That Time I Got Reincarnated With Gacha System In Mahabharata

I AM BACK!

------

[Aditya's POV]

BANG!

With a booming sound echoing throughout the throne room as two guards came rushing in, their expressions frantic, a sudden shift of urgency stole over the hall. The nobles, still standing in a newfound unity, turned toward the commotion, curiosity, and alarm sparking in their eyes.

One of the guards approached me, his breath quick, beads of sweat dotting his forehead. He dropped to one knee, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, we have urgent news. The remaining nobles are marching their armies to the palace grounds as we speak and Lord Ernesh is the one leading them."

"Yes, Your Highness. H-He gave this scroll addressed to y-you—"

The guard's hand shook as he held out the scroll, the thick parchment bearing a dark seal I recognized instantly—Lord Ernesh's personal insignia, a twisted serpent coiled around a blade. Draupadi took a step forward, her eyes narrowing at the scroll as if it were a venomous creature. The tension in the room surged once more as I accepted it, breaking the seal with a calm I barely felt.

Unfurling the scroll, I began to read, my gaze sharpening with every word.

"Scoundrel! Yes, you read that right Scoundrel! What do you think? I will sit and watch you take the throne I want and rule the kingdom that I deserve. No, my dear 'prince,' this ends now. You may have deceived a few feeble-minded nobles, but you cannot fool us all. As you read this, my forces are closing in. I'll ensure that your little act goes down with your LIFE!"

—Your Death, Soon To Be King Ernesh.

"HE DARE!"

A furious hush settled over the hall as I read Lord Ernesh's contemptuous message aloud, every noble frozen in disbelief and anger. Draupadi's face darkened, her fists clenched as she restrained the rage simmering beneath her composed exterior.

But my gaze went to a few nobles who were skimming on their seats, their eyes dodging mine, betraying their guilt. It was clear that some of them had sided with Ernesh, either out of ambition, fear, or greed. I took note of each face, each shifty glance—this was more than a rebellion; it was a network of disloyalty festering within my own court.

Turning back to the guard, I asked, "How close are they to the palace?"

He swallowed, his voice barely above a whisper. "They will reach the gates by sunset, Your Highness. Their forces are well-armed and greatly outnumber our own."

"MAHAMANTRI! What is the punishment for forming a private army without the consent of the crown?" I demanded, my voice steely with controlled fury.

My foster father's eyes widened with realization as he smiled and answered, "Your Highness, Such an act according to the law is considered an unforgivable crime. The formation of a private army without the crown's explicit permission is an act of treason, and the penalty for such a crime is death. Not only is it a direct challenge to the authority of the throne, but it undermines the very foundation of the kingdom's governance."

A bloodthirsty smile made its way to my face without me knowing, "Then announce the decree, All the traitors will be punished accordingly. Let them know that the crown will not tolerate betrayal, no matter how strong their armies or how deep their alliances run."

I turned back to the gathered nobles, my eyes scanning each face with a cold, calculated gaze. Some were beginning to show signs of fear, their previous confidence faltering under the weight of the situation. This was no longer just a rebellion—it was a direct challenge to my rule, and I would not allow it to go unanswered.

"Prepare the palace," I continued, my voice sharp and commanding. "Set up the defenses. I want every common citizen of the city in a refugee shelter for one day—"

"Just one day?!"

"It's an army! How could we defeat them in just one day? We don't even have half of the amount they got," a noble protested, his voice wavering with fear and disbelief. He wasn't just questioning my command—he was questioning my capability. His eyes darted around the room, as if seeking validation from the other nobles, but I could feel the atmosphere tightening, the weight of his words making the air oppressive.

I turned my gaze to him, not uttering a single word. Just my stare was enough to silence him. My eyes were like iron—cold, unyielding. The room held its breath, awaiting my response.

"Who said I need an army? I alone will deal with Ernesh and his army." My voice was quiet, yet it cut through the room like a dagger, sharp and unyielding. Every noble in the hall seemed to freeze, their disbelief palpable.

"Your Highness, you..." One noble stammered, his voice shaky with a mix of concern and confusion. "You intend to face him alone? Against an army?"

I turned my gaze on him, and his words faltered in his throat. "Yes," I answered simply. "I do not need an army to deal with traitors like him."

A chill swept through the room as my words settled. There was an unsettling confidence in my voice, and I could sense the shifting dynamics in the room. The nobles were uncertain—some were afraid, others doubted my ability to follow through.

"I am sorry, your highness. But I will not accept this decision, I myself will come with you." One noble stood up standing tall and unyielding gaze staring back at me.

"You are?"

"I am Lord Anubav from southern provinces. I command an elite cavalry unit capable of matching Lord Ernesh's forces. You may not need an army, Your Highness, but there are many who still have faith in your rule—and they will follow me into battle." Lord Anubav's voice was steady, filled with a mixture of pride and defiance. His posture suggested strength, but his eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty, as if he wasn't sure whether to stand in defiance of Ernesh or to support me as his king.

A quiet murmur passed through the room. Some nobles exchanged glances, considering Anubav's offer, while others, too afraid to challenge me directly, hesitated. I could almost feel the tension in the air, thick and electric.

But Draupadi's presence was unmistakable, her energy crackling like a storm ready to burst. She stepped forward, her voice cutting through the room with an icy calmness. "Lord Anubav," she said, her gaze unwavering, "Your loyalty is admirable, but the prince has already decided how to handle this matter. If you truly wish to serve him, then you will remain here and prepare the palace as he has commanded. Do not doubt His Highness's strength."

Her words were unyielding, her eyes glowing with a possessive fire that made the entire room take notice. No one dared challenge her—not with the way her gaze lingered on Anubav, nor with the unmistakable venom in her tone.

Lord Anubav stiffened, visibly taken aback. He opened his mouth to speak but faltered, realizing that any further opposition would only strengthen my resolve—and Draupadi's. He reluctantly bowed his head, his pride slightly bruised, but he said no more on the matter.

"Wise decision," I muttered under my breath, my eyes scanning the room once more. "It seems some of you still doubt me. But this will be your last chance to prove your loyalty. Stand by me, or stand against me—there is no middle ground now."

I addressed the nobles again, my voice sharp as steel. "As I said, prepare the palace. You may not have the strength of an army, but you will have your wits and your resources. I will not tolerate hesitation. When Ernesh's forces breach our gates, I will make sure they wish they never set foot in my kingdom. They will see who truly holds power here."

Draupadi's smile returned, sweeter this time but laced with something darker—an unmistakable promise. Her eyes never left me, a dangerous kind of affection burning in them. "We will make sure of it," she whispered, though her voice was loud enough for all to hear.

The nobles seemed to falter under the weight of her gaze, and even Lord Anubav remained silent, his previous defiance evaporating in the face of her unwavering conviction.

"Send word to the southern provinces," I said, turning to Lord Anubav one final time. "And ensure that those who truly stand with me know that their loyalty will be rewarded."

Anubav nodded silently, turning on his heel and swiftly leaving the throne room to carry out my orders.

"Everyone will do as I have instructed," I continued, my voice growing more commanding, "those who wish to remain loyal to me, take heed. When the time comes, you will have the honor of fighting by my side. I will not forget those who stand by me today, nor will I forget those who choose to betray me."

The nobles shifted uneasily, glancing at one another, clearly rattled by the intensity of the moment. Some nodded quickly, eager to please, while others appeared more doubtful, their loyalty uncertain. Yet none dared to speak out.

I turned to Draupadi, who stood beside me, her smile widening at the sight of my rising authority. Her eyes glittered with something darker—an unspoken promise of her unwavering support. The way she looked at me, with such intensity, reminded me of the growing tension between us. There was something dangerous in her affection, something possessive.

But now was not the time for that.

"We will not allow Ernesh to disrupt the balance of power," I said firmly, directing my words to the room at large. "You just need to hold your ground in Palace, While I snuff this rebellion outside Palace walls, Understood?"

"Yes."

"Louder!"

"YES, YOUR HIGHNESS!" the nobles replied in unison, their voices echoing with forced vigor, some trembling under the weight of my command, others trying to mask their fear.

I gave them a sharp nod, satisfied with their response. My eyes scanned the room, locking on each noble in turn, ensuring that my words were understood by all. This rebellion would not succeed. Not on my watch.

Turning to Draupadi, I gave her a brief but meaningful glance. She was a force unto herself, a sharp, dangerous edge at my side. Her unwavering devotion was both a blessing and a curse. I could feel her eyes on me—so full of intent, so much darker than mere loyalty. But I had no time to delve into that now.

"Let's end this," I muttered under my breath, turning toward the grand doors of the throne room. "It is time to show them who I truly am."

Draupadi's smile widened in a manner that sent a chill down my spine. She was as eager as I was for the coming battle. But for her, this was more than just loyalty—it was an obsession. I couldn't help but feel a slight unease as she followed me, her every step in perfect synchrony with mine.

We made our way out of the throne room, the nobles parting in silence, most avoiding eye contact. As I passed, I could sense the growing weight of the decisions ahead. Ernesh's rebellion was not just an external threat—it was a test. A test for my power, my resolve, and the loyalty of those around me.

Draupadi, sensing my thoughts, leaned in close, her voice low but filled with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

"Hubby~ You were so handsome when you commanded the throne with such coldness and authority, I almost wanted to pick you up and go to bed with you right there and then," Draupadi purred, her words dripping with possessiveness and hunger. Her breath grazed my ear, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. It was as if she were savoring every moment of this power struggle, every moment that brought me closer to total control—and her.

I gave her a quick, fleeting glance, trying to shake off the unnerving feeling creeping along my skin. There was a time and place for this... whatever this was, but not now. Not when the kingdom's fate hung in the balance.

"Later, Wifey~ I promise!"

.

..

...

[To Be Continue]

***

A/N: I got my new laptop yesterday, From now on updates will be regular.

Please leave a review, it helps.

Stone me, I can take it!

Please keep interacting, it makes the writing much more enjoyable.

Comment your thoughts, it helps to keep me motivated.

Thanks for your support.