Chapter 935 - 934 - Rash patriarch
Boom
A large, powerfully built man smacked against the large double doors leading into the throne room. Groaning, Bakome slid down scowling. Anger, pride, and sombre pragmatism fought for control behind his eyes as he glared at his attacker.
He looked the picture of a confident bear. Arms crossed in front of his chest, legs wide, and a little cub sitting on his shoulder. Grinning widely.
When Erik approached him, Bakome had hesitated too long. Magic flickered at the last moment, but by then he’d already been within arm’s reach of the emperor.
Since Erik wasn’t interested in taking chances while Alice was with him, he simply grabbed Bakome by the throat before the man could get a spell off, and then tossed him back like a sack of potatoes.
"I remember you now, I think," Erik smirked as he watched Bakome consider his next course of action. "You’re one of the family heads, aren’t you? I forget which family, though... Regardless, I’m happy to see my most prominent subjects are growing in strength. Now, if you’d like to approach me with some respect, perhaps we can discuss what’s brought you here today."
Before Bakome could respond, Erik spread his arms. Grin widening "Or... you can take your shot. I won’t move this time. Let’s see if you have it in you."
Bakome narrowed his eyes. Magic flickered on his fingertips. Yet, he couldn’t help but glance at the young girl sitting on Erik’s shoulders. Hesitation appeared.
Seeing that, Erik smirked. He glanced up at his daughter. "See that, Alice? He’s actually worried about you! Perhaps he’s not so bad!"
Currently, Alice was leaning against Erik’s head with a bored pout. She didn’t care about any of this. "Ugh... can you just beat him up a little and move on, father? I want to gooooo!" Her voice betrayed exactly what she thought of her chances of being harmed by this Bakome.
Erik snickered. Bakome’s eyebrows twitched.
A few seconds passed in silence. Then, the old bull of a man sighed. Magic unfurled itself from his fingers as he scrambled to his feet. Suddenly, his demeanour betrayed a begrudging respect.
"I didn’t come here to fight, or try to test you... Silver Emperor," he grumbled, speaking the title with deliberate focus. "I’ve seen your power. I make myself no delusions about being able to overthrow you on my first day."
Righting himself, he dusted his pants and raised his gaze to meet that of Ankhur. His voice was sombre, resonant. "I came here to see if the king I swore my loyalty to still has any say in his own kingdom, and if the rule of law still applies to these lands."
Ankhur sighed and looked at Bakome. They’d known each other for a long time. Bakome was older than him and had served as the patriarch to his family since before Ankhur came to power. "I won’t claim to hold the same power as before, Bakome, but our Emperor is more reasonable than he may appear at times. Tell us what happened, and we’ll listen."
Erik smirked a little at Ankhur’s claim. Bakome between the two of them and, seeing no disagreement from Erik, finally nodded gruffly. "Fine. I’ve been focusing on my breakthrough for the past two months and haven’t noticed much of the outside world. Today, my efforts paid off, but when I left my chambers in high spirits, I had to find out that our new emperor has been bullying my family in my absence!"
Finally, Erik was getting an idea of what this was about. Especially after discovering Aster’s last name just a few hours ago...
"Oh, I see now," he chuckled mysteriously. "You’re the head of the Kamau family."
Seeing the storm cloud gathering around Bakome’s head, Erik raised a hand in peace. "I meant no disrespect, friend!" he smiled calmly. "I was just laughing over the coincidences leading me to stubbing the toes of your family a few times. I promise there was no malice behind it."
The irate Bakome glanced at Ankhur for confirmation. Naturally, he backed Erik up. Shrugging from his throne, he explained: "You have my word, Bakome, that our emperor has priorities and responsibilities that leave him wholly unconcerned for the goings on and internal politics of Enkare Nkai’s families."
"What he means to say is that I don’t care," Erik chuckled. "Your family may have prominence within Enkare Nkai based on size and age, but that does nothing for me. Even now, your power is beneath my notice. Ankhur here can rule this kingdom however he likes—within certain constraints—and if he cares to keep you around, then so be it, but it’s certainly nothing I’d take an interest in."
Bakome’s nose flared. His pride was taking a beating today, and it was taking all his wisdom, pragmatism, and self-control to stay calm.
"That said," Erik immediately continued, indifferent to Bakome’s internal struggle. "I will admit that I’ve had two run-ins with your family lately that I’m sure upset some things. Why don’t you tell me what they told you happened, and then we’ll go from there. Let no one say I don’t care to listen to the concerns of my subjects."
The bulky patriarch scoffed, but still nodded reluctantly. "Fine... Admittedly, it wouldn’t be the first time my family leaves out some details, and I haven’t bothered doing my own investigation."
He looked at Erik with an inquisitive gaze, looking for any reaction. "First of all, you had a run-in with one of my nieces, Hanna. You stole her money and her business, then you stole her! But when that wasn’t enough, you stole one of my granddaughters, Aster, after she recently lost her fiancée!"
His voice travelled an octave lower. "I’ve come to get back what’s mine!"
Erik sighed and shook his head. He could feel Alice plucking impatiently on his hair. Technically, he, too, wanted to simply leave... but in truth, this man’s appearance was giving him an opportunity to deal with something he’d dealt with yet.
"I took Hanna’s money and business as compensation," he explained in a flat tone. "She was rude and disrespectful to me. You understand what I’m saying, old man? She was insulting the emperor of these lands." He pinched two fingers and narrowed his eyes. "She insulted someone who could squish her with two fingers and suffer no consequences for it."
Lowering his hand and relaxing his expression, he shrugged. "Your niece is an idiot, and she should be ecstatic I’m not someone to kill over mere ignorance. Our new world is harsh, and many would not be as restrained as I."
Bakome’s expression became a little darker, though Erik had the distinct impression this anger wasn’t aimed at him.
Erik shrugged calmly. "As for Aster, she came to me willingly. You can ask her yourself in a moment, if you wish." Then he cocked his head and raised an eyebrow. "Although... one thing you mentioned surprised me. I certainly didn’t ’steal’ Hanna, nor am I interested in doing so. Is she missing?"