With a leash attached, Michael is led back to the throne room. The guards are non-player artificial intelligences so they only do what they are programmed to do. If that means beat the slave, then they beat the slave. Michael so far has been okay because they only beat him if he disobeyed. The guards weren't programmed to be especially cruel. It did hurt when they marked his forehead and butt cheek but not severely.
The biggest problem is that Michael has not seen a single person with an actual mind. He's only been handled by these artificial intelligences that don't know he isn't an actual slave. But heading back to the throne room, Michael hopes to change that.
But the closer he gets to the throne room, the more he sees the evidence of the chaos that Damien has been causing. The throne room looks like a full blown magic war has taken place. There are many stone statues that look like they had once been guards. There is a big pile of ice cream behind the thrones. There is another wizard but he is frozen in ice.
Dad and Jessica are not there. Mom is still a chicken. Ryan is there but he's not a jester anymore. He's a full blown knight.
Ryan said, "Michael, I'm so glad you're back. We need everyone helping us find Damien."
Michael said, "First change me into a knight also."
Ryan said, "Sorry. All the programmers that were in the simulation were zapped by Damien. They are continuing to try to help from outside the simulation but time outside the simulation passes a hundred times slower than it does inside the simulation. They managed to make me a knight just before the last programmer was zapped. We're stuck in our roles."
Michael asked, "Can I at least get some better clothes?"
One of the higher ranking servants spoke up, "Sir Ryan, would you care to inspect the slave?"
Ryan said, "No, I do not wish to inspect the slave, Neville. Bring him some clothes."
Neville said, "It is against the law for anyone to dress different from his or her station in life. Unless you want your slave dressed in another outfit appropriate for a slave, the law would demand your death."
Ryan turned to Michael. "My power is limited. I've already been reminded that I cannot change the laws or do magic. I'm stuck myself in this role and must play it."
Michael said, "Dad's a king. He could change the law."
Ryan said, "I don't know where Dad is. I don't know where Jessica or Damien are either and Mom is in no position to help. I've already asked about wizards and the nearest wizard is far away."
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