Arc 1.9

Nicolás smirks inwardly as he watches Luciana keep dragging herself to the mud.

"I swear it's because of Nicolás he hates me he did this to frame me!" Luciana screams angrily. Nicolás stands up with killer intent leaking out. Everyone around starts to tremble in fear. Those in the military ranks bowed to Nicolás.

"I am done with your outrageous claims! I have tolerated such things long enough! You have no evidence to back it up. You have plotted against me not the other way around! My Montes family is not someone you can slander! We are upright not lowly scum like you! Arrest her for slander and false accusations against her peers. Now I question how you raised up the ranks in the academy. Especially when you significantly weaker than those you supposedly beat!" Nicolás viciously states. Everyone in the room was sweating from the pressure but couldn't help but agree with Nicolás.

"I didn't cheat!" Luciana screams stomping her feet. The guard grabs her arms and pulls them back to cuff her. As the pull her away she screams injustice and death threats.

"I can't believe I was once attracted to her" Lance says in horror. Nicolás lowered the pressure and turns to the Emperor and kneels.

"Sorry this lowly commoner apologizes for his horrendous behavior" Nicolás apologizes.

"It's alright! And you weren't horrendous its all because of the idiot girl. I had suspicions about her too as the tea given to you before the fight between you two was poisoned" the emperor reveals. Gasps all around could be heard.

"I cannot believe it she actually tried to cheat!" People scream in pure shock she had guts to try to poison the general!

"I see send her to the Montes prison I believe she might be working for an enemy" Nicolás orders. He turns to the crowd with an apologetical look.

"Hmm we should just skip the next challenges none of the children can compete. So instead I want to announce something else. I have decided to step down!" the Emperor announces. Everyone gasps even Nicolás as it's much too early.

"I have decided because my empire will be in good hands no matter which prince I choose because General Nicolás will watch over them!" the emperor says softly. He looks around and sees his sons clenching onto their chairs. "I will have my son Prince Lance take the Emperor position!"

"It would seem our dream is much closer general!" Lance whispers to Nicolás before standing up.

"Father it'd be an honor but why are you stepping down so soon?" Asks Lance a bit confused. The Emperor gives a gentle smile.

"I feel tired. Being Emperor isn't easy and there are many things to account for. I've grown tired meaning I'm not doing as good of a job as I can. So it's better to pass it to you. Everyone has their limits so it's better not to push" Emperor Evan explains.

"I see Father I will do my best for you and for the people" Lance answers bowing to his father. Emperor Evan smiles and looks at Nicolás.

"General Nicolás as you recently got your title I wish for you to help my son as much as you can. You are wise and have a great sense of justice. You don't allow anything to cloud your judgment even when it hurts you" Emperor Evan softly states.

"Of course it'll be my honor and duty to help and protect the next Emperor. He will have my full support and I will keep those who try to harm him far away!" Nicolás states determinedly.

~In Noyer~

"You want me to do what? Yeah, I want to stop the war but beating my cousins like that will be impossible!"

"Look it's not impossible! I the mighty June Thornton will train you until you can! You will never fail with me on your side. Now get your ass out there in the meeting and show you ain't a cry baby who runs away. After I will train you to be a strong warrior!" June encourages Draco.

"I understand General June," Draco determinedly says as he turns to return to the banquet. Once he was out of sight June sighs.

"He needs to grow a backbone" June whispers.

"General June you have a letter from the Montes" Sonya one of his guards inform him. June grabs the letter and opens it.

My side is done. Looks like I was quicker this time June. You are slowing down these days are you finally tired! Haha, I'm joking I saw signs of the enemy recently seem like they are collecting information about our borders. Also, I can see why our families stayed away from politics its a pain! I prefer fighting head-on than fight with words!

P.S Next time we meet it better be at a peace negotiation!

"Of course he has it done after only a couple of days. He is much better than I when it comes to these things" June talks to himself he folds the paper and gives it to the guard and says "Burn it"

"Of course!" she responds takes the hold of the paper and heads outside to burn it.

"A shame I really like his writing," June thinks in his head. June heads out and takes a seat next to the Emperor.

"So General June who do you recommend to replace me?" Asks the Emperor while looking at his general.

"Hm, your grandson Draco as he is the only one who didn't put his feet in muddy waters. Your other grandson did and have a lot of dirt on them that I can find. To much that will make the people nervous and might cause unrest" June responds. Emperor nods in understanding.

"I see he barely has any backbone but that can be changed with your help general. I give you a month to turn him into a worthy candidate. Right now I have three options on my head Draco, Larry, and Ben!" The Emperor announces.

June smirks a month's time is more than enough!