8.

"…I am quite confident that we have been had! The Mushroom Times has questioned the integrity of the so-called Super Mario Brothers! We have one brother who seeks to further a relationship with the Sarasalandi Crown Princess and another who pursued our own Crown Princess! I do not need the Mushroom Times to tell me these two brothers are scoundrels! Now, my friends from the Liberal Party are here, and I can see that you are all eager to debate, so let us debate the actions of the Super Mario Brothers ever since they first made themselves known! I say yes! Let us debate this all day and all night!"

Percival Butler, Baron of Rose Town and Senator of the Mushroom Kingdom, 1901

Waking with a grunt of discontent, Mario squinted against the faint rays of sunlight that pierced his closed eyes. The strange, comfortable bed enveloped him, leaving him feeling like he had slept on a cloud. Groaning softly, Mario had to admit that perhaps being in the Empire's capital wasn't so bad after all. Groggily, he opened his eyes and blinked away the last remnants of sleep as he processed what he had thought. Sitting upright, he stretched and yawned before taking in the room, still confused.

No one seemed ready to try and cut his throat while he had slept. Mario gazed around the room before he got up from the bed and padded toward the window. Throwing open the curtains, he stared out at the city itself and frowned. Snorting in derision, Mario gathered a towel and marched towards the bathroom. He rubbed absently at the base of his neck, wondering idly if he slept at an odd angle.

Stepping into the shower, Mario sighed, feeling the warm water loosening his neck muscles. Last night's meeting with the Emperor left him uneasy. The apparent lack of outrage from Bowser confused him. Stepping under the water to rinse off the soap, Mario frowned. Bowser had wanted him to run the Empire? It didn't make sense. None of it did. Why did he feel like this was a betrayal of his conscience? Bowser's lack of an outburst disturbed him. Everything was wrong.

Turning off the shower, Mario stepped out and began drying himself off. Stepping out into the room with the towel wrapped around his waist, his gaze fell onto the neatly folded pile of clothes. The fact that they had his measurements still baffled him. But then… if the Empire had anything similar to the Tattlers' Guilds that dotted the Mushroom Kingdom? It really shouldn't have been such a big deal. The corners of his mouth twitched; he was pretty sure, and quite ready to bet the last of his money, that the Guilds would have been willing to kill for the opportunity he was given.

Lacing up the boots laid out, Mario tapped them against the tile and gave a low whistle at the comfortable fit. The Tattlers would definitely be able to revolutionize the Mushroom Kingdom's knowledge of the Empire. Mario sighed as he stood up and gazed once more out the window. In truth… he had to admit that Bowser wasn't wrong about the opportunity. He could learn about the Empire in a way that the Mushroom Kingdom really could use…

'Couldn't you also learn more by steering the Empire as the Chancellor?' A voice asked him.

Mario shook his head; that voice sounded like Luigi, 'Yeah… I could. But how many lives would I ruin in the process?'

Running a hand through his hair and sweeping it back, Mario sighed. He snatched his cap off the nightstand and firmly placed it on his head before leaving the room. In the hallway, the plumber walked momentarily before coming to a halt. He had no idea where to go. And it just happened to be his rotten luck that no one was present in the hallway that he could ask. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he could only give an irritated sigh.

"Lost, are we?" A familiar voice called out. Mario spun on his heel, fists raised, only to find Kamek hobbling toward him with a small smile. The wizard's smile only widened as he raised his hands in a conciliatory gesture, "I apologize… I didn't mean to startle you."

Mario only snorted while shaking his head, "No harm done. You guys didn't slit my throat in my sleep, so… I guess I can handle a jump scare or two." He said with a shrug, "I'll admit, His Archmagnificency wasn't kidding about the unique opportunity here. Can't say I ever expected this…"

Kamek tilted his head fractionally, "Oh? You expected all of Imperial society to live on sulfur and brimstone?" He asked with a pleasant smile, "Come now… you're smarter than that…"

Recognizing the chiding, Mario rubbed the back of his neck with a small smile. "Seems I have a lot to learn," he admitted.

Kamek only nodded, "That makes two of us." The wizard's smile turned downward, "I believe I underestimated you, of all people."

The plumber raised his eyebrows, "In what way?"

Rather than answer, Kamek only gestured, and Mario found himself walking beside the wizard. Mario wondered what was going through Kamek's head, especially as they stepped onto an elevator and stood silently. Apparently, this was a conversation that needed discretion. After a tense minute, the doors dinged the elevator's arrival at its destination, and the two stepped out into a familiar hallway. But rather than lead him to the grand hall, Kamek walked down a corridor to a quaint office. Mario raised an eyebrow as the wizard stepped inside, and the plumber followed into a room filled with exotic books.

Glancing around, Mario had to admire the collection of books, and the scattered notes on Kamek's desk made his stomach knot up in discomfort. If those notes were right… Kamek was making research notes on Bowser's condition. Mario sighed as he sat down and frowned, "Gotta admit… I think my brother would be jealous of all these books." He shrugged.

"Oh? Perhaps I should extend an invitation to him next?" Kamek asked with a tilt of the head. The wizard only smiled, "Returning to our earlier discussion, though, I half expected you to leap at His Majesty's opportunity." Kamek leaned forward with a solemn expression on his face, "You have to understand, Mario. I've raised His Majesty since he was a child. In many ways, Emperor Bowser is very much like my son."

Mario tilted his head to the side. Well… that was nice of the old man to confirm one rumor that Mario and Luigi had debated. Still, Kamek's assumption that Mario would have leaped at the chance to become the Imperial Chancellor baffled the plumber. Glancing at Kamek, Mario only sighed, "Perhaps if I had an inkling of Luigi's political talents, I'd have accepted." He then frowned, "But… I'm not Luigi. And you're asking for a miracle."

Kamek nodded, "We are." He conceded, "The Emperor and I debated this very topic when he presented it to me five months ago."

Mario frowned, "Five months? You said he had been like this for six months."

"Oh, that is true." The wizard affirmed, "Oh… how did he put it? It took him one month to realize he needed your help." Kamek's face softened, "It took him five months to convince me. That was when I decided to enlist Commodore Vossak and Commander Fontiere." Kamek shrugged, "If I'm being honest, had he suggested your brother, then the Emperor wouldn't have had to work nearly as hard to convince me."

Mario snorted, "I doubt he would have bothered to listen to Vossak and Fontiere."

The wizard smiled, "So… why did you come along?"

It was worth consideration. Why did he come to this city? Mario crossed his arms and hummed in thought, "To be honest… I don't really know myself." He admitted with a cavalier shrug, "At least… not one I can say I understand. Not right now, anyway. Maybe it was curiosity. When Smithy invaded… Bowser didn't really ask me for help—it was more like he invited himself to join me."

Kamek let out an amused chuckle, "Ah yes… I believe he granted you, Prince Mallow, and the doll the ranks of honorary members of the Koopa Troop."

Mario snorted. It was perhaps for the best that King Russet never found out that little detail. He shook his head in amusement, "Leave it to His Archmagnificency to find a way to make it more tolerable for him."

A faint buzz rang from Kamek's desk, and the wizard looked momentarily surprised. He tapped a switch and leaned forward. "Yes?" he asked. The room fell silent as Mario watched Kamek intently. The wizard's gaze shifted to Mario, Kamek's eyes narrowed, and Mario felt he was being x-rayed. Then Kamek turned to his intercom, "Please, send her in." Leaning back, Kamek smiled faintly, "I believe His Majesty said this was an opportunity for you, yes?"

Mario arched an eyebrow, "Yes…" He said skeptically.

Kamek smiled and stood up. "Well then…" he began while hobbling toward the door. "I trust you'll indulge an old man. Allow me to introduce you to one of our esteemed nobles…"

Belle stifled a yawn, adjusting the cap to shield her eyes from the evil morning sun. Shore leave always made getting up particularly early in the mornings challenging, to say nothing of having to wear her uniform while on leave. But this wasn't for her convenience; glancing to her side, Lucinia proudly wore her uniform. Lucinia looked like an odd mixture of nervous and eager, which made the corners of Belle's mouth slightly turn upward. If Lucinia had been right last night, this was a big move for her.

"So… what's the name of Her Excellency's ship, Luce?" Belle asked into the morning silence.

"The Countess called the ship the Sugar Rush," Lucinia replied, her eyes tracing the skies above.

"So… is she an Imperial Countess or some ambassador from the Waffle Kingdom?" Belle asked with a slight tilt of her head.

Lucinia snorted and adjusted her cap, "Behave." She grinned.

"Don't I always?" Belle rolled her eyes.

The lieutenant only smirked, "Not always." She pointed out.

Belle raised her eyebrows before immediately gazing skyward at the sound of an engine's whine growing louder. If she was gauging it right, that was probably one of the finest Imperial sky yachts approaching. The ship moved with a deceptive elegance, but the style of the ship definitely was indicative of the preference of the wealthy elite. If the tension lines on Lucinia's face were any indication, this was indeed the Sugar Rush. As the ramp lowered, Lucinia stepped forward, and Belle subsequently adjusted her stride to keep pace.

Marching down the ramp were a pair of goombas and koopas dressed in black uniforms with silver trim. Those were definitely the uniforms of the Crestwood Guard. Belle's eyes widened fractionally as a woman with deep red hair stepped down the ramp. What struck Belle as odd was that this woman carried herself more like a captain surveying her crew, not a noblewoman. The woman's ruby-red eyes scanned the area, and Belle frowned slightly. This woman… she had seen her somewhere before, but where?

Belle and Lucinia snapped to attention, though to Belle's chagrin, her snap was a fraction slower. If the woman took offense, she certainly didn't show it. Instead, she placed her hands on her hips and smiled, "Well, well, Lieutenant Porter, this must be Lieuten—Oh, my word! I'm so sorry, Lieutenant-Commander Fontiere!" She corrected herself midsentence. "I'm very honored to meet you. I'm sure the Lieutenant told you I'm Countess Alina Trenero of Crestwood?"

"U-um… yes, Your Excellency." Belle stammered out, "Welcome to Caldera!"

Trenero scrunched up her nose. "Oh, please… Alina will do." She smiled. "I'm sure you won't object to me calling you Belle while it's just this casual gathering." She huffed and shook her head, "Appearances can be so exhausting…"

Belle's eyes narrowed at Lucinia, who seemed to struggle not to laugh. Belle only shook her head as she turned back to Trenero, "By all means, ma'am." She said with a nod.

Trenero smiled and clapped her hands together, "Fantastic! Unfortunately, I have some business with the First Minister." She shook her head and huffed in exasperation. Then she brightened as if an idea struck her, "Oh! I know! How would you two like to join me? After all, it would be a good experience to meet the man with unrestricted access to the Emperor."

Lucinia's eyes widened while Belle turned to face the Citadel, hiding a smirk. If only she knew that Belle had already met with Kamek. Lucinia nodded eagerly, "Yes, please!" She exclaimed.

The Countess smiled and clapped her hands again, "It's settled! We'll go see the First Minister, and then we'll eat aboard my ship." She grinned, "Trust me, you haven't lived until you've had Dijon's cooking!"

The guards stepped forward to flank them while Belle kept stride with Lucinia. Despite the easy-going nature of the Countess, Belle was still working out where she had seen the woman before. Her clothes certainly seemed less flashy than anything a noblewoman would wear. In Belle's opinion, they were more modest than even the gowns that Princess Peach was photographed wearing. Shoving that thought to the side, Belle focused on Lucinia, who seemed to look like she was contemplating something.

"Thanks for inviting me, babe," Belle whispered to her.

Lucinia smirked, "I seem to remember you inviting yourself." She retorted playfully. "No, seriously… thank you for coming with me."

Belle turned her attention to Trenero's back, "She's not at all like I expected…"

The two officers removed their caps as they entered the halls of the Citadel. The Countess approached a desk where a young koopa woman sat looking attentive. Whatever conversation was being had was inaudible from this far away, and Belle didn't want to give off the impression that she was trying to eavesdrop. Yet, she couldn't help but find herself trying to figure out where she had seen this woman before. Lucinia nudged her, and Belle turned to her.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Lucinia asked.

"I just… I can't help but think I've seen the Countess somewhere." Belle frowned as she tucked her cap beneath her arm.

Lucinia smiled, "She's basically the Imperial Council's representative to the Imperial Shipping Guild. You might have seen her in passing whenever some big trade deal has been announced." She explained, "Or… how much do you get while on patrol with Vossak?"

Belle rolled her eyes, "Far more than most expect." She smiled faintly. "Maybe I'm overthinking this."

"Belle Fontiere, overthinking? Perish the thought!" Lucinia gasped in mock horror.

Belle realized that the snort was definitely not the conduct of an officer and definitely not the conduct of a lady. One of the Countess' guards glanced up at her. Feeling her cheeks warming, Belle cleared her throat and turned her attention back to Trenero, who straightened up. The noblewoman turned and smiled happily, "Great news! The First Minister is in his office!"

Following the Countess, Belle couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu, though there wouldn't be a promotion on the other end of this trek this time. She followed silently as they approached the familiar door, and Trenero wrapped her knuckles against it. The door swung open as if on command, and Kamek approached wearing that familiar smile he wore upon their first meeting.

"Lady Trenero!" He exclaimed happily, "I'm so glad to see you again!" He leaned over, and his eyes widened slightly, "Commander Fontiere! I wasn't expecting to see you so soon! I trust that Commodore Vossak isn't looking to go back on duty so soon?"

Belle smiled faintly, "No, my lord. I'm just accompanying Lieutenant Porter today."

Kamek clucked his tongue and turned to look at Lucinia, who gulped nervously. But what unnerved Belle was the look she was receiving from the Countess. Great… she hadn't wanted to take the Countess' attention away from Lucinia, yet it seemed like it would happen whether she liked it or not. Kamek only smiled, "Lieutenant Porter, I must admit I've read only a few reports from Coldvein Academy, but what I've read is very impressive."

That seemed to snap Lucinia out of her stupor: "Thank you, Your Excellency. The biggest hurdle has been breaking down old notions of aristocratic superiority and getting the cadets to think less as individuals but as whole units."

Kamek only chuckled, "Yes, indeed. That was always a struggle during my days as a cadet." He smiled faintly before looking at the Countess, "Ah right, I forgot to mention that Lieutenant Commander Fontiere was involved in a highly sensitive mission to retrieve a valuable asset for the Empire." Then his eyes widened fractionally, "But, I forget my manners. Please, come in; there's someone I wanted you to meet."

Belle's eyes narrowed at that. Someone he wanted to introduce the Countess to…? He couldn't mean…? Surely not…! The three women followed Kamek into his office, and Lucinia stiffened at the sight of the man seated across from Kamek's desk. Mario looked up in surprise and then frowned at Kamek. Evidently, this meeting was a surprise for him, too; Belle looked at Lucinia, who seemed to be contemplating running out of the room. Belle could hardly blame her. What the hell was the old man thinking?

"Well…" Trenero began amicably, "You certainly know how to make things interesting, First Minister." She commented as if commenting on the weather, "Mario Segale, I presume?"

Kamek looked at Mario, "You already know Commander Fontiere, but let me introduce you to Countess Alina Trenero of Crestwood and Lieutenant Lucinia Porter of Coldvein Academy." He said with a polite smile. "I'd like to introduce Mario Segale of the Mushroom Kingdom."

Kamek and Trenero hadn't noticed it, but Belle had. Lucinia was desperately trying not to hyperventilate, as her eyes were trying to measure the distance between Mario and any avenue of escape. However, in embarrassment, Mario only waved a hand, "Um… hi?"

It seemed to break the spell on Lucinia, but Belle was decidedly not a fan of how Lucinia was shaking as she cautiously stepped forward, "Um… sir? M-may I ask…?" She began, trailing off in uncertainty.

"What Mario's doing here?" Kamek asked politely. "Well, His Majesty needs Mario's help with a nasty bit of business, and… well, we're just trying to figure out how to proceed with that solution."

What surprised Belle most was the dirty look that Mario threw at Kamek. Whatever this problem was, it was the first that Mario had been made aware of it. Moving closer to Lucinia, Belle watched as Trenero stepped forward, "Maybe I can assist him, Your Excellency?" She asked with a polite tilt of her head. "Assuming that this isn't something that needs to be kept secret. And, of course, assuming Mister Segale wouldn't mind joining us for brunch?"

Kamek hummed thoughtfully as he leaned forward and eyed Belle and Lucinia speculatively. If she were being honest, Belle had to admit that she wanted to know what the Emperor had wanted Mario for, but she was also conscious of the fact that Lucinia seemed more hesitant to be on a ship with the plumber. To her mild surprise, however, Mario also looked alarmed by Kamek's contemplation. Kamek nodded idly, "Yes…" He raised a forefinger, "However, I must ask that all three of you keep this between yourselves. It is a matter of state security, after all. Not even the Ministry of State Security is aware of it…"

Belle and Lucinia turned to look at each other in surprise, and Trenero even raised a polite eyebrow at that information. Mario, however, seemed to shake his head, "I appreciate the offer for a meal, my lady, but… I'd rather not impose on you." He interjected, his tone polite.

In any other circumstance, Belle would have been highly amused by Lucinia's open-mouthed reaction to Mario's statement. Now? There wasn't anything humorous in it. If they had not been in a formal environment, Belle would have pulled her aside and worked to calm her down. Trenero only shook her head, "It wouldn't be an imposition." She said firmly, "Besides, Dijon loves to cook. Surely you wouldn't deny my chef a chance to show off his skills?"

Before Mario could speak, Kamek clapped his hands approvingly, "Trust me, Mario." He said with a smile. "Her chef's cooking is to die for! Don't deny the lady a chance to show you Imperial hospitality!"

Mario's lips tightened, and Belle could practically hear the gears turning in his head as he searched for an excuse for any reason to say no. Idly, she wondered if he had noticed Lucinia's own discomfort. Shifting her cap to her right side, Belle reached out and placed her now free hand on Lucinia's, her fingers brushing gently over her girlfriend's knuckles. Belle gave her a reassuring smile while Mario only sighed, "I… suppose I could come." He conceded, a bit grudgingly, if Belle had to guess, "It's not like sitting in my room is any sort of fun…"

Trenero only placed her hands on her hips, "Excellent! Dijon makes some exquisite tortellini!" She declared.

Mario tilted his head, "Doubtful. I'd say my mother's cooking beats any fancy food." He murmured.

Despite her discomfort, Lucinia chuckled at that statement. Privately, Belle had to agree. The simple foods were the best, in her experience. As the Countess led the way out, Mario followed her, and Belle and Lucinia followed behind him. Belle glanced at her girlfriend, "Are you okay, babe?" She asked quietly.

"Not… really," Lucinia admitted, nodding towards Mario. "I don't get it. Why did she invite him to join us…?"

Belle pursed her lips before shrugging fractionally. She couldn't see any good reason to bring Mario along, "Maybe… she's looking to get a look at who he is?" She hesitantly suggested, "… how often do you get to meet the Empire's own boogeyman outside of battle?

Lucinia frowned as she remained silent for a few steps. They exited the Citadel, prompting both women to place their caps back on their heads, "You said… he wasn't what you expected?" She asked cautiously.

Belle nodded as they approached the Sugar Rush. She still couldn't really put her finger on it. Mario certainly had the air of a caged animal right now, but Vossak had insisted that Mario wasn't quite the monster that the Ministry of Public Enlightenment had painted him out to be. The limited interactions on board the Vigilant helped tilted the argument to Vossak's favor, but not enough to entirely quell Belle's doubts. But nothing seemed to leap out at her to indicate that they were in danger at the moment. Had Vossak gotten something from those files they reviewed on the ship? A low whistle from the plumber snapped her out of her thoughts.

"I must admit, I've never gotten to go aboard a sky yacht before," Mario said in awe.

Trenero glanced over her shoulder at the plumber with a curious frown, "Really? I would have thought the Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom would have been invited to all sorts of social gatherings….?" She asked as they marched up the ramp.

Mario snorted, "That hero business isn't as helpful as you might think." He countered, "People have all sorts of expectations when they talk to me. Even those of my… breeding find it hard to approach me."

"Your breeding…?" Lucinia asked as she removed her cap once under cover. "I would think being the Mushroom Kingdom's champion would make everyone eager to be your friend?"

"Oh, if only." Mario replied; he looked at Lucinia, "Miss… Porter?"

Lucinia blinked as they approached a table, "Um… yes, uh… Lieutenant, actually." She stammered.

"Lieutenant, then." He nodded amicably. Removing his cap, Mario sat down and spared a glance between the three women in attendance, "You're certainly right that people wanted to be my friend, but… their idea of friendship was a bit different than what I had in mind." The smile that spread across his face was a bitter, brittle smile, "It also makes it hard for the common people to approach me. It is a shame; you could say they're more like my people than the nobility."

Lucinia frowned before Belle cleared her throat, "Red here grew up as the son of a former carpenter turned famous colonel in the Mushroom Kingdom's royal army." She grimaced. Vossak had insisted that she memorize all of the details of Mario's life, and she now had to deal with the fact that her commanding officer had once again made a valid point.

Trenero only raised her eyebrows fractionally, "Well, well, you are full of surprises, Belle." She smirked, "Already met with the First Minister, and now an expert on our dear plumber, here."

Belle rolled her eyes, "Commodore Vossak had me memorizing his files." She explained, "I had to go through them multiple times just to try and find some clue on how to find Red." She smiled faintly, "From what the First Minister said, it was a personal request from His Majesty."

The food was brought and served to each of them. Lucinia frowned as she looked at Belle, "But it still doesn't make sense why His Majesty wanted him brought here." She murmured.

Trenero nodded in agreement, "Indeed. If the First Minister is correct, it was some nasty business that brought you here, Mario." She said as she speared a bite of food onto her fork, "Care to enlighten us?"

Mario waited until the wait staff had left the room before sighing, "I have half a mind to strangle Kamek…" He muttered darkly. "Bowser wanted me because he wanted my help, just as Miss Fontiere said, but… what she probably didn't know is that Bowser's dying."

If Belle was shocked, then it was easily mirrored by the horrified expressions on Lucinia and Trenero's faces. Lucinia nervously sipped her drink before turning to Mario, "So… what? His Majesty wants you to find him a cure?"

Mario snorted, "I'd take that over what he really wants…" He sighed, "In his infinite wisdom, His Archmagnificency wants me to become Chancellor of your country."

Trenero's glass shattered as it fell from her grip. Belle silently thanked the stars above that she hadn't picked up her glass. Mario as Imperial Chancellor? That was insanity of the highest caliber. Would Vossak have agreed to the mission if he had known? Desperate to inject some calm into the chaos, Belle turned her attention to Mario, "Hold on. Red, back up for a second. His Majesty is dying, and he wants you to be the Chancellor of the Empire?" She asked in amazement. "Why you?"

"Belle's not wrong," Lucinia murmured, "The First Minister would be far more suitable to the task."

"Not quite," Trenero interjected, her momentary surprise giving way to a calm that surprised Belle. Trenero's brow furrowed as she glanced at Mario, "The First Minister's obligations to the Asssembly would create a conflict of interest. It wouldn't be as simple as the monarch of the Mushroom Kingdom naming the heir to the throne to head the Senate." Belle's eyebrows rose at the uncomfortable shift from Mario, "Add to that the additional complication of having to devote any time to caring for His Majesty. Overseeing the day-to-day of the Empire is no easy task on a good day…"

"I don't get it though…." Lucinia began. "Why him? Mario's not of the Empire; he's the Pyreburner."

"Miss Porter…" Mario said, "You're asking questions I asked Bowser to his face last night." He murmured. "And you're making my point all the same."

Lucinia blinked in confusion, "I am…?" She asked with a tilt of her head.

He began ticking off on his fingers, "I'm a foreigner, and I'm an enemy of the Empire." He pointed out, "Can't say I like the name 'Pyreburner,' but I've always wondered if the Empire viewed me the same way the Mushroom Kingdom viewed Bowser."

Trenero shook her head, "I find that hard to believe." She said, "I've read reports of your adventure on the Kitchen Isles. One thing that I noticed was a lack of wanton destruction on your part. In fact, you hardly tangled with the Black Sugar Gang."

Mario sniffed, "Pretty sure that was all Wario." He frowned, "Still… me as the Chancellor? I don't get it. I'm sure there's plenty of more capable people in the Empire."

Belle frowned, "Maybe that's why he asked, Red." She sighed, "I may not have a lot of political insight like the Countess, but I do see a lot of officers who are, admittedly, undeserving of their positions. Commodore Vossak and a handful of other officers are the exception, but most officers got their positions because they pandered to the aristocracy rather than any actual merit."

Lucinia pursed her lips, "The same could be said of the academies." She admitted. "I am curious, though, why didn't you accept the offer?"

Mario gave a snort, "I'd do a lot of damage. It's why I don't entertain the idea of politics at all." He explained as if that had said everything.

Some could say that no politics was a form of politics unto itself; the old saying went through Belle's head. She then gathered herself, "I am curious though, Red…" She began, "When you agreed to come with us back in New Donk City, you whispered something to the mayor. Something that clearly disturbed her."

Mario raised his eyebrows, "Well, you're certainly observant." He commented, "When I return home, I will be interrogated by the Internal Security Bureau. All at my request, I assure you." He shrugged nonchalantly, yet Belle could see something in his eyes that told her something else, "It's not going to be pleasant, I admit."

Trenero cleared her throat, "So, you're going to be interrogated by the Bureau all for coming here," She reiterated and then tilted her head, "Why?"

"It's either answer their questions or be declared an enemy of the state," Mario muttered.

Belle frowned, "Surely King Russet wouldn't go that far…"

"Oh, he would. Mario's been in enemy territory for quite some time without a need to rescue a princess. I can see how Russet would jump to conclusions…" Trenero countered darkly. "Mario's rightfully concerned that he'll be seen as a traitor."

"I don't understand…" Lucinia murmured.

"Russet is a reasonable ruler in most matters." Trenero explained, "But not when it comes to the Empire. Granted, His Imperial Majesty hasn't helped on that front. Regardless, King Russet views all things from the Empire with suspicion. Even if someone as apolitical as Mario has been in Imperial territory for no good reason."

"Probably the only thing that would save me is if I brought back news of Bowser's impending death," Mario said flippantly. He winced as Belle let out an indignant squawk, "Relax… I don't trust His Majesty to not see that as an opportunity…"

Bad jokes aside, Belle disagreed with Trenero's assertion that Mario was averse to politics. There was some prudence there that she suspected Mario himself didn't even recognize. She leaned forward, "You said Red was apolitical?"

"Well, compared to Luigi Segale, yes," Trenero explained. "Luigi's been an outspoken critic of the Bureau and even drew outrage when he compared it to the Imperial Ministry for State Security."

"And many people wanted me to come out against my brother's views." Mario smirked, "Lord Graemon wasn't too thrilled with me when I not only agreed with my brother but openly endorsed an audit of the Bureau itself."

Lucinia blinked, "I missed a step. Who's Lord Graemon?"

"The Duke of Ironpointe." Trenero explained, a touch of bitterness in her voice, "Lord Graemon has been particularly fierce about hunting down pirates in the Mushroom Kingdom's waters. The way I hear it, he's just as fierce about his hatred of pirates as he is about his hatred of the Empire."

Belle raised an eyebrow at the vehemence from the Countess; there was something there that she just couldn't see… but what was it? She shook her head and returned to the immediate question, "So Red… what's the plan here? Just leave us in the lurch?" Belle frowned, "I mean… you're clearly not interested in becoming Chancellor, so what now?"

Mario sighed, "That's the question, isn't it…?" He murmured. "Bowser's convinced that if he were to…" He paused, "Of course…"

He stood up abruptly and walked out of the dining room, a look of stunned disbelief on his face. Belle looked confused before Trenero brought her back with a loud sigh, "Well, that was… interesting." She said. Trenero then frowned and looked at Lucinia, "I owe you an apology, Lucinia… in the excitement of… events, I've neglected why I wanted to meet with you…"

The journey back to the interior of the Citadel had been relatively sedate. Mario frowned as he stood waiting on the elevator. How had he not cottoned onto that last night? Pinching the bridge of his nose, Mario exhaled in relief as the elevator opened. Stepping in, Mario punched the button to where Bowser's quarters were. Bowser had put it on the tail end of the sales pitch, but Mario needed confirmation first. The doors opened, and Mario exhaled slowly before stepping out. Marching toward the impressive oak doors, Mario frowned and wrapped his knuckles against the door.

"Enter…" A raspy voice croaked.

The doors slid open, and Mario entered with some trepidation. Rather than glancing at the bed where the Emperor was sure to be resting, Mario found his gaze drifting toward the desk where a lamp was lit. This time, the shadows did very little to hide the large figure, and Mario sighed as he walked toward the desk. It wasn't a trick of the light; Bowser really lookedlike he had gone through the Underhwere and then returned for seconds. It was… unnerving to see just how worn down Bowser looked.

"So tell me… to what do I owe the honor of your visit, Mario?" Bowser croaked.

"You should be resting." Mario frowned.

Bowser gave a rattling chuckle as he gestured to the chair before the desk, "Please… sit."

A cordial conversation with the man that he had spent his entire adult life opposing? That was not on Mario's bingo card, to say the least. Mario thought back to their interactions during Smithy's invasion; Bowser hadn't been exactly sociable unless one counted his attempts to try and court Peach. But this? This was like two friends catching up on lost time. Mario frowned as he pondered how to broach the question lingering on his mind since last night. Looking up, he only leaned back, "…Why?" He asked.

"Why indeed?" Bowser answered with a small smile. "Did you know that I always imagined my end coming on the cusp of some great triumph or in the heat of battle?" The smile turned downward to a frown, "…I never imagined that I would find my death in a pill bottle." He raised a hand, and Mario found himself stifling a protest that had threatened to bubble forth, "I know. I haven't answered your question."

Mario gritted his teeth in frustration as he placed his hands on the chair's armrests. "Why involve me in this?" he demanded. "You mentioned that I would be Regent to your son—for what? That you'd hope I'd protect him or something?"

Before Bowser could answer, he descended into a coughing fit. Mario shot to his feet in alarm at the sight of bloody mucous oozing between Bowser's fingertips; however, the coughing eased, and Bowser only wearily held up a hand as if to forestall the plumber. Though wheezing, Bowser withdrew the same handkerchief from his robe and began wiping his hand clean. The Emperor leaned back and gave a rattling sigh, "I've had six months to make peace with the fact that I'm dying, Mario." He began solemnly. "Kamek may maintain optimism; he claims it's to keep my spirits up, but… I know it's for his own sake."

Mario frowned, thinking about what the wizard had said earlier. The wizard was certainly running himself ragged, and then he thought back to what the Countess had said about the duties of office. Mario's frown deepened, "So… why me?" He asked. "Why would you trust me with the safety of your son?"

Bowser gave a wan smile, "In a way? Aside from Kamek, you're probably the only person I could trust." He chuckled. "Sad, isn't it?" His shoulders slumped. "In my time dealing with this? I realized something… I've been a terrible example of what a leader should be. For the first time in my life… I'm genuinely afraid of what's to come when I'm no longer around to protect my children."

Mario shook his head, "I still don't get it. Ludwig is the smartest of all your children; Vossak told me on the ride over that Ludwig and his siblings weren't of royal blood. But surely, Ludwig would have been a suitable chancellor?"

Bowser only frowned in reply, "Unfortunately, no. On paper, yes. But some feel Ludwig would twist the Empire to his whims. While he would hardly manipulate his brother in such a way, that is how it would be perceived by agitators within the Empire."

Mario winced, "I see…" He murmured.

"Aside from trusting you not to harm my children…" Bowser continued thoughtfully, "It may not mean much, but you're probably the only one I can trust to teach my son to be better than I was. There's more to ruling an empire than kidnapping a pretty princess or crushing a pesky plumber or two." There was something sad in Bowser's gaze, "Many in the Empire would turn my son into a puppet. I think you could help him grow into a proper man."

Mario's mouth had gone dry at the praise. Sighing softly, he stood up and walked toward the window of Bowser's room. Staring up at the curtains and processing what the Emperor had just said… was surreal. Maybe Pauline had been wrong in her assessment? He didn't know. Gritting his teeth again, he inhaled and then exhaled slowly, "You know… you put a lot of praise on me, Bowser…" He murmured. "The Mushroom Kingdom likes to call you the 'Demon King,' but I always wondered what the Empire called me. 'Pyreburner.' I can't say I like it; it lacks the same punch your nickname has."

"Everyone's a critic." Bowser supplied good-naturedly., "But you didn't come to reminisce about the good old days."

"You're right," Mario said with a nod. "Whether I like it or not… I've become a source of great misery for your people. My father liked to always say, 'There will come a time when you've got to decide between what is right and what is easy,' I never understood it really, not until now anyway…"

"And what do you think it means?" The Emperor asked.

He clenched his teeth once more. This was something he couldn't take back. Despite that, every fiber of his being was telling him that this was right. He turned to look at Bowser, who leaned forward, "It means that I'll be your Chancellor."

Note from the Author:

Revising the interactions between Belle, Lucinia, and Trenero made for an exciting challenge, as the goal was to present a noblewoman who doesn't really act like a noblewoman. Why is Belle trying to figure out where she's seen Trenero before? Well, that's for me to know and the rest of you to find out as we explore this world I've built using the Mario franchise. I hope you'll forgive me for being a bit cagey.

I wanted to revise Bowser and Mario's discussion on this, as the tone here shows something we haven't seen from Bowser before: his role as a parent facing their mortality. Maybe my father's passing back in December 2023 inspired how I characterized the Emperor, but I like the somber tone Bowser presents here. Mario's basically quoting a line from Dumbledore in the Harry Potter books, but it's a line that's also stuck with me ever since I was a child.