The Shifted Throne (Overlord)

Chapter 8: A Throne of Uncertainty

Edmund woke abruptly to the sound of a firm knock on his chamber door, followed by Bell's voice. "Your Highness, tis morning." Her tone carried a blend of respect and authority, a reminder of the responsibilities awaiting him.

He sat up slowly, his mind still foggy from restless dreams. The reality of his new role hit him like a cold splash of water. King. The word felt alien, heavy, and entirely out of place when applied to him. Just days ago, Edmund had been someone else—someone who never dreamed of wearing a crown or commanding a kingdom on the brink of collapse.

Bell moved with practiced efficiency, laying out his attire for the day. She began helping him dress, fastening the royal garments with precise, deliberate movements. Edmund caught his reflection in a gilded mirror nearby. The face staring back was his yet unfamiliar, burdened with an authority he still didn't feel ready to wield.

"Your family is waiting in the dining room, Your Highness," Bell said, her voice pulling him from his thoughts.

He followed her through the silent corridors of the palace, the weight of his position pressing down on him. The halls, though grand and steeped in history, felt hollow, as if the life had been drained from them. Servants passed by, bowing deeply, their faces a mix of hope and uncertainty.

At the dining room, Edmund greeted his mother and sisters, kissing each on the cheek as custom dictated. "Good job keeping your calm during the coronation," his eldest sister, Elowen, remarked with a small smile as he took his seat.

"Yes, you did well," his mother added, her voice warm with approval.

"Thanks," Edmund replied, managing a faint smile.

The family settled into breakfast, the atmosphere unusually light considering the kingdom's dire state. Conversation flowed easily, with Elowen and Isolde trading witty remarks while their youngest sister, Marian, giggled softly. For a brief moment, Edmund allowed himself to relax, to feel like part of a family rather than a figurehead.

"So, now all that's left is for you to find a bride and prepare for the marriage ceremony," Isolde quipped, her tone teasing.

Edmund froze, the casual comment striking a nerve. Marriage. The concept suddenly felt alien and deeply uncomfortable. Though his body was now that of a man, his mind still clung to the identity of the woman he had been. The idea of marrying a woman stirred a complex mix of emotions—awkwardness, confusion, and a strange sense of disconnect. To the world, he was a king, but internally, he was still grappling with his transformed identity.

He forced a small laugh, deflecting the comment, and quickly shifted the conversation to safer topics.

After breakfast, Bell escorted him to the royal courtroom, where his first true test as king awaited. The room was imposing, with high ceilings and banners bearing the kingdom's crest. Around the grand table sat an array of nobles, military commanders, advisors, and bureaucrats. The atmosphere was thick with tension and formality, the weight of their expectations palpable.

Edmund took his place at the head of the table, acutely aware of the wary, scrutinizing gazes fixed on him. Some advisors offered polite nods, while others merely observed him with cold, calculating expressions. Among them was Lord Hadrian, his presence commanding and unapologetically confident.

The meeting began, and Edmund quickly realized the enormity of the kingdom's problems.

One of the advisors presented a report on the royal treasury, painting a grim picture of the kingdom's finances. Debt to foreign nations, dwindling resources, and a lack of income from key industries like agriculture and trade had left the coffers nearly empty.

"There's a looming famine, Your Highness," the advisor explained, his tone grave. "Crops are failing in certain provinces, and we lack the resources to import food or invest in long-term solutions."

Suggestions came swiftly—raising taxes, cutting military expenditures, and seeking foreign loans. Each option felt like a double-edged sword. Nobles argued against higher taxes, citing unrest among the common folk, while others insisted austerity was the only way forward.

Edmund listened intently, his mind racing. He didn't want to burden the people further, but without funds, the kingdom would collapse. The tension in the room grew as voices rose, each advisor vying for his attention.

The discussion shifted to the military, and a high-ranking officer stepped forward to deliver his report. The kingdom's army, once 5,000 strong, had been decimated by wars with the Beastmen. Now, only 3,000 soldiers remained, and they were ill-equipped and poorly trained.

"Our borders are vulnerable," the officer warned. "The Beastmen are a constant threat, and neighboring nations like the Draconic Kingdom and the Slane Theocracy could exploit our weakness."

Lord Hadrian suggested strengthening the military through recruitment and purchasing weapons, but this would require significant funding—and possibly alliances that could come with dangerous strings attached.

Edmund's head spun as he weighed the options. Strengthening the military might stabilize the borders but could also provoke conflict or further strain the kingdom's resources. He felt a pang of doubt—was he truly capable of making these decisions?

As the meeting continued, the political scheming within the court became apparent. Whispers of corruption reached Edmund's ears—certain nobles were allegedly embezzling funds and exploiting the kingdom's resources. The realization made his stomach churn. Who could he trust in a court rife with hidden agendas?

Towards the end of the meeting, Edmund was presented with his first major decision. The kingdom's defense forces needed funding to address the threat of the Beastmen, but doing so would require raising taxes—a move likely to incite unrest among the already struggling populace.

Edmund sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He knew there was no perfect solution, but he also knew that hesitation would only worsen the situation.

"I will not allow this kingdom to fall to external threats," he finally said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Strengthen the military. Begin recruitment and prioritize border defense. We will not be caught unprepared."

The room fell silent, the advisors exchanging glances. Some nodded in approval, while others seemed skeptical. Edmund met their gazes with quiet determination, knowing this was only the beginning of his trials as king.

End of chap.