I am currently sitting in my imperial court, looking at the tired faces of my officials. I kind of feel bad since everyone has been working non-stop the past few days. Although we are talking about what has been happening, my mind is still on the other world in the sky. I rubbed the spot between my brows as I asked: "Is that everything?"
"Just one last thing, your highness. The dwarves seem to have worked out how the ship works and want to give you a full run down as soon as possible." One of the officials with black rings under his eyes replied.
"I will look over it in a few days. In two days' time, I will be hosting an imperial ball. You all have worked hard. You deserve a small break. So everyone can take tomorrow off and come to the ball the following day. Bring your kids and family. I will send down notice to the city office that they can also decorate the streets and set up a festival for everyone to enjoy. Our empire has not had a moment's rest the past few months since I have taken over. I want everyone to take a much-needed breather. So sleep in! Spend time with your families, and I will see you at the ball." These men and women of my court have all worked their butts off trying to get the things done that needed to be done. While I can not do too much for the officials stuck in the best kingdom straightening things out, the most I can do is give those immediately close to me some time off and a festival to enjoy. When things are straightened out in the beast kingdom, I will also give them a much-needed break.
"Master, should I send word to our Allies?" Grace asked. And to be honest, this was not a bad idea. "Yes, send word to those we have alliances with. I want to invite both the undead royal family and the elves. A show of unity is a good thing. Make sure Thurul, Gesel, and Fred also get invited to the imperial ball. I haven't seen them in a long time."
"I will be sure everyone gets invited," Grace replied with a nod before setting off to do her tasks. I rested my elbow on my throne and used it to prop my head up as I looked at the departing backs of the officials. All of them were leaving except one person.
"Your Majesty, may I have a word?" The official asked.
"Speak your mind. We are not in an official setting any longer." I replied. I was quite tired, so I hoped this would not be anything too major.
"When are you going to repay us for killing us!?" The official's eyes suddenly sunk into his head, and his mouth opened wide with bloody teeth and a black tongue. His skin shriveled up as it seemed he instantly dropped in weight.
"Ah!" I cried out and looked around. Everything was fine. I looked at the official who was standing before me in confusion.
"Your Majesty?" The official also looked confused.
I rubbed my eyes once more and shook my head as I said: "What can I help you with?"
"Ah right, I was wondering if I could get an extra day off…. My wife, she is to be expecting any day now, and I want to be there for her when she is giving birth." The official lowered his head, but he could not hide the smile on his face. It seemed he was happy he was about to give birth.
"That's fine. Take as much time as you need. Just let the finance department know. They will give you a bit of extra money. Any official who is expecting gets a small bonus to help pay for things." I replied with a smile, but in truth, my smile was very forced. I feel like I am going crazy.
"Thank you! Your Majesty!" The official seemed really happy. I waved my hand, sending him off, only to have Atollie place her hand on my forehead.
"You saw a vision just now?" Atollie asked, which caused me to be shocked.
"Mmm…. What the hell is going on? I have had these off and on for a while now, but they only came to me when I was sleeping, but this time…." I looked out the window and looked at the mirrored world in the sky and wondered just what the hell did the other me do up there.
"It is natural that you will have such visions if their world is merging into ours, which is a good sign. But Master, you said you always had such visions?" Atollie asked.
"Mmm… Every so often." I slouched into my throne and looked up at the ceiling. "Am I going crazy or what? I am not sure if these visions are of the future or of some other me in another parallel world. I once wondered if things were possible, but now things seem to be heading that way. I do not want to have such visions if they are going to start affecting my daily life. What if I am in battle and one suddenly appears? I would end up dead."
"You should just surround yourself with your loved ones at all times. Only then will you be able to push through. Master, I will say that this is the first step in your path to becoming someone great." Atollie massaged the top of my head with her fingers, which felt really good. I could feel a warm stream entering my body. It was warm and relaxing.
"Thanks, Atollie." Atollie was the only one I could rely on because of all of this. But now that I was relaxed, I began to feel slightly hungry. "Let's head back," I said before standing up and trying to adjust myself. I then turned to Atollie and asked: "If I were to fly into the sky, could I cross over?"
Atollie shook her head as she lowered it slightly. "We can only see and be watchers of what is to happen. Everything that comes from the other world will be in the form of energy. There is no way to pierce through the veil of the dimension unless you are a god yourself."
"I see…. Let's go. I want to go eat a fox girl and a princess. I am quite hungry." I put a smile on, although semi-forced, but I was trying to lighten the mood a little.
