The Emperor was nowhere to be seen. Lord Helretum sat in the chamber where his queen had previously negotiated with the other countries, feeling bleak and lonely. He had almost died to get here, and yet the Emperor was not even there. It felt deliberate to Lord Helretum, since a week ago, they had squabbled and bickered like children, which caused Lord Helretum to make rude remarks, which were considered treason. Horse shit. That had almost gotten him a place in the gallows, but luckily he had escaped on the way, due to one of the guards doing nothing, and letting him run away. If it was not for that man, he would not have been in the place he was now, instead, he would be in a confined cell where he would rot for the rest of his sorry, little life.
‘Lord Helretum, there is someone here for you.’ The servant pointed at a man standing in the doorway. He was unlike anyone he had ever seen, with an attractive face, a muscular body, and a kind heart.
‘Hello,’ The man’s voice was soft,’ I am the Emperor’s Ambassador. He could not attend today for some unknown reason. I am here to take his place, and to discuss the fate of Asderia.’
‘Okay,’ Lord Helretum cleared his throat,’ Last time, I believe the Emperor talked about making Asderia part of the Syroniann Empire?’
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‘Yes.’
‘Well, I reject the offer, since Asderia has been an independent country for over a decade now. The Empire would need more money if they expanded, which would mean many would have to pay higher amounts of tax.’
‘Yes, but the money would strengthen the Empire and ensure that it never collapsed and only got better and better.’
‘Have you ever heard the tale of Yius and Plena?’ Lord Helretum changed the subject immediately.
‘Lord Helretum, I do not see what this has to do with Asderia-’
‘Have you heard of it?’ Lord Helretum banged his fist on the table.
‘No.’ The Ambassador admitted.
‘It tells the story of two siblings: Yius and Plena. They find a jewel lying on the beach one day, and each of them is granted a wish. Yius wishes for an empire that will never fall, and Plena wishes for money. They both part ways and return to each other a year later. Plena is wearing clothes made of fine, expensive silk. Yius, however, was wearing the same clothes as he did before, and his empire was gone. Plena asked what happened, and Yius told him that you cannot completely stop something from collapsing and that all good things are temporary.’ Lord Helretum recited the tale he had known since childhood. Many versions of it had been told to him, but this one was the most interesting.
‘My point is that the Empire is temporary. No matter how far you expand it, there will always be weaknesses and flaws, two things that cannot be changed by wealth. I decline the Emperor’s offer, and as Ruler of Asderia, I withdraw it from any activity outside of its walls. Good day.’ Lord Helretum walked out of the building, successful. There was nothing that could be done to try and convert Asderia to the Empire. Lord Helretum had made a decision that would come back to bite him.