After the Emperor was defeated and his era came to an end, a new figure had to take command, and so...
In the Great Royal Hall, leaders, revolutionaries, and nobles gathered alongside representatives of the people from across the Empire. The atmosphere was charged, and all eyes were fixed on Kayden, who stood firmly in the center of the hall.
Marcus, the military leader of the revolution and one of Kayden's most loyal men, rose and spoke in a clear voice, pointing toward Kayden:
"After we have toppled tyranny and the icons of corruption have fallen, we must choose who will lead this nation in its new phase. I nominate Kayden Bryan—the man who carried his master's legacy and stood against the Emperor, knowing full well the price."
Murmurs rose before "Lord Farco," a member of the former administration, stood up in objection:
"Rule is not granted merely to those who carry the sword, but to those who carry wisdom. Shall we place the fate of the Empire in the hands of a rebel youth?!"
Before Marcus could respond, Eugene Ted stepped forward with calm, steady strides. Silence fell over the hall until he spoke in a deep, decisive tone:
"Kayden was never a rebel for his own sake. I saw him at the beginning of the road, when he left his noble father's palace to live among the poor—helping them, feeding the hungry, and healing the oppressed with words of truth. He could have lived comfortably under the Emperor's shadow, but he chose to carry the burden of suffering, facing injustice even if it cost him his life."
He continued, addressing the opposition while looking at his dear friend with eyes full of pride:
"Kayden did not ask for rule, nor did he seek it; rather, he fought the battles that those who claim 'wisdom' fled from. He stood before armies that outnumbered him and exposed advisors who conspired in the shadows. He fought in defense of justice, not a throne."
Pointing to him with a gentle smile, he added:
"If Kayden is not the one who deserves this throne... then who is? Who else sacrificed, led, and stood firm when others retreated?"
Farco sneered:
"Eugene Ted... do you think we will listen to a man from another empire interfering in our own affairs?"
Marcus intervened firmly:
"Eugene has proven his worth and courage fighting for the Empire out of loyalty to his father and his friend. Therefore, he has the right to voice his opinion on what he fought for. And if his words do not please you, know that Kayden has succeeded in gaining the cooperation of Freeze, who is a great asset to us."
Riley, King of Genoa, objected:
"Freeze... is not only a danger to the Empire but may cause harm to other empires as well. How can we guarantee his loyalty? Isn't your alliance with him a crime in itself?"
Kayden, with a steady gaze and a confident tone, gestured with his hand:
"Freeze's actions during the revolution spoke louder than any oath or promise. When the fires raged, he did not flee; he stood with us, side by side, in the most dangerous moments. He fought bravely, protected the innocent, and refused all temptations of betrayal.
Those who witnessed the revolution know well who Freeze is, and they know his blood mingled with the blood of our men on the battlefield.
I do not ask for a guarantee of his loyalty, because I saw that loyalty with my own eyes. Freeze has proven himself trustworthy, and I will stand by him as long as he remains on this path."
Silence filled the council hall as the attendees' eyes turned toward Kayden. Some leaned back in deep thought, while others exchanged cautious glances. Riley furrowed his brows, hesitating between continued objection and respecting the clear sincerity in Kayden's words.
As for Marcus, he smiled slightly, as if he found in Kayden's response enough to end the debate.
After a moment of silence, Riley spoke, his voice low then rising with steadiness:
"Your words, Kayden... lack neither sincerity nor courage. I do not deny that the revolution revealed the true metal of men.
But we do not rule by emotion, but by results. If Freeze has truly changed his path, we shall see the effect of that in the coming days.
However, I will settle for your words today... not out of respect for Freeze, but for the trust you have placed in him.
I hope you do not regret it."
Then he turned his face slightly toward the audience:
"Let it be clear... any threat to our empire will not be tolerated, regardless of name or past."
A deep silence followed Riley's words, as if the entire hall realized the truth some had tried to deny.
Then Baron Declan stood up and said:
"In the name of the people, and in the name of those who sacrificed in this revolution, we declare Kayden Bryan Emperor of the New Empire."
Kayden stood on the platform, a grey cloak on his shoulder symbolizing the start of a new era... an era where there is no place for tyrants, and no glory except for the truth.
Kayden exited the hall accompanied by all his aides, only to find Mariana waiting outside; she immediately asked what had happened.
Kayden answered her with happiness and reassurance, but their conversation was interrupted when a soldier approached, saying: "We found him, Lord Kayden."
His eyes were cold and his voice was charged with suppressed anger as he said:
"Good... put him in a solitary room. I wish to speak with him before he is led to the execution platform. Send Emperor Joseph and Advisor Seraphine to the platform... and wait for my orders."
"Understood, Lord Kayden," the soldiers replied firmly.
Eugene, standing beside him, gave him a hesitant look, then placed a hand gently on his shoulder and said:
"Let me... go in with you. For my father's sake... I have a right to this."
Kayden did not turn to him, merely maintaining a deep frown as he said:
"No... I need to face this alone."
Eugene's voice rose slightly, fueled by persistence:
"We must face him together!"
Kayden paused for a moment, then said in a low voice that carried great weight:
"Eugene... please."
Eugene fell silent, stepped back, and said in surrender:
"As you wish, Kayden."
Kayden descended the stairs leading to the basement, his steps slow but heavy with resentment and sorrow. He passed through the cold stone corridors until he reached the room opened specifically for this meeting... a meeting between two truths, between betrayal and justice.
He pushed the door open and stepped inside. Fastened to his waist was a sword with a hilt intricately carved with the symbol of the dragon—the sacred legacy of his master, William... and the blade of the very will he had sworn to uphold until his last breath. And there, amidst the shadows, he found Maxwell sitting.