chapter 60 The crown prince

The crowd's cheers shook the arena as blood stained the ground and screams echoed under the nobles' laughter. Rin sat tall beside Ryvaris, his white-scaled hands resting calmly on his knees, gaze fixed on the carnage below. The blades surrounding the arena shimmered like glass, yet they devoured flesh with silent, mechanical precision.

That's when Ryvaris leaned closer, eyes gleaming. "He's here."

Rin followed his gaze. A tall man approached, his silver hair flowing behind a regal violet cloak embroidered with golden dragons. His eyes, calm yet sharp, swept the arena with quiet disdain.

"The Crown Prince himself," Ryvaris whispered. "Come, I'll introduce you."

They stood as the man arrived. He extended a gloved hand toward Rin. "So, this is the famed youngest of our bloodline. Rin Solas."

Rin clasped it. "It's an honor, Your Highness."

"The honor is mine," the Crown Prince said smoothly. "You've built quite the spectacle. It seems I underestimated you, cousin."

Later, they retired to Ryvaris' private palace. The three of them sat around a table laden with fruits, meats, and all kinds of food. Soft music played in the background, but none of them paid it any mind.

The Crown Prince took a sip from his goblet. "I've heard much of your efforts, Rin. Of your strength, your strategy… and your defiance. It's rare to see someone so young act with such clarity. I believe you're more than qualified to rule a domain of your own."

Rin gave a half-smile. "I appreciate your kind words. But I only act out of necessity. Kaelion is a snake. He has no loyalty to the Solas name,only to his own power."

The prince's face darkened. "Indeed. He's even made pacts with my second brother. They plan to divide our empire behind the Emperor's back."

"A traitor," Rin said coldly. "And a very ambitious one. Someone must stop him."

"You speak well," the prince nodded. "I see the same vision. You and I,we are alike in that. Once I ascend the throne, every traitor will face justice. And those who stood with me will be rewarded."

Ryvaris leaned forward, his tone light but purposeful. "My brother and I both favor you far more than Kaelion. I believe you represent the future of our house."

Rin replied, "You're both wise. You see past emotion and into what matters,the empire's future. Not personal gain."

"Exactly," Ryvaris said. "Kaelion sides with the Second Prince. And unfortunately, with Valen's bastard sons too. The corruption runs deep."

Rin nodded. "They all need to be purged. For the good of the empire."

The Crown Prince smiled thinly. "Then let's make a pact. All I need from you is one thing: stall Kaelion. Hold him for the next five years. If you need assistance, I will send it."

Rin's white scales glimmered faintly in the candlelight as he leaned forward. "Don't worry, Your Highness. I won't just stall him. I'll kill Kaelion myself within five years. The only thing I fear... is the Emperor's rage."

A pause. Then a chuckle. The Crown Prince smiled, impressed. "That's the spirit. If you succeed… well, wait for me to ascend or for the emperor to die before doing that."

He clapped his hands. Servants brought forward a large container, sealed with runes and lined with blacksteel.

"A gift," the prince said. "Only twenty were ever made. This is one of them."

Rin raised a brow as the container opened, revealing a gleaming, dragon-forged armor. Pure black and laced with runic veins of silver, it pulsed faintly with energy. A masterpiece.

"This armor adapts to its wearer. If you are at 60% purity, it will push you to the strength of 70%. If you're stronger, it scales with you. And if you fall… it will preserve your body. A tool worthy of a king."

Rin stood slowly, placing a hand over his chest. "You honor me, Your Highness. I swear… you will not regret this."

The Crown Prince smirked. "I know I won't."