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The Empty Throne and Broken Hopes
The capital of Mayana — Eldor.
There stood the grand and mighty Sataar Palace, with towering minarets that kissed the sky.
Every major kingdom had its own Sataar Palace — a sacred place where violence was forbidden.
No sword could be drawn, no blood could be shed... unless war was declared or explicit permission was granted.
Breaking this law had only one punishment: death.
The Sataar Palace wasn't just in Mayana's seven primary kingdoms, but also in every land that had signed a treaty with Mayana.
And today... in the court of Eldor's Sataar Palace, thirteen grand chairs were arranged — six to the right, six to the left, and one magnificent throne in the center.
Seated on the twelve chairs were the rulers of Mayana's seven kingdoms and five chief ministers.
Each king ruled his own land — all except Eldor, which belonged solely to the Emperor.
And the Throne?
It still remained empty… for Mayana had yet to find its true Emperor.
The kings and ministers sat with their pride and arrogance gleaming.
Today was a special day — the Election Day.
All votes were cast.
And when the voting ended, a man — seated on the third chair to the right — slowly rose.
He was neither a king nor a minister.
Draped in a long black cloak, he moved as if darkness itself followed his steps.
With a dazzling smile, he spoke,
"Huhhh... so once again, no one has been chosen."
(Smiling)
"Once again, each one voted for themselves. Truly entertaining... Come here every five years, and watch this circus unfold."
(A little more serious, laced with sarcasm)
"But honestly... if any of you fools had actually been crowned Emperor, Mayana would have been doomed by now."
He then burst out laughing, echoing through the hall, and walked away without a care.
After he left, two kings whispered to each other.
One king — seated fourth to the right — spoke seriously,
"This Mullar... he's all talk. Doesn't participate in elections, doesn't vote, yet mocks everyone else."
The second king (a little louder, with frustration) added,
"True. But he's not wrong either. For another five years, we'll sit in these chairs while the Throne stays empty.
Neither our gain, nor Mayana's."
Then a proud minister, seated last on the left, snapped angrily,
"So what, you expect us to vote for you?
Remember this — none of us here are worthy of the Throne! I would never vote for any of you."
Saying this, he stormed out of the hall.
The rest followed, walking away with slow, weary steps.
The next election... would be five long years later.
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The Inter-Kingdom Laws of the Sataar Palace
Even among the twelve members, there existed a strict hierarchy.
The seven kings held greater power and status than the five chief ministers.
And even among the kings, there was a ranking.
The king seated furthest forward on the right was recognized as the most powerful — the First May King.
After him, the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth kings followed in descending order of strength.
Then, seated at the front left, was the Seventh May King.
Behind him sat the five chief ministers — considered lesser in rank compared to the kings.
The closer your chair to the center, the greater your honor and power...
The further back, the lesser your strength and standing.
But one truth gnawed at them all —
The Throne remained empty.
And an empty Throne... was the clearest omen for Mayana's uncertain future.
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The Main Gate of Mavren
At the entrance gate of Mavren stood Vijay (2nd May King), Hales (6th May King), and Thales (7th May King). A few soldiers were stationed near the gate. One of them inserted some Aura orbs into his bracelet and softly uttered a few words. Immediately, he received some commands and opened the gate, welcoming the three kings with respect.
On the other side of the gate lay a vast desert, with the city of Mayana shimmering far in the distance. Three chariots were already prepared for them. The soldiers helped the kings into their chariots, and they set off towards the Sataar Mahal.
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Scene: Sataar Mahal — Karan's Court
Upon reaching the Mahal, they were greeted with grand hospitality. Then, a few soldiers led them into a massive room. The room had a large window that showcased the entire view of Mavren. Near the window was a royal chair, and in front of it was a long table with three chairs for them.
Vijay looked ahead and saw Karan, the 1st May King, standing by the window, gazing at his kingdom. He turned to Karan and asked:
Vijay: "Karan, tell us why we've been called here?"
Karan turned slowly and, with a subtle smile, replied:
Karan: "Oh Vijay, you're always in such a hurry... Please sit first, and then I'll tell you everything."
Everyone sat down.
Vijay (in a firm tone): "Now, tell us!"
Karan's expression turned serious as he addressed them directly:
Karan: "Alright, let me get straight to the point — I need your votes for the upcoming election."
(A deep silence filled the room...)
Then, Hales and Thales burst into loud laughter. Vijay also smirked slightly.
Hales (laughing): "Hahaha! And why would we give you our votes? We're not in love with you."
Thales (mocking, with a laugh): At least send us roses first ,man. You came straight asking for our votes !"
Karan (in the same serious tone): "Well then… look at this!"
He revealed something that left all three kings in utter shock. The room grew cold, and the shock was evident in their eyes.
(After a brief moment…)
Everything returned to normal, but now the three kings were serious about Karan's powers.
Thales (shocked): "Where… where did you get this power from? How did that monster enter inside you?"
Hales: "Yeah, tell us… What is all this? It's terrifying!"
Karan simply smiled.
Karan: "Now tell me… Will you give me your votes?"
Vijay slammed his hand on the table. A blue light emanated from his right hand, and a hammer materialized in his grasp. It wasn't too big or too small — just powerful. He slammed it on the table and, staring Karan in the eye, said:
Vijay (in a loud voice): "What do you think? You'll scare me and take my vote? But remember — even if you kill me, I'll never give you my vote out of fear!"
Karan gave a calm smile again.
Karan: "Oh Vijay… calm down. No one has ever been born who can scare you. I'm simply asking for a favor — give me your vote. I need your support."
Vijay sat back down.
Vijay: "Why?"
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Karan (in a deep tone):
"You know, right? In the last 4 elections — that is, 20 years — no one has been able to become Emperor. And you must remember how the last Emperor died…"
Thales: "Yes… he was killed while trying to stop Aurama in his (Aurama) own dimension..."
Karan: "Exactly. And now, our king,our Emperor is no more. If he, that destructive Aurama comes back… and none of us become Emperor… we won't even be able to fight him!"
Vijay: "Then why should we give you our votes? We can give it to someone else… or should I take your vote by saying these same things to you?"
Karan:
"Because if I become the Emperor… it'll benefit everyone. Only then can I use my powers properly. Do you understand now?
If I become Emperor… I can stop him… and save Mayana!
That's why… I need your votes."
The three of them fell into deep thought. The argument sounded true... and wise.
Hales and Thales whispered among themselves, then Hales spoke up:
Hales: "Alright… but we have one condition — make us the 4th and 5th May Kings instead of the 6th and 7th. If that's acceptable… then our votes are yours."
Karan: "Alright… but for that, I must become Emperor first. So, you two are with me… but Vijay, what's your problem?"
Vijay: "No… I have no problem. But if you do anything wrong… I'll be the first to strike!"
Karan (with a smile): "Sure… but I won't even give you that chance. And yes… you'll have to support me… until I become Emperor."
Vijay nodded in agreement. The three of them shook hands with Karan, finalizing the deal.
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