Have you ever experienced a moment where your wonderful dream of skipping through a flowery meadow with very little care in the world was suddenly interrupted by some ominous knocking echoing through the skies before getting pulled right back into the reality?

No? Well, that was certainly an experience I sadly get a lot around here. Even as the King, having the choice of just sleeping through an entire morning seems to be a luxury I am not granted with. It is certainly infuriating when you think about it, especially when you consider that my last job was certainly worse than the one I have now.

That job being... nothing. I never had a job, and technically I still don’t. Because as the King, I can technically be as lazy and unreachable as I want... if I also want to ignore the consequences going along with such a decision. Which is why I am actually trying my best to be more... responsible than my old self.

Basically, I had enough R&R for the entirety of my life up until this point. It is finally time to roll up my non-existing sleeves (because I am just wearing a shirt) and finally do something more... productive for a change besides trolling on the Internet.

Wow... this place has really made me a lot more “responsible” by the looks of it. I am not sure if I should feel scared, or surprised by this revelation? Either way, it doesn’t matter, as I wasn’t going to be given the chance to be lazy today with that obnoxious knocking still echoing in the background.

The dream I used to have has already been dispelled, my normal mode of consciousness back to the forefront. For the better or the worse.

“Fine... I’ll wake up and do shit...” I mumbled as I opened my eyes. My vision immediately filled with the images of my very recognizable chamber's ceiling. A very nice looking ceiling to be fair, just as ridiculously expensive looking as everything else around this darn Palace. Painted to look like a cloudless sky, with birds of all possible colors and sizes populating its sky blue canvas. A truly wonderful sight to behold, if it wasn’t for the obnoxious knocking ruining it.

“Yes, yes, I am up, I am up! Stop abusing the fucking door! It is most likely worth more than one-fourth of your life, so stop damaging my expensive stuff!” I shouted as I swung my ass out of my king-sized bed and grumpily dragged myself over to the offensive source of my woes before opening it rather harshly.

And by harshly I mean pulling the entire knob out of its frame and holding it firmly in my rather well-manicured hands. Because having a certain level of classiness goes along with being the King of a nation in my opinion.

I looked down at the ripped off doorknob in my right hand with a raised eyebrow before looking back at the door which I just broke.

Looking at the hole I created, it seemed that the wood this door was made from was actually surprisingly thick. Certainly a lot thicker than a normal door I am used to. Furthermore, it also looked like that this door's locking mechanism was pretty sturdy as well, all of its made from a rather thick looking steel by the looks of it. Which I also somehow managed to damage as well when I ripped the knob out of its frame, just like that.

I am not sure how I managed to do that, considering I wasn’t exactly putting a lot of force into my pull, but it could also be possible that the wood, or rather the locking mechanism that this knob was attached to, had either turned rotten or long rusted away, allowing me to just casually pull it off without too much effort.

Or maybe my constant efforts of carrying little ol' Penelope from one place to the next have finally paid off in making me buff or whatever? Either way, it was certainly perplexing and curious at the same time. A train of thought I would have loved to follow further if it wasn’t for this excessive knocking still going on in the background with an added voice to boot.

Seriously, if it wasn’t for the fact that I knew who this voice belonged to, I would have most likely just shoved this knob into the ass of the person who was stupid enough to be so tenacious with their quest of raping my door a new asshole while I was busy having a pleasant dream.

Granted, I basically ripped it a new asshole myself, but it is the thought that counts, not the reality.

“Hello, Your Highness. Are you alright? I heard a strange rubbing noise just now.” I could hear the muffled tone of Susi calling out from the other side while I was busy looking at the doorknob still placed in my fingers.

I just shrugged, chucking the knob over my shoulder before placing a few fingers into the new keyhole and starting to pull. It was difficult at first and somewhat awkward as well, but with a bit of strain and a little dose of swearing, I finally managed to get the door open despite the disadvantage I had for doing so.

Door knobs were invented for a reason, not just for looking good or some horny girl to rub her puss against it.

Once that was done, I was immediately met with a confused and somewhat concerned looking Susi on the other side, along with a guard or two.

“Your Highness, have you really been sleeping this entire time? You have basically slept through the whole of noon! It is already past twelve as we speak! Lunchtime to be more precise.”Susi stated.

I engaged an "O" expression afterward. “Oh, is that so? Well, that wouldn’t certainly be the first, nor the last time such an overdose of sleep would claw on my psyche.” I casually stated, rubbing my chin.

Susi sighed, “Either way, I just came here to check if everything was alright. Having you missing for most of the morning is certainly a reason for worry. But furthermore, I have also personally come here to inform you about the meeting which is going to take place today, between you and the new Changeling Queen, in fact.” She stated, getting straight to the point.

My eyes widened a bit. “Oh, yes, of course, I almost forgot. Thanks for the head up, though.” I responded, which in turn made Susi smile.

“Well, that is what I am here for, Your Highness.” She replied happily.

“Indeed, especially how long last night's funeral rites actually were. It pretty much took the whole evening to get done, forcing me to go to bed so freaking late. I am normally okay with staying up pretty late into the night, but constant back and forth from yesterday was really draining to my stamina. In the end, I was just simply exhausted.” I stated, remembering the long sequence of preparations and coordination I also had to help with before the actual show could finally start.

Not trying to bash on their funeral traditions or anything, but for the King having your soldiers die en masse was quite literally a hassle. Necessary, and respectful, but still a hassle. I won't personally go into much details about the funeral traditions these Zebras have when sending their loved ones off into the big bright afterlife above us, but I can certainly promise you that it isn’t as simple as just placing the coffin on an altar and having a priest say a couple of religious words before finally carrying the thing to its last resting place.

It was actually kinda similar to that, but also with a lot more added extras to boot, especially when it was such a large funeral for so many people, each and every deceased given special care and respect from everyone, one at the time.

Ridiculous but true, and also kinda necessary for the brave duty these poor souls have performed, giving their very lives for the good of the nation. I won't really complain too much when it's really they who are doing most of the heavy lifting around here, especially for me and the other chiefs, shamans, and nobles of this nation. The guys who have all the say but don’t do much physical work to realize their visions and desires themselves.

But either way, time to focus more on the present instead of indulging myself with some rather depressing relationship of life and death to leadership.

We all can’t possibly be the brawn in this multicultured society. Some of us have to play the brains as well in order to keep things working. Though there are, of course, some people who are naturally good at both aspects of the same coin. Sadly, I am not one of those individuals, as physical labor scares me.

Either way, Susi simply nodded while I was busy wasting everyone’s time with my pointless rambling. “Well, yes, but this is just part of our culture and religious beliefs. What we did yesterday has been practiced for many millennia before, and it would certainly be continued on long after us. Honoring the dead is a large part of what our gods have been demanding from us for as long as written history exists. It is, and always will be part of our understanding of the world. The circle of life and death never ending and never changing.” Susi explained, going somewhat philosophically on my ass.

I just nodded before finally deciding to move the conversation to something else. Primarily to the talk about a certain changeling I have to meet with later.

“Anyway, about the changeling...” I wondered which caused Susi to perk up.

“Oh, yes, of course. The new Queen and her escort are already on their way to the Palace as we speak. If you wish to meet them in the Throne room before they arrive, I would suggest that we both make to it as soon as we can. A formal meeting is not really required, but would certainly paint us in a much better picture to everyone. You personally said that looks are everything.” Susi said, which I guess makes sense.

I mean, I was the one who first announced that in the first place. That a first good impression is everything in the evil world of politics, even though this isn’t exactly the very first meeting I will have with the change-a-lings.

Though to be fair, a couple of my previous first meets weren't exactly stellar, despite my overall stance to this philosophy. I never personally stated that I was successful in them. That would certainly be a lie if I ever screamed that out into the heavens.

Those Zebra gods probably know whenever I am lying or not, similar to how a lot of people back in my world have told me that God knows about everything I do no matter where I am. Not a good idea for any deity to do, as my mind is just a jumbled mess in which even I can’t find my own thoughts sometimes.

But whatever, not the focus here.

“But what about breakfast?” I suddenly asked as the idea of food eventually crossed my mind.

Susi tilted her head. “What about it? If you seek food before the meeting begins, then I can simply send for a servant to fetch some food for you and bring it to the Throne room. The armrests on the Lion Throne are pretty wide, after all.” She answered.

I hummed. “Well, in that case, allow me to do my morning rituals first before we go. I suddenly have this urge to lay an egg myself during this long-winded and thought-provoking conversation. Quite literally, in fact.” I stated with a self-aimed grin before quickly excusing myself, leaving a somewhat confused Susi and her two escorts behind.

Nature always comes first before duties, after all. I mean, I can’t be expected to sit still while I am in the progress of growing a new tail, right?

Not that I am capable of sitting still for too long in the first place. But hey, its the thought that counts.

.............................................................................................................................................

“Ah, finally back on my seat. I have almost forgotten just how uncomfortable this throne can be without an excessive use of pillows... darn, in hindsight I should have really brought some with me from my room... You learn from mistakes, you learn from mistakes.” I thought as I sat on my throne.

Granted, it was already covered in a pile of cushions, as it were, but that still didn’t fix the issue entirely. No matter how many pillows you can add to it, the flat slab nature of this throne just seems to phase through the softly stuffed fabric no matter what.

But alas, it's just something I have to live with... or commission someone to make a throne that isn’t made out of solid bronze like this one. Like... maybe one that is just like a giant bean bag or something? Anything that isn’t made out of hard bronze is good enough for me. Then again, from what I know, this throne has some mystical connection with the royal bloodline of previous Monkey Kings or whatever, making it so that only a true heir to the throne is able to sit on its stone hard surface and be empowered by it or whatever.

I am not the one to question ancient myths and stories about foreign cultures. Especially the cultures of completely foreign worlds I have never been to, neither in my dreams or when visiting Disneyland for a couple of times.

I am sure I will learn more about this realm's rules and function over time no matter what I do, that at least would beat having to go to a local library and learn all of this shit the old fashion way. Not that it would work if I ever wanted to, thanks to the language barrier and whatnot, which alone already kills any level of enthusiasm I might have about going to a local library.

I still have to somehow learn their alphabetical system first before even making an attempt to read their local newspapers. The thought alone just makes me lazy, and also that’s what both Aku or Susi are employed for anyway. To act as the key to this annoying language barrier and to supplement any form of tomfoolery which may occur when trying to sign a contract I may not be able to read. So with that, why bother?

I am not paying them for nothing after all. If I even do pay them, that is. I am still somewhat clueless on that front. But maybe... maybe I can then just...

“Your Highness... YOUR HIGHNESS!!!” I heard Susi scream which immediately halted my train of thought.

I blinked. “Wait, what... did someone scream at me?” I wondered, scratching my head.

My gaze eventually fell on the level gazed Susi below me. Along with some other chick I have never seen before. Her tail though seemed to be braided in almost the same way as Nami’s, which just brought back some really bad memories of my first meeting with them.

As long as this chick doesn’t turn herself around with that abomination of nature, I am all good. Though besides that obvious eye-catcher she does seem to be carrying something else on her back, which at least helped to focus my attention on something else.

It looked like food, and it smelled like food. Very good food in fact, of the dairy kind.

“Ooh... cheese! Not just one type of cheese but many! You really know how to make me forget about all of my woes, Susi. Just like a good housewife.” I happily stated before getting off my seat and walking down a couple of steps to claim my prize.

Susi smiled before her face morphed into that of confusion. “Wait... housewife? But... as a High Priestess, I am bound to my duties towards the Gods. I cannot marry or have children as long my oath still stands.” She said, which has mostly fallen on my deaf ears, as I was more focused on the golden prize resting on a silver platter.

Once there, I took the first star destroyer from its docking port and sent it onto a crash course with the black hole that is my mouth by taking a tentative bite off of it and humming with a sense of delight.

All that is missing now is a nice mug of coffee and the holy trinity would be complete. Speaking of coffee, where exactly has my novelty mug run off to? I remembered seeing it last in the kitchen, but that was it.

“Say... where exactly is my mug anyw..." I was about to ask when a guard suddenly decided to appear out of nowhere.

Well, more specifically form the direction where the main entrance to the Throne room is. But whatever, the details are not important now.

“Your Highness! The newly appointed Queen and her escort have arrived. They request entry into the Throne room.” The guard announced after a bow.

This caused me to halt my chewing before looking off into the distance where the aforementioned doors were. I then quickly looked back at the guard after swallowing my latest bite.

“Well, in that case, send them in. No need to let an equal to my rank wait now, isn't it?” I responded before taking another bite.

The guard nodded before cantering off back to his post. I allowed him to do so as I made my way back to the throne as well, sitting down, and trying to do my best to get comfortable in this square-shaped slab of a seat with armrests. The mare, of course, followed me, balancing the plate of cheese on her back with practiced ease and allowing me access to more cheesy puns and memes.

I should totally introduce the concept of memes to these Zebras at some point, just so that I have an excuse to spread this cancer even further. Even into a world without any Internet.

But I will try. Dear heaven above, I will try. Koste es was es wolle.

Besides that, I casually watched from afar as the huge double doors on the other end of the room promptly opened, allowing the glaring rays of the outside sun to seep into the halls, exposing a number of silhouettes behind it as well.

Those individuals were, of course, the changelings. More importantly, a certain princess, or rather Queen. Though curiously enough, she hasn’t exactly changed much in terms of outside appearance and clothing, still looking quite the same as the day I first met her.

Not really sure why I expected her to visually change, but maybe a bit more garments or even a wonderful crown would have been expected from her new title.

But alas, who really cares about such details when you have a plate of cheese right in front of you... and along with a lady that seemed to completely misinterpret the actual function of a goddamn tail.

These fashion choices are going to be the death of me one day. Probably from getting horse aids or something the like. But until that day comes I will continue to stay vigilant, keeping my pants tight up and scolding anyone who dares to show themselves with such a questionable fashion choice.

Actually, this reminds me. I need to scold this young lady later for that specific reason. This story might be M rated, but that still doesn't mean we have to go all A on this bitch. I am an Ass but not that type an ass.

Your mileage may vary.

Either way, the aforementioned Queen of the adorable bug horses stepped up closer to the foot of the throne before giving me a small respective bow as a greeting. I returned it, of course, keeping myself seated.

No need to give up the perfect butt resting position I managed to find once more on this motherfucking piece of bronze after all. I may be trying to be respectful myself, but that still doesn’t mean to sacrifice my comfort for a little bit of formality. No... I am far too lazy for that.

“Greetings, King Alexander. I am sorry that it took so long for me to finally accept this invitation, but... you can probably imagine the mess me and my followers had to attend to down there. In fact, it's far from done, with a lot more work ahead of us to get the hive back as it was before my mother went all nuts. It will take a while, but not too long, hopefully.” Palmy began after she rose from her bent over position to address me more directly.

Her explanation made me think, but I still nodded to her explanation regardless, to not to make myself look like a total ass while I undocked a second star destroyer from its base.

I took another bite before replying. “I can imagine. Over a decade of misuse and mismanagement of your mother can really do some damage to your lands. Or, in this case, underground lands. Though if you ever need some assistance regarding that problem, then just feel free to ask. These Zebras are some of the most hardworking and enthusiastic bunch of equines I have ever met. I am sure that there won't be too many objections when I announce that idea, especially for the chance of building up a better relationship between our cultures.” I suggested before taking yet another bite of my cheese.

The Princess... or should I say, Queen, smiled at that, but ultimately shook her head to my offer. “Thanks, but no need for that. You and your people have already helped us quite enough, even going as far as to sacrifice so many brave souls for our cause. I should actually be the one repaying you for this, while also sending my condolences to those who had to give their lives that terrible day. On both sides. The rest will truly be up to us now. I will make sure to better my people and to also respect my part of the bargain for your assistance in this. I will be ready to integrate my nation with yours whenever you wish to hopefully forge a much better future for both of us as a result. Not just now, but for the distant future as well.” She responded. Words that would have truly spoken to me, if I wasn’t so busy ranting in my mind about the glory of cheese and everything related to it.

But of course, besides my overwhelming obsession with cheese, I was still able to make out exactly what she was trying to say as I nodded to her proclamation.

“Indeed, though I am not particularly sure how to do this. Maybe go out onto a balcony and proclaim it to the people? Or maybe sign some contract? Honestly, I have no idea how to do this.” I responded, scratching my chin in thought.

“Well, true, I am rather clueless about this as well. This is certainly new field we a treading on, not just for me but for the whole hive as well. This is certainly the first in recorded history.” She added, also looking fairly thoughtful.

I clapped my hands. “Ah, no matter, we will certainly figure out something if we wait long enough. Or we can go bother the old folks for any info in that regard. Speaking of which... isn’t Cyrus the Great with you?” I asked, switching my gaze at her escort.

Neither of them being the aforementioned noble I spoke of, just regular changeling guards in their obsidian armor.

The new Queen perked up at that. “Cyrus? Actually, he is the one doing most of the coordination work and referendums down there to keep the other nobles in line and to also help with the reintegration of all the Changelings who have previously fled. Many of them have actually decided to live on the surface with your people. Quite a good decision in my opinion as this would allow both the Zebras and Changelings to slowly learn more from one another and perhaps even build trust from that. All rather important steps to take if we truly want both our nations to work as one, in my opinion.” She answered.

Though thinking about Changelings in general actually made me remember about a certain another 'ling who has been living with these Zebras the longest as far as I know. A certain someone who has the same rank as Susi, being a religious head figure for these striped equines.

“Say...” I began, looking down at Susi who has been quiet this entire time, “...do you perhaps know where Akadar is? I haven’t seen him for quite a bit.” I asked, which caused Susi to perk up at my question.

“Oh, High Priest Akadar. Yeah, I know where he is. After this whole Changeling crisis was over and done, he personally told me that he was going to return to his duties as a High Priest and returned to his Temple. I am sure that he is currently continuing his post as the spiritual link between him and the Gods. The fact that he is actually a Changeling hasn’t really changed much, it seems, and the other High Priests are pretty much content with this realization as well. Akadar has always been a faithful servant to both the Gods and people he is supposed to represent. So again, there are no issues with his true origins.” Susi answered.

This was actually good to know, to be honest. It just proved that the concept of living together with other races is a possibility with these Zebras. Which is good, because empire building is going to eventually lead to multicultural and multiracial nation no matter how I twist it. Unless... I go full Rome on their asses. If I can bother to be like Rome, that is.

I am born to be lazy, so don’t judge me.

“Akadar? Wasn’t he that Changeling priest of yours?” Palmyria asked out loud, rubbing her chin.

“Well, yes, that’s him. Would have never guessed that he actually is a Changeling in disguise this entire time. He could have easily kept his charade without anyone knowing, though I still personally wonder what his overall backstory is. Especially since he isn’t from the same Hive as yours, Palmy.” I stated while entertaining this curiosity in my head a bit further, thinking about the words he told us after he revealed himself.

“Yeah, most curious. Though I can vouch that his Hive truly must be far away from ours, as mine is pretty much the only Changeling Hive in the entire desert. The last contact we have had with another was on the last dynasty of Queens. That was many decades ago.” Palmy added, deepening my curiosity about this even further.

I would have to probably ask Akadar the next time I see him, though thinking about him now allowed to form up another curious question I have about these Changelings. Specifically, the reason why they are called Changelings in the first place.

“Say, can you give me a demonstration of your shapeshifting, Palmy? I constantly hear about your species' abilities to change into any four-legged race of similar size. I would like to personally see this for myself if that is okay.” I asked, looking down at the Queen.

Palmy tilted her head. “You... you really want me to change my shape? Right here and now?” She responded, sounding a bit unsure before eventually nodding. “Well, okay. I guess showing you what some of our natural abilities are won't harm. I mean, I owe you so much and showing you how we shapeshift as the least I could do.” She added, making me giddy.

“Though, as to who or what should I turn into?” She asked curiously.

“Ooh, Ooh... I know!” I announced before pointing a greasy finger at Susi. ”Can you make yourself look like Susi? Since she is here, she is basically the perfect test bench for your transformation.” I suggested which in turn made Susi do a double take.

“Wai-wait, what? You want her to turn into me?” asked Susi in shock.

“Ah, don’t be like that. Think this as a personal compliment to you. I could have easily picked anyone else she could turn into, but I, of course, picked you. Because of your overall help and loyalty to me, not to mention your good looks, too.” I announced happily.

This caused her to raise an eyebrow, which was honestly not the reaction I was expecting. Though she eventually smiled.

“Well, in that case, I see no problem with this. To be fair, I am quite curious about their naturally given abilities myself. It's not every day that you get to see someone transform into someone else.” She responded.

I turned my attention back at Palmy. “See, everything is fine now. If you will?” I asked with a gesture.

Palmy nodded. “Well, alright, I guess this is it then.” She responded before closing her eyes. It didn’t take too long though for her body to suddenly be engulfed in a torrent of yellow flames which honestly took me by surprise.

I was about to expect the worst when the flame quickly subsided, revealing a complete carbon copy of Susi with all the bells and whistles attached to it.

To say I was impressed with this would have been an understatement, but this also caused me to immediately start thinking about the possibilities such skill can provide for me. Espionage or shapeshifting assassins!

My own personal Secret Service of shapeshifting spies or intelligence agents. Such abilities would be invaluable to any government back in my world. Those CIA guys would be ejaculating from the very idea of giving their agent the abilities to shapeshift.

This is certainly something I need to pursue in the future, or at least list it down as a possibility. Another thing I need to keep in mind is the Changelings' capability of both magic and flight. The versatility that these hybrids bring to the table is immense. I am actually surprised that these creatures have not become the dominant species in this world. Instead, their numbers seemed to be limited and their interaction with the outside world even more so. Being naturally content in staying in their underground cave systems and halls while doing whatever it is that these Changelings do down there.

Like mining, as I have heard, and also marginally expanding their realm underground.

It is a shame when I think about it, but I guess that this is the world's way of keeping a potential OP race from snowballing out of control. Make them heavily complacent and give them other nerfs that I am not yet aware of.

But as I have stated many times before, rules are there to be broken. And I guess my mere intervention or presence alone has already broken a couple of rules of Nature, as these Changelings are willing to cooperate and even live in on the surface for the first time.

I would say that change is happening and believe me, I am going to fucking abuse this opportunity to its fullest!

With great power comes great responsibility my ass. I am part of the human race, and generally, responsibility is something we are taught, but not born with.

Besides my internal rambling, Susi, the servant, and any guard close enough were all staring at the Susi 2.0 with great surprise. Palmy, on the other hand, seemed to be rather calm as she examined herself a bit, checking out her hooves and whatnot.

“So, this is how transforming feels like... certainly strange,” Palmy commented.

This caught my attention. “Wait a moment... does this mean that this is your first time ever transforming into someone?” I asked.

Palmy, or should I say, Susi 2.0, nodded. “Well... yeah, to be honest. Before you asked me to make use of my transformation abilities, I had never had the need to actually morph my body into something else other than the one I was born with. I have spent pretty much most of my life inside the Hive, laying in my mother's shadow. I only ever reached the surface a hoofful of times, but those were brief and quick, just to collect the curious artifact a lot of Changeling scouts have brought for me. I never even had the chance to meet with a surface dweller face to face... well, until the first day we met, that is.” Palmy explained before switching herself back to her base form.

Ending up looking somewhat surprised after she did so, before sighing.

“Well, this was to be expected. I obviously have very little practice with metamorphing myself into something else. This was my first time after all.” She stated with a sad tone.

The mood had changed pretty fast after her personal announcement of her isolated past. To be fair, it isn’t exactly new or shocking for me to hear this. There are a lot of stories going around back in my world about similar scenarios. People spending most of their lives locked up and isolated, and in most cases even suffering from abuse.

Her story still seemed to be pretty tame to some news headlines I have come across back in my world. But I honestly wouldn’t know too much about that stuff as I only rarely came across news such as these. The overall Internet makes it hard to not get face-fisted with such stories once in a while.

But who cares. Both the wonders and horrors of the Internet are long past me, it seems, so I shouldn’t really focus too much on stories such as these and better make myself remember more of all the strategy and 4x games I have wasted my time on. Like... planning for the future in case a “domination” victory is out of the question for me in this world. In that case, I could then maybe go for a religious victory or culture victory instead. These Zebras seemed to be a very religion focused culture, so going with the route of making myself the Pope of this world could possibly work in securing victory for myself. Culture, on the contrary, could also be an option. Looking at the rich history, hardworking mentality and overall architecture of these Zebras, I would say creating a second America minus the military redundancy should also be possible.

I think I may already have a backup plan in case throwing nukes at everyone doesn’t work. And being this world's version of Persia would certainly give me a...

“Uh... Your Highness!” Susi cried which brought me back into reality.

I am not sure how, but while I was busy turning the gears of my never-ending machine (help?) I must have unconsciously eaten more of my cheese without me really knowing it. Because I can tell that the plate was half empty now.

I can also tell that Palmy was giving me a strange look, while Susi already knew how I tick and was just staring at me knowingly.

“Oh... uh, sorry, I guess. This is one lesson you need to learn rather quickly, my dear Queen. I have the tendency to space out quite often at the most random times. It's a thing of mine. Like it or hate it.” I explained, finishing off whatever slice I was holding at the moment.

Palmy just scratched her head. “Well, okay. If you say so, King Alexander. I guess I shouldn’t be too much surprised in the future then.” She responded, to which Susi nodded.

“Indeed, you will get used to it rather quickly, Queen Palmyria... or maybe not. But either way, if you ever require the King's attention again just, shout his name like how I just did. It has worked so far.” Susi added.

Great, more people who are going to scream into my ears. But this is what I get for being so thoughtful. And come to think, that a lot of people back home say that being “thoughtful” is a good thing, yet here it seems to be biting me in the ass one way or another. Soon I will have an entire kingdom screaming my name whenever they need something.

A whole Palace acting like my new alarm clock. What the hell did I get myself into?

Either way, more personal problems aside, it was kinda getting boring just sitting here and talking. This day has been rather complacent if I had to be honest. Normally I would be fine with this, but given the fact that I have once again lost that one crucial spot on this throne that makes sitting on it acceptable, pretty much meant that giving my legs a bit of an exercise seems to be a valid idea at this point.

So with that thought out of the way, I clapped my hands before pushing myself off the throne. A decision which almost bit me in the ass, too, as I almost came face to face with the mare's full moon. Which would have certainly ruined my day.

But I pushed through, ignoring her rear and just strolling my way down the steps with steeled eyes and an even more steeled expression.

I was playing as the Ironman apparently, but I was never into superhero comics, to begin with. I never found the concept of wearing your underpants over your pants that appealing. The number of toilet jokes that came from it, though.

“Anyway, let's continue this discussion in one of the many courtyards the Palace has, we can get some well needed fresh air, while also discussing the future of both of our nations further. Plus, I really like to gaze on those really exotic butterflies, I am sure you will learn to love them as well. All those pretty colors.” I suggested.

Palmyria nodded. “Sounds okay to me. I would actually love to explore your Palace a bit more. What better opportunity to do that than now?” She responded with a smile.

I returned her sense of enthusiasm before leading the way to whatever direction my senses were taking me. I am sure that I am going to walk myself into one of the dozen courtyards that this Palace has.

Hopefully soon rather than later.

But you know what they say, it's the journey that matters, not the destination. So, onwards to the adventure! For as long as a walk through halls and corridors goes.

Maybe today might be the day when I will finally find the lost city of Atlantis here? Probably somewhere hidden in this endless sea of doors that have to lead somewhere.

Maybe I should have allowed the mare from before to follow us in case we need something to eat on the road. But alas, it is what it is, and finding the outside world shouldn’t be too much of a difficulty, just follow the light and we will find a perfect looking courtyard soon.

That is the plan at least.