Acedic Autocrats

Chapter 6

Maius 4th, 2160.

A century'd passed since Familia Meus took control of the Hyperion Empire, and it'd quickly fallen into disarray. Day by day, the fragile peace they created was being destroyed and no matter how many attempts I made, the Imperator wouldn't cease so eventually, I decided to retreat to Mount Olympos to seek counsel.

I let out a deep sigh as I inhaled the steam from the Olympian hot springs. Despite having personally witnessed this fact, my mind still refused to process it. As the titan of freedom, and liberty, I didn't wish to believe that any of Fratres Meus' descendants would ever reign as a tyrant yet there I was.

That was another detail I neglected to explain in our previous tales. Aside from being made deities of the elements, by the end of their reigns, Masculum Propinquis Meis also became deities, representing the value they upheld whilst ruling.

I'll explain what my Familia Membras represent when in later tales but Fratres Meus, Imperator Gromeo I as well as his successors were and still are responsible for defending the rights of all witches in the Hyperion Empire while ensuring that they neither abuse, nor violate the rights of others.

It's for that exact reason Imperator Grecundus and Imperator Azurus were scolded and punished upon their arrival at Olympos and why one was more severely punished than the other, as though both of them had went against their Familia's values but not in the same way.

While Imperator Grecundo simply used his position to participate in pleasurable yet illegal activity. Imperator Azurus was responsible for the tyranny we're currently discussing albeit indirectly. He failed to realize Fillius Eius immorality and foolishly chose him as his successor without a failsafe in the event a circumstance similar to these were to occur.

However, unlike with Pater Eius he's not completely at fault. None of us could've foresaw Parentes Meus' return and even if we could, there were no laws in place that would've allowed us to exclude Imperator Salim from the imperial line of succession. Still, that matter would have to wait for a later date.

"Dominus Kurin!" a voice exclaimed. I looked behind me to find Narcissus, a long-time servant to Titanfather Meus who's main role was to entertain his guest. "The council is now, and Dominus Hyperion refuses to begin until you arrive!" I nodded politely to him and got dressed before heading to the meeting hall.

"Dominus Meus!" Dominus Coleus said. "We waited for you." "Gratias Tibi, Dominus Meis," I responded. as I walked past the rest of the council members to take my place next to Mea Avunculuus, Fratres, Et Nepos. "Now that we're all here," Avunculuus Hyperion began. "Let's begin." Clearing his throat, Titanfather Meus began the meeting.

"Gratias Tibi all for coming. As you know the delicate peace the imperial family established collapsed a decade prior and the empire is in critical danger of imploding." "How'd this even happen!?" Dominus Solaris asked. "That's an excellent question Solaris," Avunculus said, before turning to Nepotem Meus. "Would you care to explain Azurus?" Upon sensing the disappointment in his voice. Imperator Azurus lowered his head in shame and answered.

"I'm afraid all this is my doing," he said somberly. "Go on," Avunculus said, gesturing him to continue. "I foolishly allowed Fillius Meus to ascend the imperial throne, disregarding his evident immorality, I was naïve and believed that his Accessio and autocratic beliefs would subside as he aged but clearly, I was wrong."

"Gratias Tibi, Azurus," Avunculus said. "At least you're aware of your mistakes now." "Yes Avunculus," Imperator Azurus said. "And I apologize for my naivety." "It's quite alright," he said reassuringly. "It's in your nature to see the better qualities in others even if it sometimes ends in disaster."

"Besides," he continued. "It's not as if you could have skipped him. Salim was the only Fillius you had, and Hyperion law does not permit the exclusion of heterosexuals in the imperial line of succession." He then turned his attention to the council.

"Make note of this Dominus Corus. Once Rashid and Salim are defeated and the empire returns to its more peaceful state, it is imperative that we discuss new succession laws, so this doesn't reoccur." "Yes, Dominus Meus!" he responded, before turning to his notepad to write down what he was instructed.

"Will these new laws affect the whole empire?" Imperator Grecundo asked. "No, not necessarily," Avunculus answered. "Only the imperial family shall be required to follow these laws however for the four Regnums these laws are optional. Except one."

"Which is?" Domina Luna asked. Standing up from his mighty throne, he signaled Lord Corus to document his words. "From now till the end of time whether it be the four royal, or imperial crown no heterosexual shall ever inherit the throne."

"So, this affects the four Regnums as well?" Imperator Azurus questioned. "That's correct," Avunculus answered. "As for the other more specific laws regarding imperial succession, as previously stated we shall discuss that at a later date once the empire is at peace and for Salim to meet his downfall."

"How long would that take?" Fratres asked. "Depends on how long it will take for Salim's Fillius to be born, grow up, realize the true nature of his father, defeat his father, and ascend to the throne. When that happens then we'll discuss new imperial laws of succession with him though we'll need to discuss the events that transpired before his father's reign beforehand, so he'll be made aware of our reasoning."

"That's all well and good Dominus Meus," Dominus Coleus said. "But before those events can transpire, Salim must father a Fillius, as well as get defeated by and get replaced by said Fillius, and as of the moment, that seems like it may take many more years."

"What!" Avunculus exclaimed. "He still has not fathered a Fillius?" I'm afraid not," I answered. "Though I'm not surprised. Given his Accessio and callousness many females don't see him as a suitable mate despite his immense political power and prestige." I paused for a moment to carefully choose my next words.

"The only witch who's known to have made that mistake was Biologicum Mater Mea, Adalyn Clawthorn, and based on what I remember hearing from her many years prior, to say that she deeply regretted her decision would be = an understatement to say the least."

"Then I guess there's only one thing for it," Dominus Solaris said. "No!" Domina Luna cried. "Fratres, you do not mean!" "We have no choice Soror!" Dominus Solaris exclaimed. "Without an heir the Hyperion Empire would be plunged into civil war as contenders from the four Regnums rush to fill the power vacuum left behind by the fallen Imperator! Is that truly a better solution!?"

"No," Domina Luna admitted. "Right! So, the best thing we can do is wait patiently until Salim fathers a legitimate Fillius, and that Fillius survives to adulthood!" "But what if? ~" Domina Luna began to argue, before Titanfather Meus interrupted.

"That's enough Luna! Your Fratres is right! Until a legitimate heir is born, Salim is legally the only one who can rule the empire without the threat of competition and assassination looming over him! Though now that I stop to consider it, is a system containing several flaws but still!" Domina Luna halted her arguments and thought deeply about her superior's words.

She breathed a long sigh and responded. "As always you are right Dominus Meus," she said, head lowered in defeat. "Good now are we all in agreement of what must be done?" The rest of the council nodded in response. Though, none of us actually approved it was clear had no choice.