Chapter 259: The Emperor

(Imperial Palace, Throne Room, Emperor Diomande Valdrak’s POV)

Clink!

A golden coin spun between Emperor Diomande Valdrak’s fingers, catching the afternoon sunlight as he examined the familiar portrait engraved upon its surface.

It was his own face, naturally, accompanied by the Imperial insignia and the customary declaration of sovereignty that had adorned every coin minted during his reign.

And yet, despite having seen that portrait countless times, Diomande found himself studying it with unusual interest, almost as though he were searching for something that the engravers had failed to capture.

"Regarding Vice Principal Chadwick, Your Imperial Majesty, I am pleased to report that the matter has been resolved. My office has ensured that he will no longer pose any complications."

Prime Minister Vinicius reported, standing several paces before the throne with a collection of documents held neatly between his hands.

"Furthermore, we have begun reviewing everyone who possessed knowledge of the original arrangement, ensuring that no unnecessary witnesses remain capable of compromising our position before the upcoming public hearing."

The Emperor offered no response, continuing to turn the coin between his fingers while Prime Minister Vinicius proceeded with his report.

"Naturally, the situation remains delicate, especially considering the attention that Duke Drew Dawnriver’s actions have attracted. However, I believe we can enter the hearing adequately prepared, provided that no further complications arise."

Clink!

The coin flipped once more, although this time Diomande caught it firmly within his palm and closed his fingers around it.

"Vinicius."

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty?"

"Do you know what bothers me the most about this entire incident?"

The Prime Minister immediately fell silent, recognizing the restrained anger beneath the Emperor’s otherwise composed voice.

"I am not particularly angry that our attempt to discredit the Dawnriver bloodline resulted in a retaliation far beyond anything we anticipated. That was a miscalculation, certainly, but neither of us possessed sufficient information to predict how violently Drew Dawnriver would respond."

The Emperor paused, tightening his grip around the golden coin until its edges pressed painfully against his palm.

"What I cannot forgive, however, is what that bastard said when he arrived at the Imperial Academy."

Vinicius lowered his eyes slightly, already suspecting which particular statement had offended his sovereign.

"He declared that the East had never been conquered, and that my ancestors had BEGGED House Dawnriver to bend the knee rather than forcing them into submission."

Diomande continued, his expression darkening as he recalled the exact wording of the Duke’s declaration.

"Can you imagine the arrogance required to make such a statement? He stood before Imperial officials, openly challenged the authority of my throne, and reminded everyone present that his ancestors had supposedly submitted to mine out of generosity."

The Emperor’s voice grew sharper, although he remained seated as he spoke.

"For generations, the Valdrak dynasty has permitted House Dawnriver to govern the East with privileges that most noble families could scarcely dream of possessing. They command their own armies, collect enormous revenues from their territories, and enjoy an influence rivaled by only a handful of houses throughout the Empire."

Diomande leaned forward, fixing Vinicius with an increasingly hostile stare.

"And after everything my ancestors allowed them to retain, Drew Dawnriver has the audacity to suggest that his family’s loyalty was some great favor bestowed upon the Imperial throne?"

"His Grace’s words were certainly provocative, Your Majesty."

Vinicius replied cautiously, understanding that the Emperor was far from finished.

"Provocative?"

Diomande repeated, letting out a humorless chuckle.

"He might as well have spat directly in my face, Vinicius. Worse still, he insulted the legacy of every Valdrak Emperor who came before me."

For several moments, the throne room remained silent, with the Prime Minister waiting patiently as Diomande examined the coin enclosed within his fist.

"You see, I have always known that Drew Dawnriver does not respect me."

The Emperor continued, his voice becoming considerably quieter.

"Whenever we met during Imperial gatherings, he observed the proper courtesies and addressed me with the titles my position demanded, but there was always something about the way he carried himself that irritated me."

Diomande shook his head.

"He behaved like a man entertaining an equal, rather than a subject standing before his sovereign.

And I tolerated that arrogance for years because openly confronting him would have created unnecessary difficulties."

The Emperor finally opened his palm, revealing the golden coin resting against his skin.

"That was precisely why I wanted his bloodline weakened and his influence gradually dismantled. I suspected that his loyalty extended only as far as it remained convenient for him, and now he has publicly confirmed everything I feared."

Vinicius listened without interruption, although the implications of the Emperor’s words were becoming increasingly clear.

"House Dawnriver cannot be permitted to continue ruling the East."

Diomande declared, closing his fingers around the coin once again.

"Regardless of how the upcoming hearing unfolds, I want you to understand that we must begin preparing for war. The proceedings will serve their purpose by demonstrating to the other nobles that the Imperial Court remains committed to justice, but I have no intention of allowing Drew Dawnriver to walk away from this affair with his power intact."

"I understand, Your Imperial Majesty....

And I agree that the situation has deteriorated beyond what can reasonably be resolved through the hearing alone."

Vinicius replied, bowing respectfully, while Diomande studied his Prime Minister’s expression in silence for several moments before letting out a deep sigh.

"If you truly understand what I am saying, Vinicius, then stop wasting so much effort preparing for a public hearing whose outcome will hardly matter in the grand scheme of things."

The Emperor instructed, as he slowly leaned back against his throne.

"We have already wasted enough time trying to undermine House Dawnriver through political schemes, and I have no intention of making the same mistake again."

Diomande continued, his expression growing increasingly serious.

"From this moment onward, I want you to focus your attention on preparing for the inevitable conflict. Let the hearing proceed as planned, but do not allow it to distract us from what truly matters."

The Emperor paused briefly before fixing his gaze upon Vinicius once more.

"Now, rather than telling me how prepared we are for the hearing, tell me what you have learned about how our enemy is preparing for war."