Humble greeting adventure-parched seeker. Hmm…I wasn't expecting a guest to arrive so early, but since you're already here, why not indulge in my questions until it's time to commence this story? Ohhh, you will? Ahahaha~ I expected nothing less from someone with such a novel look in their eyes. Well then, shall we begin this prelude to our adventure?
An emperor; a lord of many smaller kingdoms–what do you presume is the duty of such a ruler? To be fair to his subject? Or to help them prosper? Perhaps it's the assimilation of the masses and to weed out discord? But what if it is the complete opposite of those things? What do you say? What kind of emperor would that be? One willing to make the sacrifices even if displeases the troublesome minority?
There's always a villain in such a story don't you think? Who knows maybe they deserve it, but if punishment for crimes induced riots and torching, should the emperor turn a blind eye to their crimes for to oppose them would lead to further casualties? A plethora of questions with no right answers, for you can't be just without cruelty but to be cruel to one is what's just for another person.
A mother begs forgiveness for the sins of her son, he is to be hanged but could you truly be the executioner that his victim's family needs? Could you be that blind emperor holding fair the scales of justice? Answer me, traveler, will you let her son live or shall the reaper take him?
If yes, then perhaps you're naive or a believer in mercy. Bless thy soul and hold that candle tight, for there aren't many strong enough to forgive as it is easier to let the hammer fall than to stop it with your fist. But alas, the families of the victims do not see it as such. They stamp purpose to your mercy and brand you a partial judge. A man of one culture, one race can kill that of another? What message does that send and how would you resolve the unrest that you've caused?
Riots break, plundering becomes rampant, and a murder of crows sings a eulogy for the fallen peace; shattered and buried never to be recovered from again.
Such is the tragic tale of the emperors, and the one thing they all have in common, is that eventually their kingdom turns to dust, their victories into legends, and the only thing remembered, is how they caused the doom of their own people. Now, perhaps you're wondering why I dragged you through such a yawning tale. Well, to ask but one question, perhaps the most important of them all.
How long will your kingdoms last and do you believe you can lead forever or do a better job than all of your predecessors combined? Hmm, a tough question, isn't it? At least you don't hold the pretense of competence; a curse held by most mortals. They presume themselves superior to their rulers, as if corruption won't blind them the moment they have power.
Well then, that's enough chatter. Let's begin this saga, and maybe we can find some answers…