Chapter 26 – The Throne of Power
The Morning of a King
Haruto's eyes fluttered open. The soft glow of sunlight seeped through the curtains, casting golden hues on the ceiling.
For a moment, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling.
Then, he noticed something unusual.
Three figures stood at the foot of his bed—his father, mother, and Hemari.
His father, a man who always held his emotions in check, had a rare, gentle smile. His mother looked at him with warm eyes, while Hemari kneeled beside his bed, her fingers clutching the blanket as she gazed at him with concern.
"Happy birthday, son," his father said, his voice carrying both pride and something else—a deep, hidden emotion. "You're 18 now. Be a happy adult like me… and be a better person."
Haruto blinked slowly, processing his father's words.
Be a better person.
Did his father even know who he had become?
His mother leaned closer, brushing his hair away from his forehead. "Haruto, be happy."
And then Hemari, her voice soft but firm. "Haruto… please don't do anything that would hurt you."
A strange silence filled the room.
Then, Haruto did what he did best—he smiled.
A slow, unreadable smirk curved his lips. He stretched his arms and chuckled. "What's with all the serious faces? It's my birthday, isn't it?"
His father let out a light laugh. "That's right. Now go enjoy your day."
But as Haruto swung his legs off the bed and stood up, his smirk lingered.
Today was not just any birthday.
It was the beginning of something much bigger.
---
The Grand Celebration
The moment Haruto stepped outside, he was met with chaos.
A deafening roar of cheers.
Confetti rained down from above.
A massive crowd of students stood outside the school gates, screaming his name.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARUTO!!"
It wasn't just a celebration. It was a spectacle.
Banners with his name stretched across the walls. Expensive cars lined the street, and the girls—they practically surrounded him.
"Happy birthday, Haruto hottie~!" A blonde girl winked.
"Haruto-sama, I'd do anything for you today~."
Haruto smirked, playing along. "Thank you, my sexy cuties."
The girls melted instantly, whispering among themselves, their faces flushed.
From the side, Aoi watched with an amused smirk. "Finally, you're 18… now you'll become an even bigger threat."
Haruto's smirk faltered for just a second.
Aoi chuckled, crossing her arms. "Oh, don't act so surprised. Your old friend is transferring to this school soon."
Haruto's eyes darkened, but he said nothing.
That was a problem for another day.
---
The Hidden Agenda
By the end of the school day, Haruto leaned close to Takashi and Satsuki.
"I'll send a car for you later. Be ready."
Their expressions didn't change, but the shift in their eyes told Haruto they understood.
Yes
A Dangerous Surprise
As the school day ended, Haruto stood by the school gates, his hands in his pockets, watching as Hemari approached him.
"Let's go home together," she said softly.
Haruto's gaze flickered toward her, then toward the black luxury car waiting in front of the school.
The moment the car door opened, every student froze.
The Prime Minister of Japan stepped out.
A collective gasp spread across the students. Fear. Confusion. Disbelief.
Haruto barely reacted as the Prime Minister walked straight toward him, extending a hand.
"It's been a while."
Every student stood in absolute silence. Even the teachers watching from afar were speechless.
The Prime Minister, one of the most powerful figures in the country, was standing in front of Haruto… shaking his hand.
Haruto smirked slightly. "Yeah, it has."
The Prime Minister's voice lowered. "Come inside. We have things to discuss."
Haruto glanced at Hemari. She was staring at him, eyes pleading.
"Haruto, I'll come too."
His expression darkened. "No."
Her breath hitched as he stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I don't want my stepsister to get hurt."
Hemari clenched her fists, but before she could argue, Haruto leaned in and whispered, "Go home. I'll come back later."
And then, to everyone's shock—he kissed her.
It was deep. Possessive. Hemari didn't resist. In fact, she melted into it.
The entire school lost their minds.
When Haruto pulled away, his eyes were cold. "I'll see you later, darling."
And then he stepped into the car.
---
The Most Expensive Hotel in Japan
The car ride was silent. Haruto leaned back against the seat, eyes closed, as Takashi and Satsuki sat beside him.
Finally, the car stopped.
When Haruto stepped outside, his father's voice echoed in his mind.
"Be a better person."
A smirk tugged at his lips. Too late for that.
The most luxurious hotel in Japan loomed in front of them.
As they entered, Haruto's father, mother, and Hemari were already there, waiting.
His father's face twisted in confusion. "Haruto, what is this…?"
Before Haruto could answer, a group of men stepped forward.
Not just any men.
The richest and most powerful people in Japan.
The top 50 richest men in the world.
The Prime Minister himself.
All standing before Haruto.
The Prime Minister chuckled. "So, you're Haruto's father?"
His father stiffened. "Yes…?"
The Prime Minister smirked. "Your son is truly incredible."
Then, from the corner of the room, a throne stood at the center of a raised platform.
And on that throne—Haruto.
On his right, Satsuki.
On his left, Takashi.
His father's face turned pale. "Haruto… what is this?"
Haruto simply leaned forward, resting his chin on his knuckles.
"It's my birthday, father."
A dark grin spread across his lips. "Welcome to my world."
---
End of Chapter 26