Chapter 430: Side With... (2/2)

The truth was that he couldn't decide whose side he was on.

Back then, due to how much he worshipped his father, he felt an irrational hatred for his mother, causing him to pull away from her. But, as he grew up, the image of his perfect father also seemed to crack, but by then, it was already too late to grow closer to his mother.

Somewhere deep inside, Lionus knew. He knew that his mother and feelings for Lancelot. He knew that Lancelot had feelings for his mother. He knew that both of them knew they were wrong. But, what he didn't know was how he felt about it.

Seeing his mother grip his sister's hand in this way, he felt like this was a turning point.

The relationship between his mother and father had been growing distant for a long time. He often felt like his birth was meant to mend what they had lost after his elder sister was driven away, but he was never quite able to fill that void.

And now they were here.

King Arthur's heartbeat erratically.

Choosing to side with Leonel meant giving up all the power he had ever known. Though Leonel painted a pretty picture, he would have to expel all thoughts of sovereignty he had in his bones.

In the future, when he saw those of higher standing than himself, he would have to bow and politely greet them. In the future, when he wanted to direct the movement of his people, he would have to consider the opinions of others and swallow his grievances. In the future, when he swore loyalty to this Ascension Empire, he would have to kneel and lower his head, accepting another man as being his superior.

Just thinking about these things tore Arthur apart.

He was a legend, a young man who rose up despite not having his parents. He was the chosen heir of Merlin. He was the boy who pulled the sword from the stone.

How could he kneel to another? How could he swallow his pride? How could they ask this of him?

Arthur's hands trembled, grasping tightly to the arm rests of his throne.

At that moment, an audible crack resounded. With a blank look, Arthur looked down to find that his strength had splintered the arm of his throne.

For some reason, he couldn't take his eyes off of it. It was like the sound ricocheted throughout his soul.

Arthur closed his eyes and sank back into his seat.

He seemed tired, his lustrous blond hair and radiant skin paling by several levels.

”… Camelot will side with the Demon Empire.”