Quoted By:
<span class="mu-g">”Bantam... I don't get it. Why did you let me kill you?”</span>
You slide over to the portrait of your contemporary. You were tempted, as many Supremes who defeat their predecessor thru dueling, to desecrate or even destroy his legacy- but tradition reviles such things. After all, each Supreme is part of the living tapestry of your people's history. It answers your question- the reason why Talacent is not clad in gold and diamonds in his portrait is because it is the <span class="mu-i">actions</span> of each Supreme Ruler that defines them, their rule, and how they remember. A painful lesson for yourself.
You are still early in your rule- each thing you've done, you've commemorated and rewarded yourself for. Your contemporaries and rivals in the intellectual sphere were cast down, your luxuries and rewards for your own enjoyment mounted higher and higher- only now finally realizing how hollow it truly is. Seeing those soldiers and flight-crews, the ones who you would have joined just a few short years ago, go off to their certain deaths for the future of your people... It was inspiring. And it made you feel like a fraud. You're supposed to be the Supreme Ruler, the greatest man of your people- the spitting image of nobility- not in wealth or riches, but in action and character in stride with your position. It is the Fisher King. It is the <span class="mu-i">Noblesse Oblige</span>. That is the sole deciding factor between the Hegemony's rulership- wealthy and nepotistic for sure, that separates you from the cosmopolitan and classless <span class="mu-i">Nouve Riche</span> of capitalist oligarchs. It is the wealth and status <span class="mu-i">with</span> the character. And as of yet, you have only had two of those all important three.
There was no reason for Bantam to have lost that duel with you. It is a statistical anomaly. You are a bit younger, yes, but nowhere near his level in skill or strength. You have always been slightly more talented in dueling then most, but Bantam was a specalized and savant. Not just with one weapon- but many- plus his ability to read people was second to none. He wouldn't have agreed to even duel with you if you knew you were going to go for his throat when you asked to spar with him- truthfully- you didn't even know yourself until that faithful moment.
Why did he hesitate? It is a mystery you may never find out. After all, he could have crushed you easily- even if he wanted to grant you mercy for daring to challenge him, which would already be far more then you deserve- you took that mercy and spit it back in his face. You feel the great weight of realization crushing you down as you look his portrait in the eye, and slice across it with your finger. Then, to your shock, a line of red begins to fall down the painted throat.
<span class="mu-g">”T-The Portrait!-!?”</span>
