A Villain's Way of Taming Heroines

With the disappearance of the Empress and the gradual withdrawal of numerous fifth-stage extraordinary beings and forces, the city of Celestia no longer stands as the emblem of imperial splendor.

In the outer city, remnants of destruction from the Day of Catastrophe can still be seen. This majestic city, once a testament to the supreme power of the Imperium, is now a decaying shell.

Yet today, this city has suddenly sprung to life, and the reason...

Inside the carriage, the Duke of Azuregold rested his face on his hand, gazing at the sparsely populated streets, and suddenly let out a chuckle.

"Even though she has no chance of survival, no one dares to gamble, still adhering to her rules that bind like a collar on a cornered beast."

"The Empress..."

The man lazily leaned back into the embrace of his maid: "No, it's the divine species, truly fearsome."

"As long as that blazing sun continues to burn in the Empire for even one more day, no one dares to reach for that position."

The Duke of Azuregold reclined against the maid's firm softness, his tone contemplative but his demeanor unbothered.

As a pure merchant, he harbored no desire for the throne. His presence here was merely to assess the subsequent developments, attending a farcical meeting.

"Master, we have arrived."

The Duke of Azuregold responded with a light hum, and with the maid's assistance, disembarked from the carriage, arriving at the steps leading to the palace at the highest point of Tianxin City.

He looked up at the long staircase leading to the seat of supreme power, then at the silent yet fiery blood-red sun, and donned a humble expression of reverent submission. Though the throne was vacant, he ascended the steps slowly, like a subject paying homage to the emperor.

When the Duke of Azuregold entered the long-unvisited grand hall, the other nine dukes had already arrived.

"Oh, everyone is so early."

He greeted the other dukes, who stood at the pinnacle of the Empire, without any ducal dignity: "Was there a need to be so hasty?"

"Namo, even with the throne vacant, such laxity and impudence are unacceptable before His Majesty's seat."

The speaker was the Duke of Sapphire, one of the three dukes of Eastport. He narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone carrying a hint of reproach and rebuke: "Her Majesty's return is but a matter of time!"

"Don't make it seem as if I'm disrespecting Her Majesty's authority... Haven't I always been this way?"

The Duke of Azuregold, with an innocent expression, shrugged: "Of course, I respect Her Majesty, but I've never held any reverence for you lot."

As the most formidable merchant in the Western lands, the Duke of Azuregold had countless thoughts of venturing into Eastport, the largest harbor district of the Empire, which had long captivated his desires. The sole route to the other side of the continent haunted Namo of Azuregold to the point of sleepless nights.

The animosity between the two sides had festered for years. If given the chance to encounter one another, it would undoubtedly lead to mutual taunts and insults, or even a direct confrontation. However, within the confines of this palace, their verbal sparring ceased after merely a few exchanges. Stay updated through empire

All dukes, regardless of whether they frequently visited this hall or had scarcely set foot in it since assuming their titles, silently took their designated places.

It was as if the tyrannical monarch who gazed disdainfully upon the world had not been ensnared by the Source Flame and vanished, but instead still sat regally upon the throne.

When they resumed their positions, the eerie silence persisted, unbroken until—

Until the crisp tap of a scepter against the ground echoed from outside the hall.

All eyes turned towards the entrance, where sunlight streamed in, illuminating the flawless figure of a golden-haired youth, exuding an enchanting allure and impeccable poise.

Having not been seen for some time, his demeanor and physique had undergone subtle changes; the youthful innocence unique to adolescence had all but vanished. The young Hydral was stepping into his formidable, indomitable prime.

He walked confidently from the radiance, like a divine savior descending from the heavens.

"Long time no see, esteemed Dukes."

Ansel stopped at the entrance of the hall, smiling at the ten grand dukes. "I never expected to have another opportunity to see all of you together. Truly rare."

He spoke these words with a gentle smile, neither bowing slightly as he used to nor offering any simple pleasantries.

Before the other dukes could respond, the Duke of Azuregold had already bowed deeply, with utmost respect, saying, "It is my honor to meet you."

"Lord Hydral."

Hydral, Hydral.

No longer Ansel, no longer the young Hydral, just Hydral.

After regaining their composure, the other dukes also bowed to Ansel, addressing him as "Lord." Although some seemed to harbor other thoughts, the outward display of respect was ultimately observed.

Ansel did not respond, but under the watchful eyes of the dukes, he walked towards the throne at the deepest part of the hall.

As he drew nearer to the throne, the gazes of the dukes began to change—curiosity, gravity, contemplation... Some concealed their speculations, while others made no effort to hide their emotions.

When Ansel reached the final step before the throne, all eyes fixed on his legs—one more step, and he would tread upon the stair that only the emperor could ascend.

Tap.

His scepter lightly touched the ground, and his steps halted just before the stairs.

Hydral turned around, hands resting on his cane, a gentle smile still gracing his face. Yet from within this youthful form emanated an aura the dukes knew all too well.

A dark and dangerous aura.

"Esteemed Dukes, you have gathered here due to the proclamation of the Duke of Flame Attendant," he said, unhurriedly, in a commanding tone. "Thus, you must all be in agreement with Duke of Flame Attendant's proclamation, correct?"

No opening pleasantries, no superfluous words. This Hydral seized control of the conversation from the start, smiling as he spoke:

"The Empire now needs a steward."

"..."

No one dared to respond.

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