An Emperor Unwelcome

As the iron gates to the capital swung open, the clanking of chains and the heavy rumble of gears echoed through the city walls, like an omen echoing through the cobbled streets.

Emperor Arkanos sat atop his warhorse, with his silver hair falling loosely about his green eyes, an Emperor returned from bloodshed yet far from comforting.

The soldiers on either side of him stood tall, all roughed up from the battle, their armor dull with soot and blood, a proof of the vicious victory over Nythralis.

The townsfolk gathered reluctantly along the narrow streets, their eyes cautiously following the emperor and his retinue as they made their way through the city.

They did not dare speak openly, yet hushed whispers wove through the crowd, murmurs that drifted and faded into the air like smoke.

"No, no, no… this can't be."

"He lives? Why… have the gods truly forsaken us?"

"What sort of sorcery did he use to survive?"

"Seems even death has no desire to claim him..."

"Perhaps... perhaps next time the gods will be less forgiving…"

"We'll be back to bowing and paying for his wars before long..."

The words were scarcely louder than a breath, but they carried a clear sense of tension, whispers of faint hope mingling with fear.

Mothers pulled their children close, their faces pale and drawn, casting glances as if the very act of watching might draw the emperor's gaze.

Captain Seraphine, riding beside Arkanos, noticed the thin line of wary eyes, the reluctant applause that sounded more out of habit than reverence for their emperor.

Her head lowered, half of her upper face darkened by her hair, almost as if a storm of emotions stirred inside her. She knew the sorry state the empire was in, she knew the people suffered, she knew they had every right to think the way they did.

Yet…

A part of her felt angered that they would speak of their lord in such a way, though she felt guilty for feeling this way, when it was clear why they feared him and wished him dead.

So she kept silent. She was already used to this by now, and if it was a hurdle she would have to overcome to prove herself worthy to always be by his side, then it was no challenge.

Arkanos noticed Seraphine's troubled expression from the corner of his eye, glancing at her without moving his head. Redirecting his gaze forward, he spoke softly.

"You need not be troubled, Seraphine. They speak this way because their hearts are in turmoil, their minds shrouded in fear. It is only natural for them to feel this way after the man responsible for their suffering returns drawing breath."

"You'd be better off if you calmed yourself."

"My Liege…"

Arkanos noticed the slightly worried look on her face and flashed her a small, confident smile as he said, "After all... I shall soon make this empire great again, and by the time I do…"

"All shall sing praises to my name."

Hearing his calm, yet commanding words instantly calmed Seraphine. She managed a small smile as she nodded.

"Understood, my Liege. I have faith."

Arkanos nodded as well, urging his horse to move slightly forward. As he did, Seraphine's thoughts raced.

'He need not trouble himself with the present and instead looks to the future with confidence,' she smiled. 'This is the man I pledge my body and soul to, and I shall continue to serve him till I draw my last breath.'

'Whatever storm may come, I shall remain steadfast in my loyalty. No trial will shake me; I will stand by his side, enduring every hardship as long as he leads. For the emperor… and for the empire, I will remain unbroken.'

At last, they reached the inner gate of the palace, where the guards stood at attention, armored and stoic.

One of them, clad in the emblem of the imperial guard, stepped forward and saluted, his voice clear as he spoke.

"The emperor returns!"

With a slight nod, Arkanos dismounted, his armor clinking softly as his boots met the cobblestone.

His soldiers followed suit, standing at attention behind him. The captain of the guard stepped aside, bowing as he gestured toward the open doors of the palace.

"Welcome home, Your Majesty."

Arkanos inclined his head, acknowledging the greeting, and began his ascent up the palace steps. Behind him, the soldiers fell in line. The grand hall awaited, its gilded chandeliers casting a warm light across the marble floors as they entered.

As Arkanos crossed the threshold into the grand hall, the heavy doors closed with a resounding thud. The echo lingered in the air, bringing a sudden silence to the massive space.

With each step Arkanos took, his thoughts raced as he called out to the system.

'System, what is the current percent of loyalty from my troops?'

[Loyalty value: 58% - Conditional Loyalty: Committed enough to obey under ordinary circumstances but may reconsider if the leader's actions are seen as detrimental. This level of loyalty can be influenced by promises of reward or by signs of strength or weakness.]

'What about the people of my empire?'

[Loyalty value: 20% - Hostile Resentment: Dislikes the leader intensely, bearing a grudge. Is reluctant to follow orders and is likely to hinder progress, gossip against the leader, or look for opportunities to betray.]

'Now that I'm back, I believe the next step towards building loyalty will be to honor my fallen men, giving them a proper burial... and hold a party celebrating their sacrifice…'

'I will need to—'

"Welcome back, my dear."

Before Arkanos could finish his train of thought, a soft, somewhat angelic voice, that could very well be soothing to the soul, called out to him, causing him to look up a set of stairs where he saw three figures approaching.

Arkanos' eyes widened as his gaze landed on them; for a moment his breath hitched in his throat.

'Wait… The three of them are…'

[The player's spouses.]

[Loyalty value: 69 ~ 100%.]