Dragon Monarch System Chapter 1039:- Emperor Ren

"I would have avoided meddling in their internal politics and the empire's looming civil war. Unlike some who feel compelled to demonstrate their loyalty to the throne and empire by joining the fray, I bear no such duties."

"Yet, upon discovering the truth and realizing we share the same cause and vision for the future, I understood I couldn't remain on the sidelines." Unnoticed by all, Sophia felt a flash of panic upon hearing those words. In that instant, she became convinced the Goddess was aware of their secrets.

That traitor had revealed far too many details about them to her.

She genuinely feared the Goddess might reveal everything right there before the crowd.

The group she belonged to alongside Emperor Ren. If their organization were brought to light, their challenges would multiply tenfold.

"I’m unsure if he’ll show up today. Still, I came here for two purposes. The first is to honor and mourn the fallen general, slain for knowing too much." Cassian’s face flickered with emotion at those words, though he composed himself almost immediately.

"For too long, we’ve permitted shadows to fester unchecked. These entities... these individuals... evading our sight, operating covertly, manipulating from the darkness... yet fueling most of the ruin and turmoil across the Main Continent and the Six Continents alike."

"They resemble a plague."

"They’re mere leeches on society, demanding eradication from the very core."

With an icy gaze fixed on Sect Leader Sophia, the Goddess pressed on.

"Their end must be agonizing enough that for the next 100,000 years, none shall forget the brutality and terror of their demise."

Confusion gripped most in the hall by now.

As they saw it, the Goddess of War hinted at shadowy figures orchestrating events behind the scenes, accountable for the chaos—including perhaps the general’s death.

"To anyone believing they can dodge the Civil War or whatever follows by remaining neutral, I offer just one warning."

"What lies ahead will impact every soul across this world."

"This goes beyond a mere civil war. It’s a battle for our future, our children’s future, and our grandchildren’s legacy."

"Those who imagine neutrality will shield them are gravely mistaken."

"Truthfully, I admire those who boldly declare their position and voice it loudly. I hold them in higher regard than the timid souls who shy away from involvement out of sheer fear."

"May a coward’s eyes never shut in tranquility." To her, this curse transcended mere sleeplessness. It signified profound inner torment. Cowards might endure longer, evade death, even seem secure outwardly. Yet within, their souls would forever lack serenity.

The Goddess of War rejected a existence steeped in dread and indecision. For her, cowardice eclipsed death. She preferred perishing in defense of her convictions over a prolonged life of inaction and evasion.

She held that the sole true terror in life for any man or woman was failure—not defeat in combat, nor shortfall after effort, but the ultimate failure of never attempting at all. The paralysis of inaction, allowing fear to dictate every choice.

In her view, those paralyzed by fear of failure led the most hollow existences. Confined by their minds, they stagnated, shunned risks, and forfeited growth.

That defined true cowardice to her.

And she would never tolerate it.

"It’s wonderful to see you once more." Malakor advanced and saluted the Goddess of War. His warmth stemmed from her role as his grandson’s intended bride.

The Harrington faction had long nurtured a cordial, harmonious bond with the Goddess and her empire for this very cause. To them, she transcended mere status as a woman or Empress—she was family.

"Hello, Grandpa." The Goddess showed deep respect and courtesy toward Harrington.

What began as safeguarding a kin member had evolved into profound loyalty over time. No matter her trials, the entire Harrington Faction stood by her side unwaveringly.

She felt immense gratitude for all they’d provided.

Freya held these people dear to her heart.

Their unwavering loyalty was indispensable; without it, she could never have quelled the civil war ravaging her empire. Only because they remained steadfast at her side did she manage to restore order and cement her reign as the supreme, unchallenged Empress. This devotion wasn't merely vital—it formed the bedrock upon which she soared above all rivals to seize absolute dominion.

Prior to these triumphs, the empire's landscape was utterly transformed. Excessive political might had amassed in the nobles' clutches. Numerous among them squandered it on selfish pursuits, while others wielded their sway to puppeteer the sovereign from the shadows, gradually rendering the throne a hollow shell.

Yet she overturned it all.

She refused to let the old order linger. Step by step, she shattered their dominance, ousted the power-hungry abusers, and realigned the empire's equilibrium. She proclaimed loudly that the throne would bow to no external strings.

Henceforth, the empire acknowledged just one supreme power.

And that power was hers.

"After this, we need to have a good chat." Her earlier remarks had bombarded him with urgent questions demanding resolution. From her manner of speech, it was obvious she maintained some link with his grandson. Even if indirect, he was convinced some form of connection had transpired.

"This show isn’t over. And the one who will answer your questions isn’t me." She responded with a radiant, assured smile.

Her declaration made everyone in the hall certain that the exiled crown prince lurked within the Celestial Dragon Empire. Moreover, he was highly likely to make an appearance here.

Merely imagining the exiled crown prince's evolution after so many years filled his allies with exhilaration.

Meanwhile, Sophia and Renji's faces turned grim.

They had believed the Goddess of War came to bolster their cause, only to discover she stood opposed to them.

'She must know Ren belongs to the organisation. She must also know I'm part of the organisation.' This realization plunged Sophia into deep anxiety. Prior to the Goddess of War's arrival, she was confident the organisation held everything firmly in hand.

Now, however, she sensed events slipping beyond their control, far from her expectations.

"His majesty has arrived." As soon as these words echoed, every noble save Harrington grew taut with tension.

"Finally, I'll behold the face of that insolent brat who dares dream of emperorship." A chilling smirk twisted Harrington's features.

Right as he moved to draw his greatsword, the Goddess of War intervened.

"Grandpa, trust me, this isn’t the time." Harrington halted at her words. Glancing her way, he noted her profound confidence.

"All right, I’ll trust you."

"The Emperor isn’t alone. He is here with four of the 13 National Treasures." These National Treasures ranked as the mightiest cultivators in the Celestial Dragon Empire’s military.

Upon hearing this, Freya and Malakor exchanged glances and furrowed their brows faintly.

"So what?"

"If that brat refuses to stay in line, not even four National Treasures of the Celestial Dragon Empire can stop me from killing him."

Ren approached General Nico William's corpse and laid a white rose upon his chest.

"Thank you for your service."

"This empire will not forget you."

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