Throne Room,

Riven, Rosendun.

1:50 p.m. 18th Banem 1092

"Hahahaha!" Kashi laughed out loud, his body shaking as he struggled to push down his rising rage. He could feel the call of the old rush of anger, the allure satisfying feeling he had after beating whatever caused that anger into oblivion. 'No. That is not me. I am Kashi. I'll do it my way.'

Kashi's laughter ebbed, once again replaced by his sinister grin. "You are right about one thing. I do not care about Rosendun or its laws," said the daeben as an elixir appeared in his hand. He removed the stopper and placed the drink to his lips as he raised his hands and said, "You want to see who I really am? Fine, then I'll show you..."

Vwoom!

The court held its breath as three large portals appeared in front of the daeben. A magnificent, powerful centaur walked out of the portal to the right, clad in imposing leather armor. Darian, next in line to be chief of the Lymar centaur tribe, glared at the court, his imposing form causing several ministers to take a step back. The massive spear clutched in his right hand caused the Royal Guards' vigilance to skyrocket instantly, but they did not make a move yet, afraid of escalating the situation to a point-of-no-return.

Kashi, ignoring the unease that Darian's presence brought, stretched out his hand and stated, "Darian Alshmeer, future chief of the Lymar tribe of centaurs, and qualified ambassador of his people." As the daeben spoke, two women stepped out the leftmost portal. These women, a chetah, and a daeben, were such a rare sight in Rosendun that the court could not help but stare in shock.

"Larsial J'rain, leader of the daeben contingent captured at Aygorzi," Kashi introduced with a smile, "and Asha, appointed chieftain of the felur in Merriheim and representative of Merriheim's North-East Claw. Finally," Kashi said as an old, white-haired man dressed in green, woodland clothing stepped out of the left portal. The hall immediately grew silent, an oppressive atmosphere descending upon the ministers from the man's aura.

Kashi grinned as he gestured at the druid and said, "Rayatha Thorn, former primate of the Chaos Order, now loyal subject to the Hopeful Maggots and thus Rosendun."

The court gasped upon hearing the name, 'Chaos Order.' Once upon a time, the Chaos Order lived in obscurity, but in recent times, due to Summoned's chaotic nature, more and more of the hidden organizations' activity had been forced to the light. Of course, one of the worst offenders was Kashi, who had spoiled three major operations, taken down two primates, and unintentionally caused another's execution.

In particular, Kashi's exposure of Froy in Merriheim finally legitimized the Chaos Order as a substantial threat in the eyes of the continent's leaders. Previously, claims to the guild's existence were brushed off as hearsay and happenstance, but the liberation of an entire country from their grasp finally proved the vast range of their influence.

As a result of the minsters' knowledge of the Chaos Order, they could not help but view Rayatha in a negative light, and in turn, the daeben who recruited him.

Kashi, sensing the discomfort, spoke up before Zitch got a chance to derail the narrative. "I joined hands with King Parissius to help build a new world. One in which peace reigns and children are not forced to go to war at the whims of adults. In this world, everyone will receive equal treatment, regardless of race or gender." Gesturing at the individuals who had emerged from the 'still open' portals, Kashi said, "Each of the groups these people represent has tried to kill me in one way or another." The daeben paused and then added with a chuckle, "Now that I think about it, only Darian here has not personally tried to end my life."

Asha folded her arms, an embarrassed smile on her face as she glared at Kashi, while Larsial lowered her eyes, not yet comfortable enough to joke about her past. Rayatha, meanwhile, maintained a slightly impatient expression, evidently wanting to go back to his experiments. He had never been one to partake in the politics and shenanigans of humes. If it were not Kashi asking, he would have long since walked back into the portal.

"My point is," Kashi continued with a warm smile on his face, "Rosendun never set out to conquer the world but to unite it. In that quest, we will have to meet countless people we do not agree with or whose opinions we do not share. We might even be forced into fights in some situations. It is my view that despite all this—No, because of all this, we have to ensure we always keep peaceful resolution a distinct possibility. These people have tried to kill me, yes, but that was because we could not see eye-to-eye. However, through discourse, we have learned to understand each other, joining hands to build a future where all children can live peacefully."

Kashi caught Leila's eyes as she glanced askance at Zitch. Understanding her signal, he stated, "Now, there are countless many afraid of Rosendun's progress. They fear a united world, as it will be much more difficult to influence a united people's minds. These people will do whatever it takes to end any possibility of achieving our goal of unity. Anything from assassination to bribing high-ranking politicians to do their bidding."

Zitch went blue in the face as he realized Kashi was taking a dig at him. However, he could not respond, or it would seem like he was defensive. After all, Kashi had not mentioned his name a single time throughout his speech. But even though he kept quiet, the seed had already been planted in the ministers' head. The thought 'Zitch might have been bribed' had already begun to grow roots with each passing moment.

Kashi inwardly rejoiced upon noticing Zitch's reaction. He had taken a long-shot, copying something Razznik had seen Aileera do – something she called Passive Attacks.

With the roots of distrust planted, Kashi continued his speech, "Every successful empire learned to absorb other cultures and ways of living into their ranks. They did not persecute generations for the sins of a past one. Rosendun, too, thanks to its wise king, has adopted this policy." Kashi once again glanced at Zitch as he said, "though it seems some of its subjects regard themselves smarter than the king and thus ignore his policy."

Kasih once again gestured at the Asha and the others, "In the eyes of Rosendun, its subjects are equal, regardless of if they are a centaur, drakul, beastkin, human, or whatever. This is the very fabric of our empire. And to hear someone disparage the Maggots for practicing this policy to the best of our ability truly makes me sad for the future of this great country."

"Hmph!" Zitch snorted. "You are good with words as expected of a daeben. But what does this have to do with the Maggots monopolizing their products in Merriheim."

Kashi smiled as he gestured to Miote, "I will let someone more qualified explain that to you."

Miote walked up to Kashi, greeted King Parissius with a bow, and then turned around to face the ministers. "Good Afternoon esteemed ministers," the merchant greeted, his excessive charm causing the room to instantly warm" to him. "I am afraid Minister Zitch's claims are not as black and white as they seem. I can only attribute this to a severe lack of understanding of basic economics."

Miote stretched out his hands as he said, "No one can deny that Rosendun is much more stable than Merriheim. At least, by the time of the Maggots' first expedition, Merriheim was in a constant state of turmoil. Through sacrifice and pain, the Maggots managed to liberate most of Merriheim through the help of the dwarfs."

The chesch shook his finger as he said, "However, this did not immediately improve the livelihood of mertians. The Chaos Order effectively eliminated all commercial industries in Merriheim, leading to a severe lack of entrepreneurial structures after the war. If left in this state, it would not have been long until most citizens turned to banditry or other illegal means to gain wealth."

Miote turned to Leila, who continued, "Seeing this, the Maggots struck a deal with Rosendun's Treasury, borrowing vast sums of cash to invest in Merriheim's commercial industry, both to invite new immigrants and motive citizens with new job prospects and multiple methods of gaining wealth."

Miote nodded and then took over once again. "Luckily, our efforts have been a success. The mine provides precious stones used both in jewelry and creation of magic artifacts, two industries which had all but previously died out." The chesch revealed a golden smile as he stated, "The hunting industry has also received a huge boost, as there are now countless artisans and artists who require their spoils for their various products.

"Every entry-level economist will tell you that the fastest way to generate revenue for a nation is to find areas that still have a high ceiling of growth and invest heavily in them. At the Hopeful Maggots, we considered Merriheim as part of Rosendun and thus worked with that goal in mind. Now, when the countries merge, we will be adding a massive industry to Rosendun instead of a chaotic nation."

Miote's golden pupils turned to Zitch, a leery smile on his face as he asked, "Do you consider this to be treasonous or traitorous? Thinking of Rosendun's future? If you possessed an iota of foresight, then you would have recognized the massive strategic and monetary potential for profit in investing in other nations regardless of whether they were allied to Rosendun or not." Shaking his head, Miote lamented, "Alas, it appears this is not the case. I suppose one who does not need to worry about money does not need to worry about how to acquire it."

Again, the Maggots shot Zitch with a hidden bullet, making it impossible for the politician to counter. However, the ministers saw Zitch's exposed 'wound,' and the doubt began to grow even larger.

"Thank you, Miote," Kashi said as he stepped forward and tapped the chesch's shoulder. He then looked at the ministers and said, "I trust that was enough to clear up any misunderstandings about the Maggots' businesses." The daeben then turned to Absalon and said, "General, why don't you tell these men and women how Maggots treat the fallen."

Absalon nodded and then walked up to Kashi. He saluted King Parissius and then turned around to face the ministers, his strict demeanor drawing instant respect. "The Hopeful Maggots treats every one of its soldiers with the utmost respect, be they Residents or Summoned, and regardless of race. The families of every soldier who falls in battle are compensated with 100,000 Syros. Half of which is paid by the Hopeful Maggots. The Treasury unofficially helps with the rest." Absalon paused for a moment, a pained look in his eyes, and then continued, "Of course, nothing can truly compensate the loss of a loved one, but we hope that this way, at the very least, a soldier's family does not have to suffer for their sacrifice."

Absalon's gaze narrowed as he glared at Zitch. "If you researched even a little bit, this fact would have been known to you. You do not seem to be the type to toss out accusations without proper research, so I can only assume you hid this truth in an attempt to disparage me." Rage simmered in the general's eyes as he snarled, "You used the deaths of your fellow countrymen as a political tool to further your selfish agenda. Tell me; Between you and I, who is it that does not respect Rosendun's troops?"

Unlike Miote and Kashi before him, Absalon's attack was direct, striking Zitch down without giving the politician a chance. Furthermore, the general's words and disposition caused the mood in the room to shift. The ministers began to realize just how integrated the Hopeful Maggots were in Rosendun's economic, political, and military exploits and plans. It was not a stretch to say that Rosendun without the Hopeful Maggots would never reach the same heights it had.

Furthermore, The Hopeful Maggots' character was one that deserved praise. So far, except for Shadow's outburst, they had conducted themselves with respect and poise. For someone who Zitch claimed to be a tyrant, Kashi so far had presented a subdued attitude that put all those accusations in serious doubt.

Zitch frowned, feeling the mood in the room shift toward the daeben's side. The politician's eyes twitched, but he glared at the daeben and resorted to his final card. Turning to the ministers, he warned with a loud shout, "Do not be deceived! He might claim to be kind and generous, but he is only acting like this so he can amass his army in secret! Those portals!" Zitch shouted, frantically gesticulating at the portals, "They link to his secret world where he is forming a secret force!" The politician turned to Kashi, eyes red as he challenged, "Am I wrong? Do you or do you not have a secret world? And are you not amassing your own force in there?"

Leila sent Kashi a frantic look, warning him not to answer, but the daeben shook his head, a wide grin on his face as he said, "No. You are not wrong." His admission brought collective gasps from the ministers who instantly changed the way they saw the daeben. Could Zitch's claims be true?

"You are not wrong," Kashi repeated as he raised his hands and then downed the elixir in his mouth. "Which is why it is time you all were introduced to my world... So we understand each other."

Leila's eyes went wide, alarms blaring in her head as she looked at Kashi. Only now did she recognize that grin. It wasn't one of joy or happiness. It was rage. Pure, unadulterated rage. Kashi was about to do something crazy to vent, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it.

Vwoom! Vwooom! Vwooom!

The hall went silent as countless portals opened around the throne room.

Kashi's grin widened, but he could not hide the rage in his eyes as he said, "Children of Orez: Walk among us..."

ROOOOAR!

Terrible roars shook the castle's foundations as horrible monsters emerged from the portals, each more frightening than the last. Direwolves, Gigantor Apes, Were-beasts, and many more poured out of the portals, followed closely by a contingent of fully armored centaurs, amongst whom was the feared general of the Longma tribe, Agamios. Several predatory birds flew over the council and then perched on the balconies by the side, eyes trained squarely on the daeben.

"..."

The throne room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was afraid to move for fear of provoking these beasts. Only now did they understand that Kashi was quite literally a walking army. Whoever provoked him would have to fight an entire world! Of course, Kashi did not reveal that to maintain the portals, he could not move around, making him a static target for whoever wanted to kill him.

Zitch, however, pounced upon the opportunity, finally seeing a chance to nail Kashi to a coffin. "You blasphemous traitor!" he shouted as he pointed at the daeben. "You want to force the court to agree with you? Rosendun's men and women will never surrender to a terrorist."

Kashi turned to Zitch, the edge of his lips curling up ever so slightly. Keeping his eyes on Zitch, he shouted, "Children of Orez! Kneel before your ruler!"

"Whooo!" The centaurs shouted as they folded their legs beneath their enormous bodies and 'knelt on the floor.' Regardless of species, the bipedal monsters dropped to their knees while the quads laid on the ground and bowed.

The sight of so many monsters showing this level of reverence was stunning, to say the least. Even more shocking was the centaurs' kneeling act. Centaurs were famous for never kneeling to anything or anyone. This was because, just like horses, kneeling as a centaur left them too vulnerable to incoming attacks. As a result of their horse legs, Centaurs could not easily rise from a kneeling position, so it became unacceptable to demand kneeling from a centaur.

However, here was a group of centaurs willingly kneeling before a daeben. If that was not the greatest show of power and authority, then what was? The ministers swallowed hard as they stared at Kashi. What did he plan to do with these monsters?

Zitch once again seized the opportunity to sling mud at the daeben. "You dare make people kneel to you in the presence of our king? Are you threatening us? Do you want to rebel?"

Kashi's smile only went wider as he looked away from Zitch and turned to face King Parissius. The daeben sent Parissius a wink and a sly grin before dropping to his knees. Placing a hand on his chest, Kashi screamed before Zitch realized his intentions, "Long Live Parissius, Ruler of Rosendun!"

"Long Live King Parissius Vermillion, Ruler of Rosendun!" Behind the daeben, the centaurs roared with pride while the monsters shook the foundations once again with their roars.

"Long Live King Parissius, Ruler of Rosendun!" Kashi once again shouted.

Leila, quick on the uptake, immediately got on her knees and joined the chant. "Long Live King Parissius Vermillion, Ruler of Rosendun!"

"Long Live King Parissius, Ruler of Rosendun!" Kashi roared even louder.

The rest of the Maggots, including Rayatha, dropped to their knees and roared at the top of their longs, "Long Live King Parissius Vermillion, Ruler of Rosendun!"

Kashi glanced at Zitch, who had gone pale in the face as he once again roared, "Long Live King Parissius, Ruler of Rosendun!"

This time, the ministers, guards, and even the servants could no longer resist the atmosphere, immediately dropping to their knees and shouting, "Long Live King Parissius Vermillion, Ruler of Rosendun."

At this point, only Zitch, who was still stunned, remained standing. Kashi's grin spread as he proclaimed with open arms, "King Parissius Vermillion! Your loyal subjects kneel before you today, once again swearing our loyalty before god and man! Long May You Reign!"

King Parissius Vermill—No, Paris, the man who had sailed to Norcha with Kashi and braved many dangers along the way rose from his seat, eyes brimming with unshed tears. Hands shaking, he made he walked down the steps as the throne room shook with constant roars of "Long May He Reign!" shouted at the top of the lungs of several men and women of not only different races but also species.

Paris walked up to Kashi, and then to everyone's shock, knelt in front of the daeben. Tears pouring down his eyes, the king of one of the most powerful nations on the continent wrapped his hands around a disparaged Summoned and then simply said, "Thank you. My friend."

"LONG MAY HE REIGN!"