It was the sixth Calendar year of the Holy Deon period.
The First Prince Augustus led a powerful army against the Arkmideans. By carrier pigeons, the word traveled far to the imperial Capital, relaying the battle as one word—Difficult.
The Arkmideans were a brute group with stronger bodies and stronger horses. Their Etratis Dynasty stood no chance of winning against the Arkmideans.
But just when all hope was lost, the First prince, Crown Prince Augustus received word from a mysterious helper who turned the tides with his unique strategies.
—Victory!
Etratis was safe once more, with the crown prince cementing his position as future leader, bringing amnesty to the world.
Many wanted to know who the mysterious military adviser was. However, try as they did, they were afraid that the only person who knew his true identity was Crown Prince Augustus.
Hooray!
It's been seven months since the battle in Lockshire border Plains. It was a fact that old news often fades fast. Many only bring up the mysterious man's identity from time to time as new news constantly overwhelms the old.
Today, Etratis has regained its former state of calm; however… in the Holy Palace, many were not happy!
…
In the grand Holy Palace, the atmosphere was heavy.
On a wide and greatly vast platform, military and civil officials stood left and right, standing as still as rocks. The platform these officials stood on was already elevated beyond the main hall's grounds.
—However, on an even higher platform, higher than theirs, sat a majestic figure on the dragon throne.
This man was Altec T. Bequillia—Emperor and Ruler of the Great Etratis Dynasty.
If anyone looked closer, they might actually be able to see countless veins in Altec's eyes growing red more and more by the Second. With a solemn face, he slowly raised his gaze from the report, sweeping his frosty eyes across the room.
"And why am I getting this just now? Do you know that anymore and it could lead to a breakout disaster?"
Many dared not lift their heads, not wanting to be specifically targeted by the dragon Emperor. The military officials were more relaxed, knowing this had little to do with their department.
As for the civil officials…. MOMMY!… They were sweating buckets from the emperor's ferocious aura. They shrank their necks like chickens about to be slaughtered.
Within the hall, everyone stood in their factions, many now looking to their faction leaders as if saying: why don't you deal with your majesty since you're the boss?
"Well?" Altec questioned. It almost looked like steam was coming off his nose and ears. "What's the matter? If it's to impeach others, your mouths would be the first to wag. So what's going on now, huh? Do you all have water in your mouths or something?"
Well, Altec was furious.
"SPEAK NOW! I asked you a question… and I expect answers!"
"Your Majesty." A man in a long-sleeved red robe calmly took two steps forward from the others lined up, before facing the dragon throne in a low bow.
"Your Majesty," He continued. "This minister is to blame for the situation. This one didn't think the matter would escalate this much."
Then the calm man went on his knees with his hands still cupped and head lowered. "Your Majesty, this humble minister accepts all punishments for this matter!"
Altec said nothing amid Minister Drogo's confession. And for a moment, all that could be heard was the steady rhythmic tapping of his fingers against his armrest.
Hah! Altec scoffed loudly. "Minister Drogo, before you talk about punishment, I suggest you fix this matter fast!"
Want to be punished and exempted from this matter? No way! This was an all-hands-on-deck situation. Only after this matter was solved would he, EMPEROR, find a befitting punishment for Drogo.
That being said, no matter what punishment Drogo gets, it won't hold for long. After all, Altec felt it was a waste to keep such talents at home.
Typically suspension from duties and yearly salary fines were used for punishing people in Drogo's standing. But how can he suspend the lead Minister of Disaster and Relief for too long?
"Enough!" Emperor Altec straightened his back on his dragon chair. "No more blame allocation. In the south, there are signs of extreme droughts; and in the North, there are reports of increasing floods caused by the excessive downpour… Now I don't need to tell you what will happen if our people continue facing such disasters without assistance, right?"
Everyone's face turned solemn and bitter.
Do they know? OF COURSE THEY KNEW.
This isn't the 1st time in their dynasty's history that droughts and floods occurred. From the records, this will be the 210th time their dynasty will face a heavy drought, and also the 311th time floods have occurred.
Their dynasty was situated in a precarious spot that created different extreme climate changes across different parts within the dynasty. It was simple to say that when some parts faced rainy seasons, other parts faced harsh dry seasons instead.
That said, the dynasty of Etratis had several ways for disaster relief. Unfortunately everything they've done throughout the years only provided a temporary solution, relieving the people's worries to some degree.
Now with severe droughts in one region and heavy flooding in another, everyone's face hardened with worry. It was very rare for two disasters to happen simultaneously, so they must act fast.
Since his majesty has spoken, what more could they say?
"I agree, your Majesty!"
"Yes, yes! Your Majesty is wise. We need to solve this matter collectively."
"If we don't solve this issue now, in another two or three months, there will be a high threshold of food scarcity across the land."
"That's right," another added. "As they say, desperate people are the most dangerous.
With the crops washed out in flooded areas and the lands turned barren in extreme drought-stricken regions, chaos is bound to spread."
What happens when their people stay with no food to fill their bellies or shelter to keep them afloat during the floods? They can fall into the temptation of murder, with some even betraying their dynasty for survival.
"Your Majesty," a Military official stepped forward. "I also have to add that just because we won the war seven months ago against those Barbarians, doesn't mean they were safe. On the contrary, the issues we're facing now might grant the perfect time for the enemy to strike!"
A cold glint flickered through Altec's eyes.
Dammit!
He would be damned if he allowed the Etratis dynasty that has stood tall for centuries to fall under his reign. His father and ancestors would be turning in their graves if he allowed it.
Altec was about to give his final orders when suddenly, one of his shadow guards hastily appeared out of thin air, whispering into his ears.
No one knew what the shadow guard said, but seeing his Majesty's face shrouded in a frightening shade of red, everyone could only secretly light a candle for while ever it was that caused Altec's change.
"Julius B.C Bequillia, the third! That boy is going to be the DEATH of me!"
Altec was gritting his teeth so hard everyone thought they would fall out.
"Where is he? Where is he now? Outside the palace gates? Good… Good!.. I want you to drag that imbecile over. DID YOU HEAR ME? Drag him over now!"
The shadow guard vanished once more, leaving the volcanic Altec behind. Altec was furiously squirming on his throne, in a manner unbecoming of an Emperor.
~Bam!
Altec slammed his armrest hard, blood began to ooze. Only the Sixth prince can make his majesty lose his usual composed demeanor.
"Good… Good… Everyone should bear witness. If I, his Father, doesn't teach him how to behave, then you all can write your names backwards from now on!"
"…" [The Ministers]
Err… Why do they have to write their own names backwards? Why don't you make such a claim using your own name instead?