EPISODE 171: RE-ARRANGING THE BOARD 1

  — GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.

  The doors to the Hall of Heroes trembled with every step from the one who approached it. Members of the Great Houses and those beneath them, dressed in rich furs, pressed silks, and adorned with jewels of every type, ceased their conversations. The most powerful able to sense the presence of the one who approached far before the others. Dry mouths, stiffened backs, and the sudden, charged silence marked their awareness of who was about to enter.

  Spiraled pillars twisted their way upward, holding on to the great weight of the ceiling as water traveled through their columns and koi swam within. The large, ancient doors to the Hall of Heroes slid open excitedly—as if the hall welcomed back its most prized possession. High-level knights of the Royal guard moved aside, then followed in step—their heels clicked on the floor like the Song of War.

  Soldiers marched in unison—ready to slay the enemies of their Goddess.

  Heads turned, necks craned, and bodies stood to attention—not daring to show the slightest negligence. The air was thick with the scent of change—an epoch about to be rewritten . In the past week, more nobles had flooded the capital of Edryan than ever before. Inventors, warriors, and the ambitious swarmed the city, chasing the promise of opportunity.

  A [Golden Age] was coming—for their [Chosen of Madris] had promised one.

  Footsteps halted, and a pair of calculating, indifferent red-gold eyes surveyed the quiet hall. Those present surveying him back. Did they forget who was in their presence? A single, grating sound cut through the tense silence.

  “ Harrumph .”

  Immediately, the Knights of the Royal Guard put their hands on their weapons, their eyes focused on the nobles who’d forgotten their place—who’d forgotten who just entered the Hall of Heroes. The mistake was quickly realized as bodies dropped to the floor in worship and subservience.

  The [Chosen of Madris] had arrived.

  Satisfied, the [Chosen] moved forward, each step precise, measured, unstoppable . The Royal Guard fell into a formation behind him, their synchronized movements resembling a holy procession, their silver polished armor gleaming with reflected light. But no reflection was as bright as the [Chosen of Madris]—their presence was incandescent.

  They shuddered, the divinity they were beholden to never felt so strong, so grand, and forthcoming. She… watched.

  When the [Chosen of Madris] reached the center of the hall, they paused and waited. The silence was suffocating, a void that seemed to crush all sound beneath its weight. She… waited.

  None gazed up .

  Not Lord Agin Ode, who swiftly changed tune the moment the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy won the majority vote. Nor did Lady Koi, whose support of the system was already bringing her family benefits. And, especially, not Tendra Lorde, whose dark eyes stared hard at his reflection on the polished floor.

  None gazed up .

  Not Tunde Ojo, an older templar with reignited ambitions for a chance at reorganizing the church—it should be THEM escorting the [Chosen of Madris], not some Royal Knights. Nor did [Inquisitor] Amara Chuka, her deep gaze lowered as her faith blazed like a sole bonfire lit against endless darkness. And, certainly, not Simra Enlar, who found herself exhausted at all the pretenses nobles kept—she’d fully come to appreciate the manner Imperius Academy operated with.

  None gazed up .

  Not Karla Kansun, whose imagination went wild as her veneration grew—she could never thank the Goddess or her [Chosen] enough for the changes in her life. Nor did Rose Raam, though her eyes continuously rolled at the ongoing display. And, definitely, not that of Ola Oni, a deep madness barely kept suppressed—she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been around so much… filth .

  Lawruthian’s lips curled upward, showing the faintest hint of a smile—should one be gazing at him, then it would seem like he enjoyed the display. Yet… why did his eyes remain indifferent?

  He breathed in deeply, taking in the scents of perfume, sweat, and worry. The nobility had been stalling. They were stalling from choosing a [Prime Overseer] stalling from moving forward with the process of establishing the Class-based Constitutional Monarchy. He was here to put an end to that… the only way a [Chosen of Madris] should.

  “Do Not Waste My Time.”

  The [Chosen of Madris] spoke simple words, but the pressure they applied to some felt like a sharp blade was pressed against their necks.

  “Do Not Waste My Time.”

  His words flowed into their ears, like a disappointed elder whose advice was ignored the first time he offered it.

  “What happened to the decisiveness of a warrior—did you forget the ancestors who started your clans did so through blade and blood? Where have the spines of my Great Houses gone—have you become so attached to a title you hold no confidence in the prowess of yourself or your descendants? She… watches. She watches you scramble amongst yourselves, making deals and shooting for things beyond your station,” his voice was cold, biting, and the hall’s temperature followed in kind. “Our Goddess has called for Unification and we, Her children, shall deliver. Rise Now! ”

  Some… gazed up, hopes rekindled and desire ignited .

  [Inquisitor] Amara was the first as, for the first time, a new flame lit itself in her darkness—it was now, not later, that she needed to alert the [Chosen] of the filth within Her church. Rose Raam smirked but quickly hid it—her eyes aligned on the youth, yet her action didn’t escape the eyes of Tendra Lorde. There were many nobles’ houses who’d been invited to the Hall of Heroes in the search for a [Prime Overseer]. Perhaps Old King Stane was correct, but Tendra would do things his own way.

  Some… gazed up, their resolve harding .

  [Templar] Tunde’s wizen gaze held a fresh set of light within them. The indecisiveness that accumulated over the years burned away with fierceness. This was the [Chosen of Madris]? This youth gave him the same feeling as that when praying to his Goddess. Simra Enlar gazed up; she barely recognized the youth in front of her. This wasn’t the Lawruthian she’d grown up with—no—this was the [Chosen of Madris]. Maybe… just maybe… she could learn from this.

  Some… gazed up, eager to follow their [Chosen] .

  Karla Kansun was already cooking up the story, a new edition of the Great Edryan newspaper. Oh, the city of Edrya, no, all of Great Edryan would love it. She felt a conviction, a calling to tell the story of the [Chosen of Madris]. Lady Andra Koi gazed up, an appreciation in her eyes for the entrance of the [Chosen]. She held her plans on the Bellum branch, but the Old Power remained stubborn and managed to get many of the lower nobility on their side, greatly halting the choosing of the [Prime Overseer]. Nearly every Great House put forward an option, but none could agree on who should have the honor. It was a vastly powerful position, and the first would set a precedent for years to come.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  “Build the foundation of an empire to deliver to our Great Mother, who gave birth to the Magi Race. I have promised us a [Golden Age], yet you delay its establishment by drawing this matter out. She… waits. She waits for the magi to re-establish their dominance on this continent. Far too long have we neglected to show this realm, to show this continent named Elrunian, that the magi exist! Rise Now! ”

  Others gazed up, and the [Chosen of Madris] met their eyes—recognizing them as those with the will to get things done. The Council of Nobles invited many of the nobles within the country to participate in the next portion of their events. However, it’d been a week since the Imperius Grand Summit met its end. A week of delays, new meetings, and sloth in deciding on who would be the first [Prime Overseer].

  “I give my word—I am willing to give my life… to see our magi take a step forward on this grand stage,” he stated with conviction, voice only growing in strength with every word. “ I’m Willing To Die —to establish our Goddess’s desire. UNIFICATION . Irrespective of the consequences—and, should such consequences one day meet me, meet us. Then become Imperius , and allow the spirit of hope and change to arise in your crystalized hearts. I thank our Goddess, for she has blessed me with an unconquerable soul! None shall leave this hall until a resolution has been met and a [Prime Overseer] has been chosen. Rise Now! ”

  The final words of Madris’s Chosen sank into the hearts of his people. Some rose, compelled by the strength of his command; others remained kneeling, confused, their minds wrestling with the weight of his words and presence.

  Above them, the Queen of Edryan watched from an open balcony. A gentle smile graced her face at the display of her favorite son. Everything was going according to their discussion, with a few deviations here and there. Shock… was the main goal of the Imperius Grand Summit. Awe… was their weapon for the months ahead—ensuring the Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy arose without greater resistance.

  The first to rise was Inquisitor Amara, face willed with awe at the majesty of her Goddess’s Chosen. This was her first time being in his presence, and it was unlike anything she’d experienced before. Truly, Marna blocking her all these years was a mistake she’d never allow to happen again. Her actions were followed closely by Templar Tunde, whose expression was more reverence than anything else. This youth before him hadn’t made a year under the Prime System, but his power and aura were undeniable. What better proof of their Goddess’s might than this?

  The nobility who were in this portion of the great hall rose but not as quickly as the first two. From other areas of the halls emerged more nobles and those who possessed the might to be here. Together, they began to converge toward their open space near the hall’s entrance.

  Others rose, Tendra Lorde, Simra Enlar, Karla Kansun, Andra Koi, and those with more varied responses to the words of the [Chosen of Madris]. Resentment was present, hope elevated plenty, worship was a trait rarely seen, and quiet uncertainty slid into the hearts of others present.

  Madris’s Chosen glanced around the large hall. Hundreds of nobles found themselves silently gazing back. He waited patiently until many of the Lords and Ladies entered. Satisfied at the amount present, he spoke.

  “Who are the greatest three candidates put forth by my former nobility? Who is it you believe will hold the prestige of all magi as we gallop into this glorious age? Step forward and announce yourselves—let those here understand who you are and your goals and desires as our eventual [Prime Overseer]!”

  Madris’s Chosen moved away from the center of the floor, leaving the area vacant. He crossed his arms, and the knights behind him stood at attention. Amara and Tunde’s eyes met, and a signal passed to each other as both faction leaders were able to agree on a candidate. Their eyes gazed at that person, urging them forward.

  Through the week’s discussion, three candidates elevated themselves to gain the greatest chance at being Great Edryan’s first [Prime Overseer]—even if it was only temporary. To the people of Edryan, this was said to be done through a fair vote put forward by the former nobility of Edryan—it was anything but.

  “Esteemed dignitaries, distinguished nobles of our Great Edryan, I stand before you today not as a relic of the past, but as a servant of the present and future. I have served this nation under two monarchs, and now, as we embark upon this monumental shift in governance, it is crucial that we remember the wisdom of those who have come before us, while boldly stepping into the uncharted territories of change.”

  Livia Abara stepped forward under the approving gaze of Tendra Lorde, Kabal Dioni, and Lady Adel. Many gazes landed on the mature woman who clasped her hands behind her back as she stepped into the center stage. Everything about Livia was sharp—her gaze, posture, and presence were like a blade ready to cut through all opposition. She was tall, as most Edryan nobles were. Livia stood over 190 centimeters in height, and the sharp kitten heels she wore boosted her by a few more centimeters. These were a new style of clothing introduced by LSG.

  Livia Abara stood upright and proud, locking eyes with various nobles as she continued. “The Class-Based Constitutional Monarchy is an unprecedented evolution in Edryan's history, and though some may feel unsettled by this restructuring, I firmly believe that such a system—if managed wisely—will only strengthen our great nation. But let me be clear: this new structure is not without its challenges. We as the leaders of the society of Great Edryan will demand more accountability, and all nobility will be expected to temper their influence with reason and restraint. We must tread carefully, lest we lose the order we have spent centuries cultivating.”

  Livia paused here, allowing the listening nobility a chance to comprehend her words before continuing. The presence of the Madris’s Chosen once radiated throughout the area was replaced by another. Quietly, he disappeared, only to reappear next to the Queen as Livia continued. Her straight black hair was decorated in a short bun that added to her disciplined appearance.

  “My vision for the [Prime Overseer] is one of a stable hand, a firm, guiding presence who will ensure that the delicate balance between progress and tradition is upheld. We cannot afford to surrender ourselves to reckless change, nor can we cling to outdated systems that no longer serve what this nation is becoming. And that is why I stand here before you, as one who has seen both sides—reform and tradition.”

  Her gaze briefly glanced upward at the pair of mother and son before she continued. Livia’s game was to appease both the supporters of this new system, a large majority of the Great Houses, and those who failed in their resistance against the change. She wore a purple business dress with light makeup to enhance her already beautiful features. Sparse pieces of jewelry covered her body, but each piece that did was simple but expensive.

  “We must choose someone who has experienced the many changes and challenges Great Edryan has faced in the past century—and, when establishing how the Overseer branch will work, someone with steady but firm guidance, rooted in an in-depth understanding of Edryan’s complexities. The [Prime Overseer] must not only be a mediator between the nobility and our people, but a protector of Edryan's stability, ensuring that change does not spiral into chaos, nor tradition into stagnation.”

  Livia Abara’s gaze continued to shift. Her eyes carefully traveled to the leaders of the Great Houses. These men and women were who would hold the greatest sway in selecting the temporary Prime Overseer. It was vital she gained their approval now that this process, this change in government, was well and truly underway.

  “I have weathered the storms of two monarchs, watched our nation grow, falter, and rise again. I have seen what unchecked ambition can do, how power in the wrong hands can lead us to ruin—and, how in the right hands it leads us to greatness,” Livia said the ending while glancing toward the monarchy. Her sharp voice took an appreciative tone. “And I say this with certainty: Edryan stands at a crossroads. The Prime Overseer will determine not only the success of this new system but the future of our very nation.”

  Livia survived the collapse of King Titan Verlio Ahmei Edryani , father of the [Iron-Blooded Queen]. She’d survived the civil war that threatened to split the country apart and the grand purge that gave Queen Titiana her title. The older, mature woman’s sharp presence radiated a no-nonsense sense of order. She was disciplined, but more than that, Livia was weathered. Many of those present knew her in some capacity through her service of the court. That was why the Old Power chose her for their representation to pull the start of this new government in their camp.

  “I offer myself as that steady hand. Not a ruler, but a guardian . One who will uphold this delicate balance between progress and order. We cannot entrust this vital role to the inexperienced, the idealistic, or the rash. We need someone who has lived the weight of decisions that shaped this nation—who can guide us, not just through the dawn of this new era, but through the storms that may follow.”

  Livia didn’t just voice her desire to be the [Prime Overseer] during the initial setup of the Overseer branch, this was her calling for more beyond just its setup.

  Her grey eyes continued to analyze the crowd and seek the eyes of those Livia deemed important to her securing the position of the Prime Overseer. She raised her head slightly, her sharp pointed chin set with purpose.

  “Let it be known: I am prepared to lead the Overseers with the wisdom of the past and the vision of the future. Edryan's greatness is not in its resistance to change, but in how we master it. Under my watch, we will not falter. We will rise.”

  Livia Abara gave a slight bow before she made her exit to the side. She left the nobility to ponder on her speech, leaving the floor open to the next candidate. Deep within her eyes was the gleam of ambition and calculation, knowing she had planted a seed of ambition within those present.

  Marskidris Patreon, which is 27+ chapters ahead! All free members of the Patreon can access 5 chapters ahead (you can also read a few Patreon exclusive interludes—new one monthly)! If there are any grammatical mistakes, please comment below. I can only go further with your support!

  AN: We are going to start expanding into the wider Edryan. I’ve kept certain things away because it just was never appropriate to bring them up, and I no longer like to blurb a bunch of world-building when it isn’t vital for several seasons. For example, I always wanted to introduce the various ministries, but never once did I have an appropriate use for them. It would have been like, ‘Here are the ministers, but nothing is happening with them.’ That’s boring. IDK about you, but that type of information leaves my head a few seconds after I read it unless it’s necessary for the next few chapters. I think that’s how I’ll approach these things in the future.