In his Private Study Chamber of the Shrakari Imperial Palace, Vikramaaditya, the Emperor of the Aaryavarta Empire was eagerly waiting for his Special Guest.
Not many Emperors could equal Emperor Vikramaaditya in terms of Popularity amongst their subjects. Due to his just and kind nature, he was popular not only within his empire but even in other Empires and Kingdoms.
He also commanded a Great Army that could attack and annex nearby Empires and Kingdoms, but he never did so. It is not that he lacked ambition, but that he did not want unnecessary bloodshed. This was one of the reasons Karna chose to befriend him.
Not long ago, the Emperor of Shakas Empire thought that Vikramaaditya was weak and had attacked. To their utter shock, Emperor Vikramaaditya led the Army himself and ended the war swiftly by using strategies and formations that invading Empire couldn't make heads or tails of.
After defeating them, instead of assimilating the Shakas Empire into the Aaryavarta Empire, he let his son Vikramsena rule the Shakas Empire keeping its culture and history intact. The neighbouring Kingdom that had provided the route to invade, got absorbed, becoming one of the 18 Kingdoms that form the current Aaryavarta Empire. Thus, there were 18 Kings that severed under Emperor Vikramaaditya.
Welcoming his guests Emperor Vikramaaditya remarked, "We welcome the one True Elementalist, Karna, to the Imperial Capital Ujjain. Congratulations on defeating the Albion East India Company! The Empire of Aaryavarta and by extension the continent of Jambudveepa is in your debt. Although, you are not a citizen of Aaryavarta, you have been constantly eliminating any aggressors that have set their eyes on our motherland; we are really very grateful."
Karna replied, "Emperor Vikramaaditya, we are all denizens of this Vishwa. As the followers of sacred path of Dharma, we are dutybound to protect the innocents. Moreover, I know that you are perfectly capable of mounting a defence against the invaders, but you accepted my proposal to reduce the number of casualties amongst your soldiers. Is it not?"
"That may be true, but it doesn't change the fact that you have acted as our shield and protected us from the misfortunes that a War brings. Whether one wins or loses, they are bound to suffer loss of lives and wealth; the progress is halted sometimes whole civilizations regress. Such is the result of a War.
Moreover, it is the citizens that face most of the problems. War is never a good thing. To have been able to avoid all this is really a great fortune bestowed upon us by the Gods through you." Emperor Vikramaaditya was indeed truly grateful.
He continued, "First you drove away the Mahmud of Gazhni and his army and then the Mongols and now the Albion East India Company! Any amount of thanks is too small. The other Empires and Kingdoms of Jambudveepa are grateful too. Many have sought an audience with you. As per your previous instructions I told them that when the time comes, they will be contacted."
"Thank you, Emperor Vikramaaditya. I do plan to meet them, but now is not the time. There are some other matters of priority right now. I hope they will understand." Karna expressed his satisfaction.
He really wanted to avoid meeting representatives of other nations. He knew well that in any society, civilization or nation there are always people with ulterior motives amongst the ruling class. He did not want to get involved in other nations intra and inter-national politics.
Thus, having Emperor Vikramaaditya as a mediator as well as a Shield benefitted Karna as wanted to distance himself from the intra and inter-national politics. Emperor Vikramaaditya as also aware of this fact.
Emperor Vikramaaditya said with a smile, "Of course, they understand. After all, they have to consider your position as the Supreme Elementalist and your title of 'One True Elementalist'."
He continued, "Not a single Supreme Elementalist has been seen on the planet in over a couple of millennia. Moreover, even Highest Level Elementalists haven't been born in the last few decades in the continent of Jambudveepa. That is why us and our resources have been targeted by the invaders. For a Supreme Elementalist such as yourself to have been born in Jambudveepa is indeed blessing of the Gods."
"I too appreciate your help Emperor Vikramaaditya. You see I don't want to deal with politics." Karna replied.
"From what I have observed, if you applied yourself, you will be one heck of a politician. But I know that you don't have such thoughts, so I am happy to help. Also, I have come to think of you as a friend, Supreme Elementalist Karna. I hope we can drop the formalities and talk casually. You may call me Vikram."
"I appreciate your gesture Vikram, in that case please call me Karna. However, around people, it will be better to address formally." He then added, "These are my colleagues – Mage Maayaa and Warrior Araavan."
"Mage Maayaa and Warrior Araavan, the Kingdom is grateful to you too." Emperor Vikramaaditya express his thanks.
The four of them talked casually for a while.
"Emperor Vikram, what is the status of the projects?" Karna asked.
"Everything is proceeding smoothly. They should be ready in a couple of months" Emperor Vikram answered.
"If that is the case, it is good. I am excited about those projects." said Karna.
"I am sure they will be to your liking. After all the knowledge was provided by you and the mages and scientists were trained by you personally.
By the way, will you really not take up a Noble title?" asked Emperor Vikram.
"I have no interest in such titles. Also, what benefit does it have for me? As the Deputy Leader of my own Military Outfit, I only follow orders from the Celestial Maiden.
If I were to take a Noble title, it will place me below your rank. You can understand how that will create problems." Explained Karna.
"I apologize. I did not think things through.", said Emperor Vikram after realizing his mistake.
"Anyway, you need to be prepared, now that we have defeated the Albion East India Company, the United Albino Empire is bound to take action. You need to prepare as much as possible.
You also need to strengthen your spy network in Dai Oda & Qin Empires and the Alliance of the South East Indiana Nations (ASEIN). This will help you obtain information that will be helpful in many ways." Karna suggested.
"I will do as you say" Emperor Vikram agreed.
"Maayaa and I will be going on a trip. If you face any problems, Araavan will be our point of contact. Please arrange for his accommodation in the Palace." Karna explained.
"That will do. Please feel free to let me know if you have any other requirements." said Emperor Vikram.
"There is just one request. Till now, we have been operating from the shadows. However, the time has come for our organization to step into the light. We need a platform to announce ourselves to the world. Please prepare for the same." Karna's determined voice reverberated across the Palace.
----------------
Chapter End.