You couldn't remember when he had said it or in what context, but your father had once advised you that only kings should present themselves as infallible.

Anything else would be unfriendly to look at and most people preferred to make deals with those they liked. First impressions were always the most important.

That evening, however, it seemed to you that this very moment, so important in its essence, was a complete disaster.

Viktor and the new councillor Talis stood in the large entrance hall of your childhood home like two figures carved out of wood, stiff, decorative and not quite in keeping with the rest of the place.

Although he had been elevated to the highest office in Piltover around midday, Jayce Talis had not yet bothered with his appearance.

As before, he was dressed in simple trousers and black boots, with a brownish shirt under a white waistcoat. The scarlet colour of his tie stood out against his tanned skin.

Viktor looked like a ghost next to him. As if his presence was draining his life. You, on the other hand, stood at the top of the long staircase and looked down at them both, dressed in fine silk and a waistcoat with an embroidered collar.

Gold shimmered on the buttons and from the first glance the new councillor gave you, you noticed a hint of reserve in his olive-coloured eyes.

Your gaze immediately jumped over your shoulder to Albert. With a nod, you silently asked him to leave, which he did as soon as he had nodded politely to the guests.

Silence hung in the void between you. The two men were of common birth, Viktor even more so than Jayce. He was a child of the Undercity and had crawled out of the filth, polluted air and toxic water completely on his own.

All you knew about Councillor Talis was that his father had been a maker of tools that had helped build this shining city. Old Talis had passed away, leaving only his mother.

There were no siblings, but the way they stood together, Jayce supporting Viktor despite his crutch, you could guess how close they were. Blood wasn't always thicker than water, but it could make one very, very ill.

"I must apologise.", your voice sounded full, strong as you came down the steps towards them.

You didn't want to be a king, but compared to what they knew, you were probably a god.

What could a god offer mortals?

Immortality?

No, all three of you knew that your time was limited. So it had to be quick. And it was easiest when there were no obstacles in the way.

"I hadn't expected a third.", you tilted your head in acknowledgement as your (E/C) eyes fell on Jayce.

Hesitantly, he inhaled. His eyes still wandered over the estate's furnishings. So that one afternoon with the councillors hadn't completely clouded his mind.

There was still the down-to-earth, humble explorer in him.

Soon he would taste the iron of golden coins on his tongue and know what it was like to bathe in milk. Then it would be hard to win him over for you.

You had to act, quickly was best.

"I don't want to be a bother.", green eyes travelled over your face while the dark eyebrows rose slightly.

He was a giant of a man, even bigger than he had seemed in the council chamber as he stood before the seven members. His voice was strong, but also had a boyish quality to it.

You couldn't imagine being afraid of him. Despite his appearance and the fact that he towered over you by almost a whole head, he seemed soft. Almost like the Poro of the honourable Heimerdinger.

The thought made you smile involuntarily.

"Don't worry.", you quickly tried to capitalise on the change in your expression. "There will be enough for all of us. Food, drink and conversation. Shall we?"

You looked directly at Viktor for the first time, but it occurred to you that it would have been better if you had greeted him first. He was your original guest, the reason and actual goal for this meeting.

Even though he seemed to be used to being noticed after Councillor Talis, you mentally reminded yourself to focus on him.

But Viktor seemed just as unaccustomed to the magnificent appearance of the house as he was to human proximity. Instead of looking you straight in the eye, his gaze now travelled along the long staircase.

Step after step, after step.

And you couldn't help but look at his lame leg.

How could you have been so stupid?

Ignorance was a poison that ran through the veins of your comrades-in-arms. You yourself had always hoped that you hadn't been exposed to too much of it.

At least your father had always said you were your mother's son and she had always been very modest, down-to-earth and as lively as she was lovable.

But at that moment, there was no other way to describe your planning: ignorant. The new councillor's lips parted slightly, a hesitant breath escaping.

You smiled at the two men.

"This way, please.", you pointed smoothly down a dark corridor. "I must apologise, my manners are usually better. I hope I can be forgiven for my mistake."

Viktor immediately shook his head. He was modest but not frightened like a frail child.

"I don't expect any extra treatment.", he said.

Snorting, you led them down the dark corridor, the smell of warm coals in a stove making the air glow. Like your mother's embrace.

"All my guests are treated according to their needs.", you said and pushed the heavy door made of wood and iron.

"That's... remarkable.", remarked the new councillor with raised eyebrows.

The recognition that sparkled in the green of his eyes was genuine. You smiled again and shrugged your shoulders.

"I am vain, Councillor Talis.", you said. "Average isn't good enough for me."

"Jayce.", he said suddenly. "Let's call each other by name."

He offered you his hand. Instead, you held out your hand to Viktor.

"To good co-operation.", you smiled.