We walked towards the stairs on the not so long brick sidewalk.
The Galians waited almost patiently for us. A few of them shifted around, including the Captain. I guess Miller was right when he said they were looking forward to meeting me, that or they were expecting trouble.
I felt myself tense up as we gradually approached the stairs, I became vaguely aware of the sweat under my armpits while my legs shook slightly. I'd be willing to bet that Mom and Allen were tense as well, I couldn't confirm though as they were walking behind myself and Agent Miller. Our driver and the other Agents followed behind us. A few of them stayed with the vehicles.
Standing to the front of the small squad of soldiers is a man decorated with the same armor as the others around him. The thing that stood him out among his peers though, are the small wings that stood above where the ears are on his helmet.
He stepped forward towards us. Agent Miller met him, they exchanged hands, then Agent Miller turned towards us, removing himself from the man's sight of me.
"Captain Zurlian, it is my honor and privilege to introduce to you Mr. Sebastian Larouge." Miller said, his arm out as he gestured towards me.
I swallowed a lump in my throat as the man's head shifted towards me. In what seemed like less than a few moments, the man had removed his helmet, approached up to me, and kneeled. His face stared at the ground beneath my feet.
It happened so suddenly, I had no time to respond. My words caught in my throat and I felt my face flush slightly at the kneeling grown man before me.
His chestnut brown hair was pulled back in a very tiny ponytail. His face, like Folduin's, was void of any marks or scars. What caught my attention, though, was the color of his iris. They could almost be mistaken for amethyst, if not for the darker shade of them. I couldn't help but wonder if they were contact lenses or if they were his natural color, but I wasn't going to ask right now. It was his voice that snatched me from my thoughts.
"Lord Sebastian, it is my greatest pleasure and honor to meet you. We've waited so long. Please allow me to introduce myself, I am a Royal Knight Captain named Zurlian." Zurlian's voice, which was soft but passionate.
I remained silent, unable to muster up the words to reply. That is until Agent Miller cleared his throat.
"Umm, I'm not sure that I'm the person that you're looking for, Mr. Zurlian." I hesitated and replied.
The man broke his gaze from the ground and looked up to me.
"No, my lord. I assure you that you are the man we need." The man spoke with such passion in his voice, it was frightening. Then with an after thought, he added, "And please, just call me Zurlian, sire. There is no need to refer to me as 'Mr'."
I didn't say anything back, just nodded as I tried to process everything that has been said so far.
Agent Miller coughed suddenly, I glanced over at him. His eyes stared at me then they shifted to the kneeling Captain, his eyes trying to communicate a message that my mind could not comprehend.
My brow rose in an unspoken question
Miller's eyes rolled, then he looked at Zurlian and gestured with his hands up, raising them up slightly .
I glanced down and saw Zurlian kneeling still, while staring at me with an expecting edge to his eyes.
I felt like a light bulb decided to materialize above my head like in the cartoons that I used to watch, their society's social structure was pretty much one of a medieval monarchy.
In a half statement and a question, I said, "please, stand?"
The knight gave me a gratitude smile, and got to his feet. His helmet underneath an armpit. Turning and gesturing behind him to his men, he said, "This is my squad, we're charged to protect you until Lord Folduin can be freed up from his task and arrive to speak with you personally."
Not a second sooner, his men dropped to their knees in the same way that he did.
I looked over at them, a small sliver of adrenaline pulsed through my body, in response to the piece of power it was given. It was an exciting and terrifying prospect all at once.
Zurlian turned back towards me. "We place ourselves at your disposal, my lord."
For what felt like the hundredth time today, my voice went awol and I looked like an idiot. Mom and Allen remained quiet behind me, I'm sure their mind is running too.
Agent Miller had one of his "sudden" coughs again. This time, though, I managed to portray that I had at least a few brain cells remaining from my countless hours of gaming.
I looked towards the Knights. "Please, get up," I said, in an unsure tone.
As one, the Knights got up and stood to attention, and all at once, they shouted, "My Lord!"
I jumped back a step. I heard snickering behind me and had a vague idea as to who it belonged to.
Zurlian paled slightly at my reaction. "My apologies, sire, they were just confirming your order. Usually when an order is given, we will confirm it as received."
Miller, who's mouth was oddly twitching upwards for some reason, spoke up now, "Now that introductions are out of the way, why don't we head inside. I'm sure Sebastian would like some time with his companions to discuss this amongst themselves. It is a lot to process after all."
Zurlian nodded sharply, "Of course, I should have realized you'd be tired from your travels. My apologies."
With him saying that, he turned towards the other Knights. With a quick gesture, he extended his right arm and shipped it to the right.
Following the unspoken command, the Galians split up opening a path with them standing on either side. Zurlian then turned towards me and the others, and pulled his helmet back over his head. Once it was in place, it looked like the helmet slightly came alive, as several parts of the helmet slid down over his armor, giving me the impression that it was now fully sealed up.
His voice now muffled by the helmet, Zurlian said, "Your government has several staff around here that will show you to your suite. Guards will be stationed outside around the clock, if you need anything at all, just ask."
He bowed, then moved to stand beside his men.
Miller glanced at me then nodded his head towards the house and headed down the path opened between the Galians. I acknowledged his unspoken request, and followed him to the house that very closely resembled a Gothic mansion. Footsteps shuffling behind me told me that my mother and Allen were behind us. There were additional footsteps following alongl, I resisted the urge to turn and look behind me.
We made it up the steps to the house, Miller opened the door without a word and entered through the opening.
I followed behind him and the sight I was rewarded with made me pause.
The room we entered was large, a staircase led up to higher levels of the house. A thick crimson velvet rug laid atop of the hard stainless marble floor. It was beautiful. Several pieces of artwork adorned the walls, and several chandeliers graced us with their presence atop, hanging from the ceiling.
There were also several weapons covering the walls, such as swords of different shapes and sizes.
I tore my eyes away from the walls, and looked at Miller, who remained patient while looking towards me.
"We'll take you to your suite. It should have a common room, and four bedrooms attached to it, with a bathroom attached to each room." Miller said.
Several staff came through doors that were closed only moments ago. They led us up the stairs with Miller following behind. Mom and Allen had been quiet so far, which was surprising, but I knew that the moment we got a break, that would all change.
We were led through a maze of corridors until we finally stopped, a large double wooden door stood guard, blocking our path. The wooden door was engraved with beautiful carvings of what looked like vines. The staff turned towards us, and moved out of the way. Miller had made his up to the front of the group.
"Okay," he started, turning the knob on the door and opening it to reveal a large furnished living area, complete with a couch, loveseat, and a few very expensive looking chairs. "We ask that you select a room. Clothing will be brought up to your rooms once you decide on which one you want."
I turned around, Allen and my mom entered the room, followed by our driver. Outside the door were several of the Knights. A few of them had spears in hand, while the others had their exquisite rifle. As per usual, they all had a sword strapped to their waist.
I turned back towards Agent Miller, and went back to examining our surroundings.
There were four other doors in the living area, with each, I assume, leading to a bedroom. I decided to let mom and Allen pick whichever one they wanted first.
"If you'd like anything to eat, feel free to ask one of our staff. They are excellent cooks, I can personally boast for them. There are also mini fridges in your rooms which contain a variety of snacks and beverages for your leisure."
I heard a hiss as Allen--at least I'm pretty sure it was him--sucked in the last bit of information. I didn't have to turn around to see the excitement on his face.
He loved nothing more than snacks, especially those that are free.
"Because you aren't under any type of arrest, you are free to wonder the premises. We just ask that you remain inside of the gate. Otherwise, I can't guarantee your safety." Miller made sure to make direct eye contact with me during the last part. I gulped and nodded.
"I'll be heading out, I unfortunately have a few reports to make. Therefore, you'll be left in the care of Captain Zurlian and Agent Wulf, our illustrious driver."
With a nod towards our driver, Miller turned and headed for the exit, but paused and turned towards me at the last second.
"You'll be here for a few days, please take into consideration what the Galians have to say and offer." A frown snuck its way onto Miller's face, "I am truly worried about the other countries on the side of their part of the world, I ask you to consider this not for yourself, but for the innocent people on our part. An invasion from over there could mean the end of many countries and most definitely many more lives."
With what he wanted to say having been said, Miller turned and left the room without another word. He nodded at Agent Wulf on the way out.
I turned towards Wulf expectantly.
"Knights will be stationed outside your suite door all day and night." He said curtly, gesturing towards the men waiting outside. They bowed their head when my gaze swept over them.
My cheeks warmed slightly, but my thoughts didn't stay there for long. In fact, they swept over the tone of Wulf. He sounded irritated or unhappy. It made me wonder, was Wulf, for some reason, upset with Agent Miller for sharing that information?
Wulf continued, his tone as deadpan as before, "We do have staff available to prepare food for you, just request it when you're hungry as we have no set times for meals. Once again, just ask when ready. Make yourself at home to all of the facilities."
With that being said, Wulf turned and left the room, making it the second time today that an Agent has left our suite.
It sounded weird calling this large, unknown space ours. But that's what it is now.
I glanced outside the room, the Knights were no longer in the spots they were in when I last checked minutes ago. Instead, I saw the smooth edges of their weapons, they stood on either sides of the door.
The only ones remaining in the room now were myself, mom, and Allen.
Allen broke the silence by starting off towards one of the doors with a grin that split his face in half. I shook my head slowly, a soft chuckle escaping the prison of my lips.
He opened a door to one of the rooms, and stepped inside. I heard a gasp, but ignored it as I turned towards my mom.
She had been quiet this entire time, and I knew not how she was coping with this.
Because it seemed like something I did, she was now possibly a target of assassins from another part of the world that we didn't know existed.
I felt horrible at the thought that because of me, something bad could happen to her.
My mom gave me a small smile, whether one of assurance or just a loving smile, I knew not.
Finally she spoke up, "Seb, how are you coping with this?" Genuine worry leaked into her voice. I already knew that mom wasn't worried about herself one bit. She just wanted to make sure I was okay.
I shrugged half-heartedly, "I'm doing fine, well, as fine as any teen who found out that he has the potential to become the dictator of a large Empire." I let a bit of playfulness enter my tone, and a slight grin lit up my face.
Her face brightened up a considerable amount after recognizing the jokester part of me. She walked forward and gently punched my shoulder.
After a moment of silence, I finally got the courage to speak my mind, "I don't know what to do, mom."
I made eye contact with her beautiful aquamarine eyes that I stole from her at birth. I searched for any sort of guidance and help. There was nothing but confidence there.
She remained quiet for a second while holding eye contact. "Son, I think you should do whatever you deem best. I may be your mother, and I may make important decisions for you, but this is one I can't make." She paused for several more seconds. "I know you will make the best choice."
She smiled, a genuine one. I nodded and lowered my head.
It was in that moment that I heard the rattling of plastic bags and light footsteps. I turned to see Allen burst from his chosen room with an arm full of lunchables, chips, and beverages.
A grin was glued to his face as he presented the spoils of his small expedition into the unexplored room.
I heard a small giggle behind me and turned to see my mother laughing at the sight. "One of the most impactful events in mankind's history, and you're more happy about some snacks you found in a fridge." My mom said in between giggles.
Allen's shrugged, not at all deterred by his gluttonous behavior. "Its not everyday that one finds a fridge full of free snacks."
This moment helped me realize that just maybe, everything was going to be okay.
***
We sat on the couches, discussing the days events and partaking in Allen's snacks. Not even us stealing his prized spoils could damper the grin on his face.
My mom and Allen continued to pester me about my decision. I told them constantly I'd think about it and consider it, but that did little to quench their curiosity and worry.
Before we knew it, time flew by. A knock on the door rang throughout the living room.
I turned and looked towards the door.
Moments later, Agent Wulf entered, accompanied by a helmetless Zurlian, who bowed my way once our eyes met.
"I presume everything is to your liking, your majesty?" Wulf mocked, I couldn't figure out if he was joking or mocking me. I saw Zurlian glance towards Wulf and frown.
I ignored it nonetheless, I wasn't a busy guy but right now, I just didn't have the mentality to listen to his bullshit. I really couldn't see myself caring about the agent. Anyway there were more important matters that plagued my mind.
So choosing to ignore this, I instead asked them to have a seat.
After a few minutes of them sitting down and me, my mom, and Allen rearranging ourselves, we found ourselves looking back at each other.
Zurlian started off the meeting, "Lord Sebastian, do you have an answer yet?" He asked. His eyes gleamed like a star full of hope.
I leaned back in the cushion of the sofa, mom and Allen sat to both sides of me.
I sighed, my mind racing with thoughts, pros and cons.
If I chose to accept, I'd be leader and master of a nation. One with a large powerful military. I couldn't deny that that power tempted me. I'd have anything I wished.
On the other hand, my mother and friends would constantly be in danger. I couldn't do that to them. But if I did accept, maybe I could make this part of the world a better place. I could free North Korea from the tyranny of their dictators. Or maybe I could devote resources to securing countries against terrorist and hunger.
The possibilities flew through my mind. They were almost endless. The thought that grabbed my attention the most was the possibility of there being a cure to several diseases that we currently don't have the medical technology to cure.
This is definitely possible, as Miller mentioned several times that their technology was decades if not centuries ahead of our own. Hell, we even had proof flying right over the pacific ocean. Their warships and mechanoids looked far more deadly than our puny sticks and outdated ships, at least by their standards.
I sucked in a breath of air softly, and looked up at Zurlian. "I'd like more information from Foldiun, but until you give me a reason not to be, I will be your Emperor."
I thought I saw a hint of water in Zurlians eyes.
Is this guy tearing up?
I looked away from Wulf to see his face tightened. There was a frown on his lips. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and looked to see my mother, tears streamed down her face but she wore a proud smile.
Her smile gave me confidence.
Maybe I could really do this, just maybe I'll have the power to change the world and save lives.
Just maybe everything will be okay.
Of course, that's also when the rumbling and explosions started.