The Emperor made Richard an offer: "I want you to become the Chief Military Mage."
Richard, of course, shook his head and refused. "Your Majesty, my abilities and qualifications are hardly sufficient for such a position."
"Is saving the Emperor not a great enough accomplishment? Besides, you are the disciple of the former Chief Mage and have a distinguished background..." The new Emperor had not expected to be refused so quickly by a subject. His right hand unconsciously came to rest on his left arm again.
Richard desperately wanted to tell His Majesty the Emperor that, in the eyes of other Casters, none of the points he had just made amounted to much.
