Reborn in a Dating Sim: Life as a Mob is hard in an Equestria Girl’s Dating Game!

Reborn in a Dating Sim:

Life as a Mob is hard in an Equestria Girl’s Dating Game!

Chapter Thirty-five

The Palace was something that screamed opulence. The doors were made from the finest lumber that had been covered in gold inlay. The cores of Crystal Scorpions lined the doors themselves. Both showing off the wealth of the kingdom while at the same time powering the doors. Additionally designs were carved into the very door, and those designs seemed to tell a story. The story of the royal family, and it took Copper only a moment to realize the repeating story itself. When he was playing the game he had overlooked it believing that it was the developers just using the same graphic over and over again.

Since Queen Celestia had explained that she carried the memories of every single royal before her in her line made him realize that the repeating story wasn’t just to save on the work the developers were doing, but rather it was explaining that the royals lived through their children again, and again, and again. It was why the end of each story was a little different. The middle of the door had the life of Celestia on it, and he took in the sight of it. Her being raised, meeting Baked Bean, and going away from what had been the norm.

That deviation had brought Apollo Bean into the world. It had also caused the decisions made by Apollo to be made by someone that wasn’t living a life over and over again. He was breathing new life into Celestia’s and it was just because he was being himself. Additionally he understood that his being here further changed things. Celestia ruled based on the experiences of her ancestors, and upon the changing climate of the society as it developed. The rules that were put into place to keep the border barons shackled to a failing system had to be changed, and in addition she had released those who had suffered under the decision.

A large group of which currently resided on the island he’d claimed, the one that he was caring for, and on his father’s own island. The numbers had been greater than Celestia had believed. The additional island she had talked about was also claimed. The move for the women on his father’s island was being set underway, but only after the island had been made habitable. That was something that Artemis was taking care of. He shook his head, touched the door, and felt it open itself.

The magic power of the cores imbedded in the frame was doing two different things. It was allowing the door to open seemingly on its own, but it was also powering an artifact that was checking those coming in. It was basically making sure that everyone that was coming in was meant to be there. He’d heard what happened to those that attempted to cross the threshold without being invited into the palace.

Diamond Tiara had explained that for the would be intruder it was both a quick and painful death. They would become poisoned by a Crystal Scorpion, but the amount of poison would be astronomical. They would feel as if their insides were burning out, and they would die convulsing on the ground. It would last a few minutes, and in that time they would suffer worse than anything that could be done to them in a dungeon. It was for that reason he was very thankful to be invited into the palace. The moment the doors opened completely he led Artemis into the palace itself. He could feel her observing the doors themselves.

“It’s not a bad trap,” she stated as they walked in, “In truth, for most intruders it would be fine, but I believe it would be better to rig it with multiple cores. There is a slight chance that someone could build an immunity to Crystal Scorpions. Doing so would render the trap itself useless. Instead, if it was layered with multiple poisonous monster cores it would ensure that whoever touched it would be hit with multiple types of poisoning.”

He shook his head, “I think that it was done in order to make the cores look similar enough to match the aesthetics of the doors themselves.”

She laughed, “That’s stupid,” she replied after a moment, “Security and safety of those being cared for comes before beauty. The only time the two are mutually equal is when what is keeping the desired individual safe is also beautiful. Then it is less of an aesthetic choice and more of a happy accident.”

The walk inside of the palace led to a long hall. The carpet itself was deep crimson, the walls were a sparkling white, and from what he could see glass windows stood on either side. Those windows seemed to depict actions in the history of the kingdom. He could see the advancements of centuries of adventurers that seemed to line the stained glass windows. He walked forward attempting to not pay that much attention to them. His reason for being here today was to ensure that he received the slight advancement the king wanted to give him.

He still wasn’t sure if he liked the idea of becoming a Viscount, and he knew that he certainly didn’t like becoming an Earl later on. Still, he was being honored, and he knew that his father would be here. If for no other reason he wanted to make sure to go through it for his father. He looked to see the next set of doors, two hulking figures stood outside of it, and before they reached them the doors began to open.

He walked into the room that was awaiting them. The entire Academy was there, all of his professors were there, and of course he saw his family. A part of him certainly screamed to just turn around and leave. No one would really care if he did. And that lie fell flat. He knew that if he left his Dad would be disappointed. He also knew that both Applebloom and Diamond Tiara wanted to see him graduate. He didn’t want to disappoint them since they were his friends.

And of course there was Artemis. He knew that technically she would likely be fine with whatever he chose to do, but he could tell that she was excited that he was being raised in rank. It was an acknowledgement of his achievements, and she wanted him to receive that. It meant that he needed to just go ahead and move forward with it. Sure, he hadn’t really wanted it, but that didn’t mean that he would deprive those close to him. Even if it was a pain there was little doubt that his rise in rank would ensure that he could help those he cared for.

Being a Viscount actually could be a benefit to his family. His Dad could benefit from the prospect of his son being a Viscount. It would mean that some extra trade could potentially find its way to him. His brothers and sisters would be treated with a little more respect as well. It was a few subtle things that would help everyone that he cared for. It would even be more accepted for him to spend time with Diamond Tiara. As a Viscount he could at least be considered one of her underlings.

Not that he was planning on being one of her underlings, but at least it could seem that way. With that in mind he moved forward and headed toward the place where Queen Celestia, King Consort Baked Bean, and Duke Filthy Rich stood. He arrived and took a knee. He watched as King Consort Baked Bean stood before him, “Baron Copper Plum Bit,” he began as his voice carried, “Tales of your exploits have carried to these halls. From your clearing a labyrinth, finding the lost treasure stolen by an infamous pirate, finding the family that had been captured by pirates and freeing them, and finally your compassion and good will in taking in those that had been captured by the late Queen Chrysalis,” he said as he stood there, “All of this aligns with what it means to be an adventurer and a hero. You have proven yourself time and time again. Thus, it is my decision to grant you the title of Viscount and promote you to the upper forth ranking. Additionally, upon your graduation you will be promoted once again. Please, accept your new ranking, and may you continue to dutifully serve the kingdom.”

He nodded, “Your majesty, I shall do my best.”

He watched as King Consort Baked Bean lifted a sword, “Then, allow me to bestow the title officially. Additionally, while it is not tradition, I would like to bestow a small honor on your servant, if I may.’

He smiled, “Your majesty, I believe that she would be most grateful,” he replied as he felt her staring at him, “She deserves the acknowledgement far more than she would ever express.”

He could almost feel the words that she had. Artemis ultimately acknowledged what he had to say, but she often would express herself. She hadn’t honestly expressed any desire to receive any of the praise from the deeds that she’d done. Most likely it was because she felt that those deeds were in the line of the duties that she was going to perform regardless. Still, he thought that it was fitting that she receive some kind of praise for it. Granted, she likely would rather just enjoy what they’ve begun doing together, but this was going to be amusing at the very least.

He watched as the King Consort lifted a sword. He moved toward him, and he bowed his head. There was a memory, from his previous life, where he’d seen someone getting knighted. It was in a foreign country, but he watched it as it happened, and it was something similar to this. The sword touched his left shoulder, lifted, and then touched his right shoulder, “Rise, Viscount Copper Plum Bit,” King Consort Baked Bean said, “And please address the court with your new ranking.”

He rose to his feet, turned, and looked at those in attendance, “I humbly accept, and thank all of you for attending.”

There was an applause, and he accepted it with some grace. After all there was no reason to egg anyone on at this point. He turned to see Artemis kneeling, her face seemed uncertain, and he looked to see Queen Celestia also looking uncertain of what was going on. It was apparent that this was not discussed between them. He watched as King Consort Baked Bean stood before Artemis, “In recognition of your efforts on the behalf of your master Viscount Copper Plum Bit I wish to bestow upon you the title of knight,” he said and around all of them there were multiple voices starting to talk. As far as he knew this had never happened in the game. This was new territory, “Which of course means that you will have all of the privileges and benefits that come with being knighted.”

Finally he heard someone stand up, “Your majesty, sir, this is unacceptable!” the voice said from the side, “I say, what you’re doing is throwing time honored traditions in the face of everyone here! Bestowing a knighthood on beast person is the same as marrying one. It’s unheard of!”

Copper watched as the King Consort remained calm, “Unheard of and not allowed are two different things. I spent the previous two evenings going over the laws, asking for help with some of the much older laws, and I found none that stated that a beast person, elf, or any other race could not be knighted. Additionally, I found no place that stated that once they received a ranking of their own that they could not attempt to woo and marry their masters.”

The entire room grew silent, “We need to accept that these individuals are just as sapient as you and I. That they share the same desires, wills, and dreams as we do. To deny them the basic rights we have for ourselves is wrong,” he stated, “And so, I propose that we begin to set this as right as possible.”

The sound around them was one of quiet indignation. The nobles had just been told by the royal family that the tradition of keeping the demi races as subhuman needed to change. It was going to force all of them to consider their allegiances, and he knew what could come from that. The possibility of another civil war was on the horizon. He didn’t like to think about it, but he could certainly see it happening. The only thing that would keep it from happening, at least right away, would be for something that would unite the entire kingdom together.

The only thing that could do that would be war. Nations banded together when there was a war. They formed a united front, and they behaved like true citizens of a nation when their home was threatened. It was the one thing that he knew likely existed in every reality. Human nation seemed to be very much alive and well here. That meant that one of the most tried and true parts of human nature also existed. The ability to become a pack when threatened. It was just as powerful as greed.

In some ways it was actually more powerful than greed. Greed itself was a powerful emotion. People would put their fears to the side for greed. The chance to gain an immense amount of wealth often put common sense and decency to the back. He’d seen girls that he attended the Academy with abandon their morals in order to chase after a high ranking noble with a large bank account.

It wasn’t like he was above it. Copper enjoyed getting paid. He loved knowing that he had resources, and he enjoyed the fact that he won a decent about amount of coin off of the collected student population. Most of which were still upset at him. He had a feeling that their entire reason for being here was to see if was actually being promoted. Still, he oversaw the reaction around him, and he saw the one human emotion that could stand with greed, and it only came in behind true self preservation.

Bigoted Indignation. It was powerful, it was troublesome, and it caused fractures and fizzions between people all of the time. Wars had been waged over the fact that people had refused to see another group as equal. He hated the idea that there could be a war here. Especially since he actually agreed with King Consort Baked Bean. He felt that the demi races deserved the same respect as anyone else. It wasn’t just because he was with Artemis. Still he watched as King Consort Baked Bean began to look angry.

“This is not up for discussion!” he exclaimed, “This needs to pass, and the fact that all of you are so admittedly against it tells me more about your houses than it does about the worthiness of this girl!”

The room got quiet as he stood there, “Those that deserve to be knighted are those who had done a great service to the kingdom. It doesn’t matter if they were acting on behalf of another or not. Ms Artemis had done a great service to this kingdom! Through her actions multiple noble women were released from the clutches of a being that had been abducting them. It was her actions that ensured their safety, and the actions of her master that ensured a good number of them had a place to go.”

He seemed to stare at the collection for a while, “So, I look at all of you, every last one, and I ask if any of you would have done the same, or would you have left it alone? Would it had been easier to accept the current state of the kingdom and allow the torture of those women to continue?” he asked as he stood there, “I see the collected nobility here, and I question how much they are actually willing to assist the kingdom.”

The quiet became heavy, and Copper could see the shame on several faces around them, “So, again, I am granting Ms Artemis the title of knight, and not only that she will be knight errant for Viscount Bit. Should she choose her line after her may continue to serve them in the same level. The title will not be removed once she has passed, and like her they will be able to strive for greater accomplishments.”

With that he performed the same ceremony for Artemis, and Copper watched as she was knighted. The moment she was there was more quiet, or there was until a few people began to applause. He saw Primrose Prose applauding, followed by Sunset Shimmer, Diamond Tiara, Applebloom, and to his surprise so was Prince Apollo. The prince seemed to nod, and it was the first time he’d seen him do something that wasn’t completely idiotic. Slowly most of the students began to applause, and then he saw his Father applauding. His mother joined him, and even his sisters and brothers did.

It was like seeing the movement cross the divide in such short order. There were those that refused to applaud. Those that believed that it was beneath them to do so, and he knew who they were. They were the same ones that likely would have bought a demi like Artemis to use as little more than labor or a toy, and then toss her away.

He watched as the combined amount of people applauding far exceeded those not doing it, and slowly he realized that while there was still a chance of a civil war the best way of avoiding it was actually King Consort Baked Bean. His direct speech had gotten to the people here. He’d called them out on their bias, and he had made them consider the truth for themselves. It was something to behold, and something he marveled at.

He looked on with amazement, and then he looked toward the door itself. There was a different world awaiting for him now. As he contemplated the difference in the world a large airship floated just outside of the border of the Kingdom. Inside of it a figure stood, his glowing green eyes taking in the sights before him. There was a determination in his mind, a set way of proceeding, and more than that a desire to see what was once his people’s returned to him.