Acedic Autocrats

Chapter 8

November 20th, 2170.

"We're hic fine Avunculus," Rei Vidura said in his intoxicated state. "Yeah, I command you to release us," Imperator Salim whined. "We're grown wolves; we may do as we wish." The two of them continued drunkenly whining and shouting into the night as I attempted to return them to the imperial palace.

Thankfully this was only the first time Rei Viduna indulged in alcohol otherwise I would've called upon my godparents to report the return of O Principe Tartaryn De Gula. If that title sounds familiar, it should. In Peccata Patris Volume II, Gula is described as the second of Quinque Peccata Mortalia, and is represented by Chai Amarin, the Biologicum Fratrems of Meu Tio Mais Novo, as I'd learn almost a century later.

In fact, though I'd never explained it during the first tale, the only reason Meu Tio Maximo became a thief was because of Chai's manipulation. This is a discussion for a future tale but as is with Mihi Biologicum Parentes, O Pecado De Gula took control of his body, and he was banished to Tartarus. However, the difference between the two was that instead of asking their father to assist them, my godfathers, Tio Mercury, Tio Mars, and Tio Pluto opted to take it upon themselves.

As for how they ended up so intoxicated. It was a normal winter day, snow lined the ground, animals hibernated, and families were in their homes spending quality time together. Rei Viduna, in an effort to persuade his "Primo" to be more active, decided to visit us in Hyperion Heights.

"Salve, Avunculus!" he greeted, as he walked into the imperial throne room. "Is his imperialness here today?" I turned my gaze away from the document I was perusing. "Bom Dia, Viduna, what brings you here on this snowy day?"

"I came here to spend the day with "Tertius Cognatus" Meus," he answered. "Is he free at the moment?" "I'm afraid not," I responded. "He's currently attending to business in Hyperion Heights but if memory serves, he should return shortly." O Rei Do Vento nodded and turned to the document at my side.

"Pray tell, why do you have that document? Is it not the duty of the Imperator to review it?" "It is," I answered. "However, as you are already aware due to Rashid's influence, his imperialness~." "I understand Avunculus!" Rei Viduna interrupted.

"I don't wish to speak ill of him, but ever since Rashid arrived, Salim's become increasingly more autocratic yet Acetic by the day. It was rather enjoyable at first but now I see how detrimental to the emprire it actually is."

"How so?" I asked. "Recently, Regnum Meum's been experiencing economic hardships, for three years the royal coffers have been empty, and we've received no assistance from Salim, and though we've plenty of food and resources for now, it shan't be long before poverty once again consumes all of Cairo Land."

"WHAT!" I exclaimed. "Why didn't you inform me of this sooner!?" "Because you're only the imperial paw," he answered. "Forgive me for saying so Avunculus, but you don't have the power to distribute the empire's funds." "That doesn't imply I don't wish to help!" I retorted. Rei Viduna's eyes widened in shock.

"Minhas Desculpas, Sobrinho-Neto," I said with an apologetic smile. "I'm simply shocked and distressed by this news." "Suus Licet, Avunculus" he said. "I am also distressed by this, not just by how it's affecting Meus Reino but also Cognati Meis'" Though, I'd already suspected this to have been the case, I still felt a wave of concern wash over me as he continued.

"I'd spoken to them days prior, before coming here, and with the exception of El Reino Helado, the other realms are also facing difficult times. In fact, according to Sa Majeste, Roi Chuang winter was usually very difficult, and this one is no exception."

"Though, there're plenty of crops that cangrown in what little snow they had, unlike in EL Reino Helado, and Cairo Land, Painted Plains lacked the sufficient resources to plant them." "That's very unfortunate," I commented.

"It is," he responded. "But thankfully the situation in Blight Valley is less troublesome though not by much. If I recall correctly, Solin mentioned that the electricity in Il Suo Regno's become unstable, switching from working normally to barely working at all due to the decreased levels of sunlight."

"Thankfully, his subjects are less stubborn than Chang's, so they were able to adapt though with some difficulty." Given that Blight Valley witches are known for being resilient I wasn't all that surprised though still distressed by their situation.

"I'm sorry the three of you are facing such hardships," I said. "If you wish I can pull some of my own savings to~." "Quod Non-Est Neccessarium, Avunculus," Rei Viduna said reassuringly. "I've already managed to quell the tensions in Cairo Land, as well as assist Solin and Chang during their hour of need."

"Even so!" I exclaimed. "I shan't stand by whilst the empire's witches are suffering! As soon as he returns, we're going to inform Salim of the matter and force him to act!" "But what if he doesn't!?" Rei Viduna questioned. "Then we will!" I answered.

Several hours later, Imperator Salim and Rashid Clawthorn returned from their little "business trip" with four bottles of alcohol in paw and simply stared in disgust at my intoxicated superior as he drank from one of the bottles.

"Saudacoes, Viduna," he said, noticing "Primo" Dele. "What brings you to Hyperion Heights on this fine day?" "I wish I'd come under more idel circumstances however I'm afraid I bring grave news." "What's the matter?" Parentes Meus asked.

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, O Rei Do Vento responded. "I'm afraid that Cairo Land's resources are quickly depleting and if memory serves you've yet to provide any financial support. Did you not receive my message?" he asked.

"And as I was just telling uncle before you arrived, with the exception of The Frosted Kingdom, the other realms are also facing difficulties." After Rei Viduna voiced his complaint, Parentes Meus whispered something into the Imperator's ear.

"Minhas Desculpas, "Primo,"" he said solemnly. "I'd been so busy with my duties, I completely forgot." Rei Viduna gave a soft smile and placed a paw on his shoulder. "I understand," he said. "But I have time now so I shall assist you." Imperator Salim responded. "In fact, how bout I take you to the bar so we may discuss this further."

Rei Viduna winced at this suggestion, as he's never been much of a drinker. "I'm not sure Salim; I don't handle alcohol very well." "Come now Viduna," Salim cooed. "It shall be fun." Eventually, Rei Viduna reluctantly agreed to the invitation, and they departed for the bar that evening.

Four hours and several glasses of alcohol later, Rei Viduna was vomiting all over the floor of the bar with Imperator Salim ordering his guards to arrest an innocent bystander. Unfortunately, this was mainly a distraction, a way to trick Seu "Primo De Terceiro Grau" into forgetting his subjects' suffering so he'd no longer press the issue.