I don't know why this eluded me in the first place. It was clear and simple.
The last way to properly wield my authority and complete the task is punishment.
Yes, punishment on the guards who failed in their duties.
They are guards meant to protect me. Yet, when someone attempted to kill me in their presence, they did nothing.
They chose to do nothing.
And when I finally asked them to chase after the perpetrator, they didn't even try. They half-assed it.
And that was where I fucked up.
I shouldn't have let them go so freely. I should've punished them for daring to allow the ruler of the kingdom be hurt in their presence and hesitate to do the necessary.
Why? Because they wish death upon me. That itself should already be a crime that sparks punishment against them.
There's still time. Although minutes, I can make it.
Koul walked down the hall with haste, his steps hurried, making his garment and hair flow behind him lengthily. While the guards followed along swiftly—one at the front for direction and protection and the other at the back.
WHOOSH!
The system whipped to Koul's front, taking place beside him.
[Host, I don't know want you plan on doing but let me tell you this,] it started.
[There's an upcoming event that is to be held here in two days,] it said, causing Koul to stop.
His brows wrinkled, tilting to look at the system.
"An event?" He echoed.
The two guards glanced briefly at each other, wondering whom their Lord was referring to.
[Yes. An event where several rulers like yourself gather with their people for entertainment. It is sort of a festival that is held three times a year.]
Tsk! His brows drew tighter together.
"Spill it all at once! You of all people should know I don't have any time to spare," Koul remarked sternly.
[The first event has already been held in a neighboring kingdom which you didn't attend because you were depressed at that time. And the second one is to be held here in your kingdom. Precisely, in two days. The coliseum has already been prepared in wait. And tomorrow, the council elders and your brother will be coming to discuss how things would go,] the system rapped, heeding Koul's demand to spill everything.
"My brother? Why do they need to discuss things with him?" He questioned.
[Because you were depressed. They think you wouldn't be able to handle things in your condition, hence they asked one of your older brothers to take your place.]
One of my older brothers…. how many do I have?
And… did these elders ever even check up on me to see whether I could? I'm sure just like all others, they were glad I wasn't in the picture.
Hmph! Let them come. They'll meet the surprise of their lives when they see me present and gallant.
"We'll talk more about this later," He said, resuming his walk.
The guards hurriedly followed, although they were skeptical, thinking their king was battling some mental illness.
Since they could not see the system with which he communicated, they could only believe he was sick in the head.
"Task," Koul whispered as he walked.
The screen appeared and his eyes instantly shot toward the time.
0:27:03
27 more minutes. I need to hurry.
Koul and the guards finally arrived at the royal balcony that stretched wide, from which he could see the courtyard in perfect detail.
Below, people stood assembled in neat, orderly columns.
To one side were people clad in the same formal clothings, the knights. They stood firm and rigid, their faces stern with a frigid air around them.
To the other side were gathered the maids and palace workers.
Koul gazed at them from the balcony, while they gazed up at him from below, awaiting whatever announcement he had for them.
However, Koul simply stood in silence for a moment, watching and carefully observing their faces, scrutinizing them.
Unlike previously when they glanced among themselves, murmured and whispered, this time around, they were completely still and silent.
Koul gripped the balcony's top rail, leaning forward over the balustrade to get a clear view of them below.
Then he started.
"Go down there and drag out those three guards," he said to the two guards with him, pointing to three guards in the line below.
Specifically, the three guards that had gone after the perpetrator that attempted to kill him.
The guards bowed and hurried away, while those outside in the line couldn't help but be confused while they were being pointed at.
The two guards reached them and as commanded, they dragged out the three guards to the front.
While everyone glanced around in confusion, the knights remained steady and facing forward.
Koul's eyes turned cold, bearing down on the three guards with contempt.
"Will you continue to stand so tall before me, or must I give you lessons on basic manners?" He asked coldly.
The guards were surprised for a moment, delaying their response. But the two guards Koul sent down immediately pushed them down to their knees.
A small smirk crept onto Koul's lips. Good.
Ah fuck! No time to act cool!
He shifted his gaze back to everyone gathered.
What do I even call them? My people? Brethren?….. Figures?… my beloved people?
No! There's nothing loving about them at all!
Subject… ah, subjects!
"My subjects, hear me," he started, loud and clear. "These three you see here have failed in their duty toward me. They have not only failed, but wish death upon me."
Koul paused, his gaze scanning all of them. Not a single gasp left them.
Why would they be surprised when they themselves harbor the same wishes.
Nonetheless, he continued with resilience.
"Right in front of them, someone attempted to kill me. Yet, these people who call themselves my guards and protectors simply watched. That in itself was already an offense punishable by death," he paused again.
"But I was merciful and overlooked it. Then I reminded them of their duty and asked them to chase after the perpetrator. Of course they were unwilling and when they did, they returned empty handed with no result."
"Tell me, my beloved people. Is this not a crime worthy of death?"