The capital did not sleep that night.
Executions had a way of reminding people that power was real again.
By dawn, three noble houses were sealed, their banners torn down, their wealth seized by royal decree. Ministers arrived at court pale-faced, voices careful, backs straight.
Rudra watched them all from the throne room's shadow.
He had not yet been crowned.
That fact terrified them more than if he had been.
—
[Dharma–Karma Chronicle: Political Pressure Rising]
[Stability Index: Fluctuating]
—
King Rajendra summoned the royal council at midday.
"The crown prince has returned," the king announced. "The coronation shall be prepared."
Murmurs spread instantly.
Too soon.
Too forceful.
Too dangerous.
A senior noble stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the prince has been absent for eight years. The people may—"
Rudra stepped forward.
The temperature in the hall dropped.
"You mistake silence for doubt," Rudra said calmly. "The people do not fear strength."
The noble swallowed hard.
"They fear corruption," Rudra continued. "And it should fear me."
No one spoke again.
The system logged it.
—
[Authority Acceptance: Accelerating]
—
Later that evening, Rudra left the council chambers and walked into the inner gardens.
Laughter echoed.
Small.
Bright.
A girl no older than six ran through the lotus path, chasing fireflies. Her hair was tied clumsily, sandals half slipping off her feet.
She froze when she saw him.
Wide eyes.
Curious.
Unafraid.
"You're… my brother," she said.
Rudra knelt instantly.
"Yes," he replied.
She approached cautiously, then poked his arm.
"You're taller than Father," she declared seriously.
Rudra smiled.
It was rare.
Unguarded.
"What is your name?" he asked.
"Anaya," she said proudly. "Father says I'm trouble."
Rudra chuckled softly.
"Then he is correct."
The system reacted.
—
[Emotional Anchor Identified]
[Designation: Sibling Bond]
[Stability Enhancement: Significant]
—
That night, Rudra escorted Anaya to her chambers himself.
When she yawned and grabbed his finger, refusing to let go, something inside him shifted.
Not weakness.
Focus.
"This world," he thought, "will not touch her."
The system recorded the vow.
—
[Dharma Oath Registered]
[Priority Protection: High]
—
Days later, resistance surfaced.
A coalition of nobles delayed coronation rites.
Foreign envoys tested borders.
Whispers of rebellion crept through taverns.
Rudra responded once.
Publicly.
He summoned the leaders of the dissenting houses to the central square.
No guards.
No weapons.
Just him.
"You have crossed tolerance," Rudra said.
They laughed.
Until the ground cracked.
The air warped.
Something ancient stirred behind his eyes.
—
[Bhairava Roop: Dormant Response Triggered]
[Warning: Excessive Force Possible]
—
Rudra exhaled slowly.
The pressure vanished.
Instead, he spoke.
"Leave the capital," he ordered. "Tonight."
"And if we refuse?" one demanded.
Rudra leaned forward slightly.
"Then you will beg for exile."
They fled.
The system finalized the action.
—
[Judgment Executed: Without Bloodshed]
[Dharma Alignment: Optimal]
—
That night, Rudra stood beside his sister's chamber door until she slept.
Beyond the palace walls, enemies gathered.
Within him, Bhairava waited.
The coronation was coming.
And after that—
The world would learn what it meant to cross the line.
-- chapter 10 ended --