Chapter 52: The Empire's Next Move
The morning air in Everhart estate was crisp, laced with the scent of damp earth from last night's rain.
Leonhardt stood atop the eastern balcony of the grand mansion, his crimson eyes sweeping across the vast estate grounds below.
The imperial court was still reeling from the Everhart rejection.
And yet—he knew this was only the beginning.
The Emperor would not stay silent.
His fingers tapped lightly against the cool marble railing.
The next move was coming.
And soon.
A Summon from the Capital
It arrived that afternoon.
A sealed letter, bearing the Emperor's golden insignia, delivered directly by an imperial knight.
Leonhardt watched as the knight stood rigidly in the entrance hall, his expression stiff with unease. He was well-trained, well-disciplined—but even he hesitated under the Everhart heir's piercing gaze.
Leonhardt took the letter without a word, breaking the seal with an idle flick of his fingers.
Aldric Everhart sat nearby, observing his son.
A faint smirk touched his lips as Leonhardt's fiery gaze skimmed over the message.
The Emperor had summoned them to the capital.
To attend an imperial banquet in two weeks.
A mere formality on the surface—but a challenge beneath.
Leonhardt scoffed softly, tossing the letter onto the table between them.
"They want to measure me."
Aldric chuckled, swirling the dark wine in his goblet.
"They already know you're a beast, Leonhardt." His crimson gaze gleamed with amusement. "They simply wish to confirm it."
Leonhardt's fingers tapped against the table once.
The nobles would be watching. The imperial faction would scheme.
And the Emperor…
He would be waiting.
Waiting to see if Leonhardt would break—or if he would stand above them all.
A slow smirk curled at Leonhardt's lips.
Let them try.
Imperial City - Whispers of the Court
The news of the Everhart heir's impending arrival spread through the capital like wildfire.
"He's finally coming?" A noblewoman whispered behind her fan, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"The boy who rejected the Emperor's offer?" another murmured.
"Not a boy. A monster," a veteran knight scoffed. "Do you know what they call him ? The Young Tyrant."
The name sent a ripple of unease through the gathered nobles.
Leonhardt Valerian Everhart.
Genius swordsman. Genius magician. A born ruler.
And soon—a storm within the capital.
Preparations for Departure
Back in Everhart territory, preparations for their journey were already underway.
Leonhardt stood in the training grounds, his black coat fluttering against the sharp evening wind. The last traces of sunlight glinted off the edge of his blade as he moved with precise, calculated aggression.
Aldric watched from a distance.
His son's power had already far surpassed expectations.
At 10 years old, Leonhardt moved with the lethal grace of a war-seasoned knight. His swordsmanship was sharper than most imperial captains. His magic… devastating.
And yet—he was still growing.
Still hungry for more.
Aldric's gaze darkened slightly.
The imperial court was about to realize something dangerous.
They had assumed Leonhardt was a chess piece to be played.
They had failed to realize—he was the one playing the game.
Two Weeks Later - Arrival at the Capital
The Everhart convoy entered the imperial city at sunset.
Golden light bathed the marble streets in an ethereal glow, but Leonhardt paid it no mind. His gaze remained fixed ahead, his posture regal, unyielding.
The streets buzzed with hushed whispers.
Nobles and commoners alike stared.
They had heard of him. Of the cold-blooded heir who stood above all others. The child who held the gaze of even the Emperor without fear.
His presence alone sent a shiver through the capital.
Leonhardt smirked slightly.
The imperial banquet awaited.
And with it—the next step in this deadly game.