Who Said A Necromancer Can't Be A Priest?-Chapter 75: Aaran Runedral (2)
The crowd turned as Aaran stepped forward. He wore a royal black tuxedo with a gold mantle thrown over his right shoulder. Any doubts the people had left about the Emperor's mistake were wiped away.
Aaran was dressed in the empire's colors, not Aurelia's. The mantle had been embroidered with intricate golden patterns that shimmered under the light. By his side were his two fiances.
Like him, Princess Eleanor wore a flowing black and gold gown as she clung to Aaran's left arm. Her pale complexion and silver hair only added to her beauty. No one could have guessed she had been in eternal sleep for over four years.
On Aaran's right side was Princess Seraphina, dressed in a red and gold gown. Red, the color of her kingdom, symbolized Hero Leon's bloodline, while the gold signified her bond with Aaran. However, unlike Eleanor, she did not cling to him, but clasped his hand, secure in her position.
The hall erupted into whispers as they descended the stairs.
The two princesses were considered among the most beautiful women in the empire. A man would thank his nine generations to have one of them, yet one man had claimed them both.
Some gazed at Aaran with admiration. The stories of his accomplishments had spread far and wide, especially the time he fought and defeated cultists in the Dead Forest and how he solved Brineport's mystery.
Others, especially the young noblemen, looked on with jealousy, wishing they could take his place.
However, Aaran couldn't care less about them. His eyes were scanning the crowd for someone, but he didn't find them.
The Emperor stepped forward to greet him. To the people, he had always been a strict and cutthroat ruler. That's why they were surprised when he embraced Aaran, wrapping his arms around him.
"I'm so proud of you."
At that moment, there was no doubt in anyone's mind. The Emperor had selected his heir.
Aaran Runedral was the future of the Empire.
"Now, before the celebrations start, I want to remind everyone of something. Any disagreements and fights must be resolved outside, in the gardens."
The Emperor had once again turned into the steel-hearted ruler.
"If any of you causes a blemish upon the banquet, you'll leave in a coffin. Now then, enjoy to your heart's content."
In a hall full of thousands of influential figures, most of whom didn't like each other, fights were bound to break out. That's why the Emperor had sent strict instructions along with the invitations.
It didn't matter if two groups were engaged in a verbal spat or physical fights. Everything had to be sorted out outside, in the presence of imperial knights.
The only rule was that killings weren't allowed.
Once inside the palace, the people had to behave accordingly.
The rule was also in place during Eleanor's ceremony. Only, that time, the no-killing rule wasn't enforced. That night, a young noble met an unfortunate end when Aaran put a bullet through his head.
His crime?
Touching Eleanor's hand without her consent.
It would have caused an uproar had it not been for the boy's own father spitting on his corpse and apologizing on his dead son's behalf. Another factor was that the boy was one of many illegitimate sons of King Broskwood.
That's why the Emperor created a new rule—all to ensure nobody accidentally killed anyone again.
"You too," the Emperor turned towards Aaran. "Try to control yourself for once."
Eleanor and Seraphina chuckled upon hearing that.
"…Of course, Father." Aaran sighed, scratching his cheek.
With that, the Emperor left to mingle with the guests. Aaran would have to do the same, which was tiring and a drag. Before he left, Seraphina pulled him back, fixing his collar for him.
"Now that you've grown up, I have a surprise for you," she whispered.
"Oh? Is it something I would like?"
Before she could reply, Eleanor jumped in.
"I, too, have something special planned for you."
"Your Highness, it's rude to interrupt a conversation like that," Seraphina said, smiling, but her tone was as sharp as ever.
"I don't think I have to seek your permission to talk with my future husband."
Realizing things were about to get heated, Aaran slipped away from them. He would rather deal with the guests than get sandwiched between their bickering.
Aaran could feel everyone's eyes on him. They looked at him but were weary to speak to him. And who could blame them?
After the stunt Aaran pulled during Eleanor's celebration, they rightfully thought he was a maniac. That's why no one dared to approach him, even though he was alone.
Which was good since he was looking for his biological parents. He wanted to set some things straight, but it didn't seem like they were interested in attending the banquet.
If they are going to act like babies, then there's no need for closure.
Aaran ignored the thoughts about them and enjoy the party. After all, it was in his honor and the perfect place to have his first drink.
However, no sooner had he picked up a glass of wine than a hoarse voice interrupted him.
"You've grown to be a fine man, Your Highness."
Aaran turned around to see Igor there, flanked by his sons. Igor had retired as a headmaster a few years ago, but time hadn't been kind to him.
The once sturdy back was now hunched over, leaning on a walking stick for support. Yet his eyes were as sharp as before.
For a moment, Aaran thought Igor would rebuke his posture, like he had done countless times before during his childhood.
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"It's good to see you, Headmaster Igor." Aaran smiled.
"Bah, I haven't been headmaster for a long time, Your Highness."
"I don't understand why you retired. You look as lively to me as you did when I was four."
"Flattery won't get you anywhere with me, young prince."
After a few more words inquiring about Aaran's training, Igor walked away with his sons. As they disappeared into the crowd, Aaran saw someone from the corner of his eyes.
The Aurelias had arrived.
