[Episode 33342] [Episode 33342]Ranma was getting the hang of being Emperor of Mongo. Mostly it was just a matter of giving commands for the central computers to get the robot soldiers back to combat readiness and delegating the less important details, like everything else, to underlings. This left him with plenty of time to kick back and practice in the Arena of Death with the strange pets his predecessors had kept.
The downside to being Emperor was that he was expected to perform a few ceremonial duties. It was boring, but Ranma guessed it was expected and the crowds certainly seemed to get a thrill seeing their new Emperor on parade and his ego certainly enjoyed the attention.
Listening to those cheers certainly made a nice change from hearing, "Prepare to Die, Ranma!"
Then came the time to accept meet his feudal lords as they arrived from the Empire's diverse kingdoms to swear featly. Impressed that this was a serious matter, Ranma decided to stand tall and regal and keep his mouth shut. Besides, he didn’t want to make a fool of himself while his mother was watching.
"Presentang," the seneschal announced as the first such delegation made its way through the corridors, "King Thong of the Lion Men!"
Ranma stiffened as the delegates approached, but it wasn't as bad as he feared. The delegates bore only a little more of a resemblance to the little terrors than Mint of the Musk. Ranma was able to quash the impulse and face the cat man.
Thong bared his teeth as he considered the puny Emperor before him but, as their eyes locked in mutual assessment, Thong was surprised to find the initial scent of fear replaced by growing confidence. Lion men were proud, courageous warriors who respected only personal strength, but Thong decided that while the boy emperor might be a young cub he had the aura of an experienced warrior.
Mindful of the guard bots and the blasters trained on him, Thong suppressed the urge to roar out a challenge in instinctive response to the cubs arrogant stance. Instead he forced himself to bow in supplication. "Your Imperial Highness, the Lion Men stand ready to serve the Empire. As proof of our loyalty, I bring tribute from my poor kingdom and present the service of my daughter, Leona, for your pleasure."
Ranma blinked as the empty words he was supposed to utter in response fled from his mind. Instead, 'c-ca-cat g-g-rrrl' echoed in the silence of his mind.
"Do you not find her acceptable?" Thong bristled.
Ranma snapped out of his daze. "I don't get it, you're giving me your daughter?" Somehow he had a very bad feeling about that. He cast a nervous glance over the girl. Once he got past the tawny fur and slightly feline features he realised the muscular, leather-clad girl was obviously a candidate for a palace guard job, right down to the strange taste they had in ceremonial uniforms on Mongo. He sighed in relief, "oh, right, for that seraglio thing! I'm sure she'll fit in fine. Sorry, I'm kinda new to this. Uh… I'm supposed to say something fancy to welcome you aboard but it slipped my mind. So, uh, good to have you on our side."
Thong roared. Ranma relaxed as he realised that it was relaxed laughter. "Hah! You speak plainly. I like that, boy."
The rest of the day's meetings went a little smoother as Ranma got into the swing of things and became used to being introduced to princesses applying for a palace job. He guessed that it was some sort of prestige position and decided it would be best not to reject any, though some seemed a little soft. At least that gal in leather armour and high heels assured him they'd all be properly trained and conditioned before being presented for service, or servicing as she put it.
Finding all that diplomacy stuff to be exhausting, Ranma decided to retire to his palacial quarters without spending time the Arena of Death training area. Meanwhile Nodoka and "that gal in leather armor and high heels" put their heads together to decide what to do to with Leona and the other princess brides.
(Posted Wed, 12 Mar 2003 15:06)
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らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
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