Chapter 153: Varyn’s Annoyance

Everyone was in shock when they saw what was happening, but they didn’t dare voice their thoughts and could only watch in silence, hoping that they were not a part of it.

King Theron finally spoke, his gaze piercing Duke Varyn.

"You’ve been trying me for far too long. How dare you think of me with contempt? I knew something was wrong from your first question. But to imagine that you could release your intent so freely? THE AUDACITY!" he bellowed.

Varyn was still struggling under the influence and could only clutch the floor. He didn’t dare try to resist the King’s will, knowing that fighting back, even if it eased his immediate pain, would only seal his doom when he eventually lost.

Everyone in the hall was utterly still. They were even scared to breathe, erasing any thoughts that might betray them to the King’s discerning senses.

Lord Theron eventually released his will, allowing Varyn to tumble onto the floor, spitting blood.

"What’s your deal about the girl? I won’t harm her, just so you know. It’s even a wonder why you would be more worried than her very own father. Pathetic," he spat.

"I understand you have something against me. But regardless, and as a show of my superiority, I pardon you."

Varyn breathed a sigh of relief when he heard those words, but he knew there was always a it wasn’t over.

"But," King Theron continued, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "if you ever plan or think bad about me so blatantly again, I will not kill you, that’s a promise. I will make you suffer!"

Varyn, his head still bowed, responded, "Yes, my King."

"Good," Theron said, his smile returning, though it held a sharper edge now. "Now, back to what we were saying."



Duke Varyn, still a bit shaky, managed to return to his throne, the lingering humiliation evident on his face.

The King, seemingly unfazed by the sudden display of power, continued to outline his plans and views regarding Eldryth.

He spoke of the vast resources to be gained, the strategic advantage of crippling their long-standing rival, and how the death of Queen Gaya presented an unparalleled opportunity.

He even detailed his method for confirming the news of the Queen’s demise, which involved him visiting them himself.

The Dukes, after witnessing the King’s power and unpredictable nature, found themselves in agreement with the sensibility, or rather, the inevitability of his vision.

With their tacit consent secured, King Theron smoothly transitioned to other matters concerning the welfare of Zarion.

He inquired about the current state of the kingdom, the efficiency of their trade routes, and the ability of their military forces.

He also delved into the progress of various public works projects and the overall economic stability of their domains.

The Dukes responded, providing concise updates on each point, their answers often accompanied by subtle nods of deference.

At some point, as the meeting was drawing to a close, King Theron leaned forward with a thoughtful expression on his face.

"I’ve always admired your inventions," he began, gesturing vaguely around the opulent hall.

"As you can see, they are all in use throughout the palace, enhancing its grandeur and efficiency. I’m also receiving reports of how quickly the kingdom is changing due to their widespread adoption."

The Dukes nodded their heads in polite acknowledgment.

"But I’m disappointed in not seeing much more in recent months," King Theron continued, "I’ll encourage you to make more of such, especially the magic devices. We would make a good profit if we sell them to the other kingdoms."



The Dukes mumbled their agreement, but deep down, they knew the King’s request was almost impossible to fulfill.

They were already facing a significant shortage of new inventions, let alone having enough to sell to other kingdoms.

The Association as well reported that they stopped receiving them from Adrian long ago.

Finally, King Theron rose from his throne, a clear signal that the audience was over. "I think we’ve spoken enough. You can all go."

The Dukes rose in unison and bowed respectfully. As Duke Cedric prepared to leave, his gaze lingered on the unconscious Serena, still lying on the floor.

He hesitated, a silent question in his eyes. King Theron, noticing his apprehension, offered a reassuring, if somewhat unsettling, smile.

"You don’t need to worry, Cedric. I won’t harm her. Even after I confirm the news, she’ll be valuable."

Cedric could only manage a, "Thank you, my King."

With that, the Dukes filed out of the Grand Hall, leaving King Theron alone with the silent, unconscious figure of Serena.

As the Dukes reached their respective carriages outside the palace, an air of tension lingered.

Duke Miralith turned and asked. "What was the meaning of that, Varyn?"

Varyn, ignoring the question entirely, tapped Cedric on the shoulder, a silent signal for him to follow.

The rest of the Dukes, annoyed by Varyn’s dismissive attitude, simply entered their carriages and departed, going their separate ways.

Inside Varyn’s carriage, once the door was closed, he cast a silencing spell.

"Borin," Varyn began with frustration, "I’m very disappointed in you. For letting that child of a king take your daughter."



Cedric flinched, quickly shushing him. "Keep quiet, Varyn! You shouldn’t say such things so casually. How dare you call the King a child?"

It was a known, though rarely spoken, truth throughout Zarion: King Theron, despite his imposing presence and immense power, was remarkably young.

Even younger than he appeared. In this world, the path to power wasn’t solely paved with hard work and diligent training; it was primarily defined by talent.

Each individual’s mana core and dantian could only manage so much mana before reaching their limit.

For most, their cultivation speed would eventually reduce to a crawl, and then cease altogether. But for those with extraordinary talent, their speed only increased as they grew stronger.

King Theron was one such prodigy, becoming only the second human in history to achieve the Transcendent level, a feat that spoke volumes of his power.

Varyn nodded, a grim expression on his face. "Yes, he is. He’s an unwise, lustful man. It’s a pity that he has the role of our King. That man will be our ruin."

Cedric, however, didn’t share Varyn’s dire conviction.

"He gave us his word, Varyn, and that’s enough. I won’t join you in speaking ill of our King. I’m leaving."

With those words, Cedric opened the carriage door and stepped out, heading for his own awaiting conveyance.

Varyn could only shake his head as he watched Cedric go.

"That man is a disgrace."