Kael walked toward the stands, accompanied by his people while his sharp eyes moved across the vast stadium. He let out a small breath as he looked at the sight before him.
"It’s really a marvelous place with so many people gathering around," Kael said, his voice calm but edged with awe.
The stands stretched wide and high, filled with endless rows of nobles, knights, and commoners.
Dedicated seats had been built for each Duke, with the Grand Duke’s stand placed right beside the Emperor. It was a silent display of the Veydrins’ imnse strength and status in the empire. The banners of their house fluttered above them as they walked to their seats.
"This is just the beginning," Ariana whispered. She clenched her fist tightly as her eyes swept over the roaring crowd. Her purple hair shimred faintly under the light, but her gaze was heavy.
She knew well what might co next, and the thought twisted her heart. If the future unfolded as she rembered, the horrors waiting ahead would shake the entire empire.
She wanted to prevent it, but she did not know how. She was not strong enough to face it alone. The only other path was to relay the events and warn soone. Yet, to reveal what she knew was the sa as exposing herself. That would an her death.
Her heart grew colder as she rembered the difference this ti. In the past, neither Lord Ramos nor Kael had attended the event, but now both of them were here. The flow of the world was no longer the sa. She swallowed her doubts and followed the others to their seats.
As the Veydrins settled, the voice of the announcer echoed across the stadium, carried by magic. The crowd quieted in anticipation.
"Next, we have the scions of the Imperial Family!" the voice declared. The air shifted, filled with tension and reverence.
Leading the group was Roosevelt Luther, the First Prince of the Heizen Empire. His tall figure and steady steps made him stand out from the others.
"Roosevelt Luther, the Imperial Scion. First Prince of the Empire. Holder of the Unique Class: Ethereal Emperor!" the announcer declared.
The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices thundering through the arena. Roosevelt’s calm gaze scanned the stands as he walked forward, his presence sharp and commanding.
Following him was a woman whose beauty drew countless eyes. Her erald hair shimred, and her steps carried grace and authority.
"Cassandra Luther, the Rose of Dominion!" the announcer called. The cheers rose again, and many nobles leaned forward to catch a better glimpse of her.
Behind her ca the third prince, Rein Luther. His crimson eyes burned with intensity, his sharp jawline and heavy aura pressing onto the crowd.
"Rein Luther, the Crimson Tyrant!" the voice rang out. This ti the applause was mixed with uneasy murmurs. His reputation was not one of kindness but of cruelty, and it made the air heavy.
One after another, more mbers of the Imperial family were introduced, their nas echoing across the stadium.
Kael’s eyes froze on one familiar figure, and his brows furrowed. "Huh? Wasn’t her na Maritina? How did it beco Cassandra?" he asked aloud in shock, his gaze fixed on the green-haired woman.
"My Lord, Maritina was her common na that she used in public," Ariana whispered, leaning closer.
Kael turned to her quickly. "How did you know that?" His voice carried genuine surprise.
Ariana’s eyes shifted away. She did not answer, her silence heavy with aning.
On the stage, Cassandra glanced around the stands. Her erald eyes landed on Kael, and she smiled gently. Kael’s face ward, and almost without thinking, he returned the smile.
His heart skipped for a mont, and his expression grew tensed.
’Damn,’ he thought bitterly. ’I hope she doesn’t drag into her ss.’
The announcer’s voice rose again, now introducing special guests from beyond the empire.
"From the Holy Church of Light, we welco Seraphina Dawn, the Sun Saintess!"
The stadium filled with a deep murmur. A woman in white robes walked forward, her golden hair shining like light itself. A faint glow surrounded her, soft but firm, and her eyes carried the warmth of faith.
"She is ranked fifth on the continental list, right?" Kael asked, his tone thoughtful.
"Yes!" Ariana chid in, almost proud to provide the answer.
Kael’s eyes narrowed slightly. He thought about the list of the top twenty in the continent. Each of them was an S-rank, terrifying figures in their own right. Yet among them was Adele. She alone was ranked twelfth, despite being only an A-rank. Her destructive wind ability allowed her to fight and even surpass many S-rankers.
"Tsk. Truly a beast," Kael muttered under his breath.
The introductions went on, noble after noble, guest after guest. Finally, the stadium hushed in reverence. The voice of the announcer rang out louder and steadier than before.
"Now, the Emperor of the Heizen Empire, His Majesty Edward De Ruther!"
The crowd roared, but even through the cheers, a solemn silence seed to spread.
Edward De Ruther walked forward slowly. His back was slightly bent, and his hair was thin and white. His face showed deep lines of age, his skin pale, his steps asured. At first glance, he looked old and frail, like a candle burning its last light. Yet when one looked closer, they could not ignore the majesty hidden beneath. His eyes, though tired, held a depth that seed to see through everything. His presence alone silenced hearts.
Kael watched him, his chest tightening slightly. This was no ordinary man. Frail as he looked, Edward De Ruther was still the Emperor, and his will was as unshakable as steel.
Under everyone’s gaze, Edward walked calmly to the highest seat in the stadium and sat down.
All the nobles rose to their feet and greeted him with respect.
Edward looked over the crowd of nobles and smiled faintly before speaking.
"Today, as I sit here among all of you, I cannot help but think of the journey of our Heinzen Empire. The tis we have endured together, the victories we achieved, and the bonds that held us strong. Many of you have stood by through peace and war, through years that were both glorious and heavy. Looking at you now brings back mories of the old days. Truly, this empire is what it is because of all of you."
He paused, his voice softer now, touched with a hint of nostalgia.
"But ti does not stand still. I am getting old and weaker with each passing year. So, the ti has co to choose the Crown Prince."
The words, though expected, caused the stadium to erupt. Cries and shouts filled the air. Even though everyone had guessed this day would co, hearing it from the Emperor himself struck like thunder.
Edward raised his hand slightly, letting them calm down, and continued.
"The Crown Gas are only the first step in choosing the Crown Prince. After watching how the princes conduct themselves, after seeing their strength, wisdom, and dealings, I will make my choice."
The nobles grew restless again. They all knew the truth.
Most of the ti the winner of the Crown Gas would take the throne. But there had been tis when the winner was cruel or bloodthirsty, forcing the Emperor to pass them over. Those rare monts often split the empire and led to bitter conflict. The Night Star Division was one such dark Chapter.
Edward coughed lightly before going on.
"Before the Crown Gas begin, there will be another event. You may think of it as a starter to set the mood before the gas."
Murmurs spread through the crowd. Edward’s next words struck them like a storm.
"That event is the Trial of Justice demanded by the Veydrins."
"WHAT!" The nobles almost leapt from their seats in shock. The crowd roared in disbelief.
Roosevelt, who had been quietly seated, turned sharply toward Cassandra and his brother Rein. His eyes narrowed.
"What is this?" he asked firmly.
Both Cassandra and Rein shook their heads at once. "We did not pull any strings this ti," they said together.
But Roosevelt’s gaze lingered on them, hard and doubtful. "I hope your words are true."
Amidst the shouting, Edward raised his hand again and silence slowly fell.
"The trial will be against Ruther. The Veydrins have filed a petition to break the engagent. Each side will send three individuals. The best of two out of three will decide the result. The winning side will have the final say."
Gasps and whispers filled the hall.
Elara’s eyes lit up with unrestrained joy. Her expression was full of excitent.
"Now we can crush him before everyone, humiliate him, and make sure he can never lift his head again," she whispered with a smile, turning her eyes to the side.
There, a man stood with a dark, grim expression.
"Do not worry, Elara," he said coldly.
"I will cut him down piece by piece and give him a pain he will never forget."he spoke clenching his fist tightly rembering about the humiliation they suffered due to Ruth attacking their estate.
"I know you will, Vale," Elara replied, her voice was calm but full of confidence.
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