A Rivalry Takes Shape

Xenon couldn't believe the situation unfolding before him was real.

In his memories, his father had always been an old man confined to his sickbed, struggling even to breathe.

His father had never once humiliated him at an official gathering with all the ministers present.

"Y-Your Majesty! There must be some misunderstanding!"

Xenon protested in a trembling voice.

"Cardenos's arrogance has gone too far! I only wanted to reclaim the Imperial Family's authority and the military funds we provided them……!"

"Silence."

The rebuke rang out from behind the iron mask, chilling the room.

The Emperor's shadowed gaze pierced to the very bottom of Xenon's heart.

"Imperial authority? Reclaiming military funds? Do you think I don't know what you really want?"...