Chapter 518
Vellok’s eyes narrowed, the weight behind his gaze sharpening as he studied the king with a new intensity. No longer was he merely sizing up an ally—he was gauging a threat. Across the grand hall, the Emperor, who had remained silent until now, slowly leaned forward, the folds of his crimson robe pooling like blood around his throne.
"It seems you are steadfast on your path," he said, his voice cold and deliberate, "and we cannot come to an agreement."
The Ogre King said nothing. His thick jaw was clenched, expression unreadable.
The Emperor continued, his tone tightening with veiled menace. "Your presence holds a... significant place within the Empire’s structure. That is the only reason why no direct action will be taken against you. For now."
He let the silence stretch, then spoke again—this time, with a name.
"But Kaelen—"
The name struck like a lash. The ogre king flinched, despite himself. His eyes lifted, locking with the Emperor’s. There was a flicker of something in his gaze—pain, perhaps, or buried fear—but it was quickly swallowed beneath a stoic mask.
"Anything can happen in war," the Emperor said, voice now low and serrated. "We may not strike at you openly... but the battlefield is chaos. And chaos always finds a way. There are many within the Empire—many beyond it—who would be all too glad to see a powerhouse like you brought to ruin. Especially one with such a... complicated loyalty."
Kaelen said nothing, but the flicker of tension in his shoulders betrayed him.
"Tread carefully with your new student," the Emperor warned. "But understand this—the extinction of the Ratmen is absolute. Any who stand in the way of that, regardless of their blood, name, or past ties..."
He paused, letting the words hang like a blade over the ogre’s head.