Who Said A Necromancer Can't Be A Priest?-Chapter 51: The Gathering Storm (3)

Emperor Runedral was a man of striking features. His sharp blue eyes glimmered with authority, his shoulder-length jet black hair complemented the short beard.

Unlike most people in his position, he wasn't fat or clumsy, but was tall and broad-shouldered. Draped in regal robes that depicted a dragon.

His skin was smooth but held the faint lines of someone who had seen countless battles. It wasn't a surprise, considering how thin his army was stretched across the borders.

But he was not alone.

A second figure stood beside him.

"It is an honor," the man said, "to finally meet my disciple's son."

Aaran slowly lifted his head, his eyes locking onto the figure beside the Emperor.

The piercing eyes stared back at him from behind a metallic mask. Although it was impossible to see his expression, Aaran knew he was smiling.

Meanwhile, Aaran said nothing. He simply held the high priest's gaze. But deep inside, he, too, was smiling.

So… we finally meet.

The man who had sent temple assassins to kill him.

Aaran had a feeling the high priest would be there. He already knew Aaran was in Velrune, and since the priests need permission to enter the capital, he would not waste the opportunity to get in.

The high priest, and most likely, all the priests, weren't there to help with the investigation. They were there for Aaran.

That's why Amara's face showed clear hostility towards the high priest.

"Let's not waste time and proceed with the ceremony," the Emperor instructed. "Our hero must get some well-deserved rest. But first… I would like to have a chat with you, Aaran Von Aurelia."

***

The room was silent except for the soft clinking of porcelain as Donovan quietly prepared tea. Unlike the warm aroma of the tea, the room's atmosphere was exceptionally cold.

Since the Emperor requested an audience with Aaran, no one, not even Amara, dared to object. The high priest wanted to join them, but the emperor quickly shut it down.

The Emperor, Donovan and Aaran were the only ones in the hall.

Emperor Runedral sat across the table, watching Aaran with the interest akin to one would view a plain wall in an art gallery. Yet, bravely, or foolishly, Aaran held his gaze, a feat only a few would dare to attempt.

"You're remarkable, Prince Aurelia," the Emperor commented. "To vanquish a demon worshipper at such a youthful age. Regardless of the fact you didn't do it alone, it's still praiseworthy."

The emperor wanted to see Aaran panic at the mention of his summons, but he remained indifferent. Emperor Runedral smirked. The boy was a tough cookie to crack.

"Perhaps you'll open up after seeing this."

The Emperor snapped his finger, and two ghostly figures appeared beside him. While not on Darius's level, they were strong enough to wipe out a small kingdom overnight.

Aaran wasn't surprised the Emperor was a dark mage; he'd already known that. He was surprised by how effortlessly he'd shown it off. That too, when the high priest was just beyond the door.

Aaran's eyes went to Donovan. He must have cast a barrier to prevent the darkness from leaking out.

"We're alike, young prince, more than you know," The Emperor said, sipping his tea. "The only difference is… I know a lot more about darkness and necromancy. Even more than your father."

Aaran didn't say a word, acting his part of an overwhelmed child. Just then, Donovan walked up to him, placing a tray of sweets.

"Take one, your Highness," he said. "It'll feel good."

Aaran nodded, picking up the chocolate bar, but stopped before putting it in the mouth. Something else was mixed with the bitter chocolate smell. A poison.

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"Bravo," the Emperor's smile grew wider. "You can even detect poison. You've exceeded my expectations. If only my daughter was half as talented as you…"

Ignoring the Emperor's comment, Aaran placed the chocolate back on the tray, and then he spoke for the first time.

"It's an honor to be praised by His Majesty," he said, bowing slightly. "But how did you—?"

"I assume you've learned about how gravity works," the Emperor replied. "Darkness works the same way. Darkness attracts darkness. Anyone with more darkness than you can tell that you have it too. The more darkness they have, the faster they'll notice."

Aaran nodded. He didn't know that, but it was expected considering it was his first time living as a necromancer.

"My apologies if I offend you, but what does His Majesty want from me?"

"Fret not, young prince. I do not wish to have your blood on my hands, but in my lineage."

Aaran tilted his head, confused. He understood the meaning behind the words, but a child, he had to keep acting his part.

"When the time comes, you'll marry my daughter and carry on my lineage. In exchange, you won't be executed for being a necromancer," The Emperor said as if they were discussing the weather.

"Your Majesty, I'm honored, but I'm already—"

"Engaged to Princess Seraphina," the Emperor interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. "I never said you can't marry others. Maybe you're too young to understand this, but I want the best for the Empire."

With that, the Emperor got up and Donovan rushed to fix his robe.

"I'll discuss the betrothal with your mother later. But you don't have a choice in the matter. Either you marry into my family, or else…"

The Emperor did not complete the sentence before leaving. He didn't have to because the threat was clear. Either Aaran did as he was told, or not only him, but Aurelia, as a whole, will pay the price.

Come on, man… I'm just a child!

Aaran sighed. He knew the Emperor was one twisted bastard, and that's why he didn't want to meet him. But it was too late now. His life was fucked now, but it wasn't a terrible deal.

With the Emperor's backing, the temple wouldn't dare to offend Aaran and his family. Not to mention, the Emperor would train him in dark arts. That would be better than learning bits and pieces from Dread of his father.

"Still, I don't like the feeling of someone having control over my life. Not like i have a choice in the matter."