Erika's Address

(Erika's Perspective)

Once again, I was having another busy day of actressing. As I sat in the throne room, it seemed like an endless stream of people approached me with all sorts of scenarios to play along with.

"Erika-sama there is a food shortage in the southern rural farming communities. What should we do?" Some old guy said as he kneeled in front of me.

"That's easy, we'll just send them crates full of marshmallows. Then they'll have plenty to eat." I responded.

"Brilliant idea My lord, I will have those sent out right away."

Next some random lady approached me.

"Please help, Shogun Erika. There is a dam on the West side of the kingdom that is on the verge of bursting. We need to do something or nearby villages could be destroyed."

I thought for a moment.

"Hmm, this is quite the dilemma. What if we got a humongous sponge and used it to absorb all the water?"

"Yes Ma'am. I'll get our engineers on it."

Personally, I thought I was doing a great job as an actress. I was curious how our plays ratings were doing since I got on board. Now that I thought about it though, there was still something I didn't understand...

"Is something on your mind Erika-sama?" Shiina asked, noticing that I was deep in thought.

"It's just that I was wondering, if we're putting on a play, where is the audience?"

She smiled.

"The audience is kept out of sight in order to not break our immersion as actors. Everything we do is broadcasted to them in a separate viewing room through a magical projection system."

"Wow, I had no idea something like that even existed. Also I was curious how you managed to get Mr. Arno to play along? Typically he doesn't like fun, so seeing him play a prisoner was quite a shocker."

"He actually approached me after he saw how well you were doing at your new career and he wanted to show his support to you in some way. I suggested he make a cameo and he went along with it. He even got your alchemist friend to help out as well."

"I could have done without Cal taking part, but next time I see Mr. Arno, I need to make sure to thank him for his support and let him know that there's no hard feelings between us."

"Yeah, next time..." Shiina said.

*Fwoosh*

One of my spokesperson guys came rushing into the room.

"Erika-sama we have trouble. The citizens have formed a mob outside of the palace. They seem to be unhappy with some of your new policies."

"That sounds interes-... I mean that doesn't sound very good. What should I do, Shiina?"

"I think you should go out there and address them in person."

✨✨✨

My bodyguard's stayed close to me as we exited the palace. A small stage and podium were set up in the courtyard. Just outside the gates was a massive crowd of people. I was a bit nervous since this was my first time addressing my fans in person.

"Rabble rabble rabble rabble!" The crowd chanted.

One of my helpers handed me a cone to amplify my voice.

"Hello everyone, it's very nice to see so many people here."

"Boooooooo!" The crowd reciprocated.

I turned to Shiina.

"Is it me or do they seem a little upset for some reason."

"Oh yes, I forgot to mention, we got a huge group of your 'fans' to be extras in an

angry mob for this scene." Shiina responded.

"Oh, that makes sense. I guess I should play along with them then..."

I spoke back into the cone.

"Please tell me why you're all so angry."

"TAXES!" A number of voices rang out.

Unfortunately, I still wasn't really sure what taxes were, but I didn't want to break character, so I just had to wing it.

"And what exactly is the problem with these 'taxes'?" I asked.

"That's stupid question! Obviously it's because you increased them... BY ALOT!" A random audience member shouted.

Shiina quickly chimed in.

"Since everyone's here, now's probably a good time to make you all aware of the new air tax Erika-sama signed off on this morning..."

The crowd suddenly erupted once again.

"Rabble rabble rabble rabble rabble!"

"Please hear me out. I have an idea." I spoke loudly.

I mob quieted down to listen.

"What if in exchange for these tax thingies, we add an eighth day of the week, so everyone can have three weekend days instead of two? We can call this new day 'Caturday'."

"That's not even possible." Someone yelled.

"Anything's possible if we all work together." I responded.

The crowd didn't really seem to like my response because they began yelling and trying to force open the front gate. I had to admit, for a pretend angry mob, they were pretty convincing.

As I looked out into my audience, I suddenly noticed a particular cloaked individual. I instantly recognized who it was since there was only one person I knew who gave off a cold and creepy aura you could notice from a mile away...

"MR. ARNO!" I shouted as I waved.

For some reason my guards seemed to take interest in him as I pointed him out because a group of them began climbing over the gate and pushing their way through the crowd toward him with shields and wooden clubs. I guessed they probably wanted to bring him on stage with me or something…