“High priest, the King is awaiting your presence in the meeting.” A maid called for my title. Taking a sip from the teacup, the aroma of the tea leaf brings a smile. Correct, I am the High Priest of this kingdom, tasked with being God's messenger and the King's right hand. "My words are God’s will," they said. That knowledge is power. The exquisite room greets my arrival with lines of lords bowing. From a glimpse, it is not that hard to speculate what concerns them. Those noble lords are truly dedicated knights; shame on them; their wills are but a drop in the ocean.
“It’s our pleasure to meet you, High Priest," a lord confronted, “I do believe you know why we are here.” His eyes were fixed directly on me. It was a brave act, I must admit, though never in my dreams would a lowly person like him be able to reach me. However, he chooses the wrong one to impress. "Who allows you to speak up before me, peasant?" Such simple answers bear a powerful impact, like cold blades ready to slice through the throat. Fair enough, with downright fear and shame, the lord lowers his head and then retreats to his position. The warning worked immediately, as none of them dared to speak. “ Greetings, the King will be pleased to see you attend.” By choosing the honored seat, I get a chance to observe the guests. Power, after all, is a complex term, but if we see it from a different angle, it will be far simpler than we imagine. There are two main kinds of power in this world. One is inherited, for those who were blessed with power from birth, and others are by plunder. In the end, all of them shared one commonality. Those hands, now in gold and silver, were covered in blood. Uncountable corpses are trampled under the steps they take. Don’t get me wrong, I do not despise them. The curiosity of how they defeated countless others to sit here draws me in even more... and, if they sleep soundly, ignore the agony of the souls.
Take a deep breath, I smile. Though I do shed a drop of respect for them, I applaud their victory in the bloody battle, and their ambition to reach the tower of power. As God created this world and the creatures within it, so too did the food chains. It’s an inevitable battlefield. This world is not meant for the weak. Those who sit in this room, I praise your cruelty. But…I cherish every one of them... You are not even worthy to be a pawn in my game. You must have guessed what kind of power I have by now. Slowly enjoying every tea drop, I felt the warmth dancing in my mouth. They knew what it was like to be a hunter... then how about… Teaching them what it feels like to be a prey?
May God forgive our sins.
Quite a time has passed, and the sounds of the main door creaking open catch the High priest and the benevolent lords’ attention, sending everyone to stand up. Unsurprisingly, behind those doors is the figure of the King slowly dragging his feet into the meeting room, still with the same pathetic appearance accompanied by the obnoxious smell of wine wrapping around his body. It looks like our dear King has had some fun, hasn’t he? Again, the lopsided crown, the shaggy golden robe, and his sweet diamonds in the palm. Surely, the King hasn’t displayed any interest in this meeting. With a loud thud, he resides in the main seat. "Welcome, my highness." “It seems you've got a handful of things to do before joining the meeting.” Just as I expected, the King replies with a frustrated look. “Save that for later, be quick, I have other matters to attend to.” With his feet on the table for maximum comfort, our beloved King sighed in disappointment. His focus left the room as he fidgeted with the diamonds in his hand. “Your Highness, the situation near our border needs assistance." A Lord announces the issues and follows up with others. Warfare once more caused Hyram to lose patience. For a lowly North land dares to conquer my South, that will never happen. The crimson dragon will be put to eternal sleep under the claws of the golden lion. And I… Will gladly sing it as a lullaby.
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“Your Highness, I believe we should send some of our men to assist." I glanced at the King, “Although I do hear Hyram has to retreat some of its men.” Fear was painted on the Lord’s face. And they thought I knew nothing?...arrogant child must be punished. The King acts in pure banality, “Just do as the Priest said, he will be in charge.” I look at the Lord with a smile, showing my intention to cooperate. “Then I will make sure to do my best to help.” You see, I can destroy him in my palm in a split second. But that will lose the joy of the main entree. Besides, it’s not going to hurt to strengthen my alliance when that day comes. Oh, and our Highness? It would be too generous to regard such a creature as a human. Perhaps "cockroach” will be a more suitable one for him. Indeed, the King is worth nothing more than a pile of grass laying on the ground outside, born only to be stepped upon. How sad and unfortunate is it for the Lord of Averi to neglect his miserable condition? Say no more, my King. Instead of immersing yourself in lust and wine, looking out for your life would be a wiser choice. Who knows when you will draw your last breath? And if that day comes… May God be with you.
The meetings went on with other internal affairs, which obviously didn’t catch any of the King's attention. After all, there is nothing but libido in that primitive mind. “Your Highness, it would be wise if you could hold an event to lift the people’s spirits." “This will support us in this war.” Lord's words piqued my interest. However, if he intended to attract the King, then he succeeded. The King’s sharp eyes pierced at him, hands clenched into fists. Forgive my memories, but I do recall that he hadn’t tasted any blood since the morning. Unfortunately, the lord before me chooses to be his breakfast. My dear colleague, only Hell awaits you. “You dare to command your King, scumbag?”, he clenched his teeth, “You are nothing but a piece of meat for my dogs, my Lord.” Undoubtedly, what’s left is just a splash of blood on the meeting table and the puddle under our feet.
A warm drop of blood splattered on my face. Taking out the handkerchief, the blood quickly vanished. What a bad day to be stained by this bastard’s blood. I was never interested in how he kills people, too chaotic. For myself, I would prefer a slow and neat way, so the prey could enjoy every moment I endure in their flesh. They should be thankful, for this is a privilege sent by God.
What’s left will only be power.
Leaning my back in the church’s garden, finally I can have a moment for myself. Though I know this peaceful second will not last long. “Greetings High Priest," a man approached in a black cloak, “ Or should I say the Teacher.” There he is, always on time. “Take a seat, old friend. We sure will have a lot to cover.” The man remains emotionless, “I have messages from Hyram. Make sure to control your puppet this time," the man glares at me, “We will not be merciful next time.”
"Send my regards to Demian," the man says as he walks away, and I smile, "I look forward to his battle."
My attention moved to the unfinished chest table. Caress the Queen in my hand, I placed.
Now… Should I speed up our little game a bit?