"Oh come now, I'm sure it plays an important role, Emperor is a king; he strategizes well, plans for the future, and adapts to any enemy he comes across."
In the Main Lobby, located on the North Continent, Christopher and Emerald were sitting together in a cafe, having drinks with one another.
"Certainly. My brother is a smart man, but sometimes his plans put me on edge—I understand that he is a tyrannical ruler, considering Emperor was created to be that way, but it doesn't stop me from questioning his schemes." Emerald took a sip of her iced tea, crossing her leg over the other, "I'm sure you understand what I mean, Christopher?" Emerald glanced at Christopher who was staring out the window.
"Oh, I'm sorry, what did you say? I was busy staring at this girl's ugly clothing. How can one simply walk outside dressed like a peasant, I don't understand these players. You can buy better clothing with Gold in the shopping district of the main lobby." He squawked, taking his orange juice, and sipping it by the straw.
"Are clothes really important right now, Christopher? Even with such a questionable objective given to us; like destroying the Swindlers Guild, you proceed to not care, and would rather talk bad about someone else's clothing."
Christopher snickered, "Why of course. The clothing that we Phantom Mutiny have are crafted from me and my trustworthy blacksmith. Anyone who dares calls it ugly, will most likely lose their tongue." He sat his orange juice down, resting his hand underneath his chin, "Minor jokes aside, my dear friend, I understand your slight frustration. Emperor wishes to wreak havoc among the Swindlers Guild and ruin everything that they have, but doing that will leave them with nothing, and they'll most likely retaliate against us, and start problems with other players. An increase of thievery and killing would likely become common."
"Fuuu..." Emerald released a sigh, "Precisely. If we destroy their Guild Headquarters, an entire war can start. I understand we Phantom Mutiny are powerful, but those of the Ottenmore kingdom cannot fend for themselves. If we continue with this objective given to us, I pray to Terra that he has a backup plan for a rebellion against Ottenmore."
"I agree." He nodded. "But tell me..." Christopher leaned over the table, curiosity in his eyes, "You seemed quite excited when Emperor told us we'll be destroying the Swindlers Guild, so why are you suddenly questioning his intentions?"
Emerald giggled, "That was Emerald, my Game Avatar speaking, and not my Irl-self."
"Ah, I see. So the one I'm speaking to now, is Astral, yes?"
"Indeed. And you're one of the lucky few; you don't have to worry about any multiple personalities and moral changes, considering Christopher's personality is the same as yours in real life."
Christopher cackled, "To think that I was called boring for keeping the same personality that I have in real life when! Looks like my choice worked out in the end."
"Uhuh..." Emerald glanced at Christopher with an irritated gaze.
"E-Excuse me..." A blonde girl approached their table, her posture timid, along with a group of friends behind her. One was a brunette with their hair tied into a ponytail, the other had short blue hair, and the last one appeared shorter, with long black hair hanging down to their waist, "We... noticed that you two are part of the Phantom Mutiny... right?"
Christopher widened his eyes, realizing they were exposed, "Ah, I figured someone would find out sooner or later."
Emerald closed her eyes, taking another sip of her tea, "Indeed. We did put on a big show in the Main Lobby after all."
"I-I was wondering if..." The blonde girl paused, seemingly hesitant to finish her sentence.
"Hm? What is it, don't waste our time." Said Emerald.
"I was wondering if... you could let us be your disciples!!!" She shouted, changing her posture into a determined stance, "Please!"
"Oh?" Christopher leaned back into his seat, crossing his leg over the other, laughing, "Pwa haha! You wish to become our disciples!? Tell me, what is it that you have to offer."
"Fufufu~! You took the words right out of my mouth, Christopher."
"Ehhh? What do we have to offer? Uhm..." The blonde girl looked behind her at her timid friends, "Uhhh..."
One of them stepped forward. It was the brunette.
"We can give you our loyalty in exchange!"
"Loyalty?" Asked Emerald.
"Yes, we will be loyal to you for the rest of our lives if you accept us as disciples!"
"Interesting... tell me your names." Emerald turned her attention towards them, resting her cheek upon the dorsal side of her hand.
"My name is Dustina!" The brunette proclaimed.
"M-My name is Florian, it's a pleasure to meet you." The blue-haired girl bowed.
"I am Wolfgang!" Said the black-haired individual.
The blonde-haired girl stood in front of them, placing her hand on her chest, "My name is Lucia! It's an honor to be in your presence!"
"What an interesting bunch—you all seem so shy and timid—why is that?" Asked Christopher.
"W-Well, we have every right to be! You guys fought the Holy Trinity." Said Lucia.
Christopher scowled. "Then shoo, we have no time for cowards; if you're so afraid to approach players above your level, then you'll never become my disciples," Christopher responded, crossing his arms.
"Oh my, Christopher seems reluctant to accept you girls, whatever should I do?" Said Emerald, teasingly, "I wonder if I should do the same?"
"Please, we will not fear anyone else! If we have to build our resilience, then we will do so graciously!" Proclaimed Wolfgang.
"Yes, what she said!" Shouted Dustina.
Emerald finished her cup of tea and used the straw to swirl around the ice cubes.
She appeared to be thinking long and hard about this until a smirk crossed her face.
The four girls waited patiently, hoping for the best.
"Fuuu… very well, I'll accept you as my disciples."
"Uwah?!" The girls widened their eyes, gasping in surprise. They couldn't believe their begging actually worked, but there had to be a catch, and they were prepared for it.
"Consider becoming my spouses. All four of you."
"Ehh?!"
"W-What?!"
"Y-Your spouse?"
"Did I hear that right...?"
All four of them were stunned. It felt like they were hit by a paralysis potion.
"Umm... missus...?"
"It is Emerald Lionheart."
"Missus Emerald, I have a boyfriend..." Said Dustina.
"I-I do too." Responded Wolfgang.
"Oh? Then why not have him join me as well? I see no problem with it; men and women are my types after all."
"Honestly..." Christopher rolled his eyes, sighing.
"Have our boyfriends join you? I'm not sure they'll like that!" Said Wolfgang.
"It's not hard to try, no? Ask them, and if they say yes, then I see no problem with training you."
"V-Very well, I'll ask!" Dustina proclaimed.
"Good. Once that is complete, return to Ottenmore Kingdom, and tell them that you have a visit with me. I'll be waiting for your arrival."
"But... what about me and Florian? We don't have any boyfriends." Said Lucia.
"Oh, of course, you two will follow me from now on." Emerald would scoot to the side, leaving room for Lucia and Florian to sit down.
"I can't believe I get the chance to sit next to a member of the Phantom Mutiny..." Lucia looked happy with sparkles in her eyes.
She didn't waste any time sitting next to Emerald, glancing across the table at the bashful Christopher.
Florian hesitantly sat next to Lucia, looking at the table to avert eye contact.
She even blushed.
Meanwhile, Dustina and Wolfgang made their way outside the cafe, in search of their boyfriends. They were nervous, but it was worth the try.
"Willingly accepting people as your disciples, huh? I shouldn't be surprised. Tell me, are you trying to grow a harem? You asked them to be your spouse, I'm disgusted."
"Disgusted? Oh my. If they were men then you wouldn't have hesitated to accept them as your disciples, wouldn't you, Christopher?"
Christopher frowned but knew she was right.
"Fair point"
"Ah? Christopher is into guys?" Asked Lucia.
"Indeed, can't you tell?" Emerald responded teasingly.
"No, not at all, I don't follow stereotypes. His voice does sound feminine, and his looks are very girlish, but most straight men I know also dress and act the same."
"You are quite the intriguing one, Lucia." Proclaimed Emerald.
"Intriguing? Thank you! That means a lot coming from you, Lady Emerald!"
"Please do not call me 'Lady Emerald'. Just the name Emerald is fine."
"Oh, right, I apologize."
"What do you plan to do with them when we proceed with our mission, Emerald? Are they coming with us, or will they stay here for now?" Asked Christopher.
"They can come with us. If they wish to be our disciples, then it is only fair that I show them the power of Emerald Lionheart."
"Fumu," Christopher tittered, "Well this should be entertaining."