Quest 1, Part 3: [Game Start]

I believe myself to be a shy person. Even when I was playing a role, in a game, I couldn’t shake off the feeling. This is why I tried so hard to overcome my weakness, with the help of my friends, however nothing could prepare me for something like the situation I’m currently in.

That’s right. Now somehow I’m inside this game I loved so much, but without any of my trusted to back me up. All I have are some [AI], who I know nothing of. Can they be trusted? No, they were me so they should be loyal. But that doesn’t mean that it won’t change. The situation is dangerous.

In stories like this the protagonist’s are immortal or powerful. Even if I’m more powerful compared to normal [NPC], almost anything else is capable of killing me. [Monster]s, fighter [NPC]s, anyone. I have influence and power, but I’m sure that I’m not a protagonist in this story. If I’m, there are 499 more. Worst case this is all a preparation for the game. What will happen when a [Quest] appears to kill me? Will I have to defend against [Players]? I don’t even want to know.

Why am I thinking so far ahead? Even the present seems impossible for me. If I make a too big blunder I will lose everything. That’s right. I can’t think of the future or the past now. First is to make sure I won’t lose everything I’ve built now.

Now, sitting on the throne I see 31 [NPC]s in front of me. My and a few others’ leftover. All near the ground, almost prostrating. Even their respective positions are indicating their ranking. I already know that, since I was the one that designed the whole practice.

I raise my left arm with my palm upwards gesturing to rise their heads and they do so. When my hands are back in their place, The one closest to me, Baingolneth, the young (at least she was made to be) elven maiden speaks as the highest in the hierarchy.

She was made to be a 14 year old [High Elf] magic genius. Of course by my hands. Her name means “wisegirl” in elven. Although she grew a little, at her 405th birthday heir height is still short at 150 cm. By estimation of course. Small elves are quite cute in my opinion.

“You have called us, Princess. We all gathered now, please order us.”

Finishing the formalities we began to discuss the more important things. With my will I hide my trembling well, making them unable to recognize it.

“Me have called thou to inquire of our current standing of influence. Tronos, what I asked before?”

“Yes, Princess” After answering he steps out of the line and walks to Neth, handing a golden parchment. Even a one time use parchment is gold. How can he even get it so easily?

The girl receives the paper and Tronos steps back to his position while the elf hands it over to me with a frown aimed towards the warrior. I open it I recognise instantly why. His handwriting sucks. More than mine. I remember that laziness, depression and sickness made my own handwriting lousy and unreadable. Maybe it’s better that I don’t remember why. After using [Appraise] on it reading becomes easier.

Spoiler :

I skim through the list and nod. Lot’s of the names are unimportant at the moment, like the servants, guards and personnel currently not in my scope. Last time I remember all of the main positions were filled by players, who are now gone. The new personnel seems fit.

Since the Adventurer Guild Leader is also gone, they came up with a council it seems. Clever, but inconvenient for me. I also lost the support of the Temple. They are a pain in the ass if not under watch.

“Tailon, Kela. Report of your position, influence and the general leadership inside the guild.”

After a few seconds the beastman and demon both step to the second closest line to compel my command. The demon speaks.

“We have two fifth of the guild. The veteran Pletze knows our deeds and respects us, maintaining the balance. The problem is the arrogant elf and youngster human. Both of them are inexperienced and incompetent.

The elf was the highest ranking mage adventurer, C level. The human is a D level adventurer, he earned his position with the great achievement “he stops and forces a small annoyed cough” for slaying a lesser wyvern.

In short weak and incompetent. They know nothing of history, no real combat experience or leadership. For some kind of reason they form a heavy opposal against the Princess.”

I stare at him while thinking what to do with them. In short I come to a conclusion.

“I don’t care what thou do, kill them if thou has to, but take back full control over the guild. However thou can’t let the people know. If needed release a dragon and have them killed by it, then defeat it to gain recognition. Such a waste, but they will hinder us in the future.

Next, Eluben. Invite the priestess for audience. After the meeting ends thou and Baingolneth stay.

Tronos shall create a new department, accepting complaints from citizens. Handle them, in serious matters you can ask for help from Eluben.

Lastly, from now on every one of thou write report of every important things you hear. The ones in main position will write detailed reports of everything that may cause political imbalance and a copy of your normal reports will be archived.

That’s all today. Disperse.”

When I finish many of them fall in heavy thinking, but all of them seems to be capable of understanding everything. It seems my conclusion was right on the mark. They are not only intelligent AI, they are thinking, living beings searching for and finding their own conclusions.

The elven sister-brother duo stays with me, while everyone else leaves. After they are all gone, I speak to the two.

“Can thee surmise why I had thou stay?” I ask looking at mainly Eluben. His sister is way more cleverer even though she looks like a child. The brother is a common tall and handsome elf.

“I beg you pardon but I don’t know. I assume I have done something wrong?” He asks, making her sister giggle. I simply smile at her and ask the same question.

“I don’t know for sure either but if my guess is right the Princess has something new, interesting and dangerous in mind.” Is what she answers while smiling. I really like the personality I made for her. She will be a key in the future.

“Thou are not wrong. I plan to have Elube assemble an [Intelligence Division] in secret. Thou will handle organizing the training behind the shadows, information gathering, assassination. No one else can hear about this. Everyone with this information shall be immediately killed. Even if they are part of our own, detain without hurting until I speak with thy personally. You chose your personnel but I’m currently creating a magic especially for them. I’ll tell you later.

As for financing it, thour sister will handle that and also keep it in secret. As the treasurer there is no way to hide it from her.” I inform them of my plans.

“We understand and compel.”

The “little sister” who is actually older responds with a smile, not letting his brother to let this opportunity go. After this I signal them that they are free to go, and watch them leave in high spirits. Mainly the sister at least. I sigh and smile at their backs, as my body is still numb after the pressure. I’m still far from being a good ruler, but I have to do my part. At least I found something to do in my free time. Maybe my power is not beyond others', but my sensing of mana is unimaginable precise, since I’m a fairy. Well, it's Fairy-kin now.

It’s a race thats only advantage is supposed to be high charisma and attractiveness. But right now, I feel that I’ll be able to experiment with magic spells a lot. I might be able to create new magic now. At the very least, I’ll greatly enjoy this.

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The highest standing among followers, Al Rel’m Baingolneth, the ‘young elven maiden’ happily skips through the hallways. Of course she is excited, since her beloved princess came back from her depression after the death and disappearance most of her dear friends. But the princess did not know this from the others angle yet.