World's Sovereign For a Reason

Despite it all, Vaniti's words constantly play back in my head on loop. So much to the point where I've almost memorized it now.

Alone, huh?

No, Vaniti. I was never lonely.

I touch my chest, and expect a light and humming voice to come out. But it never does. 

I had Guide, at least. And she was there. Now, that I know the truth, it's become apparent. 

No way she would've waited 10,000 years for me. Or maybe she would've—programmed too. But in a world where almost every NPC has become sentient…maybe she decided.

That waiting was no longer an option.

So while I, was a petrified statue of stone, she moved on. Who knows what clairvoyant fairies like her do? All I know really was that she was with me.

The day after the carnival felt better, Vaniti and I separated for sometime—one that I think we both need. Just let it soak in and process the decision we had both made. For me, it was about internalizing the myth, the legend around me. In the meanwhile, I told her to go run some quests over in Bortabelle. That should make her get stronger overtime surely.

Obviously…I didn't want to, but clearly, I don't have a choice do I? It's not a matter of pushing the red button and I got Sovereign of whatever title. It's going to have to be a slow boil.

Because, as bad as it is, I think I realized who I had with me.

With Vaniti, it doesn't seem as bad. Especially since she's willing to fight alongside me no matter what. Despite the claims…she doesn't see me as a tyrannical Dragon. Or maybe she does and her sense of morality is just damn near non-existent.

I don't know, really.

Chancellor Sultan and I walked through this Port City, named Komarine, it was in the next island over. Heavy on fishing, airships and seaships alike. You could really smell the breeze. Yet again, I'm reminded of home. The tapping of his staff constantly brought me back to grounds.

A few people noticed us, waved. Moreso the Chancellor rather than I. I was still unknown, for the most part.

"The community in Komarine is just…beautiful, really is," Chancellor Sultan admits. He takes a wide view of the people, of the area. He had every reason to feel prideful about it, really. This was the city that made him realize global trade was a thing for Aurea Islands.

"People working in tandem, it's a community, really." I add on.

"See, Ryuuzen? You see it. This wasn't possible through me, I will have to admit. The people were always capable of something like it, just that…no one knew how to show them the way." Sultan explains.

"Quite frankly, that's why this election is important. I'm not entirely sure if Aurea Islands would be…Aurea Islands without my inclusion."

Well, that's the thing, Sultan. With your inclusion, it's great. Without your inclusion, it's still great. No difference was made. Lucen might do a better job because…well, he's not as power-hungry as you are, if that already wasn't obvious.

But the people won't notice. The nobles won't notice. You are just too good at hiding it, Sultan. Or maybe I'm just jumping to conclusions. Far too easily.

We continued to walk, and came across the actual port. Large wooden ships with sails, reinforced with special alloys and metals. Must be just trade ships only, of course.

A few sailors got off, and then one finally did. Sultan's face lit up.

"Admiral Koga!" He greeted.

This…"Koga"—being was just as tall as Sultan. Buff, large. Their navy coats handing off their shoulders. Weapons sheathed at their hips.

He had black hair and black eyes to match. There was a scar over his eye, but something tells me he gained that from battle. He also had peachy skin and scars on his knuckles. He only wore one glove, which was white and worn on his right hand.

Most likely his actual wielding hand.

Koga saluted, "Chancellor Sultan! Nice to meet you!" He waved his hand, smiling greatly. He carried a duffle bag over his shoulders. Something tells me that he was sent overseas…

…could've just used Rune Teleportations. Those transfer you from across the world.

But that's saying that neither Sultan nor Koga wanted it documented…or maybe, just maybe. Where Koga went couldn't have been accessible by rune teleportation.

He stepped before us.

"Hopefully the journey was well?" Sultan asked. Koga nodded, and scratched the back of his head.

"Sure did, those relics were easy to grab."

"...and I would assume there was no trouble?"

Koga shrugged. "There's trouble everywhere I go. Being the blade of the islands doesn't automatically mean I could dodge it entirely…but, it was no problem."

Then, his eyes turned towards me. He inspected, gazing hard and long. I only stared back, neutrally.

"Who's the new guy?"

Chancellor Sultan laughed, "Respect him. While you were gone, he was the one overseeing me, of course. Even saved me from a terrorist attack this election."

Koga dropped his duffle bag.

"S-seriously?!"

He danced and pranced around me. Seriously. How old is this guy? Must be in his early to mid 20's. He raised my arm, now fully inspecting me.

"How strong are you? Apex tier? Ascendant tier? Exalted…? I'm just dying to know!"

I didn't answer, Sultan spoke for me instead.

"Where's your manners? You just got back from a long trip. Go ahead and rest. We'll be needing it soon." Sultan warned him. Koga nodded, and picked up his bag yet again.

"Right, with that being said…let's get off to the right start!"

He then put his hand out.

"Admiral Kogarasumaru, reporting for duty!" His smile was great, I couldn't sense in ulterior motive or dark intent from him. Maybe he's just as good as he is.

My tail substituted for my hand, and we shook on it.

"Ryuuzen Valeflame."

He snapped his fingers, multiple times, trying to remember. "Uh…like the Dragon Sovereign, right?"

I nodded.

Sultan was already walking back, and Koga followed after. My pointed ears twitched, he was speaking something under his breath as he just passed me.

"...didn't know anyone still named their kids after the bastard."

Bastard?

Koga, you're speaking to him. You also just shook hands with the so-called bastard.

Whatever, whatever.

Let me not overpush the boundaries already. I'm here to work next to Admiral Koga, not against him. 

Hopefully.