The corridors of the Earth Empire were bustling with activity since the early morning, for today was the date of the meeting that had gathered the seven Emperors.
Emperor Regas walked with steady steps down the wide corridor adorned with carvings of stone-gold, accompanied by his loyal aide, Jiladain, who carried some files and documents in his hand.
Jiladain said in a low voice, looking ahead:
«It seems Emperor Arkan has taken great interest in this meeting, Your Majesty… He invited everyone personally.»
Regas answered calmly, clasping his hands behind his back:
«That is what worries me. When Arkan moves this swiftly, the matter is not ordinary.»
But before they could continue, their steps were interrupted by the sound of a sinister laugh that erupted from behind them.
It was a mocking laugh, carrying a loathsome arrogance.
Regas turned slowly, his eyes falling upon a tall man, his long black hair cascading over his shoulders, eyes gleaming with obvious malice, wearing a black suit adorned with green gems—Emperor Raymond.
Raymond approached with confident steps and a twisted smile on his lips, saying:
«Oooh... Your Majesty Regas, what a pleasure to finally meet you!
The first time we meet since our meeting concerning Her Highness Princess Agnes, isn't it?»
Regas answered him in a cold voice devoid of any warmth:
«Indeed.»
The two exchanged silent glances; the corridor's atmosphere filled with hidden tension, while Jiladain merely stood quietly behind his master, his eyes watching warily.
Raymond continued, tilting his head slightly with a sarcastic smile:
«So... how is Her Highness?
I heard she was attacked while in the Fire Empire…
Ah, how regrettable. I hope she wasn't too harmed.»
Regas's eyes narrowed slightly, but his voice remained steady, sharp and calm at once:
«Agnes is well. My daughter is not one to be easily defeated.»
Raymond laughed lightly, placing his hand on his chest:
«Oh, of course, I meant no offense, my friend.
But one cannot deny that the situation has become dangerous lately, can we?»
He moved closer, until he was just a step away, then whispered in a tone laden with implications:
«Perhaps some Emperors should protect their children more…
The world is changing, Regas.»
Regas raised his head with confidence and a faint smile, saying with biting coolness:
«The world is indeed changing, but some people... remain as they are,
feeding on poison and smiling as if they are planting roses.»
Raymond's smile froze for a few seconds, then he laughed lightly as he turned his back:
«Hah... your tongue is still as sharp as I remember you.
I shall see you in the hall, then, Your Majesty.»
And he strode away with quiet, haughty steps, leaving behind a scent of greenery mixed with invisible venom.
Jiladain stood silent, then said in a cautious tone:
«Your Majesty... his coming does not seem without reason.»
Regas answered, looking down the empty corridor where Raymond had disappeared:
«Raymond never acts without purpose… behind that smile, a thorn always sprouts.»
Then he continued walking with heavier steps toward the meeting hall, as if his heart knew that what awaited him there... would not be merely a passing conversation among Emperors.
<---------♡--------->
The gates of the Grand Meeting Hall opened slowly and majestically, a golden light streaming from within, reflecting the opulence of the place: high stone walls adorned with carvings representing the seven empires, and a floor of black marble shimmering under the glow of candles hanging from giant chandeliers.
Emperor Regas entered with dignified steps, followed silently by Jiladain, who carried files sealed with the Wind Empire's emblem.
As soon as the other Emperors caught sight of his presence, they rose from their seats in respect, their faces bearing those smiles whose nature—whether friendly or political—was unknown.
Emperor Arkan, seated at the head of the table, spoke in his deep, majestic voice:
«Welcome to your arrival, Your Majesty Regas. We have been awaiting you.»
Regas bowed slightly and replied with calm composure:
«I apologize for the delay. The roads from Wind to Earth are long and full of storms.»
Ranius, sitting with a cool demeanor and eyes half-closed near Aqualis, replied in his quiet voice:
«Storms dare not obstruct Regas's path. Has the wind not been his ally since time immemorial?»
Regas replied with a faint smile:
«Even the wind may tire of obedience sometimes, Ranius.»
A light silence fell in the hall, gradually fading as Arkan gestured for them to direct their attention to him.
Regas took his usual seat, with Aqualis to his left and Ranius to his right.
On the opposite side sat Luminas, Emperor of Light, with his radiant face and gentle gaze, next to Ronald, Emperor of Ice, with a gaze as frozen as ice crystals, then Raymond, Emperor of Plants, who contented himself with a malicious smile as he observed the atmosphere.
Arkan sat at the head of the table, a thick file bearing the Earth's seal before him. He placed his hand upon it and said in a serious voice:
«Well, gentlemen, let us get to the heart of the matter.
We have gathered today to discuss an issue of utmost importance… concerning the future of the seven thrones.»
The Emperors exchanged silent glances, while Regas leaned back in his seat, contemplative.
Arkan continued, opening the file slowly:
«As you know, our children, our heirs, have reached an age that makes them eligible to bear part of our responsibilities.
For this purpose, we propose initiating a joint training program in the lands of 'Savge,' that wild region lying between the borders of the seven empires.»
Ranius raised an eyebrow, saying in a sharp, questioning tone:
«Savge? And are there reasons to send them there?»
Arkan smiled calmly:
«Yes. There is no better place to test true resolve, Ranius.»
Aqualis interjected with a curious voice:
«The idea of joint training could be beneficial… but the lands of Savge are dangerous. What if harm befalls any of them?»
Arkan answered, raising his gaze toward everyone:
«And that is precisely what I want.»
The Emperors' eyes widened in surprise at Arkan's words. Luminas spoke calmly and seriously, thinking:
«Would you clarify your plan further, Arkan?»
Arkan paused for a moment, then continued in a heavier tone:
«I want them to uncover their true weaknesses, to be able to study them and study their enemies well, and also, cooperation among themselves is what will make them stronger. They must be capable of survival if they cooperate using strength, mind, loyalty, resolve, and the ability to survive.»
Regas said, placing his palm on the table:
«So, when will we send them there?»
Arkan looked at him, then opened another paper and said clearly as he read the names:
«From the Earth Empire: Tarkan,
From the Fire Empire: Lacis,
From the Wind Empire: Rizev,
From the Ice Empire: Nain,
From the Plant Empire: Lloyd,
From the Water Empire: Oscar,
And from the Light Empire: Elias.»
Silence prevailed for a moment after reciting the names.
Luminas said with a gentle smile:
«It seems our youth will have an unforgettable adventure.»
But Ronald said coldly, tapping his finger on the table:
«An adventure? More like an uncalculated risk.»
Raymond raised an eyebrow, laughing lightly:
«Ah, but I see it as a perfect opportunity to find out which of them is worthy of carrying our legacy.
Especially... since some of them have never been tested outside the walls of their palaces, isn't that right, Regas?»
Regas answered him coolly, looking directly at him:
«Rizev has no need to prove anything to anyone. He will return from Savge as he left… head held high.»
Raymond laughed and said, waving his hand:
«We shall see, we shall see.»
Arkan added in a resolute tone:
«Within the next month, the Seven Emperors' Challenge will be held…»
All the Emperors looked at him. Luminas said:
«So, after the challenge ends, you will announce the news?»
Arkan replied:
«Yes… only upon the conclusion of the Seven Emperors' Challenge, which is held every seven years, will I announce the news to the heirs.»
Arkan concluded the discussion, rising from his seat with dignity:
«We will begin preparations immediately.
The heirs will head to Savge three months from now, and I will send you the details later.»
Everyone stood up one after the other, each thinking of their son and how things would proceed in those mysterious lands.
As for Regas, he remained standing a moment longer than the others, looking at the Wind emblem carved on the table before him, his eyes reflecting something between worry and pride.
He whispered to himself:
«Rizev… do not make me regret my trust in you.»
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