[center] [h1][color=FBC417]Nebuchadnezzar II [/color][/h1] [h3] Homurahara Courtyard(Banquet of Kings), Academy, Fuyuki City [/h3] [/center] [hr] The words of the Greek set Nebuchadnezzar’s heart alight. He had no clue who this man was, but he was a TRUE king. This unidentified Servant fully understood what it meant to be a king. Glamor and conquest was important, but there was nothing greater than making sure those under you were protected and nurtured. Rider’s face couldn’t hide is excitement for such a king, forcing a bright smile to appear. Of course, this smile didn’t last long. As this man calling himself “Hercules” entered the banquet soon after. That was odd, especially since the Greek spelling was “Heracles,” but maybe being summoned in Japan ruined that? Either way, Nebuchadnezzar’s smile instantly faded once this “Hercules” revealed his version of the “Nemean Lion.” Seeing an innocent bystander in the state that he was caused Rider to flinch. Savagery. There was no better way to describe “that” performance. He understood that Magi and Servants could act in less than savoury ways and he accepted that...but this was almost too cruel. He wasn’t a resource, just a prop in a pathetic side show act. Such a waste of life was horrid, but savages cared little about such things. At this point, it didn’t really matter. The rules dictated that anyone who was witness to them was to be killed, to protect the secrecy of the events involved. Even if this “Nemean Lion” wasn’t dead yet, either his memory needed to be wiped, or he needed to die. Such a terrible fate this “Hercules” gave to him. Unfortunately, these were the rules of this moonlit world, no matter how much it upsets Nebuchadnezzar. He would merely look away from the brute, avoiding his torture of the poor man. At the very least, Nebuchadnezzar wouldn’t bear witness to such brutality. It was the very end of this torture scene that Rider heard those annoying whispers once more. At this point, he almost got a headache every time they came, but he was still thankful for their advice. It seemed that the rest of the kings at the banquet also possessed such an ability, seeing as they immediately began to prepare for it. They also felt the need to answer his question on kingship during this time, which of course was met with a look of disgust. Those men knew nothing. Like ignorant children, they believed themselves kings when they were nothing but tyrants. This was terrible, but it could be remedied. If they were truly ignorant, then Nebuchadnezzar would teach them. It was proper for a king to make sure his people were educated. [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szNUd-oj2dE] Rider began to move towards the Greek[/url], as only he seemed like the proper king here. It was a sign of solidarity, that among these barbarians, he could have some solace that a spark of civilization was present. Of course, he was dragging his Master along with him the entire time. [color=FBC417]“You’re both close, but you’re both fundamentally wrong. The people as slaves to your will? That isn’t what it means to be a king.”[/color] How could it be? A king ignorant to the wishes of his people is doomed to fall. Nebuchadnezzar enslaved an entire people, but even he knew this much. [color=FBC417]“To protect your possessions and to be perfect? Those are such shortsighted goals in the end. I wonder how history has characterized you two, for I fear it isn’t well.”[/color] Nebuchadnezzar couldn’t be sure who these two were, but they definitely reminded him of the scourge from the steppes. Not that he was alive for that, but thankfully the Grail filled him in on stuff like that. He continued to move, fully trusting in the protection skills of those two and the musician. Plus, it wasn’t like he had much to protect himself with. [color=FBC417]“A king should cherish the gods, for it is they who give you your authority to rule. Without their blessings, we merely parade as leaders. To not act as proper kings means we disrespect them.”[/color] As the living embodiment of Marduk on Earth, Nebuchadnezzar took his role to the gods with the utmost seriousness. To throw away all the faith they had in him would be his greatest shame. A king had to a proper king for his gods. [color=FBC417]“To flaunt your greatness to your enemies is important, but never forget to let your people thrive in your success.”[/color] Nebuchadnezzar nurtured all under his care, from the funding of schools to ensuring those within Babylon ate. [color=FBC417]“A king should should never ignore the cries of his people and most importantly---”[/color] It was at this time that Nebuchadnezzar had arrived next to Theseus. He could respect this man as an equal, at least on some level. Rider had no idea if this man fulfilled his other outlined criteria, but since he followed the most important tenant, Rider was sure that this man was a good king. As the javelins fully began to rain down, Nebuchadnezzar smiled. He had no means of protecting himself beyond trusting in the two people he had spent this time lecturing. It was ironic, especially considering what his last ideal was, but the two seemed hellbent on protecting the banquet. Still, Rider couldn’t be sure that their defenses would be enough. But this was fine, as Nebuchadnezzar didn’t care all that much about protecting himself. He pulled his Master even closer into him, enveloping her body. On the microscopic chance that all of these defenses failed, then at the very least, he would be able to protect his Master. Nebuchadnezzar would be her bulwark, something to protect her from the rain of javelins. The King would be the canopy which protected those who sat beneath it. And so, as he readied for impact, the man shouted his most important criteria. [color=FBC417]“---To be a proper king is to protect the image and smile of everyone under you!!!”[/color] [@Crusader Lord][@Over Illusion][@Reflection][@Flood][@ReallyDumb][@Phonic][@Breo]