Imperial Scholar Skymender - 696

She turned and looked at Skymender for a moment, giving him a look of disdain. Although he had proven to be smarter, stronger, and essentially better than her in everything, she still managed to look down on him because she was a member of the Imperial family.

It didn't matter any to Skymender. She was of no importance, and most likely never would be. 

Skymender merely glanced at her for a moment before looking back at the Emperor.

The Emperor cleared his throat and spoke. "I will give you a reward later, Daughter."

She nodded her head before standing to the side.

She didn't have to leave, as she was the Emperor's daughter.

He turned to look at Skymender. "Well done, as expected. Last time, you received a Scholar Ticket. Do you still have that with you?"

Skymender nodded and reached into his pocket, pulling it out. He had nearly forgotten about it, but after thinking about the Noble Gathering, remembered to bring it just in case.

The Emperor nodded his head. "Good. Since things are different now, I will tell you what the Scholar Ticket is. It represents the qualifications to become the Imperial Scholar. As I told my daughter, there are two people qualified to have that position. One is naturally you, your qualification received due to your talent. The second is someone I believe you are familiar with, Charles. He received the qualifications because of his talent, a photographic memory."

The Emperor paused for a moment. 

He leaned forward a bit, surprising his daughter. She had never seen her father change his posture when addressing someone.

"Now for your reward. Skymender, I will ask you right now. Will you become the next Imperial Scholar."

His words stunned everyone except for him and the Imperial Scholar. Whether it was Sword Master Shang, his daughter, or Skymender himself, each of them was shocked.

Before Skymender could answer, the Emperor continued. "Of course, it is a bit premature, but I want your answer now. Will you take over the mantle, becoming a leader of the next generation's Empire, and continuing the legacy we have tried so hard to build?"

Skymender did not answer immediately, falling deep into thought. He had not really thought about his future too much. He had always put it off, waiting to see until after he graduated from the Imperial school. However, with an offer like this in front of him, he had to truly consider everything.

After a few minutes of silence, Skymender asked a question.

"As the Imperial Scholar, am I restricted?"

Although it seemed rude to ask questions when offered such an honor, Skymender was not some average candidate. 

The Emperor took this seriously, as if it was a negotiation. 

"Not really. You will have duties, but what position doesn't. In the beginning, you will have plenty of freedom, but as you get older, you will most likely begin to settle down and truly mold into the position. Like Fei Luzi, you will be around the Imperial Palace almost always. Of course, that is just how it usually goes. Even if you are eighty, you are free to do just about whatever you want, as long as you are there when the Empire needs you."

Skymender nodded. He didn't need to ask about the pay, as money wasn't something he was worried about. 

"However, you will need to either shut down that restaurant or give it to a new owner."

Skymender looked at him with confusion.

The Emperor explained. "As the Imperial Scholar, your power is vast. As a precaution, it is a rule that all Imperial Scholars must not own any sort of business, only involving themselves in the Empire level interactions, such as when you purchased classified items. Another example would be trading with other Empires."

Skymender nodded. It was not ridiculous. With so much power, he could essentially manipulate entire markets for profit.

"As for your other business. I wouldn't recommend you continue with it." The Emperor said.

This was referring to his assassination business. Once again, this seemed fair. Although it would cut off a source of income for him, the Imperial Scholar was surely a well paid position. In addition, the things he could get for free would be numerous.

Skymender nodded, signaling his agreement. 

"Besides that, there would more or less be no major changes."

Skymender continued to think. Eventually, he gave an answer.

"It would be my honor."

The Emperor smiled, as did the Imperial Scholar.

The Imperial Scholar stepped forward. "It seems that things are settled then. I will spend the last years of my life passing on everything I know to you. After the final Imperial Scholar Camp, or if I am to die before that, you will officially take my position. You are no longer simply Skymender of the Sky Barony. From now on, you are Imperial Scholar Skymender."

No announcement would be made for the time being, but eventually, Skymender would ascend to that position.

"Thank you." Skymender said. 

The Emperor smiled, seeming a few years younger. He turned to his daughter.

"Go ahead and greet him. In the future, he will be around often."

His daughter hesitated, but eventually did as she was told.

She clasped her hands and gave a slight bow. "Greetings, Imperial Scholar Skymender."

Skymender bowed back in a similar way. "Greetings, Imperial Princess."

As he straightened his back, the Imperial Scholar spoke again. "Tomorrow, come back. We will begin your training. There is no need to go to the Imperial School every day. Just go for tests. There's nothing they can really teach you anyway."

Skymender nodded. He bowed deeply towards the Emperor and the Imperial Scholar, before taking his leave. As the doors closed behind him, the Imperial Princess turned towards her father.

"Father…"

Before she could get another word out, the Emperor waved his hand. "Go on. We have important things to discuss."

The Imperial Princess nodded and left the room.

Inside the throne room, the Emperor turned towards the Imperial Scholar. "When should we let him in on everything?"

The Imperial Scholar shrugged his shoulders. "That's up to you. As of now, I am essentially retired. If you don't need me, I'll be preparing to train my successor."

With that, he left. 

The Emperor gave a final smile, glad to see his old friend feeling motivated again.