Six days into my diet in the new year and already hating myself for it. I love watching those youtube videos where they say; "I don't see food as tasty or good. It's just fuel. Nothing more. You need to see it the same way."

Like, I get it and I get what they're saying and how it helps them stay away from food, but if you're asking me to remove tasty food from my life and just eat bland crap, or even stuff I don't like, just to ensure I don't eat as much, then isn't that just making the act of eating a miserable experience?

It's like saying the best way to do well in no nut November is to intentionally have bad sexthroughout the year so you actually don't enjoy it anymore and actively lost interest in it. Technically a viable option, but bloody insane.

Beta: College Fool

Cover Art: Dishwasher1910

Book 9: Chapter 28

"They're calling you `The Commoner King`," Weiss said. "Mistral's work."

"The Commoner King." I tasted the title and found it to my liking. "It has a nice ring to it."

The Mage snorted. "I thought you might enjoy that." Stood beside him, she helped adorn the over-large fur mantle on his shoulders while Pyrrha tried to figure out how the assortment of gilded chains, belts and buckles actually fit on my ensemble.

That I was being dressed by two women didn't bother me. Ren and I had long ago given up and sought aid, and despite the tuts and rolls of the eyes, the girls seemed no more certain of how to dress a King. Of course, they weren't willing to admit that and so had been working on him like children trying each piece in a jigsaw puzzle in the hopes it would fit.

"This doesn't make sense," Pyrrha huffed. "Why do you need so many accessories?"

"Apparently, it's tradition." I smiled as I heard the furious growl from the Champion. I wasn't smiling when she jabbed a pin into my side, trying to see if she couldn't just stick it to me instead of my outfit. "Ow. Pyrrha!"

"Stand still. I think I've got this."

"You've got me – argh!"

"No! Don't move!" Weiss slapped my shoulder and yanked the mantle tight. It was attached to the royal cape, which was a ridiculously large thing that trailed several feet behind me like a red wedding gown. It was a tripping hazard and everyone knew it, not to mention it weight so damn much. I could feel my shoulders aching at the thought. My spine was going to be ruined. Weiss snarled as she tried to fit it over my shoulders. "I almost have it. If you mess this up now, I swear I'll freeze it to your back and be done with it."

Like the marionette I was, I winced and kept still. I'd thought being forced to play dress up for my sisters was bad, but even the most feminine of dresses was comfier than this.

"How is Ruby doing?" I asked.

"You think this is bad, you should see her," Pyrrha replied. "It's taking Yang and Blake everything to hold her down, not to mention there's so much tulle Yang nearly suffocated in it. It's the mesh netting under the skirt," she explained at my confusion. "Petticoats." I was still none the wiser. "A skirt under a skirt," she finally said with a sigh.

"What's the point of that?"

"A question Ruby is asking most vehemently. If she tries to so much as jog, she's going to break her neck. Dainty steps only."

For someone like Ruby, that had to be torturous. I winced as Weiss tried to settle the mantle and the golden chain that connected shoulder to shoulder swept back, threatening to choke me. Growling, she dragged it back down and tried to find somewhere on my opulent blue tunic to affix it. I doubted I'd be doing much running in this either. Or swimming. I'd sink like a stone in all this.

I spared a glance for Ren, sat slumped over one of the nearby chairs, long having given up. His Passive kept him from feeling true frustration but didn't stop his muscles deciding enough was enough. He had a hundred little pinpricks over his hand from where he'd been trying to stick things to keep them in place. The ensemble was supposed to be put on me by an entire team of servants, and the Nobles had offered to see that done, but I, in my stubbornness, wanted some time with my friends.

If they were still going to be my friends after this.

"I have it!" Pyrrha crowed, stepping back.

My trousers fell to my ankles, gold buckles and all.

"I don't have it…"

Weiss dragged my head back up when I embarrassedly tried to stoop down and pull my hose up. Threats of decapitation were whispered in my ear if I dared waste another minute of her time. Pyrrha was too frustrated to be embarrassed and covered my modest herself, pulling the belt so my hips ached.

Outside the tall windows, the faint sounds of music could be heard. The coronation festival, with which Vale would usher in its new King and Queen. Though the ceremony itself would be indoors for the most part and attended by the nobility, the celebrations would be city-wide and span three full days. That seemed far too long for me with all the work that needed to be done, but Glynda said the people needed reason to feel happy. I couldn't argue with that.

"They're calling Ruby – ugh." Weiss draped herself over my shoulder, legs kicking behind, to work a hoop over a button and secure the mantle in place. "The Red Queen. I think he's trying to make her sound legitimate, but you not."

"Gabriel?" I asked.

"Hm. Ah!" Weiss found her loop and secured the mantle. It held, cloak and all, and she smiled tiredly. "Not that I think it'll work," she went on. "Commoner King has a nice ring to it, not to mention it fits you perfectly."

"Why does he think it would be bad?"

"Noble fallacy. You spend so long being told only a Noble Class can rule, and sooner or later you end up believing it."

"And Mistral is very traditional," Pyrrha said from my left hip. "Change doesn't come easy to them. Over there, the thought of you in command genuinely would be horrifying to many. The King likely doesn't realise the difference in cultures. He thinks a commoner can't rule."

"I don't think he's the only one," I muttered.

Weiss and Pyrrha didn't pay me any attention. I think they would have an hour ago when this all began, but after struggling with my outfit for so long, they wanted to burn me at the stake. Weiss hummed in that kind of voice that said she wanted to die, while Pyrrha's ever-polite smile had just a hint of steel to it. Finally, they had me dressed, if not comfortable. I reached under the cloak to try and loosen it a little.

Pyrrha's fingers caught my wrist and squeezed. "Please don't," she said nicely.

Very nicely.

I broke out in a nervous sweat.

Seeing that I wasn't going to ruin their work, Weiss sheathed Myrtenaster. I wasn't aware of when she'd drawn it or what she intended to do, but `regicide` seemed likely. "This," she said, "Was one of the worst experiences of my life. Please find maids or servants to do this for you in future. We should go see how Ruby is doing." Badly, her tone seemed to imply. "Will you and Ren be okay without us, or do you need more babysitting?"

I looked to Ren. He sighed heavily and sank further into the chair.

"I think we'll be okay."

/-/

The girls left – I briefly heard what sounded like Yang howling in fury before the door closed – and I waddled over like a stuffed animal to sit by Ren. My outfit creaked as I did and I stood ramrod straight again, terrified of having to call them back if it all fell apart.

"I don't envy you," Ren said.

"About what?" I asked. "The outfit, the marriage or the kingship?"

"All three." The Monk opened one eye and yawned, sitting up and stretching his arms over his head. I had the suspicion he'd been feigning sleep to get out of Weiss or Pyrrha asking him for help. Couldn't say I blamed him.

"What's the itinerary?"

"Parade first," Ren said, drawing out a parchment. "You'll be taken around Vale so the people can see you before you're coronated. There won't be any speeches at that point and you're expected not to make eye contact with, see or speak with Ruby."

"Isn't she on the parade with me?"

Ren looked fatly at me. "Yes."

"Well how's that going to work!?"

"It isn't." Another yawn. "I'm just telling you the rules. You're free to ignore them. I don't think anyone will care." He flipped over a page. "Once the parade does a full circle of Vale, you'll make your way back to the palace. There, you'll meet with the Royal Council in private while guests, nobles and people filter into the palace for the coronation itself. That's your chance to go over expectations, laws and the like."

"The council are the ones who make the decisions. Are they the power behind the throne?"

"The monarchy makes the decisions but they're usually based off what the council suggests," Ren said. "They're your eyes and ears among the city, and while I'm sure they do have a lot of power, the theory is that you can't be expected to deal with everything going on in the city so you delegate aspects to them. Many hands make light work."

I hummed noncommittally.

"You don't agree?" he asked.

"I just think there's more to it than that."

Ren paused. His eyes narrowed. "You're planning something."

"I'm what?" I asked innocently.

"You're planning something," he repeated. "And don't give me the innocent act. I know you well enough to see through it."

"I'm planning something," I admitted. "Do you trust me?"

"It'd be a little late to say no, wouldn't it? I trust you." He nodded seriously. "We've been through too much for me to do anything else. Will I need to bring my weapons?"

"You shouldn't…"

"Convincing." His tone said I was anything but. "I think I'll be sneaking them in. Do you want to fill me in, or is this something best kept hidden until the moment?"

I wasn't sure, and Ren had been with me so long that I wasn't sure I cared. Before Blake, before Ruby, before even the Guild, it had been me and Ren in the communal dorms together. I looked back on those times fondly and found myself talking before I knew it.

"They want me to be King, but they want me to be their King."

Ren listened.

"I've been thinking about it. Glynda wants the stability of Vale. Hazel is loyal to me for saving him and Ellayne, but aside from them and you guys, there's no one else on my side. The Nobles were awfully quick to put me forward for this, don't you think? Why not one of their own?"

"Didn't Glynda say it was because a Noble couldn't unify the people?"

"Exactly. Because it wouldn't work. Not because they thought I'd be best or because they wanted a change, but because this was the only option they had." I fixed Ren with a triumphant smile. "I'm the last resort. The lesser of all evils."

Ren was intelligent enough to figure it out. "They don't actually think you can rule." He recounted Weiss' words. "The Noble fallacy. They've spent too long thinking only they can rule, and you're no Noble." His brows drew down. "They're setting you up for failure. Isn't that treason? We could have them removed."

I was touched by Ren's immediate anger on my behalf, especially since I knew he couldn't feel it without pure logic dictating his actions. Looking into the mirror, I didn't think I looked very regal. The outfit was, but my face was small in its gargantuan fur, like a child wearing adult's clothing. The Nobles weren't wrong to doubt me. I had no experience, no background and no Skills that would help me.

"Doubt we'd find any evidence with which to do it. And I doubt they plan for me to fail – that'd be bad for Vale and them as well. They need me rule to be a good one. They just don't think I'll know how to do it."

"But they will. Prop you up, make the decisions for you and let you be the face of the monarchy…"

"While they're the power."

It wasn't a bad plan on their side, not even an overly cruel one. Nobles had always ruled, so why change a working formula? They likely thought they were doing me a favour by stepping in and taking things off my plate. The coronation was one such example. It had been arranged entirely without my consent, instruction or orders.

Glynda had likely handed it off to Nobles eager to get it done, not even seeing the problem. If they wanted to be helpful, so be it. She was a Hero. While she was trying her best to fill Ozpin's shoes, she was fumbling around in the dark just like I was, doing her best and missing things. It probably didn't even cross her mind that they might have ulterior motives for being so helpful.

"They don't want a King and Queen," Ren said. "They want puppets."

"And me, Ruby and Blake let ourselves be distracted by the marriage, by what's expected, by what we've been told is and isn't possible. This whole time, we've been dancing to their tune, thinking it's our responsibility to do this or Vale falls – but that's exactly what they want us to think. Why is it our responsibility? What should we feel that we have to sacrifice everything for it?"

"Because Heroes sacrifice," Ren said slowly. "Because that's how it's always been…"

"Yeah." I whipped my cloak behind me as the bells tolled in the distance. "And that changes today."

"What are you planning exactly?"

"Something stupid, no doubt. Stand with me?" I asked. "I'm going to have to look strong, but I'm not. I'm terrified. I feel like I'm going to collapse at any moment."

"Then I'll be there to catch you, my liege."

"None of that. Please. Not from you."

Ren chuckled. "As you wish, Jaune."

/-/

The Red Queen was The Sulking Queen.

Ruby wasn't so much a young woman in a dress as a woman hiding in a bush that was disguising itself as a dress. There were so many frills, puffy segments and sleeves that I could have taken my sword to her blindfolded and had a poor chance of striking the body. As anti-assassination technology, it was incredible. No one could tell where Ruby ended and the dress began.

She was a frumpy red dumpling sat atop a horse with a small head poking out the top.

"I feel like a clown," she hissed to me as we were helped up onto our horses. We had to be, because moving in these outfits was much too hard.

"You… uh…" I tried to think of something. "Look nice?"

Naïve as she could be, Ruby wasn't an idiot. Her face flushed and she sank into the saddle, muttering about how she apparently looked like a clown as well. I chuckled, already aware that I'd broken my marriage vows by seeking her out before the ceremony. What a scandal it might have been if the coronation wasn't here to distract from it.

"Are you ready?" I asked.

"No. Are you?"

"No," I admitted. "I guess that puts us in good company."

The Royal Guard took up their positions ahead of the procession while the Guild got to ride behind, each dressed in their finest but still more natural outfits. Weiss sat prim and proper atop her dappled mare, while Yang proudly watched Ruby and winked his way when she caught him looking. Ren looked tense, knowing I was up to something, and Nora was shooting him a suspicious look, always aware when something was wrong with her companion. Of Blake there was no sign, but that was expected. An Assassin couldn't ride with us. It wouldn't send the right message.

Ruby leaned over to touch my hand. "She had a message for you. One she wanted me to deliver."

I hummed.

"She said that sometimes you have to choose your battles. And not to fight a last stand that isn't going to help win the war, just because you think it's the right thing to do. Some battles are best let go." Ruby trailed off, unsure what it meant but reading the mood easily enough. "That's it."

My lips dragged down. My hands tightened on the reins.

"We'll see," I said. "We'll see."

The grand bell atop the palace sounded out three times, and while I'd have liked to say Ruby and I rode out confidently, that wasn't the case. The Royal Guard at the head rode first and Faith followed, hemmed in on all sides and not being able to do much else. She tossed her head, sensing my apprehension. Ruby's own mare looked skittish in comparison to how it normally was, and Ruby's attempts to stroke its neck seemed more for her comfort than its.

The people had been pushed to the sides of the main road. They numbered in their thousands, so many so that I was surprised. I'd thought more had died. Then I cursed myself and tried to hide my guilt. These were the ones who had been sent away. The ones who had been able to pass through the portals to Atlas and avoid the bloodshed. They knew of it, but only in muted and distant terms. They cheered and tossed flower petals in our path in what was a reminder of my first steps on the path to Beacon.

I waved back to them, smiling as best I could. Even if I didn't feel it, I didn't want to come across uncaring or harsh. I was the Commoner King after all. I was one of them. If I could have, I'd have been down there with them.

Ruby took inspiration and waved as well, smiling a huge smile full of teeth that must have had everyone in awe of her friendly nature. Only I could see how overly wide it was. The dress did a marvellous job of hiding how tense she must have been.

The parade lasted for all of an hour and a half, and we passed through numerous streets. It would have been longer if not for the invasion. The population had been gutted so much that it took a fraction of what it likely had for King Galan, and soon enough we found our path winding back to the palace, to the coronation and to the council that stood behind the King and Queen. Raucous cheers continued behind as our procession stepped through the gates.

The Royal Guard dismounted and hurried to aid us. Ren and Yang made it there first, Ren helping me down while Yang did her sister. The guards didn't look too troubled by it. They'd become used to the concept rather quickly – a good sign, I hoped. It was probably a relief for them that me and Ruby could look after ourselves.

Glynda met us inside. "King Jaune." She bowed. "And Queen Ruby."

"Not King and Queen yet," I pointed out.

"I may as well get into practice, your majesties. The Council has been summoned and arrayed to meet you. We need only a single of you…"

"Not both?"

"The King or Queen has the right to make the decisions, but both aren't needed at all times. It was always Galan before since the Queen died. Given Miss Ro – Queen Ruby's low Resilience score, I thought it safer if you handled this. Please forgive any insult."

"It's not an insult if it's true," Ruby said. "Am I always going to be the weak link?"

"If you'll forgive me saying it. Yes."

Ruby looked down. Yang gripped her shoulder and stepped up behind to offer silent support, but that was all it could be. We all knew why. Ruby's Class would forever make her susceptible to the Noble Caste, and whatever I said to them, they might go around me and ask Ruby instead like a naughty child asking mom if dad said no. It was best I go alone.

"I want Ruby there."

Of everyone, Ruby looked the most surprised. "Jaune?"

"We're both meeting the Council," I said. "Ren and Yang, too. Are you part of it, Miss Goodwitch?"

"An honorary member, but not official. I act as a representative of the Heroes and Beacon." Bowing, she stepped back, "If you like, I'll escort the four of you there. I believe Hazel has roles for everyone else at the ceremony. You're all being honoured, so you'll be bodyguards, persons of interest of have high positions in the ceremony. Please let him escort and instruct you on that."

Hazel stepped forth and Nora, Weiss and Pyrrha moved over to him.

Glynda led the four of us deeper into the palace.

"This Council," I said. "Ren was telling me about it earlier. It's to represent the interests of the city. How does that work?"

"Each member of the council has a certain responsibility that they are to keep track of," Glynda explained. "That can be keeping track of food and supplies in the city, troops and military numbers, relations between nobles, the state of trade and such. The councilmembers job is to keep abreast of goings-on in those areas and report them to you. If there are any problems or issues they think you should take notice of, they'll let you know and offer advice."

"And do they know what's best?"

"They're supposed to. Someone who spends all their time dealing with trade is going to know more about it than you do."

"You're the expert on Beacon for example," I said. "So, if you come to us with an issue on Beacon and how to fix it, no one would know better than you, right?"

"Yes. That's correct."

"I thought so." I looked ahead, shoulders firm. "Tell me something, is it only Noble Caste on the Council?"

"Aside from myself, yes. Why?"

"No reason," I said. "I just wanted to know."

Beside me, I heard Ren muffle a snort.

/-/

"Rise for the King and Queen of Vale."

"Long live the King. Love live the Queen."

The members of the council, eight in all, stood around a long table with two ceremonial chairs at the head. They were a mix of sexes, ages and colours, but all were Nobles. I counted Duke, Baron, Count and even Scholar among their number. Each was dressed in their finest, jewellery and accessories on display. They were well-fed, healthy and unblemished by the war that had wracked the city.

Sitting in the seat Glynda subtly nodded to, I let Ruby take the one next to me. There was no material difference between them, but the way Glynda made it clear I should take the one on the left suggested there was a tradition to it I hadn't been forewarned of. Accident, or an attempt on their part to mock me? From their smiles, I knew I'd never know.

Introductions ran quickly, with each member of the council rising to introduce himself and what he or she was responsible for. Duke Valen oversaw trade, relations with the merchants and the management of tariffs and exports. Count Raynard looked after the city's garrison and dealt with supplies of weaponry, equipment and other supplies necessary for Vale's military, both its army and the city guards. Baroness Eleanor stood in charge of the census, tax and financial administration, the coin purse of the Kingdom.

There were more. Names that I gave up trying to memorise. Food and farmers. Construction and housing. Laws and disputes, and even one who represented the industrial aspect of the Kingdom, from craftsmen to lumberjacks, miners and more. They listed their responsibilities and what that meant, making sure to rattle off a long list that I suspected was meant to overwhelm me.

"We've worked to keep the country running since the late King's death," one of them said. "Such has not been easy, but we must all rise to the challenge when it comes. We've already taken care of a number of issues to save you and your betrothed time and energy to focus on other matters."

Ruby looked confused, but pleased. Yang was neutral. Ren was anything but, watching with narrowed eyes.

"That's kind of you," I said carefully. "And when might we be made aware of these issues you've dealt with?"

The Nobles exchanged confused looks. The one who had spoken before remained standing, "My liege? We've already dealt with them. There's no need to trouble yourself further-"

"It's no trouble, Viscount Albert." I hadn't remembered his name but it floated conveniently above his head, along with his Class. "I am to be sworn in as King, and Ruby as Queen. While I'm sure the Council has dealt with things in our absence, it's not right to leave everything on your plates."

"It's no heavy duty, my liege. We've been assisting King Galan for over a decade now-"

"I'm not King Galan."

"Jau – My King," Glynda amended, leaning in but whispering loudly enough for all to hear. "Is this necessary? The coronation is soon and we can have a bigger meeting on what's been missed after that is over."

The Nobles nodded quickly.

They jumped as the door opened, but relaxed when Hazel Rainart entered, carrying with him a parchment and with Ellayne following behind. She winked my way. No one paid attention, especially as Hazel stepped forward and handed me the documents. "As you requested, my liege. I apologise for the time it took me to gather them, but these are the latest laws passed."

"No problem, Hazel. And thank you for doing so." I opened them and tilted it so that Ruby could see when she leaned over to look. This was as much hers to look at as mine. Everyone else waited curiously, unsure what it meant. Glynda opened her mouth to hurry us on.

Ruby gasped. "The alliance with Atlas has been annulled!?"

Glynda's mouth fell open. "What!?" she hissed, rounding on the council. Her face was redder than I'd ever seen it before, her teeth bared and eyes flashing. "Atlas fought beside us. Ironwood died for us. What is the meaning of this!?"

The council shifted.

"I'd see the question answered," I said carefully.

"My King." The man who rose was either brave, foolish or forced into it. "Vale has just survived an invasion by Salem. Our numbers are low, our people battered and in need of time to recover. We can't support a defensive alliance at a time like this. Doing so might drag us into a conflict we're not ready for."

"What conflict?" I asked. When they didn't answer, I sighed. "Mistral. They're still healthy and Atlas is without an Archmage to rule. They see this as an opportunity, don't they? Swallow up Vale and then do the same to Atlas. Why did I assume it'd only be us?"

"Is this true?" Ruby demanded.

The Council nodded.

"Preposterous!" Glynda roared, slamming her hands down and surging to her feet. "Atlas stood beside us against Salem. We are allies bound by blood and death. To cancel that… Are you even aware of the message that sends? Our reputation will be ruined!"

"Only with Atlas," a Duke said. "This will go some way to repairing our relationship with Mistral."

"Which will flex its power on Atlas," I concluded. "You're as good as giving them free rein to absorb Atlas into its empire on the promise it'll leave us alone." I tore the document to shreds. "This decision is retracted. The alliance stands."

"You can't!" someone yelled.

"I can't…?"

"I… well…" The noble's face was flushed, "You can, my liege. You are the ruler of Vale. But the missive making our intentions clear has already been sent both to Atlas and to Mistral. If we were to change that now, we would appear indecisive. Weak. Given the circumstances, I'm not sure the Kingdom can handle that. Think of the people, sire. Think of them."

I leaned back in my chair. "I am thinking of them and appearing weak is something we can deal with. I'm used to it." I looked to Hazel. "See the alliance made strong. Assure Atlas that if anything happens, Vale stands with them - and make sure Gabriel knows that as well." I placed emphasis on his name instead of his title.

Hazel smiled and bowed his head. "As my lord commands."

"You'll drag us into another war!"

"Mistral won't attack." It was Yang who spoke, voice even. "They don't have the numbers and the three Kingdoms are united. They attack now, and they run into us, Atlas and Vacuo all at once. No way they survive."

"What would you know of that?" A Count demanded, slamming his fist on the table. "What would a whip of a girl know of military strategy, logistics and the implications of it? You're a Hero. You know nothing of war."

"What would a `Count` know of it?" Yang shot back.

"Miss Xiao-Long," Glynda hissed.

"No." I laid a hand on Glynda's arm to stop her. I was smiling. "I think Yang's question has merit. What would a Count know of war? Yang is a Hero, but you're a Noble. What makes you more qualified to advise me than, say, the highest-ranking member of the Soldier Caste?"

The Count spluttered until his face was red. "M-My family has served for generations!"

"I'm not hearing a good reason there."

"A Soldier does not make a good political leader! They're better suited to the minute details. Marching, battle strategy and fighting on the field." The Count gesticulated wildly. "You can't expect them to make decisions on a national scale."

"I don't see why not," Ruby said. "They'd know more about it than you, right?"

"It's just not possible!"

"Why?" I asked.

"Because… Because they're Soldier Caste!" he finally cried out, throwing his arms in the air. "What good are they off the battlefield? They can kill people all well and good, but they can't decide things. That's where we come in." He laughed, holding a hand to his chest. "We're Noble Caste. We're supposed to be the ones calling the targets. What would a Soldier Caste know of conducting a war?"

At last, the reason came out. Class. Caste. The same excuses as ever. The guards in the room shifted in their armour. Breaths were released, not all as calm as they might otherwise have liked. That they stayed still was a sign of their discipline, but everything said here would spread to the barracks tonight. This noble had just called out an entire Caste as incompetent. Unworthy.

Good.

"What would a Noble who has never fought a battle in his life know of what a soldier goes through?" I asked him. "How can you claim to represent the military when you've never served a day in it?" I watched as the man floundered. Everyone else at the table was silent. "And you," I said, pointing. "Scribe Anders."

"Y-Yes, my liege?"

"You're in charge of supplies and food, yes? When was the last time you personally went and checked on the farms?"

"I… I wouldn't know, my liege. I have attendants who do that for me."

"So, what exactly is it that you do?"

"I collate information, record it and bring it to the council. I liaise with those in the industry to bring the most up to date and necessary news possible."

That was a fancy way of saying he was a messenger. "Have you ever worked in a field?"

"No."

"Have you ever spoken to a Farmer?"

"O-Once or twice, when issues arise."

"Food and stockpiling are Labour Caste issues, aren't they?"

"Yes," the man said miserably.

"You can't put someone from the Labour Caste on the Royal Council!" the Baroness shouted, guessing my angle. "The people will never stand for it!"

"Why not?" I asked calmly. "They're willing to accept one on the throne."

"The Noble Caste has always commanded-"

"But it won't now, will it?" I said. "Because you've put a commoner on the throne, so the Noble Caste will no longer rule."

I watched as their silence damned them. Nervous gazes were exchanged. I wasn't supposed to be doing this. I wasn't supposed to change things or rock the boat. I was supposed to be soft and pliant, eager to serve my Kingdom and willing to sacrifice whatever I had to for the people. I was meant to be the perfect heroic victim for them to parade as their new mouthpiece. And I wasn't. I was nothing of the sort.

"There are going to be changes. Some of you may well keep your positions, especially in areas other Castes can't do as well like finance and diplomacy. But farming, crafting, military and keeping the peace? Those aren't issues any of you have ever worked in. We need a farmer on this council. A soldier. Heroes. Someone from the merchants. Representatives chosen from among them who work day-to-day with the very issues you're dealing with. That way, they'll know first hand the problems that need dealing with immediately."

"You cannot do this!"

"I think I can. I'm King after all."

"You've not been coronated yet," a Duke said calmly. "There is still time for us to revoke the selection if it is for the betterment of the people."

"I think you'll find there was time," I said. "Ellayne?"

"Sir!" Ellayne said proudly, saluting me. "The Royal Guard have surrounded the Council Chambers. All routes in and out have been blocked. All spies have been rounded up and taken into custody." The nobles paled, suddenly looking to the guards and noting their positions at doors and windows. "No one is getting in or out without your say so. Just as you ordered."

"Good work, Ellayne. I knew I could trust you."

The Royal Council looked horrified.

"Mr Arc," Glynda wheezed, shocked. "What are you doing?"

"Showing we won't be controlled." I looked to Ruby and asked silently for trust. I needn't have. Ruby was glaring at the council, already decided against them since they turned on Atlas. "The Nobles don't want a King and Queen. They want puppets. Easily controlled idiots who will smile and wave for the common folk while they make the decisions. We're not that. We bled for Vale, risked our lives for Vale and killed for it. I'll be damned if we then let it be run by those who ran away and hid."

"You don't know anything about ruling!" someone said. "You need us."

"I didn't know anything about being a Hero. I managed. And I'm sure King Galan had to start somewhere as well. I'll learn." I looked to Ruby. "We'll learn. And it'll be with the help of people loyal to us, not to themselves. I'm sure there will be plenty of noble willing to offer their expertise if I pay them fairly. Hoarding power like this helps no one. Ellayne. Keep the council locked here until the coronation is over."

They gasped, realising my plan. Once we were coronated, there was nothing they could do.

"They won't leave the room." Ellayne promised.

"You're insane," a defeated noble said, slipping back into his seat. "You're a madman. A despot. You'll take Vale and grind it into the dust."

"Letting Mistral take Atlas would do the same," Ren said. "Or do you think they won't come for us next?"

"Not in our lifetime," Yang said. "I guess that's all they care about. Vale gets fucked in the future, but so long as they're safe, it's nothing to worry about. Someone else's problem, right?" The Brawler spat on the chamber floor. "I'd rather take my chances with a Farmer deciding my fate."

Not just a Farmer, I thought. The Council would be remade. Someone for every role I needed. Labour Caste for issues involving the Labour Caste. Soldier Caste for them. Hero Caste for themselves. Of course, that would still mean having nobles on the council and I expected them to hate and be a thorn in our sides, but if that was what it took, so be it.

"You're trying to change centuries of work in a day!" a noble shouted. "You're as bad as Lisa Lavender, as bad as the New Dawn. Idealism is all well and good, but this is the way things have been for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The nobles rule; the commoners follow. It's a tried and tested method. It's how the world has always been."

"Then perhaps it's time for change. Ruby. Do you agree?"

"I do."

"Ren, Yang?"

Yang grunted and Ren nodded his head, arms crossed.

"Glynda…?"

Glynda Goodwitch sat with a hand over her face, too shocked to react and likely appalled at what was going on before her eyes. Even so, she answered, closing her eyes and saying, "Ozpin believed in you. I shall as well. Do what you think is best."

"This is the end of Vale," a noblewoman moaned. "The death of an era."

"No," I replied. "It's the birth of one."

Does this make Jaune a despot? Eh. In a sense. He's a despot for trying to force more democracy on them, but then that's the thing about change I suppose. The most conservative of people now would be considered dangerous radicals in medieval times.

I expect that when the US broke for independence and when the UK had its civil war to form parliament, that they were spoken to in similar terms. "This isn't how it's always been done. This is different. You'll ruin everything."

If we think politics is insane now, imagine how mad it must have been at one of those crossing points – like when the whole notion of feudal medieval society shifted toward the renaissance. Now that must have been hectic.

Next Chapter: 13th January

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