The Emperor turned slightly, his gaze momentarily landing on Hua Ren beside him before addressing the group again. "The presence of the Ivory Warlord here today is no accident. His skills are unmatched, and his loyalty to this throne is beyond question. He will lead the investigation on last night’s events and I want you all to cooperate with him and tell him everything you know, everything you saw so that we can catch those rebels and get rid of them once and for all."
Hua Ren’s body stiffened imperceptibly, though his heart betrayed him, pounding against his ribcage as if it sought escape. His hands, clasped tightly behind his back, trembled slightly, hidden beneath the long sleeves of his white robe. His pale eyes flicked toward the Emperor whose brow arched in silent inquiry and Hua Ren summoned a strained smile, dipping into a low bow.
"Your wish is my command, Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady despite the storm roiling beneath his skin. He, who had attacked the Emperor last night, was to investigate his own actions? What the hell was this?
The Emperor’s declaration sent a ripple of unease through the assembly. A murmur rippled through the crowd as eyes darted to Hua Ren, some filled with skepticism, others with thinly veiled disdain. The Emperor wanted the Ivory Warlord to investigate the theft and attempted assassination? What if the Ivory Warlord finds out about the ’items’ the Twin Tigers Inn auctioned? Wouldn’t that put them in trouble? Or was the Emperor trying to get rid of them by using the Ivory Warlord? Just as the Pei’s third young master was easily disposed of.
The Cao family head, a towering man with broad shoulders and a commanding presence, stepped forward. His salt-and-pepper hair framed a face weathered by years of conflict and leadership. He bowed respectfully, but his voice carried a distinct edge.
"Your Majesty, with all due respect," he began, his words deliberate and slow, "I believe the Ivory Warlord is unfit to lead this investigation. As we all know, he is an Omega, and according to the laws of our kingdom, an Omega cannot hold any post let alone that of a General. He shouldn’t even be—"
The Emperor’s eyes flashed dangerously, making the Cao family head shut his mouth. Everyone tensed and the air grew cold, heavy with the weight of his displeasure.
"Are you trying to teach me the laws of our kingdom, Cao Jin?" the Emperor growled, his tone, low and menacing. This was what the clan heads always tried to do. Control him. Was it because he was young and they thought him immature or incapable of making his own decisions? Sometimes, he felt like he wasn’t the one ruling. Especially when the Pei family tried to influence his decisions.
Cao Jin faltered, his confident stance wavering under the Emperor’s piercing gaze. "N-No Your Majesty. I-I am simply voicing my opinion. Just because the Ivory Warlord is skilled doesn’t mean we should overlook his gender. If we let him remain a General, other Omegas will start thinking they can gain posts and titles in this Kingdom. We cannot have that, Your Majesty."
The Huang family head, an old man with a head of white bone straight hair and a short beard also stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "I believe Cao Jin is right, Your Majesty." He said, his voice hoarse but clear. "The Ivory Warlord has earned the right to remain a General of our beloved Kingdom. His skills are unmatched and no one can question his loyalty to the throne but the fact remains that he is an Omega Your Majesty, and the entire Kingdom is already aware. Unless we are to change the rule regarding Omegas working in this Kingdom, I am afraid the Ivory Warlord cannot remain a General."
At this point, Hua Ren was hoping the Emperor would listen. His one and only wish used to be to serve the Emperor for as long as he would live but after last night, he didn’t think he could. Besides, how could he lead an investigation on himself? He felt it would be better if the Emperor denounced him there and then. That way, he wouldn’t have to go ahead with the investigation.
The Emperor rose from his seat, his imposing figure radiating authority. "The Ivory Warlord’s loyalty and capabilities are unquestionable. He will remain a General and will lead the investigation. That is my final decision. If you have a problem with this, I suggest you reconsider your position—or your allegiance."
All of them gasped, the unspoken threat hung in the air, and Hua Ren felt the weight of every gaze upon him. He swallowed hard, straightening from his body but keeping his expression carefully neutral. It didn’t matter if the clan heads hated him more. He was already on bad terms with more than half of them. What he was most concerned about was the investigation.
The Celestial Dragon Hall, already heavy with tension, grew eerily silent as a messenger hurried into the room. His light footsteps echoed against the marble floor as he approached the Emperor, bowing deeply before leaning in to whisper something into his ear.
The Emperor’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly as he processed the information. Then, with a wave of his hand, he gave his command. “Let him in.”
The messenger scurried back to the grand double doors, which groaned as they were pushed open. All eyes turned toward the entrance as the announcer’s voice rang through the hall.
“Announcing, Prince Rowan Lioncrest of the Lioncrest Kingdom, here to see His Majesty!”
A tall man strode into the hall with confidence, his blonde hair catching the light like spun gold. His striking blue eyes scanned the room with an intensity that spoke of both authority and purpose. He wore regal blue robes adorned with intricate silver embroidery, the flaming lion crest of his kingdom proudly displayed on his chest. Beneath the robes, black pants completed his polished yet battle-ready appearance. His every step was firm, exuding the air of a man who knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it.
Hua Ren’s eyes widened the moment they landed on the prince. He knew this man! This was the man that offered to guide him in the Inn yesterday! A faint unease coiled in his stomach as the prince approached.
Rowan stopped a respectful distance from the throne and bowed deeply. “Your Majesty, I am Rowan Lioncrest, the crown prince of the Lioncrest Kingdom.”
The Emperor, his patience already worn thin, wasted no time on pleasantries. “I am aware,” he said curtly, his tone edged with irritation. “State your purpose.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Rowan replied, straightening. “I am here regarding last night’s event. I have information concerning two individuals who I strongly suspect are rebels.”
Hua Ren’s stomach churned. He forced his expression to remain neutral, but his hands curled into tight fists at his sides. Rowan’s presence here could only complicate matters.
The Emperor’s mood shifted slightly at Rowan’s words, his posture relaxing as a smile touched his lips. “You came at the right time, Rowan,” he said, gesturing toward Hua Ren. “Meet the Ivory Warlord. He is leading the investigation. You may speak. Tell us everything you know.”