He pulls the cuff on his suit jacket down, checks his silver watch, and looks back up at the children. He’s reading them a book. Taking part in his duties as a fearless leader. Oblivious, he claims, to the conflict occurring inside his empire.

A dark omen consumes his nation.

In moments of privacy he takes deep breaths, panicking from the memory of the lives lost. Reproductions from his decisions to create a mutual enemy between the residents and his bloodline. Someone they’ll unite against.

It’s noon. Time for him to lie to his people. To tell them how their hero has saved the day with his glory and genius.

By Erik Sohji