Emperor's Reckoning



Drogan's expression remained resolute as he replied to Nyi's question. His face, unwavering and determined, showed no signs of surprise or hesitation.

"I'm here because simply I am needed," said Drogan. "Doesn't it make it easier when the subject of this summit arrives in the place, however, I can't say the same about the individual that you let roamed free in this old building."

His voice had a sense of conviction as if he believed himself to be an integral part of the gathering, regardless of formal invitations or acknowledgments. His words resonated in the silent assembly hall, causing a ripple of intrigue and curiosity among the kings and the students alike.

Nyi pulled his face and straightened his back as he said with a hint of regal, "Esteemed kings, should we allow Drogan to join the summit? Even more so, to sit amongst us?"

Nyi turned to the other kings, his gaze scanning their faces. The air in the assembly hall grew tense as the kings contemplated the proposition. Their expressions varied, revealing curiosity, skepticism, and intrigue. The weight of the decision hung in the air, as each king deliberated on the potential implications of Drogan's presence.

After a brief moment of silence, one of the kings, King Aldric of Evlund, nodded approvingly, acknowledging the importance of considering different perspectives. The others followed suit, each expressing their agreement in their own way—some with a nod, others with a slight raise of the eyebrow. It was a unanimous decision among the kings that Drogan would be allowed to participate in the summit, his presence deemed valuable.

The three students exchanged astonished glances as they witnessed the unexpected agreement among the other three kings, who nodded in unison, signaling their approval for Drogan to participate in the summit. The gravity of the moment and the significance of Drogan's presence in such a prestigious gathering left the students awe-struck, realizing that this summit would be unlike any they had anticipated.

( Now what do we do? I can't read which of them are accomplices to Drogan's cause ) thought Rayus before he darted his glance toward his senior that was sitting with brows furrowed.

( Is all of them... that would be the worst case ) thought Nyi as he rested his shoulders.

"As a King, we see objectively, so I have no problem letting Drogan join the summit," said King Aldric before he darted his glance toward the three students, "On the other hand, I advise that the three students are not within earshot as we discussed further."

Valerus crossed his arms and took a deep inhale through his nose before nodding heavily.

"They have no right to be a presence here," said King Corvin.

The three students were yet again being exposed to another nerve-wracking situation. Their goosebumps rose incredibly that they could feel the soft airbrushing between them.

"I'm afraid that they are here under his personal request," said Nyi. "Otherwise, he wouldn't be joining us today."

"Oh? Lyon has that much power over you?" asked Drogan. "I never thought that a Mortal Realm-born would be able to have such a high degree of authority in Second Heaven."

Valerius grunted, "If Leander was still the king, he would not let Lyon join the summit."

Nyi frowned, "I think that it's best if esteemed King Valerius does not speak of my father when I'm present."

"Heh," Valerius smirked, "He raised you well."

Nyi nodded respectfully before he darted his glance toward Drogan, "The three students will stay."

Drogan crossed his arms, "Are you sure? I don't think the other kings will like it."

"What's important is that we are discussing something that they can't do anything about," said Nyi before he crossed his arms, "They have no political power, let them hear and watch, see if the sovereigns are what they say they are in public or not, or... are you afraid?"

They exchanged glances of surprise and curiosity, intrigued by Nyi's unexpected argument. The idea of including young and inexperienced individuals in such a significant event seemed unconventional, but it sparked their interest.

"Well said," King Aldric smiled and nodded. "Fine, they can be spectators, meaning they don't have a voice in the matter."

"They never did," said Nyi.

( Oof that stings ) thought Rayus.

"Alright, I suppose we have reached a consensus, let's begin," said King Corvin.

"I agree," said King Valerius.

"I will start the summit," said King Aldric as he glanced over at Nyi, "I would like to know, why did you kill King Cae?"

His questions caused a profound silence as all attention was thrown at the young king. The news of Cae's death has undoubtedly caused a ripple in Second Heaven, especially among those sitting on a throne.

King Nyi smiled, "I think that you and I know, all of us... know, that King Cae was not killed by me."

Rayus managed to gain insight as he saw that none of the other kings were surprised by Nyi's words, meaning that they knew from the start what might truly happen.

"Still, we want your words for it," said King Aldric, "The Broken Rose Kingdom is the smallest kingdom in Second Heaven and you conquered it."

"Hahaha, I have to say that I envy you, King Nyi, was it really a beginner's luck?" asked King Valerius.

"I'm sure that all of your espionages tell a tale that simply was unbelievable, but it is the truth, Lyon killed Cae because the latter was trying to kill him and his wife, in an effort to let Drogan live longer," said Nyi as he looked at Drogan whose glance turned into with a season of glare.

"His motive was to let Drogan live?" King Aldric furrowed his brows. "You mean that Cae is an accomplice to Drogan?"

"He is indeed," said Drogan.

( He admitted it! ) thought the three students, revealing shocked expressions, unlike the kings at the table.

"However, your wordings, I don't like it, don't narrative me as if I am the enemy of Second Heaven," said Drogan. "I'm not here to destroy the Second Heaven, I'm here to give a different opportunity to those unfortunates."

Nyi bowed his head a little whilst his hand on his chest, "Forgive me if you are hearing so, however, that was not what I mean, what I'm truly meaning to say is that..." His eyes were determined as his words turned heavy, "King Cae did not believe that you would live against Lyon."

The kings were shocked to their core as they heard Nyi's revelation about the late King Cae's intentions, especially so for one of the men that were spoken of.

"What..." Drogan muttered before he clenched his jaw and a hint of blue vein could be seen crashing against the thin skin of his cheeks.

Meanwhile, the man the other actor was elsewhere despite being in the same ancient fortress.

Lyon and Selena were hand in hand strolling peacefully amidst the humidity and the clattering dusts on broken walls. They kept walking until they arrived at a spacious hall where the roof was the most intact out of the others albeit a beam of sunlight managed to penetrate, creating a mesmerizing display of light and shadow.

Lyon paused as his eyes widened.

Within the ethereal glow, an old throne stood, its weathered surface adorned with intricate veiny patterns. Time had taken its toll on the once majestic seat, yet its aura of grandeur remained undeniable. The sunlight breathed life into the intricate carvings and embellishments, casting gentle shadows that danced upon the faded upholstery.

As the ray of light reached its zenith, a delicate butterfly emerged, fluttering gracefully amidst the sunlit beams. Its delicate wings carried hues of iridescent blues and vibrant oranges, seemingly crafted by the light itself. The butterfly danced in harmony with the gentle breeze that wafted through the hall, creating an enchanting spectacle that mesmerized any who beheld it.

In the midst of the sunlit display, a single flower had grown, seemingly nourished by the divine touch of the sun's rays. Its petals unfolded with delicate grace, revealing a vibrant bloom that radiated with colors of crimson and gold. It stood as a symbol of resilience and beauty, flourishing against all odds in the heart of the ancient fortress.

"Feel it, darling, nobody can hide who you truly are," Selena whispered softly, her words carrying a touch of nostalgia. Her voice held a hint of urgency, as if she yearned for Lyon to reconnect with a part of himself he had once known. In her gentle touch and heartfelt plea, she sought to bridge the gap between Lyon's present self and the echoes of his past.

Amidst the beams of sunlight that painted the ancient hall, a sense of warmth enveloped his heart. Faint echoes of laughter from then filled the space, evoking a bittersweet nostalgia that stirred deep within his soul.

Though he couldn't quite discern the figures that danced in his memories, their presence was palpable. The ethereal laughter echoed with a familiarity that resonated in Lyon's being, like a distant melody calling him back to a time when his glory shone brightly. In that fleeting moment, he felt the embrace of his past, a reminder of the greatness that once coursed through his veins. A  gentle smile tugged at the corners of his lips with his senses of sight closed.