A story written in the Equestria at War universe, which is an MLP mod for the grand strategy game Hearts of Iron IV.

The question of who the Greatest Emperor of Griffonia is, has fascinated historians and hobbyists alike for decades if not centuries. To many it would be Grover, first of his name, the founder of the Griffonian Empire. Others say his son Grover II, the Conqueror of Griffonia.

However if we were to measure the success of an emperor in anything other than his ability to paint the map with his colours, the answer might very well be Grover III. The Gray Bird of Griffenheim was known for his administrative reforms, his openness to integrate the many nationalities of his empire, and his uncharacteristically cordial relations with Equestria. These combined with the boons of the first industrial revolution ushered in an unprecedented era of development for the citizens of the empire.

But how did the descendant of conquerors turn into the peaceful, amicable, and - according to every 8th grade history student - most boring emperor in history?

This story was written for the seventh annual Equestria at War writing contest.

Though his universal superiority leaves little hope I could ever recompense all the effort he has put in my work, (though let's be honest, I'm still paying him more hourly than his job as a PhD student) I'd be remiss not to laud the Greatness of the Scribbly One, who helped me bring this story to you in a way that is actually readable.