The Story of E – Chapter 13: The Council of Questionable Decisions
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Previously on The Story of E
E convinced the King that being both a hero and a villain was just "strategic leadership."
The Evil Lord fully embraced capitalism and now sells villain-themed souvenirs.
The Kingdom's economy is thriving purely on chaos.
The King has officially entered existential crisis mode.
Now, let's see what fresh nonsense awaits them today.
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1. The Grand Meeting of Leaders (a.k.a. E's Comedy Hour)
E sat at the head of an absurdly long table.
To his left: The King, visibly aging faster than normal.
To his right: The Evil Lord, now drinking from a gold-plated goblet that said, "World's Best Evil Overlord."
Across the table: A group of Very Important People™.
The High Priest (who is 99% sure E is the Antichrist).
The Merchant Guild Leader (who is somehow richer than the entire kingdom).
The General (who just wants to hit things).
The Court Mage (who only agreed to be here for the free food).
The King clasped his hands together.
"Alright. Today, we discuss… what the hell is happening to this kingdom."
E leaned forward. "Ah, yes. My favorite topic."
The Evil Lord took a sip from his goblet. "I vote we let E do whatever he wants."
The King slammed the table. "NO. That's how we got into this mess!"
The High Priest stood up dramatically. "This man is a menace! He plays both hero and villain! It is an affront to the gods!"
E raised a hand. "Quick question. Have the gods actually complained?"
The High Priest froze. "W-Well, no, but—"
E smirked. "Then it's fine."
The Merchant Guild Leader chuckled. "Honestly, I don't care. I'm making so much money from this."
The King rubbed his temples. "Of course you are."
The General slammed his fist on the table. "Enough talk! Can we at least have ONE war?!"
E held up a finger. "Counteroffer—"
The General groaned. "If you say 'war-themed tourist attractions,' I swear to the gods—"
E smiled. "War-themed tourist attractions."
The General screamed into his hands.
The Court Mage slowly raised a hand. "Can I leave now?"
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2. The Debate (That Wasn't Really a Debate)
The King stood up. "E. This madness must stop. We need stability!"
E tilted his head. "Why?"
The King blinked. "What do you mean, 'why'?"
E shrugged. "Things are working, aren't they? The people are happy, the economy is booming, and no one is actually dying."
The High Priest grumbled. "But what about tradition?"
E grinned. "Ah, tradition. The classic excuse for avoiding innovation."
The Merchant Guild Leader snorted. "He's not wrong."
The King pinched the bridge of his nose. "E… do you even have an end goal?"
E tapped his chin.
"Well… I could say world domination. But honestly, that sounds exhausting."
The Evil Lord nodded. "Trust me, it is."
E pointed at the King. "How about this—you can keep your throne, the Evil Lord keeps his castle, and I'll just… supervise."
The King narrowed his eyes. "Supervise what?"
E grinned.
"Everything."
The King felt a migraine forming.
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3. The Existential Crisis (Featuring the King)
The King looked around the room.
The High Priest was muttering prayers.
The Merchant Guild Leader was counting money.
The General was mumbling about unfulfilled war dreams.
The Court Mage was eating cake.
And then there was E.
Sitting there. Smiling.
The King finally realized something.
"I'm not in control of this kingdom anymore, am I?"
E patted his shoulder.
"You never were, buddy."
The King stared into the abyss.
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4. The Vote (That Was Completely Unnecessary)
The King sighed. "Fine. Let's put it to a vote. Who supports E continuing his… whatever this is?"
Every hand went up.
Even the Court Mage.
The King gawked. "Even YOU?!"
The Court Mage shrugged. "The food's good."
E clapped. "Well, that settles it. I'm in charge now."
The High Priest whispered, "The gods have forsaken us."
The King slumped in his chair.
"…I give up."
E turned to the reader.
"And that, my dear audience, is how you win a kingdom without actually taking over."
The King groaned. "STOP TALKING TO THEM!"
E grinned.
"Never."
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