Kapitel 7: Chapter 7 - The Strongest man in the empire

The chaos in the courtyard momentarily stilled as a tall, imposing figure clad in purple stepped forward, his presence immediately commanding attention.

His tone, though firm, carried an air of calm authority.

"Stop this, General Kieran," he said, addressing the enraged commander directly. "His Majesty awaits your presence."

These purple-clad men, usually stationed in various states as silent observers, rarely intervened in disputes between nobles and families. Their mandate was to maintain order and report directly to the emperor. However, Kieran's reckless behavior had crossed a line. His actions threatened not only the lives of those present but also the delicate balance of power within the empire. Faced with such a situation, the purple-clad men had no choice but to step in and prevent further chaos, safeguarding the innocent lives at stake.

Kieran's eyes narrowed at the man, but the mention of the emperor seemed to pierce through his fury. The Imperial Lotus Guard's words were as binding as the emperor's decree. Though hesitant, Kieran finally lowered his hand, the Crimson Seal slipping back beneath his tunic. He acquiesced, albeit reluctantly, to the command.

His voice, still simmering with unresolved anger, spat out one last threat. "This is not over yet."

The purple-clad man's gaze then shifted to William and his entourage.

"Marquis William," he continued, "you are also summoned to appear before the emperor."

A collective sigh of relief rippled through the gathered nobles. The looming confrontation had been defused, and the matter would be resolved under the emperor's watchful eye, sparing the estate and its inhabitants from further violence. The intervention of the Imperial Lotus Guard had turned what could have been a bloody conflict into a matter of imperial protocol.

As the tension began to fade away, the tall man in purple scanned the crowd, his eyes landing on an eye-catching figure that stood out amidst the onlookers.

There, with golden hair glinting under the moonlight and an air of aloof detachment, was Spark.

The tall man's demeanor shifted as he approached Spark, his armor reflecting the dim light of the collapsing mansion. The crowd around Spark instinctively backed away, giving the Imperial Lotus Guard commander a wide space.

To their astonishment, the tall man suddenly knelt before Spark, bowing his head in deference.

"I greet Your Holy Scion,"

"!" The exclamation of surprise was echoed silently by the onlookers, their faces etched with shock and curiosity.

Spark acknowledged the greeting with a casual nod.

"Hmm, hmm," Spark said, as if slightly amused by the formal address. "Rise. This isn't the imperial capital; there's no need for such formality here."

The tall man stood, his head still slightly bowed in respect.

"When did Holy Scion arrive here?" he asked, his voice filled with a mixture of respect and curiosity.

"Before the farce started, I suppose," Spark replied nonchalantly, glancing around the courtyard.

The tall man hesitated, then asked the question that seemed to be on everyone's mind. "Holy Scion, why didn't you intervene?"

Spark's lips curved into a half-smile. "Hey, did you forget? I'm an exile right now. I can't just go around meddling in noble affairs, you know."

The explanation, though seemingly light-hearted, carried weight. As an exile, Spark was bound by the conditions of his banishment, which restricted his involvement in the empire's political or noble conflicts. His title and influence were still respected, but his hands were tied when it came to direct intervention.

The tall man nodded, understanding the constraints.

"That is reasonable, Holy Scion. We cannot ask more of you under these circumstances." With a respectful bow, he stepped back, allowing the matter to rest.

"Well, the show's ended. Time to head back," Spark said, signaling to Yuna and Zhao Shi.

The two nodded and followed him, leaving the chaos of the collapsing mansion behind.

Marquis William, now fully healed thanks to the white-robed ascendants, watched Spark's retreating figure with a contemplative look.

"So, the rumors are true," he muttered under his breath.

William recalled a conversation with his father, Duke Red, just a few months ago. His father had spoken of a secret ceremony at the imperial palace—a the bestowment of a prestigious title.

"The Holy Scion," Duke Red had said, his voice filled with awe. "A title given to the one who showed unmatched valor and might on the frontlines. This title was bestowed upon the man who stopped the Great War last year."

A year ago, the empire faced an existential threat. A coalition army from five neighboring empires had launched a sudden and devastating attack on the borders. The empire was caught off guard, with its elite forces scattered and defenses thin. Panic gripped the capital as news of the advancing armies spread.

In the midst of this crisis, a single man stopped the coalition army of five empires at the border. The details of how he achieved this feat were shrouded in mystery, but his impact was clear. He forced the coalition forces to retreat.

Acknowledging his extraordinary deeds, the emperor bestowed upon him the most prestigious title reserved only for the one deemed the strongest in the whole of the empire.

**Holy Scion**