Banquet (3)

Roy Versai looked at the child in the arms of the Archangel.

At first, when he witnessed the Archangel spread his wings, Roy couldn't help but feel his legs quiver.

After all, how could one not be filled with a sense of awe, reverence, and a bit of fear at such a being? Speaking of them is one thing, but actually witnessing them firsthand is another thing entirely.

But the words that the Archangel spoke shocked the banquet's guests more than his actual presence.

Although earlier the Praetorian Guard commander, Eric, had announced one of the prince's titles to be the Child of the God of War, this did not shock anyone, as all other members of the Aegis imperial family before him have had similar titles, It was a well-known fact that the Aegis imperial family had been blessed by the God of War after all.

In contrast, the name Adam was more shocking, as Ever since Adam I had passed, no other ruler had named their child Adam out of respect for the founding emperor.

The Archangel, who had revealed his name to be Cephiros, had told all present that Adam was indeed the child of Enoch, not only that, but that the child was immortal, and would wield Enoch's authority to unite the continent under his rule.

The minds of all those present went blank at that revelation, and a deafening silence permeated throughout the foyer.

As Roy recovered from his stupor, there was only one thought in his mind.

Such news was sure the shake up the very foundation of the world.

It was no different than declaring the empire's intent to expand beyond its current borders, and seek the lands of other nations.

Such a revelation was sure to make the already unpopular Aegis Empire even more detestable to the other nations.

And what of the Kingdom of Evernight to our north? Adam I had declared the Kingdom an eternal ally of the empire, would they fall under the scope of unification?

What of the other religions? Surely they would also see the prospect of the expansion of an empire that predominantly believes in the God of War as its supreme deity as unacceptable.

As Roy's thoughts swirled, he couldn't help but look at Redina, however, upon seeing her, he couldn't help but sigh heavily.

On Redinas face was a massive grin, after all as a devout believer of Enoch, and a member of a group of senators that had been pushing for military action to the south, how could she not be excited?

Feeling a headache coming on, Roy couldn't help but rub his temples with both his hands.

'It seems that the senate will be extremely busy over the coming years.'

After the Archangel's revelation, it had returned to the top of the staircase and simply stood there, unmoving, as though it had become a statue.

Eric had clapped his hands together, gathering the attention of all those who had yet to come out of their stupor, or had been whispering with those beside them.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, while I'm aware that this news may be incredibly startling, and that you all may need a minute to digest this information, this is a banquet after all. We will be moving to the main hall, where you will be able to discuss the evening's happenings so far over a meal and some wine."

Eric gestured towards the large doors at the end of the foyer.

At his words, the doors suddenly opened, revealing a similarly designed grand hall. It was bigger than the foyer, and directly in the centre of the hall lay a long table covered in a white cloth.

The table was covered with various platters and containers displaying their delicious contents.

Servants were busying themselves all around the hall, either adding trays to the table or manning the various bars that had been set up.

The crowd did not delay and immediately made their way to the hall.

Some made their way to the buffet, while others instead chose to indulge themselves at the bar.

Making his way to the bar, Roy immediately ordered a glass of Angel's Embrace. It was a wine popularised in the Western Territory for its extremely sweet taste, and its strong nature, often leaving even the most tolerant of drinkers slurring their words after a single glass.

After a brief wait, the bartender appeared and served Roy his drink. Roy did not gulp I down in one go as he usually would when at a local pub or at home, but instead took small sips, not wanting to become intoxicated immediately.

Soon, he felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around expecting to see Redina.

However, the person before him was not that rambunctious senator, but instead a Praetorian guardsman.

Dressed in the usual crimson armour, and armed with a Halberd, the guardsman spoke.

"Head speaker, Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress, seeks your audience."

The guardsman spoke in a tone that did not leave room for argument, and gestured for Roy to follow him.

Roy quickly gazed around the hall and found that the Empress had not followed the crowd into the hall.

Quickly finishing his drink, Roy silently followed the guardsman out of the main hall, and into a connecting hallway.

The hallway was not the same that lead to the foyer, but instead, one that lead deeper into the palace.

'Ah, I can see it now, I'm going to be immolated in a pillar of flames. Not even my ashes will remain.'

Sensing his doom, Roy's steps became heavier and heavier. Suddenly the guardsman stopped before a large door with golden carvings and furnishings.

"You may enter.", echoed the guardsman in an emotionless tone.

Inhaling deeply, Roy pushed the door open and entered.

As he stepped into the throne room, he was immediately struck by its grandeur.

The space was vast, with high ceilings that seem to reach up to the heavens. The walls are adorned with intricate tapestries, each depicting scenes from the empire's history.

The floors were made of polished ivory marble, clearly different from the polished crimson tiles of the rest of the palace.

The room was illuminated by sparkling chandeliers that cast a warm glow across the entire space.

At the far end of the room, raised up on a dais, sat the throne.

It was an imposing structure, made of gleaming gold and encrusted with precious gems. The back of the throne was shaped like a high-backed chair, with intricate carvings of mythical beasts and heroes.

The seat was padded with plush velvet cushions, and a matching footrest was positioned at the base of the throne.

Flanking the throne on either side were tall columns, each one carved with intricate patterns and topped with golden capitals. At the base of each column, there was a statue of a revered monarch from the empire's past, each one seemingly standing guard over the throne.

Sitting atop the throne was the Empress. Instead of her exquisite and regal red dress, the Empress was wearing a slim-fitted, black body suit that highlighted her body's curves.

Of course, Roy did not ogle the Empress, and instead kneeled with his hand on his chest, keeping his head down.

"It pleases my heart to see that you are in good health, your imperial majesty."

The Empress did not respond, simply waving her hand in acknowledgement.

Soon, an awkward air fell, as no one spoke, and Roy kept kneeling with his head down.

After what felt like an eternity, Roy, who was covered in sweat and sufficiently sobered, was about to raise his head and ask why he had been summoned when suddenly, the door to the throne room opened, and a small crowd of people entered.

Roy instantly recognised them as members of the Senate.

Two Praetorian Guardsmen lead the crowd to the centre of the room, before kneeling and reporting to the Empress.

The guardsman who spoke was Elric, the guardsmen's commander.

"Your imperial majesty, I have gathered all members of the senate present. Only three senators have not attended."

After he spoke, the Empress simply waved her hand and commended Elric on completing his task with haste.

After the Empress' words, Elric thanked her, then then he and the other guardsman stood, with Elric taking a position at the bottom of the throne, at the Empress' right, and the other standing near the door.

At this point, all 57 of the senators had been kneeling, they all greeted the Empress.

She paid them no mind and spoke.

"Though I have spent the last two years isolated, I did not spend them ignorant to the actions of the senate."

All the senators felt their hairs stand on end and sweat began to form on their backs.

Suddenly, a stack of papers appeared in the Empress' hand, and she continued to speak, reading its content aloud for all to hear.

"Extortion, money laundering, theft, homicide, negligence, bribery, kidnapping, perjury, forgery, Fraud, Embezzlement of state funds, drug possession, drug trafficking, human trafficking, harassment, sexual assault..."

As the Empress continued listing crimes in a steady and unconcerned tone, all those present became increasingly pale, a few even visibly trembling.

The Empress continued.

"...And finally, treason. My my, in my absence you have all been rather busy. While I did expect you filthy wastes of flesh to not be able to keep your hands to yourself, you've certainly exceeded my expectations."

At the Empress' words, a Senator whom Roy had been acquainted with, suddenly stood and attempted to speak.

His name was Damian Rithsmout, a particularly infamous Senator that had been leveraging his position in the Senate to commit various nefarious acts without consequence.

"Your Imperial Majesty, these are very serious accusations, I'm afraid that unless you have evidence to prove that such atrocities have been committed in the name of the Senate, even for you, this a bit faux pas."

As the middle aged man in a white suit continued to speak, a swishing sound abruptly spread throughout the Throne Room, followed by a thud.

Where Senator Damian originally stood, only his headless corpse remained.

Instantly, fear spread throughout the throne room, but no one dared to make a sound.

Roy couldn't help but look at the Empress, specifically her right hand, which was still covered in Damian's blood. As the Empress wiped the blood away with a cloth handed to her by Elric, Roy fell into thought.

'That's right, most people tend to focus on the Empress' extraordinary talent for flame magic, ignoring the fact that she is also a masterclass swordswoman.'

Roy couldn't help but feel that his suit, which was quite expensive, had been drenched in sweat.

"Hmph, who gave such an insignificant fellow permission to speak?", spoke the Empress.

'That's right, even if the title of Senator affords us a certain level of respect from other palace officials, ultimately before the Empress we're no different from the average citizen.'

"While initially I had wanted to simply slaughter you all and replace the senate in its entirety, It would seem that at least one of you dullards hadn't immediately gave into depravity the second there was no oversight. And that a few others are...redeemable", she continued.

The Empress glanced briefly at the stack of papers in her hand before she spoke again.

"Redina Grant. Your impeccable standards and steadfastness in the face of widespread corruption has truly surprised me. As to be expected of a Major and defender of Broken Oath Castle's '7 month siege'. With that being said, a suitable reward has been prepared for you and delivered to your manor."

Suddenly, a sword appeared in the hands of the Empress.

It was of simple design, a straight blade that stretched outwardly for a metre and a half, and a simple circular crossguard at the top of the hilt. At the bottom of the hilt was a ruby, carved with the symbol of the imperial family, a sword piercing a skull that wore a crown, with a crescent moon looming in the background. Although simple, it was quite a striking symbol.

What Roy paid attention to however was the fact that the sword was entirely red, giving away the material it was made of.

Blood-iron, a material that had the properties of being extremely strong despite its light weight, and the ability to completely nullify magic.

It was what anti-mage handcuffs, and most of what the Praetorian Guard's armour was made of.

"This is my personal gift to you, in admiration of your infallible nature. Come forth, and collect your gift."

Redina, who had a completely reverent expression, did not waste her words on humility, instead quietly stepping forward and kneeling before the throne, with both hands outstretched.

The Empress did not hand her the sword directly, instead giving it to Elric, who then handed the sword to Redina.

"Thank you, your Imperial Majesty, I will treasure this sword with my life, and ensure that it becomes an heirloom that my family treasures for generations."

The Empress replied with a "Hn." before having a guardsman escort Redina out of the throne room.

"Now, onto the redeemable trash."

The Empress called ten names, and to Roy's joy, his own name was included.

All ten senators kneeled before the throne with their heads lowered and awaited the Empress' words.

"I am deeply disappointed by all of you. Especially you, Head Speaker. However, luckily for you all, you all displayed restraint, and did not sin at the cost of the state or breach the 7 Commandments of The Lord. However, I can not allow you to leave here unpunished."

At the Empress' words, the expressions of the ten senators immediately hardened further.

Suddenly ten daggers appeared and floated above the Empress' palm, before floating towards the senators and hovering silently before them.

"I will be satisfied with one eye from each of you. You have ten seconds."

Suddenly the Empress began counting.

"Ten"

Roy immediately grabbed the dagger, but suddenly, he became overwhelmed with hesitation. He was not alone in this regard.

"Nine."

"Eight"

"Seven."

Sweat fell from Roy's face as he fought his hesitation, the knife in his hand shaking miserably.

"Six."

"Five."

Yelling, but not daring to open his mouth, Roy used his left hand and plunged it into his left eye socket. He cried out in pain but did not stop.

"Four"

"Three"

Roy pulled his eye out, and using his right hand which held the dagger, he severed the optical nerve, and held his eye in his hand, out towards the Empress.

"Two"

"One"

As soon as she finished counting, Roy heard a series of squelches and thuds.

He was too afraid to gaze around the room, but he already knew that he was the only senator that remained.

There was only one emotion running through Roy's head.

Terror!

A guardsman stepped forward and pried Roy's eye from his hand, placing it into a small mahogany box, before returning to the corner of the room.

"Congratulations, Head Speaker, Roy Versai. Your tenacious spirit is at the very least noteworthy. You will find a priest outside that will heal your wound. He will not regrow your eye, however, and you are not to have it regrown privately either. Let this serve as a reminder. You may leave now"

Roy staggered to his feet and bowed before the Empress.

"Your Imperial Majesty, your generosity knows no bounds, I will live out the rest of my days forever repenting." Roy said.

The Empress did not respond, waving her hand.

A guardsman came over and gestured for Roy to follow him.

Roy silently followed the guardsman out of the door and into the hallway, and silently took in the scene of the massacre before him.

The entire room was filled with dismembered limbs, entrails and blood.

Roy himself was not spared, as blood had covered his originally white suit, and what appeared to be a large intestine had draped itself over his right shoulder.

Roy felt his stomach churn but did not dare to vomit in the presence of the Empress. Similarly, he did not exclaim, and he even held his breath.

As he exited the Throne Room Roy inhaled sharply before he collapsed, unconscious.