"And who are you, little mortal?" I say trying to keep the bravado of an ancient dragon.
The man in cleric robes, Charlie, seems to hesitate when he meets my piercing ruby red eyes. I guess even though I am in my actual form and not the one from before, that image is still burned into his mind and he probably thinks I have purposefully shrunk myself down.
"I... I just wanted to ask why you want to rule this city?" Charlie says with difficulty.
I was a little surprised, this guy seems to not be an Aura user, just a normal person and yet after seeing everything I did and my other form, he still came here and questioned me? Is he stupid?
My voice rumbled out in waves as I responded.
"Why do I need to answer the questions of a mere mortal?" I say with some impatience.
Charlie seems to realise his mistake and quickly corrects himself.
"Sorry! I... am just curious. I am questioning myself over something important to me." He trails off at the end meekly.
This guy seems interesting... Lets see, I am going to need a person who can be a bridge between me and the populace who stay. I need them to revere and pray to me, not fear me.
My deep voice echoes off the marble pillars as I say.
"Hmmm... I am in need of this city for my future plans. I will not divulge more on that to you. However, if you are worried I will mistreat the people, know that I will not. I need them to prosper more than you know. And I cannot have them fearing me or hating me for that to happen."
Charlies eyes seem to shine with understanding.
"Good. That's good. You are different from what I know of dragons."
Still keeping up my ancient dragon persona, I speak in a profound tone yet again.
"Do not compare me to those lesser idiots. Disgracing our god!"
Charlie seemed to have realised he overstepped.
"I apologise, great ancient dragon! Of course you would be different."
I huff with feigned arrogance before saying.
"You will be my bridge to the common folk. I will remake this city which was torn down by corrupt men into a home of order and power. I will bring the people to my banner. You may doubt me now; that is expected. Do you accept the position? The theocracy abandoned you. I will not."
Charlie seemed stunned by my words.
"I... will. At least in the short term, I would like to have a front row seat to your vision. I realise that I failed these people, by standing back and pretending I did not see the misuse of power, pretending that it was for the greater good of the human gods. I can also use this as a way to repent for my actions."
I acknowledged his mindset and resolve.
"Good. First things first, I am guessing the people need food? They seemed malnourished when I first flew above the city."
"Ah yes! If I was to name the first two major problems, it would be food and the walls not being up to standard."
"Okay, food first, I have just happened to have made an ally. I will call on her and see if we can come to an agreement. Then, the walls, no one should even step near this city with ill intent while I am ruling it and considering the majority of the clergy left, most of the continent will soon know."
Charlie nodded thoughtfully as this unlikely alliance got underway.