Accidental Ascendance

Chapter 23 23: He Looks So.....

?

In the grand throne room, the air was thick with tension and confusion as King Lucian's gleeful laughter echoed through the opulent space. His pink hair cascaded down his back as he sat regally on his throne, his face a picture of amusement. The nobleman, Fitman, spoke out in protest, his voice tinged with anger and frustration.

"You can't be serious!" Fitman's voice reverberated through the hall. "Any one of us here has more claim to stand by your side four times over more than this boy!"

King Lucian's laughter subsided, and his expression turned serious as he locked eyes with the defiant nobleman. "Are you questioning me or advising me, Fitman?" The king's tone was firm, and his Mana pressure seemed to intensify, causing those present to feel the weight of his authority.

Fitman's confidence wavered as the king's oppressive Mana pressure bore down on him. "It's advice, my lord," Fitman replied, his voice strained. "This boy who is no older than your daughter is not fit to stand beside you..."

King Lucian crossed his arms, his eyes sharp as he regarded Fitman. "As I recall, you fell to your knees just like the rest of the men in here," he said pointedly. "All while this 'boy' didn't even flinch. Yet you dare say to be more fit than this boy? You dare to say you deserve to be at my side? Arrogance is a bad trait to have, Lord Fitman."

Fitman felt humiliated and cheated, his years of ambition and efforts seemingly about to unravel because of one child. The bribes he paid, the connections he fostered, all amounted to nothing in the face of Cedric's unexpected presence. Blinded by his rage, Fitman's frustration reached a breaking point.

"It's this boy's fault!" Fitman seethed, pointing an accusing finger at Cedric. His anger consumed him as he cast an incantation for a spell, calling forth several streams of fire that converged into a fiery ball. "Flames inforno!"

Cedric, seemingly calm amid the chaos, stood silently in the face of the incoming fireball. The king was about to intervene when the Remint of Clair, sensing the danger to its wearer, reacted in a unique way.

Among its many unique properties, one of its most remarkable features is the ability to create a protective shield that activates when it is in danger.

The shield is a result of a special enchantment placed on the Remint long ago. This spell acts as a safeguard, designed to protect the Remint from harm or danger when it's safety or well-being is threatened. The shield is fueled by the surrounding mana and serves as an extension of it's own magical abilities.

In Cedric's case, the Remint's shield works seamlessly for a particular reason—Cedric is manaless. Unlike other mages who possess the ability to wield and manipulate mana, Cedric was born without the capacity to do so. This unique trait makes him immune to most forms of magical attacks, including the kind of Mana siphon attributes used by the Remint.

A spell of protection, placed on the Remint by another head of the family long ago, activated to shield Cedric from the oncoming attack.

The fireball collided with the Remint's protective barrier, dissipating harmlessly. King Lucian's arms remained crossed, and a smile of amusement returned to his face. "Hoho, Montclair, that was impressive," he commented, seemingly unfazed by the close encounter.

Cedric, still in shock, didn't immediately register the king's words. He believed that the king had intervened to save him, and a sense of gratefulness filled his heart. However, Fitman saw it differently, in his eyes, Cedric appeared almost otherworldly, like a beast staring down its prey, causing him to fall to his knees in a mix of awe and despair. Fitman felt utterly outmatched and overwhelmed by the young boy who stood before him, not even half his age, and yet possessing a power that seemed beyond comprehension.

King Lucian lets out a heavy sigh. "I guess it happened sooner, rather than later." The king then stepped forward, walking to the kneeling Fitman.

Fitman knelt before King Lucian, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as fear and anxiety gnawed at his composure. The king's piercing gaze bore into him, and Fitman could feel the weight of the accusation in the air.

"How long have you plotted with the Fest Empire?" King Lucian's voice rang out, steady and firm.

Fitman's voice quivered as he replied, "I-I don't know what you mean, Your Majesty."

The king crossed his arms, his expression unwavering. "Reia," he beckoned to his royal ranker, who approached with an air of authority. "Show him."

Reia extended her hand, gently touching Fitman's forehead. In an instant, the room was enveloped in an ethereal glow, and a projection of Fitman's memories appeared before everyone present.

In the projection, Fitman's voice rang with malice as he spoke to the cloaked figure, "I can give you valuable information about our kingdom's defenses. The southern gate is not as heavily guarded during the third watch of the night, and there's a blind spot in the eastern wall that can be exploited."

The cloaked figure's voice was sinister and calculating, "Good. And what about the hidden passageways used by the royal family?"

Fitman scoffed for a moment before answering, "There is one secret passage that leads from the king's chambers to the northern courtyard. It's rarely used and known only to the royal family and a select few trusted guards."

The cloaked figure's tone turned menacing, "Your loyalty lies with us now. Remember, the Fest Empire always remembers those who serve us well."

Fitman's voice was filled with frustration and annoyance as he spoke to the cloaked figure, "Look, I told you everything you wanted to know. Now, where's my payment?"

The cloaked figure's voice remained cold and unyielding, "Patience, Fitman. You'll get what you deserve once our plans come to fruition."

Fitman scowled, "I've risked everything for this. My reputation, my standing in the court, all for your damn secrets. I want my reward, and I want it now!"

The cloaked figure chuckled darkly, "You're in no position to make demands. Remember, we hold your fate in our hands. Your loyalty better be as solid as you claim."

As the projection ended, a tense silence filled the throne room. The nobles and courtiers looked at Fitman with a mix of shock and disdain, realizing the depths of his treachery and greed.

King Lucian's expression hardened as he looked down at the kneeling Fitman. "You have betrayed not only me but the entire kingdom for your selfish desires. Your actions have consequences, and you will face the full weight of justice."

Fitman's face twisted with frustration and anger, feeling cornered and exposed. He had hoped to gain power and influence through his deceit, but now it had all crumbled before him. The regret he felt was not for his betrayal but for being caught, knowing that all his scheming and plotting had been in vain.

As he knelt before the king, Fitman's mind raced, trying to think of a way out of this predicament, but he knew there was no escaping the consequences of his actions. He had played a dangerous game, and now it was time to face the consequences.

The king nodded at Reia, who raised her hand, and with a snap of her finger, Fitman's head began to shake uncontrollably, painful screams filling the halls. Cedric's eyes widened as he looked at Elena and asked, "What is she doing?"

Elena's face carried a mixture of pity and concern. "Her unique magic is psychic magic. She can damage your very thoughts, read memories, and even exert mind control."

The throne room fell into an eerie silence after the king's swift and brutal action. Fitman's agonized screams echoed through the grand chamber.

King Lucian's eyes held a touch of sadness as he watched the scene unfold. "I have warned you all before. Loyalty and trust are paramount in my court."

The gravity of the king's words hung heavily in the air as Reia took Fitman away, the echoes of his screams slowly fading. King Lucian then addressed the rest of the court, his voice carrying both authority and regret.

"There are traitors among us, lurking in the shadows and working in concert with the Fest Empire," he declared. "Starting tomorrow morn, with the assistance of my new court mage, we will begin an investigation to root out these traitors and bring them to justice."

The king's eyes scanned the room, his gaze piercing through each noble's soul. "Be warned, any of you who are late to these investigations or show any signs of deception will be immediately seen as spies and traitors. You have all witnessed what happens to spies today. I will not tolerate disloyalty in my court."

The nobles and courtiers bowed their heads, their faces a mix of fear and apprehension. The king's words had struck fear into their hearts, knowing that the consequences of disloyalty were severe and unforgiving.

As the court was dismissed, Cedric followed Reia's lead, leaving the throne room in a state of disbelief and unease. The events of the day had left an indelible mark on everyone present. Cedric stared at the king who stood tall and proud like a lion, but something about the king made Cedric utter words he couldn't control. "He looks so sad...."