Cold, wet and miserable. That was the best way to describe what the outside world looked like to Randolph who observed it through the stained purple glass window in his study. The study was circular in shape; Purple, red and gold colored silk decoratives hung from the stone brick walls, draping over overflowing bookshelves lined with ancient weathered tomes.
Randolph himself appeared to be perhaps in his mid thirties in age. He overall looked tall, thin and gaunt from afar though if you saw him in detail you’d realize dense muscle decorated his flesh. His black hair was slicked cleanly back and his prominent cheek bones made his face look somewhat feminine. The clothes he wore were standard for his culture, a long black leather trench coat with fur lining around the neck and black denim pants with platform shoes below. His most alluring feature however must have been his two deep amethyst purple eyes which shone with silent power. Like the swirling abyss found in the depths of one's soul they seemed to peer through everything and everyone as if he could hear the very things they thought.
Dong
Dong
Dong
A sudden knock rattled the ancient hinges of the spruce door behind Randolph as it opened.
“Lord Randolph, your chauffeur will be arriving here shortly. He wishes to extend his deepest apologies for his tardiness." A young woman said with a bow, staring at the back of Randolph who reclined in his fine black leather Chesterfield chair.
“It’s fine, I quite enjoy watching the rain. Is Dharma ready?”
“Master Dharma is waiting for Lord Randolph by the eastern entrance. Would you like for me to invite him here?” The serving girl asked.
“No, it’s fine.” Randolph said, raising to his feet with a stretch. “I was preparing to head that way myself anyways.” He smiled warmly.
The girl felt her heart tinge as his handsome face stared at her. “If you’ll follow me.” She bowed and extended her arm out of the doorway trying to hide her rose tinted cheeks.
“Ah, I’ll head that way myself.” Randolph said with a frown. “You’re relieved of your duties for the day, feel free to do whatever you want within reason.” He nodded, patting her thin shoulder softly before entering the castle's hallway.
Walking down the wide stone corridors Randolph scowled to himself silently. I’ll make sure to get rid of the constant escorting when I’m sworn in. He thought. I wasn’t even pampered this much as a child, it’s a waste of time that could be better spent!
The castle's countless hallways were lined with many artifacts and antiques, royal and noble memorabilia dating back over two thousand five hundred years. Though compared to what Randolph had seen as a child it was sadly barren.
After some time he came upon the eastern wing's entrance room where his trusted servant Dharma sat quietly on a red velvet couch, hands crossed.
“Dharma!” Randolhp called out with a smile and open arms.
“Lord Randolph!” Dharma yelled back. The old man hopped from the couch as if a child and ran to his master's arms, the two sharing a quick but deep hug before parting.
“Your chauffeur should be here any moment, would you like me to fetch anything before we leave?”
“I’m fine.” Randolph answered, smoothing his coat he walked to the front door while Dharma trailed behind as close as his shadow.
Dharma Vulgate was the right hand of the new Emperor Randolph. The connection of their families already running two millennia deep their friendship however was much deeper than even that. Almost akin to an uncle and nephew one could say.
In front of the massive spruce door lined with golden belts and chains stood two guards dressed in shining obsidian black armor, both offering a deep bow with one arm extending and the other crossed over their heart.
“At ease.” Randolph nodded with a frown. The two men with a start and quickly hauled open the door, instantly a gust of freezing cold wind and a barrage of cold rain droplets shot into the castle. The dark sky swirling with coal smog like storm clouds hid the mid day sun making it almost appear like late night.
Unfazed at the sudden chill which made even the guards shiver under their armor Randolph walked forwards and with a sudden powerful blast of air from behind him the wind and rain was thrown from the castle. Stepping onto the stone porch which had a tin roof supported by wooden arches the sound of tapping from the rain hitting the metal was as loud as gun fire.
At the porches end there laid a small road before the castle where an oldsmobile like vehicle with an elongated back was parked. Its dull head lights lighting up the muddy ground.
“Sir Randolph!” A guardsman said, emerging rome behind the porch wall, his black trenchcoat sticking to him like his own skin from being soaked in rain.
“Why are you out in the rain?” Randolph asked, raising his brow.
“This is the guard position assigned to me sir!”
“And who assigned this position?”
“Sir, Luscious Sir!”
“Well from now on, stand up on the porch when it's raining so you don’t get sick.” Randolph ordered with a sigh. “And tell Lucius if this happens again he’ll have to answer to me.”
“Yes Sir, Lord Randolph.” The guardsman saluted deeply.
Walking to the car Randolph turned and frowned at Dharma who stood three steps behind. “These customs are ridiculous.”
“I’ll have it changed right away my lord!” Dharma said fervently “… If you don't mind me asking why did you not order it to be changed sooner?”
“I need to build a positive reputation with the castle's working class. If I put the order out through Rohelm then it wouldn’t have done me any good since he’d get the credit. Of course something this small won’t move mountains but it’s best to start small and at the local level.” Randolph answered, stopping at the car's door.
With a flash the door swung open and rolling out of the vehicle and onto the floor with a perfect kneeling salute was another guardsman.
“My Lord.” The kneeling man said.
Randolph whistled with a nod at the man's performance; an impressed smile painting his face. Stretching out his hand he gestured for Dharma to enter first.
“Oh I couldn't, my Lord, that is too far!” Dharma barked angrily.
Nodding with a frown and shaking his head; not understanding the old ways of Dharma, Randolph sighed and entered the car. Sliding into the seat which faced the back window he watched as Dhamra followed behind.
As soon as the car door was shut the vehicle sprung to life with a whistle and began to slowly trudge along the slippery road and down the hill the castle was built atop of. Said Castle during Randolph's childhood being a mere vacation home, yet now it was the heart of Vulcon, Capital of the Vulracious Empire.
Seeing Randolph frown in thought and memories Randolph tried to smooth the ice cold mood. “Are you nervous my lord?” He asked with a smile, rubbing his old cold hands together.
“No.” Randolph answered, shaking his head. “The [Oracle] foresaw that I would succeed this day. That’s why he is here to watch.”
“The Oracle…” Dharma repeated curiously.
“The Oracle Delphi, she saw a crowd cheering as I stood on stage.”
Dharma's frown wrinkled his old chin even further but he nodded his head as if understanding. “Of course my Lord.”
“You can drop the Lord epithet, Dharma. I’ve known you for seventy years. I think it’s far past the point where we should have begun to call each other by our first name.”
“You can’t spoil me into liking you anymore then I already do my Lord!” Dharma laughed. “I’ve already devoted my life to your service, I’m your number one support you know. Even if God himself struck against you I’d jump to your defense.” He smiled.
“It’s not about that, I just think that it’s fitting for my Empire to leave the past behind and enter the future.”
“I’ll try to keep that in mind then, my L- Randolph.” Dharma's tongue tingled as he spoke the name with no honorifics. The same feeling he had as a child when he’d spoken a curse word aloud before his mother.
. “That does sound better.” Randolph smiled. Spreading his arms across the back of the car seat he peered out the window at the endless orchids they drove past. Each hedge styled carefully with painful detail to depict an individually unique man in armor. The endless rain which poured from the dark sky turned the hard dirt ground below the hedges into a slurry of thick muddy soup. “You’re so timid compared to when you were younger Dharma. The child who wanted to slay dragons and rule a kingdom is nowhere to be seen in you.” Randolph joked.
“I realized my place in this world Randolph, I was not born to change fate but guide the man who will.”
Randollphs smile turned into a thin lipped frown and his eyes lowered solemnly. “Hmm.” He hummed, turning to look out the car window again as if dissatisfied by that answer.
“...”
“...”
“I think we’re almost there.” Dhara said after minutes of silence.
“Yeah, the noise is deafening." Randolph answered, still looking out the window.
Noise? Dharma hadn’t heard anything other than the sound of the car's tire struggling through the muddy ground and rain dropping on the car's roof. I know I’m old and going deaf but I didn’t think it was quite this bad…
As Dharam sat in silent thought and Randolph continued to peer at the endless gardens through the window, the car came around the corner of the hill. Starting its way down the trail that led to the base of the hill where a large angsty crowd was visible, stirring and moving there must have been at least a million or so people there. Dharma felt a cold sweat break down his wrinkled back just imagining himself standing in front of a crowd one tenth of that size. Yet Randolph seemed perfectly calm about the situation if not slightly annoyed.
The car came to a slow halt at the same base of the hill where the rear of the inaugural stage had been built. The structure itself was ancient reaching two thousands years back. An open top amphitheater made of masterful stone masonry with finely carved art into each brick it was normally closed from the public except for holidays or special events. During those times the amphitheater was normally full of laughter, games and food stands. Pumpkin patch competitions, old comedy plays and Christmas carols usually made the mood of the amphitheater. Yet that was all but gone today, instead silence outside of a slight nervous hum was emitted from the crown. A conglomerate of whispers shared between them as they stood watching the empty stage and anticipating any movement from behind the purple, red and gold curtains.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
A knock came to the car’s door and then it was opened by a guardsman on the outside. “Sir Randolph, the stage has been prepared for your arrival.” He said, stepping to the side with a deep bow. One hand over heart and the other outstretched.
Randolph crawled out from the car and stretched his arms as Dharam quickly shuffled behind. In front of them stood a few dozen guards each standing exactly two meters apart and performing the Vulracious Saluting bow.
“Fancy.” Randolph said, lowering his arms with a smile.
“I’m glad you like it, Sir. We have a guard positioned at every possible vantage point in, around and above the amphitheater to guarantee your safety.
“Well gone.” Randolph hummed, patting the man on the shoulder and walking forwards. Dharma of course following three steps behind and the man doing the same.
“Sir, we looked for a speech manuscript… we even called the castle to ask if the fax had simply failed but it seems like you never submitted one for printing. We have several premade scripts printed out for your review if you would like-”
“It’s fine.” Randolph interrupted. “I’m just going to wing it.”
“If you would so prefer, Sir.” The guardsman said bowing.
Randolph continued forwards leaving the guard behind, the red carpet he walked on leading up to the wooden staircase which in turn led to the inaugural stages back entrance. The wood creaking under each step he walked right up the curtains and looked back, giving a reassuring smile to Dharma who bowed in return.
The crowd mumbled silently waiting for their new Emperor to appear. Rumors of him had spread vast and wide. Some said he was the nephew of the previous ruler while others said he was actually over one hundred years old. Their great grandparents swore to have seen him lurking in the shadows. Outside of those he was largely unknown, but his name Randolph Sisyphus Freyr commanded power. An old name for a new emperor.
The sudden sound of footsteps silenced the crowd. They weren’t particularly loud but they were clear and full of authority. Everyone looked forwards to the curtains, holding their breath as they waited for them to part.
It seemed like hours passed before they did, the footsteps coming to a stop and the curtains swinging open gently.
Who emerged onto stage was not what the vast majority of the crowd had expected. He seemed young, far too young to be in charge of the Vulracious Empire. The fourth strongest nation in the world.
He was thin and somewhat pale, holding an almost feminine beauty that one would see on a runaway fashion model. Yet his presence defied his appearance. It overpowered the crowd like a thick layer of smoke, a dark miasma. Randolph walked across the stage each foot step echoing like a thunder's clap until he stood at the old lectern. His jaw stretched open before he began to speak.
“I am extremely grateful to be appointed as the New Emperor of the Vulracious Empire by parliament and its supporting associations. We all gather here today no matter our age, social standing or birth place. We stand under one flag and one nation which grants us individual freedom, liberty, justice and prosperity. For two thousand years our ancestors have gathered in this amphitheater. For political occasions such as this, holidays and celebrations we’ve come here to laugh and cry, cheer and celebrate. Much like this amphitheater for two thousands and five hundred years our country has stood strong and proud through many hardships and disasters. I, Randolph Sisyphus Freyr, pledge my total and utter allegiance as Emperor to the betterment of our citizens and country. As a country we’ve for too long endured the world's blame, we’ve faced prejudice for events which happened not only just two hundred and fifty years ago but also over two thousands and five hundred- nearly three thousands years ago! For these supposed crimes we suffer the world's punishments. Ridiculed, humiliated, forced to bow and scrape out heard amongst the feet of others who’ve built the pillars they stand on with great crimes of their own. They cast stones at us in houses made of the finest china glass. They blame us for problems they’ve not lived to suffer the effects of, their great grandparents not even living during these supposed horrid times of our crimes. For the Forgotten War, a war named for its unreliable narratives we’re faced to take complete and total responsibility for all that is bad in this world. But I say no! Today is the day we stand together and tell them No! Today we step from the shadows we’ve been forced to hide in, today is the day we defend ourselves from slander! No longer will our children be forced of atrocities they had no control over. No longer will they be forced to bow and sing an apology to the greater world, to kiss the feet of others for simply being born in Vulracious! I declare that today is the first day of a new age. The age in which the Vulracious Empire reigns supreme and rules the world. An age where all are equal and free! An age in which you can call yourself a Vulracious citizen without worry of scandalous stares or demeaning treatment. I, Randolph Sisyphus Arvid Von Kaiser Freyr will create this new age starting today! A world free of suffering, I will do it no matter the cost or the pains it takes, even if it means I must end all life to complete that dream I will not hesitate! The Vulracious Empire shall stand strong and unmatched much like we were in the past before our unfair and unjust prosecution by the outworld. Stand with me and bathe in glory and prosperity. No one will feel pain, no one will know hunger, no one will know loneliness and no one will ever feel the need to be ashamed to be one of us!”
The crowd was silent at first. Not a single breath was taken. Peeking from behind the curtain Dharma fidgeted nervously looking as if he was on the verge of tears. The Guardsman from before lowered his hat and scrunching his face in worry.
Dharma wanted to run out onto the stage and scream at the crowd for how awful they were being. He wanted to hug Randolph and tell him everything would be alright that he did his best. But those confident words and looks, that sense of self within his deep amethyst purple eyes held him in place.
“...”
After what seemed like an eternity a single clap was heard, followed by another then another until the entire crowd erupted into clapping and cheering.
“Randolph!” They all cried, no matter their age or social standing. They jumped and cheered, screaming his name and cheering for him. “Randolph, Randolph, Randolph!”
Looking over the crowd Randolph smiled and waved. Extending both hands he blew from them large blasts of fire which erupted into the air in several colors, patterns and shapes. A blue raven, a red dragon spewing fire, an orange heart, a purple spear man, a green skull and more the crowd cheered at the show before Randolph took a deep but gracefully humble bow and turned around swiftly.
He walked to the stage's back curtain, putting his hand on its fine silk to pull it open. He paused for a moment and looked back, giving a final look at the crowd he peered through hundreds of thousands of pairs of eyes until he came upon a sole pair.
Blood Red Iris and double pupils with long white lashes, the eyes of that man met Randolph's purple amethyst glare with an even greater sense of self. Randolph already knew who this man was and his purpose for being there. The man who was known to all that lived in the secret political landscape which the average person couldn’t even comprehend. The man feared just as much as judgment from God himself. The man which Randolph knew he would one day fight to the death against.
Randolph broke eye contact first, though their starting contest lasted perhaps a second, maybe two if generous more words were spoken in that time than an eternity would allow.
Exiting the stage he was greeted by Dharma who looked at him with a miserable face, his wrinkled skin exerted by his expression and sunken in eyes dripping with hot wet tears.
“Oh my Lord, they love you!” He said, hugging Randolph tightly. Gently Randolph pat Dharma on the back while smiling. “Would you like to return to the castle now or wait until the dinner Randolph.” Dharma asked, pulling himself back and standing straight and proper.
“Call for the G?tterWache first. I'd like to arrange a meeting for our next course of action.”
# # #
The castle was lively, shining brightly into the dark sky casting a bright light over the captial city of Vulcon below. The rain had ceased and celebrations began. Loud music, cheering and laughing filled the city.
The castle's main ball room where the ceremonial dinner was being held was illuminated by large purple and red chandeliers. The finest of wines and richest of meats were prepared at the long dining table, big enough to seat hundreds of guests.
Some of the most important people to the world were present at the diner. Of course those noble families from the Vulracious Empire itself were present such as the Zepar, Vulgate, Lapetus, Lavigne and Valeria to name a few had sent their most important member to give the best possible impression.
Those from foreign countries such as the president of Greyton and Dresden made peaceful conversation with the prime minister of Olympus as if the three weren’t on the constant war with each other over the most minute of conflicts. Yet before Randolph they joked and laughed, rubbing shoulders and hugging like the best of friends. Even some politicians from less powerful countries had appeared, King of Komoden, Chief of Jinkogo and Lord of Pretorkia had arrived in hopes of sweetening up to the new emperor and forge new or rework old alliances. Some who were scheduled to arrive had canceled such as Ronald Rooney president of the United Sanctions of Afurenthos who said his wife had fallen ill under a sudden and unexpected illness. None of the other big three had arrived either, Iboria's Emperor claimed scheduling conflicts and Saharis a sudden storm disturbing flights. There were many others who attended and didn’t attend as well but few worth naming.
Although it was his party Randolph sat silent at the head of the table reading his hands on his chin as if in deep thought. Besides a brief handshake at the ball room door nobody has spoken a word to Randolph. The aura he exhumed was far too thick and overwhelming for anyone to approach, like a sleeping lion one wrong movement or noise and it was over.
That is except for one man, the man who’d just entered the ballroom half an hour after the celebration had started as if fashionably late. He had medium length flat blonde hair and an expensive custom tailored suit that matched his equally expensive sunglasses. Without a care in the world and acting like he was the eye of the storm the man made his way to Randolph's side. “I don’t think we’ve probably met yet.” He said standing over Randolph and looking down at him through his sunglasses.
The other people in the ballroom watched nervously as the sudden nightmare developed. To wear sunglasses inside the Holy Castle was one thing but to approach the emperor with such arrogance and speak down to him- after already being late! It felt as though they were watching the possibility of a war escalate in real time.
Randolph smiled as he looked up into the man's dark sunglasses with a brow raised.
“Oh, sorry I forgot these things were still on.” The man said as if a light bulb had clicked over his head. “I’ve worn them for so long it’s almost like they’ve become a part of my body ya know?” Pulling them from his face he took his name properly, folding and tucking them into his blazers pocket.
“Don’t worry about it.” Randolph shrugged, leaning back in his hair.
“There we go.” The man said looking down at Randolph, the two now making direct eye contact. Long white lashes with blood red iris and double pupils reflected in the deep amethyst purple eyes of Randolph. “I think you already know who I am.” He began, “But in case you forgot I’m Jinen Lutece, but you can call me Jin.” The man smiled. He was extraordinarily handsome even more so than Randolph. Every aspect of his face had been carved to the utmost perfection as if out of the finest marble by God's hand.
“Of course I know of you, Sir Lutece. Though we’ve never met properly, I've known about you since the day you were born.” Leaning forwards Randolph stood to his feet and smoothed his coat. The height difference between him and Jin was immediately apparent. While Randolph wasn’t short he wasn’t exceptionally tall either. He stood a respectable 5 '11, Jin on the other hand could be assumed to stand at 6' 3 perhaps even 6 '4. As such his frame was larger as well, both men were well defined and shaped with muscle that suited their figure without extreme exaggeration. Their auras intertwined with each other like friends who’d not seen one another in many years.
“I do believe the Freyr and Lutece clans are intertwined, are they not?” Randolph began, taking a step forward and signaling for Jin to follow him.
Jin shrugged with a weak smile and followed after Randolph the two leaving the battle room. And despite the custom of always staying 3 steps behind the Emperor he stood by his side as they spoke.
“Yes, 934 years ago Anna Freyr daughter of Emperor Agustus Freyr was sold to the Lutece family to be the wife of Leonardo Lutece who he had two children with.” Jin said as the two walked out of the ball room proper into the main hall.
“So that would make us related, even if distant.” Randolph nodded, looking at Jin who grimaced with an exaggerated frown.
“To an extent yes- but it’s so far off that it would be akin to a drop of water in the ocean.”
“They say blood is thicker than water so maybe it’s closer than you think.”
“People say alot of things, alot of things they don’t mean and a lot of things that don’t turn out to be true. But I think you know that as well as I do, don't you?”
“I’m afraid not.” Randolph answered with a smile and shrug. “I choose to surround myself with those I know will serve me to the utmost respect while being confident that I do the same for them.”
“You’re a bad liar, you know.” Jin sighed as he took exaggerated steps up the stairwell him and Randolph climbed. “Like the thing about the Freyr and Lutece being connected. That isn’t what you wanted to ask me about so why beat around the bush like a coward? Just be upfront and say what you’re thinking with your chest.”
“But that is, or at least one of the things I wanted to ask.” Randolph replied with a hurt frown. “But you’re right that’s not the most important question I have.” He added, stopping at the top of the staircase. The pair had emerged onto a balcony overlooking the capital city of Vulcon which was erupting in celebration. Music, lights and fireworks shot off into the sky and millions of people danced in the streets below. Randolph looked into Jin's eyes and Jin returned the favor just like they had at the inauguration.
“Why are you here exactly?” Randolph asked bluntly.
“Just to hang out and see how things are going.” Jin shrugged.
Randolph eyed the man suspiciously with a frown. “Did Fransico order you to come here?”
“Pffft, you think that guy tells me what to do? Nah, I decided to come here on my own. In fact I doubt he even knows I’m here at all.” Jin snorted, rolling his eyes.
“You’re either very brave or very stupid to come here alone and act like this. Don’t you have any fear at all?” Randolph asked, cracking a smile.
Jin paused and lifted a brow. “Of course not. Not like you could do anything to me if you wanted to anyways. And besides I don't intend on starting any conflict. It would be more trouble than it’s worth at this point.” He sighed, leaning his back against the balcony's brick wall.
Looking over the city once again Randolph nodded to himself. “I guess you’re right.” He agreed, looking back to the ball room. “Will you stay for diner? I’m sure there’s something there you would enjoy.”
“Nah, I’ve got something else to do. Plus I don’t think the other guys in there care for me much. Not like I care what they think but I don’t do well in these kinda places. It’s like being in a house infested with rats.” Jin answered, picking at his finger's nail.
“I see, well I can’t say I disagree with you but it’s part of my job to entertain those rats. Feel free to leave at any time.” Randolph said with a shallow bow before spinning around and starting to walk away.
“Make sure to behave yourself!” Jin laughed behind him before vanishing into thin air.
“...”
Randolph sighed and his shoulder fell limp. “What can you do?” He asked himself, shaking his head. “But it is better for me that we do it later anyways.” He finished with a smile.
