Archbishop: Indeed. The king's grandson is only 7, and his father not being of blood would not be allowed such a role. So. I volunteer myself as acting king while the king recovers.

--- Chapter 76 ---

They are then escorted into deliberation rooms, separating the guilds, and then the guilds in the separate groups. Within Reds group there is silence.

Red: We. We can't let him be king, even if it's temporary. Please.

The group looks at each other not entirely knowing what's happening apart from Elias and Ame.

Luna: I… I don't really know what's happening, but… But I trust Red enough, and know something's off. So, my vote is no.

Hiro: Yeah I have no clue who that guy is or why you hate him so much, but you seem to have a good idea, my vote’s no I guess.

Ame: I get it. So my vote is no.

Elias: Yah, normally these are supposed to be unbiased, but it's too late for that, my votes a no.

He turns to face Red with a smile. Red starts to tear up a little bit.

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Ava: Yeah, that guy gave me the heebie-jeebies. It's a no for me.

Ryan: Yah it's a no for me as well.

Ray: Well there's a majority, but for the record my vote was gonna be no as well.

Red: T-thanks everyone.

The next room over, the nine sit around their table.

Mave: I think we already know the right choice.

Zetsu: Yup.

Shiro: Indeed.

The guilds return to the main room.

Archbishop: The king's vote is absent, so three votes for this to pass. To start, the bishop's vice has voted yes.

Red: Damit, he IS the leader of the bishop's vice. That's just… Not fair.

Archbishop: Next, we will ask for the guild's decision. Vector, your decision.

The old man in the two person guild steps forward.

???: We have decided, Yes.

Archbishop: Elune?

Master: Our 3 groups have decided no. So our guild will be a no.

Archbishop: Academy?

Himaki: It's a no for us.

Archbishop: Zengoku?

Zengoku Master: Yes.

Archbishop: And lastly Maskrah.

A man in a mask walks forward.

Maskrah Master: While it was an incredibly difficult decision. We have decided no, as you only recently became Archbishop, so we don't think you're fit to rule anything. Apologies.

The Archbishop looks a bit annoyed by the response.

Archbishop: The guilds have voted no. And the Cardinal House’s decision?

Cardinal: It was an astounding yes.

Archbishop: And the Oracles.

A boy from a group of people in robes walks up.

Oracle: By careful deliberation, and consulted the scriptures. We have decided it's for the best.

Archbishop: Then it's decided. From this point on, I will be acting king until the real king recovers.