Kingly duties

Your next task is something you had delayed for far too long, for good reason; it was tedious! As king, part of the job was seeing petitioners and advisors in the throne room. This meant hours in one place, listening and responding to seemingly meaningless concerns. Fortunately, the girls would come and go, keeping you company throughout the day.

It was interesting to see the noble reaction to your family. Most of the court took an affectionate liking to your lifestyle. You are the king, and you’re allowed your eccentric quirks. Additionally, some of the girls were quickly becoming beloved among the people in their own right. Elys, obviously, was a princess in Mermouthia. Maya, Sadie, and Uzume had personalities that attracted younger people, and news of Maya’s pregnancy generated a lot of excitement.

Lynn and Yura both had a lot of admirers, and the more they were embarrassed by the attention, the more attention they received. Kali was already known, but her angelic form and obvious devotion to you made her many fans.

As you’re thinking on this, the next petitioner approaches your throne. By the look he gives Lynn, who is currently sat on a chair beside your throne, he is definitely not someone who is a fan of your girls.

The man gives a perfunctory bow before speaking. “Sire, I am here to represent a group of people who are concerned over your ready acceptance of these refugees from the so-called kingdom of Humanitas. We could better use the resources they are consuming in our war effort.”

You raise an eyebrow. “So what would you have me do, let these people starve?”

“Why is it our responsibility to care for these refugees? They’re not our people!”

You lean forward, looking at the man. “They are fleeing fanatics who want them dead. I intend to make them feel safe here. What is your intention?”

“Our people come first!”

You shake your head. “Our people? No such thing. There’s just people. Everyone should be able to have their necessities.”

The man appears to be getting angry. “You don’t understand, sire! They’re not humans! They don’t…”

You cut him off. “I think you had better consider your next words very carefully.”

The room goes quiet. The man glares at you, and for a moment you half expect him to rush you. Instead, he relaxes and gives you a grin. “Very well. Your choice has been made.”

Without another word, he turns and walks out. You watch him go, and turn to Lynn. “I think we might have a problem with that one later.”

Lynn nods. “I still think you should have more guards in here, Josh. What if he attacked you?”

You sigh. “Then things get messy. I’d still rather handle someone like that myself. If nothing else, it shows trust in my people not to have a wall of guards around me.”

Lynn gives you a worried look. “I just hope you’re not overconfident. I worry about something happening…”

You smile and give the little goblin a kiss. “I know. I will be careful, I promise.”

Lynn laughs. “I’ve heard that one before…”