Helluva Boss Codename Ghost

Change of pace

So far, the place seems exceptionally small, but it has some major promise.

"What weighs on your thoughts?" says a voice behind me.
I turn to see Zestial coming outside with his teacup.

"Is it that obvious?" I asked.

He chuckles. "It doth not take a playwright to understand mental turmoil, dear sir."

"...I was thinking about the future."

"And what Pray-tell doth your foresight holds?."

"That's the thing. I don't know. In life, I always tried to plan for the future, I never anticipated any of this happening. I've been pondering whether I made the right choice in taking up Greeze's mantle. "

Zestial stared out at the skyline, quietly sipping his tea for a spell before he spoke again.

"When I was a lad, my father used to say that no man or woman is ever given more than they can bear.
If you are given something, it is because you possess the fortitude to accomplish such a feat...however I'm no stranger to one simple fact, my boy. "

"And what's that?"

"This life isn't meant for everyone, Adrian. Typically, we want overlords that know what their getting into, those that wish to abandon their humanity. Not all of us are meant to rule."

"I'm thinking about abdicating."

"Not a bad choice, little prince."

"Do you think it's the right thing to do?".

"It would be folly to ask the caterpillar if it wants to become a butterfly or to ask the sun if it wishes to shine, Advice is a dangerous thing even amongst the wise. But for comradery's sake, I shall say this. I would leave here today and take a look at the larger picture. When you have done that, ask thine-self what will make you merry in your current predicament. If you ask me the answers right in front of you. "

"That's actually really helpful. Thank you Zestial".

"Tis not but a trifle Adrian."

I checked my watch and we went back inside...

The meeting dragged on as they all do, and eventually, we adjourned. I drove down the highway but opted to take the longer way back home. I kept turning over advice. Zestial gave me the decision I had been struggling with all day, but no matter how I spun it, I arrived at the same conclusion. I had been ruling this empire for a couple of years, and although I ruled a small kingdom, I wasn't happy, I was bored, and I wanted out. However, I knew that I couldn't just leave Chris, Fatima, and all my employees who worked for me, and they would suffer if I left. All of my work would wither and die without me and the empire along with everything I'd done, all the allegiances I'd created, and all the peace I'd made would die with me.

I realized I was stuck. I had traded one punishment for another, and there was nothing I could do about it. I started to feel overwhelmed, so I pulled off the freeway into an empty parking lot. I rested my head on the steering wheel as I shut my eyes and breathed deeply.

This was it for me here. I am a king with a throne I didn't want anymore and couldn't shake anymore.

I pound my fist into the steering wheel in frustration.

I sat there in that parking lot for a long time. I'm not sure how long but eventually I heard my phone ring.

I opened my eyes, fishing it out of my pocket. It was Fatima.

I took a breath and composed myself before accepting the call.

"Hey, Fatima."

"Yeah, boss, I just wanted to call to make sure that we were still on for tonight?"