Once the captain had left, Varre was finally left alone with his thoughts. He stood there stunned, frozen still for a few moments, but eventually shook his head and decided to spend some time by exploring his new quarters.

  Instead of a bedroom, like he first expected, the quarters consisted of a series of different chambers. Currently, he was standing in a large living room. An ornate fireplace in the corner provided light and heat. There were several nice sofas arranged in a U-shape in front of it. Off to the side stood a large table surrounded by chairs. The floor was covered in a luxurious soft carpet.

  Varre decided to try some of the doors. The first double door, opposite the entrance, led onto a balcony. He stepped outside. The view was similar to the one seen from his own manor. Just like there, it was still impressive. The castle stood on top of the hill, even higher than his own house, so he could get a beautiful view of the entire city and the surrounding landscape.

  It’s been more than six months since he awoke in this body and he had already explored the entire capital. Naturally, he focused on the truly important places, like the taverns and inns, but he still recognized some familiar sights. He saw his own manor, situated in the noble quarter. He saw his favorite drinking spots. He saw the tavern where he got to witness that famous elf bard.

  I need to thank Lester, and the others. If they hadn’t convinced me… I would not be standing out here right now, deep in thought, Varre decided to lean over the railing. I can’t believe that just a few months ago I was a simple student. I was failing my classes and wasting away. Now I am finally free. I don’t have to worry about anything. I can enjoy my wealth, power, and all the privileges that come with it.

  His gaze moved to watching the castle courtyard. And now, they’re gonna make me their king. I could already do whatever the hell I wanted. How can I possibly top that now? I’ll need to talk to the guys. I can’t wait to see their faces when they hear the news!

  As Varre occupied his mind with imagining all of the adventures he could now enjoy, he decided to return to exploring his new quarters. A second door in the main chamber led to a bedroom. Inside, he saw the largest bed he’d ever seen in his entire life. At least now I know why they call them king size beds, he thought. He’d only seen similar ones in museums before. The bedframe had curtains attached to it, so the sleeping person could hide behind them if they so wished. With this, even servants won’t dare to wake me when I’m sleeping off a hangover!

  The bedroom also had plenty of wardrobes, cupboards, and chests, though they did not interest him at this point. Instead, he tried the next door.

  That led to an office. On top of a sizeable library, which unfortunately mostly contained reports and not anything exciting, there was an impressive desk, truly fit for a monarch. The new king sat down on the soft chair and stretched out with a sigh. This is heaven, he thought until his eyes fell on the stack of papers in the corner. I guess one benefit of this position is having my own office. I’ll need to make sure to find some competent advisors to run everything in my place. From now on, this room will be intended for parties!

  The last chamber in the royal quarters was a bathroom. Here, Varre felt a little disappointed. Instead of marble tiles, and a large pool in the center of the room, it looked very similar to the one back at his own manor. A simple tub, standing on four legs, and a toilet consisting of a wooden board. He shuddered at the mere reminder of having to use it. I can probably have someone try and improve it. In fact, that’s gonna be my first act of office, right after the coronation. Commissioning a proper, ceramic toilet!

  He hurried out of the bathroom back into the living room just in time to hear knocking at the door.

  “Who is it?” Varre asked.

  “It’s Hakon, your majesty,” the voice replied.

  The new king let out a sigh. At least he recognized the voice. He opened the door, and was surprised to see Benjamin there.

  The chamberlain immediately ran inside and kneeled in front of his liege. “My lord! I can’t believe it! You… you’re a king now!”

  Varre stretched his arms. “What can I say. They couldn’t have found a better man.”

  The chamberlain was on the verge of tearing up. “When those guards came for you this morning I was worried they might lock you up in a dungeon, or exile you to some far off land… I never expected this!”

  The king reached down and pulled his servant up by his shoulders. “Oh come on. Mikkel was a good man. He’d understand that some things are more important than a simple birthday party.”

  In the corner of his eyes, Benjamin saw the captain watching the entire exchange in silence. Unaware of the earlier conversation between the two men, the chamberlain decided to act. “My lord. Please, be careful with such talk. Mikkel III was an excellent king and a true inspiration to us all. You’ve said it yourself,” he lied, “many times! We don’t want to spread any nasty rumors about your relationship.”

  “Oh calm down. If there’s anything old Mikkel would have hated was people walking on eggshells around him,” Varre paused, “I think. It’s not like I knew him for very long.”

  The chamberlain gasped. “Please don’t say that either my lord. You’ve known each other since you were little!” he turned towards Hakon, “it’s the amnesia, sir. You see, he lost his memories after fighting the Soulkiller plague. That’s what he meant.”

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  “It’s alright. I understand,” the captain paused, “and I also understand that king Varre has always treated king Mikkel with nothing but the utmost respect. That goes without saying, of course.”

  “Of course,” Varre confirmed.

  Benjamin was eager to move the conversation to safer topics. “I brought something for you, my lord!”

  The chamberlain put the pouch he carried on top of a nearby table. He began pulling out a large ham, a small block of cheese, and half a loaf of bread. “You left without breakfast this morning. I figured you might appreciate this.”

  Varre sat down and began devouring the food in front of him. This wasn’t really a meal fit for a king, but after sitting here for so long, he didn’t care.

  “I figured that this might be the best way to obtain some safe food for you, your majesty,” Hakon explained, “until we figure out who poisoned the king, and exactly how they did it, it’s best to avoid the castle cellar. We’re still examining all of the stocks for any traces of toxins.”

  “In that case, we should put Benjamin in charge of preparing my meals for now,” the new king said in-between chewing, “until you make sure it’s safe, of course.”

  The chamberlain took a deep bow. “I would be honored, my lord.”

  “An excellent plan, your majesty,” Hakon agreed.

  Varre continued eating, as the other man watched over him. Benjamin was still in disbelief and he nervously glanced around the room, as if Mikkel himself was about to come out of the bathroom and angrily kick them out for getting dirt all over the floor. The captain on the other hand, stood with his back facing the wall, keeping an eye on the door. As if he was waiting for someone.

  Just as Varre was finishing up his meal, another knock rang out on the door.

  “Who is it?” the new king asked.

  “Steward Marna, your majesty,” a female voice replied.

  She was allowed in. The girl carried her signature stack of notes, though she did leave behind the hefty tome listing the royal family’s lineage behind. She stopped, as soon as she saw Benjamin.

  “Who is this, your majesty?” she blurted out.

  “My chamberlain,” Varre simply replied.

  “I figured this was the best way to ensure a safe meal,” Hakon added.

  The girl looked like a deer stuck in headlights. It took a few moments before she finally said, “I see… that’s… sensible,” she slowly approached the sofa where the king was sitting, “I know that your majesty must trust your former chamberlain and respect his advice, but I urge you to reconsider. I have been Mikkel’s advisor for half a decade at this point. And I’ve been training for this role for far longer than that! I understand the current status of the kingdom and am familiar with all of the important nobles.”

  Benjamin realized what she was getting at. “She’s right my lord. Marna is truly an excellent, experienced scholar and a pillar of the kingdom. I know I’ve been serving you well, but I fully support her! She should absolutely continue being your steward!”

  The girl seemed to be on the verge of panicking. “Thank you! See? Even your own chamberlain agrees! Considering the current situation, and how close we are to everything falling into chaos, replacing me at this point would be a very dangerous move your majesty,” she glanced at Hakon, as if asking for his support, “a-and of course I fully trust your majesty. I know that you had nothing to do with the plot to assassinate king Mikkel! Nothing at all!”

  The captain moved in to support her. “I agree. Suddenly replacing your personal steward at this point would only encourage people to throw accusations of tyranny against you. Please give her a chance your majesty. If you are dissatisfied with her work, you can always replace her at a later date. But I am sure she will impress you.”

  Everyone stared at the king in silence, awaiting his decision. Hakon hasn’t moved from his spot. His face, a mask hiding his emotions. Marna was still in the midst of panicking. Benjamin clasped his hands, and tried to show a persuasive expression.

  Varre watched this entire exchange in confusion. Finally he asked, “guys. What the hell are you even talking about? Why would you think I’m firing Marna?”

  The girl blinked a couple of times. “Well, a steward is just what we call the king’s chamberlain… Since, you brought your former servant here,” she pointed to Benjamin, “I’m assuming you’d like to keep him at the same position.”

  The new king scratched the back of his head. “Can’t I just have both of you help out? I assume I can afford it, right?”

  The two competing chamberlains exchanged nervous glances. Finally, Marna blurted out, “of course… your majesty.”

  “You can help me out here, at home,” Varre pointed to Benjamin, “after all, I will need someone to help wake me up on time,” he winked, “while you,” he pointed at the glasses wearing girl, “will continue in your former duties, managing the kingdom as my steward. I mean, I’d like you to dedicate as much of your time to do that as possible. I don’t need you wasting time, worrying about my breakfast or anything like that. The kingdom should run like a well-oiled machine.”

  “That… sounds excellent, your majesty,” Marna replied. She deflated and lowered herself onto one of the sofas.

  “A wonderful compromise,” Benjamin clapped his hands, “I have no doubt you will be an exemplary king!”

  Hakon watched this entire exchange with a slowly growing smirk. “If I may make a suggestion, your majesty. Since we still cannot be sure which servants are trustworthy, perhaps your chamberlain can help. If you bring the servants from your former mansion here, I’m sure they will do an excellent job caring for you. At least until more can be found.”

  “Can that be done?” Varre asked his chamberlain.

  Benjamin frantically nodded. “Of course! I’ll take care of it at once. And I will ensure to hire additional servants, as needed. Or as soon as captain Hakon can confirm which ones can be trusted.”

  “See Marna? Nothing to worry about!” the king tried to cheer her up, “that’s one less task for you to deal with.”

  She suddenly sprung up off the sofa. “Ah! Sorry about that! I should have asked for permission first!” she bowed apologetically.

  “I just told you there was nothing to worry about. And what’s the first thing you do? Is this the level of quality I can expect from your work?” Varre joked.

  Marna still looked mortified. Benjamin laughed nervously, as if to prove that the king really was just kidding. “Excellent joke your majesty.”

  Varre grinned back at him.

  The steward started nervously fanning herself with her notes, then suddenly stopped. “Right! I almost forgot the reason I came here in the first place!”

  “Which is?” the new king asked.

  “I sent out heralds with news about king Mikkel’s death. And I managed to arrange everything for tomorrow!” she started spreading out a parchment showing the schedule on the table in front of her, “the funeral, and then the coronation ceremony. I’m still working on a proper guest list, but the archpriest has been informed and will be ready.”

  “Good work,” Varre skimmed through the very detailed schedule, “and did you remember the most important thing?”

  “W-What is it, your majesty?” she asked.

  “Why, the feast of course!”

  What an excellent monarch! Hurray hurray for king Varre!

  The one and only coronation ceremony!