Chapter 385: Meeting The Rightful Heir
Meanwhile, Aengus and Bella strolled casually through the Royal Castle. Along the way, royals like princes and princesses cast them curious glances filled with awe and apprehension.
They were already aware that the man was likely to become the next Emperor, so they tried to curry favor while they could.
The second prince, Albert, personally took on the task of giving a tour to their future ruler. Of course, his father had instructed him to treat them with the utmost respect.
Albert introduced several facilities within the Royal Castle, eventually leading them to the garden to enjoy some fresh air under the clear sky.
The fragrant scent of flowers and the gentle chirping of birds greeted them as they took seats in the gathering spot for the Royal Family at the garden's center.
Aengus and Bella became the center of attention as more and more royals gathered around, though they maintained a cautious distance.
Prince Albert was the only one who had the privilege of sitting beside Aengus and Bella. Despite this, he did not dare to gaze upon the future Empress with any hint of desire.
Albert was a handsome and fair young man who carried himself with honesty and strong morals—qualities that Aengus took a liking. That's why he allowed him to stay by his side.
"Your Highness, if you need anything, just say the word, and it will be arranged immediately," Albert said politely.
Aengus glanced at him and asked, "Tell me, Albert, do you want to become the next king?"
Albert was slightly embarrassed as he replied, "Your Highness, my eldest brother might be better suited for ruling. I don't have such grand ambitions."
"But the Crown Prince is not to my liking, Albert," Aengus said firmly. "He is disloyal and lacks morals or honesty. I need loyal people like you by my side to reclaim the throne of the Emperor."
'.....'
After a tense silence, Albert finally replied, "Your Highness has sharp eyes. You discerned his character with just one glance. Truly admirable. If that's what you desire, I will stand by your side until the end. For now, though, I ask that my father remain in power. I'm not ready yet," he admitted, lowering his head in slight shame for his lack of ambition.
Aengus smiled as he gently held Bella's hand.
"Don't worry. I am not forcing you to take over immediately. Your father is still a useful man. But with your intelligence and mastery of Illusion Law, you would be a perfect candidate as one of my trusted subordinates in future endeavours," Aengus said, crossing his legs with a commanding presence.
"Oh, thank you for the praise, Your Highness. But I'm not that special actually. I just do what I think is best for me," Albert replied humbly.
Meanwhile, Bella wasn't paying much attention to their conversation. Her gaze was drawn to the distance, where a happy family of three played together in the garden. The parents wore loving and tender expressions as they guided their toddler, who was barely able to stand on her small legs.
Seeing this heartfelt scene, Bella's mind drifted to the future. She began to imagine the day when her own child would play with Aengus and her in the same way. The thought made her smile sweetly, a warm feeling blossoming in her heart.
However, as the daydream unfolded, Bella unconsciously excluded Aria from their family. When she realized this, a pang of guilt struck her.
Was she being selfish for imagining this? Aria would come back, wouldn't she?
She glanced at Aengus with love in her eyes, also reminded of the bittersweet truth—he wasn't hers alone.
The other royal princes watched cautiously from afar, none daring to approach without approval after receiving a strict warning from their royal father.
Several hourse passed in that peaceful setting, and suddenly, several more powerful presences began making their way toward the gathering.
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Everyone was astonished to see hundreds of men and women—both elderly and young—arriving there, guided by King Ronin personally.
King Ronin's expression was humble infront of these group of people.
The combined aura of the newcomers was ancient and overwhelmingly powerful, suffocating the princes and other onlookers in the royal garden. The sheer weight of their presence made it clear that these were no ordinary individuals.
All the maids and servants fled from the garden, sensing the overwhelming presence of the newcomers.
"Who are they, royal brother? Do you know them?" a young princess asked curiously, her voice tinged with fear.
"I don't know... Ask Fifth Brother; he might know something," the young boy replied in a hushed whisper.
The older boy, addressed as the Fifth Prince, answered cautiously, "They are probably from the rebel faction opposing the current regime."
His tone was uncertain, but the other siblings believed him. After all, who else would approach the True Heir of the Kievan Empire so openly at such a critical moment?
"Looks like they're here to test the heir. Isn't that true, Fifth Brother?" the young princess stated.
"Yes, that's very much likely," the Fifth Prince replied with a nod, his gaze fixed on the approaching group.
faction members approached Aengus and Bella directly, their expressions eager. They were keen to see their heir, wondering what made him different from others.
Aengus and Bella raised their brows slightly, as though they had been expecting their arrival. They showed no fear or worry, remaining seated with an air of calmness and curiosity.
Beside them, the Second Prince, Albert, immediately stood up, displaying respect with impeccable noble etiquette.
The leading ancient elders—five Nebula Dominators—alongside younger members, finally shifted their focus to the heir, standing face to face with him.
When they did, they were met with the sight of a young, handsome man with eyes as dark as the void. The heir wore a confident, calm smile, as if amused by their arrival.
"So, you claim to be the rightful heir of Kievan? Show us the proof," said the faction leader, who was reputed to be the strongest among them all.