9.3 Residuum

Distraught and rather humiliated from the events, you quickly retire to your chambers. A strange feeling of anger has overtaken you since the man's appearance. The aftermath of your meeting has only left you all the more enraged. Regardless of his threats and actions, you're far from discouraged. As long as you win the election, it will not matter how much sway Nereus possesses. The guards true alliance lies with whomever they perceive to be the ruler. Unfortunately, as of this moment you are not that in their eyes. You can only hope that gaining the title through election will change all of that. Though how you are to achieve this goal still has not revealed itself. With the day quickly approaching, you are running out of time to figure it out.

Realizing it is best to keep a low profile, you spend most of the time pouring over the large amount of scrolls you have acquired. The next days pass by far quicker than you had anticipated, leaving you with little time to complete your reading. Before you're aware of it, the first day of the election has arrived. It is arguably the most important, as it is the first and only day you're able to address the populous. Though you're aware your oppositions have been breaking that rule for quite some time. You do hope that your strict adherence to the rules has afforded you some favor. After dressing in fine but modest attire, you hastily make your way to the city's center. To your annoyance the other candidates have already gathered and are mingling with the crowd.

Ignoring your irritation, you move deeper into the crowd in order to greet those that may have been overlooked. After all, the two men seem to be focusing their attention on those of higher status.The crowd appears quite ecstatic to be your presence, giving you some hope. Once you have completed a few rounds the time for addressal has begun. The young man, Kyros delivers his speech first. You're vaguely aware of some of the points he addresses during his dialogue. However, the majority of it falls on deaf ears as you're distracted by your own thoughts. You're uncomfortably aware of Nereus' gaze on your form when he moves to take Kyros’ place. Your mind completely drowns out the sound of his voice, too unnerved to focus on his voice. You're slightly startled when your guard nudges you forward a few moments later.

Suddenly, all thoughts have left your mind. Swallowing nervously, you slowly ascend the steps before you and walk out onto the platform. The speech you had previously prepared has long since left your mind. Clearing your throat awkwardly, you attempt to summon any words. You're uncomfortably aware of the large amount of eyes on you as you step forward. You're also in an unfortunate position given your last talk with Nereus. He is fully expecting for you to lose this election without a fight. If you are brazen enough to speak openly and do not win, it will surely be detrimental in the long run. However, if you do not take the chance, you will be subjugated to the man should he win. Inhaling deeply, you pause for a moment before finally addressing the crowd. Keeping your thoughts brief, you merely remark on your gratitude for the land and its people.

Specifically singling out the lower class workers and their labor. You're sure the man cannot fault you for simply thanking those that keep the country running. Your thanks move on to the soldiers and other protectors of the land. One benefit you possess is intimate knowledge of all the lands professions. You had made it a point to read up on them during your hours of studies. At the time it had seemed unimportant, however, now you realize it may be key to your success. Though you hadn't paid much attention, it did not escape your observation that both men had tailored their speeches to mainly stroke the egos of those in power. Even Kryos, who boasted his allegiance to the everyday man hadn't failed to mention his connections to those in power. You on the other hand, purposefully bring up your humble beginnings. Musing thoughtfully on supposed days before your entrance to power.

You find no need to inform the crowd that your previous memories never resurfaced. However, you're certain your life before this was hardly in the same realm. With time running out, you hastily finish off your speech with a brief thanks to the previous Emperor. Though you're hardly appreciative of your time with him. You feel it cannot hurt to remind the citizens it was you that supposedly helped tame his cruel heart. When you turn and begin descending the stairs, you feel both Nereus' and Kryos' gaze upon you. You can only hope that your speech remained innocuous enough to spare you any unfortunate downfall. Thankfully, neither opponent attempts to approach, leaving you free to leave without issue. The results of the election will take a few days to process before word is announced. Each of the days pass by with an increased feeling of dread.

By the time the day of announcement has arrived, you're quite the nervous wreck. Attempting to disguise this apprehension, you dress in a slightly ornate gown. Hoping an outward appearance of confidence will somehow bring courage within. Upon entering the designating chambers, you feel several eyes fall upon you. Ignoring the uncomfortable sensation, you turn your attention to the head Patrician. His eyes shift around nervously as he looks over the scrolls before him. After clearing his throat, he speaks several words which are muffled in your ears. Suddenly, all of the eyes in the room have turned to look at you. Glancing around nervously, you're slightly confused as to what has occurred. Nereus' dark eyes are flashing angrily as his form tenses in rage. In contrast you see Kryos' eyes lighten into what appears to be amusement.

It slowly dawns on you what the results of the elections held. Your heartbeat increases as adrenaline and excitement courses through your body. It seems your unapparent speech leads to its desired results. Knowing the implications of the vote, the Patricians' emotions quickly change to those of excitement. Not wanting to anger their new leader, they continue on with their show of joy. You cannot help but smile briefly as you revel in the news. Now that you will be maintaining your title, it will be far harder for Nereus to object. Deciding it is best to remain out in the open, you quickly call for a celebration. Ushering many of your attendants and guards out, you keep them in your presence as arrangements for the feast begins. Despite your feelings of joy, you cannot help worrying about your disgruntled opponents.