The Falling of Empress Malty

Chapter 9: Salernum

The next day arrives and Empress Malty was in a delightful mood. She came to the Roman beach town of Salernum to inspect the construction of her new summer palace. The town towards the outskirts was either one of two things, vineyards that stretched the countryside and wineries that produced Rome's best wines for export across the empire. The others were slums. poor peasants that were, in the eyes of Empress Malty, disgusting and wretched vermin that breaded more disgusting and foul children. Those who were not faithful to the Three Heroes faith. Malty sees them as nothing more than criminals and thieves, taking away from the beauty of the beautiful beach town. Going inwards, the lively market square was full of luxurious goods extracted from territories in the empire. Since the market is controlled by the empire, only the rich aristocrats could afford to purchase these goods. While the aristocracy were living the high life, the poor lived on whatever scraps the rich threw away. Empress Malty is disgusted by the filth of the poor. But that didn't matter to a disgusted Malty for long, for she was about to enter the construction grounds for her summer palace.

The summer palace is NOT going to be built by slaves, Empress Malty prefers that her summer paradise to not be touched by the filthy hands of slaves. Instead, artisans and craftsmen from across the empire are hired to build one of the greatest gifts to the Empress. From woodworkers, to stonecutters, these people are tasked into creating extravagant decor and create even the smallest detail in the palace. A large statue of Malty is being carefully sculpted in the summer palace courtyard. Under the statue is the Lord of the Salernum area, Lord Vegeta. A large man with black spiky hair, wearing a lavish suit and cloak. He too is inspecting the summer palace construction, and he noticed the imperial limousine move in. Surprised, Lord Vegeta walks up to the empress and her loyal advisor, honored and blessed to be in her presence.

"Oh gracious empress!" Lord Vegeta said, "It is a blessing to have you in our presence. I am most truly honored Your Graciousness". He then bows in high respect.

"Oh! Do go off, dear Lord Vegeta" Malty replies.

"I take it that you are here to inspect your summer palace your Graciousness?" Lord Vegeta asks.

"Of course, such a smart mind dear lord" Malty remarks. "I want to see the layout of my summer home and see if it fits my elegant lifestyle".

"Oh my Graciousness, I am one hundred percent confident that you would be most satisfied with the layout and amenities of this extraordinary summer getaway".

"Well we shouldn't be here for long anyway" Kaname says to Vegeta, making Malty scowl at her. "She has an important meeting with the Chairwoman of the Indian government and it could help both nations in times of war". Lord Vegetta just shrugs it off.

"Oh! I'm sure that her Graciousness would have plenty of time to get to that meeting. As I am well aware of the need for strong allies. However, it should not be a problem for our gracious empress to tour her summer palace, and besides, I'm sure that the Chairwoman won't mind if her Graciousness is late. She needs strong allies like us". Malty sticks her tongue at Kaname, making a mental note to slap her wrists for interference again. Kaname just sighs

"Well, let us get going" Malty says growing impatient. Of course Lord Vegetta gets on with the tour, but not before shouting the presence of the Gracious empress causing the workers to work harder. The Palace grounds was to be larger than the town's amphitheater and the town market combined, taking up the place of the former slum homes. The palace walls were to be built from the finest marble and stone from the mines of the Italian regions. The interiors were to be adorned from the finest gold mined from the territories of Brazil. Gemstones would be mined from the Australian territories. And The rugs and curtains made from the finest silk from the Chinese territories. Thousands of numerous paintings are to be hung on the palace walls inside to display great decadence.