Dragon Monarch System Chapter 1043:- Unworthy Emperor
Previously on Dragon Monarch System...
’Isn’t she the Goddess of Wisdom?’ Many Dukes who had witnessed the Goddess of Wisdom in the past instantly recognized her.
’It has been nearly two decades since I last saw her, or anyone else for that matter.’ The Goddess of Wisdom made an appearance during Aditya’s birth, visiting his father and agreeing to be Aditya’s betrothed. Following that, she seemed to have vanished without a trace.
’How could the Goddess of Wisdom and the exiled Crown Prince have crossed paths, considering they weren't on the main continent?’ This question lingered in many minds. However, it was not the appropriate time to inquire.
’Who are the two other young ladies?’ While everyone recognized the Goddess of Wisdom immediately, they were unable to identify the other two accompanying her. Yet, one striking aspect about all three women beside him was their equally stunning beauty.
Each possessed a beauty comparable to that of a goddess. The moment this thought occurred to some, they felt a strong possibility that the two girls beside Athena were also goddesses.
Concurrently, some gentlemen couldn't help but gaze at Sophia, then shift their attention to the four women standing nearby. Sophia was reputed to possess beauty that many likened to a goddess, and under normal circumstances, she would undoubtedly stand out in any gathering.
Standing alongside those four ladies, particularly with two confirmed actual goddesses present, Sophia’s usual extraordinary presence seemed diminished. Her beauty, which once captivated onlookers, now appeared rather ordinary in comparison.
It wasn’t that she lacked beauty; rather, the benchmark around her had dramatically elevated. Facing such a standard… she barely stood out at all.
’He has transformed so greatly.’ Harrington observed his grandson’s back. Merely witnessing the extent of his change from their last encounter filled him with profound pride. Although he hadn't directly contributed to this transformation, it held no importance for him. What truly mattered was the person Aditya had become.
From the very outset, he had perceived it clearly. Aditya was not feigning his persona; there was no pretense, no false demeanor. Every aspect of him felt genuine.
He carried himself as someone accustomed to being the focal point.
The manner in which he conducted himself, with inherent elegance, grace, and dignity, was telling. It showcased his maturity as a man and indicated his readiness to embrace the responsibilities associated with the throne and the crown of such a vast empire.
Aditya was poised to become the youngest Emperor in the illustrious history of the Celestial Dragon Empire. However, to Harrington, age was the least significant factor when determining an individual's worthiness to rule.
Aditya differed from both his father and his grandfather. Boris exuded an imposing authority and seriousness, rendering him distant and unapproachable. His son, conversely, was the polar opposite, always sporting a slight smile that made him appear more amicable and accessible as an Emperor.
But Aditya was unique. He embodied a perfect equilibrium between the two. He possessed Boris’s authoritative presence, yet without the aloofness. And he shared his father's warmth, without compromising his commanding aura.
Prior to this moment, Harrington’s sole motivation for supporting Aditya was to protect his grandson. In his view, as long as he lived, no one in the world could harm him. That was his only concern back then.
Yet, now, after observing the profound changes in his grandson and his commendable growth, Harrington’s perspective began to shift. This was no longer merely about safeguarding a family member. He could discern clearly that no one else within the empire was better prepared to shoulder the burdens of the throne and the crown than Aditya.
The more he observed him, the more his conviction solidified. There was an undeniable distinction about him.
The peculiar aspect wasn't solely his confidence or composure; it was the way he carried himself before everyone. It didn't feel like someone preparing to become an Emperor; it felt as though he already was one.
It was as if he had already lived through that existence, already grappled with those responsibilities, and already grasped the essence of ruling.
With a resolute gaze, Aditya made his appearance. His steps were measured, neither rushed nor unduly slow.
At a tranquil pace, he approached the remains of the fallen General Nico William and gently placed a white rose upon the general’s chest.
The only individuals accompanying Aditya to the fallen general’s side were the three goddesses who had arrived with him. The remainder stayed back, awaiting his conclusion and showing deference to the deceased.
"You fought for what was right, and that truth cost you your life. I swear by my name, I will find the one responsible and ensure they suffer a most agonizing death." Although Aditya's gaze was fixed on the deceased general, the members of the organization felt an unnerving sensation, as if his words were spoken directly to them.
It was as though he was confronting the organization's members face-to-face.
'There's no doubt he's Harrington's grandson,' Duke Ferdinand mused, a chuckle escaping him. Harrington, too, had a penchant for issuing such threats.
Once Aditya finished, Laura, Athena, and Rin each took turns placing white flowers before the general.
"It's been a while, little brother." Ren stepped forward, standing close to Aditya with a gentle smile.
The reason Ren addressed him as 'little brother' was to subtly signal to everyone present that the person they were backing was still essentially a child. Furthermore, Ren intended this gesture to intimidate Aditya.
However, Aditya saw through his subtle maneuver.
He simply returned the smile.
"Indeed! And it appears you've managed to persuade Father and Mother to name you Emperor." Hearing this, Ren felt as though Aditya was implying he had resorted to begging Alen for the throne.
"I didn't need to convince anyone to become Emperor. Uncle believed I was the better candidate, and thus, I was chosen." While he didn't explicitly state he was superior to Aditya, everyone understood his underlying message.
"My dear little brother, I made numerous attempts to bring you back. Unfortunately, Aunt and Uncle never wished to see your face again."
Ren deliberately dredged up painful memories, aiming to humiliate Aditya and make him a spectacle before the assembled crowd.
"But still, I am here," Aditya responded with a smile.
"I am here with Grandpa Boris. You remember him, don't you?" Ren's expression flickered, though he attempted to conceal it. He hesitated to meet Boris's gaze. Deep down, he knew the truth. He recognized his culpability in the chaos plaguing the Empire, a realization that weighed heavily upon him.
More than that, he found himself unable to face the very man he had admired and looked up to his entire life. Boris wasn't merely the former Emperor to Ren; he was a figure Ren had studied, revered, and once aspired to emulate upon ascending the throne.
But circumstances had shifted dramatically.
The burden of his past actions, coupled with the dread of confronting Boris's cold and disappointed gaze, rendered him incapable of meeting his eyes. Even the mere thought of their eyes meeting sent a wave of unease through him.
In the next instant, the warm smile vanished from Aditya's face. "The Celestial Dragon Empire requires its true Emperor."
"Your charade of deceiving everyone by wearing the counterfeit Crown and occupying the False Throne of the Celestial Dragon Empire is over."
The moment Aditya uttered these words, every individual in the hall, regardless of their allegiance, froze. An abrupt silence descended upon the entire chamber.
Only Boris, Athena, Laura, and Rin maintained their composure.
Even the Goddess of War regarded Ren with an expression of utter shock.
"You dispatched your men to the Dwarf Tribe residing in the Tunnel World, compelling their Tribe Leader to personally alter the runes, thereby enabling you to claim the throne and don the crown."
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