The next phase

A/N: Pardon my long absence. Writer's muse left me for this story for a while.

With the corrupt nobles thoroughly purged and their families completely removed from power, it fell to the new leadership of Efros to form a new government and fill the ensuing vacancies to prevent a power vacuum from forming - the bane of stability.

Yet Ferdinand, being a mere mercenary with absolutely no political upbringing and experience whatsoever, was the worst choice to name as King of Efros - a sentiment all his lieutenants and associates readily agreed with.

"But exactly who is going to be named King?"

Kassandra echoed all their sentiments in the throne room of Oxmaw, reclaimed and freshly renovated without all the eye-wateringly gaudy decor, all the gold and silver used remade into more practical items like jewelry and coinage.

"Nah, not me," Said Diepkutter, "I ain't King material; I only good for smashing heads and stuff. No offense, but you ain't either, Kassandra."

"Really? I thought you would be leader material, uniting over two dozen Orcish tribes with sheer will and ****?" Said Ferdinand.

"Oh, har har, very funny," Said Diepkutter, "Y'know they're only in it for women and cheap booze. Moment they don't get that, they start leaving."

"Which means you're not leadership material for the position of King. Fuck," Said Ferdinand.

"I know you two have said it before, but you're not interested in being King or Queen?" Asked Iozunk, the Goblin Chieftain sipping a cup of mushroom ale.

"Absolutely not," Ferdinand said firmly.

"We're not nobles and we never wanted the throne - we're only doing this for ****," Said Kassandra, "And besides, we're not educated or popular enough to hold that position."

"Huh, and I thought a lack of hierarchy between us would broaden our options," Said Iozunk.

Kassandra sighed, then said, "And that means we have only one option left-"

"Me," Said Iozunk with a wink, "Iozunk, the great Goblin Chieftain and Master of the ex-Queen Arthion of Prospera, to the rescue!"

Kassandra fixed a flat stare at Iozunk, saying, "You really have a flair for the dramatic."

"Oh come on, you have to admit it's nice having some theatrics, rather than just monotonously powering through life?" Said Iozunk.

"Not for me," Said Kassandra, "So, rejoice, o King, for you shall take the throne."

"Hah! Now who's dramatic?" Said Iozunk.

Diepkutter joined in the laughter, while Ferdinand simply shook his head.

It took a week to finalize preparations for the coronation ceremony of Efros's new King, but few were truly looking forward to the momentous event. Rather, most people simply could not bring themselves to care; they lost their trust in the monarchy, and rightly believed none of the monster horde's leaders were capable of stepping up to the position.

So imagine their surprise, when appearing atop a podium to address the common masses, a Goblin Chieftain was proudly wearing the crown of Efros - a gold and silver ornament with red velvet and a single ruby in the centre.

"People of Efros!" Cried Iozunk, "I've got plenty of announcements to make here, so listen good!"

Hardly a great start to making a proper speech, but it was short and simple, things the people appreciated.

"As you can see, I've been crowned King, but I'm not King of Efros or any small plot of land in Aclia!" Said Iozunk, "There's simply no point in propping up a dead dynasty."

At that, the people felt relief, albeit a miniscule measure of it.

"However, I will tell you that I and my friends have big and great plans for this continent!" Iozunk continued, "Primarily involving the Elves, for starters. Who here is pissed off that they intervened to **** a peace, after you lost all your fathers, sons and brothers, your mothers, daughters and sisters to the Hundred Years War?"

At first, none dared to answer, fearful of the Goblin-King's reaction.

"I hate the Elves! My father died for his country, yet the Elves' peace made his sacrifice worth shit!"

And from there, more voices followed.

"They're nothing but worthless pacifists!"

"When have they ever felt the terror of having your own home invaded!?"

From there, the people began to chant a mantra.

"Down with the Elves! Down with the Elves!"

Iozunk raised a hand, and one of his guards echoed out, "Silence!"

The command was repeated a few times, and the masses went quiet.

"So tell me, are you willing to embark on a crusade against the Elves, to humble these arrogant assholes and make them taste the bitterness of defeat, against some jumped-up monsters like me!?" Asked Iozunk.

And the answer he received was an astounding 'Aye!'

"Then I hereby declare the founding of the Empire of Aclia!"