The jealousy within the courtroom was so thick that it could be cut with a knife.
The estimated value of gifts that Max had received in this courtroom exchange had exceeded the 30 billion gold coin mark, which was more than enough to help it jump a few ranks in the upcoming clan assessment.
The lower ranking lords were worried about their rank dropping even further, while the representative of many higher ranking lords felt that they needed to reassess their relationship with the Bloodfall clan.
With Julian taking his seat beside John Velter in the room, only two seats were left in the entire courtroom prepared for the King and Queen of vampires should they have arrived for the ceremony, however, nobody actually expected for Regus to arrive personally hence when the announcer announced his entry, everyone was shocked to point of feeling their skulls going numb.
" ALL KNEEL!
NOW ENTERING! THE SUN OF THE UNIVERSE.
THE KING OF KINGS.
THE VAMPIRE MONARCH.
THE PROTECTOR.
THE ANNIHILATOR.
THE WISE.
THE WICKED.
THE MAN WHO RULES IXTAL
KING REGUS AURELIUS
Following him is his son Prince Lucius Aurelius " The announcer shouted at the top of his lungs as immediately everyone fell to their knees including Max as Regus Aurelius made his entry into the courtroom.
Nobody dared make a sound until Regus arrived at the centre of the courtroom and glanced patiently at every single attendee before saying " At ease "
The only ones who already knew about Regus's arrival were the top lords who met him in the waiting area, however, to everyone else this was a big shock!
It was already a great honor for top lord's like Vega and Julian to come to Max's ceremony personally, however, for Regus Aurelius to personally grace this event elevated it's status to legendary.
Max did not sit back on his throne, but rather walked down from his steps and greeted Regus Aurelius at eye level.
Although Regus had perfectly restrained his aura, Max could not help but sweat at his back when he was in front of the man.
Built like a Greek God with the demeanour of a wicked politician, Regus was the complete monarch.
Just looking into his eyes one could feel the power he hid beneath them, as if a lion watching a newborn cub taking his first steps.
He was without a doubt, the apex predator of the vampire heirarchy. The strongest of them all.
" For the Bloodfall clan, the Aurelius clan brings an exemption letter for their mandatory military call-up on the frontline planets until the next assessment.
Build your territory and strength in peace first Ravan, serve the Monarchy later " Regus said in a humble tone as his powerful voice reverberated throughout the halls of the palace.
Max dropped to one knee as Regus presented his gift as he said meekly " The Bloodfall clan accepts the Grace's of the monarch "
Regus ruffled Max's hair as if petting a dog, before walking past him to take his seat as Lucius followed and took the seat meant for his mother.
Only when Regus was seated did Max get back up and take his seat on the throne, as despite it being his moment, all eyes were now plastered over the monarch Regus Aurelius who had all the limelight.
It took a full 5 minutes for the officials to gather their wits as the Aurelius clan prime minister rushed to talk to his king, as even he was unaware of Regus planning to attend the ceremony.
Without understanding the will of the monarch, the ceremony could not proceed, yet not one individual dared make a single sound until the proceedings resumed, fearing the wrath of Regus Aurelius.
Internally Max was extremely jealous. This stature, this power, this respect, this fear he wanted it too, however he was far from getting it.
He was disgusted at having to bow like a dog infront of Regus Aurelius, however the fact of the matter was that he was nothing but a dog infront of Regus at his current strength.
Although he knew exactly why the king was here and knew about the events that were to follow, he was still dissatisfied with how things were turning out, especially how Regus purposefully ruffled his hair.
' Calm down boy, your time will come. Remember all this disrespect, all this jealously and hatred, someday you will hold his decapitated neck by his hair.
Hide your emotions deeply until then '. Drax said as he reminded Max that his time would come, but today was not the day to act rowdy.
Listening to Drax's advise, Max calmed down significantly as he buried his anger deep.
Soon, the crown was escorted to the courtroom as the last and final ceremony of the day was about to start with the crown being placed on Max's head and him being declared the lord of the Bloodfall clan, however, the ceremony was interrupted by the prime minister of the Aurelius clan as he began acting on Regus's wishes.
" As all of you present here, whether the lord's of your own territory or their chosen representatives must know, becoming a lord and integrating into the vampire society is a great honor.
We are as strong as those we are surrounded with, and the fabric of our society is trust in each other and trust within the vampire system established by our ancestors" The prime minister said as he pretended to give a lecture on morals and values
" Lord Ravan is a great man who despite his young age has performed various meritorious deeds for the vampire society which is probably why today so many lords have personally gathered for his coronation.
However, before the King personally places the crown on his head and coronates him with all honors, there is a slight development that needs to be addressed by lord Ravan infront of this courtroom, since it involves the traitorious deeds of his known associate Max Rajput " The prime minister said, as everyone shifted their glance towards Max and alternated it with the smiling face of Regus Aurelius.
The monarch had finally started his play.
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/// A/N - Bonus chapter for hitting the PS target, good job everyone! ///