The Dinner
1106 Words
After the bill was sent to the parliament house, all that was left to do was assess methods that would knock the military off their perch.
Military force was indispensable to any country but at the same time, it was dangerous if left unchecked. Especially with the military of this kingdom. In their territories, reports of tyranny and suffering came to the palace but like the budget, they were ignored.
As a king that didn't possess a lot of power, doing it through underhanded methods was out of the question. I had to bring them down the right way, strip them of excessive power, and get the people on my side.
"Is the kingdom under any threat? Is the military actually useful?"
"The most important use for them is deterrence. Our kingdom is bordered by the federations and associations who would like nothing more than step in and play white knight. Strong military force means they are kept at bay"
"Hmm, that does seem useful. So, where does the military reside?"
"There are five generals in total. One resides in the east, one in the southwest, one in the north, one in the northeast, and only one resides in the capital" Mila replies. She was also seating, working through the documents. I wonder if she worked for the old king or queen.
"This general in the capital, is he in charge of protecting the capital or the palace?"
"If you're asking if he's an ally, then he is not. He stands with the Parliament house, protecting them and their interests. He's a thoroughbred noble, son of one of the Dukes. His loyalties only lie with his family"
"Is there nobody that protects the palace?"
"Before I took up the job of caring your majesty, I used to be Captain of the Guard. His Majesty instructed me to take care of you and your siblings should any of you survive. I would keep my promise"
"Nice to know. Who's the new Captain of the Guards?"
"An old acquaintance of mine in the church. She quit being clergy and enlisted in the service of the palace. Her name is Aliqa. Do you want to see her now, your majesty?"
"Later, if possible. Count Turrent, arrange the documents of higher priority into a schedule that fills this week. Today, we'll only sort the ones of immediate attention and the easier ones so we can get that out of the way"
"Yes, your majesty"
It was strange though. The church is so closely linked with the palace yet their relationship remains a blur. The crown is surrounded by enemies, taken by the allure of a weak king. How did it honestly get to this point?
We worked from morning all the way into the night, taking frequent breaks and refreshments. My limbs were cramping from all the writing, stamping, and sitting I had been doing.
"Your majesty, you have dinner today with the guests that remain" Ilya, one of my servants told me. Mila had apparently instructed him to get me ready for dinner. What a honest pain.
Still, my first priority is to get allies. With the guests that remain, I have to give a good impression and win them over, no matter who they are. I was aware of what was at stake so I didn't need Mila to remind me.
Everything in the palace was big, draped in green and blue. The dining hall was no exception. The people in the dining hall, however, looked like an immense pain I would rather avoid. I wanted to immediately turn back but Ilya grabbed my hand.
"You can't go, your majesty. You have to see this through"
"I hate my life already. Should it really get worse?"
"Try to get to know them first, your majesty. They might not be that bad"
"Their Gem aura is everywhere! I'd die first before getting to know them"
"I'll shield your majesty. Please, place your trust in me"
"Ilya....." I cried gratefully. He looked away, embarrassed.
I entered with a demeanor as regal as I could muster and although I was sure they were mocking me, I wasn't going down without my dignity as a king. Yes, there is nothing more I can do but accept this situation.
There were five people seated in the hall. They all looked important and powerful with the exception of one person. After greeting the king, I got to know them.
"I am Lord Pharew Dreiss. I come from the territory in the northeast. It is wonderful to dine with you like this, your majesty"
He was a tall, dubious-looking man with long blond hair, blue eyes draped in white robes, and a crest that belonged to his family. He was smiling but his Gem aura leaked through his smile. It really astounds me when people think they can mask their dislike for someone.
I am more astounded when it is as blatant as this.
"I am a representative from the Blacksmith Alliance from the Far East. My name is Cur El"
A different race?
He's shorter than even me, his body big and buff, his skin a healthy shade of chocolate. He also boated many scars, the most prominent across his left eye. His gem was strangely in his exposed chest. Yes, he only wore a pair of trousers.
At least he wasn't showing dislike. He looked like the kind to be disinterested in someone weaker than him. A meathead.
"I come from the Singer's Association from the South. My name is Micha Blossom"
Beautiful men did exist. It seemed like his whole body was sparkling, even if he wore a simple blue suit and had his sparkly red hair tied in a bun atop his head. There was his gem, a ruby right in the middle of his forehead. His brown eyes reflected the fact he knew he was beautiful and tried to use it to his advantage.
A beautiful person can easily cause the downfall of a nation. No thanks.
"I am a representative of the Yrav Federation just west of here. Isthab Kril is the name"
One of the two women in the room. She was huge, her yellow suit barely covering the fact that the woman was covered in muscles. Her purple eyes were filled with literal fighting spirit and I could see her gem, an amethyst, was on her right palm.
"M-My name is D-Duke Salim Arai Von Rirth. I am of the Dukedom of Rirth. It's a pleasure to meet his majesty"
A young Duke? How eyecatching. It seems like I'm on my way to making my first ally.
- Writer
