A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

Chapter 530 - Addressing the people [2/2]

Silence reigned in the massive arena. Everyone watched the dust cloud with bated breath, as even the furthest onlookers felt the pressure roll over them.

Slowly, the dust cloud settled to reveal a group of five people. Three alluring young women stood in a triangle formation. They were dressed in identical, sophisticated, fantasy-inspired robes with a sleek and elegant design. Primarily blue, with gold colours decorations, these were the outfits Elora had once designed for their family servants.

In the middle of their formation stood the most beautiful woman any of them had ever seen. Hair like blood flowed down her short, but voluptuous body, and emerald eyes shone with cunning intelligence. She wore a fantastical fairy dress worthy of an empress and looked at the crowd with gleeful confidence.

"I must say, Ankhur does know how to speak to his people," she whispered to the much taller man next to her. "He could make for a great manipulator, if only he had the stones to disregard some of those pesky morals he's got rattling around in his brain."

"Those pesky morals are part of the reason he speaks so well," Erik answered softly, a casual, confident smile on his lips. "Without that passion, he wouldn't be half as convincing."

The dark runeguard armour was snuggly hugging his body, giving him a particularly menacing look. His intimidating, two-handed hammer was casually slung over his right shoulder, kept in place by Erik's wrist. He was in human form, and his short, silver-grey hair with well-maintained beard gave him a wizened look.

Elora sighed with a hint of disappointment. "Well, maybe you're right about that. Better to have someone without morals and a level of charisma that doesn't require passion to work."

Meanwhile, the crowd recovered from their shock and awe and started to cheer.

"Aaah! Lord Erik is so handsome!"

"Forget Lord Erik, look at those women surrounding him!"

"Like you'd ever have a chance with them!"

"Stop thinking with your dicks and wombs, you idiots! Do you feel that power they're radiating?! Those Humanitas assholes don't stand a chance!"

Erik basked in the adoration of the crowd with a pleasant grin. He hadn't felt this before, and had to admit he liked it. Meanwhile, he took in a deep breath, smelling the clean air, and sensing the world around him.

He'd never realized how deeply aetherium was saturated into every facet of the world. Never realized how many colours, smells, and sounds there truly were around him, all the time. It felt amazing. Like a high he'd never get down off.

Not now that he'd reached the third rank…

"Does omnisense always feel like this?" he asked Elora absentmindedly, his thoughts lost in the great many details he could now see around him. Even Elora's beauty was more apparent as his senses rolled over her, seeing every inch of her body.

Naturally, Elora could easily block omnisense if she wanted, but why would she stop him? She only stopped others. "You'll get used to it," she chuckled softly. "But yes, it does."

Meanwhile, Ankhur had raised his hand to quiet down the crowd again. "Now, I'm sure you're all wondering exactly what Erik and I will be fighting for, right?"

Some loud, curious agreement followed, and Ankhur explained solemnly. "Then, let me tell you! As I said before, in return for his help, Erik has requested the chance to show his worth… as emperor!"

No cheers followed this time. Instead, confusion festered. Whispering rose up everywhere. In a prominent spot among the crowd, Ankhur's family was assembled around Naeku, and while they didn't look confused or surprised, not all of them looked happy.

Ankhur quickly continued, hoping to build on the enthusiasm from before. "That's right! Erik has ambitions of founding an empire, and, after recognizing the might and bravery of my people, he's asked us to become the first kingdom under his banner."

That got a slightly better reaction, as some people couldn't help cheering for their might and bravery.

"Now, I know many of you want us to remain independent, and with good reason!" he continued passionately, making the entire crowd hang on his lips once again. "But the world is filled with dangers and knowledge that is beyond our current reach. There is no shame in admitting your shortcomings! True warriors are not only proud, brave, and honourable! They are realistic!"

This finally got some more agreement from the crowd. They still remembered the gloom that hung over the city when it felt like the Humanitas Sangh would gather their armies under their wall at any day. They made themselves no illusions, thinking this city was invincible.

Now, Ankhur extended his hand towards Erik. "In return for making up for our shortcomings, and ensuring our prosperity for years to come, Erik has asked us to join him, and I've agreed… if he can prove himself! Because even if we needed some help, only the most worthy could ever hope to lead our people into the future!"

He lowered his arm, and his voice fell a few octaves. His furrowed his brows and looked sternly at the crowd. "Tell me, my people, did I misrepresent us? Will you let pride blind you to the truth? Or will you allow me to continue as your ruler, but in another's name?"

Tentatively, the crowd's enthusiasm was making a comeback as they remembered the many improvements to their lives over the last few weeks. Ankhur managed to portray them in a good light, even as he spoke to their fears, honour, and pride, while presenting himself as a humble ruler, simply trying to do what was best for his people.

"We trust you, Lord Ankhur!"

"Yeah! If you say this man is worthy, then let him bring us prosperity!"

"Any who think our Kingdom can overcome anything through sheer will is a fool!"

"Exactly! Especially after meeting those pieces of shit who slaughtered our people in Djibouti!"

Meanwhile, Erik and Elora looked around at the crowd curiously. "He's truly doing his best, huh?" Erik muttered with satisfaction.

"Of course he is," Elora nodded smugly. "He's already made the deal, because he knows its the only way, so now he needs to sell it to his people. Fortunately, it looks like its working."

Around them, Nora, Anne, and Seraphina, who stood in the triangle formation, couldn't help their chests swelling in pride. Even Seraphina found herself impressed by the way Erik and Elora were about to subordinate an entire kingdom.

Ankhur, too, looked satisfied, and raised his hand again. "Thank you for your trust, my people! But his worth is exactly what we're here to judge today! He's already proven his tactical ability by delaying our enemies, and his wisdom by granting us knowledge, so today, let us judge his quality as a warrior!"

Scorching heat began to gather around him, as he used his one good arm to pull out one of the khopeshes at this side, before pointing it at Erik challengingly. "I challenge you, Erik! Show me your worth! Show our people your worth! Show us all why you can lead us into the future, or fail, and join the ashes of the pointless!"