Chapter 11: What is a True Ruler?!
Left alone in Solarius’s office, Aurelion was about to leave when his grandfather suddenly called out to him.
"What did you think of that boy, Aurelion?"
Aurelion paused mid-step as he turned around and looked at the old man. For a moment, he didn’t answer and instead, he thought back to everything that had happened today.
Zenith Von Ruinbringer.
The boy was definitely not normal. He was cunning, far too cunning for someone called stain of Ruinbringer.
Even his understanding of politics rivalled that of nobles who had spent decades navigating the Imperial Court and yet, despite all of that, he seemed strangely vulnerable when it came to his sister.
Aurelion couldn’t understand it.
A boy who could manipulate an entire trial, deceive countless nobles and even steer his grandfather’s decisions should not have been so transparent when it came to a single person and yet he was.
And then there was that strange feeling, the feeling Aurelion had experienced throughout the entire day. Whenever Zenith looked at him or Solarius, it felt as though the boy already knew them as if he understood things about them that he shouldn’t possibly know.
There was also the matter of how easily he had rejected his grandfather’s offer to become his disciple.
Most people would have fallen to their knees in gratitude at such an opportunity and yet Zenith refused without even a moment of hesitation.
It was as if his gaze extended far beyond the Empire itself as if the things countless others considered priceless had no value in his eyes.
Aurelion remained silent for another moment before finally speaking.
"He is mysterious..." A faint smile appeared on his face. "But far too interesting."
For some reason, the thought of meeting Zenith again filled him with anticipation about what kind of surprise the boy would show him in future.
"Hahaha, true." Solarius chuckled. "He really is an interesting fellow. I only met him today and yet for some reason it feels as though we have known each other for years."
Solarius’s gaze sharpened.
"Tell me, Aurelion, do you not feel jealous of him? Even you wouldn’t have been able to endure that strike from Gerald at your current level even after being a rank higher than him."
Aurelion blinked as surprise flashed across his face for a moment and then he smiled.
"Why would I be jealous, Grandpa?" He shook his head. "If anything, knowing that someone like him exists within our Empire excites me... and even makes me feel slightly competitive."
Aurelion rubbed his cheek awkwardly.
It had been a long time since anyone his age had managed to make him feel that way.
"Good." Solarius nodded approvingly. "Keep that mindset. I am glad you didn’t turn out like your father. That fool has spent his entire life nurturing inferiority within himself."
Solarius rose from his seat and walked toward the large window overlooking the capital, his gaze shifting towards the clear peaceful sky above.
"A true ruler is not necessarily the strongest person in the room but he is the one who knows how to deal with those who are stronger and the moment a ruler becomes consumed by jealousy, fear or inferiority, he loses the ability to judge people fairly."
His reflection appeared faintly in the glass.
"A ruler should not be clouded by such emotions. He should evaluate people for what they are. Nothing more. Nothing less."
Aurelion remained silent and listened.
"Your father is perhaps the furthest thing from an ideal ruler." There was nothing except pure disappointment in Solarius’s voice. "I only hope you do not repeat his mistakes."
Aurelion lowered his gaze slightly.
He didn’t respond.
No matter what flaws his father had, he was still the reigning Emperor of an Empire and unlike Solarius, Aurelion was not powerful enough to ignore the consequences of speaking too freely about him.
After a few seconds, Solarius turned around with a small smile on his face.
"You may leave now. I am sure you have many matters waiting for you and if possible, try to befriend Zenith once you enter the Academy."
Solarius chuckled.
"People like him are rare. If you keep them close, they can become the greatest allies you could ever ask for or the most troublesome enemies. Either way, I would rather have him standing beside you than against you."
Aurelion nodded.
"I understand, Grandpa. Have a nice day."
With those words, he left the office.
As he walked through the palace corridors, his grandfather’s words continued to echo through his mind.
Befriend Zenith.
There were still a few months remaining before the Academy started and yet for some reason, Aurelion found himself looking forward to it more than ever before.
After all...
He had every intention of following his grandfather’s advice.
Just then, lost in his thoughts, Aurelion bumped into someone. His eyes immediately snapped toward the person, thinking it was some unfortunate servant.
Instead, he found a beautiful girl with flowing orange hair and violet eyes identical to his own standing there. Her features were so exquisite they seemed sculpted by the Gods themselves, while an innocent expression rested upon her face.
Seles Divus Auremont.
His twin sister.
"Watch where you are going, Big Brother!"
She complained immediately.
Aurelion scratched his cheek in embarrassment and let out a helpless smile. "Sorry, Seles. I was lost in thought. In any case, why are you here? Are you here to visit Grandpa?"
"I came to ask Grandpa why he allowed that pervert who dared to tarnish the dignity of the Imperial Family to walk free."
Seles said angrily.
"I am sure he used some kind of trick to survive Sir Gerald’s attack. I will make sure he gets properly punished sooner or later."
Aurelion sighed.
He knew his sister well enough to understand there was little point arguing once she had made up her mind.
Still, as the elder twin, he felt obligated to try.
"You shouldn’t judge things you know nothing about, Seles." His voice remained calm. "And more importantly, Grandpa has already delivered his verdict. If you go in there now, you will only end up angering him."
"How can you just accept such an absurd verdict, Big Brother?" She crossed her arms. "You saw it too, didn’t you? There’s no way someone like him should have survived that attack."
Aurelion shook his head and to his own surprise, the answer came easily.
"To be honest... I believe him."
Seles stared at him.
"What?"
"I don’t believe Zenith is capable of committing that crime."
The corridor fell silent for a brief moment and then Seles scoffed.
"You are all being deceived."
Without waiting for a reply, she turned and marched toward Solarius’ office. Aurelion watched her go before letting out another sigh.
Hopefully, one day his sister would learn to judge people by their character rather than by rumours and appearances.
With that thought in mind, he turned around and continued walking toward his room. Unlike certain troublesome people, he still had lessons to attend.
