Chapter 159 - Heading Back

"Urgh... feel like I've got an elephant crushing my head"

"Heh, you comfortable there Ikarus? We've really got to stop doing this"

Waking up on top of Petra's ample bosom, it's obvious we've had one of those nights of nonstop drinking and celebration again however, the hangover is really bad this time around.

Trying to recollect my memory, things are just as blurry as always. I don't think anything too insane happened this time around like getting jealous to a tree but things definitely weren't normal.

"You're right Petra, gimme a second and I'll get off... There was definitely a grassy throne, oh, and a thorny wreath I remember wearing, not sure I remember putting this dress on though. Why is there an umbrella on my head as well?"

I'm wearing some orange tribal looking garb and I'm not exactly sure why. I definitely remember putting my enchanted dress away... and getting stuck upside down hanging from a vine after declaring I was part chimpanzee. Okay, last night was crazier than I remember, at least we're not naked this time around.

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https://i.ibb.co/F8DfBz6/Ikarus-Jungle.jpg

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"Heh, they tried to get you to do the ceremony naked Ikarus, remember?"

"Oh yeah... they said its tradition, or was tradition. I regrettingly would've done it until you pulled out your sword and threatened to send heads flying. It's a good thing your jealously can still remain while pissed"

I mean, drunk Petra gives less of a shit than normal. She probably looked like a badass threatening them but all I can remember is a faint outline of her doing it. That was after a few litres of the dwarven booze though.

"Heh, you remember that? It wouldn't have been out of jealously Ikarus, can't be having anyone see such unfiltered perfection, it was for their own safety really. Erm, do you mind getting up now? My chest is hurting a little"

"Yeah yeah, sorry. Forgot about how you get pain there as well"

Finally crawling off Petra, grabbing my throbbing head and looking around, we appear to have woken up on a patch of grass surrounded by dozens of other drunkards. Ah, the life of a partyholic, I'd hate to do this all the time but on occasion it's not terrible.

Some are in costumes, others in similar tribal stuff to me and more in those black robes I've already seen all around the place. Oh, Zeki and Ariza are here as well passed out within the crowd. Ariza got peer pressured into drinking by Zeki and spent most the night struggling to stay awake and Zeki, what the hell is he wearing!? It's like some costume sort of thing with a corset and shows quite the bit off. I'm so going to take the piss when he arises...

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https://i.ibb.co/t4jRdtb/Zeki-Jungle.jpg

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"We've got to stop doing these Petra, I'm gonna lose my memory at this rate. Seeing Zeki dressed like that is great, but not worth this headache"

"Heh, agreed. We can always travel back home for a rest at any moment Ikarus"

"You... have a point there, we haven't been back in a little while as well"

We've already done two dungeons so a bit of recovery back at home can't be that bad, right? It'll only be day or so, I know we want to get to the Underworld as fast as possible but Dionysus can wait a little longer. We probably should go check things as well, can't be leaving Marcus for too long without a quick check up.

"*Yawnn*... It's been too long since we crowned a new queen, that was a most excellent night"

That grey haired woman who info-dumped the history of the world has also just woken up on top of a pile of other drunkards, this is definitely a leader I can support if this is how she is normally. I think her name was Dara or something? Don't even remember her telling us it.

"We're probably going to set off in a bit, no point in wasting time sitting around"

"Heh, Ikarus does like to get moving after a night of drink"

I mean, Petra is right, it's basically tradition to fly with a hangover now. Actually, I won't even have to fly! Just need to round everyone up, and then teleporting it is.

"Oh, already? The celebration normally lasts a week but if you're busy, then it doesn't matter that much. Imma go back to sleep for a bit longer"

The woman returns back to the grassy floor and I really can't help but smirk at this whole situation. To think there's a place with a leader as reckless as us! It gives me hope for the world, normal leaders are boring anyways.

"Erk... my head. Fuck, I need a coffee with loads of cream right now"

"Uh... can't believe you convinced me to drink so much Zeki"

Within the crowd of collapsed people, the other two of our species seem to have finally awakened from the dead. I think this is the first time I've seen Ariza drink and boy, she can hold her own as well. Already said Zeki's to blame for that.

Despite all this, I've got to tease him now, right? It's like a golden opportunity I can't pass away.

"Oi kid, you liking that outfit you've got on? That must be extremely comfortable"

Zeki finally rises like a reanimated corpse clutching his head and notices the skimpy outfit he has on. The strange thing is, he seems less bothered about this than usual. Has he finally embraced his womanhood or something!?! Nah, it's probably just the hangover being more a focus then the little skirt and other shit he's got on.

"Buzz off orangey, haven't got the energy or strength to care right now"

"Try to stay awake Zeki, we're going to head off soon"

"Erk, really sis? Probably shouldn't eat till we get back then, I'll only spew it up"

'Oh yeah, Zeki gets stomach problems while teleporting'

"Let's go find Nathan and Charlotte then. They've got to be around the castle somewhere, it's a good thing they both don't drink..."

__________

"Stop lying to us!"

"Yeah! Bring them out already!"

"There's no way they would've abandoned us without saying anything!"

Getting the gang back together, teleporting to the settlement and ending up at the back of a small crowd, it seems like a large gathering of people have been protesting for some unknown reason.

It's like a scene out of a movie or show, some people are wielding things like torches and pitchforks towards the town hall! I'd love to laugh, if it wasn't happening in our home. Pretty sure it's more for show as there are guards around making sure things don't get violent, not like I can sense any hospitality though.

We did say once in a council meeting that people are allowed to share their voices and not be opposed, but maybe we should've gone a little more oppressive with this sort of thing if protests are now happening. Eh, let's just see what this is mainly about first.

"How many times is this already, they're not here! You can keep sulking all you want, there's nothing I can help you with"

"The two queens are out exploring the world, even I can't serve them right now!"

Both Marcus and our maid Eve are currently on a balcony addressing the crowd. Unsure why she would be here but both are looking pretty stressed out from everything going on.

"You're lying to us! The queens would never leave us like this!"

"Yeah! Please tell them to come out!"

"We just want to see their faces again!"

Feeling a huge amount of regret from deciding to help build this place, I can't help but hide under my arm while Petra tries not to laugh from the whole situation. To think the main reason for the riot is literally because we're not here! It's just stupid really.

(Ikarus) "Erm... anyone know what could've caused this? I'm being sarcastic by the way"

"Don't care orangey, need to go find somewhere to puke"

"Heh, maybe we should've given more of a heads up before we left Ikarus"

"Uh... huh? They really like you two, I'm going to check on the clinic as well quickly"

"To think your people love you this much Ikarus-sama and Petra-sama!"

"Even the emperor doesn't get people rioting just to witness his face"

Now just the four of us remain within the crowd as our phoenix brethren split, I still can't help but feel shit about this whole thing. We've got to start laying down the law a little more if these idiots are going to be like this, we're not staying just because they want to admire the freaking queens! It's time for evil Ikarus to show a little bit.

Anyways, I finally decide to get my head out of the sand opening my wings and flying up in full view of everyone. I really hoped that looked janky as hell since these lot need to stop viewing us like we're icons or something, probably looked like a majestic eagle to these idiots though.

"Seriously... What the fuck is wrong with you all!? Get back to what you were doing and stop this pointless charade!"

Unfortunately, I think my appearance does nothing to help.

"Queen Ikarus is here? And looking majestic as always..."

"Marcus was lying, I knew they were here!"

"Yeah, Queen Petra must be nearby as well! Where is she?"

What the actual fuck has happened to these idiots under our thumb!? Has not witnessing our brilliance in a little while caused them to all start fangirling or something? All of their eyes are full of pure awe and envy, it's fucking annoying!

"All of you, listen up! Whatever this is, it's unacceptable! We've not even been gone for two weeks and you've started protesting over such a stupid thing? Free speech is pointless if you're going to be idiots over it"

Almost immediately, the crowd seem to look slightly guilty over everything, rightfully so. That doesn't stop a few voices from stirring the crowd in a direction I don't want though, stop worshipping us!

"But you left straight away after the snow! It's not only been two weeks!"

"Yeah, we barely saw you two at all over those months! It was sooo long and we barely saw you at all..."

"It's not fair that we don't get to see our queens anymore! What is the point in even existing?"

Even up here, I'm starting to facepalm and it even looks like Petra's trying not to crack up. At least they've now noticed she's here as well and are fangirling just as hard for her. I've really got to start being deadly serious and using threats, but I can't bring myself to do such a thing to people basically treating us like we're Gods.

"I don't care! Just because you think we're nice doesn't mean we're always going to stand around looking like statues for your amusement! Go away!"

The atmosphere from my 'extremely' damning statement brings the depression up even further sending a few people to their knees. I really have no idea how to talk to these idiots, we're literally going to end being forced to stay if I don't do something now.

I know there's been slight hints about our popularity every now and then but this is a different level I never thought I'd have to endure. I'd rather be hated leaders with everyone fearing us than turning into cult leaders, it's basically the same thing. Petra can't help but try and be sympathetic about it all though.

"Heh, think we may have depressed them a little Ikarus"

"They're treating us like we're some Gods to worship Petra, we were never going to remain here forever. If they really want to see us so much, they can do it when we go through that whole wedding fiasco we keep putting off. We'll be here a lot then"

...

Like I know I've just announced something I shouldn't have, the reaction around the place switches to pure excitement.

"WAIT!!! The queens are getting married!?! When was this announced?"

"When's the wedding happening? Is it going to be like the empire's royal occasions!?"

"Queen Ikarus is going to look beautiful, mark my words. We've got to start preparing everything!"

My hatred of people is slowly rising everyday and this day, it's drastically increased. It's going to be these idiots who causes me to turn pure evil... MARK MY WORDS...

"It's not happening yet, and you dipshits aren't helping or even coming to it! *Sighhh*... Oh, just fuck this, I'm not talking to you lot anymore..."

No one even cares about me swearing at them and are now just excited, best just leave them now. I swear all that stupidity I got out of me has ended up consuming our citizens....

"...Marcus, any problems that me and Petra need to solve?"

"Other than the few protests we've been getting due to both your absences; things have been going along pretty smoothly. Was a little worried about defence in case we do get attacked but the constant dragon presence has helped ease those nerves"

"Dragon presence? Who's been over here?"

"Mute and your family, they're actually over here right now"

Well, at least its good things have been going smoothly, despite this stupid thing that's currently going on. Surprised they're here right now, will have to go meet them in a little while after everything else gets sorted. Petra however seems to have something to say down below.

"Ah, we need go visit Garry after this Ikarus. Got something for you and Mute I nearly forgot about"

'Petra got me and Mute something? Did she send a messenger bird all the way back over here without me even realizing?'

"Sure sure Petra... I've got to ask you though Marcus, why is our maid with you anyways?"

It's weird, right? Our maid is currently alongside Marcus and was addressing the people with him, that's not strange at all.

"Ah, I've been helping Marcus out since I've had a load of free time lately. Feel like I've been freeloading a little staying at your place while unable to serve you two"

"Don't be like that Eve, you do more than enough around here already"

"Hehe, thanks Marcus but you know that's not true. I should probably go and make sure the leaders house is spotless! I cleaned it this morning but I can always do it again!"

'Okay, the way Marcus just touched her shoulder while consoling her, I'm right on this...'

So... Marcus and our maid have a little thing going along? A politician and a maid having a relationship!? This is such a scandal! So much so, I'm fully going to endorse it and encourage it. If I can be bothered to of course, we don't really care on who can date or marry so anybody can do what they want around here. The main exceptions being stuff like legal age and anything which would be considered illegal taboo, that sort of thing should be obvious though.

Anyways, going to land and traversing the endless idiotic crowd still excited from a potential royal wedding that has no date in sight, I rejoin the remaining four of our party and both priestess and the knight look like they've been betrayed or something.

"Erm... Ikarus-sama, did you forget to tell me and Nat about that? You were okay with us knowing, right?"

"It must be that, right Ikarus?"

They actually seem a little sad we didn't mention it. Why is being fiancés such a big deal anyways? Even we don't know when we're going to bother yet, I'll never understand we people care that much.

"Heh, sorry about that you two, this has kinda become a thing me and Ikarus keep neglecting to mention"

"Yeah, still no idea when it's even going to happen yet. For all we know, you two could end up married before us!"

Without even realizing it, I've somehow managed to make those two blush and a little shy. I forgot how I liked teasing them about this sort of crap, even if that was completely accidental.

"Anyways... you said something about a gift Petra? Let's go find Mute, then find the gnome..."