CHAPTER 8: CHAPTER8-DRAGGED BACK

A rare look of seriousness appeared on William’s face.

The existence of ghosts was something that, for most people, lived only in legends and rumors. Rather than worrying about whether ghosts were real or not, William’s greater concern was what purpose they served. What if these so-called ghosts carried hidden motives? That was what truly made him uneasy.

"For now, we should wait and see. Let’s observe in silence and also watch how the others react," William said to Heimerdinger. Then, as if something had suddenly crossed his mind, he added, "There is something else you may not know. Our Majesty has finally awakened from his long slumber, but his temper has become somewhat strange."

"Just yesterday, His Majesty suddenly commanded me to begin cultivating a group of officials, and also told me to soothe the other members of our Royalist Party."

Hearing this, Heimerdinger’s interest was immediately aroused. "So His Majesty intends for us to strengthen our power?"

William, however, shook his head, his expression grave. "No, I cannot explain it clearly. It is only a feeling. But I sense that ever since His Majesty awoke, he has changed. Heimerdinger, what do you think?"

Heimerdinger thought for a moment and then replied calmly, "If it is His Majesty’s command, then we follow it. Besides, it is true that we now need to enhance our strength."

...

At Valoria Palace, as Aurek opened his eyes, today’s reward of ten Emperor Points was deposited into his account.

For the newly acquired Emperor Points, Aurek had no intention of saving them. Instead, he immediately summoned another ten Elemental Assassins.

As light flickered, ten more assassins appeared before him. Yet unlike the previous ones, these Elemental Assassins emerged at only elite rank level 8. The eight who had carried out yesterday’s mission had already advanced to elite rank level 9.

With their strength enhanced once more, Aurek felt reassured. If things continued at this pace, it would not take long before he possessed a powerful army.

But still, he thought, their ranks were too low. He would need to find a way to upgrade the [Emperor’s Scepter]. With that plan forming in his mind, Aurek also ordered the assassins to conceal themselves.

Today was the day of the council assembly. Aurek intended to make an appearance, to show himself, and to observe the reactions of the different factions.

Yet just as he was preparing, he realized something strange. Angie, who always stayed by his side, was nowhere to be found.

Strange. Wasn’t Angie the one who almost never left him, clinging to him like his shadow?

He stepped out of his quarters and looked around, but still could not see her. Frowning, he ordered his guards to summon her immediately.

Moments later, Angie appeared before him. But she kept her head lowered, as if afraid something might be discovered.

"Your Majesty, you called for me?" she asked softly.

"Come with me to attend the assembly," Aurek said casually. Yet he immediately noticed her strange reaction and frowned. "Raise your head."

Angie’s face paled slightly at the order, but she dared not disobey. Slowly, she lifted her head.

When Aurek saw the bright red scab across her face, his expression instantly turned dark, his eyes filled with fury.

"Speak. Who did this to you?"

"Your Majesty, it is nothing," Angie whispered, lowering her head again.

"What? Do you mean to disobey my order?" Aurek’s tone was stern, carrying the weight of imperial authority.

Angie had no choice but to answer in a low voice. "Do not be angry, Your Majesty. Yesterday I offended Vice-Captain Wood. It was my fault."

She did not want the matter to spread, because she knew His Majesty had only just awakened and now carried heavy burdens on his shoulders. She did not wish to add to them.

But when Aurek heard her explanation, his eyes grew sharp and dangerous.

Wood—the vice-captain of the Royal Guard, and also the trusted confidant of the Minister of War, Lord Nock.

The Minister of War was responsible for military deployment, the planning of campaigns, and though he often clashed with the Grand Marshal, he was a frequent guest of the Minister of Police. His status was somewhat lower than the Minister of Police, but still far above what Aurek could deal with lightly.

To put it bluntly, even if Wood killed Angie outright, the emperor would be powerless to retaliate. Such was the reality of the royal family’s weakened position.

It was no wonder Angie chose to conceal the truth, not wishing Aurek to be placed in such an impossible situation.

But now, things were different.

"Rise. I know you have suffered greatly," Aurek said quietly.

Angie froze for a moment, then her cold, proud face showed a trace of grievance. She had not expected His Majesty to understand her feelings. For a moment, she nearly broke into tears.

Aurek could imagine easily how much humiliation she had endured. That alone made his chest burn with rage.

Angie was his personal guard. For her to be humiliated in such a way was no different from slapping him in the face. Did they truly believe he was still weak and could be trampled at will?

Damn it. Did they really think he was easy to bully?

"Come with me!" Aurek said coldly. He brought Angie and his guards with him, marching straight toward the western gate of the palace.

And it was the western gate that Wood was assigned to guard.

"Your Majesty, perhaps we should let the matter drop..." Angie whispered.

"Silence!" Aurek snapped.

Under his lead, they advanced rapidly toward the western gate.

Wood, in charge of the gate, naturally saw Aurek coming. He froze in shock. The emperor was awake?

"Royal Guard Vice-Captain Wood, pays respects to His Majesty!" Wood hurriedly knelt.

Aurek looked at him coldly, quickly sensing the man’s strength—no wonder he had become vice-captain, for he had reached elite rank level 1.

"Kneel!" Aurek commanded.

Wood frowned but did not dare defy the order here in the palace. He knelt down.

"Wood, you trespassed into my residence and laid violent hands upon my Angie. Do you confess?"

Wood was startled, just beginning to think of how to respond, when Aurek spoke again: "Whether you confess or not does not matter. Today, I must put you to death."

With those words, Aurek turned to Angie and commanded, "I order you—kill him."

What? Had she heard correctly?

Angie froze in place, unable to move. She had never imagined His Majesty would directly order the execution of Wood.

Was this still the same emperor, once so cowardly and easily humiliated?

Seeing her hesitate, Aurek’s brows drew together, and imperial authority swept over her like a storm. "What is this? Do you dare defy my order?"

Angie’s heart quivered. She opened her mouth to speak, but Aurek suddenly thrust an iron rod into her hands.

"If you cannot do this, then you are unworthy to remain at my side. I have no use for the weak."

Hearing this, Angie’s eyes grew firm. She took the rod and raised it high.

"Angie, you dare strike me!?" Wood shouted in disbelief.

The iron rod came down.