That Time I Got Reincarnated With Gacha System In Mahabharata

[Aditya's POV]

My gaze bore into the cocky nobleman with unwavering resolve. I knew this moment would define my relationship with the court and the strength of my reign. Draupadi's protective spirit radiated beside me, but this was a test I needed to face on my own terms.

"Can I know your esteemed name?" I tried projecting a respectful voice with a smile on my face.

The noble straightened his posture, his smirk widening as he realized he had gained the court's attention. "I am Lord Ashvakra, the ruler of the southern provinces," he announced, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I've served this kingdom long before your arrival, and the previous Maharaj Jayadratha almost doomed our kingdom by angering Takshaka nag, and died at his hands with your family as well."

He added with a snare, "We don't need a king from your lineage anymore, We noble are well capable of running this kingdom on our own."

The tension in the room thickened as Ashvakra's words echoed across the hall, each syllable dripping with disdain. The nobles shifted uncomfortably, waiting for my response. I could feel Draupadi tense beside me, her fierce gaze fixed on the arrogant lord. But I maintained my composure, knowing that how I responded now would define my rule.

"Lord Ashvakra," I began, my voice calm yet firm, "I appreciate your service to this kingdom and your concern for its future. However... I truly request you to take your words back, it's not appropriate—"

"YOU—"

Swish~

BOOM!

But just as he tried to shout, a cold air passed just a hair breath away from his face, a gust so powerful that it sent a chill through the hall. Everyone's attention snapped to the source of the sudden movement, Me holding an angry Draupadi with one hand while my other hand holding the wooden handle of Leviathan Axe embedded in the ground just before the noble's feet, its icy blade gleaming ominously. The atmosphere shifted dramatically, tension crackling in the air like static electricity.

Lord Ashvakra's smirk faltered as he took a step back, his bravado momentarily stripped away by the sheer presence of the axe. The other nobles looked on in shock, their eyes darting between the weapon and my determined expression.

I released Draupadi who stepped back with a happy smile as she saw me taking action. My grip on the Leviathan Axe tightened as I straightened, taking a step forward while activating the skill: King's Aura.

"Mahamantri! what is the punishment for disrespecting the crown in this kingdom?" I asked, my voice echoing with authority throughout the grand hall.

My foster father Mahamantri Siddharth looked up from his seat, a mix of surprise and admiration on his face. He cleared his throat, his eyes flicking between me and Lord Ashvakra. "The punishment for such treasonous words can range from exile to—" he paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, "death."

A hush fell over the hall, the nobles shifting uneasily as they absorbed the gravity of the situation. I felt Draupadi's supportive presence beside me, her unwavering gaze giving me strength.

"Exile is far too kind for a traitor who dares to undermine the royal authority," I continued, my voice steady and unyielding. "I will not tolerate any disrespect toward the crown or the people of Sindhu. That's why I shall pass the judgement on Ashvakra myself."

With a flick Leviathan Axe charged with icy mist excluding from the blade, causing the temperature in the hall to drop significantly. The air turned heavy with an ominous chill, every noble in attendance instinctively stepping back, their eyes widening in fear and awe at the display of power.

"Lord Ashvakra," I said, my voice low and steady, "you've crossed a line that cannot be erased with mere words. You chose to sow discord instead of unity when this kingdom requires strength and solidarity."

The nobleman, now visibly shaken, attempted to regain his composure, but the fear in his eyes was undeniable. "I-I was only voicing concerns for our kingdom's future—"

"Concerns that could lead to coup," I cut him off, stepping closer, the icy mist swirling around my feet, echoing the gravity of my resolve. "You will be held accountable for your actions. Your arrogance may have served you in the past, but here and now, it holds no power over me."

"That's why you are sentenced to death!"

The words hung heavy in the air, a tense silence falling over the grand hall as my declaration resonated through the room. I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone present. Lord Ashvakra's bravado crumbled as he stared at me, disbelief and fear mingling in his eyes.

"Y-you can't be serious!" he stammered, his earlier confidence evaporating like mist in the morning sun. "You would kill a loyal servant of the kingdom? A nobleman?"

"I would eliminate a traitor," I replied, my voice steady and unwavering. "You've shown that your loyalties lie not with the crown, but with your own ambitions. The people of Sindhu deserve a ruler who values unity and strength over discord and deceit."

Draupadi stepped forward, her presence adding a fierce energy to the room. "You must understand, Ashvakra, this is not a personal vendetta. This is about the safety and future of our kingdom. Your actions have consequences."

The nobles watched in silence, some shifting uncomfortably in their seats while others exchanged glances filled with uncertainty. They were witnessing a pivotal moment in our kingdom's history, and I could feel their anticipation—a mix of fear and respect—as they awaited my next move.

"Please, your highness!" Ashvakra pleaded, his arrogance stripped away, leaving only desperation. "I only wanted what was best for our people! Surely, we can resolve this without violence?"

"Your vision for this kingdom is flawed, and your methods are treacherous," I said, the cold air swirling around me intensifying as I drew upon the power of the Leviathan Axe. "This is not a negotiation. Your treason cannot be forgiven, and your fate is sealed."

With a swift motion, I raised the axe above my head, its icy blade gleaming with deadly intent. A gasp escaped the lips of the gathered nobles, and I could feel Draupadi's gaze on me—steady, unwavering, filled with fierce pride.

Swish~

Sqwelp!

Thud! Thud!

The head rolled off the ground, a look of sheer shock etched on Lord Ashvakra's face as the realization of his end dawned on him. His body collapsed, the regal robes that once signified his status now stained with the harsh reality of his betrayal. The icy mist around me seemed to settle, leaving an eerie silence that enveloped the grand hall.

The nobles stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief. This was not merely an execution; it was a declaration of my authority, a statement that I would not tolerate dissent. As the echo of the axe's impact faded, the atmosphere shifted from shock to an unsettling sense of respect and fear.

There are the reasons why I killed this noble without any discussions or at the crucial time when I am going to be crown as the king, I am not some cold-hearted monster.

Then let me start from this nobles history, Ashwakra is one of the most disgusting nobles in Sindhu, a man who had long exploited the weaknesses of others to elevate his own status. It was rumored that he had betrayed several of his fellow nobles in the past, manipulating events behind the scenes to ensure his own rise while others fell. He was cunning and ruthless, using charm and deceit to mask his true intentions. His allegiance was fickle, shifting like the sands of time, always focused on his gain rather than the welfare of the kingdom.

But I could have still spare his life till this, but those things are just the beginning because he also owns whole slave market in his territory. Picking children from the streets, women from their family, and men from the fields, turning them into commodities for profit. It was a dark stain on Sindhu, a blight that had festered under the noses of previous rulers, allowing Ashvakra to thrive in the shadows. He had long escaped punishment, hidden behind his title and wealth, but I would not let such injustices continue on my watch.

I motioned for the servant who I called for, to come forth. "Thank you~" I picked the parchment from the servant's trembling hands, and handed the parchment to the Mahamantri who looked confused at my request. "What is this, your highness?" he asked, his brow furrowed in uncertainty.

"This," I said, unfolding the parchment with deliberate calmness, "is a list of all the known noblemen who have turned a blind eye to the crimes committed within their territories. Lord Ashvakra was just the beginning. I intend to hold all who exploit and oppress accountable."

The nobles shifted uncomfortably, the gravity of my words sinking in as they glanced at one another. I could sense the air thickening with unease, the reality of the kingdom's corruption laid bare before them.

"Lord Ashvakra's execution is not a solitary act of retribution," I continued, my voice steady and resolute. "It is the first of many steps I shall take to cleanse this kingdom of the rot that has allowed such injustices to flourish. This document contains the names of those who have benefited from his actions and contributed to the plight of the innocent."

Mahamantri Siddharth's eyes widened as he examined the parchment, his expression shifting from confusion to admiration. "Your highness, are you suggesting…?"

"Yes," I replied, the chill in the room palpable. "I will call upon each of them to answer for their actions. They will be given a chance to atone, to right the wrongs they have allowed to fester, or they will meet the same fate as Ashvakra."

A murmur swept through the hall, the nobles' reactions a mix of fear and awe. The message was clear: I would not shy away from the difficult decisions required to protect the kingdom.

"Your highness, this is unprecedented!" one of the nobles exclaimed, his voice shaking slightly. "You risk igniting a civil war among the noble families. Many of us have our own grievances and rivalries."

"Civil war?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow. "I see it differently. I see this as a chance to unite the realm against the true enemy: greed, exploitation, and treachery. The people deserve a kingdom where their rulers prioritize justice and integrity over self-interest."

Draupadi's hand rested reassuringly on my back, her presence grounding me amidst the swirling emotions in the hall. I could sense her pride, her unwavering belief in our mission to create a better future for our kingdom.

"Those who refuse to change will face the consequences," I declared, locking eyes with the nobles. "The days of complacency and silent complicity are over. Together, we shall forge a new era for Sindhu, where power is not abused, but wielded with responsibility."

Silence enveloped the hall, broken only by the sound of my steady breathing and the distant echoes of my proclamation. I could feel the weight of the moment—a turning point for both myself and the kingdom.

"Now, let the court decide," I said, gesturing to the gathered nobles. "Each noble here must declare their allegiance to the crown and the people of Sindhu. Speak now of your intentions, or risk being deemed complicit in Lord Ashvakra's treason."

One by one, the nobles began to rise from their seats, uncertainty etched on their faces. The first to step forward was Lady Miren, a seasoned noblewoman known for her wisdom and fortitude.

"I stand with you, your highness," she declared, her voice clear and steady. "We must cleanse our kingdom of corruption. I will lend my support in your quest for justice."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall, and others began to follow suit. Lord Rajan, known for his strategic prowess, stood next, proclaiming, "I shall support your vision for a united Sindhu. Together, we can reclaim the honor of our kingdom!"

As more nobles voiced their allegiance, I felt a surge of hope swell within me. The tide was turning, and while there would still be challenges ahead, I knew we could face them together.

Draupadi squeezed my hand, her eyes shining with pride. "You did it," she whispered, her voice filled with admiration. "You've inspired them to choose a path of righteousness."

I nodded, allowing a small smile to break through my steely facade. "This is only the beginning. We must remain vigilant and strong. Together, we will build a kingdom where justice reigns and the voices of the people are heard."

As the last noble stood to pledge their loyalty, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. I was not just a king waiting to sit on a throne; I was a leader ready to make real change—a force for good in the heart of Sindhu.

"Let us forge ahead, then," I proclaimed, my voice echoing through the hall. "For the future of Sindhu, for the people we serve, and for the legacy we shall create together!"

The hall erupted into a chorus of agreement, the nobles rising to their feet, united in purpose and determination. I could feel the warmth of hope filling the space, a stark contrast to the chill that had accompanied Ashvakra's demise.

.

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[To Be Continue]

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