Dragon Monarch System Chapter 1045:- “Choose Your Side”.

"Yes, I cannot ascend the royal throne. "

"However, the reason for this is far more significant than mere unsuitability."

"But to put it simply, my uncle, in his fury towards my cousin, resolved to alter the runes on both the Crown and the Throne. His intention was to permanently disqualify Aditya from becoming emperor. Yet, during this endeavor, he inadvertently caused damage to the runes."

"This is precisely why, after assuming the mantle of Emperor, I had no alternative but to seek out the very same Dwarf Tribe. The ancestors of that tribe were the very ones responsible for crafting the Royal Crown and the Royal Throne."

"Because I possessed the necessary qualifications, Uncle made the decision to abdicate, even though his reign as emperor had just commenced. He did this so that I might guide this empire towards its golden age." Compared to Boris’s reign of over 20,000 years, Alen’s rule had, in essence, barely begun.

"Do you believe Emperor Alen made an incorrect choice?" At this precise moment, Aditya felt an overwhelming urge to expose Ren and reveal the unvarnished truth to all: that he and the shadowy organization behind him were manipulating his parents.

His exile and Ren’s ascent to the throne were never truly aligned with his parents' desires. The more Aditya engaged in conversation with them, the more he grasped the unspoken implications, understanding things without direct articulation. They had never intended for Ren to assume the imperial position, at least not under ordinary circumstances. Even had Aditya never been born, Alen had planned to continue his rule for at least several millennia. Only then, and solely if a direct heir remained absent, would Ren have even been considered a potential successor.

For the present, however, Aditya elected to permit his cousin to continue his discourse. The reality of the situation was startlingly clear. Even a person devoid of sight could discern the unfolding events, despite their visual impairment.

He harbored an additional motive for allowing his cousin to speak freely. Aditya was determined to prevent the Organization from discovering his awareness of his parents' manipulation. Should they realize he possessed this knowledge, they would undoubtedly pivot their strategy, adopting a far more guarded approach. By maintaining his silence and feigning ignorance, he was strategically positioning himself to gain an advantage. Once the inevitable civil conflict erupted, he could seize the opportune moment to strike, catching everyone completely unprepared by orchestrating the rescue of his parents before the Organization could effectively react.

If, even after the complete truth was laid bare, certain noble houses still resolved to align themselves with the Emperor, then they would forfeit any claim to leniency. At that juncture, the matter would transcend mere misunderstanding or confusion, evolving into a deliberate and unequivocal choice. By offering their support despite the revealed circumstances, they would effectively be repudiating the Empire itself. Consequently, they would prove themselves not merely misguided, but the true adversaries of the Empire.

"This, then, is the truth regarding the Crown and the Throne."

"I give you my solemn assurance that within the span of a few short weeks, this predicament shall be rectified. I had refrained from divulging this matter to anyone, as it represents a rather embarrassing affair."

"Furthermore, I had no particular desire to cause my cousin any embarrassment by discussing this issue with anyone." As Aditya’s gaze met his cousin’s, he perceived what he interpreted as a subtle, mocking smirk flickering across Ren’s face.

Despite this perceived slight, Aditya’s own expression remained notably impassive. Mocking glints held no sway over him. There were occasions when allowing the adversary to believe they held the upper hand was a crucial tactic.

Ren and his retinue were poised to depart, but he paused, seemingly having overlooked something, before turning back.

"Were this not a funeral, I would have ordered your immediate arrest."

"You are incapable of doing so, and you are well aware of that fact."

"Because you lack the necessary strength to apprehend me," Aditya countered with a gentle smile. Ren’s own smile was absent. There was an inexplicable quality to Aditya's calm, confident demeanor that irked him profoundly. It wasn't overtly arrogant, yet it conveyed a potent sense of certainty that rendered it impossible to dismiss. The more Ren observed him, the more this expression gnawed at his composure.

He persistently attempted to penetrate Aditya’s mental defenses, hoping to destabilize him, to provoke even a fleeting loss of control. Ren desired to see him falter, to betray a moment of weakness, to publicly humiliate himself. Yet, instead of crumbling, Aditya maintained his equilibrium, and with each unsuccessful endeavor, Ren found himself inching closer to succumbing to his own temper.

"My esteemed cousin, you must recall that to challenge me for the throne, your name must first be cleared, as you remain a wanted fugitive." However, Aditya had arrived prepared to decisively address this very issue.

Ren exhibited surprise at Aditya’s continued, unwavering calmness.

"If a majority of fifty percent or more of the Empire's Dukes and Duchesses formally agree and affix their signatures to the document titled the Charter of Noble Reinstatement, then my father's exile as the former Emperor will have no bearing on me. According to this law, I will possess the absolute right to remain here indefinitely and travel freely, and you will possess no legal authority to interfere with me."

"Well said! I hadn't anticipated you being so well-prepared," Ren responded with a smile, though internally he was seething.

However, to be completely honest, both Ren and Leo had already contemplated a situation that might unfold this way.

"Here is a piece of counsel you ought to give significant consideration."

"Once the funeral concludes, you will have precisely five hours to depart this empire and the primary continent. Return to governing whatever desolate lands you've established there and continue with your Dragon Monarch charade."

"I appreciate the advice, but I will assuredly not be considering it."

Aditya took a step forward and then added in a hushed tone, which, despite its quietness, was clearly audible to everyone present.

"Kindly extend my regards to Leo." The instant Aditya uttered the name 'Leo,' Ren's demeanor shifted dramatically. It wasn't mere surprise; it was something far more profound, laced with darkness. For a fleeting moment, the composure and control he had meticulously maintained completely faltered. His features contorted as if an deeply buried secret, one intended to remain hidden forever, had been abruptly unearthed. It felt as though his most guarded truth had been exposed to the public gaze.

Sophia appeared stunned, her eyes wide with disbelief.

While Victor experienced a flicker of shock, he was indifferent to whether his adversary knew the identity of the paramount leader. His sole focus was the swift conclusion of the funeral so he could commence his pursuit of vengeance.

Ren swiftly regained his composure and self-possession. He summoned his subordinates, cast one final glance at Aditya, and then departed.

There was no longer any valid reason for their presence. His initial objective had been to arrive, mock, and show disrespect.

The serene demeanor his cousin exhibited from his entrance into the hall until his departure left the emperor with the unsettling feeling that he was not the one in command of the situation. Rather, it was his cousin who had been subtly orchestrating and influencing the entire atmosphere.

Not long after Ren's departure, Sophia and Renji also took their leave. With Ren gone and the opposing faction appearing overwhelmingly formidable with the Goddess of War, Harrington, and Boris standing alongside them, they saw no further point in enduring further humiliation and promptly exited the funeral proceedings.

Furthermore, Sophia was now apprehensive of Aditya. He had openly mentioned the leader's name, a matter she needed to report with utmost urgency.

The sole remaining member of the Night Rider Sect was Victor.

Following Ren's exit, Aditya addressed the assembled crowd.

"I have a few words for everyone before I take my leave."

"If, after witnessing and hearing all that has transpired, you and your families continue to align yourselves with the emperor, then the true malignancy plaguing this empire is not my cousin, but yourselves, for endorsing an individual who is clearly deceiving you."

"Heed my words as a solemn warning while the opportunity remains. I suggest either laying down your arms and seeking atonement for your transgressions—for there may yet be a measure of redemption and forgiveness available—or prepare to face the ramifications of your choices. These consequences will extend beyond yourselves, impacting your families as well."

In essence, Aditya was cautioning them that even if the patriarch perished in the civil conflict, the repercussions of aligning with the emperor would still be borne by the remaining family members.

In the most severe manifestation, the entire family, along with the head, could face execution. Under typical circumstances, for lesser offenses, the entire family might be demoted to the rank of Baron, with the head of the household facing a death sentence as punishment.

A lighter sentence would involve a reduction in noble standing and the forfeiture of specific rights and assets.

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