Chapter 591 Emperor's Decision
The grand hall fell into a hushed silence as Emperor Galen, ruler of the Orion Empire, made his way to the centre of the court.
His imposing figure exuded an air of authority that commanded respect. His gaze settled upon the shattered remnants of the plasma sword and Keron, who stood with shame on his face.
"Enough," Emperor Galen spoke with a voice that echoed through the hall. "This duel was meant to settle grievances with honour and integrity. Keron, you defiled the sanctity of the spar by resorting to a weapon. Explain yourself before I kill you myself."
Keron's eyes darted between Emperor Galen and Reaper, his lips trembling with fear as he immediately went to his knees. He knew the Emperor's legendary rage well and did not want to face it, even if it meant betraying his so-called lord.
"Emperor, I felt the need to avenge my master's honour and, in doing so, allowed my emotions to cloud my judgment. I take full responsibility for my actions and will bear whatever punishment you see fit."
Emperor Galen's expression hardened as disappointment clouded his features.
"You have disgraced yourself and the noble house you serve. The rules of the spar were clear, and you chose to ignore them. Such actions cannot be tolerated within the Orion Empire. As such, I sentence you to-"
Before the Emperor could pronounce his judgment, Ashton stepped forward, his voice calm but firm.
"Emperor Galen, if I may interject. Keron's actions were driven by loyalty and a misguided sense of duty towards his master. While he has erred, it is his master who bears the responsibility for instigating this conflict."
Lord Callan went pale once he heard Ashton's words. He hoped the Emperor would forget about him after punishing Keron, but now all attention was on him.
"Hm... Reaper, your words reflect that there's more you want to say," The Emperor regarded Reaper with a raised eyebrow, curious about the mercenary's interruption. "Speak your mind. What do you suggest as an appropriate course of action?"
Ashton bowed respectfully before addressing the Emperor. "Emperor Galen, I humbly request leniency for Keron. His loyalty, though misplaced, is an admirable trait. Instead, let the blame fall upon his master, Lord Callan, for his disrespectful actions towards Bella and the court."
"You would allow Keron to live, knowing he defied the rules of the spar?" Emperor Galen's gaze shifted from Reaper to Keron, considering the proposal.
"Yes, your highness. Keron's punishment should come in the form of learning from his mistake, not through a loss of life." Ashton met the Emperor's gaze unflinchingly. "Besides, I believe he has the potential to grow and become a better warrior under the guidance of the Empire."
Emperor's gazer shifted to Keron. It was true that Keron and the give Keron another chance, and since Reaper was asking that of him, he had no reason to deny the request.
family he was adopted into had served the Empire well over the years.
If he wanted, the Emperor could cite their loyalty as a reason to give Keron another chance, and since Reaper was asking that of him, he had no reason to deny the request.
"Very well then," Emperor Galen nodded, acknowledging Reaper's words. "Keron, you shall be stripped of your position as a noble's guard and will serve the Empire as a soldier in the ranks.
You will undergo rigorous training to discipline your emotions and learn honour's true meaning before returning to your previous position."
"Thank you, Emperor Galen. I will not disappoint you. I will dedicate myself to the Empire and seek redemption for my actions." Keron's eyes widened in both relief and gratitude.
He bowed deeply to the Emperor, his voice filled with determination. However, he didn't show any respectful gesture towards Ashton, which the latter didn't mind. After all, a lion couldn't care for an ant to salute him, could he?
"Lord Callan, your lack of control and disrespect have disgraced your noble house and the Empire itself. Your actions will not go unpunished."
Emperor Galen then turned his attention to Lord Callan, who had remained silent throughout the proceedings. "However, Reaper would be the one to decide your fate as it is the Ghosts whom you have offended."
Lord Callan shot a dirty look at Ashton and Anna, blaming them for his current situation despite knowing his lust was the reason he was stuck in such a position.
"Emperor Galen, I believe Lord Callan's punishment should reflect the severity of his transgressions." Ashton stepped forward once more, his voice commanding everyone's attention.
He continued, "He is drunk on power and thinks his nobility and financial strength would dominate anyone and could take anything he wished for."
"Hence, I propose that he be stripped of his noble title and privileges, banished from the court, and barred from holding any position of authority within the Empire."
The entire room gasped as those words left Ashton's mouth. But he knew very well that the Emperor would side with him, mainly because Anna did not want violence and only kicked Callan once he crossed the line.
"Your words carry weight, Reaper, and I find them just." Emperor Galen considered Reaper's words, his expression unyielding. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. "Lord Callan, you shall face the consequences of your arrogance. Leave this court and never return."
"But, my lord-"
"LEAVE!"
Lord Callan, his face pale and filled with rage, glared at Reaper and Bella before storming out of the grand hall, his once-exalted status reduced to nothing.
Once he was gone, the Emperor turned towards Ashton. His eyes showed that he was planning something.
"You have shown wisdom and integrity in this matter, Reaper. You have demonstrated that despite being mercenaries, the Ghosts hold honour in high regard."
Emperor Galen, having made his judgments, addressed Reaper directly. "As a token of my appreciation, I grant you and Bella a place of distinction within the Orion Empire, and as it happens, I got a vacancy in my court."
Ashton bowed deeply, his gratitude evident in his voice. "Thank you, Emperor Galen. We shall continue to serve the Empire with unwavering loyalty and honour."
Ashton's and Anna's faces showed sincerity, but both smiled inwardly as their plan was a success.
They didn't notice how Anna had worked her charm of a succubus to force Callan to do what he did. Nor did they see how Ashton used [Incite] on Keron to use his sword to fight him.
Since everyone in the court knew of Callan's lust for women, none thought he was manipulated. Having Otiga research the royal family proved to be a great move by Ashton.
'Now, with the court invaded, it's time to look for the traces of the Cult.' Ashton thought as the Emperor bestowed the title of royalty upon him and Anna.
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