EPISODE 55: THEN, YOU SHALL HAVE IT
— Edryan Queendom, Year 7291. Season: Central.
Queen Titiana raised her son to his feet. She held the gaze of her favorite son in as she judged his character. Good, he is starting to understand.
In her child's eyes, the [Iron Blooded Queen] saw one of the many qualities necessary to rule. Indifference was a quality many possessed but did not harness correctly. It was a state of mind that allowed one to do what they ultimately believed was necessary to accomplish their goals. Titiana extended her hand to her son long ago. It was only now he chose to truly step on this path.
The Path of King.
Paths are a subject the greatest scholars of Elrunian studied in great detail. All failed to truly categorize the quantity and quality of this term. All who resided on the Elrunian Continent knew of the term instinctively. It was something scholars believe to be an innate connection to the realm and more.
What are paths?
A way of life.
That was the simplest of answers. A way of life that is followed to produce a specific result was the answer most scholars who studied paths decided to use as the definition. The specific results were subject to interpretation by those who walked Paths.
Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani, her favorite son, finally stepped onto the Path of King. The Path of Queen, Ruler, Sovereign, and more. All the same but different paths that led to the same ending.
Love , pride, and more radiated in Queen Titiana’s eyes as she raised her son to stand before her. The indifference fully plastered on his face for the first time. Not a mask that he wore, but his true face. A character trait Queen Titiana believed all great rulers of Edryan should possess.
“Come, I will tell you of the Path of Queen I’ve walked.”
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“You were born in the year 7275, in the fourth stable year of my rule as the [ High Queen of Edryan ]. Before I was High Queen, I was commonly referred to as the [ Iron-Blooded Queen ].”
My mother began to tell me the story of her past. This time it was not read from the history books or a child’s story, as I was younger. This time it was from the word of the woman herself. Her voice was soft, pleasant, but firm with the resolution to finally tell me this tale. It was not the small tales of fantasies she told me as a child. This was raw , this was Titiana Koltius Verlio Edryani, my mom, at her core . So, I made sure she held my full attention… as did Minerva, who cuddled in her lap.
We sat in one of the many halls of the palace, one that was newly established. The Hall of Titiana, High Queen. A hall that told of her tales of rising to take the throne and slaying all members of the Edryani family who tore the Queendom apart from within. We sat facing one of the many paintings that adorn the walls. Paintings, so vivid in nature, that I could picture everything as clearly as if I were present myself.
The same woman who produced various pieces for the Imper District, Simra’s mother, was the same woman to paint the pieces within these halls. I’d never bothered to visit the woman, but perhaps it was time. Questions needed to be answered.
“That title came from my resolute and powerful will. The will to carve the corrupt flesh from the body of Edryan, even if it included my own… I am willing to do whatever I must for the people I love .
It is a title, a history, a story… I Do Not Relish In. ”
My mother’s eyes held a faraway look, and she continued reliving the events as she told them. “I left the palace at the age of eighteen. Sensing the danger of my father's death, it was Royal Advisor – Garo Drumian, who risked his life to save mine. Together, with his daughter, he shipped me from the palace and into the Wildlands of Edryan.
My only possessions were the [ Heaven’s Spear ] and my Intent to use it. The death of my father was what fractured this country. My spear was the thread that would stitch its wounds back together. You, my little warrior,” she gazed at me with the pride and joy only a mother could have. “Are the medication that will change Edryan for the better.
In that time away from the palace, I solo-dived through dungeons… gathering achievements and strength. Once I possessed a sufficient quality, gathering allies was second. Eliana was the first to offer support at the behest of her husband.
Margret was a tag-along Liana and I picked up early during our travels, A [Musa Mage] that refused to marry under her father's orders. A refusal that saved the Musa clan had they married their eldest daughter into one of the three ducal families.”
Her story came out choppy, like she wasn’t used to telling it… or perhaps she was uncertain as to how to organize it. After all, she’d never needed to tell this story before. The [Scholars] and [Historians] of Edryan scoured the state to undercover the story of the queen. To me, it didn’t matter. This was my mother’s story, and I would listen, no matter how she wished to tell it.
“My father never recovered after his mother… my grandmother, Princess Carina, died. Her death led to his rise as the next king, but it also shattered his spirit and the strength one needs to walk the Path of King.
He… did not hold the same quality I and now you hold. He was unable to properly handle his grief, and that caused Edryan to fall into a despotic state. Our people, the commoners, suffered harshly under this rule, a rule that gave rise to [Revolutionaries], [Insurgents], and more powerful classes that challenged the nobility and might of Edryani. Treated like second class citizens and worse, it was no wonder they rose in defiance. Our nobles forgot their pledge and the reason they are noble in the first place.
The death of your grandmother did nothing to help. This problem grew like the plague upon his death and the infighting between my three elder brothers.
Jodri Edryani – the Eldest.
Karuuthian Edryani – the Second.
Lawru Edryani – the Third.
I slayed them all… from the youngest up .”
She clenched her fist and the palace ground shook . A single tear dropped from her face of indifference before quickly drying. Firm resolution returned as she continued.
I listened intently as my mother began speaking of her family, especially her brothers. This was the first she ever truly mentioned them and my great-grandmother. A woman I took plenty of inspiration from as her class gave her great insight. Insight that was used to begin changing the laws of this country. Establishing laws that restricted the nobles and their use of power, laws that protected commoners and advanced their rights. So much more could have been done had she not died.
“My father was subjected to fits of {Depression} and other ailments of the mind. It was what caused his ruling to be unstable, and he gave more power to the leaders of the three ducal families.
Duchess Mary Maar.
Duke Winston Enlar.
Duke Ja’dii Ahuum.
Each… gave into {Greed} and other afflictions as they grasp more and more powers. Favorable laws ensuring the nobles held more, and more power passed through court because of their insidious whispers into my father's ears.
So, I Destroyed Them. ” As she spoke, she raised her hand before tightly closing her fist.
While she spoke, we gazed from mural to mural. Each depicts a unique scene. The one we gazed at currently depicted a dark and dreary-looking Edryan. Bone-thin commoners slaved away in the fields and shops, while fat merchants and fatter nobles grew upon their backbreaking work. Above them all were three wickedly depicted people. Claw-like hands clutching at a crowned man who drew within upon himself. Brittle ebony-gradient hair, cracked gnarled yellowed nails, and dark baggy sleepless eyes, gave my grandfather a unique appearance. One that I could feel from the emotions poured into the work of art. It was like the scene was taken directly from a true event.
The cheaply produced magical goods brought these dukes untold riches as we sold them to the rest of the continent. The blessing of Goddess Madris’s domain of Wealth produced an effect like no other on Edryan lands. Our mines became richer , as did our fields of produce, fishing vessels, and every aspect you can think of. Goddess Madris’s domain of Wealth affected it all. Three statewide buffs are in effect on either the Edryan lands or her people. One for each of the Goddess's domains.
“In my twelve years of travel before returning home and becoming queen, I gathered allies, and those I couldn’t gather I avoided until the throne was mine. Even after the throne was mine, I’ve left… remnants of a different time behind . Remnants of my father's time, as there are advisors who have been supporting me nearly since the beginning.”
I could tell Garo most likely was a reason the Convocation was not exactly under my mother’s heel, perhaps his relationship with Thraag was deeper than former best friends. Perhaps…
“The Spatial Convocation, the Arcane Council, The Deep Shadow Syndicate, Order of the Black Sun, Radiant Tower, and a few other mighty magical organizations. The Syndicate was much worse, and their crime was rampant during my father's rule. Now, with Mariam’s help and her ties to the organization, they have mellowed down considerably. Their help in assassinations during my rise is another reason they still exist.
The Order is in direct opposition to Elysium for… reasons. They wish to extinguish the light of the Elder Elf.
The Spatial Convocation is what kept the Edryan economy alive. Now, I see it was all for profit, but their trade wagons made it throughout the entire country, no matter if there was war or not. I’ve allowed them to grow too powerful, and it is time they’re reminded who is responsible for Edryan.
My mother mentioned names of organizations I recognized somewhat. Radiant Tower was a magical school that specialized in advancing fire mages to the maximum. Getting their affinity from Fire to Radiant. A mix of Light mana and Fire mana that produced some of the most destructive spells known to man.
The Arcane Council was a mage group specializing in arcane spell casting. Not specializing in an affinity as most mages often did, but a wide range of spells. They were like the wizards from Harry Potter and other magical fantasies. Regardless, their arcane magic was powerful, producing spells like (Grand Illusion) and (Hopeless Dawn). Each spell was at the tenth tier and could be classified as a city killer.
“We shall use the Convocation as an example. Those that do not fall in line with your rule… punished if not destroyed. My past has led me to make choices I believed have put Edryan on the path to success. The Third War must succeed under your rule. Thrice done and completing a perfect trinity. Goddess Madris guides my spear, guides my child to greater heights. To the greatest heights.”
My lips thin, but my expression remained neutral. Quietly I sat, absorbing every word like a dry sponge in water. Like this, my mother told me her story.
The story of a young princess, eighteen when she left home, not alone but considerably lost. She did the only thing she did know, gain power… and kill . Killing her way through thousands of enemies until only… remnants remained. Cleansing the filth from an Age of Wickedness. The Age of Corruption and many more names from my grandfather's era as king.
“Come, it is best we meet [West Gate Protector] Laura. You will be marching with her after all. It's best your army gains real experience before we wage war outside the country.”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
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I groaned internally; this was the most stubborn of the bunch!
[ West Gate Protector ] Laura sized me up and down. “You want me to bring the brat along too,” she said in a joking manner.
My mother stayed silent, a look of indifference plaster upon her face.
“I’m not the young child I once was [ West Gate Protector ] Laura, not anymore.”
Laura Lance was a short woman with wolfish features and an easily ignited temper, but she was the fiercest in her loyalty to my mother and the throne. She looked up at me in a judging manner as my mother watched. The older woman appeared to be in her early fifties and held a mature but wild aura around her. Like a trained beast ready to lash out at a moment's notice.
Descended from Arthur Lance, one of the greatest warriors to serve Goddess Madris, Laura Lance was a force to be reckoned with. It was surprising that they were not one of the greater six. Instead, they chose a completely hands-off approach during the war that nearly split Edryan, and only pledged loyalty once my mother did away with her conquest. Although they were not in high favor, they still held enough sway and prestige to have one of their family leaders as the [ West Gate Protector ].
Perhaps seeing a change within me, Laura stopped her pacing and stood before me. She was dressed in the attire of a general, with badges and metals decorating her outfit. “You’ve grown since I last saw you. Since the coronation speech and more. Solid, firmer, and ready to do what is necessary even if it is not always right. Good. You will lead well.”
Laura turned away from me and took a knee in front of my mother. Not speaking as she waited to be addressed.
“[ West Gate Protector ] Laura,” Queen Titiana began.
“My Queen!” Laura answered explosively. By now, she’d be aware of the details of her task. It was only the confirmation of my mother who mattered.
“My Lawruthian has wished for the Spatial Convocation to bend its knees. See that they are brought before my son, no matter the manner. ”
“Yes, my Queen!” Laura roared in excitement. No [Gate Protector] has seen battle in close to twenty years. Monster slaying, perhaps, but the hunting dogs of my mother remained by her side. Finally, after twenty years of silence, one was let loose.
“Lawruthian will accompany you with his two generals. Ensure that they gain sufficient experience on this… expedition.”
“Your Will is mine to Obey!”
“Dismissed.”
“Yes, my Queen!”
My mother turned, smiled at me, then left with her servants and attendants. I found myself not entirely alone, but in the context of importance, alone with [West Gate Protector] Laura.
She stood only once the queen left before looking at me with a hot passion. “ Have you ever killed a man? ”
“No,” I said without hesitating. Monsters, creatures, and more, yes. Indirectly sending my HGs to clear bandits to generate fame, yes. Never directly, but I knew what Laura Lance was asking.
“Come with me.”
She turned and began moving swiftly. We moved through the palace grounds, a few servants and maids of my own followed us. My generals were familiarizing themselves with one another and the 1000 Total Golems were now ready to join my growing Imperius Army.
Her pace was quick, clearly a passive was boosting her natural movement, but she slowed enough for me to keep up with her. Never moving more than five feet ahead without me being close behind. We traveled deep into the ground until I found myself descending into the castle dungeons.
We passed through level after level, the air growing stale as the mages in charge of clearing the air only did so occasionally for the deepest levels of War Throne Prison. While the earth grew hot as the heat was better kept. The deeper we went, the higher the level those guarding became. Guard after guard saluted us, and I recognized the insignia of those who were no lower than level two hundred used. She waved a pair over to follow. The keys of these wardens jangled as they moved with us.
It was only here that we stopped in a corridor, and I realized what Laura brought me here to do.
“These men have been found guilty by a judge and titled accordingly to their crimes. Inspect them.”
“( Inspect ).”
SHACKLED: Level 179 John Brin – SERIAL MURDERER
“( Inspect ).”
SHACKLED: Level 232 Kalu Ruu – SERIAL RAPIST
“( Inspect ).”
SHACKLED: Level 154 Booh Bob – SERIAL TRAFFICKER
“( Inspe -”
“Enough.
I am certain you understand why I’ve brought you here. These men are all members of the Syndicate that do not obey Rules and Regulations . Show me your resolve. Kill a man.”
Without hesitation, [Limitless Love] transformed from the bracelet I kept it is and into a throwing dagger that easily traveled through the bars of a cell and straight into the head of one of the prisoners. These men were scheduled for public execution, but more importantly, Laura Lance wanted to see my resolve.
CRITICAL HIT!
Kalu Ruu -4865 HP
You have gained two levels from combat experience.
Please assign the levels to [ Imperius Golemlord ] or [ Holy Son of Edryan ].
If I was still new to the Prime Plane, perhaps my reaction would have been different. Perhaps I would have hesitated. That is no longer the case. I recognized the strengths and laws of this world. The Path of King was not an easy journey.
“Good, come, follow,” Laura said after the guards retrieved my weapon. They handed it to Laura, who in turn handed it to me.
We rose back up the levels until we arrived at the first floor. At random, Laura pointed to a cell. Inside was a fat man who was clearly down on his luck.
“(Inspect).”
SHACKLED: Level 73 John John Seena – SERIAL LAUNDERER
“Hmm, a Launderer. Embezzling the Crown precious Edri,” Laura said. She turned to me once again and spoke. “Kill him.”
Instantly the man began begging, “My Lords it was an honest mistake, please just one chance. Please, my daughter, she wants to attend Imperius Academy . It was an honest mistake. Please. My Lords…”
The crime he committed was serious. Stealing from the crown was an executional offense. In fact, this man was most likely scheduled to die.
I swallowed, but my mouth was dry as I listened to the words of the man. [Limitless Love] did not have the same instant transformation and reaction it did with the criminals below. I couldn’t kill this man without regret, not after hearing his words. Certainly, not without doing an investigation to check if the man's claims were true. The bond in my chest, the words spoken to the little greats… a pledge that still held itself true. To uphold justice, that pledge meant even now. It was not debilitating, but the bond did hold itself true. Swearing in magic was not a thing to be taken lightly.
I turned to face Laura Lance, who was watching me. Rustic gold irises studied me as they waited for my action. The short blonde-haired general waited patiently.
“No.”
Her reaction was instant, as it happened at the same moment I spoke. The man didn’t know what hit him as a fireball consumed his corpse. His death was instant. I could barely follow Laura’s Lance's actions, and she was too quick for me to speak and attempt to stop her. Not even ash remained as the white-hot fireball landed.
“Why,” there was anger in my voice, but not to the extent I expected.
“Because innocent men will die, it is not the crown's responsibility to sway its hand when judgment comes. Judgment is Impartial. Those are the most famous words of Princess Carina. Do you believe when the crown issues orders, only those who are criminals die?”
I shook my head and Laura continued. “Judgment is Impartial, and the Convocation has crossed a line they should not have. They believe it to be the age of old when a prince needed to gather the support of various organizations. That is not with you. Do you believe the low-level members of the Convocation will be spared from what is to come?”
My mouth ran completely dry, but I spoke this time, my voice coming out hoarse. “No.”
“Judgment is Impartial, and the Convocation has been found… wanting . I will be their jury, judge, and executioner. You are the one who gave the order. Come, let us level your army into something… worthy of your status.”
Well, I always wondered if the [Gate Protectors] were crossed with me not choosing any of them to lead my army. This gave me the answer.
You have been in the presence of a powerful class skill multiple times. Due to your mythical tier racial skill ( Soul’s Burden ), the Legendary version of a new skill has been unlocked!
(The King’s Indifference)
Description:
Take a step back and observe objectively.
The indifference of a King can control your emotions, actions, and mindset when viewing a subject or engaging in battle and more.
Function:
Active/Passive
Enter the King’s Indifference.
Accept
Decline
‘Accept.’