442 Absolutely Right! (1/2)

”Oh? You still know that I'm your imperial father? I thought you'd forgotten. This makes the whole matter more complicated.”

Konrad started with calm but chilling words that made Ube's heart quiver. Without a sound, he rose from his throne and walked, no, glided toward the kneeling four. But once he landed before them, the already crushing pressure only became harder to bear and all felt their knees about to sink into the ground.

Before they did, however, the pressure vanished from the guiltless three to lock on Ube alone. Alas, the throne room was carved by top materials and warded by mighty formations set up by Konrad himself. Blood burst from Ube's knees as they forced their way into the ground.

*CRACK* *CRACK* *CRACK*

In a booming succession of unceasing cracks, Ube cratered, and even his imperial prince robe couldn't prevent his legs from turning into a bloody mess.

”AAAAAAAAARGH!”

He howled in his throes! Alas, the agony-laced cry of his son produced no reaction within Konrad's unforgiving gaze. With his hands on either side of his waist, and his head canted to the left, Konrad nailed his rebellious son from above.

”Howling so soon? Is this what claims the ability to overturn my reign? Groundless conceit.”

Konrad appraised Ube with a calm but derisive tone. And hearing those two words, ”groundless conceit,” though he knew the night was likely to end with his head on a pike, Ube raised his defiant eyes and snarled:

”Yes! I'm just trying to cement and further my position, to obtain better resources, and open a better path for myself! What's wrong with that? What other choice do you give me? Though you have four children, the knowledgeable would think you only have three!

What merit does Heide have that she can enjoy so many top artifacts?

Why must I accept that those damnable twins just one year older than me will forever remain a step above me because of the empress' blood? Didn't you plot against your adoptive father to take his women and seize his throne?

Why can't I do the same to my brothers? Why is that wrong?! If not for your bias and nepotism, how could the Kracht stand as the Jade Dynasty's number two house, only a step below the Serkar? How could they possess two Dragon Dukes and so many knights and lords?! To say nothing of the Voight who though weaker still stand as strong boosts for those damnable twins!

Of the three imperial princes, only I do not have a Chthonian Dragon Duke in my maternal house! Hell, I do not even have a Chthonian Lord! Bereft of support, I can only watch as those with better backing and stronger foundation leave me behind! Why must I accept this?

I am not willing! I must scheme my way out of it! What? Is it wrong when others do it but right when you do?!”

Ube snarled, venting his indignation. Yet, the most heartfelt expression of his resentment failed to twist Konrad's cold visage.

”You're absolutely right.”

Konrad replied, with four simple words that startled the four. Even Wenzel, a Jade Dynasty veteran, couldn't believe his ears.

”Come again?”

A blinking Ube blurted, unable to process the words. In response, Konrad shrugged.

”I said you're right. Absolutely. It's right when I do it and wrong when you do. The reason is simple, I make the rules. Dissatisfied? What can you do?”

Konrad reiterated, and the four firmly believed that never in their lives would they hear more shameless words. What was shamelessness? This was shamelessness.