Emperor's Reckoning



In the midst of the opulent banquet, Lyon's sudden act of aggression stunned the entire hall. With a resounding stomp, he planted his foot right beside the king's head. The aging monarch, sprawled unceremoniously on the palace's grand staircase, could only watch in horror as Lyon loomed over him, their gazes locked in a battle of wills.

The king's eyes widened, filled with a mixture of humiliation and rage. The guests, nobles, and dignitaries who had been celebrating moments ago now held their breath, their merriment replaced by tense anticipation.

In a desperate bid for control, the king extended his trembling hand, aiming to grasp Lyon's throat within his reach. But to his astonishment, his hand was caught mid-air. It was Kesya, her presence suddenly electrifying with a brimming, deadly intent. Her eyes bore into the king's with unwavering resolve, a stark warning that his actions would not go unanswered.

Lyon's eyes didn't flinch as if he had anticipated the king revolting. His eyes daggered deep into the honor of Felidora and he could hear guards rattling armors come close. 

"Know your place human!" Sylas shouted before he felt a glint of killing intent flash him by. His eyes widened and his pupils trembled as a gentle hand clasped his neck from behind.

"I've been itching," Selena spoke softly before blood burst through between her fingers. The banquet was stunned once more before they realized an ominous black sword by Selena's other hand.

Selena let go of her hand and blood oozed out like a sprinkler. Sylas quickly patched his neck with his hand. His eyes were enveloped by fear, a fright that he had never felt before. A human born with incredible speed, incredible swiftness, a waft of sharpness that ends what stood before him was the Blade Empress herself.

"I thought I could enjoy a proper banquet tonight," said Cecile as she approached Linnea. Their heights stood the same, the golden locks and the auburn. "Do you believe my husband's words? Or should I reiterate?"

Linnea furrowed her brows before their aura clashed equally. One was the Holy Lion and the other was the manifestation of the war god. No other individuals could come close to them even as the guards surrounded them. 

Lyon pulled himself up and ascended the grand staircase.

"Lyon, what are you doing!?" asked Alaric.

"Something you wish you could," said Lyon before he sat on the throne of Felidora. He put his leg on top of the other and made himself comfortable. He extended his hand, "Grovel, Leopold, and the rest of you as well."

"Wha—" King Leopold heard a crackling bone shattered and the connection to his hand was no more. "Aaah!!"

Kesya pulled him down and forced him to grovel. She put her foot on top of his head and scanned the others, "The Emperor asked you, NOW!" Her killing intent swept through and even the irons did what they best to stay quiet.

"I will give Felidora a choice," said Lyon. "I truly do not want things to go this way, but your hate forces me to sit on your throne."

"One, I will forgive your act previously, act as if nothing happened, I don't even want you to be more lenient to the humans. I'm sure you already know about humans hiding somewhere, but I don't want to touch on that matter. However, I want information about my wife, Maria, and her whereabouts are last seen in Hell."

"Second, and last option," Lyon's words turned cold for the remaining ones, "Felidora's history ends tonight."

Kesya grinned and her aura erupted, encompassing the entire kingdom in one well swoop. Silencing the cries, silencing the joys, those outside the banquet were in awe as they looked at the palace. 

Lyon raised his hand, and Kesya pulled her aura back. 

"Y-Your majesty, I humbly pick the first option." The strict king's words were trembling and he dared not to face up looking up the emperor who owned his throne.

"Good," said Lyon. "You can give me the information later after the banquet, nevertheless, if you choose to betray me, or offend me, telling everyone what truly happened in the banquet, the second option will be initiated."

Lyon got off the throne and descended down the grand staircase. Kesya got her foot off the king's back and followed him with a smile. It seemed the killing intent had diminished from her.

"Music," Cecile clapped her hands, and the musicians trembly restarted their job in an attempt to return the joyous atmosphere.

Cecile crossed her arms as she watched her husband coming toward her. She shook her head with a smile, "Talk about showing off."

"It was necessary," said Lyon as he glanced over and saw Sylas being brought away to heal. Then a hand sneakily coiled around and locked his arm.

"Sorry, I was from the restroom washing my hands," said Selena as she put her head on his shoulder.

Lyon smiled and nodded before he heard Karina sighing, "What's wrong?"

"It's funny, there are about tens of young men trying to court me into dancing, but now, they are all afraid," said Karina feigning a sad face.

Lyon could feel the uneasiness coming from her, he glanced over at Selena and gave her a wry smile.

Selena pouted and crossed her arms, "But I will join you later."

Lyon's hand reached out to Karina, his touch gentle yet commanding. With a swift and unexpected motion, he whisked her away from the sidelines and into the center of the grand banquet hall. The nobles and dignitaries watched in awe as the Emperor himself took to the dance floor with an enchanting partner.

Karina, taken aback at first, soon found herself swept up in Lyon's confident embrace. They moved gracefully across the polished marble, their steps in perfect harmony. Karina's surprise turned into admiration as Lyon displayed a dance skill that rivaled even the most seasoned aristocrats.

As they twirled and glided, Karina couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through her. Lyon's eyes held a mischievous spark, and she realized the absurdity of her earlier question. She, born into aristocracy, had assumed that an emperor wouldn't possess such talents. Yet, Lyon was proving her wrong, one graceful step at a time.

"Enough," Selena murmured and stepped in.

Lyon found himself caught in a whirlwind of dancing partners, each bringing their unique style and energy to the impromptu performance. Selena's elegance complemented his steps, while Kesya's agility added a dynamic flair. Cecile, with her sly smile, brought an element of playfulness that had Lyon laughing as they moved to the rhythm of the music.

The banquet hall seemed to transform into a grand stage, and Lyon was the star of this captivating show. The crowd, initially stunned by his dance with Karina, now erupted into applause and cheers as they watched the Emperor effortlessly adapt to his ever-changing partners.

As the music swelled, Lyon's breath quickened, and his laughter filled the air. He twirled and spun, matching Selena's grace, Kesya's agility, and Cecile's playfulness with astounding skill. It was a mesmerizing display of talent, and the guests couldn't take their eyes off the lively spectacle.

At that moment, Lyon wasn't just an emperor; he was a performer, a showman, and the life of the party. The dance floor belonged to him and his companions, and they reveled in the joy of the celebration.

King Leopold and Linnea stood on the sidelines, their initial fright slowly transforming into amazement. They had always known Emperor Lyon to be a man of power, dignity, and authority from the records, but what they witnessed on the dance floor was an entirely different side of him.

"Father, is he truly the Zodiac Emperor?" asked Linnea.

King Leopold furrowed his brows, "I don't know for sure, but if someone put a blade around my neck and asked me that question, my answer would be yes..." ( But if he is really Lyon Torga, how can he look so... young... even younger than my daughter ).

The contrast between Lyon's casual, lighthearted dancing and their usual solemn roles as leaders was striking. It was as if the weight of their responsibilities had momentarily lifted, and they were all just individuals enjoying a carefree moment at a grand celebration. It was a side of Lyon that endeared him to his peers even more, showing that beneath the mantle of power, he was still a person who knew how to find joy in life's simple pleasures.