It is surprising how many kings have earned the title of 'Mad King'.
Of course, the extent of madness is always varied. Unfortunately, most examples are often from high fantasy and epic lore. I tend to read more romance than fantasy, so I cannot say I have found a true mad king in my novel journey.
Mad kings have also existed throughout history and committed atrocious deeds. I have not seen the full extent to which this king is willing to go as a leader. Perhaps, it is not fair to dub the man the Kingmaker showed me as a Mad King.
But again, his actions have proven to be anything but sane.
I think the choice of the king can only be blamed on the Kingmaker. After meeting the Kingmaker, I could not think of what else to call his chosen king. The Kingmaker's calm and virtuous bearing was completely contrary to his choice of king.
Therefore, I could only name him the Mad King to emphasize this difference.
The Mad King on the screen was not doing anything. Well, that was not true. The man was asleep alone on a large bed. The angle of the video footage was quite high, showing a very ostentatious room.
I looked away.
"You do not seem to care about people's privacy at all, even your own people," I could not help but comment.
The Kingmaker did not seem bothered. "The creator watches us every day and at every moment. One should be doing anything that they would not want to be seen. We should live in a way that is beyond reproach every day."
Again, I almost rolled my eyes at the complete insensitivity of this man. He was stubborn and believed that only his doctrines were right. However, I decided to respond in a way that he might understand.
"Adam and Eve were provided with clothing to cover their shame. I think humans should get the same level of privacy even in the digital age." I replied, refusing to look at the man who was sleeping, unaware he was under surveillance.
Or perhaps, he was.
No one could understand the mind of a Mad King or their deal with their Kingmaker. It would not surprise me if the constant surveillance were a part of the deal. After all, a kingmaker only selects a king as a puppet.
Maybe I should have dubbed him the Puppet.
"I have my reasons for keeping an eye on him," The Kingmaker says cryptically.
I wanted to snort inelegantly at the statement. This is a man who likes to have control over everything. It was unlikely that he was watching over the king for his safety. The more likely answer was that he was making sure his assets did not stray from the path.
"We can still talk without looking at the man sleeping," I held back my thoughts and decided not to participate in this voyeurism.
"I did not think that this was where you would draw the line. The reports I have received do not indicate a conservative mindset," The Kingmaker said calmly without inflexion as if he was not being judgmental.
It sounded like he was making a mere observation. Still, he changed the video on the screen to what I assumed was the insignia of the Guild of the Gracious Quill. I was a little surprised by the gesture.
"It is precisely because my privacy has been violated that I draw the line there. And I suppose you are right. Those who are virtuous do not fear having their privacy violated. But why should I be virtuous if I do not wish to be?" I asked as calmly.
The Kingmaker did not look amused.
I could understand the reason he was not impressed. His entire life was dedicated to creating a perfect world that was under the control and principles of the creator. A world of righteousness…
Naturally, he could understand a rejection of what was considered right.
"Rejecting the right way is not only harmful to those who choose to live a sinful life apart from the creator. It harms those who are trying their best to be virtuous. The virtuous are led to believe that it is right not to live every day in a virtuous way." The Kingmaker said.
My lips pursed with some annoyance at the argument.
"But why is it my responsibility to protect those who want to live a virtuous life? They have chosen to follow his commands, and I have not. Yet, I am denied my choice not to disobey a creator I do not follow for their sake." I retort.
The Kingmaker's glasses glint in the light like an anime character about to deliver a blow.
"That is why I have taken up the responsibility to bring the world to a point where the unbelievers will not create an environment where they cause others to sin. Eventually, everyone will see that it is the right decision."
There was a chilling finality in his tone that would make anyone afraid.
I wanted to argue, but I did not have a new angle. It was pointless to oppose a crusader without a life-changing argument. I did not have one. Therefore, I did not respond to the Kingmaker. He was the one in control.
"What do you think of him?" He asked after getting the satisfaction that I was not going to continue arguing on the point of a virtuous life.
I did not need to guess since I knew he was talking about the Mad King.
I frowned. "I do not know."
The Kingmaker seemed surprised. "You seem to have an opinion of everyone. You cannot possibly have nothing to say about him."
It was true.
I have an opinion on everything and nothing. I can talk about any topic while thinking and without preparation. However, I was not lying. I did not have a clear image of the Mad King in my mind because he did not make sense to me.
"I have an opinion on everyone because of empathy. However, I am only able to recreate a person's experience in my head with limited information because all humans have a logical flow in their personality, behaviour, and thoughts." I replied.
I glanced at the screen even though there was nothing to see. "As for him, I am unable to get into his mind because he does not show a clear pattern in his human behaviour. I cannot tell whether it is deliberate or natural. Either way, I cannot use empathy to understand a person whose humanity is unclear."
The Kingmaker looked at me with a strange look in his eyes.
"You do not cease to surprise me, Catherine." The Kingmaker said. "Do you truly believe that he is not a human?"