Chapter 24: Greed vs Justice

Chapter 24: Greed vs Justice

POV: Prince Aung (Jason)

Jason rode through the grand gates of the Khachin Provincial Capital, his golden eyes scanning the sprawling city that lay before him. The architecture here was different from what he had seen in Myint Zine or Thazin—fortress-like structures, towering stone buildings reinforced with layers of mana-infused walls. The entire city was a testament to its wealth, built upon a foundation of endless mana stone deposits mined from the depths of Khachin's mountains.

However, despite the province's strength and affluence, Jason's gaze sharpened at what lay beneath the surface. The streets were filled with starving commoners, their clothes little more than rags. On the edges of the main market, groups of enslaved demi-humans and non-human races were lined up in chains, being auctioned off to the highest bidder. The sight made Jason's blood boil.

So this is what unchecked greed has done to this land…

Khachin Province was rich, but its people suffered while its nobles indulged in luxury. It was the most lawless province in the Empire, where human supremacy was enforced by the aristocracy, and slavery of demi-humans and beastkin was commonplace.

His hands clenched around the reins of his horse as his forces rode deeper into the city. The citizens whispered as they passed, their eyes filled with curiosity, fear, and desperation. Jason's reputation had already begun to spread like wildfire, but in Khachin, it seemed his influence had yet to be felt.

"This is the Second Prince?"

"They say he defeated the strongest warriors of Myint Zine in one move…"

"But he's nothing but an unwanted prince. Will he even stand against the Duke?"

Jason ignored the murmurs, his focus shifting toward the Duke's palace, a massive fortress built into the rocky hills that surrounded the city. It was a symbol of dominance and greed, an unshakable fortress in the heart of a land built on exploitation.

But Jason wasn't here to admire the Duke's wealth.

He was here to make his move.

POV: Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw

The grand throne room of the Duke's Palace was bathed in the warm glow of enchanted lanterns. Lavish carpets, golden pillars, and banners embroidered with the crest of the House of Myint Myat Kyaw Saw adorned the room.

Seated upon his throne, Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw observed his court from above, his calculating eyes sweeping across his gathered nobles and ministers. His city was thriving—his coffers overflowing with gold, his army was one of the strongest in the Empire, and he had even secured diplomatic talks with the Magul Empire.

Yet, the arrival of the Second Prince was an unforeseen threat to his control.

The reports had already reached him—Prince Aung had dismantled the corruption in Thazin, forced Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw of Myint Zine into submission, and was now marching into his province with power that defied reason.

The old Duke scoffed.

"A second son born of a concubine dares to challenge me?"

His hand tightened around the armrest of his throne. He had built this province from the ground up, maintaining his iron rule despite the Crown's interference.

His province was one of the strongest in the Empire.

30,000 troops under his personal command.

10,000 Imperial soldiers stationed within his borders.

Control over the Empire's largest mana stone supply.

An economy strong enough to rival entire kingdoms.

And yet, for the first time in decades… he felt an unfamiliar sense of unease.

If the Second Prince is truly as strong as they claim…

No.

He would not be bested by a child.

A servant rushed into the chamber, bowing deeply. "Your Grace, the Second Prince has entered the palace."

The nobles whispered amongst themselves as the great doors slowly creaked open. Jason entered, flanked by his elite personal guard and his generals. He moved with confidence, unshaken by the presence of the gathered nobles.

For a brief moment, Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw felt something deep within him stir—a primal sense of danger.

This boy was not merely a prince.

He was something more.

Jason came to a halt before the throne, meeting the Duke's gaze without fear.

Then, he spoke.

"Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw, I thank you for your hospitality. But let us not waste time with pleasantries."

His words sent a ripple of tension through the room. The nobles were taken aback by his boldness.

Jason's golden eyes darkened. "I have come to see whether you are truly a Duke who serves the Empire, or whether you have abandoned your duty in pursuit of greed."

A wave of silence filled the hall. The insult was clear—Jason was openly challenging the Duke's rule.

The Duke's fingers tightened around his throne's armrests, but he forced himself to smirk.

"How insolent, boy," he said smoothly. "But do not mistake ambition for weakness. I have ruled this province longer than you have drawn breath. What I do here is for the survival of my people."

Jason's gaze did not waver. "Survival? I see only suffering. The people of your province starve while your coffers overflow. You justify your actions with necessity, but I see nothing but greed."

Duke said with angry tone"What you have to do is to subjugate the monster lingering on my territory for decade per Royal Court's order. Not to interfere or judge my way of ruling in my own place. It does not a concern to you. Just fulfilled your mission and get the hell out of my province. You arrogant boy!!".

A murmur of unease rippled through the court, the nobles shifted uncomfortably. They knew Duke's an

Duis very terrifying. Dukke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw's smirk faltered for a brief moment.

Also, Jason's words carried weight. Too much weight.

He knew now—this boy was dangerous.

And this was not going to be a simple negotiation.

This was going to be a battle of dominance.

POV: Prince Aung (Jason)

Jason had planned this confrontation carefully.

Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw was a ruler of pragmatism and self-interest. If Jason showed weakness, the Duke would treat him as another pawn to be controlled.

But Jason was not a pawn.

He was the future king.

Jason took a step forward, his presence pressing down upon the room like an unstoppable force.

"You can either stand with me and be part of the future I will build… or be crushed beneath it."

The Duke's eyes darkened, his grip on his throne tightening.

But Jason was not done.

Then, he released it.

A pulse of divine energy erupted from him—an invisible yet undeniable pressure that filled the grand chamber. The nobles gasped, some falling to their knees, unable to withstand the sheer weight of his presence.

Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw's eyes widened slightly.

This boy… This man… He is beyond mortal limits.

Jason's voice rang out, calm yet absolute.

"Choose, Duke."

The room held its breath.

And for the first time in his life…

Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw felt terrified.

(Continue.....)