Karl stood up and walked to a mirror set in a golden frame. He admired the craftsmanship, then looked at his reflection. He let the robe fall and studied his naked form. Average height, pale, blonde, with dark green irises. Handsome. He wondered why his perfect looks had never proven useful—though he knew the answer. He had been born in Germany during the World War. Financial troubles and conflict occupied everyone's minds, especially those living in France. His appearance mattered less. He joined the German army and rose through the ranks due to his surprising grasp of human philosophy. He could predict what someone would do with only trivial information about them. This became an asset for the Nazi war machine. At first he had not liked the Nazis, until he met Führer Adolf—an adept strategist. He became Karl's idol, and Karl decided he would help him achieve his goal. Until recently, the Germans had been doing well. Until...
Orion walked back in. Karl saw him in the mirror's reflection. Orion entered only to see Karl's bare backside.
"Cover up your nakedness, you shameless mortal. Were you admiring yourself, you narcissist? You act like a foul beast," Orion said, turning away.
What's his problem? Karl thought.
"It has been decided. Lord Isaiah will visit you tomorrow at noon. Until then, I am to teach you etiquette and composure," Orion said.
"Who's Isaiah?" Karl asked.
Orion turned to look at him with disdain. "That's Lord Isaiah to you. He is the regent of this realm. The one with the most influence in all seven realms," Orion said, brimming with faint excitement.
And I'm expected to know him? Karl thought.
Orion after turning, caught sight of Karl's backside. "You have not yet worn your robes?" he said in disgust.
"You admire my nude?" Karl asked as he donned his robe.
"What nonsense," Orion said. "I will return later to take you around the Damocles."
"The Damocles?" Karl asked.
"This villa, I mean. It is your villa now."
"Very well, Orion. You may go." Karl walked Orion out of his room and closed the door behind him.
I understand now, Karl thought. They need something invaluable from me. I hope it is something I can give. If not, I am in trouble. That explains everything so far. And Isaiah will be the one to brief me? He had better not be as difficult as Orion.
He sat on a stool near the mirror and began eating grapes from the nearby table.
---
Regent Isaiah the Faithful stood in a grand hall with all the influential people of the realm. Generals Michael and Uriel. Arch-Celestial Gabriel the Holy. Arch-Celestial Jeremiah the Omniscient. Princess Hana. The Twenty-Four Elders. The Cherubim and Seraphim.
The Twenty-Four sat surrounding them, arranged at the elevated center of the hall, each on a separate seat according to their rank. At the highest elevation sat Isaiah and Princess Hana—the two most powerful people in the realm.
They had gathered to discuss Karl the Earthling.
"It was a mistake. If I had been there, I would not have let you do it," Gabriel said. "It is an insult to allow a mortal the luxury of our realm," he stressed.
"Quiet!" Michael said. "Do not dare question Lord Isaiah's decision. Have you no shame?"
"Lord Isaiah does not believe in the potency of your military power. Both you and Uriel are good for nothing."
"That is enough from you," Jeremiah said, pointing at Gabriel. "It is up to the Council of the Twenty-Four Elders, and finally Princess Hana, to decide. I myself propose we make him Vicario del Trono Vacante —giving him control of this realm."
"Jeremiah?! What has happened to your sanity?" Gabriel screamed in disgust, pointing back at Jeremiah.
Gasps erupted throughout the hall.
Isaiah smiled. "I second it," he said, standing up.
Princess Hana looked displeased, frowning. After sudden silence, then minutes of discussion among the elders, it was decided that Princess Hana would decide.
She looked at Isaiah sitting beside her. He paid her no attention.
"I agree," she said. "He is the Vicario del Trono Vacante as of today."
Boos erupted everywhere. The meeting had come to a conclusion.