my injury from her.

Her concern and fury only subsided after I promised to not do anything remotely taxing on my body until I was completely healed, which wouldn't be too long now, since the Arch priest of the empire, Adam Sekhmet healed most of my wounds a few days ago.

But before I could further dive into the river of my memories, a loud knock echoed throughout the room, as I heard Darius loudly say "May I enter, sire."

I nod to Kira, who immediately understands my meaning, and swiftly opens the door, letting both men in, as they slightly bow, while saying "Good morning, your imperial majesty."

"Good morning to you too gentlemen.

My apologies for calling you so early in the morning, but we have much to discuss about the state of our empire, as well as the damages this war has caused." I reply as I shake off the remnants of my distracting thoughts, and focus on performing my duties as emperor once again.

Darius nods, and steps forward as he happily says "Please don't fret my liege, it's our duty and honor to answer whenever you call. But before I speak on those issues, we must decide on another matter." Darius finishes as he looks at Isaac.

Seeing this, I also turn my eyes to him, as he stepped forward and carefully said "It's about your step siblings and step mothers, sire."

As soon as Isaac said those words, everyone felt the temperature in the room drop by a couple of degrees, as my gaze became frigid, before releasing a deep frustrated sigh, and say "What did those ravenous hyaenas do now?"

"They, along with the noble faction spread slanderous words, and demeaning rumors about you, and your family, sire.

They also attempted to galvanize the people against you, by claiming that you were too young to handle the responsibility of the throne, and a regent must be named for the good of the empire." Isaac replied calmly, with a sharp gleam in his eyes.

I laugh heartily as if I'd heard the finest joke in my life, as I said "For the Empire? And not to satiate their selfish ambitious desires? Even the court jester would struggle to find a more absurd joke!"

"Indeed, sire." Isaac says with a scornful smile, as he continued ruthlessly "As soon as the news of your victory arrived, they quickly escaped with their tails between their legs to their mothers families, in fear of retaliation."

"Around seventeen million Darr." Darius replies solemnly.

I frown at this number and ask gravely "Isn't that number a bit too small?"

"Indeed it is sire. We have the weakest economy among all four great empires at the moment." Darius once again replied.

I stay silent for a few seconds, before resolutely saying "Darius, I want you to prepare a recommendation list for the positions of my ministers by the end of the day. And I want you to make sure that the war reparations from the Luminous Empire arrives safely to the capital.

Those funds are necessary for us at the moment."

"Understood, my liege." Darius happily said, after all he was now certain that his position as Grand Vizier would not be in jeopardy under his new emperor, since the privilege of offering recommendations for the minister positions was only afforded to the Grand Vizier.

"Isaac, I want the Shade Corps to fully mobilize, and begin investigating every political enemy we have, and find all the incriminating evidence you can possibly get against them." I say sadistically.

"Right away, sire." Isaac said while slightly bowing.

I nod to him, before looking at both of them, and asking "Is there anything else we need to discuss today?"

"Yes there is, your majesty. There is still the issue of your coronation. When would you like it to be held?" Darius said.

I sigh and facepalm as I heard this, since I completely forgot about it; and I honestly wished I didn't have to remember it either!

Because not only is it a long, time consuming ceremony, that was completely pointless, since I'm already the emperor in name and power already, but I would also have to meet and socialize with a lot of annoying and narcissistic bastards, who would try every trick in the book to take advantage of me.

'But I can't ignore it.' I depressingly thought, since it was tradition. And to break tradition is a foolish endeavor, since it would alienate me from my people, and it would give my enemies an easy weakness to take advantage of.

"Is one month enough time to prepare everything?" I ask in a defeated tone.

"More than enough my emperor." Darius replied, as he chuckled amusedly after seeing my deflated state, and understanding that I didn't want to do it.

I glared at him after hearing his amusement, which prompted him to immediately excuse himself, saying he needed to finish his many tasks. After which he was also followed by Isaac saying the same reason.

And seeing their departing figures I couldn't help but sigh once again as the unappealing thought of having to suffer through another coronation resurfaced in my mind. But little did I know that I would be extraordinarily grateful for it in the coming few days!