Into the fields of Summer - 105. Complications

 

Etalos and Nomir thoroughly enjoyed the food at the diner. Sally, the manager couldn’t help but fuss over Etalos and I can’t blame the lady, Etalos is too darn adorable, especially when he gets shy. Though we had to introduce Etalos as Ethan and Nomir as Nero, elvish names would definitely have raised eyebrows.

“Darn, this food is good!” Etalos said as he munched over a breakfast special of eggs, waffles, and bacon.

“Haven’t you eaten a waffle before?”

“I have, but this is better than what I’ve tried when I last visited earth,” Etalos replied.

“You guys better get used to it then.”

“I can definitely get used to this,” Nomir replied as Etalos enthusiastically nodded in agreement.

“So, how’s Kalron doing?” I asked.

“Busy as ever, the surveillance effort is in overdrive,” Nomir replied after he took a healthy bite of pancakes.

“I’m worried. Should I build a shield around Greensburg?”

“You can do that?” Victor asked in near surprise.

“Greensburg is not that big, it’s just a few miles across, I think I can do it.”

“Wouldn’t it drain you?” Etalos asked with a concerned look on his face. Though they know I’m strong but maybe this is a project that’s beyond me.

“I agree with Etalos. Chris, a barrier that large would require an enormous amount of energy,” Nomir added.

“Hmm, I’ll think about. I promise to not push myself too hard.”

“Can’t your Patri send some agents to build the shield instead?” Victor asked.

“Pssh, Victor... elves maybe good with magic but a barrier several kilometers across would take weeks if not months if it were up to golds. I doubt the realm can spare any more platinums right now,” Nomir replied.

“Ohhh...” Victor replied as it dawned on him, how much energy I was thinking of spending to build a barrier around the town.

“Changing subjects, how are you guys settling in so far?” I asked my two elvish companions.

“It’s great Chris!” Etalos replied.

“There’s no greater honor than serving at your side, your highness,” Nomir added.

“Nomir, ugh, can you be more casual? You were doing so good earlier,” I almost snarked back.

“Oops, sorry, uhm, doing great here Chris! It’s been amazing,” Nomir said with a bright smile. Oh, my isn’t my bodyguard hot?

I felt a nudge in my head and I let Victor in. “You’re totally drooling over you bodyguard,” he mentally said to me.

“Am not!” I vehemently denied!

“Uh huh,” Victor replied with a tone that showed amusement with how easy it is to get me hot and bothered but I can’t help it Nomir is sexy!

Nomir and Etalos were exchanging weird looks with each other while they watched me and Victor just staring into each other with the occasional change in facial expression.

“What’s wrong? Do I have sauce on my face?” I asked.

“No, for a few seconds the two of you were just looking at each other, it seemed that you were both speaking mind to mind,” Etalos replied.

“Oh yeah, we were.” I smiled in reply.

Nomir choked on his orange juice while Etalos’ mouth widened in awe.

“Why what’s wrong?” I asked.

“You were talking mind to mind?” Etalos clarified.

“Yeah, Victor is good with mind reading and I’m good with it too, so speaking mind to mind is something we can do, as long as the other doesn’t shield too tight. I can even do it to you and Nomir but I’m not sure if you will be able to reply since you’re not really into this kind of stuff,”

“Woah,” Etalos replied in awe.

—- 

The rest of the morning was spent with me reviewing for my matriculation exam. I’m actually looking forward to getting this over with. Ever since my Ascension my plans on college have been put into question, do I continue with Stoker U or maybe concentrate on elvish studies instead? That’s certainly something dad and I have been talking over the past few days. Oh well, we’ve got several more months to think about it anyway.

Kalron knocked just as I finished studying.

“Come in”

“Chris?”

“Yes, what is it Kalron?”

“There’s been a development,” Kalron said with a slightly worried expression.

“Oh, this doesn’t sound good. What’s the matter?”

“I think we should discuss this matter with the others present.”

“Of course, so we call for a meeting in the realm then?”

“That would be ideal. I think Victor should be present as well.”

“Oh, I see.”

I pulled out my phone and called Etalos. “Etalos, I know we’re both in the same house but this is urgent. I need you to go to the realm and set a meeting with Patri, My uncles, Yal, and Jetan. Tell them Kalron has an important update. Let me know as soon as everyone confirms a schedule, I know it’s late back in the realm but make this happen as soon as possible please.”

“Okay sure Chris.” Etalos replied.

I then looked at Kalron again and asked, “I’m assuming vampires are involved since you want Victor present?”

Kalron lightly nodded and then spoke “yes, but it’s kind of complicated and the information we’ve gathered is new but it seems too important to ignore.”

“I see.”

I then called Victor, “Hey...”

“Hey babe, what’s up?”

“I need you ...”

“ I know you do”

“Uhm... not that kind of call Victor. Something important came up. Kalron found something and your Vampire insights might be of help.”

“Ohh...”

“We need to get to the realm soon. Kalron hasn’t said much to me yet but this seems important.”

“I’m on my way.”

Etalos returned from the realm 15 minutes later and informed us everyone would be at the palace in 30 minutes. Victor joined us not more than 5 minutes later.

“So, what’s this all about?” Victor asked as he switched his attention between Kalron and me.

“Vampire syndicates sir...“Kalron replied as his voice trailed off.

“Syndicates? Which one?”

“Multiple but for now we’ve identified 3. The Orion Group, Alcatraz, and the Red Pyramid”

“Are you sure about this Kalron?” Victor replied with a slightly worried tone, and an expression that told me his mind was working full speed, organizing the information he had on the said groups.

“Enlighten the newbie please,” I interjected.

“Sorry Chris. Uhm, these three are some of the most influential vampire syndicates out there. The VHC has been doing its best to quell them with some success, but their leaders are very good at hiding.”

“Okay... ugh this doesn’t sound good. Anyway, let’s go to the palace now.”

—- 

Patri, Uncle Rehanmir, and Yal were both already present in Patri’s study when the three of us arrived. Uncle Selvenus and Jetan joined us shortly after.

“Okay, now that we’re all here, what’s this about Kalron?” Yal asked.

“Our agents were able to track several of the demons that escaped the various compounds that we’ve attacked.”

“What do the syndicates have to do with this?” Victor asked.

“It appears that the demons have already started to grow weak with Yonthar’s absence. We all know that without their general, they lose a substantial amount of their strength,” Kalron continued.

“So...?” Yal asked.

“It appears that the demon presence, has not exactly gone unnoticed and the syndicates have taken interest. It appears they’ve taken advantage of the weakness of Yonthar’s remaining demons and have abducted them.”

“They what?!” I exclaimed in shock.

“Well these syndicates are well resourced and powerful. Not as influential as they were in the 80s and 90s but they have some strong vampires on their side, even some rogue werewolves and humans too,” Victor added.

“What do they plan to do with the demons? They don’t know what they’re dealing with!” Patri said in clear frustration.

“What else did you find Kalron?” Uncle Selvenus asked.

“It appears that a human group is backing one of the syndicates as well. We’re not yet sure which one and what their end goal is but it seems that the Orion Group is in cahoots with a very influential human group.”

“Fuuuuck...” I groaned with both my hands on my head as I thought in frustration how complicated things have become.

“Any news on another general, or that of the Blood Army?” Jetan asked.

“None so far,” Kalron tersely replied.

“Seems like we’ve found ourselves battling multiple fronts. Victor, we’ll need your help with the VHC on this.” Patri said.

“Of course, your majesty.”

“Though werewolves aren’t as involved in this matter, I doubt the WCC will complain if they help us regarding this as well, especially since demons are still involved,” Patri added.

“I’ll make sure to have August on board, he should get through to both Juan and Luigi,” I replied.

“Kalron, do you need more resources for surveillance?” Yal asked.

“A few more agents and more funding will be of great help.”

“Consider it done,” Patri said.

“Thank you,” Kalron replied with a slight bow.

“What else do we know of these syndicates?” Uncle Rehanmir asked.

“All three syndicates emerged in the 1920s and reached peak influence in the 80s and 90s until the VHC cracked down on them. Their operations have put the treaty negotiations with the humans at risk. All three are involved in drug and human trafficking, as well as illegal arms trade to name a few,” Victor paused to collect his thoughts and then continued, “As I’ve said before, these syndicates aren’t as powerful as before, we’ve had several successes in diminishing them but it doesn’t mean they aren’t a threat, these syndicates are second to the Blood Army in terms of the threat they pose to the Vampire community.”

“Kalron, what information do we have about these syndicates?” I asked.

“We have several documents and data on them but I’m sure the VHC has more in this regard, we haven’t been monitoring them as much as we have the other possible threats,” Kalron replied while taking a measured glance at Victor and the rest of us as if to be careful to not let on with Victor, that the VHC has been one of the groups the elves have been intensively monitoring the past few decades.

“Okay, I think we should work on intelligence gathering with the vampires,” Yal suggested.

“I agree. I’m sure Reza will too.” Victor replied.

“Makes me wonder what they want to do with these demons. This could go horribly wrong for the syndicates. If you ask me, they could all be Anami in a week or two,” Jetan said, as he steepled his hands.

“I’m not sure which one, if either scenario is preferable. The vampires having their way with the demons or that this thing backfired and the demons come out on top,” Patri retorted with an equally pensive expression on his face.

We then spent another hour discussing the finer details, of how we wished to move forward. We also discussed several security measures to be implemented in Greensburg, Portal facilities, the New York training facility, and other crucial Vampire establishments across the country.

—- 

“Can’t we just face one enemy at a time?” I complained as we got back to the house.

“Sorry Chris, it doesn’t work that way.” Victor said as he grabbed my waist and pulled me in a sideways hug.

“Victor... we don’t know how many generals are out there, we don’t know if all 8 remain, and there’s the matter with the Blood Army... and then...” I said with a slightly panicked tone but Victor stopped my train of thought with a gentle kiss.

“Chris, you’re panicking. Get a hold of yourself! I know it can be overwhelming but we will get through this! Trust me!” Victor said, with a confident and reassuring tone.

I leaned my forehead towards Victor’s and our eyes met as we rested on each other’s heads.

“You promise?” I whispered.

“Yes. Promise.” Victor replied with his signature smile.

“Okay, let’s get to work then.” I grinned back at him.

—- 

That evening, Victor went back to his place to work on the new information we’ve gathered. He was coordinating with the VHC on various response measures their community should take with this new threat.

I spent my night in the Tower with my new book in tow. Much to my frustration, I still couldn’t read it so I went around the tower looking for books or scrolls that might help me learn how to read it!

After more than an hour of scouring multiple shelves, I felt it! A tingle, faint but undeniable, present. I followed the tingling sensation and found myself drawn to a nearly disintegrated scroll.

I carefully unrolled the scroll and to my surprise whatever was written inside on it was quite legible but just like the new book I found, I couldn’t damn read it! I groan in frustration but decided to have a go at it and channeled my energy intro he scroll.

The paper started to feel warm and then I felt a light electric current pass from the scroll into my body. I started to faintly glow and then the scroll started to crumble in my hands.

“No no no!” I screamed in panic, worried that whatever information it contained was crucial and will be forever lost to oblivion.

“Such a worrier,” I faintly heard. It was a young boy’s voice.

“Who’s out there?” I asked as I turned around trying to catch a glimpse of whoever was talking to me.

“The most unassuming one we’ve encountered,” said an older female’s voice.

“I think I’m going crazy,” I muttered to myself.

“He’ll figure it out soon enough,” teased a younger girl.

“Who the fuck is out there?!” I shouted with a burst of energy escaping me. Bright light engulfed the room and the Tower’s walls shook with the pressure.

“Quiet but such a temper,” added an older male voice.

I calmed myself down and collected my thoughts. I don’t like how this is going. I felt my chains move inside my body, a gentle nudge from underneath my skin and I started to feel warmer. Streaks of bright white and gold lit my skin as I felt energy swelling within me. The chains rustled and I started to writhe in discomfort. I fell to the floor and squirmed as I was consumed by an unfamiliar feeling of immense power.

My thoughts were hazy and I had this nagging feeling that I somehow forgot something as I returned to consciousness. I found myself on top of my bed with a few minutes to spare before sunrise. I rubbed my head as I rose and sat with my back against the headboard.

“What the hell happened?” I quietly asked myself. I looked at left beside table and found the large book from the Tower. Okay, I remember being in the tower then nothing. I think I’m too young for memory loss.

After breakfast, Yal and I joined Kalron in his office.

“Any updates?” Yal asked.

“Yes, but not much, we’re trying to be as careful as possible.”

“Okay, what can you tell us?” I asked.

“We’ve confirmed that the Orion Group is in possession of 3 demons, Alcatraz has 2, and Red Pyramid has 2 they’re keeping the demons separate from each other in different facilities across the country.”

“What else?”

“We’ve traced the human benefactor of the Orion Group. It appears that Citadel Corp is behind their recent spike in activities.”

“Citadel? You mean the arms manufacturer?” I asked.

“Yes, but Citadel is not just an arms manufacturer, they’re into smaller Pharmaceutical operations as well, they’re into hormone and stem cell research.”

“That doesn’t sound like a good combination with vampire and demons,” I replied.

“It clearly isn’t. They could be using vampires and demons to advance their research, though this is certainly not the first time research like this has been attempted,” Yal replied, with a hint of worry in his voice.

“What do we do now?” I asked.

“We’re trying to hack into Citadel’s database but it’s tough to get through, our agents are having a hard time, but I’m confident we’ll get some results by the end of the day.”

“Thanks, Kalron,” I said, trying to smile a bit to show appreciation for Kalron’s work.

“The pleasure is mine sir,” he smiled back at me.

—-

Early afternoon, Etalos joined me in my room to give me an update.

“Chris, your grandfather wants to accelerate your training.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your elemental training. You’ve been stuck with two elements. Your grandfather has scheduled for you to train with Masters Estano and Etgaros to train Earth Magic.”

“Ohh...” I replied as I remembered briefly meeting those two in Patri’s office. Estano and Etgaros as I remember are fraternal twins and are the co-headmasters of the Earth Kashi or High Academy.

“You start your training with them in the Hall of Maktar tomorrow,” Etalos announced.

“Hall of Maktar? Are you serious?”

“Very and so is your Patri. He was very adamant about maybe setting the Hall in a 1:10 ratio, both Masters Estano and Etgaros are Platinums and can certainly take the discomfort of that power setting,”

“Do I even have a choice?”

“No, you don’t” Etalos smiled as he put both of his hands on his waist.

“Fine... fine, there’s no escaping this anyway.”

“You’ll do great Chris. I’m sure of it.”

“I hope so,” I retorted. I wasn’t really looking forward to spending 10 days in the Hall of Maktar but I guess we couldn’t help but rush things especially with how things are. I once asked Patri why we couldn’t use the Hall of Maktar more often, but he noted that constant use of it will drain the power of the stones that allow the time dilation to take place, and those stones are very rare, so we can’t abuse its use. Every boot up and cooling down degrades the stones so we should make the most out of every use, I guess that’s why Patri didn’t complain when I extended my stay inside the Hall the first time I used it since it drained the stones just as much as if someone activated the room for a 1:3 cycle or something like that.

—- 

For some semblance of normalcy, Victor and I went to Martin’s cafe for an afternoon date.

“So, how’s everything at your end?” I asked Victor as I took a second bite out of my chocolate cake.

“It’s getting hectic, I think the council’s in overdrive, Reza and Victoria have mobilized the entire council to full alert.

“Well, that’s comforting,” I sarcastically said.

Victor snickered a bit, then replied, “Konrad is spear heading the process of training more Stratos apprentices to full Stratos membership, the help your agents provide has certainly accelerated the process.”

“You know, we’re glad to help. Any updates from August?”

“Well, he’s coping a bit better since he has recalled Gerard and Sergei back to their compound in Baltimore. Those two are very reliable and seem to be assisting Cage well with the preparations.”

“Hmm... I haven’t met those two yet,” I noted.

“Yeah, those two are loners and are quite different from Cage, Fred, Arthur and Arnold, but believe me, they’re loyal to August like no other and are very strong.”

“Well... I’m glad August is getting the help he needs.”

“A little bird has told me our favorite alpha plans to move here,” Victor said with a teasing smile.

“No way!” I exclaimed with surprise and happiness. I then looked around and put my hands on my mouth as my sudden outburst caught the attention of several customers.

“Yeah,” Victor continued to smile.

“Does Leo know?”

“Of course not. I bet August will tell him this Saturday.”

“Damn, that’s gotta be the best birthday gift Leo will have.”

“August has already purchased a 50 acre (20 hectares) plot of land in the outskirts of town.

“That’s awesome but are the rest of his pack mates on board?” I asked in wonder and with slight concern.

“Of course, they are. August is the alpha, and they love Leo to bits, I’m sure they’re happy to move closer to Leo.”

“I’m glad to have those guys closer here as well.”

“Hmm... seems like Greensburg is slowly becoming a supernatural power center.”

“What do you mean?”

“Uhm... I mean where else would you find a VHC Councilor, WCC Councilor, and uhm, am Elven prince live in such close proximity together?”

“Ohh...“ my voice trailed with the realization of how we’re slowly changing this sleepy town of ours.

“August should start the move soon, I heard he’s already employed a werewolf construction firm to build a secure compound in his new property. I’m sure it’s going to be more secure than the one he has in Baltimore.”

“Well, speaking of security, I plan on placing a barrier around your compound as well.” I stated matter of factly.”

“Huh?”

“You already know, I have barriers around mine and Leo’s house and I’m not taking any chances with yours too. If you don’t want one for yourself then do it for Henry, Mark, and Troy.”

“Fine, you win. Can’t argue with you on that one.”

“Good! Coz I was planning on doing it anyway whether you agreed or not.” I said with a mock scowl on my face.

“Such a bossy prince,” Victor teased.

“Am not,” I said crossing my arms.

“Whatever you say,” Victor smirked back at me as he took a bite out of his delicious apple pie.

“Changing topics, you received the file I sent you earlier?” I asked.

“Yes.” Victor tersely replied with a serious look.

“What do you think?”

“Tsk, Citadel’s a very secretive organization. We know they’ve dabbled in things that might push the limits of legality but working with vampire syndicates and abducting demons, well, that’s just a whole new level.”

I reached out with my mind and made sure no one was eavesdropping on us.

Victor smirked as he noticed me use my mind magic, “don’t worry about it, I’ve already made sure they’re all distracted,”

“What did you do?”

“Planted the feeling in their minds that we weren’t interesting,”

“Sneaky.”

“As if you weren’t thinking of wiping their memories if you discovered they were listening in,” Victor accused.

“I was totally not!”

“Uh Huh,” Victor replied with a teasing smile and slightly raised eyebrow.

“Whatever, what else do we know about this Citadel Corp?”

“I’ve already asked District 14 Governor, Jordan Owens to help us since the headquarters of Citadel is in Houston.”

“Anything we can do to help?”

“I’m sure Kalron and Yal are already on it.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I replied too quickly and too defensively for my liking.

“Whatever you say, your highness.” Victor snickered again.

“I’m so going to make you pay.” I replied with mock indignation.

“Chris, calm down. I know Yal and Kalron are very good with intelligence gathering so whatever they’re doing, I’m all for it. Our teams have started to infiltrate the mainframe of Citadel but it seems another group has beat us to it, who else do you think is capable of doing that?”

“Uhm, the CIA? NSI?” I squeaked.

“Riiight...”

“Hmph,”

— 

We dropped by Victor’s place before going home. I’ve missed Henry and Mark and Troy and also, I had to make that barrier around their place. It wouldn’t affect any of Victor’s agents or anyone with non-malevolent intention so it wouldn’t affect the operations of Victor and Henry.

Dinner with Dad, Etalos, Nomir, and Kalron was rather subdued as everyone had busy days.

We talked about the recent developments, and my upcoming training session with Estano and Etgaros.

“That’s good son, I’m sure you’ll soon get the hang of it. I mean Earth magic should be good for you right?” Dad said.

“I don’t know dad, It’s a whole new element.”

“Chris, it’s indeed different from Fire and Water. But you’ve already mastered two opposing elements, and water and fire are to some extent complimentary to Earth, so despite the initial difficulties, I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it.” Nomir chimed in.

“Was learning Earth magic difficult for you?” I asked.

“It was, but then again, so is learning any type of magic at all. I’m sure Etalos found Air difficult and so did Kalron with Water in the beginning too.” Nomir replied.

“Fair point,” I tersely replied.

“Chris, Masters Estano and Etgaros are renowned all over the realm. There’s nothing to worry about. They’re the second best Earth Mages there are” Kalron added.

“Who’s the first?”

“King Ethnar duh.” Kalron replied.

“Ohh...”

“Unless you want to immediately train with your great grandfather then I suggest you take it with the headmasters first.”

I shuddered at the thought of being whipped into shape by King Ethnar. I look forward to learning from him, but I need to learn the basics first! I don’t intend on embarrassing myself in front of my great grandfather. I had to be at least half decent with my Earth magic skill with King Ethnar, I do not intend to be defeated by him again.

—- 

After dinner, I went to the realm with Etalos. For the first time I decided to drop by my office in the administrative section of the palace complex. The two guards outside my office doors were visibly surprised to see me.

“Good morning,” I said to them with a smile.

“Your Highness,” they replied, almost in a stammer as they lightly bowed.

“Take it easy, I’m just here for a visit,” I chuckled at their nervousness. I mean why be nervous around me right?

“Come on in,” Etalos said as he opened the door.

Okay, describing my office as magnificent and large is an understatement. It had a white and light brown color pallet with pops of red and gold. Very minimalist and modern interior but damn, it sure felt luxurious. There were 2 long couches in the middle of a large space with a square table in between. A little bit further was my desk made of Mahogany, two smaller chairs were in front of it, which I assumed were for guests. My chair was larger though kept with the overall theme of minimalism.

Three doors, led to a small meeting room, a small kitchen and dining area, and the last one led to what I assumed was Etalos’ office.

“Wow. This is my office?”

“Yes.”

“Why isn’t Patri’s like this?”

“You’ve been mostly meeting him in his office at the residential palace. I assure you, his office here in the administrative section is at least twice as large as yours.”

“Do we really need all of this?”

“I’m sure you’ll be busier soon, and I’m assuming you’ll be spending more time here in the realm too. If not, well, we’ve got appearances to keep.” Etalos replied.

“Are you okay with your office?”

“Of course, I am, it’s nice Chris.”

“Hmm... this makes your office back in Greensburg look like child’s play.”

“Don’t worry about it. I like that set up too!” Etalos beamed.

“You sure?”

“Of course, I am, I like the contrast between the two offices.”

“Fine...”

“So now that we’re here... do I have anything on my schedule?”

“Oh. Actually yes, nothing major, just a brief consultation with a PR team your grandfather hired for your public image.”

*groan

“Do I really have to?”

“Stop whining.”

Half an hour later, Etalos announced that the PR team has arrived.

“Your highness,” a slender woman with bronze skin and mainly North African features greeted me with a light bow. Most likely from the Hegodeya tribe especially with the way she looked. She was followed by two younger looking men, who seemed to be in their late 20s but then again, with elves who knows.

“Your highness,” they both bowed.

“I’m Kalsina, and these are my associates Sendor and Rovith,” the female said, as she introduced the two good looking men she had with her. Both men were around 5’9 or 5’10 and with Turkish or Near Eastern features like Etalos.

“A pleasure to meet you,” I replied, with the best smile I could muster. I asked the three of them to join me in my meeting room and they all followed me with Etalos.

“So, what can I do for you?” I asked.

“No, your highness, the question is what can we do for you?” Kalsina confidently smiled back at me.

“What do you mean?”

“We’ve been hired to polish your image,”

“Polish?” I asked, in surprise.

“It’s not bad, more of, well...” her voice trailed off as I felt her reach out to me with her magic. The female elf was left gasping for air the moment her aura connected with mine.

“Kalsina, are you okay?” Rovith asked, with genuine concern on his face.

“Just give me a moment,” she said, as with her left hand on her chest as she calmed her breathing Sendor eyed Kalsina suspiciously, as he started to think of what could possibly have happened.

“No wonder they’ve hidden you from the public,” Kalsina continued as she collected herself.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Such power, such immense power.”

“I believe you’ve been briefed with his highness’ energy level,” Etalos chimed in.

“We have, but all it said was Prince Christopher is a Platinum. Believe me, I’ve worked with Platinums before, and they all pale in comparison with his powers.”

“What do you mean Kalsina?” Sendor asked.

“It means, we’ve got our work cut out for us His highness will need to be portrayed an approachable, kind, and caring royal,” Kalsina replied.

“Hey, I’m all three of those,” I complained.

“You may believe that, but with the mystery you’ve shrouded yourself in, and the immense power you released during your ascension, you’re far from being approachable right now.” Kalsina retorted.

“So, what do I have to do?” I asked.

“First, we release official pictures of you. All the public has right now, are stolen shots of you. That’s not good. Then I’ll work with my contacts in the media to write more relatable articles about you, like things about your interests and hobbies. I’ll also start rumors about you being kind to your peers and associates,”

“Hey... I’m a very kind person,” I complained again.

“Yes, I can attest to that,” Etalos said.

“Again, that may be your version of it, but that’s something the public does not know.” Kalsina replied.

“Then, we need to work on public appearances.” Rovith added.

“Public appearances?”

“Hmm. We’ll set an interview with a favorable media personality, then also we need you to do actual interactions with the public, probably visit a school or hospital.”

Sendor said.

“Right now, you’re very popular and have high ratings but that’s mainly because of rumors and an after effect of your ascension, those things won’t last.” Rovith said.

“Uhm. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but I’m pretty much occupied right now with affairs back on Earth.” I replied.

“We know, but that’s another reason this is so important. The moment the realm starts feeling more of the effects of whatever’s happening back on Earth, the royal family’s popularity must be as strong as ever.” Kalsina replied.

“I get it. Doesn’t mean I don’t feel a little bit manipulated about this,” I said with a little bit of edge in my voice. Then crossing my arms, I asked, “So what are my numbers?”

“I thought you’d never ask,” Rovith smiled at me. His gray eyes sparkling with excitement. “You have 70% of the people approving of you, 28% with a neutral opinion, and 2% negative.”

“What did I do to have people hold a negative opinion against me?”

“Basically, citizens more or less, uneasy with how powerful you are, either they felt it through the ascension or maybe heard rumors about you being a Platinum at such an early age.” Kalsina replied.

“Can’t help that I’m a Platinum,”

“We know that, so we’re going to use that to our advantage. Okay?” Kalsina replied with a mischievous smile.

“What do you plan?” Etalos asked.

“We’re going to frame his strength and power, as something good for the realm. Some sort of a powerful figure against the demons. The media has already reported about the Prince’s win against the demon general, but the first round of coverage was milked in favor of the crown prince with the focus on the entire mission and not the defeat of Yonthar, so we make sure the next round in the media cycle is all about his highness, Prince Christopher.

“Are Patri and my uncle okay with that?” I asked concerned that I might overshadow my uncle.

“They are, the initial press coverage has already bumped your grandfather’s favorability by 3 points and your uncle’s by 6, that’s already good enough for them.”

*sigh “Okay, let’s do this.” I said, with resignation in my voice.

For the next hour or so we discussed the various plans Kalsina’s team had come up to with improve my image. Etalos and I made some suggestions, and the entire process was highly thought over, and to my chagrin, a little too scientific for my liking, it was cold, methodical, and well calculated, but then again, as a royal I guess, I’m expected to do some stuff that I’m not entirely comfortable with.