Inexorable Chaos - Chapter 270: 142 Gaw: Casus Belli

Nighmora sits on her throne, carefully watching the leaders of her empire fill her throne room. [Lords] and [Governors] shuffle to their chairs around a treant-wood desk that glows a subdued silver. She believes the desk and its extra glowy enchantments are a waste of resources, but Rose insists they are a necessary show of wealth and power as befits our stature.

When word that [King] Henceforth is dead and that Skalag was conquered in a single day spread, the other kingdoms quickly capitulated, their leaders either abandoning their cities or swearing allegiance to the Chaos Empire. Within a month’s time, a kingdom of a few cities grew into an empire of more than fifty.

The new laws have kept the peace amongst the conquered peoples, laws that promote trade and the individual. Laws that protect children and the vulnerable. Laws that allow even her governors to be ousted should their population become unhappy.

The last law, to her complete surprise, is why so many of her new vassals entering her throne room do not look like conquered people. Fearful, yes, but that has more to do with fully armored Rathos standing next to her throne. Apparently, nearly all of the former leaders of the conquered kingdoms were horrible to their peoples, to the point that nine in ten were removed from their positions and replaced with an alternative chosen by the populace.

After the death of Henceforth, Rathos exterminated the region’s [Bandits]. With the barriers to trade gone, and the land once more thriving from the influx of dungeon mana, businesses sprouted like weeds. Food became plentiful, commerce boomed, and suddenly independant towns and as yet unconquered cities began begging to join the fledgling empire.

The new [Mayors], [Governors], and [Lords] continue to shuffle in and compete for seats. The most popular spots are farthest from the throne, the demon [General], and their monstrous conquerors. In a bizarre inversion of rank, the humans of lowest standing get pushed toward the seats of power.

Without changing her facial expression, Nighmora crosses one leg over the other and assumes a cold, commanding, and eerily sensual posture. She tilts her head slightly and looks unamused by how long it’s taking everyone to get seated.

To the left of her, [Lady] Rose smirks at the pose they practiced yesterday. To her right, Rathos does not react. He merely stands at parade rest while small tendrils of crimson lightning traverse his armor every time he takes a breath.

As the last of the leaders enter and take a seat, she raises a hand and flicks her wrist.

_______________________________________

At the signal, Scarlet closes the double doors then posts in front of the entrance denying further entry, and egress. She can’t help but grin as the leaders’ whispers go completely silent when Rathos crosses his arms on his chest and elicits red lightning to loudly crackle and singe the floor.

The whole show was planned by Rose, of course. Her beloved [Deathflame General] loathes these ostentatious displays of power outside of a battlefield. She’ll make it worth his while tonight. Maybe he’ll like his armor better if he gets to keep it on? That deadly power is intoxicating.

And also extremely effective. All eyes stare silently at the throne.

Regally, Nighmora uncrosses her legs and sits tall, stealing the attention from Rathos.

“Leaders of the Empire, We thank you for coming to the first administrators’ conclave of the Chaos Empire- one of many meetings to come where We will dictate the laws of Our Empire which we will all follow.”

Many eyebrows rise at her words. Usually, [Emperors] and [Kings] hold themselves above and beyond the laws. Typically, even most major [Nobles] are largely exempt, only the meanest of peasants, would be fully required to obey.

“First, under each of your seats is a small pamphlet containing the Constitution of the Chaos Empire, Our most important legal tenets, and tax code.”

All leaders take the three inch thick stack of papers and place it in front of them with a clear grimace. Most [Rulers] only write down the most basic aspects of their laws. The leaders open to the first page and their grimaces become bewilderment and then even harder grimaces when they each find a Fresnel lens tucked into the pamphlet cover.

“Initially, I’d planned to give you all a half hour to read the packet in its entirety before questions and debate, but my [Lady Advisor] Rose informed me that most humanoid species lack the ability to digest such a,” she pauses with what Scarlet thinks is a pout, ”miniscule quantity of information in a reasonable time-frame. Thus, I will allow an entire hour-”

Rose coughs.

Nighmora sighs.

“Fine. I will allow two hours-”

“Your Majesty,” Rose interrupts, “Forgive your foolish retainers, but I believe a significantly longer timeframe is required. I suggest a month.”

“A month!” Nighmora yells in surprise, “this packet is merely seven hundred and twenty five pages with only an average of one thousand two hundred and thirty four words per page. Nine hundred and seventeen thousand five hundred and thirty words should not require a month to read and digest. It should take seven minutes of reading and an average of twenty minutes to digest and interpret the meaning.” she explains in outrage.

It takes all the strength of Scarlet’s will stat to keep herself from laughing, especially as she watches the myriad of discolored and terrified expressions on all the sitting leaders. They look at the packet with more fear than they did Rathos. Nay, Scarlet would wager they’d rather have her dear Demon Lord invade them than have to deal with what’s in front of them.

One of the braver leaders, a former [Scribe], now a [Governor] attempts to read the first page… and grimaces. The document is worded in such fine and obtuse language that any [Lawyer] would proclaim it a masterpiece.

“I understand your fair and reasonable expectations for the quality of our imperial leadership,” Rose says, “but these men and women were chosen first and foremost for their integrity, morality and loyalty- not their wits. It would be in our best interest to give them ample time to diligently read and digest the material. In time, I’m sure they will gain the insight, understanding, and skills necessary to be exemplary administrators.”

Nighmora shakes her head in abject disappointment. Her posture relaxes, all pretense of royalty gone as she gazes upon the pathetic prey sitting at the table.

At her predatory glare, all the leaders quickly look away and focus on anything and everything but Nighmora and her extended, hissing tail.

“This entire day was booked to discuss laws, taxes, and important political initiatives that need to be voted on. How am I to do that if these incompetent wastes of leadership require a month to digest information?”

Rose, regal as ever- as much as eight hundred pounds of muscle can be regal, grins knowingly, “Then perhaps if your Highness presents them the gist of things, they can vote and act on it?”

“And what? Have each of them wander off with some vague ideas instead of a clearly worded document? Such a thing is unacceptable and will ultimately lead to long-term corruption and incompetence.”

Rose nods at Nighmora and looks at the leaders present. “Then let us seek consensus. All those present, if you find it acceptable, as an interim measure, to vote on policies verbally described and informed by Nighmora for this single day, and not to be construed as a substitute for full and complete study of the provided materials, please raise your hand.”

Every single leader’s hand rises up to the sky as though death awaits those that don’t.

“As you can see, the leaders present are amenable to voting based merely on your words.”

Tisking, Nighmora leans back into her throne, annoyed, but unwilling to refute such a unanimous vote. If all those present are willing to trust her and then abide by their decisions, then she will oblige… this once.

“Fine.”

The leaders seem to all sigh in unison to the Nighmora’s utter disgust.

“Then, let us get to the first order of business. Skalag is currently a vassal kingdom ruled by [War King] Dominous. The terms of vassalage require that all laws of the Chaos Empire be followed, excluding the provision where Dominous may be ousted by the kingdom’s citizens. In light of the risk of sustained incompetence and corruption and the apparent double standard for leadership, a solution is required. Thus, I move to allow the population of Skalag to vote for the admonishment of vassalage and a shift to a full state with all laws being followed. This would reapply the ability for leaders to be removed by vote and have Skalag fully in compliance with all laws.”

She looks at those present.

“Are there any questions?”

An aged hand rises.

“You,” Nighmora points.

The aged woman grimaces as everyone looks at her. She swallows hard. “I suggest we add a delayed period to give Dominous a chance to rule well and gain the people’s trust, otherwise they will immediately vote to join the Empire just to get rid of him.”

“Acceptable. I suggest a year then. That timeframe should be adequate enough to reveal excellence or incompetence on Dominous’ part.”

Another hand rises, this one from the [Scribe] come [Governor]. Nighmora points and the man clears his throat.

“A year of time, regardless of how well the governance of Skalag is doing, is not enough to change minds. Many will still remember that Henceforth was killed by Dominous and would have cause to remove him based on vengeance alone. Four years of prosperity would give Dominous enough time to gain the people’s respect.”

Nighmora slowly nods, “I forget that you humans can hold useless grudges for years. I will accept a four year time frame unless someone else has something else to add?” She looks around and finds no hands raised.

“Then let us vote with a minimum acceptance of 66%. Raise your hand if, in four years, the citizens of Skalag will have opportunity to end their vassalage and come under full protection of the Chaos Empire, its constitution, laws, and statutes.”

All hands are raised.

“Good. That order of business is now settled. The next order of business involves tra-” Nighmora stops speaking and whips her head to the entrance. “Scarlet, move aside.”

Scarlet hops away just in time as the doors slam open with a gust of wind.

Volpe glides in upon a twirling tornado, sending papers flying everywhere, and gracefully lands on the table. When the wind settles, the papers fall to the floor and the Kitsune gives the dismayed council a curious look before meeting Nighmora’s gaze.

“I presume this is an emergency?” Nighmora asks cooly.

“It is,” Volpe says, “The pantheon requests our assistance. Two of the pantheon’s races are being held captive and forced to fight a war in Camelot that could cause their extinction.”

Nighmora tilts her head, “Camelot is a very influential and powerful city. Why would the Chaos Empire risk ourselves for species we have yet to interact with?”

Volpe grins, “Because the [Emperor] has been ordained by the gods to procreate with them. Their extinction would be problematic for him.”

Nighmora slowly nods. Her head turns to Rathos.

“Prepare the army for war.”