In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (5)

In the Command Center, far fewer vassals were present and a somber mood lingered in it. The rain hadn't stopped, just like the greed of those who brought their family members to such an important meeting.

Humans were strange creatures, even under the threat of future destruction some still seeked benefits. What they hoped to gain? Honor? Respect? Maybe a small amount of money?

If so, they were truly trash.

Those who exposed their family to danger because of greed didn't deserve to be part of the nobility and much less be allowed to lead a fiefdom. Unfortunately many were filled with greed these days.

The nation was rotten after all.

"So, how did things go with that servant girl yesterday?" – "What?"

"How did things go-" – "Shut up boy. Can't you see this isn't the moment for such talk!?"

"I… Forgive me father…"

There were those who were trying to lighten the mood unsuccessfully.

"Do you think the Empire will take advantage if we send help?" – "I'm not so sure. Normally I would say they were too honorable to do something like this, but after they assassinated King Danylo I have my doubts."

"Worrying. Perhaps I should send my family to the capital." – "Ah, that's right, your fief borders the Empire, doesn't it?"

"You talk as if we aren't neighbors." – "No, no, to be more exact we are neighbors of the same neighbor."

"It's the same, but oh well, in any case, we should assemble an army to protect the borders."

"Indeed. We can only hope others will agree though."

There were those who were planning for the war.

"Damned be these ignorant nomads! First, they take out our most profitable business partners and now they want to gobble the last!? These idiots should die!!"

"I agree! If only these churls accepted our trade offers!! How are we going to even make any money at this rate!? Our economy is crashing!"

"Hey! You two. I think you're losing the main point here…"

There were those who were complaining without looking at the real problem.

And there were those who were too far away to hear.

'With how things are going this kingdom will be erased from history soon. Damn, I messed up. Should have bought that one-way trip when I had the chance-'

"Psst*"

"Psst* Hey Anatoli, Anatoli." – "What?" Anatoli asked, looking at the individual who interrupted his thoughts.

"What happened between you and the messenger? Did everything go well? Is Sofia okay? What about her husband?"

"Please slow down, Guard Captain." – "Haha, I can't! You know how anxious I am." The middle-aged man stated, his yellowish teeth shining radiantly on the face.

"... Right. Well, I appreciate your worry."

"Haha!"

"That aside, things did go better than I expected. According to the man-I mean, Sir Bohuslav, Sofia was seen with the Princess." Anatoli stated, obviously happy inside.

"Hoho, that's great!! What about Oleg? I suppose he is okay isn't it?"

"O-Oleg? I-hmm, I mean he is, huh, he must be fine. Yeah, I'm sure." The Count mumbled, scratching his head awkwardly. – "Wait… does that mean you didn't ask about him at all?" The older man questioned.

"I mean-I, I… yeah I forgot."

"... Haha. No wonder people find you quite 'eccentric'." Muttered the greybeard.

"I heard that." – "Yes, I'm sure you did."

"Ha! You have nothing else to do?" – "Positive."

"... Don't you have to supervise the other guards?" – "Already did."

"Secured all exits?" – "If I hadn't you wouldn't be here."

"Checked the identity of the present?" – "That's confidential."

"Escorted his Majesty?" – "My presence is only necessary on official matters."

"Tch*" – "Don't *Tch* me."

"Go away." – "Why should I?"

"Because I'm asking nicely." – "Heh, what about no?"

"Haah* Although you are annoying, thank you for doing this."

"..."

"Honestly, I'm glad I was able to calm your nerves, my friend." The older man exclaimed with a glad expression on his face. The younger man on the other hand brushed his hair with a sigh.

The two stood there in silence, waiting, and not much later they heard the buttery voice of the announcer.

"His Majesty, Naum, the First of his name and Supreme Ruler of the Northern Coast graces us with his presence!!!"

The doors opened quite dramatically as the King strode with his head high up, nodding at his vassals. Quite the kingly behavior for a man with the reputation of a fickle madman and little regard for etiquette.

"If you excuse me, I need to attend to his Grace. God be with you friend." The older man saluted, muttering the later.

"Farewell, may he be with us. All of us."

Waving his goodbye, Anatoli thought about how strangely the King had acted earlier in the day. He wasn't sure if the man hoped to gain his support by acting that way, or if it was simply one of his many whims.

But one thing was sure, he had done enough to interest.

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"His Majesty, Naum, the First of his name and Supreme Ruler of the Northern Coast graces us with his presence!!!"

Entering the room with the Steward by his side, Naum looked at faces who were supposed to lead the Kingdom. And as expected it wasn't a pretty sight; both from the beauty and composure point of view.

Harsh? Maybe.

True? Certainly.

"Greetings my vassals, I hope you had a good day because this is going to be a boring endeavor." When some nodded in agreement, the King grinned before continuing, "Before we start I must ask, did any of you bring outsiders?"

"Yes, your majesty. I brought my nephew." One noble admitted truthfully, and not too long after, others followed his example.

"... And who gave you the permission?" The king asked curiously.

"No one. I believed you wouldn't reject one more warrior for this noble cause my lord." The nobleman answered boldly.

"Hmm, I see."

"This time I won't say anything, but if it happens again I will have all of you punished. Understood?"

"Yes, your Grace." The man said bowing.

"Very well, now, let's start this meeting."

"As many of you probably perceived, the General isn't present. Odd considering I am here, but do not fret, he is solving an important task and will be present at a later time. With that said, as the Grand Chamberlain likely informed all of you, many will speak today."

"Firstly, the Steward will relay our financial status."

"Secondly, if he is present the General will talk about the state of our armies."

"Thirdly, the Master of Pantry will inform us about the supplies."

"Fourthly, the Head Blacksmith will provide us with information about our weapons."

"Fifthly, but not less important, the Master of Horse will tell us the conditions of our war animals."

"That is our current schedule, but remember, one must only ask questions now, and after the respective councilor spoke their piece. We don't have much time after all."

"Any doubts?"

Seeing the silence of his men, the King nodded his head pleased.

"Very well then. Let's start this meeting!!"

And that was how the meeting that would decide the future of Otresh began. Monotonous, but as a great man once said, "Weigh the situation, then move."