Dragon Monarch System Chapter 963:- Resolve and Motivation

The living room was completely packed, with every seat on the couches taken. Aditya’s return had prompted a full family gathering, marking the first time in a long while that so many people had assembled in one space.

Servants moved briskly through the room, providing food and beverages to the guests.

Aditya, the Dragon Monarch, was currently enjoying chilled dragon fruit. These particular fruits, cultivated by Riya in her garden, were exceptionally flavorful and saturated with mana. Through genetic enhancement and the mana-dense environment of their growth, the common fruit had evolved into a magical variety.

The maids were focused on preparing this favorite treat for their Monarch.

"Everyone, I want you to meet Athena." All eyes were already fixed on the stunning new woman who had arrived with him. Observing the Goddess’s poised and tranquil expression, a collective sense of wariness washed over Aditya’s other women.

The Goddess possessed incredibly fair, porcelain skin. Her lips were a deep red, contrasting with brown pupils that appeared almost black in the shadows. Her lustrous, silky black hair was swept up into a sophisticated bun, held in place by an intricate hairpin of silver and pale jade featuring delicate, swaying tassels. A few stray locks framed her face, brushing softly against her cheeks.

Her features were a blend of sharpness and femininity. With high cheekbones, a straight nose, and heavy-lidded eyes that radiated a silent command, her presence felt substantial even when she remained perfectly still.

She was dressed in flowing, layered robes of white and soft grey. The light fabric seemed to ripple with her every breath.

Her inner attire hugged her shapely figure closely, while an outer robe was draped loosely over her arms. The cut of the neckline provided a subtle glimpse of her cleavage.

Below the waist, her clothing was more modest. She wore a sheer long skirt over form-fitting leggings that concealed her legs, with the fabric only parting slightly as she moved.

Athena stood at nearly the same height as Laura.

Beyond her striking beauty, Athena’s strength was undeniable. Even with her power currently masked, the others felt they would be no match for her.

’She is incredibly powerful,’ Rin and Sasha noted internally.

Among the women present, only Lilith or Rin seemed capable of standing on equal footing or perhaps besting her in a confrontation.

"So where is Laura?" Julia inquired from her seat at his right side. Had they been alone, she would have embraced him instantly, but as the First Lady, she maintained her composure before the group.

"I am here!" Athena answered, a small smile playing on her lips.

"I am Laura!"

"I am Athena."

"We are both as one individual!" Athena spoke with a familiarity that suggested she had known them for years. She appeared entirely at ease, her features softening as she addressed them.

To the onlookers, it almost felt like they were seeing Laura, though her physical appearance had shifted significantly.

’It isn't just a change in looks. Athena is much more well-endowed than Laura,’ Lilith observed, noting Athena’s ample chest and shapely frame, which rivaled her own curves.

’Her bust is nearly the size of Alicia’s.’

’But she represents a threat,’ Lilith concluded. Athena was betrothed to Aditya. Since Laura and Athena were essentially the same person, her status within the Harem was set in stone.

’At least my seniority remains higher.’ The hierarchy among the sisters was based on the order in which they entered a romantic relationship with Aditya. Julia remained the undisputed First Lady.

Lilith, however, found herself ranked just above Rin.

"This is Alfred. He was formerly my father’s Butler, and I regard him as my Uncle."

"Seated beside him are Bree, his granddaughter, and Mateo, the son of Duke Boleyn."

"To put it simply, Bree and Mateo assisted in Alfred’s escape from imprisonment. They traveled to the Tunnel World to locate me, guided by a vision of the future Alfred had regarding our meeting."

Alfred stood to acknowledge the room, followed by Mateo and Bree. They offered polite bows to the assembled family.

"Uncle Alfred has served the Royal Family of the Celestial Dragon Empire for centuries. He worked under my Grandfather even before my father’s time." This revelation startled everyone. The old man was significantly older than Lilith, who was already over a millennium old.

Lilith felt a prickle of annoyance as several people glanced her way. She never appreciated reminders of her age.

"What?" Lilith asked, her smile turning icy.

Alicia merely smiled confidently and shook her head before turning back to Alfred.

Amelia couldn't suppress a smirk at Lilith’s discomfort, though her amusement vanished when she remembered she was the same age as Lilith. She realized she was in the same boat.

For a brief moment, Amelia felt a flash of solidarity with Lilith, though she would never admit it. Lilith was her rival; had they not been kin, they likely would have come to blows many times by now.

"A vision of the future? Does that imply Sir Alfred is a Seer?" Watson asked, studying the handsome elder with his white bun and neatly groomed grey beard.

Seers were incredibly rare within the Six Continents. Watson could count fewer than four on one hand, including both Alfred and Aditya.

’Indeed, His Majesty used to receive glimpses of the future as well.’

"Please, there is no need for such titles as 'Sir.' To answer you, yes, I am a Seer." It was this gift that allowed Alfred, despite his humble origins, to become the Emperor’s most trusted advisor. He had served both Aditya’s father and grandfather in that capacity.

"No, that wouldn’t be appropriate," Watson insisted. If the Emperor himself addressed the man as Uncle, it indicated the immense level of respect Aditya held for him.

’Wait a moment! His Majesty calls me Grandpa.’ Watson realized that if Alfred had served three generations, perhaps 'Grandpa' was a more fitting title for him too, but he kept the thought to himself for now.

"Your Majesty, what occurred within the Tunnel World?" Spencer asked, seated beside his wife, Aria.

"Quite a lot, actually."

"I faced numerous trials and difficulties, but the eventual gains were well worth the effort."

"Furthermore, my relationship with Laura has deepened significantly." This announcement drew mixed reactions from the Harem members.

None of them were truly surprised; it was an eventuality they had all foreseen. Laura’s feelings for Aditya had been obvious for a long time. It was only a matter of time before they finally consummated their bond.

’It happened just as I suspected,’ Lilith thought. She had sensed their mutual affection before they even departed. Aditya’s intense drive to protect her and bring her to the Main Continent wasn't just about politics or protecting the Goddess of Wisdom; it was driven by love.

As for Laura, her heart had belonged to him since their time in the Deep Sea Palace. Aditya had shielded her from every danger and ensured her ascension to the throne by removing every obstacle in her path.

He had rescued and supported her repeatedly. Lilith knew it was impossible for any woman to remain indifferent to such devotion.

The room offered sincere congratulations, as only Leo and Clara seemed caught off guard by the news.

"Your Majesty, did you engage in the trial?" Spencer questioned. He knew Aditya had intended to seek out the Dwarves—the world's premier blacksmiths—to repair his black sword.

Aditya confirmed this with a nod and a smile.

"I successfully navigated and completed all six stages of the Trial."

"I encountered the Dwarf Ancestor. Frank had left a fragment of his soul behind to oversee the Trial. This secret remains unknown to the outside world."

"I spent several days there, engaging in many useful discussions." The groundwork for the alliance between Aditya, the Exiled Crown Prince, and the Dwarf Tribe was laid during their encounter. Meeting the current Tribe Leader was merely a formality after that.

Frank still wielded immense influence within the tribe due to the deep respect they held for him. However, he respected the autonomy of the current leaders, offering only guidance. Nevertheless, Frank was the primary architect of the pact between Aditya and the Dwarves.

"Everyone, this mission was intended to assist Laura, and I am pleased to say we have succeeded," Aditya said, looking around the room. Their collective support had been vital to this success.

"This trip also served as a reminder that, beyond that certain Organization, I have another primary adversary." The room fell silent as they listened intently.

"That enemy is my cousin, the current ruler of the Celestial Dragon Empire."

"I have no desire for conflict with him, but he will not allow peace. He is a tyrant who has brought ruin to the Empire and is responsible for the lies that saw Alfred imprisoned for years." Eventually, his cousin would come for him.

"Therefore, I have resolved that the Istarin Empire will shift its focus toward military expansion. We must bolster our total strength."

"In the months ahead, while we fix internal issues and implement reforms, I intend to work with all of you to secure a powerful ally against my cousin and build the momentum necessary to unseat him."

The group met this declaration with smiles. Since Aditya had set his course, they would follow him with total devotion.

"It appears the glory and power of the Dragon Monarch are set to encompass the entire Main Continent," Watson remarked happily.

He felt a deep sense of pride. He had witnessed a broken, alcoholic man transform himself, build a legendary Empire, and now prepare for his grand debut on the world stage.

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