Book 8: The Holy Stone The Kid Emperor of Occultoria

Chapter 4 - A Scheming Diplomat

According to official court protocol and decorum, there were a few hard rules in the Imperial Court that everyone was expected to follow.

Rule Number 1: Always show proper respect to the Emperor of Occultoria by addressing him as Your Imperial Majesty.

Rule Number 2: Never turn your back on the Emperor.

Rule Number 3: Never speak to the Emperor unless he spoke to you first.

Rule Number 4: Always bow three times to the Emperor. Bowing from the waist down is acceptable, but getting down on your hands and knees and bowing until your head reached the floor (also called prostrating) is preferable.

Rule Number 5: Never stare directly into the Emperor's eyes unless specifically invited to do so.

The Grand Duke of Pyria violated all five rules.

When Grand Duke Attilo first arrived, the Imperial Anthem, The Gods Bless the Emperor and his People, played as the Emperor waited to him in the Throne Room.

Sitting on the Occult Throne with the imperial flag (consisting of the griffin on the background of the Ergon) behind him, the young Emperor of Occultoria looked majestic and regal.

The pterodactyl announcer blew a horn and then introduced the leader of Pyria. "Presenting His Grace Attilo Jusoy, Grand Duke of Pyria!"

Max stared at his cousin, who had entered the Throne Room with a lizard-like woman.

The Grand Duke had an impudent arrogant look in his eyes. His face was covered with thick acne and his black hair was long and oily. Dressed in black grand ducal robes, he was tall and lanky with long limbs. He did indeed look like a 14 year-old teenage boy.

Max could certainly see the family resemblance, right down to Attilo's floppy Jusoy ears.

The two of them stared at each other, sizing each other up. It was like a showdown, an impasse, a standoff.

Max sat there on his throne, expecting the Grand Duke to bow down.

Yet, Attilo did not.

Instead, the Grand Duke gave him a curt nod and an icy gaze, staring brazenly into Max's eyes. "Hello, cousin."

Max was used to people bowing down before him. He had not expected such an informal and casual greeting. Attilo sounded like he was ordering a Big Mac combo meal at McDonalds back in the Natural World.

The Archbishop scowled at the Grand Duke. "You are before the Emperor's Imperial Majesty. Bow down!"

Attilo rolled his eyes. "He is my cousin and family. Why should I have to be so formal?"

Outwardly, he tried to maintain a facade of coolness, but inside, he was seething. He hated seeing such a young upstart boy on the Occult Throne, especially one younger than him. It should have been him instead.

Max waved a hand casually. "It's OK, Julius."

Then, he turned to his cousin. "It's nice to meet other members of my family in the Supernatural World. So you are here to discuss trade?"

Attilo gave him an unctuous smile. "Oh yes. I understand that the Empire of Occultoria requires substantial fires from my leviathans. I am willing to provide it...for a large fee, of course."

"What do you have in mind?" asked Max.

The Grand Duke raised a finger in the air. "First, allow me to demonstrate the kind of quality fire you will be receiving from my duchy."