“Everyone, I’ve decided what I’m going to do as my first official act as Emperor,” I said, and the room fell to a hush.
They all looked at me excitedly, no doubt dying to know what sort of sweeping plans I had in store for the former Empire.
“First of all,” I said, “I’m not cut out for this type of job.”
“Aye, you’re a warrior, not a bloody politician!” Gorrok said, and laughter erupted among the small crowd.
“You’re right, old friend,” I said. “Besides, there are still other Mananymphs out there, being persecuted or else living in hiding. I can’t have that, not while I reside in this realm.”
“But who’ll run the realm then, Earthman?” Sir Lucien said. “This new kingdom needs a strong leader and it needs one now.”
I smiled. “It sure as hell does,” I said. “Sir Lucien, may I ask you a question?”
He bowed to me. “Of course, your grace.”
“You’ve been one of my closest allies…no, one of my closest friends since I arrived here,” I said. I grinned. “I know it didn’t exactly start out that way.”
Sir Lucien matched my grin with his own. “No, I suppose it didn’t, your grace.”
“But given all that we’ve been through, am I wrong to believe that, of all my knights and lieutenants, you’re my most loyal?” I asked.
He nodded. “Indeed I am, your grace,” he answered. “I’ve saved your life. You’ve saved mine. You can rest assured knowing that I’d happily give my life for you, your grace.”
“Rise then, Sir Lucien, and approach me on this goddamn uncomfortable throne,” I said, as a muffled laughter broke out over my court.
Sir Lucien rose to his feet, tucked his silver helm under his arm, and marched dutifully up to the throne. “What would you have me do, your grace?” he asked.
“I’d have you lead this kingdom for me, Sir Lucien,” I said. I rose up, vacating my throne, and gestured for him to take it. “You’ve shown yourself to be an honorable leader in Homehold. You’ve shown yourself to have a stout, just heart. Sir Lucien, as your Emperor, I ask that you take my seat. I ask that you, honorable knight, take on the title of Emperor of this new, peaceful realm that you helped to create.”
Sir Lucien shook his head, laughing softly, before nodding to me. “Earthman, I should send you to the gallows for making me do this,” he said.
“Well?” I asked him, grinning. “I think you’re the man for the job. What do you say?”
He extended his hand. I took it. Then we shook.
I turned to the crowd. “Everyone, I give you your new Emperor!”
The crowd erupted as I bowed to Emperor Lucien then descended the stairs, away from that towering throne and all the responsibility that went with it. I would have been selfish to keep that chair, especially when a more capable leader like Lucien was around to sit in it.
“But what about you, Earthman?” Emperor Lucien said.
I stood at the foot of his throne. Pandora slid up next to me, along with Sephara, then Bella, Esmerelda, and, finally, Layla. I held up the Soulguard and Ciara made the Mana Gem shimmer and crackle.
“Your grace, with your permission, I’d like to head out at once and find the other Mananymphs,” I said.
Emperor Lucien laughed again. “Permission granted, Earthman.”
Then, in a white flash, I teleported away with my Mananymphs by my side.
Monstergirl Quest Book Three Page 24