Saving the Heartthrob Frenemy-Chapter 433: All hail King Luo

Luo Muchen, adorned in regal attire, entered the grand hall of the intergalactic palace. The hall echoed with hushed whispers as the council members, standing in a semi-circle, awaited his presence. Each council member wore a mix of anticipation and trepidation on their faces, well aware of the weight their request carried.

As he ascended the steps leading to the throne, his eyes scanned the room, taking in the ornate tapestries and glistening chandeliers. The council’s nervous energy was palpable, yet he maintained an air of composed authority.

Seated on the throne, he listened intently as the council, their voices trembling with urgency, began their plea. The king had been revealed to be a body-snatching criminal who to elongate his life had been taking his son’s bodies without their consent and living on to rule Zeden and even have children with his sons’ wives and concubines.

After his death. Well, they thought he was dead but in truth he was alive. It’s just that Luo Muchen didn’t tell them that he was alive. His death left the kingdom in a state of chaos and uncertainty.

The people were terrified that such technology would become mainstream. The fear that ordinary people would be taken over by some malicious persons and their lives would be under someone else’s control. There was some form of desperation in the council’s pleas. The prince was the only luck they had to stabilise the Zeden Coalition.

Luo Muchen’s gaze remained steady, his expression betraying a mix of concern and annoyance. He knew that if he didn’t take over the throne there would be chaos but knowing what he had done, his so-called crimes they would never want him as king.

With a deep breath, he addressed the council. "For the time I was absent, I must confess that I was not the honourable prince you sought," he admitted his words hanging heavily in the air. "I was a wanted intergalactic pirate, roaming the vast expanse of space... causing trouble. Granted it was with reason but still... How can I, a person with such a tarnished past, possibly be suited to be your king?"

The council members exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting a profound understanding. One by one, they stepped forward, each listing the countless deeds of valour and wisdom that Luo Muchen had demonstrated as an intergalactic pirate. He had rescued hostages from smaller intergalactic pirates and even saved planets being harassed by criminal elements. He made himself to be the only pirate in Zeden Coalition eliminating the competition.

A heavy silence filled the grand hall as the weight of their words settled upon his shoulders. He took a deep breath, his voice steady and cold. "There is one more thing," he confessed, his gaze meeting theirs. "I love a man, and a criminal at that. If I become king would you accept a man for a queen?"

Councilor Sirius stepped forward, his eyes filled with unwavering support. "Prince Luo, love knows no boundaries, and our kingdom has evolved beyond the constraints of tradition. We seek a ruler who leads with wisdom and compassion, regardless of their personal circumstances. Your love does not diminish your worthiness."

Luo Muchen chuckled softly. It truly seemed that the council was quite desperate.

As the council members stood united, their voices blended in unison. "Prince Luo, the choice is yours, but know that we believe in you. Our kingdom needs your guidance, your empathy, and your unwavering spirit. Will you accept the crown?"

Just then the doors of the hall opened and a woman leading the King’s guard entered before bowing before him.

"Your majesty," she said and Luo Muchen glanced at them his expression indifferent.

"What is it?" he asked wondering what she wanted considering that she was in good books with his father.

"It is not convenient to discuss here," she said and the councillors got the hint. They scurried away immediately and closed the main doors softly.

Luo Muchen glowered at her before saying, "Speak."

"Well," she said with a rather unsettling smile before she continued. "I know you have an interest in Qie Xieling and as the council stated we don’t mind if our future queen would be a woman or man... But for the masses to accept him you will need proof that he was innocent and never people.... He was simply trying to avenge his parents who were brutally murdered to disclose the truth about the nobles and the King... You two can be married the moment he wakes up and you can be crowned as King."

Luo Muchen clenched his jaw. This woman was nothing out of the ordinary but he didn’t think she would be this adamant to get what they wanted.

There were plentiful powerful people who had hidden interests in Zeden and this situation was making things not so profitable for them.

"And what do you want in return?" he asked while leaning back in his chair. He looked like a villain with the only missing thing being a cat he could pat while looking down at them.

The woman smiled before saying, "We don’t want anything at all. We just want you to be an excellent ruler... Now if you agree your people would be waiting to meet their new king."

Luo Muchen thought about it for a while before saying, "Show me what you have."

The woman smiled slightly knowing that he had taken the bait. She nudged her head and the man behind her swiped his hand sending the information to Luo Muchen.

She raised her chin with an almost smug look on her face. The former king had gone as far as to kill so many people to keep his secret and Qie Xieling’s parents were one of the victims.

Luo Muchen read every single detail and combed through all the footage. Satisfied he got up and said, "Then let’s not keep the people waiting."

Luo Muchen rose from the throne his eyes glimmering with a sense of determination. With each step he took towards the double doors of the hall, his gait exuded regality. The woman and the king’s guard made way for him their heads bowed. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

The doors swung open to reveal a corridor lined with the palace’s loyal guards, their armour gleaming under the warm morning light. Their solemn expressions mirrored his own stoic demeanour. As he traversed the corridor, his presence commanded respect, and the guards bowed their heads in recognition of their future king.

Emerging from the palace’s grand entrance, he was met with a wave of jubilant cheers from the citizens of the Zeden Coalition. The air was thick with anticipation and excitement, their voices melding into a harmonious symphony of adoration. Some held aloft posters adorned with bold letters proclaiming, "All Hail King Luo."

Luo Muchen’s brow arched imperceptibly. He stood there, his tall figure projecting an undeniable aura of majesty as if the very air around him shimmered with reverence. The cheers grew louder, filling the space between the castle walls and the horizon.

With a graceful wave of his hand, he silenced the crowd.

"My dear citizens of the Zeden Coalition," Luo Muchen’s voice resonated with a calm authority, carrying his words effortlessly over the sea of expectant faces. "I stand before you today, humbled by your unwavering support and trust. Know that I shall dedicate myself to the betterment of our great nation, guided by the values that have shaped us."

The cheers erupted once more, their intensity echoing through the streets. He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, his expression resolute. If this was the path he had to take to be with Qie Xieling then he would gladly take it.

He turned his back and met the woman’s gaze. The woman bowed her head before walking away like her work was done.

***

Qie Xieling’s eyelids fluttered open, and he jolted upright, gasping for air. His heart raced as he scanned the unfamiliar surroundings.

Tubes and wires were connected to his body, and the room was sterile and brightly lit. Confusion washed over him as he realised he was sitting inside a healing capsule.

As he gingerly touched his throbbing temples, attempting to alleviate the discomfort, the door slid open with a soft hiss. Startled, his gaze met the shocked face of a nurse standing in the doorway. He managed a weak smile and a feeble wave of his hand, trying to appear calm, but it only seemed to intensify her surprise. The nurse dropped her tray, creating a clatter that echoed through the room, before hastily retreating, leaving him bewildered.

Sitting there, still recovering from the disorienting experience, he called Jolie in his mind but it seemed that Jolie was still pissed about the whole box thing.

"Ah, fuck," he swore

when he realised that he couldn’t remember much. He seemed to vaguely recall seeing his father. Qie Xieling wasn’t sure if he had dreamt that but the image was so vivid. While he was lost in thought the door swung open once more and Luo Muchen ran in with worry etched on his face.

Their eyes locked for a moment the silence in the room heavy. Without a word, Luo Muchen rushed over and pulled him in a tight embrace. Luo Muchen stroked Qie Xieling’s hair comfortingly but it was more like he was comforting himself. As the days turned to almost two weeks he was really scared that Qie Xieling wouldn’t wake up. It was the most excruciating pain he had ever gone through.

AN: Hello, next Chapters are ready for those who are interested. Happy reading.