Chapter 73: Demise of the Officials

**The Demon’s Love**

*Chapter 73: Demise of the Officials*

Zaren’s

“The emperor won’t let you off easily, you jerk! You wouldn’t know, h-he wanted to kill you e-every single d-day! H-haha!” A dramatic laughter echoed into my ears as I trudged towards the Hall, where the officials make their reports to the Emperor.

The emperor gave me the mission to end Darkness because it was ruining the empire and killing innocent people lives. Ever since I was born, the Emperor has showed me favoritism. Not much but there were certain moments where he showed biased towards me than anyone else. Sometimes he would even pick me instead of his son. It felt warm but since there were rumors circulating around, I couldn’t help but feel wary.

Not that I wasn’t concerned of myself but something tells me that the emperor has another plan I don’t know about.

I faced the emperor, who seriously looked at me. Beside him was a eunuch carrying a golden sword for me. I lowered my head, prompting for his word.

“Arise.”

I lifted my head, feeling calm as I raised my hand. The guards simultaneously headed inside the hall dragging three people inside. Namely, the Prime Minister, Uncle Inlan, and another lower ranking official who conspired with them. They were also the reason why Amari had to give up her power to defeat Darkness.

The emperor scanned them and smirked. Did he know all along that they were the ones conspiring with Darkness?

I don’t know, I can’t rule without asking what was in his head. There were a few officials presents as witnesses to watch the scene unfolding. I faintly smiled, staring at the three people who were glaring at me and trying to scream but their mouths were gagged with fabrics.

“Your Majesty, I am here to report to you that Darkness has been defeated not only by me but with the Crown Prince, Evangeline Grace, my wife, Amari Valkyrine and Terry. These people helped me to kill Darkness especially my wife who had to give up her Fire and Light power just so to seal Darkness,” I turned to the officials, “On the other hand, while we were on the mission, these people right here were the ones whom I found to almost kill us in order to get their hands on Darkness. They want to use it as a power to overthrow you from the throne.”

Upon facing the Emperor, it became clear to me that he knew all along what they were planning but he just used me as a tool to investigate why the officials seemed to be engrossed and anticipating my failure to kill Darkness.

It’s natural since they were the ones who questioned me if I really have the right to kill Darkness with my ‘Low’ skills. I can’t understand why they acted like that when it was my efforts to put them at ease. They should be thanking me, for real.

“Duke Valkryine…,” the emperor laughed, “I am grateful that I still have someone like you whom I could say a loyal man to my Empire.”

The Crown Prince, whom I was awaiting for appearance, headed inside with his dazzling and shiny golden attire as a Prince. Usually, he wear something plain but this time around, he made himself eye-catching.

He bowed his head towards the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, I have proven that these people were also the ones behind Count Berkoln’s death. Not only that, but the Pills they were making on the pretense that it increases mana of someone was stained with Dark Magic. Outside of the Hall were the employee, their families, and the families of these officials.”

I saw Uncle Inlan screamed at me, but I shook my head. He was the person who beat my wife, but he was also the one looking in a dire situation. He deserved to be in this circumstance. Aside that he harmed Amari, but he had also put the lives of other people to their demise, and I feel dismayed that the entitled officials think differently when they should be the one acting as model people for the commoners. It’s disappointing they descended this low.

I averted my eyes from them, focusing my gaze to the person in the throne. The emperor looked at his son and nodded his head.

“I see. Everyone did great.”

I frowned. Is that all he has to say?

I proceeded, “Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty,” this is kind of awkward if I had to describe, “On the other hand, there were also illegal smuggling inside the officials’ home therefore we had also investigated about it.”

The emperor sat on his throne calmly.

“Crown Prince Louis… I didn’t expect you to help Duke Zaren.”

“Ah, indeed. I wasn’t supposed to help him as the mission was given specifically but because Dark Magic has been swirling for a long period of time, I think it’s just right to help.”

The emperor seemed pleased, nodding his head.

“I had been investigating thew Krloum Pills for months and now that it had been settled, it’s time to exact the punishment.” He lifted his hand towards the eunuch holding the sword who approached the Crown Prince.

The eunuch bowed, “Your Highness, by the order of His Majesty, the emperor, he has given you all the power to punish by beheading the Officials who wished to throw the current reign.”

Louis was taken aback, looking back at me as if verifying if what the eunuch said was true. I smiled at him, urging him to follow his father’s words.

“Y-Your Majesty, I…,” he paused, fascinated at the sword in front of him. He appeared to be blushing, he really is still a child. “…. I… accept.”

Happily, he grabbed the sword and faced the officials. The emperor watched in amusement while I bowed my head. I didn’t want to watch such a horror.

“Duke.”

I turned to the Emperor who called out to me. He was descending the stairs from his throne.

I wonder why his face seemed to be sad. Finally approaching me, he led me outside the hall.

“I heard what happened to your wife.”

I lowered my head, “Yes, it’s been three weeks.”

He patted my shoulder, consoling me.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

He lightly chuckled at me, “I am not Your Majesty at this moment,” he smiled, “I am your Uncle.”

As a smile crept into my face, I could only hope that Amari wakes up and gets well. It’s irking that she’s making me anxious each day. Remembering something, I whispered to the Emperor.

“May I take some of your time to have a teatime?”

The emperor checked Louis who wasn’t done interrogating and smiled.

“The officials had been dealt with so all we have to do is to deal whatever is left to settle. Is this something important?”

I nodded my head, “Yes. It is related to my real Identity, Amari, and Tertty.”

The Emperor pondered with a confused expression. “Terry? Is that one of the people who helped you kill Darkness?”

Terry warned me not to reveal this to the Emperor but it’s not like I have other choice. Moreover, I want him to move freely in this dark skies.

“Terry is Amari’s pact, he’s a dragon.”

The Dragon widened his eyes in surprise.

“A dragon?”