Chapter 573 Conflict In Blood

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~~~(POV: Queen Romana Zil Lukaerd Elen Roa)~~~

? ~~~(Location: The Jungles of Nae'mor, The City of Armezix, The Continent of Alforza)~~~

~~~(Time: 12:45 PM)~~~

Rhael is talking to me about the reports he's gotten today. He comes to me for advice. It's really just an excuse to see me. I'm not really listening to the report. Drowning out the sound until he talks to me about something unrelated to the Kingdom.

My thoughts drift to the early days of my reign. How contested it was. When Father named me heir over my Brother, there was almost war. I would've given up the throne if it meant my family stayed together.

In the end, it didn't matter. My Brother was killed in combat. Fighting a man my Father selected to defend my claim. A piece of me died that day.

A piece of Dad died... He didn't live long after that... All the doctors and healers said he died from a broken heart. Living with the fact he had my Brother, and his Son killed so I could ascend the throne. They haunt me every day.

My Father was convinced I was the one to lead Armezix. Prophecies and futures he dreamed up while asleep.

That's what I fear I'll start if I choose to name Rhael as my heir instead of leaving it to Teziel. I see a great leader and ruler in Rhael. Teziel lacks what a leader needs. A sound mind.

There is paranoia and fear in my oldest Son. He hides it, but he's being consumed by it. The right choice is naming Rhael my heir. But doing so would cause history to repeat itself. Blood of my blood will spill.

"Mom, are you even listening?"

'Follow current novels on n0velbin.com.',

His voice sounds amused and happy. It's not the first time he's called me out when I'm not paying attention.

"No, I'm not interested in Commerical Finances. You've been handling it without my help for a long time, Rhael. We spoke about your Brother when you first sat down. Would you like to know my answer?"

I never answered his question. He accepted my silence as an answer. I don't respond immediately when my children ask about their siblings. It's a habit a parent shouldn't have.

"I was wondering if we'd come back to that."

He leans back in his chair and sets the reports on the table next to him.

"What do you think about the throne, Rhael?"

This catches him off guard. I'm not surprised. I've never asked him about the throne. I want to hear what he thinks about the power of ruling over an entire people.

He takes a sip of water before he speaks.

"When I was younger and didn't know any better, I'd say something stupid. It'd be along the lines of a waste of time or not my concern."

He's definitely grown out of that perspective. It's easy to see.

"But now, I see it as the best way to protect Armezix. Our family has been ruling since the formation of Armezix. We've protected our people."

That's the answer I wanted to hear from Teziel. But he gave a different answer.

"Are you asking this because you're worried about Brother as King after you're gone?"

Teziel fears what's in store for our family and the Kingdom after I'm gone. He's hanging on to me for far longer than he should. Rhael is the only one of my children that's accepted my wish to die.

It's because he's not afraid of what will happen after I'm gone. He has the foresight and strength to lead our people. A quality my oldest Son doesn't have.

"Teziel doesn't have what the people of Armezix need... Do you know why I'm considered such a great Queen, Rhael..."

I don't like asking this question, but this is the most important conversation I'll ever have with my youngest Son.

"You always put the people above what you wanted, what you believed to be in your best interests. Teziel doesn't know how to do that. He only sees threats and enemies where there are none."

That's all the proof I need that Rhael should be the heir. Only one last question to ask him.

"How do you think your Brother and siblings would react if I named you my heir instead of Teziel?"

My eyes turn from the window and look at him. There is a look of slight surprise. I never indicated that I'd ask this of him. I never indicated I'd name a different heir. It's a nice feeling to surprise Rhael for once. He's always been good at seeing things before they come.

But the moment of surprise passes, and I see him enter a time of thought. Contemplating. I don't blame him. One that loves their family never considers such a thing. Rhael loves his Brother. He'd not give taking the throne a lot of thought. Only how to support it the best he can.

"Brother would be furious. Along with most of my siblings. I'm certain he'd think this a sinister plot. A way to destroy his claim and force you to step in. He doesn't want to see a time without you, but he also wants you on his side at all times."

Coming up with such a good answer in a short time shows Rhael has more of me in him than any of my other children.

"Do you think there would be war?"

I don't want my children to fight amongst one another. To shed blood in pursuit of claims and seats. But I must put the good of the people before everyone else. And Teziel isn't good for the people.

Rhael is the one that I want ruling after I'm gone, whenever that may be.

My youngest Son takes a solemn look, and I don't blame him. It's not an easy thought to have. Not at all.

"Yes, there would be war. Teziel wouldn't stand idly by. Many see him as the future of Armezix. But many don't know his deepest flaws..."

When the time comes, I'll name Rhael my heir. But not now. Not yet.

"I want you to know, Rhael. And only you. When my time comes, I'll publically name you my heir. You will take the throne over your Brother. Tell no one. This stays between us."

The reaction is one fitting a ruler that the people deserve. He takes it in stride and doesn't look to enjoy it or hate it. Only accept it. This is how a ruler should act.

"I promise I won't tell a soul, Mom. I'll be ready when the time comes. I know you wouldn't make this decision unless you saw it as the best for the people we're protecting."

This is a sad and happy moment. The future of Armezix is secure in Rhaels hands. It's sad because war will follow this decision. But out of that war, there will be a ruler befitting the people after me.

~~~(POV: Cera Adamo)~~~

~~~(Location: The Jungles of Nae'mor, The City of Armezix, The Continent of Alforza)~~~

~~~(Time: 1:14 PM)~~~

We're on our way out of the park, and we're going somewhere to get some food. It's been an interesting history lesson. I've learned a lot of lies the Dark Elves have told one another. The truths the nobles and royalty have kept from them.

Knowing what I do about The Cezlite Empire adds light to places that I need so I can see the truth.

"What should we eat once we're out of this place?"

Jaeemara is the one to ask this question, even though it's something Sally would usually ask instead.

"I'd like something spicy for a change. It's been a while since I had something that makes my mouth feel on fire."

Sally is fast to answer, and Jaeemara just nods her head in agreement.

'',

My mind is on when someone from the royal family will come and talk to us. I doubt it'll be much longer.

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A/N: Below this line, I'll be keeping Cera's player information. That way, I won't have to place it into the story above anymore. It takes about 180 words up.

[Slayer (Zern) Lvl.236][Tier-4]

[Exp: 72/100%]

[Title: The Son of Arch-Angel Michael (Hidden)]

[Stats] [Strength - 7095][Endurance - 7045][Dexterity - 7215][Speed - 8240][Focus - 19,660]

[Mana aura control: 6/100%]

[Health: 76,560,000,000/76,560,000,000] [Mana: 216,600,000,000/216,600,000,000]

'New novel chapters are published on Novel-Bin',

[Stat Points: 440] [Armor rating: 500]

[Inventory] [Dice of Wayland (Divine)] [The Witness (Legendary Sword)] [Fenrir's Whistle (Divine)] [Camping gear] [Fishing poles 2x] [Festival Garbs 2x] [4x EXP Boosts] [Princess Saliandra's Panties (Black Lace)] [Desert Warrior Nomad Set (Rare)]

[Passive Perks]

[Inheritor of the Sword] [Son of Heaven] [Slayer of Evil] [Holy Willow Trees Savior] [Finder of Legends] [The Divine who has Legend] [Destined for Greatness] [Dungeon Diver] [An Overachiever]

[Active Skills]

[Heavens light Lvl.74 325/7400] [Protected by Heaven Lvl.74 225/7400] [Slash Lvl.92 4600/21000] [Parry Lvl.68 85/6800] [Double Strike N/A] [Kingslayer N/A] [Raging Machine N/A] [Winged Glory] [Angelic Flight] [Divine Pressure Exertion] [Divinity Pulse] [Controlled Fun] [Aspect of Transportation (Legendary)]