"I cannot answer your question, milady. Perhaps the new Emperor will soon satiate your curiosity." Elias' countenance maintained its composure while he continued to observe the heated exchange.

  Elaine had read about the Léonas Empire's previous ascensions. Following his coronation, the Emperor was to organize a Dürek—a ceremonial fight to appease the numerous warring deities worshipped by the Empire. Despite its official name, the event functioned more like a blood sport than a sacred ritual. The combatants, or more accurately, sacrifices, would battle hundreds of ferocious beasts until twilight. Upon the arrival of the predetermined time, surviving participants would receive absolution for their sins or unimaginable, lifelong wealth. Yet, survival was the exception, not the norm for most participants. Only five individuals lived to witness the setting sun over several centuries of the enduring tradition.

  She glanced at the Second Prince below, convinced of his inevitable fate. It appeared the Léonas royal family had a more direct method of eliminating kin than their étoile counterparts.

  Nickolas' gaze pierced down on the matron before him. Like donning a mask, his expression was inscrutable, denying all comprehension attempts. "Such vulgarity should not come from the Empress Dowager's lips," he admonished her, though the scolding leaned more toward distaste than concern.

  "You—" The Empress Dowager glowered, her entire body trembling violently with untethered loathing and wrath, like a tempestuous storm about to strike the grounds. Yet, in a second, the indignation vanished, replaced by a sorrowful visage. "I apologize for my earlier insolence. I am merely an ordinary mother who cares deeply for her son. Since you were little, I have raised you as if you were my own. You and your younger brother grew up together under my care. Your Majesty, what sins have Remus committed? I implore you to explain the reason behind your treatment toward him."

  "Raised me?" Nickolas mocked, his golden eyes flared like a raging flame. "My recollections appear to have diverged significantly from yours." His gaze shifted slightly to look at his younger brother. "Do not entertain the notion that I am oblivious to your scheming and deceit."

  "What are you implying?"

  "Enlighten me, what do you suppose happens to the secret troops and armories you concealed within the Crovesk and Dǎnkish regions?"

  The Empress Dowager's complexion transformed into the color of alabaster. "I do not understand what you are speaking of…" she denied.

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  "Feigning ignorance will no longer save you."

  "Regardless of how much you detest me, Your Majesty, you cannot accuse me of the heinous crime." Her lips curled into a contemptuous arch, exuding unyielding defiance. "You have no evidence—"

  Nickolas tossed an object onto the ground. Unfortunately, from Elaine's vantage point, she could not discern what it was. The matron, however, flinched upon seeing the item. She stumbled backward, suddenly drained of the previously displayed vigor. The stationed guards blocked her path and swiftly detained her.

  "You should be grateful I am lenient toward my kin and is permitting your son a chance to live," the young Léonas Emperor stated.

  Confined to her chair, the Empress Dowager glared at him. "A chance to live? How laughable. Do you expect me to believe such an absurd lie?" she sneered. Her ashen face, however, betrayed the firm facade she desperately strived to maintain. "Even if we had not taken action, you would have eventually found justifications to eliminate us."

  "Your assumption is not entirely inaccurate," Nickolas admitted, not bothering to mask his disdain. "Though in such a situation, you both might have enjoyed longer lives."

  "You bastard child. I should have killed you ten years ago," The matron's visage contorted into a hideous rage, abandoning the elegant features it once carried.

  "You ought to rejoice, for I am bestowing you the privilege of beholding the final Dürek you shall ever witness in this life." The young Emperor ignored the Empress Dowager's insult and motioned for the servants to approach. They helped him remove the coronation robe. Under the extravagant attire was a simple tunic and trousers. After wearing light armor, he descended the steps, eventually entering the arena's floor and standing face-to-face with his younger brother.

  "What is he…" Elaine's eyes widened, unable to contain her astonishment at the sudden change in events.

  An unsettling silence enveloped the entire arena, suspending the atmosphere. Everyone held their breath, awaiting Nickolas' subsequent actions.

  "While most have accepted my reign, some still perceive me as unworthy. Today, before the divine beings and my subjects, I shall affirm my indisputable claim to the throne," the young Léonas Emperor proclaimed. His golden eyes glinted dangerously while his fiery crimson hair danced in the wind.

  Two servants approached Nickolas and Remus, each holding a sword and presenting it to them. "Take your weapon," the crimson-haired Emperor gripped his sword and pointed its blade at his younger brother. "Should you manage to defeat me, the sovereign seat shall be yours to claim. However, only one can emerge victorious and leave this battleground alive."

  The Second Prince grasped the weapon, his expression hidden beneath the disheveled blond hair. He had remained silent since entering the arena.

  "Is he insane? Why is no one stopping him?" Elaine's stomach twisted into knots of panic. If Nickolas were to die, her entire plan would crumble. All her efforts and time spent traveling to Léonas would be in vain. She was uncertain of Remus' disposition if he were to become Emperor. Would he continue cooperating with the Duke?

  "Who would dare to defy the Emperor's will?" Elias said. "Do you believe he would offer the proposal if he is certain of his defeat, Lady Estella?"