Chapter 20

The Emperor, in a deep and trembling voice, questioned Elia while deliberately avoiding Bahamut's penetrating gaze. "Who are you, and what do you want from me?"

As he had been waiting for the perfect moment, Bahamut decided to make his grand introduction. With a voice that resonated with power, he declared, "I am the King of Dragons, Bahamut Draconis Rexarion."

His introduction was accompanied by the mighty roars of the young dragons that followed him, filling the sky with their presence. Bahamut had struggled with the length of his made up name until now, but at this moment, he realized it was fitting.

Elia and her children were taken aback by Bahamut's self-proclaimed grand lengthy name he never mentioned. They had never heard him use such a long name before.

A profound silence fell over them all, with no one daring to move an inch. Then, after a pause, the Emperor asked with cautious curiosity, "Dragon King, why do you seek my audience?" He had initially assumed that the lady on the back of the dragon was the master of this colossal beast, but it seemed he was mistaken.

Bahamut posed a pointed question, "Are you a weak ruler?" The question sent a wave of anger rippling through the people behind the Emperor, though they concealed their emotions. An impulsive individual among them couldn't restrain himself and dared to confront Bahamut, "You insult His Highness."

In response, Bahamut released an intense wave of heat and thunderous power, causing everyone to cover their ears and take a step back. However, Bahamut ensured that Elia remained unharmed. He thundered, "I am the ruler of the sky, and he is the ruler of the land. Who are you to question me, servants of his rule?"

Fear rippled through the crowd, and guards readied their spears while archers nocked their arrows. Before Bahamut could utter another word, the Emperor interjected, "Forgive my men's rudeness," and gestured for his guards to stand down.

Emperor then cautiously asked, "Dragon King, I do not find your words to be an insult, but rather a critique. What is it that you are pointing out?"

Bahamut continued, "As a descendant of the Azure Emperors, you should possess much more power than what is contained within these city walls. Yet you allow pretenders to call themselves Emperors and your bloodline to be belittled."

The Emperor fell into a contemplative silence, fully aware of the weakening state of his lineage, as regional princedoms continued to rise in power. Moreover, the loss of control over Leng about four hundred years ago and the emergence of the self-proclaimed "Orange Emperor," Pol Qo, on the northern frontiers posed significant threats.

Additionally, to the east, beyond the Golden Empire's borders, in the city of Carcosa on the Hidden Sea, an exile claimed to be the sixty-ninth yellow emperor, representing a dynasty that had fallen a thousand years ago.

Bahamut finally revealed his intentions, "I am here to make a deal if you are willing," his giant eyes focused on the Emperor.