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// Council Days 
// Story: World of Ponies: A Collection of Days 
// by ShadowWalking18 
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Politics is universal. A collection of people, talking, debating and arguing ideals, philosophy and policy all based around personal ethics and morals, be it their own or those of the highest bidder. And through it all, each individual striving to cement greater power onto their own person or their nation.

And while in books, movies, comics it seems exciting but the truth is far more humbling.

It is in fact, incredibly boring.

'God, couldn't Rarity have made this suit more breathable. I'm melting here.' Castus thought as he walked through the hall of the Council of Nations building; heading to the main chamber.

The Council building was situated in Canterlot, right next to the embassy's of the other nations outside Equestria. Eventually a new embassy would join them. But that would not be for some time.

Though Castus did not need an embassy, though he was starting to wish there was someone more qualified for the task ahead of him.

'Now I know why politicians back on Earth wore dark suits. I can feel the sweat cling to my shirt under this blasted jacket.' He thought.

His unfortunate sweating was due in part due to the heat of the day, and the fact that the council building lacked anything like actual air conditioning did not help. The other part was his own nerves. He himself had never been a political person, and while he had the memories of his past life, as he called it to spare his sanity, it was not enough to make him feel confident.

It was one thing to know what to do, it is another thing to do what you know. And he would be addressing the diplomats of a bunch of other nations, all who no doubt would see him as just an animal. He would have to prove them wrong, and he couldn't just strong arm them. Such a tactic would not win the Empire any true credible independence and sovereignty.

This would have to be handled tactfully and with calm ease.

Again, Castus was glad the suit was dark. Though he would make a point of asking for more breathable clothing when he had Rarity create the official diplomat clothing for the Empire.

'First we gotta decide on our heraldry. Coat of arms. Colors. Ugh, my head hurts.' Castus thought, rubbing his head at all the extra work still left to do.

When he finally arrived at the entrance to the Council Chambers, Castus took a deep breath and strode in, doing his best to appear confident. As the door opened, he immediately was greeted by the other council members.

There was Celestia of course, representing Equestria. Castus had to say, she looked very beautiful today. Then again, she looked good on most days. Unless she was just getting up in the morning. Before being allowed a more free choice of living quarters he had had to stay at the castle for a time. In that time he had gotten a closer look at the princesses when they were not on duty.

"What is this creature doing here?" A low, rumbling voice said with a low snort.

Castus looked at the speaker, noting them from the conversations between him and Celestia in preparation for this meeting. It was the Speaker from the nation of Tuskany, a heavy set boar adorn in rich clothing.

"It is the human ambassador." Another delegate spoke, this the Saddle Arabian Speaker.

"Oh, yes." the boar Speaker said dismissively.

"Ha, what can an animal speak of? This farce has grown old now, I demand this creature be removed from my presence." Another delegate said. This one, a griffon.

Castus gave the griffon speaker a hard look. He had figured that the griffons would be the most aggressive. The speaker of the Boars looked more uncaring, and dismissive of him. The Saddle Arabian Speaker merely regarding him with uncertainty.

Then there was the Zebra Speaker. Unlike the other races, the Zebra merely gazed at him curiously, like a curiosity. Then there was the Kirin which hailed from the far east, the strange deer like creature with drake like scales upon their bodies and horns that were capable of magic.

'Those two might be allies. Or at the least neutral in any argument that concerns the Empire.' Castus thought. He was not sure what position the Saddle Arabians would take, but given their close alliance with Equestria they might follow Celestia's lead. 

Then there was the Crystal Empire's Ambassador. A lovely looking crystal pony mare. The close ties between Equestria and the Crystal Empire would mean that any action taken by one would be followed by the other. So at the very least Castus knew he had some allies, if not officially.

"No one will be forced out of this hall Ambassador Steelclaw. Ambassador Castus is here as a legitimate representative of his nation. And I expect to see civility from you during this meeting." Celestia said, giving the griffon that look that made even Castus shiver.

Steelclaw scuffed, "Oh very well." It was clear the griffon did not see to care much on Celestia's words as he took his seat. 

The other Speakers all took their seats, but Castus remained standing, noting that he lacked a seat at the table.

"Forgive the lack of seating Ambassador. I had hoped to have one set for you, but with so much else getting in the way it has been hard to get your spot prepared." Celestia said frowning.

"Perhaps you can sit on the floor, though I' sure we an all wait while we find a stool for you to be brought up." Steelclaw said, his mockery apparent in his tone.

Castus just smirked, and drew on the Wind. The look Celestia gave him was both a worried and a cautionary one. Castus just smiled. He knew what he was doing.

While showing too much force could be diplomatically negative, it could often be a positive. Such as putting a trap on a loud mouthed idiot.

"No need to wait. I will make my own." Castus said, and wove the spell. The marble flooring beneath him as he stepped close to the table began morphing and shift beneath him. Pieces of the stone shot up or molded itself into the form of a throne just the right size for Castus to sit in comfortably without being too gaudy or excessive. The formation of his seat caused the ambassadors to stand and step back, eyes wide with shock. Steelclaw himself stared, beak hanging open.

Castus just sat, crossed one leg over the other and crossed his arms over his chest with a smirk. Celestia sighed, rubbing her head and muttering something.

"Now then. Shall we begin?" Castus asked, his smile never leaving his face.

"Yes. I think we can all focus on the business at hoof." Celestia said, looking to the Speakers and then at him. Castus wilted a bit under that stare. Celestia and him were going to have a long talk after this council meeting.

'Oh well. It was worth shutting that beak of his.' Castus thought