110 You can only Blame Yourself (1/2)

The sight of his eldest son kowtowing to a vassal pricked Olrich's chest and trampled his dignity. However, since Elmar had already stepped forward, there was nothing else Olrich could do.

Rage, outrage but, more importantly, disappointment filled his gaze as he stared at that son of his. Having raised him from the cradle, how could he not know of his disposition. Decades ago, he'd almost jeopardized his position for a woman. Thankfully, Olrich managed to reverse the situation and bring him back on the right tracks.

Since then, Elmar had never disappointed him again, never showing weakness. Olrich believed that time and nurture would erase that soft side of his. However, he was once again proved wrong!

Elmar could be cruel and merciless toward those he possessed no feeling for, but when asked to the same to his loved ones, he didn't have the will.

Without that level of ruthlessness, how could he become emperor? In the race for the imperial throne, being the most talented cultivator was never the highest quality. Only heartlessness guaranteed success!

At least, that was Olrich's philosophy.

He shook his head, utterly disappointed. At the same time, his hatred for Hubert reached new heights.

Hubert's eyes rose from Elmar's to lock on Olrich's. His overbearing gaze shaming the von Jurgen emperor.

”What? Dissatisfied? You only have yourself to blame for this day.”

Hubert began in a mental message.

”Were your father still alive, a von Jurgen prince would never suffer such a slight. Even I would be forced to act with some restraints. However, thanks to you, thanks to your callousness and greed, he lies six feet under.

Now even that old fossil will not step up for you. At least, unless your house faces destruction, he will not emerge.

All this is thanks to you, the greedy fool. You should have just remained a smooth-talking prince.”

Hubert's mental message further shamed Olrich who had no way to argue. The winged serpent lord was entirely right. Three centuries ago, Olrich's father was at the peak of the Fate Destroying Saint Rank, only a step away from the Crossed Tribulation Saint Rank.

If he still breathed, he would have long since broken through and become able to meet the Voight patriarch as an equal. However, if he still breathed, Olrich would also never sit on the imperial throne.

And thanks to both his suspected involvement and how he took the throne from its intended heir, his strongest elder still refused to support him. Yet, Olrich had no regret. For the sake of power and supremacy, all who stood in his way would perish!

”All those who step on me will never have a good end. Today you may laugh, but regardless of how long it takes, I will surpass you. And when that time comes, I will show you no mercy!”

Olrich inwardly pledged while veins popped all across his head.

”Rest assured that I will personally execute the sentence. Prince Hubert, you no longer have to meddle with this matter.”

He then pulled Elmar by the collar and vanished in a white haze.

…

Meanwhile, all across the city, many powerhouses eyed the scene from afar.

Within the Holy Flame Church, the Celestial Faction's leaders gathered around the Head Exarch, Gerhard.

”Your Beatitude, why did you no longer intervene?”

When Wolfgang's cry of outrage spread throughout the Holy Flame City, the church indeed intended to make its move and use the opportunity to strike back at the imperial family under the banners of piety and righteousness. However, when Hubert's darkness spread, Gerhard stepped back, merely observing the scene from afar.

”Since Hubert made his move, I naturally can no longer join the fun. Regardless of the reason, the church and the Voight standing side by side to suppress the von Jurgen sends a poor message.

In any case, with Hubert present, Olrich can only suffer.”