CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 755: Impotent [Castle Bonus - ]

Emperor Zolthemir wore a knowing smile, having anticipated Emperor Aetherion’s remarks and prepared his counterarguments accordingly.

"If you possess such confidence, I’m certain Duke Azaron would be more than willing to welcome a friendly spar with you. He is scheduled to arrive tomorrow," Emperor Zolthemir stated with an air of calm. "I could even extend an invitation to him right this moment," he added, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Despite a past defeat at Azaron’s hands, Zolthemir was not about to endure insults without response. Moreover, he held no fear of Emperor Aetherion Khaelor Vantheos, recognizing that Aetherion was simply not on Azaron’s caliber. Few individuals in existence could truly contend with such a formidable force.

"Hiding behind your subordinates? What else could I possibly expect from you? That’s practically your signature move by now," Emperor Aetherion retorted without missing a beat.

Emperor Zolthemir merely offered a dismissive shrug before replying, "At least I am not impotent. I’m confident that if I were to grace my wife tonight, she would likely be pregnant by tomorrow." He paused, a slow smirk creeping onto his lips. "Unlike you, for whom even the most renowned healers globally cannot provide a cure or assist in producing viable sperm," he calmly took a sip of his tea before continuing, "who knows, perhaps you harbor homosexual tendencies and are merely using your marriage as a facade to conceal your sordid and perverse desires."

The instant Emperor Zolthemir’s words struck their mark, Emperor Aetherion’s temper flared, verging on outright rage.

Indeed, Aetherion Khaelor Vantheos had remained childless despite over a century of marriage. He had consulted numerous high-ranking Crownstar Life Rank healers and even sought out various lesser-ranked Awakeners possessing peculiar and unique abilities. After all, if an ability could fructify barren land, surely an ability capable of bestowing fertility upon a man must also exist… wouldn’t it?

Alas, Emperor Aetherion had never found a resolution to his predicament, which meant the Vandross Empire had gone without an official heir to the throne for more than a hundred years.

Naturally, such sensitive issues were kept from the public eye.

However, such matters could scarcely remain concealed from rival Empires, locked in perpetual animosity year after year.

Thus, while Emperor Aetherion taunted Emperor Zolthemir for his defeat by Azaron, Emperor Zolthemir fired back by mocking Aetherion’s infertility.

What further enraged Emperor Aetherion was the insinuation that he was secretly gay, exploiting his marriage merely as a cover, implying the real issue wasn't impotence, but rather that he preferred the company of men over his wife.

Who could possibly tolerate such slander? Certainly not Emperor Aetherion Khaelor Vantheos.

One would typically expect that during gatherings of these four rulers, they would maintain the utmost decorum, much as they did in the presence of their children and subjects.

Yet, here they were, engaging in a childish squabble.

Meanwhile, Overlord Cynthia and Empress Nymeria Sol Virelle remained seated comfortably on their thrones, calmly sipping their tea. Although they convened to discuss the Inter-Empire competition, there was no need for haste. The day had barely begun, and none of them had any pressing engagements. Besides, why would they willingly forgo such entertaining drama?

Ordinarily, Emperor Aetherion would have held the advantage in this verbal exchange, but he too had recently sustained significant losses. Following a clandestine infiltration of his soldiers into the Zarethorne Empire, the Zarethorne Empire retaliated in kind, doubling the casualties that had occurred within their own territory.

When Duchess Syvrein Stormveil had once vowed to make blood flow throughout the Vandross Empire, she had been entirely truthful.

She had executed her task flawlessly.

Consequently, after Emperor Aetherion suffered losses within the Zarethorne Empire, he endured even greater devastation within his own Vandross Empire, losing millions of citizens in the ensuing chaos.

All of this transpired within the same seven-month period during which Asher had been tirelessly completing missions and undergoing rigorous training.

"Have you two concluded your exchange?" Overlord Cynthia finally interjected, observing that the two male Emperors were now merely locked in a heated glare, akin to jilted lovers.

"I have. Everyone present is a parent, so I see no point in wasting my time conversing with the childless," Emperor Zolthemir delivered another cutting remark as he turned his attention towards Overlord Cynthia. "How is your son faring, Overlord Cynthia?" Emperor Zolthemir inquired, casually shifting the topic and ceasing to engage with the infertile Emperor seated opposite him.

"He is doing well," Overlord Cynthia replied, a faint smile gracing her lips at the mere thought of her son. "I am anticipating a strong performance from him in this competition," she stated calmly before taking another sip of her tea.

"You always aim for modesty, yet I can vividly see the blazing pride within your eyes. It’s clear you believe your son will emerge victorious from all challenges," Empress Nymeria Sol Virelle remarked, her gaze shifting towards the Overlord.

Overlord Cynthia offered a smirk but saw no need to refute the statement. After all, even a legend like herself couldn't rival her son's accomplishments at the same age.

"Alas... I should have conceived earlier. My daughter could have also participated in this grand competition," Empress Nymeria mused aloud. "It’s a shame she only awakened this year. If she were to join now, she would undoubtedly be overwhelmed," she added, a slight shake of her head conveying mild regret.

However, a subtle smile gradually graced her lips as she continued her speech.

"But the Velkarin Empire has cultivated a talent that even your son cannot surpass, Cynthia. When it comes to sheer innate ability, I dare assert she stands above that child known as Malrik," she declared with a knowing smirk.

At this juncture, Malrik had become the de facto benchmark against which all raw talent was measured.

All eyes immediately turned towards Empress Nymeria. While some questioned if she was merely posturing, the reality of their setting made outright lying a foolish endeavor, as any falsehood would inevitably be exposed, leading to a significant loss of face.

"Oh indeed!!! And pray tell, why have I never encountered whispers of such a prodigious talent?" Emperor Aetherion inquired, stroking his beard with the air of an elder statesman.

"The participants will discover her prowess during the competition. There is no necessity to unveil all secrets at this moment," Empress Nymeria replied with a confident smile.

A general nodding of heads ensued, with no further comments offered by those present.

"Shall we then proceed to finalize the discussion of the rules?" Overlord Cynthia proposed calmly.

Emperor Zolthemir was contemplating bringing forth the grievance concerning the revocation of his turn to host this prestigious competition. Even now, the matter gnawed at him, representing a substantial loss of potential wealth and influence.

His gaze drifted to the Overlord; she had not only claimed the Thalvorn Empire but had also usurped his hosting opportunity.

What would come next? Would she begin to covet people's spouses and offspring as well?

After a brief period of contemplation, he ultimately decided to let the matter rest. What was done could not be undone. No purpose would be served by dwelling on past misfortunes.

His sole hope was that his son and daughter were not overemphasizing the praises for the Tenth Sun. While he lacked precise knowledge of Asher’s current strength, his children’s reports suggested that, judging by the general atmosphere of boasting among those present, this competition was poised to be the most fiercely contested in history.

’And I sincerely hope that young Teo Swig proves his worth. I've heard he possesses exceptional talent as well,’ Emperor Zolthemir thought to himself.

Securing victory in this competition was the sole avenue to reclaim his lost dignity. As for the Ninth Sun, Thalric Wargrave, he didn’t even consider the young man a viable competitor; the Wargraves were inherently and overwhelmingly formidable.

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