9.

"Whenever we talk about heroes, we forget that anyone else was involved in the journey. Perhaps it's the romantic notion that a single individual is an organization unto themselves. We prefer to believe that results are achieved through their will alone. Mario Segale is no stranger to this. Ask anyone who has chronicled his journeys and ask them to identify Prince Mallow or even Mario's own brother. Mario has always been lionized as a living legend.

Perhaps it's because Mario refuses to acknowledge his achievements without recognizing those who helped him. The world may hold him to such a standard, but he's only one of many who helped achieve the goals that he set for himself. It's the case with the Empire. Many like to think Mario swept in with this idea that became the Great Reformation and even the Reconciliation; however, Mario insists that the real hero was the one who laid the foundation for the world's change: Kamek Pelomedu.

Without Kamek, there would have been no Chancellor, Great Reformation, and Reconciliation. Kamek's contributions may have been the intangibles that we, as a people, ignore due to their immeasurability, but if Mario was the leader, then Kamek was the teacher. If this First Minister were alive today, I do not doubt that he would say that he did nothing more than what was required of a loyal Imperial subject while crediting Mario and everyone else. But perhaps therein lies the real lesson: No matter who builds it, the people make the difference."

Kammy Koopa, First Minister of the Koopa Empire, The Architect: Kamek Pelomedu, 1915

'It means I'll be your Chancellor.'

Never before had Mario hated himself more than he did now for saying those words. He plucked idly and the crisp, clean suit of black and gray. The red cravat had been a compromise between Edmund and himself since the chamberlain had been adamant that Mario couldn't wear his cap with this ensemble. Staring at his reflection, Mario frowned as his once-shaggy hair had been trimmed and combed neatly. His mustache had even been cut to a neater shape, and Mario could hardly recognize himself.

"I look bloody ridiculous!" Mario exclaimed grumpily.

"Nonsense! Black suits you, Your Excellency!" Edmund smiled pleasantly and presented Mario with a pair of black gloves.

"I look like a damned ponce!" Mario snapped, yet still pulled on the gloves all the same.

Edmund only bowed low, "I assure you, Your Excellency, that feeling will fade with time." Mario had to admire the toad's nerve. Anyone else would have backed away from him due to the hateful glares he sent the chamberlain. Then again, Edmund probably dealt with worse from Bowser.

"Ugh… is it too much to ask you to call me Mario?" The plumber asked in frustration. The ostentatious title irked him. Had he known he would be any 'Excellency,' he would have settled for mercy-killing Bowser and braving the journey home alone, "I'll even settle for Pesky Plumber!"

The chamberlain only smiled, "I'm afraid I cannot, my lord." He said apologetically, "We are… after all, bound by our customs. Oh!" He then began fishing in his breast pocket. "I almost forgot the most important thing!"

Stepping forward, Edmund fastened something to the lapel of Mario's suit. Looking down, Mario frowned at the golden octagon of the Imperial Shell. Mario closed his eyes and counted to ten, "Are you sure I can't wear my hat?" He grumbled.

Edmund shook his head, "I'm sorry, Your Excellency." He said, and to Mario's ear, it sounded legitimate.

Mario sighed sadly as he glanced forlornly at the red cap sitting on the nightstand. Straightening his coat, he turned to face the chamberlain. Though several decades separated them in age, Mario couldn't help but be reminded of Toadsworth back in Portobello. A nagging feeling hit him. Did this make him a traitor to his country? The sound of the door opening snapped him from his thoughts, and looking through the reflection, he watched as Kamek entered the room with a weary Bowser hobbling after him. Edmund straightened, yet Mario merely crossed his arms and turned to face the Emperor with a frown.

"You haven't run for the hills yet…" Bowser croaked with a weak grin. Shakily lowering himself into a chair, he sighed in relief before staring at Mario. "So… are you ready for your first meeting with the Imperial Council?"

Mario frowned at the question, though in truth, he was more focused on examining the strained look from Bowser. That a small jaunt from his personal quarters to Mario's room caused him this much pain wasn't normal. Returning to the question, Mario shrugged. Uncrossing his arms, he had to fight the urge to run his hand through his hair, "I suppose…" He grumbled, "Got any last-minute advice, Your Archmagnificency?"

Edmund squawked in protest, yet Bowser only gave an indulgent smile. "Well…" He began with a cough. The Council is the true power behind the Empire." Bowser coughed again. The throne heads the Council itself—and by extension, the Chancellor himself." He nodded to Mario.

"So… what? Stick my pinky out when sipping tea?" Mario asked sardonically.

Kamek snorted in amusement, but Bowser shook his head, "No, my advice is far more practical." He murmured severely. "The members of my council effectively run the Empire's day-to-day activities. The Imperial Assembly provides basic oversight, not unlike the Mushroom Kingdom's Senate, but…" He trailed off as he held his handkerchief to his mouth.

"…Unlike the Senate, the Assembly doesn't actually pass legislation." Kamek picked up the conversation and frowned at Bowser, who seemed to be breathing heavier, "They pass more or less what you could call advice papers rather than actual bills." The corners of Kamek's mouth twitched, "It would be fair to say that every member of the Council is a politician through and through. Which means…"

Mario raised his eyebrows, recognizing the invitation, "It means they'll either lie to my face, or they're going to try and get something for nothing…"

Bowser nodded approvingly, "Perhaps in part, but well-reasoned all the same." He raised a forefinger, "Everyone will want something. You will need to pay attention to how they speak to one another and, of course, how they speak to you."

Nodding thoughtfully, Mario had to concede that wasn't bad advice. Granted, he had a feeling that was part of the job description. He had paid attention to Peach's interactions with other foreign dignitaries, even if the conversations were boring. He crossed his arms again and inclined his head, "How much authority will I have as your Chancellor…?" He asked slowly, "Not exactly going to be an eventful ordeal if all I can do is just warm the seat either for you to be cured or until your son comes of age."

Bowser only smirked, "For now, any constitutional revisions are off the table." He said, "Barring that? You may act as you see fit." The Emperor leaned back with a sigh, "A word of warning though? Your actions will be under intense scrutiny." A small smile spread across his face, "I can dismiss my ministers on a whim. In theory, so can you. In practice, however? Your actions will be heavily monitored. So… all I can ask is that you act prudently."

Mario snorted in amusement, "In case you've forgotten Bowser… my idea of prudence is taking out your scouts before attacking the main base." He raised his hand, "I get your point, though. I thought I had to operate under constraints before… but this? This is a lot to take in." Mario glanced at Kamek, "No pressure, eh?"

The Emperor grunted, "Kamek is certainly someone to rely on, Mario. And of course, for what time I have left…." Mario noticed the wince from Kamek, "…You can also rely on me." He stared at Mario, "But I assure you, this is nothing like what you've done before."

"Oh, so I can't just sit around looking grumpy and trying not to fall asleep?" Mario asked lightly, ignoring the scandalized look on Edmund's face.

"Hmph. No." Bowser grunted. "Your every action, big or small, will affect the lives of my people. Billions of lives, so the most important bit of wisdom I can offer is this: Tread lightly."

It was a good thing that he hadn't eaten anything yet. Otherwise, Mario was sure he would be seeing an encore of breakfast. Rubbing the back of his neck, he gave a nervous chuckle, "Yep. No pressure at all…" He then brought his hands together, "So! What's on the agenda today, executing a malcontent? Punishing some ne'er-do-well?"

Kamek snorted, "You watch too many movies…" He grumbled, "In point of fact, Your Excellency, the first is a meeting with the Imperial Council itself." Kamek smiled, "We will have to announce you as the Chancellor of the Empire, though, to ensure your authority is recognized."

Mario closed his eyes and let out a long, drawn-out groan of annoyance. That meant a speech. He hated public speeches. Giving Bowser one of the dirtiest glares he could muster, Mario also had to begrudgingly concede Kamek's point. His head snapped up, "You said you'd have to announce it to the Empire?" He asked warily.

"Not to worry," Kamek replied soothingly, "We can ensure it doesn't reach the Mushroom Kingdom."

"As amusing as it would be to listen to Russet bluster…" Bowser murmured, "That's not a distraction the Empire wants nor needs."

Mario clapped his hands together and smiled weakly, "Very well." He said, "So! Walk me through this speech…"

The High Marshal sighed as he lowered himself into the chair. Looking around the empty table, he had to bite back a groan at yet another one of these blasted meetings. It was a pointless gesture. Money was practically guaranteed to funnel to his endeavors, and even then, official policies couldn't be made without the Emperor. Crete Galapagos sighed as his thoughts inevitably drifted to the absentee Emperor. What had happened to His Majesty? Plans to invade the Mushroom Kingdom had been shelved for the foreseeable future, and it rankled him. The Emperor had experimented with some wonder drug if the rumors were to be believed. Galapagos snorted; it was ridiculous. The Emperor favored bold experimentation but wouldn't have dared to risk his life on something like that. Still… the Crown Prince had been sent off to Shihou under the protection of Prince Ludwig. Galapagos drummed his fingers on the table impatiently.

"Ah, Marshal Galapagos!" A feminine voice called out to him. "Are you having a bad day?"

Galapagos turned and leveled a hard stare at a human woman walking into the room with a strut. Her white hair was cut short, yet her brown eyes shone with amusement. In Galapagos' opinion, she somewhat resembled a cat that had swallowed a particularly fat canary. He sighed, "No, no. I'm merely concerned, Minister Caretta." He began softly, "The Emperor's absence from the public eye and the ceasing of operations against the Mushroom Kingdom have been causes for concern. Then, apparently, His Majesty orders that upstart kremling Vossak on some secret mission. Something's happened…"

That cat-like smile widened on Amelia Caretta's face. She leaned back in her seat casually, and Galapagos frowned. The Ministry of Justice dealt with rumors and suppositions, while he admittedly preferred solid facts and concrete evidence. He preferred enemies he could see in front of him while she danced in the shadows. He leaned forward, "You know something." He declared. It was not a question. She always knew something.

"I know a great many things, Marshal." Caretta nodded, "For instance… did you know that Mario Segale is here in the Capital right now?"

Galapagos stared blankly at the head of the Minister. That was quite the claim. Was that the mission that His Majesty brought that lizard in on? No. That was ridiculous. Mario wouldn't have come to Caldera. He couldn't have done so. The city was far too calm right now. Yet… he looked at Caretta again, "Why would the Pyreburner be here?" He hissed softly. "Rumormongering is beneath you, Lady Caretta."

Caretta raised a finger in admonition, "You'd be surprised, Lord Mashal." She said, her smile contracting a fraction, "Rumors are so perfect for identifying the most outspoken of the Empire's political malefactors."

Galapagos snorted, "And so you remove them?"

The Minister of Justice looked affronted, "This is your problem, Lord Marshal. You lack subtlety." She purred softly, "The goal isn't to remove the vocal ones. Oh no, we can remove them at any point we wish. It's the ones who are silent – the opportunists who wish to proclaim their support only for the winning side in any struggle. They're the true threats."

Quietly, other ministers filed into the room, yet the doors to the Council chambers did not close. Any reply that the witch could have offered had been cut off by a surprised hiss from Caretta. Galapagos turned and felt his eyes widen when he saw a human man enter the room. The hair was shorter, the mustache had been groomed, and he wore a suit of a distinct Imperial cut, but this was indeed Mario Segale. The glint of gold caught his attention, and reflexively, Galapagos stood up, followed by the others at the table. Mario had been named the Imperial Chancellor? Was this some sick joke?

"Good morning everyone." Mario began as he stood rigidly. "I'm sure all of you know who I am, but I must admit that leaves us at a disadvantage here." He pointed to a scholarly goomba, "You are…?"

The goomba jolted, and privately Galapagos could only sneer at the display. He glanced at Caretta, who was glaring daggers at the plumber. The goomba swallowed hard, "M-my name? I-I am Solomon, my Lord. I s-serve as the Minister of Finance!" He squeaked.

Galapagos watched as Mario's eyebrows shot up at that. The man nodded as he turned his attention to Caretta. She stood up and cleared her throat. "I am Lady Amelia Caretta, Duchess of Shinkumo and the Minister of Justice."

And so began the routine of introducing themselves. Mario seemed intent on learning the names of the various ministers. The High Marshal drummed his fingers on the table thoughtfully. Many thoughts were running concurrently through his head. Mario couldn't have murdered the Emperor, six months of silence, and he just now turns up? No. This wasn't something as insidious as the Pyreburner usurping command of the Empire. What had happened to His Majesty? He glanced to Caretta, who only gave a fractional shrug.

"My apologies for my lateness, Your Excellency!" A woman's voice cut into the Marshal's thoughts.

All turned to face a purple-clad female koopa entering the room, her silver hair flowing freely beneath her wide-brimmed hat. Mario cleared his throat, "And you are…?"

"Kammy Koopa, Assistant to First Minister Kamek and his representative on the Council."

Galapagos frowned at that. The plumber's presence was terrible enough. What had drawn the First Minister away from these meetings? Caretta seemed equally disturbed at the witch's presence, to his mild surprise. That something could catch that snoop off guard was indeed something to be concerned about. Galapagos watched as Mario went around the table, continuing the routine of having ministers introduce themselves.

Mario had arrived at Galapagos last, and the High Marshal stood up, "Crete Galapagos, High Marshal of the Koopa Troop and Minister of War."

The plumber nodded as he clasped his hands behind his back and stood at the head of the table, "I have to admit, being here is a bit of a shock for me, but I imagine it's doubly so for the rest of you?" He said smilingly, faintly, causing a few scattered chuckles to make their way through the room. "But I intend to keep this ship running; I'd be a pretty crappy Chancellor if I burned the Empire down…."

"Yes… about that." Caretta said, "Forgive me, Your Excellency, but I feel it would put all of our minds at ease if we knew what had happened to His Majesty and the First Minister?"

There was a chorus of agreement, yet Mario only remained impassive. Kammy, on the other hand, looked highly displeased. Had she taken exception to Caretta's questioning, perhaps? Galapagos leaned forward in his seat as he looked at the plumber. Mario only sighed, "I'm afraid that is… a private matter." He replied calmly, "More than that…? I can't say."

"Can't?" Caretta repeated, almost gleefully, "Or won't?"

"You go too far, Minister." Kammy snapped.

Caretta had the decency to look ashamed of her question and bowed slightly, "Forgive me." She began, "…We're all deeply concerned at His Majesty's condition."

"I can appreciate the concerns of a subject of the Empire." Kammy hissed, "However, it seemed as if you were questioning the word of His Excellency. I trust that is not the case…"

Caretta looked like she had swallowed a lemon and turned to Mario, "Please forgive my impertinence, Your Excellency."

Privately, Galapagos had to agree with the witch. It was odd that Mario would not answer, but to question him so brazenly? Still, a valid concern was raised. What was so urgent that the Emperor needed to appoint a Chancellor? And why Mario, of all people? The fact that Mario not only agreed to it but apparently even agreed to secrecy on the matter was intriguing. What did Bowser and Kamek know, and why couldn't it be shared with the Empire?

Mario cleared his throat, "That's quite alright, Minister." He said evenly while sitting down in the chair. "Now… what's the first order of business?"

The High Marshal stirred, "That would be the addition of twenty-three Imperial dreadnoughts to our fleet." To his total lack of surprise, Solomon looked perturbed, "Current costs are a bit more than we had anticipated."

Mario raised an eyebrow, yet Solomon's snarl drew his attention, "A bit, you say, High Marshal?" He sneered before facing the supposed Chancellor, "Your Excellency… what the High Marshal calls a bit is an understatement! One might as well say that water is wet!"

The plumber inclined his head, and Galapagos bit back a snarl of his own. The fungus was still sore over past meetings, was he…? Mario turned to Solomon, "You'll have to explain that one to me, Minister." He said, gesturing to the goomba, "How much does a single dreadnought cost the Empire to build?"

Galapagos frowned; the Emperor didn't quibble over such details. Solomon apparently didn't expect such a question either, as he looked uncomfortable, "My Lord, I apologize if I've offended you?"

Mario chuckled, "Not what I meant." He said quietly, "I'm saying I don't understand how much money we're talking about here."

"Oh…" The finance minister breathed out; Galapagos had to admire how quickly Solomon regained his composure, "At current costs, a single dreadnought would cost four million Imperial drakes to build."

The plumber closed his eyes and began mouthing something. Galapagos frowned and glared at Solomon. The goomba looked surprised at Mario, "A bit over budget?" The plumber asked, surprised, "Ninety-two million drakes is just a bit over budget?"

Everyone at the table was now looking at the High Marshal. Galapagos nodded, "Yes, Your Excellency." He growled softly. "The dreadnoughts have kept other nations in check."

Of course, Mario of the Mushroom Kingdom looked annoyed. He would put his beloved spore-ridden kingdom above the Empire. However, Mario shifted in his seat, "Does the Emperor share your appraisal of the situation?" He asked mildly.

"He does." The High Marshal retorted. "Any expense is worth the price to maintain Imperial superiority."

"Haven't quite crunched the numbers for the other nations, but your price tag would bankrupt the Mushroom Kingdom." Mario shrugged, "One hundred and fifteen million crowns. That's what your price tag looks like converted to Kingdom crowns." He looked at Solomon, "For the price of a single dreadnought, how many ships could the Empire add to its fleet?"

Solomon turned through his notes before looking up at Mario, "We would be able to add an additional sixteen carriers, two-two cruisers, or sixty-four frigates for the cost of four million drakes."

"Five million crowns." Mario supplied, looking at Galapagos. "That's how much your dreadnoughts would cost the Mushroom Kingdom. Why fund such an expensive project when the money would be better suited to other projects?"

"What other projects would you have us invest in?" Solomon asked. Galapagos frowned at how bold the goomba had become in the short while that Mario had been in the room.

"How many infrastructure projects have we invested in?" Mario asked with a tilt of his head, "Roads, bridges, aqueducts, that kind of stuff?"

"Virtually none, Your Excellency." Solomon's glee was almost obscene, "We have relied primarily on meager Imperial funding and the funding generated from the provincial governors."

Galapagos watched as Mario looked contemplative. Was he really planning on meeting with the provincial governors? The princes and the princess would not take kindly to him being there. Not if he had a hand in their father's disappearance. Galapagos smiled faintly, "My Lord forgets what good infrastructure is without an adequate military to defend it." He spoke up at last.

"Oh, I think you'll find that maintenance costs are much cheaper when the roads don't constantly cause delivery trucks to break down," Mario shrugged. "You learn neat little things when you've started your own business." He raised a hand to forestall any protest from the High Marshal, "You say that the Imperial dreadnoughts are vital to the Empire's defense, but I would wager a poor infrastructure is a far greater threat than anything the Mushroom Kingdom could bring to bear."

That was true, Galapagos hated to admit. The Mushroom Kingdom's forces were indeed… laughable. But what it lacked in military power, it certainly made up for in trade. Galapagos frowned as he looked at Caretta. The Minister looked disinterested in the squabbling, perhaps out of fear of drawing Kammy's ire. Galapagos frowned, "So what do you propose, Your Excellency?" He asked. "Do we abandon the cost in favor of paving roads?"

"Only in part." Mario conceded, "Instead of your total of twenty-three… we will reduce the number to six."

"Six?!" Galapagos protested.

Mario only stared back coolly, "Six." He repeated, "But you misunderstand me, Marshal. I approve half of your ninety-two million drakes for your budget." He raised his eyebrows, "The funding that would have gone to the other dreadnoughts you could squeeze out of that forty-six million? You will instead direct it to the construction of the equivalent cruisers, carriers, and frigates." Mario turned to Solomon, "I want you to draw up an outline of some infrastructure projects. I may have ideas, but the finer details relating to cost are entirely up to you."

"Thank you, Your Excellency…!" Solomon breathed.

The High Marshal ground his teeth. That damned fungus was far too gloating for his liking. His glare shifted to Mario. The Pyreburner had a point about the expenses, he had to grudgingly admit. Yet, the dreadnoughts were indeed impressive ships and did their job of ensuring that other nations stayed in line. The Empire needed such ships in its fleets. Of course, this plumber wouldn't recognize that. He needed to make a few calls after the Council meeting, though….

Note from the Author:

This chapter was delayed significantly because I wanted to revise the first eight chapters. I tried to introduce things that were not set up appropriately to be implemented here. I think the revisions improve the flow a lot. I'll let the rest of you judge that.

Mario's role as the Imperial Chancellor came to me when I wrote this as a cash-in on the Bowsette meme. Still, I feel like taking the time to legitimately show Mario adjusting to this role, as opposed to him somehow going from being apolitical to being able to hammer out a deal with the Mushroom Kingdom in a matter of weeks, is a bit unrealistic. Part of the delay was setting up the journey that everyone would be on – Mario's especially. As an aside, I really like writing a grumpy Mario.

The fact that you're seeing the Council meeting from the perspective of a Councilor is to do two things: One, to show how rigid they are in their way of doing something. And to showcase something Belle observed in the eighth chapter.