Royal Decree

The time was a turbulent one. I was an ambitious young man. Well, realistically I was just a foolish one. My uncle, Augustus Galeburst, was the most prominent figure of the time. He used his extraordinary strength to expand the dynasty. Why would I dare covet that? Was listening to my father really worth it in the end?

I deeply regret the occurrence. Unfortunately, it's far too late for me to express my regret. The man died, not by my hands, which makes it all the worse. Had I not been spared I wouldn't be able to write this letter.

The memories of that event are vividly engrained in my mind the fear and regret that I felt at the time was simply unimaginable.

I sunk my blade through deep into his flesh in that turbulent battlefield. To some, it may seem odd. How could such a great man be fell by an ordinary sword? It was no coincidence that Augustus was not wearing his usual dragon scale armor that day. It was all part of my father's plot.

And as the blade cut through his body, my mind was only filled with elation. It was as if the thought of doing something I wasn't allowed to invigorated me.

"Give up" I had told him at the time. I whispered this word with a trace of ridicule.

Augustus, he had wanted to resist prompting my arrogant words.

Do you see this!? You are in no way superior to me!

These thoughts were the ones that crossed my mind at the time. My uncle was an arrogant man. He was a man filled with unbridled confidence. How detestable. That smile of his, the eyes that looked down upon me from above. Everything about him! Detestable.

Perhaps it was these negative emotions that masked my vision at the time, which made me forget Augustus' mad personality.

"You scoundrels! What will you achieve by this huh?!?" He yelled red with anger.

No, in reality, he was just bathed in blood. Most of it was his enemies. Still, in my elated state, I failed to realize that there are certain people not worth provoking.

"What will we achieve? Hahaha, uncle, you are a riot" Still infatuated on my greed, my laugh was maniacal. Those were the words I wanted to hear! Those angry words of disbelief!

But… It was shortlived.

"Dear nephew, are you perhaps not acquainted with your own uncle?" He said mockingly with a daring smile. He had long since turned his head to look at my straight in the eyes. The blood that dripped from his open mouth made it seem quite devilish. His crazed eyes.

I and the others that were surrounding him wanted to involuntarily take a step back. Something was wrong!

The chaotic battlefield which used to be filled with the sounds of battle was instead replaced by howling winds. They covered the immediate area and we all fell into a panic. I can only imagine my aghast and frightful expression as I tried to dislodge the sword from his chest. My trembling arms couldn't muster the sufficient strength, however.

The howling winds made me realize something. This man, he was mad.

Mad.

The amount of mana that ran through his body was bound to cause his body to collapse but…!

Mad!

He was able to face death without an ounce of fear! It took a special kind of lunatic.

"I regret not killing any of you sooner" These words struck my heart. They instilled a cold feeling as if being seen through. As if all along, my very existence had only been permitted by his reluctance to eradicate his own family members.

Compassion?

The oppressive aura that followed these words dispelled any thoughts of that being the case. My knees buckled and the grip on my sword weakened.

"But… I'll have to spare you." A demonic whisper! I- I- It didn't feel like I was being spared at all!

But worst of all was the evident pity in his eyes as he spoke those fiendish words. He pitied that he couldn't kill me! I could only thank whatever allowed the madman to hold himself back at the time since it felt like I was already on death's hands.

The oppressive aura then subsided. The winds converged on one single point becoming silent. The tip of his sword seemed to shine brighter than the stars.

"Remember this, I have never met an unbeatable opponent. Only insurmountable circumstances." His words carried a large tinge of regret. The ploy we orchestrated, I didn't doubt he was well aware.

Suddenly, the whole battlefield became paralyzed.

"ROOOOAR" The ferocious roar of an unimaginable existence. Some were knocked out on the spot. 

His sleek green sword seemed to have come to life. The deafening roar signifying its awakening.

Augustus, the mad king, slaughtered my cousins. He slaughtered any who took part in the ploy currently on the field I of course didn't see any of this. I had long since fainted due to shock and fear.

At the same time, he obliterated the enemy forces giving the dynasty an overwhelming victory.

I heard what happened next. A truly terrifying will and might. Disregarding his mangled and bloodied body. My uncle, Augustus Galeburst, killed his brother. My father. He killed any official he had long since deemed traitorous.

This was however never noticed until much later. Until one of the servants entered to clean the throne room and found it strewn with corpses. In the chair of the family leader was the resting Augustus. His expression was solemn and mighty.

But he was dead... It was his final act.

After that, I had taken over the dynasty. I was officially declared the leader and I took the role with great fear. I was afraid that he had made a mistake and would come from the pits of hell to mutilate my body. To strewn me about the throne room for a grisly painting.

But that never happened. I lived my years and ruled peacefully. My achievements weren't outstanding. But maybe I only thought as such due to at one time having lived in my uncle's shadow.

This is my final letter. Heed my words descendants of the great Galeburst dynasty. Your blood comes from that of a coward. Never raise your head thinking you are mighty. A single mistake can lead to tragedy. And it much easier to commit such mistakes when blinded by conceit.