As the days passed, the island calculated its losses and planned on what to do from here. Our crew was part of that planning process. The planning lasted a week as we wanted everything to go smoothly. On day 2 of said planning, the Emperor arrived along with his royal advisor and his guards.
The emperor entered the room, lowering his head even though he outranked every single man and woman in that room. The room fell into mild chaos as everyone, in unison, asked the emperor not to lower his head. The Emperor then replied with a chuckle and a statement, "It is only right, yes? A guest must always lower themselves to the host no matter his rank." I smiled, knowing I chose to serve a good man.
The emperor once more spoke, this time introducing himself, "I am, as most of you know, the Emperor of the 4 winds, Emperor Takeshi Hikaru. I've come here to offer the people of this island a deal, if you're all willing to lend an ear."
The people in the room smile, nodding to him, knowing they're all interested in said deal. The emperor smiles as he sets down a map of the area in which we had current jurisdiction to sail into. He speaks up, "I suggest that this island join our Empire and become a territory of the 4 winds. You will, of course, still have the freedom to cast your own elections for your own government officials, but the positions will be limited to the title 'Lord' at the highest."
The advisor spoke, "Joining the empire as a province will assure that any attempt of a takeover by any hostile force will be met with the empire's military force. Joining will also grant the island privileges which include support in multiple aspects, including financial, social, and technical support. Infrastructure destroyed under the pirates' command will be repaired, and any building damaged beyond repair will be destroyed and rebuilt with better facilities."
You kids get the point. That advisor spoke for another half hour before he finished listing out the perks of joining the empire. Once the room went silent, the people inside started to ponder all possible endings for the island if they joined up.
Your uncle spoke up before anyone else could, "I suggest we leave this to the people. Let them pick what they want to happen to their island. After all, in clause 2 of the list of perks you guys listed, it was mentioned that the people of the island will be free to cast elections for any matter, including matters that involve the fate of the island." I raise my hand, stating that I back said notion. The rest of the crew followed suit, followed by the people representing the island. Funnily enough, even the emperor's guards cast a vote, saying they backed your uncle's idea. And so it was left to a vote where, in it, it was agreed upon that the island, now named "Tinwati," would join the empire as a province under the condition that all perks be met.
And so, to celebrate our "safe" return, the liberation of the island, and the official linking of the island to the empire, a party was held where my crew and I, along with the emperor and his reluctant advisor, got coconut water poured on us to represent cleansing and the refreshing of one's life. The royal advisor couldn't help but let out a smile, and so the party had officially begun. I stuffed my face with the food presented to us; being basically reincarnated apparently drains someone's energy and takes days to have it replenished. It didn't help that the foo" was so good—the sauce was immaculate, a glimmering yellow sauce with a light tangy taste that really made the meat taste better. I just kept eating until the emperor sat beside me. Only then did I stiffen up and eat like a proper gentleman. To say he laughed at me would be an understatement; he was cackling at me, wheezing as well. I wasn't amused by it. He tells me to calm my nerves and keep eating as I please. He puts his hand on my shoulder and speaks up while I stuffed my mouth hole full of meat, "You guys died on that mission, didn't you?"
I nearly choked on a carrot when he said that but managed to reply stuttering, "W-What, how do you know that…?" The emperor turns around and asks me to do the same as he unbuttons his royal over wear, revealing a sigil from a god, to be specific with you kids, it was a sigil from the god of gods, commander of royals. I'd be lying if I tell you I wasn't admiring his muscles, 'cause that I was, but my admiration got cut short when he spoke up, "I was also killed on a mission when I was but a young adventurer training to be a knight. But then, he appeared before me, Tenmu, the god of gods, and blessed me with his heavenly sigil and a few blessed artifacts to call my own. If you remember the sword and shield I once used in combat, those were my artifacts: 'The Sword of Heroes' and 'The Almighty's Shield.' I sensed a number of artifacts on the island, and it only got stronger whenever I walked past your crew, especially strong when I walked by you, which leads me to believe you're just like me—a man who's been blessed with 2 artifacts."
I look down as I swallow my food. I asked the emperor not to tell anyone, and he agreed, but me and my crew have to make an appearance in his palace for an important matter, to which I obliged. He told me that there was no rush and that we could take our time on the island if we wanted to, but who am I to keep a monarch waiting? So, I told him we'd leave the same day as they did. The emperor left, leaving me only a smile and a pat on the back.