Today, Dezen was meeting the Emperor of the empire he has be born in. The man who rules Halo City and nearly the entire continent. The man who rules a 2,000 year old empire that stretches beyond sight.
Dezen was not nervous for this meeting. After conversing with the gods, he realized that his status was special. A man may rule a grand empire, but a man is still just a man. A man cannot compare to a god. As Dezen has be claimed as a child of Severa, blessed with authority over forces of nature. A living demigod as a result of the blessings. Even an emperor must be respectful.
Dezen wore different clothes for this day. He wore a pure black suit with seams that melded together, creating an illusion he was dressed in darkness. He wore a flowing black cape with an upright collar that surrounded his head and went up to his ears. On his head, he had a crown that was brought by a Sister of Darkness. Whose rank was one below that of a Priestess of Darkness.
The crown looked like a simple black ring with no special designs or flair. However, when Dezen put it on privately, it changed. Two fang-like cheek guards came from the ring on the sides of his face. Then a dark, contoured sheet formed on the back of his head to cover it. On the top of his head, formed a cap of shadow. Finally, a black fire that flowed into the shape of horns ignited upon the black ring. Now, only his lunar white face and hands could be seen.
Dezen was impressed with the provided attire. He heard clearly in his ear, "Glad you love it my Son..."
Dezen heard Severa's voice and smiled. He thought, "Always with me, truly."
The outfit was a massive improvement to the rags he used to wear in the sewer. It felt completely comfortable and natural. As if he was completely enshrouded in the complete darkness he has always found peace within all his life.
"Although, I feel this outfit is a tad too flashy.", Dezen said with a faint smile.
Now Dezen was ready for his final meeting. He was a bit tired of them already. Despite actually finding the interactions interesting. As he has never had great amounts of social interaction and conversation like he has had the past two days.
His escort to the Imperial Palace wasn't a clergy member of a temple this time. Instead, it was an Imperial Knight. Who was by himself, but held the rank of Captain within the Imperial Knightage. Who is one rank below Commander. This escort has been waiting outside Dezen's home since sunrise. Even though the meeting was at midday. Truly, a too serious knight.
Dezen exited his home with a more intimidating aura about him. Clothes do maketh man to an extent. The Knight Captain was a bit taken back by the Demigod covered in black and sun shadow. However, he is used to being around such figures and knows how to keep his composure.
"Dezen de Severa, I, Captain Lance Gerric, am your escort to his Imperial Highness. I am to ensure you are unimpeded my...uh....", The Captain trails off as he now realizes that he doesn't know what honorific title to use.
Within his mind, the Captain is berating himself, "Shit shit shit, how could I not review how to address a Demigod?! I don't remember the general title!"
Dezen could tell the Knight had trouble finding the correct respectful title, and decided to help him. As he had been informed of his general honorific address and specific one.
"You may address as me Dark Son Captain Gerric."
The Captain was thankful for the help, "Gladly, Dark Son Dezen. If you are ready to depart, I can lead us to the Emperor."
Dezen nods, "I am ready."
Captain Gerric then shows Dezen to a one Horse carriage that he personally drives. He drove Dezen all the way to the Palace steps before both them disembarked and the carriage was handled by Royal Squires at the steps.
They ascended the steps together and entered the palace. Which was internally draped in silk cloth and decorated with precious metals and stylish rugs on a marble floor.
Dezen was impressed with the palace. It was more...human than the style of the temples. An artistic blend of many things, rather than singular theme pushed to a perfect expression. He was led directly to the Throne Room of the palace. The leading hallways guarded by line of knights. Though still limited in worldly knowledge. Even he knew that so many knights just for hallways was insane. The Empire of truly wealthy and powerful. As knights took time and talent to create. Especially Royal Knights which had much higher standards than any normal knightage.
The grand doors opened and the Captain led Dezen across a purple and gold carpet that reached to the throne. Before the throne, Captain Gerric kneeled, "My Emperor, I have escorted Dark Son Dezen de Severa to the palace successfully." Dezen did not kneel, as his status was not lower.
The Emperor smiled and waved him to stand, "Good work Captain Gerric, you may be at ease and take a spot on the side to witness."
Captain Gerric rose and saluted before walking off to the side where other guarding knights were standing. There were other people around that Dezen could only think were Nobles and officials. He also saw the little girl he had saved in the sewers standing to the side of the throne.
The Emperor then stands up and introduces himself, "Hello Dark Son, I am Emperor Arthur Leonine. Emperor of the Horizon Empire, which stretches across the continent, coast to coast. Welcome to the Imperial Palace." Arthur then sits down. He was a tall man with a mane of blond hair and deep green eyes that held a jungle within them. A warrior type rather than a user of magic.
"Hello, I am Dezen de Severa, Demigod of Darkness and...Depth." Dezen introduced. As Even Demigods have a primary and secondary concept they represent. Which they know instinctually. However, this the first time Dezen has said such aloud.
Arthur smiled, "It is truly wonderful to meet you. I am also honored you've been born in my Empire. As well as relieved you were born in Halo City. As you've saved my youngest child as a consequence. A happy coincidence of fate. I am thankful for your action."
Dezen accepted the thanks for his is not overly humble. "You're welcome Emperor Arthur. That guy wasn't right in the head anyways."
Arthur chuckled, "No right in the head indeed."
Arthur then started to speak a bit seriously, "As a Demigod and Imperial citizen, within the borders of the Empire, you are free to travel unhindered. You also have the authority to mobilize Imperial Guards, Knights, and Militia against threats to villages, towns, and cities. As well as exact justice against criminal forces. However, the Empire reserves the right to ask for compensation if these privileges are misused or result in unreasonable collateral damage. However, beyond the Imperial Borders where we have little influence, you would be on your own. As the Northern reaches are ruled by the Frozen Queen, the Southern Peninsula is ruled by the Kim Kingdom, the Southern Desert is ruled by Jahan Sultanate, the Western Great Forest is ruled by the Season Kingdom of the Elves, the Gray Mountains are ruled by the Titanhammer Kingdom of the Dwarves. In these places, afforded privileges may vary."
Dezen listened carefully to the information, "Thank you for the information, I will be sure to be vigilant and sensitive when I visit those areas."
Arthur smiled, "Alright, now allow me to introduce you to my daughter whom you saved. Princess Arturia Leonine, 3rd Princess."
Arturia then curtsied at the side and spoke, "Hello again Dark Son, I thank your for defending my life." She said so properly, but with a childish smile. A proper princess but still a child.
Dezen once again accepted the thanks, "You're Welcome Princess Arturia." She beamed at the simple response.
Emperor Arthur spoke, "With this I have nothing else to say but well wishes in your adventures and undertakings. Did you have any questions for me Dark Son?"
Dezen thought for a moment but shook his head, "I do not have any questions Emperor Arthur. It was a pleasure meeting you. By your leave."
The Emperor beckoned kindly with his hand that he can leave. Dezen turned to leave, but took only step before he heard a low insult from a boy on the side, "Arrogant peasant...".
Dezen was a bit surprised by this apparent noble child. "Did he not receive a proper education?", Dezen asked himself. He merely scoffed and had the boy's shadow tug his heels, making him fall flat on his face. Dezen exited the throne room with a slight laugh.
As for the consequences that awaited the boy for speaking in an acoustic large room uncouthly? He would have a red butt for a long time and not be welcomed in the Throne Room for a long time.