Midas observed the multitude of hands raised around him, but he quickly made a choice. Balance had to focus on the three most important aspects of the vast empire; however, depending on whom he chose, he could demonstrate concern for more than a single specific issue. That was why he called forward a prominent nobleman.
Midas gathered all the courage he could and called the man who had caught his attention.
"King Leon, please step forward. Your words will be heard today."
An imposing, muscular man clad in furs stepped forward and knelt before both thrones. Midas immediately formed an impression of him: his visible skin was covered in scars, as if he had survived a hundred battles. His hair lived up to his name, resembling a mane.
"My heir hegemon, I have a request. The lands of Asturias have been battling beasts from the mountains. I speak of cyclopes and giants; they have invaded many villages, burning them and killing their inhabitants. I ask that you protect your subjects and send a permanent legion under my command to defend the territory."
At once, many other lords began whispering among themselves.
"This arrogant savage wants an entire legion to protect his territory? How arrogant can one be?"
"Does he not realize that being allowed to keep his pathetic kingdom is already grace enough? Let him deal with his own problems."
As always, all these comments reached Midas through the magical devices installed in the walls where the people were speaking.
Midas sighed inwardly. This man was the Lion of Asturias, a warrior king who had carved out his own name by unifying the western lands, only to later be subjugated by his father.
He was one of the most powerful warriors in the world, a rank 3 aura user, a channeler just like his father. Even a man like this was nothing compared to the power the combined Lands of the Storm could wield.
Midas already knew how to respond.
"The kingdom of Asturias will not remain unprotected. A legion shall depart tomorrow; however, it will be led by a general of the Storm Empire and will remain for one year before being replaced by another, and so on until the threat is diminished. Ratify it!"
"Ratify it!"
The imperial spokesman proclaimed the decision, meaning that the heir hegemon would not speak further on this matter.
Leon rose to his feet and immediately clapped; the sound echoed throughout the palace.
"You are truly a worthy sovereign, my heir hegemon."
Midas flinched slightly at the loud sound, but gathered his strength to keep his body still. Loud noises had always frightened him.
The request itself had been impossible to grant. It almost seemed as though that man simply wanted to speak directly to Midas. It would never be tolerated for a legion to fall under the control of a vassal kingdom or empire; that would carry too many risks. Kings and emperors could buy the loyalty of soldiers with feasts, gifts, and land, leading to corruption within the army's ranks. That had to be avoided at all costs. Thus, while Midas sent an army in fulfillment of his duty to protect those lands, he showed no weakness in imposing his conditions.
Or at least, he was certain he had fulfilled his role according to that line of thought.
Silence fell as everyone awaited the next chosen petitioner, who this time was the High Priestess of the God of Lightning.
A towering woman, with the lower half of a serpent, approached, bowing deeply and extending her arms across the floor in praise of the two figures.
"Oh, my hegemons, thank you for allowing me to bathe in your presence."
The serpent woman did not raise her gaze, as though she were unworthy of anything but crawling on the ground before these two beings.
"The people will rejoice when they see you. Mothers will seek your blessing for their children, and men will follow you, my lord. I have had a vision: you are the favored son of the God of the Storm, greater even than your predecessor. Allow me to proclaim this to the world."
Immediately, the entire atmosphere became tense.
Only one person came to his mind at that moment: a woman with long black hair, whom he could imagine laughing right now at the situation.
mom…
Midas felt the urge to lower his head in embarrassment, but his status would not allow it.
The Goddess of Storms wanted to officially let the world know that this small child was her favorite, her heir—above even the current hegemon.
For the first time, the chamber fell completely silent, and no one dared to speak.
Midas understood why. The High Priestess's words could mean a civil war between his father and himself for power. No one would want to say anything at such a tense moment.
But he knew that the goddess's favoritism was something his father accepted; he had no complaints about it, so Midas simply chose to move forward.
"High Priestess, I appreciate your words; however…" Midas had to choose his words carefully. If he said something like he was not ready, it would seem as though he were questioning the image of the God of the Storm. "Let us wait for my formal coronation to announce me to the world as the son of the God of Storms. An event of such magnitude requires preparation; it must not be done carelessly. The God of Storms would expect no less."
Midas moved his hand, touching his forehead, then lowering it to his chest, and finally moving it diagonally toward his shoulder. It was a gesture of respect toward the god, more solemn than the one practiced by soldiers who struck their chests.
The High Priestess mirrored the gesture.
"As you wish, favored son."
The High Priestess withdrew without rising, moving only her tail.
Midas found it somewhat amusing, but he could not laugh… favored son—another title to remember.
Finally, Midas turned his gaze toward a land administrator. There were many like him, and they usually arrived together. If there was something the empire prided itself on—and Midas, once he learned its history—it was administrators like this man.
Normally, foreign land administrators were prone to abuse and corruption; however, the Storm Empire trained its own. Exceptionally loyal, they were essentially the backbone of the empire. They worked closely together and possessed a strong sense of duty toward it, cultivated during their years at the academy, and their fervor for the Goddess of Storms made them the empire's pride: simple and effective. Midas knew that if he chose any one of them, they would present the most urgent issue needing resolution.
"One of you, please step forward. I will hear what you have to say."
Midas could not help but offer a gentle smile to those men who labored so tirelessly for the empire. However, he quickly realized it, and his cheeks flushed red once more.
"The hegemon smiled… gods, his smile is like a blessing."
"I've never seen anything so beautiful… I wish I could come here always."
Hearing that only made Midas feel even more embarrassed, but he was not the only one.
The man who stepped forward also seemed somewhat nervous.
"Wow, Nikandros is really lucky."
"If I had known I could be this close to the heir hegemon, I wouldn't have given him my spot."
So that was his name, Midas thought.
"Nikandros, you may speak. I will listen."
The words seemed to snap him out of his momentary daze.
"Yes, yes, my hegemon!"
Nikandros was surprised that he knew the name of an administrator like him. Without a doubt, the hegemon's divine powers must be immense.
"My heir hegemon, you see: the central lands are suffering under the current taxation. The peasants are unable to pay it, even if they work twice as hard."
Simple and effective: he avoided criticizing the system and placed the burden on the peasantry. Midas did not like the idea, but that was how one questioned power.
"The taxation will be reduced to a level that can be paid, generating surplus for families. A hundred accountants and lesser administrators will be assigned to analyze each family's situation and establish an exceptional proportional tax for the central lands. Meanwhile, the deficit will be covered through taxes on the luxuries of the noble houses that caused this situation. Both art and jewelry will be newly taxed. Our empire will not be sustained through our peasants."
Immediately, the administrators applauded Midas's decision, and the nobles lowered their heads in shame.
However, Midas soon realized that he had overreached; his desire to impress these men had made him speak more than necessary.
hahh… I'm a fool.
"Thank you, my heir hegemon. The central lands will be grateful."
The man withdrew, and once he did, his father spoke.
"With this, today's council is concluded. You may all depart."