Chapter 584 - The Weak And The Strong (1/2)

Another silence fell over the gardens as Leonel didn't respond immediately. But, it was clear that this was less about Leonel not wanting to respond and more about him being uncertain of how to.

His grandfather had just saved his life. There was no way around this, this was the truth of the matter. Was it truly so easy to spit in the face of someone who had done such a thing for you, especially when your personality was like Leonel's?

But at that same time, Leonel had been growing such animosity for this very same grandfather of his for so long. Yet, just when he had the opportunity to give the man a piece of his mind, this happened. It was as though the world was playing a joke on him.

That said, Leonel also didn't feel right just welcoming this grandfather with open arms. All of his actions ran diametrically opposed to everything Leonel stood for.

”If you have such strength, why do you never do anything with it?”

Leonel finally spoke, his gaze matching his grandfather's. He didn't particularly have any anger to speak of, in fact it was currently just as emotionless as it was when he was in the midst of battle. But maybe, in some ways, this was exactly that. Just another battle.

What Leonel didn't expect after he said these words, though, was for a stifling aura to suddenly envelop him.

However, it became very clear, very quickly that this aura wasn't from his grandfather. But, rather, from this silent uncle of his.

Still, this aura that felt like a wall of water became a drizzle just as quickly as it took for Leonel's grandfather to raise his hand.

Emperor Fawkes' smile never faded even as he lowered his hand. He continued to observe Leonel the same way he always had. Yet, for some reason, despite the fact there wasn't even a hint of change in his smile, Leonel still felt as though the situation had completely shifted.

When Emperor Fawkes finally spoke again, a slight cold breeze seemed to sweep the spring gardens.

”To ask someone else why they didn't use their own strength as they please… Don't you find this to be very weak?”

Leonel matched his grandfather's gaze but didn't say a thing. However, that didn't mean that a certain Aina wasn't enraged by such an answer. If it wasn't for the fact Leonel hadn't released her hand and she knew that they weren't safe to lash out in such an environment, she would have long since done so.

”I expected more from you.” Emperor Fawkes said lightly. ”This isn't a world where you can say such things. Not only is it the pinnacle of foolishness, these thoughts will one day get you killed.”

Leonel once again didn't lash out at these words. He replied simply and just as emotionlessly.

”It's foolish to ask you, as an Emperor, to protect your citizens?”

Emperor Fawkes put up another hand pre-emptively. This time, he sent a look toward his son, warning him that this should be the last time he should waste his time doing such a thing.