The grand palace was elaborately decorated for the crown prince's birthday celebration, just as it had been for Joonghyuk's all those months ago. Intricate tapestries, ornate vases, and gleaming chandeliers adorned the vast halls and corridors. Countless lanterns hung from the trees and lampposts lining the palace grounds, warm, flickering light not saving even an inch of space for any shadows to linger.
Noble families that once had no problem looking past the young prince in favor of his more esteemed older brother now arrived at the palace in droves, hungry to earn his favor, and if not, jump at any sign of weakness in the newly crowned prince's armor. Their gleaming carriages rumbled through the grand gates. Footmen stood at the entrance ushered the esteemed guests into the palace, where the sounds of polite conversation, clinking glassware, and the occasional fit of boisterous laughter filled the air.
Servants scurry about, ensuring every detail was perfect for the lavish banquet to come. The entire palace hummed with energy as it prepared to welcome the empire's nobles to celebrate the crown prince's special day in grand fashion.
As the noble guests stepped into the grand banquet hall, they couldn't help but gasp in awe at the sheer extravagance of the scene before them. The room was a dazzling display of the empire's wealth and power, with gilded chandeliers casting a warm glow over the lavish decorations. The opulence of it all is enough to leave even the most jaded aristocrat momentarily speechless.
Though, the guest attire was not less grand than the palace itself. Any commoner would go blind at the amount of riches contained in this singular room. Diamonds, rubies, pearls, and all other assortments of rare gems and stones adorned their outfits, constantly catching the flickering lights of the candles. Women were dressed in elegant, flowing gowns while the men were resplendent in their tailored suits. Polished boots and gleaming cuffs completed the set as they strode through the palace halls. They moved gracefully in their stifling and expensive fabrics; each hoping to catch the eye of the crown prince and secure a chance to elevate their status.
As the guests mingled and took in their surroundings, the murmurs of a troubling conversation began to ripple through the crowd.
"Do you think the former crown prince will attend?"
The question hung in the air and the guests glanced around fervently, as if expecting the elder sibling to materialize at any moment. The anticipation is palpable, for the relationship between the two brothers was a topic of much speculation and intrigue within the imperial court.
"That's impossible," the haughty voice of one of the guests rang out, "that bastard has nothing to his name, why would a peasant be here?" His words are met with a chorus of laughter from the surrounding guests, their amusement tinged with the same air of superiority.
The same woman who had started the topic continued, her words doubtful, "But still...no matter what you think of him, we can all see he isn't the type to disappear quietly. Do you all really think he'd fall so quickly?"
There were at least a few nobles with their senses still about them, who hadn't allowed their newfound allegiance to Yoo Joonhyun to let them forget the reputation of the former crown prince - a man feared for his ruthless nature and unwavering determination to exact revenge on those who had wronged him.
Memories of his past actions lingered in their minds, the majority of those present in the room direct witnesses to the beheadings and imprisonments of their families, friends, and close connections from the actions of Yoo Joonghyuk.
"Perhaps he has finally learned his lesson," one guest ventures, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism.
"Or maybe he is simply biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."
"Hmph, with what resources, all his power came from the palace?!"
Another guest, sensing the opportunity to introduce another interesting topic, quickly interjected, "Ha! Well, I'll have you know that rumors say that the new duke Saintess Sangah herself appointed was a mere commoner himself!"
Her words effectively shifted the conversation, drawing the guests' attention away from the former crown prince and towards a new topic of interest. The guests seemed to be relieved to have the conversation diverted, their expressions brightening as they eagerly engaged with the new subject.
"Ah, yes, the Saintess' appointment has certainly been the talk of the court," another person remarked.
Another nodded along, "It's quite the development. The Saintess is known for her unconventional ways, but it's quite unusual for a commoner to be granted such an honor so suddenly. How could they rise to such a rank without any of our knowledge?"
The guests begin to speculate, their voices lowered as they lean in closer to one another, eager to share their thoughts and theories. The prospect of a commoner-turned-duke mingling with the aristocratic elite was intriguing.
"Do you suppose the Saintess is trying to send a message?" a guest whispered, his eyes narrowed. "Perhaps along with the church she seeks to take the court's power..."
The guests had various reactions to the possibility, from interest to apprehension. The church and government always had precarious relations, and now the presence of a new duke endorsed directly by the Saintess herself could unsettle the delicate balance of power within the imperial court.
The sudden sound of trumpets immediately drew the attention of the gathered guests, their conversations falling silent as all eyes turned towards the grand doors. An anticipatory hush blanketed the room as the doors slowly swung open, revealing the royal family.
The nobles, in a display of deference, immediately bow their heads, their gazes fixed firmly on the ground as the imperial procession entered the banquet hall. The guests remained like so, not daring to look up until the family arrived at their designated seats and the emperor's voice rang out, commanding them to rise.
As the royal family took their seats upon the ornate thrones, the guests straightened their postures, their hungry eyes trained on the sovereigns before them.
"My esteemed guests, I welcome you all to this joyous celebration in honor of my son, the crown prince." The emperor's voice is rich and resonant, filled with pride. "It warms my heart to see so many of you here today, gathered to commemorate this occasion. As your emperor, I am truly humbled by your unwavering loyalty and support. It is through your service that our great empire continues to thrive and prosper."
"My son, the crown prince, is the embodiment of our shared hopes and aspirations for the future. His journey has not been without its challenges, but it is through your steadfast guidance and counsel that he will grow into the leader that our empire needs."
The emperor's voice softened, a hint of fatherly affection seeping through. "I am honored to call him my son, and I know that with your continued support, he will lead our empire to even greater heights."
"Let us raise our glasses and toast to the crown prince, may his reign be long and prosperous. And to all of you, my loyal subjects, I offer my deepest gratitude. May this celebration be a testament to the strength and unity of our empire." The guests erupt in thunderous applause, their cheers and well-wishes echoing through the grand hall as they raise their glasses in a toast to the crown prince and the emperor's gracious words.
"Long live the royal family!" they chant in unison, their voices rising in a powerful refrain that fills the grand hall, their words echoing off the marble walls and high ceilings.
As the cheers and applause began to subside, the crown prince rose from his seat, commanding the attention of the gathered guests. A hush befell the room as all eyes turn towards the young heir. The prince stood tall, his bearing exuding a quiet confidence that belied his youthful appearance. It was quite the contrast to the quiet and meek appearance he took on while his brother was still crown prince. He raised a hand, silently requesting the guests' attention.
"My esteemed guests," the prince began, his voice clear and measured, "I am truly humbled by your show of support, devoting your precious time to be here in honor of my life's journey. It is with great pride that I stand before you today, not as a prince, but as a servant of the people." The guests murmur in surprise at his declaration.
"My duty is to ensure the prosperity and well-being of our great empire, and I vow to uphold the values of justice, benevolence, and prudence that have guided our ancestors." The prince's gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of his subjects with a steadfast determination.
"I know that the path ahead may not be an easy one, but with your support and the blessings of the heavens, I am confident that we will overcome any challenge that may arise."
As the crown prince delivered his riveting speech, the empress, seated beside the emperor, could not help but gaze upon her son with a warm smile of her own. Years of hard work had finally culminated into this one moment, all the nobles of the empire looking up at her son as their savior, their eyes held captive by him as the glow of the lanterns around them cast a halo of light around his body.
"Together, we will build a future that is worthy of the lega—"
The grand doors suddenly burst open, interrupting the solemn proceedings. The guests back away in confusion, then shock, as a body is hurled through the doors, landing with a heavy thud on the ornate floor.
The wounded knight lay helplessly on the floor, his armor containing several concerningly large indents and slashes while his body shook with the effort to stand. Appalled that something dared to take this moment away from her son, the empress's expression shifted from surprise to one of barely contained fury.
"Who dare to interrupt the crown prince's spee—"
"Good evening, your highnesses."
The room collectively gasped, there was no one in the kingdom who couldn't recognize that cold, authoritative voice.
The empress's eyes widened, her regal composure momentarily shaken as she clenched on the arms of her chair, shakily rising up. The emperor, too, leaned forward in his seat as he regarded the former heir to the throne with a piercing gaze and deep frown.
The crown prince, his hand still resting on the hilt of his sword, stood his ground, his expression hardening as he was faced with the unexpected arrival of his predecessor.
Scratching metal briefly turned their attention back to the wounded knight, his body still trembling as he tried frantically to drag his body towards the royal family in a bid to protect himself, desperation written all over his face as he begged someone, anyone to come help him. Unfortunately for him, the fear that Yoo Joonghyuk had instilled in him had already spread to the rest of the room's occupants. The drop of a pin could be heard, no one dared making a move lest they be the next victim.
Joonghyuk's gaze swept across the room as he made his way forward, taking in the stunned expressions of the gathered guests and the tense, guarded postures of the royal family. A faint, sardonic smile tugged at the corners of his lips, feeling a sense of déjà vu to his own birthday banquet. There was some satisfaction in the fact that his reputation still had a hold over the nobles, unease and uncertainty plainly written on everyone's faces.
The former crown prince's eyes linger on the wounded knight, lying helplessly on the floor, and a flicker of recognition passes across his features. He knew this man, and the implications of his presence here weren't lost on Joonghyuk.
Turning his attention to the imperial family, Joonghyuk's gaze settled on his stepbrother, and the man who occupied the throne that was once his. A silent challenge that past between the two men as they sized each other up. Initial shock giving way to a steely determination, the emperor and empress straightened themselves out, their postures tense as they prepared themselves for whatever move the former crown prince was going to make.
"You have no place here, Yoo Joonghyuk, explain your intentions or leave," the prince declared, his voice laced with barely concealed hostility.
"What an honor this is, for his highness himself to say my name, I'm grateful," Joonghyuk says, his words dripping with sarcasm.
The empress stepped forward, her furrowed brow somewhat betraying her steady voice. "Enough of this, Yoo Joonghyuk," she commanded, her voice sharp. "Do as his highness says or we'll have the guards escort you off the premises this instant."
While Joonghyuk's nose momentarily wrinkled in disgust when he shifted his gaze to the empress, it was quickly replaced by a sardonic sneer.
"My intentions?" he echoed mockingly. "Why, I'm simply here to witness the grand celebration of the dear prince's birthday banquet. Besides, the same blood runs through our veins, I have the right to be here."
The Yoo Junghun's face darkened with barely contained anger and his knuckles turn white as he gripped the hilt of his sword, "You have no right to call me your brother, you imbecile," the crown prince spat out, his teeth gritted in rage.
Joonghyuk narrowed his eyes at the crown prince. "Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of it. We may share blood, but we're the furthest thing from family."
"How dare you," the crown prince snarled. "You have no right to speak to me in such a manner. I am the rightful heir to the throne, not you, in case you've forgotten."
"I haven't forgotten a thing, not even the fact that you've never held a sword in your life. Tell me, that blade you're grasping onto, can you even swing it properly?"
The crown prince's face flushed red from either embarrassment or anger, perhaps both. Despite this, he could do nothing more but keep holding onto his sword, lest he escalate the confrontation and make an embarrassment of himself in a swordfight. The guests in the grand hall shift uncomfortably, no longer wanting to bear the suffocating tension between the two men.
Of course it was the empress who stepped forward, always the first one to defend her son . "Yoo Joonghyuk, this behavior is unacceptable. You have no right to make such disparaging remarks about the crown prince."
"Ah, Your Highness," Joonghyuk drawled out condescendingly, "that's where you're mistaken. I may have been exiled, but I never truly lost my claim to the throne. After all, I am the rightful heir, am I not?"
The empress's eyes narrow, and her lips press into a thin line. "You have no right to make such claims, Yoo Joonghyuk," she says, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "The throne belongs to my son, the crown prince, not you."
Joonghyuk merely scoffed at her. "You've truly raised your son to take after you. First my mother and now me, everything you two have ever had was earned from our bequest."
Joonghyuk's words struck a nerve with the empress, and her face went dark. Everyone in the room knew the unspoken truth – if Joonghyuk's mother hadn't been afflicted with complications during her pregnancy, the current empress would still be another faceless noble amongst the masses. She was but a vessel to birth the empire's next heir.
The empress's face contorted with rage as she glared at Joonghyuk. "You—How dare you! Get out, get out! You don't belong here!" she manically yelled, her voice echoing through the grand hall.
But before the guards made a move to escort him out, Joonghyuk responded. "That's where you're mistaken. I have every right to be here."
"You were exiled, stripped of your title and your claim to the throne. You are nothing but a lowly commoner peasant, and you have no place here."
Joonghyuk took a step closer, his gaze unwavering. "I beg to differ," he responded simply. Reaching into his coat pocket, he pulled out a familiar invitation, the seal of the royal family was unmistakable. The empress's eyes widened in surprise when she realized what exactly was in Joonghyuk's hand. The guests in the hall whispered amongst themselves, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected turn of events.
"This cannot be," she says, her voice trembling. "How did you get that, who would dare to invite you back, after all you've done?"
Joonghyuk shook his head, brushing off her questions. "Shouldn't you be asking yourself that, after all you're the one that directs all the banquets for the palace." His eyes light up in faux realization, "Could it be… the empress herself finally realizes I'm the most fit for the throne?"
Not even for a second did the empress allow such a notion to linger for the attendees to contemplate "How dare you make such an accusation!" she exclaims, "I would never betray my own son in such a way!"
"And yet you've done exactly that" he responded, his voice low and dangerous. "By inviting me back, you've called into question the legitimacy of your son's claim to the throne. We both know that there are those who would see me as the rightful heir."
"You insolent fool! This must be the work of some traitor, trying to sow discord amongst us. Guards, bring in my courtier to verify the letter this instant!"
The knights immediately sprang into action, hurrying to fetch them. The man, his face etched with trepidation, quickly approached the throne, bowing low before the empress and the emperor. "Your Majesties," the courtier said, his voice wavering slightly. "How may I be of service?"
The empress motioned violently to the letter in Joonghyuk's hand, as if just seeing it invoked her wrath. "That paper in his hands!" she demanded. "Examine it and tell us if it is genuine or not." The man's eyes widened as he took the invitation, his fingers carefully inspecting the parchment and the seal. The tension in the hall was palpable as everyone waited with bated breath for his verdict.
After what felt like an eternity, the announcer looked up, his expression grave. "Your Majesty, this invitation is indeed genuine. The seal and the script match those used by the royal household... but, well…"
The announcer swallows hard, his Adam's apple bobbing visibly. He glanced nervously between the empress and Joonghyuk, his hands trembling as he held the invitation. The empress, her patience wearing thin, slammed her fist on the armrest of her chair.
"Well?" the empress barked, her eyes narrowing. "Speak up!"
The announcer took a deep breath, steeling himself. "The invitation," he began, his voice quivering, "is addressed to… Lady Yoo Sangah, the Saintess."
"The Saintess?" she repeated faintly. The Saintess...she was already reluctant to give that woman an invitation, given her adversarial relationship with the court. It was more out of obligation than anything. But things were different this time around. With the identity of the new duke still unrevealed to the public, the empress was forced to send two invitations to the Saintess, the other to be given to the duke who she'd personally endorsed. For this invitation to be addressed to her…
"N…no, it can't be…" she whispered, her voice trembling. "It can't be you." The empress shakily reached out for her chair. The emperor, worried about his wife's increasingly unstable state of mind, reached out to her, helping her sit back down on her throne.
"What is the meaning of this, Yoo Joonghyuk?" he demanded, his voice stern as he looked between his wife and eldest son.
"Well, our little charade was fun while it lasted, but I suppose it's time to cut to the chase," Joonghyuk bowed deeply.
"It is my pleasure to greet the royal family as Yoo Joonghyuk, the Duke of the Kaizenix Duchy."