The thing about royalty, specifically high-level royalty, is that they emit Aura constantly, something that becomes more and more potent the closer you get to the individual. At times, it makes it difficult to even talk to royalty, let alone be in their presence without enough levels. Hell, Rathos had even seen [Knights] finding it difficult to be in the presence of the royals that they serve.

Most of these royal Auras force a feeling of inferiority or subservience on those that cannot defend against its mental effects. It is an effective way to manipulate the masses… but what sits before Rathos emits not an aura of superiority, but something darker.

He feels like a bug in a jar being analyzed by an [Entomologist]. There’s nothing but a gaze of cold, calculating contempt.

The door closes behind him as the Minotaur named Grognok rushes out.

Just as the doors close, the feeling changes to something more relaxed and professional with a calculating undertone that he cannot fully wrap his mind around.

“I apologize for the scene, but he annoys me more than most of his kind, despite their lack of intellect.”

Rathos stares at the [Queen], carefully forcing himself to keep his emotions from reaching his face. The [Queen] is unclothed, but her body is covered with a white plating that resembles chitin. A crystal crown sits upon her head with two antennae sticking above it. Further above that, a long segmented tail extending behind her swishes near the roof as though she’s a scorpion readying to strike her prey.

Standing on either side of her are two Gejan armored in platemail. With a quick usage of his [Silent Analyze] skill, Rathos can see that they both have the [Archknight] class and their levels are approaching his own.

“Your majesty, no apologies are necessary. Your station is far above our own.” Rathos says diplomatically.

“A higher station doesn’t make you better than others,” Rose idly comments. Rathos curses internally as he gives the [Lady] an angry look. He expected her to be respectful at the very least, especially when their lives are on the line.

“Well spoken, [Lady] Rose,” the [Queen] responds. “My class gives me the tools to lead, but it does not make me superior to others.”

The [Queen] frowns as her eyes fall on Rathos. “I do hope you understand that well, [General] Rathos. Just because you will lead the army does not make you better than those who die at your orders.”

Rathos, for the third time today, is caught off guard. First, he failed to kill Quasi, then he was forced to deal with the Kitsune. Now, he is getting reprimanded for a comment that any [King], [Queen], or [Emperor] would find acceptable.

He takes a quick peek at Rose and finds the [Lady] also surprised.

“I apologize for my comment. It will not happen again,” he adds.

The [Queen] tilts her head. “Words matter little. I expect your actions to improve.”

“You do not act like a [Queen].” Rose states.

The [Queen] tilts her head in confusion.

“I do not understand your statement. A [Queen] is a ruling class with skills specialized in the organization of a kingdom. I create laws, utilize my skills to strengthen the people, economy, and ensure prosperity and growth. In what way am I not utilizing my class?”

Rose opens her mouth to reply, but closes it. After a moment, she opens it once more. Eventually, she begins to laugh, which causes the [Queen] frown.

“I do not understand why you are laughing. Is there some context of which I am ignorant? If so, please explain in detail.”

Rose begins laughing harder, her voice growing deeper as she bends over and holds her stomach. Once the laughing subsides, she speaks.

“Haaaah. I’m sorry, but you’re far more different than I expected. You treat your class like a [Manager].”

The [Queen] nods. “Well yes. My class has similar responsibilities to a [Manager], except my class has skills that exist to affect an entire kingdom.”

Rose wipes her face with her hands and manages to stop herself from laughing again. She’s still smiling though.

“Well, I have to admit, I’m starting to like you. Your name is Nighmora, right?”

“Yes, it is, and I find your company acceptable.”

“Hehe, acceptable, really? Mind elaborating.”

Nighmora points at Rathos. “The [General] was dishonest with his initial comment to me. You on the other hand were forthright with your thoughts. Accuracy is invaluable.”

Rathos folds his arms but stays quiet. The situation has so far grown out of his control.

“Forthright? Really now. Well, let me be honest with you. I hate giving up power, especially without a fight.”

“Power? Do you mean your position of leadership? I was informed that the city was running well under your control. If that is true, then I see no reason to place someone else in charge.”

“What?”

“You have skills that benefit the city. I was also told you also have a rare skill that improves food production. Such a skill will be invaluable when we begin conquering kingdoms.”

“I thought I was--” Rose stops herself from speaking. She doesn’t want to give the woman any ideas.

“The city belongs to whoever is worthy of leading it. Right now it is you, but that can change if someone with more potential appears.”

Rose frowns, “So what? Does that mean I can be replaced?”

Nighmora nods. “Everyone can be replaced, including me, though someone appearing with the qualifications to do so is improbable.”

Rose glances around the hall, unsure what to think now. The fact that a [Queen] would talk about being replaced is absurd. She doesn't even feel upset after that comment.

“Alright. That's… fine. I can live with that,” Rose murmurs and slowly sighs.

She steps forward and kneels. “Then I, [Lady] Catherine Rose, accept vassalage to [Queen] Nighmora.”

Rathos grunts as he feels the Aura between Nighmora and Rose shift and intertwine. A pact has been formed between [Lady] and [Queen], and with it, responsibilities must be fulfilled by both parties or they must face the consequences.

Consequences imposed by the system itself.

“Interesting. I feel as though something changed. Did you use a skill?”

The [Lady] shakes her head. “Not exactly. It is one of the unlisted abilities royalty classes hold.”

“Ah, yes. Secrets within the class. If you would, I would love for you to teach me these secrets.” Nighmora stands. “Let us speak more privately.”

She then looks at Rathos. “The [General] can go speak with Dragkenoss and get acquainted with the army. He will be commanding them within a few days, so he must learn quickly.”

Nighmora turns and begins walking towards a door behind her throne. Rose gives Rathos a wink and begins walking towards the [Queen].

Rathos sighs. He turns around and takes his leave.

_________________________________________________________

Exiting the slowly moving carriage, Rathos calls his horse. The horse arrives after a minute, galloping out from where it had been traveling with the marching army. Rathos mounts it, then rides ahead of the carriage and next to Dragkenoss.

The centaur snorts. “That was quick. What did--” He looks to the sides and sees that the [General] is alone. ”What happened to the [Lady] that was with you?”

“Rose is currently speaking with Nighmora. I was sent here to understand what kind of army I shall be commanding.”

Dragkenoss looks behind him and frowns. After a long stare at the carriage, he sighs and waves his hand towards a few Centaur [Soldiers]. They arrive quickly at his call.

“I need you all to pull the carriage.” At his words, the [soldiers’] expressions immediately brighten. “If I see a smudge of dirt or a scratch on my carriage when I return, I will have your hides.” Dragkenoss warns.

The [Soldiers] remain undaunted in the face of such a threat. Instead, they remove the bindings connecting Dragkenoss to the carriage and then work together to start pulling the enormous structure.

Rathos finds himself mildly disturbed by the sight. The [Soldiers] look creepily content, as though they’re under the effect of a powerful drug.

“Come. I shall bring us to where we may find the other leaders.”

Rathos is guided by Dragkenoss through the marching army, taking note of how the soldiers act. Using [Silent Analyze] time and time again, he notices that the higher leveled centaurs are pulling carts and carriages while the lower leveled ones carry little. Another oddity is that the higher the level or rank of a centaur, the more likely they are to be pulling ever more large and complex wagons. This is why Rathos is not surprised when he is led to a line of pristine carriages being pulled by the leadership.

Rathos watches Dragkenoss yell orders, making common [Soldiers] begin pulling the carriages while the elites grumble in annoyance. Eventually, several armored and high-level centaurs arrive near them.

“Dragkenoss, this better be important. We’ve still got a few more hours before we arrive at the city, and I don’t want to waste them.” a centaur with a huge longbow and dozens of full quivers latched to his side grouses.

“Zoteal, stop your whining. Dragkenoss wouldn’t call us for no reason.” Another centaur claps the archer on the back. This one looks to be the most lightly armored, but his expression is one that gives Rathos deja vu.

Dragkenoss steps forward and waves his hands at the four centaurs lined up.

“These men are my fellow commanders within the army,” Dragkenoss begins by pointing at the centaur with the large bow.

“Zoteal is an [Arrowstorm Ranger] and [Elite Skirmisher Captain]. He leads our [Skirmishers] and [Archers].”

Dragkenoss moves his finger to the next centaur. This next centaur is decked in extremely heavy looking armor that covers his entire body, so much so that even his hoofs are covered in what seems like chainmail.

“Oregan is a [Fortress Captain]. He leads our mobile heavy infantry.”

The next person pointed to is the lightly armored centaur.

“Damair is a [Sentinel Captain] and he is in charge of defending our base and controlling the [Lancers].”

The last person being pointed at looks to be wearing the least amount of armor. All he has is a spear on his side and thin leather across his upper body.

“And this is Doreson. He is a [Strategist Captain] and the one who leads and directs us.”

“You are led by a [Strategist]?” Rathos asks curiously. [Strategists], at least the ones he’s met before, are great at planning and organizing but lack the training and experience to properly lead an army.

Doreson looks at Rathos with a critical eye. “I am not only a [Strategist], but I am also a [Captain]. I have the skills necessary to lead and plan.”

Rathos scratches his chin. “And yet, you are not a [General]. You must not have led a large army to war.”

“I have led tens of thousands of centaurs against armies of monsters. My expe-”

“That is not war.” Rathos cuts him off. “War is not a battle. It is not the culling of monsters in an over glorified hunt. War is to battle enemies that may yet prove to be your equals. Then to do it again, and again, until your men or the enemy’s break. You have not seen war, and that is why you are still a [Strategist].”

Rathos frowns. “If you have yet to experience such things, I must ask: Where did you all come from? I didn’t find an opportunity to ask the [Queen].”

“The Dungeon.” They answer in unison.

Rathos raises an eyebrow.

“What do you mean by dunge--” Rathos stops talking as a pale bird lands on Dragkenoss’s shoulder. Dragkenoss looks at the little bird and its eyes glow purple as it meets his eyes. The [Royal Cataphract Herald] frowns.

Dragkenoss turns to Doreson. “Quasi is sending a group of [Priestesses] towards us. He wants us to send an escort of centaurs for transport and defense.”

Doreson looks to Rathos. “Well [General]? What’s the order? Your [King] requires an escort.”

Rathos frowns at the tone given to him by Doreson, one which could lead to trouble if it is ignored. “Doreson, do you wish to become a [General]?”

“Absolutely.” the centaur replies.

“Then shut up. You’re letting your emotions get the better of you. It’s clear you resent me as I’m taking your position, but you should be seeing this as an opportunity to learn from someone who knows more about the types of battles you’ll soon be fighting.”

Zoteal, Oregon, Dragkenoss, and Damair chuckle as Doreson begins to blush.

Rathos smiles. It has been a while since he has been in command of a proper army.

“Now, regarding the escort. Hmm, Dragkenoss, do you know where these [Priestesses] are?”

Dragkenoss points at the bird. “This little guy will lead us to them.”

“That makes this more simple. Doreson, what are our fastest troops that can travel for long distances?”

Rathos is careful to use the word “our”. This is his army now, and he needs to act like it. At least, until he sees an opportunity to get out before things go to shit.

“Normally, the [Skirmishers] would be the best. They are the most mobile, but if Dragkenoss leads the heavy cavalry, then they could sprint for several days thanks to his skills.”

Rathos looks at Dragkenoss with hidden bewildermen., “That seems impossible, even with skills.”

“It is not. I have over a dozen skills that affect me and my units which improve stamina regeneration and speed, while reducing fatigue. I have also been gifted a [Royal Blessing] from Quasi that makes me and all of my troops stronger.”

The [General] ponders that information. [Royal Blessings] are limited in number, far more than even [Knighting] someone. Most [Kings] do not even get the skill until they achieve level one hundred, and even then, the skill can only be used on one individual or group to create very powerful units. Afterward, the units must die before the skill can be used again. It is for this reason that most [Kings] and [Queens] prefer to use the skill to create [Royal Guardians] that will protect them.

“Alright then. Take a small contingent of your fastest cavalry with supplies and ride out.”

Dragkenoss gives a quick salute before running off and yelling orders.

Rathos looks to the [Strategist Captain]. “Is this all of the central leaders, or are there more?”

“There are many, many more. The Gejan have several elites and we also have many minotaur [Soldiers]. There is also the wyvern airforce and the Kitsune, though I would prefer to speak with the foxes last. Many of them are a bit emotional right now”

“Problems?” Rathos asks.

Doreson chuckles. “The joys of motherhood.”

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