Chapter 139: The Announcement
"To arbitrate deeply on the matter, it is quite obvious that the decree is authentic." The kingdom’s advisor voiced his opinion after taking a quick look at the parchment, his hollow eyes squinting into concentration as he adjusted his reading glasses against the bridge of his nose.
"The seal is the same as the ones of King Muzan, and the handwriting is a good match." His skeptical gaze moved to Ivan who hadn’t uttered a word since he was brought in here. "Unless you have enough valid proof that states this decree was fabricated, the throne will have to be given to prince Eamon as it was written."
"Of course it’s authentic, but who would believe a man in chains?" Eamon inquired with a raised eyebrow, almost mockingly, and he turned to the gathered crowds that instantly quieted down. "Who here has any good records of Lord Ivan? I suppose no one does, and to be clear, I am saddened as I am disappointed that my own brother would challenge me like this. He has been brought forth like a prisoner and that alone proves the kind of man he is, the kind of man he will be if you let him rule. I believe you humans are wise enough to make the appropriate decision, cause that is the only way this struggle in our kingdom will be put to an end."
Eamon softly stirred the crowd with a look of compassion in his crimson eyes. "This man you see here murdered my sister and Mother so he could get his hands on my throne." He charged with a pointed glare, causing all sorts of gasps to escape from the crowds who exchanged gazes of disbelief, and he continued. "Those aren’t his only crimes, the man I’m ashamed to call my brother dared to steal the dark magics of the missing Orb, and that is why he’s being subdued by these handcuffs! If he can hurt his own family, what can he not do to the subjects of EmptyHollow?"
Asking this, the crowd’s fear became more evident as some darted glances at Ivan’s way. It sounded unbelievable that he would hurt his own family, but the aura he emanated, despite his powers being subdued, was strongly intimidating. The crowds waited for the youngest Prince to defend himself, to say something at least, but he just remained quiet with his gaze fixed solely on the door, as if he was expecting someone.
He bore no shame at all.
Ivan, who appeared bored, simply watched Eamon address the crowd with a polished tone fitted for a Prince. He looked like the perfect prince charming, speaking in all manner of kindness, enough to fool anyone into believing he was speaking from the heart, and he has used this fake personality of himself to gain the attention of the crowds and even admirers. Ivan knew nothing good will come out of his own mouth if he tried to speak, cause the first thing he plans on doing will be to curse the fucking hell of Eamon, but then his actions would be misjudged.
Instinctively, his gaze darted to the door from time to time, wondering why his cousins weren’t back yet, and it got to a point, their lateness was starting to bother him. Was it possible that there really was no forged seal? Was the decree authentic? This thought had Ivan’s brows marred into a frown as his eyes wavered.
Drowning in his worries, the Four Lords seemed to have come to an agreement concerning something before separating, and one of the Four Lords stepped forward, his crimson eyes gleaming with a hint of arcanum.