Chapter 54- The royal court!
The Empire of Hèzar.
There are several kingdoms in the Chaos Realm but every major decision and the supreme power remains in the hand of the one and only Ruler.
The place that was once ruled by the Dragon Sovereign Mohdäk Astroth was now the base of the central administration of the Dragons.
The Seventh Emperor, Ashwath Hèzar, is the one who has inherited the will of his predecessor and the being who has taken the responsibility to keep his people safe.
As one could expect from the residents of the Chaos realm, everyone tends to believe in their strength more than anything else.
Even the succession of the throne happens singularly based on one's strength. The third and fifth Empresses were proof that the ascension doesn't just prefer a single gender as their ruler.
Currently, the strongest dragon in existence or so people know, was undoubtedly Emperor Ashwath and it would take another two hundred years for him to retire from his role.
But determining the next ruler was a long process that tested the potential noble children to the fullest. The primary requirement was purely based on one's physical might. But being an Emperor requires a lot more than that.
With that topic in mind, today in the Emperor's court, an audience of every high noble along with the officers and also the prince and princesses gathered in watch of Emperor Ashwath himself.
The court only gathers once every year to report on the activities happening in the Realm and what necessary steps should be taken for a better future. This time, the meeting was prolonged to discuss the subject related to the next Ruler.
"As the mightiest disciple of Old Hang, I think the Third Prince Vali should take the throne, My lord."
It was one of the ministers in the court who proposed the idea of backing the third prince, taking his past exceptional achievements into account.
A lot of officials nodded in agreement since it was commendable how the third highness Vali, has been recognized even by the most honored Sword Saint of the Realm, Hang Akuzu or Old Hang.
Hearing himself getting praised, the handsome man who by appearance looked in his early twenties smiled with his sharp canine proudly peeking out his lips. Just like any other heir he also dreams to become the Sovereign one day so this persuasion from the Head Minister was wholeheartedly welcomed.
However, the Head Minister wasn't the only attorney present in the court.
"Being recognized and having experience in real life is a very different thing, respected Head Minister Calwanger. Your highness Nora has performed various deeds which even Your Majesty has praised her for."
The otherworldly beauty sitting beside the Empress just kept her gaze straight without any evident emotion on her surreal beautiful face. But she appreciated the Finance Minister for speaking on behalf of her.
The Second Princess among the five children of the Emperor matured quite young and drew blood on the battlefield from a very young age. She has actively been involved in Empire's affairs and helped the citizens in need which gained her even praise from her Papa.
That recognition from the Emperor was enough for Nora to continue her duty for the rest of her lifetime. But declining the throne was not something she would do in her sane mind.
The Empress without even turning her gaze knew how her daughter's temperament shifted but that was natural for Nora to feel that way at this age.
What the best adviser of the Emperor and the person whom her husband solely trusts, wanted to know was the First Prince's view on the matter.
"Cain."
The hall went pin-drop silent as the serene voice of the Empress cut off all the previous banters between the ministers as they paid their utmost attention to the woman.
No person in the Realm dares to disrespect the Empress. Not just because of her position in the court but also the origin she carries as her will.
The true descendant of the Dragon Monarch, Anastasia Astroth.
Hearing his mother's words, the first prince Cain knew it was his turn to speak his mind. There were a lot of officials who supported him in the court and the best thing he could have done was to vouch for himself for the next successor.
Well, taking his achievements in wars into account along with the great political knowledge he carries that even the Prime Minister envy of, it was pretty natural for Cain to speak in his own support.
But…
"In my opinion, Princess Yuna is still the most capable successor of the throne."
**GASP**
Audible gasps resonated as the people heard the name of the eldest heir and the first princess of the Empire, Yuna Astroth.
The person who awakened her Dragon core at the startling ten years of age. She even achieved her humanoid form even before she learned to walk properly. Her strength was hefty enough to go against the mightiest warrior. Not to talk about her wits which even Empress Anastasia regards as unnatural.
Undoubtedly Princess Yuna was one of a kind prodigy who was born to rule over the Chaos Realm. However, there was a drawback that comes with her personality…
The whole audience went murmuring under their breaths as the major topic of disruption came along with that name.
Amidst this whole meeting, the Emperor stayed quiet with his head resting on his big fist further down on the side of his throne.
This succession was something which has started to give him a headache and being a Dragon he doesn't like talking much. More or less he will throw all of his children in the Abyss and decide from there, who is the most capable one.
Thinking that he already reached the best conclusion, Ashwath thought to end this meeting and go for a round of hunting when suddenly the gates of the court abruptly parted from the other side.
Everyone's gaze along with the high royalties went to the door since no one was allowed to interrupt the meeting even if an enemy attack occurred.
The third prince was about to get up with a frown adorning his handsome face to bisect the guard's head who dared to show such imprudence.
However, the first thing which the pale-faced guard said, made the bored expression of the Emperor shift quite drastically.
"T-The Hunter… Bounty Hunter is here!!"
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A/N: - I will detail their character through chapters. Please drop a comment if you liked the chapter