The story of the King - Short Story

It seems like all of this used to be significantly more difficult for me. All this, and warfare and exercise, and consulting with my generals, and receiving foreign envoys, even mastering magic. At first, all this was difficult for me, and then I got used to the fact that everything in my life came the hard and painful way that I simply got used to. And now it's easy, and I know it.

When they put me on the throne after the death of my father, as a young king, as a puppet, they did not mean that it would become easy for me. But they didn't wait to see how easy it became for me. Of course, it didn't become so simple all at once. Nothing prophetic happened or some strange wind of destiny made me now rule all these fields and lives, all the unexplored secrets and all the military knowledge. It took time and dedication. I made that commitment the moment I realized that all these powerful advisers, diplomats and noble powers considered me a puppet that could govern anyone for their own interests. Then I decided that I would be the best, and the first among all. When they slept, or forged lies somewhere in the dark corridors, how to lead me into the paths of their greed, I learned. Alone, in the same dark hallways of the castle that was at first my prison and later home.

In this darkness, hidden from all curious eyes, I have mastered, first and foremost, myself and my mind. And then, everything else came naturally to me. I first upgraded my previously acquired knowledge of the history of our kingdom, and afterwards every neighbor kingdom as well. Most notable was the history of warfare, of various generations of able and less capable military commanders. All their ideas, all ideas, successes and failures were all mine now. Perhaps because of such comprehensive knowledge, I was such a good commander of the army. I added a lot of new ideas though. And then one by one, it became part of me. After history, politics came to the fore and what drives politics, the economy. I am even pleased with this field of my knowledge, although it has never been a favorite of mine, because I like to think that my knowledge of these quiet mathematical turmoil has brought good to my people. And finally, magic, she may have been the only one to come naturally. It seems to me, perhaps as a result of all the above, that it was another stone in the inner castle of my mind. The stone that connected everything and made me a unique ruler. Because I have ruled knowledge in all three aspects that move the world today.

Little by little, and over time, everyone realized that I was not the puppet they had hoped for. I kept allowing them to crochet, bribe and lie. But I had to. It was crucial that they still think they had the power, even if it was just an illusion. And then, when their plans came to a climax, I broke them. All of them who gained their positions and influence in an illegal and dubious way. I broke them, forging my nation anew. All my plans have brought us success. And now, we live the way history says we lived in earlier times. In the epochs long past, honor was the first virtue that had the highest values. And now, years later, it is no longer as difficult for me as it was at first.

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