Chapter 69 - Regeneration and Discussion

I ordered a maid to take the cart and empty plates away before I began testing things.

Once they had left and the door was shut, I focused and used attack force, giving myself Zombiemans regeneration. There wasn't any sort of shock or physical indication that it worked, I simply knew it had, and just to make sure, I summoned one of Zombieman's machetes and nicked a finger. It stung but was instantly healed.

I smiled and wondered about how exactly I would test out his stamina. After a few seconds of thinking, I shrugged and decided to do some pushups and see how long I could last. I dropped to the floor and began doing pushups. It was awkward at first since I hadn't really been the athletic type back on earth, but after a few attempts, I got it down and began rapidly pushing myself up then going back down, and repeat.

Ten minutes in, and I didn't feel even the least bit tired. I stopped and stood before running from one side of the room to the other. I did this for about five minutes, and just like the pushups, I didn't feel tired at all. I smiled when I stopped, thanking the system for having given me Zombieman. This now meant that I wouldn't disappoint any of the riders if what I thought was going to happen, happened, though I had a feeling it would, not that I was complaining. The idea of sleeping with a hundred beautiful and deadly women was a fantasy that I had never thought would actually come true.

With the testing down, I headed over to my bedroom. I had barely gotten my clothes off before I flopped into the bed. I yawned and closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep, thoughts of the upcoming ceremony in my mind.

-----

While the king slept in preparation for the upcoming ceremony, in other parts of the palace and city, the people spoke and discussed what might come next.

In Inns, taverns and homes, men and women spoke of the day's events, of how the king had crushed Biroths army with ease, of his beasts and creatures. His green giant was especially spoken of, in fear and awe. Many new creatures such as those existed but they were citizens of a minor kingdom, on the outskirts of the empire, such creatures weren't seen around these parts.

Rumours and speculation abounded, from simple rumours to wild theories of where the new king originated from. Some said he was a noble from a foreign land, while others said he was a mercenary from the free kingdoms to the south. Others said he was from the frontiers to the west, an inquisitor who had run from the frenzied lands and the sixth inquisition. Many disproved it quickly as he had none of the tattoos or markings of an imperial inquisitor, many others simply didn't want to think about the possibility that their new king could be an imperial inquisitor.

While the lower classes discussed the new king in the city, the nobles held gatherings to discuss what would come next. Many were worried as to what changes the king might bring, while some were excited. Those who had attempted to back Biroth were now frightened of ever being found out, especially since Lillian had been captured.

Many were glad of her capture, especially the families who had been tricked by her. Their loyalty was now firmly to the new king who had saved their houses from potential needless conflict and ruin.

In one gathering in particular, at one of the many noble manors in the city, a group of young nobles sat around a large room full of comfy furniture blankets and pillows. Servants stood ready to offer them baked treats or refill drinks.

"I still find it hard to believe," A young man with black hair said, taking a sip of his wine.

"Oh come off it, Murin," A brunette with yellow eyes replied, motioning one of the servants over to refill her drink. "You know as well as I do, that it is no lie."

"Indeed," said a muscular man, reclining on one of the chairs. "Aressa is right. We all saw the aftermath and caught a glimpse of the giant. Biroth is dead and the new king has won."

"I know," Murin said, reaching over to take a biscuit from one of the trays the servants held. "It's just hard to think of. You hear tales of things like this happening, but never to a place like this. We are just a minor kingdom after all. We have little to offer in the grand scheme of things. If we did have something to offer then we'd have been conquered by now. Gods know that the Ilran has been on a spree of war as of late."

"Don't speak of such things," The final of the four said, a woman with blond hair and narrow features. "You'll ruin the mood."

"Oh," Murin replied. "And what do you think of current events, Pella?"

"I'm interested in hearing your answer as well," Aressa added. "You've awfully quiet."

The noble known as Pella slowly sipped her drink, thinking of what to respond with.

"My family was one of the few that Lillian set against another," Pella began. "If the king hadn't captured her and forced her to admit what'd she'd done, then my family would have ended. We'd been set against three others. We wouldn't have won. The king has saved my house, so, currently, he has my families full backing, including mine. He seems capable, at least power-wise, and I'm intrigued to see what changes he will make."

The others seemed shocked by her reply, but not confused. Her house had been saved by the new king and she and her family were indebted to him.

"Well then," Murin said, raising his glass. "To the new king and the future."

The others raised their cups, each wondering what tomorrow would bring.