Chapter 174: The Turmoil In The Imperial Family (1)
Endless discussions ensued among the princes and princesses.
Ray, who had hoped to wait until the discussions concluded, ultimately could not achieve his intention.
The chatter was ceaseless, with no resolution in sight.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))
It seemed less like debates for the nations good, and more like a contest where each participant tried to outdo and undercut the others.
Fed up, Ray left the lobby after about two hours.
It was also time to attend to the emperor.
He couldnt afford to miss the timing for the upcoming physical therapy session while dealing with the unruly royals.
The drug mixture might not have been perfectly accurate, but given the recovery timeline, it was about time for the body to start responding.
Of course, the emperor was not yet ready for normal daily activities.
His muscles were stiff, and the tension would not be resolved instantly.
The efficacy of the anthocyanins in the drug was crucial.
Ray entered the emperors bedroom.
As he had anticipated, the emperor appeared much improved from before.
He turned his head to look at Ray.
The fact that he could slightly lift his body and turn his head indicated a significant reduction in muscle tension.
It seemed like an opportune moment to begin combining drug treatment with physical therapy.
The emperor spoke for the first time, though with great effort.
Thank you.
His jaw muscles were still rigid, making his pronunciation loose.
Nevertheless, Ray understood him without difficulty.
Ray smiled and shook his head in response.
Youre welcome.
An emperor, especially of the once-continent-dominating mighty Lesian Empire, would typically be prideful.
But this well-built elderly man, despite his imperial status, exhibited human warmth.
Even now, he attempted to express gratitude, something his children seemingly would not consider, even at deaths door.
Where had the reputation of the iron-blooded ruler gone? In front of Ray, he resembled a kind grandfather.
Ray then addressed the emperor.
From now on, its not just about taking medicine. Youll start moving your body. Youll follow along, right?
Nod.
It seemed speaking was still quite difficult for him.
Lets try standing up first.
Ray gently helped the emperor to his feet.
The emperor also exerted himself to stand.
It was incredible how difficult it was just to stand up once.
As if someone were pulling him back, the emperor repeatedly ended up lying back down on the bed.
Yet no one would sigh at this sight.
Seeing the emperors serious expression, sweating but not giving up, would make anyone want to cheer him on.
Ray too found himself supporting the emperor.
He could have lifted the emperor himself, but this was part of the treatment.
While assisting was possible, completely lifting him was not an option.
That would no longer be a treatment.
So now, the emperor had to muster his own strength to rise.
The strenuous process continued for over thirty minutes.
At this point, most would have collapsed back in exhaustion, but the emperor persisted resolutely.
His efforts finally paid off.
Ultimately, the emperor managed to stand up on his own.
There was indescribable joy.
Not only the emperor, but Ray also burst into exultation.
Uuuaaa!
Wow, fantastic job!
He silently drew his sword and entered an opulent room.
The guards at the door were already dead.
His proficiency in cleanly cutting down mid-level or higher aura users surpassed that of his peers.
Zik would have admired the sight.
Being an advanced aura user in his mid-twenties was extraordinary.
With some luck, he might reach the level of Sword Master before thirty.
Furthermore, his sword was specifically tailored for assassination.
Not a typical assassins blade, but designed for one-hit kills, ensuring the victim couldnt even scream before dying.
Luke looked down at the sleeping fifth prince.
Truthfully, he harbored no ill will toward him.
They had played together in childhood, and he was a brother who got along well with the third prince.
But as long as the fifth prince lived, he posed an obstacle to the third princes ascension to the throne.
For a moment, Lukes face reflected pain.
Never forgive me, the unworthy brother. Curse only me.
His sword swiftly pierced the fifth princes neck.
The vocal cords and the adjoining jugular, along with the aura, were cleanly severed, guaranteeing a silent death in his sleep.
Blood spread across the bed.
Sigh
Luke let out a sigh tinged with both relief and guilt.
Guilt for having killed his brother in the pursuit of power, and relief that the act furthered his plans.
This internal conflict eventually led to rationalization.
The fifth prince had initiated this deadly game.
With each killing, Lukes expression grew colder.
Only the first prince remained.
Eliminating him would bring Luke much closer to the throne.
The next day, the death of the fifth prince was officially announced within the imperial family.
Everyone knew who the culprit was without it being said.
Killed by an unknown assassin.
Only the first and second princes knew who the murderer was.
The first prince, Jared, had not sent an assassin the previous night.
That left only the second prince, Luke, as the suspect.
Jared looked at him with a heavy heart.
I should be cautious.
The fact that the second prince, who had been quiet until now, made the first move meant he was seriously entering the fray.
The first princess quickly read the situation.
It didnt seem like the first princes camp was involved.
She offered condolences that were not entirely genuine.
To lose a brother like this There can be no greater sorrow. I wont stay idle as a member of the imperial family once the criminal is caught.
Of course, she would defend the criminal once he was revealed.
Being allied with the second prince, the first princess was inwardly rejoicing.
The death of the fifth prince had considerably lessened her burden.
In fact, she even regretted that it wasnt the first prince who had died.
The third prince sighed at the first princesss pretense.
It had come to this.
Brothers were killing each other for the throne, only to die in the end.
What kind of grudge must they have held to be so desperate?
The fifth prince had been a close sibling since childhood.
His death was a significant shock to the third prince.
Do you really need to go this far, brothers
With a sad expression, he left the room.