Chapter 2: Cursed Child

WALLS of enchanted glass reflected sunlight into the study, making it very bright; no light will be found that burns the back when sitting back.

The smell of ink, along with the movement of writing, causes friction between the surface of the paper and the tip of the pen, which collides with each other. The sound of leaves occasionally being hit by the wind came through the air vents, so the room filled with two grown men who had not spoken to each other after Butler had announced his arrival was not too quiet.

In front of me now stood Duke Costello, who was only formally installed yesterday; Astarif Laurenz fin Costello. Having spent his youth on the battlefield and especially guarding the borders of the eastern region, he had returned to the capital. He would assume responsibility as the new Duke Costello in place of the previous Duke Costello.

"The noble faction urges the continuation of the talks that were postponed two years ago when His Majesty had to go to war. According to them, this matter can no longer be postponed, and this moment is the right time because you have returned safely and brought victory to Adenium.' Good things will follow good things', that's what they say."

Placing the quill on the table after a period, I looked up lazily with the back of my right hand supporting my chin. Of all the heaps of work to be done, hearings are the most boring, especially for this problem.

The heir talk is commonplace and a most sensitive topic, which is much liked by royalty because this opportunity can be a turning point in life. The power and wealth obtained if elected is the hope everyone wants to come true. However, it was useless if the targeted person had no interest in women. Knowing this very well, the reason for succeeding the Emperor next was the sentence used most often as a weapon.

Unfortunately, they didn't know that their Emperor was immortal. Thus, there is no problem with the next Emperor's successor because I will continue to lead Adenium. Whether it's 100 years or 1000 years from now, there's no problem.

However, that fact is only known by very few people; Duke Costello, every generation, and one who is my Right Hand; currently is Hamon Quante.

"You're fussy too."

"Forgive me, Your Majesty."

All nobles will usually attend the hearing. However, this time Duke Costello had come in person as a sent representative. I had them meet with Duke Costello and the Prime Minister to represent my presence then the outline would be delivered directly by Duke Costello.

"I want to postpone it for a few more years. Now you come back and tell me my decision."

Duke Costello, who disagreed with what I said, spoke up. His calm face was flat, hiding emotions as usual. He stared straight fearlessly. "You have postponed the succession talks three times, Your Majesty. It is time for you to prepare for the next life," he warned.

The next life has the meaning of living in the form and identity of another person. That was the scenario I had created since leading Adenium for the first time.

Live long, not aging, and gain strength after throwing away human identity hundreds of years ago; going through troublesome scenarios to hide eternal life so greedy humans don't come to me for their selfishness; struggle to live life like most humans: get married, have children, and die; put up a familiar story for everyone and share certain parts with only a few people. This is all for the sake of a peaceful life.

My life was already troublesome enough with work and responsibilities as the Emperor of this country, not to mention the politics of the empire, which involved many people from various walks of life and goals. The arrival of some humans who want something more significant than others will undoubtedly add to the noise and further my days of peace.

"I want to postpone it another two years."

"You cannot delay any longer, Your Majesty." The man in front of me is not desperate. With an expressionless face, he continued, "The sex of a child is completely unpredictable at birth, and unfortunately, only a boy is needed. If the first birth was a girl, you must wait another two years for the next birth."

Child.

It was one of the pieces I needed to run the scenario. Because men can't give birth, I need women—creatures I hate—to participate in this scenario.

Witches and healers would take care of the woman, and I would only have to wait nine months plus a few days for the birth. Black magic will be performed through a woman's body chosen as a vessel to create a baby in the womb. Meanwhile, a pregnant woman will immediately breathe her last when the child is born.

Creatures created with black magic never end well because they will die at my hands. If a woman is born, she will die shortly after being accepted into the world. On the other hand, if the one taken is a boy, then he will live to be 17 years old right after he is officially crowned as the Crown Prince—so that when I move on to the next scene—that is, I'm pretending to be dead—I can kill the child to play the role then. Himself.

"Your Majesty." Duke Astello broke my thoughts. "In light of the insistence of the noble group that supports Your Majesty, I request Your Majesty to reconsider your decision."

So letting out a rough breath, I waved my hand; drove Duke Costello away. "Yes, yes. I understand. Now you come back."

"The nobles will be vying to offer their daughters tomorrow."

"You know what you have to do, don't you?"

Duke Costello lowered his head; salute before leaving. "I understand. Then, I say goodbye, Your Majesty. May blessings always be bestowed upon the Adenium Star."

Talking about children, the child born to the Puppet Emperor and Cunning Empress was a cursed child. Not getting love after birth into the world, only used as a tool to control the Emperor; taking advantage of the Emperor's immense devotion to rein in the reins would eventually turn into disaster and destruction.

Mother's arbitrary and violent actions unintentionally created many enemies; I, who knew nothing, was subjected to harsh treatment and torture as a form of outlet for those who were hurt by Mother's treatment. Not enough to be ignored; I became a prince who was not respected by anyone, not even treated as a human. Because the woman who gave birth to me is only concerned with herself and power, there's nothing wrong if I, who continues to be hurt, have a grudge.

Amid sunny and warm Adenium weather, I finally succeeded to the throne after killing the previous Emperor, Robertus IV de Adenium, and beheading Queen Olivia. The peak of the rebellion was when I made a pact with the Demon King.

Of course, half dead struggling to survive, I had no strength compared to the entire palace's knights, who were only filled with selected people. Relying on my abilities alone is not enough to break through the power of Mother, the woman who leads Adenium. I need more power.

Discarding one's identity as a human and letting darkness control one's self; is payment for the agreement that has been agreed upon. Although on the outside, I am human, in reality, I am not much different from demons and monsters. I am sacrificing many lives to get the essence of blood to maintain life and sanity and no longer protect myself from people who hate me. Instead, their presence turned into an advantage for me.

The reason wars between continents often occur none other than the political tricks I did. If a fight broke out, many humans would die and eventually give the essence through their blood to feed the darkness. In addition, the prisoners of war whose country loses will become a food reserve that I can use anytime.

In essence, those who are no longer helpful become useful.

***

The cold and damp dungeon that afternoon turned into a sea of ​​blood. The places usually filled with: the whimpering of the prisoners asking to be released, the shouting of curses filled with swearing at the prison wardens and the Emperor, harsh sentences exchanged between prisoners, and the sound of fistfighting between the cell occupants; suddenly quiet.

The dungeon floor, which was only plastered with cement, left blood stains everywhere. Some of the thick liquid had dried, but the base still wet with fresh blood was even more. It was as if every minute, blood flowed from the prisoners' cells in order.

Dozens of corpses had filled the front of the dungeon. A fishy smell immediately filled the entire room without exception. The two prison wardens and four soldiers who had followed me froze in the back.

The deeper I go, the more ferociously I kill everyone in sight. My green net glows in the dark. Slowly I stepped into one of the cells I had just passed. All the prisoners have been killed. Step by step, I shortened the distance with the skinny mouse hiding in the corner of the room.

"You think I can't see you by hiding in the shadows?"

"Ple-please, Your Highness...."

He pulls the corners of their lips up; the sharp edge of my sword tears through the shoulder to the left corner of his stomach.

"ARGH!"

Splashes of blood hit some of my hair and face. Meanwhile, the ivory-white uniform I was wearing had turned a reddish color. Gasping breaths filled the dungeon's silence. As if still dissatisfied, the tip of my sword, which was filled with the young man's blood, lodged in his chest.

Not a sound could be heard, even a tiny groan; the room suddenly became silent.

After dozens of corpses lying on the floor and a deep red liquid that flooded the room, I could breathe easily. The headache I was feeling slowly disappeared. The darkness in my torturous heart has now calmed down.

"Clean up this mess."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Slowly I stepped out of the cell. The sword I used to relieve stress I threw in all directions. Headaches that lately often attack make me uncomfortable. Strangely, since then, the darkness in my heart has grown thirsty for blood.

It started ever since I met that kid. []