The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 165: Dealt With

Chapter 165: Dealt With

"No... We can detect the presence of divinity in her! She has holy powers!" He had to salvage this. He can’t... He can’t let the Empire win. His mind was a mess. Who did he fear more? Being taken away as a prisoner or the fact that he let down Edward and has to deal with those consequences.

Either way, after being pushed into the spotlight, he needed to resolve this issue as soon as possible, they cannot afford to lose. He dare not look at Edward at this moment.

The priests nodded. It was clear as day, they could sense the holy powers on her. The Marquess immediately got up and stepped forth.

"Your orb did not detect the holy power you speak of on my daughter. I request you to tread carefully." It was plain and straightforward, he was threatening them. If they dared to try anything, he was more than happy to show off his prowess.

Time to stretch his muscles.

"Are you threatening us?" The Head priest immediately reacted. Of course, the one pulling the strings was Edward. Before anyone could get a word in, the Emperor spoke.

"We have witnessed a historic moment. Adeline Kendrick, daughter of the Western Marquess. You possess great abilities, the Empire looks forward to seeing what you will accomplish." With this the Emperor’s stance was clear.

Adeline Kendrick was being favoured by the Emperor. He did not intend to suppress her but intended to elevate her, why else would they have gathered here?

Drogo and the Southern Duke looked on with curiosity. It would not be the worst thing to bring her over to their side. Drogo had a mixed reaction, on one hand, it would be satisfying to take what Cassian wanted...

Her lightning powers were an incredible advantage. Before her wings hardened and she took flight, he wanted to get her.

He dared to harm him just because he brought up Adeline... On the other hand, he didn’t want to admit that Cassian frightened him. He was hiding many things, who knows what he would do this time?

The Emperor rose from his throne, his movements deliberate and commanding. His golden robes, heavy with the weight of embroidered symbols of imperial authority, seemed to shimmer as he gestured for the High Priest and Edward to follow him.

The nobles began to disperse, their curiosity and unease etched onto their faces. They whispered about what they had witnessed: Adeline’s lightning powers, a phenomenon not seen for generations. A rare and dangerous attribute, one that could upend the careful balance of power within the Empire.

But the Emperor didn’t treat her with wariness, even if he was wary of her, he did a good job of hiding it. The Emperor’s family were renowned for the ice powers, his eldest showed no hint of magic, while his youngest had them... But they were weak.

Even if they had their doubts about the successor, they had to keep it to themselves. His sons might be weak, but he was stronger, stronger than anyone could imagine. They dare not go against him. He was the Emperor for a reason.

Adeline remained calm, standing tall amidst the slowly emptying chamber. Her chin was high, her gaze resolute, and her presence magnetic. Yet, she felt the weight of Edward’s gaze burning into her back. She turned slightly, meeting his eyes.

Edward’s red eyes glinted with a mixture of frustration and intensifying hatred. His fists clenched at his sides, his breathing steady but forced. Nothing was going as planned, and it infuriated him.

Edward’s thoughts churned as he followed the Emperor and the High Priest into a private chamber. This wasn’t supposed to happen. None of it was supposed to happen.

He had spent some of his life force while carefully laying his plans, manipulating situations from the shadows to ensure his ultimate control. The Emperor, though cunning and formidable, was meant to be his next pawn.

Edward had orchestrated crises to weaken his resolve, his mental strength.

Yet, the Emperor remained unyielding. His psyche was as strong as ever, even amidst the chaos. And now, Adeline—that child—had disrupted everything.

He was spread too thin. For someone who has the mental strength of the Emperor, he couldn’t control him just like that. His plan was to slowly chip away at his sanity and resolve before taking over... But now...

Edward’s jaw tightened as he recalled her presence at the Orb’s dais. The confidence in her stance, the unwavering determination in her eyes—it was infuriating. She was supposed to be a pawn too, someone easy to control, easy to manipulate. Instead, she had become an obstacle.

And then there was her holy power.

Edward knew she possessed it. He had sensed it long before anyone else had even suspected. But the extent of her abilities was staggering. She didn’t need to rely on the sacred waters of the Holy Fountain to replenish her strength.

Her holy energy was limitless, a wellspring of divine power that defied all reason.

It was her, he was certain of it—she was the one who had quelled the plague that had swept through the Empire.

The rapid containment of the disease had undermined the Temple’s influence, leaving them scrambling for relevance. His careful planning to destabilise the Empire and claim control had crumbled in the wake of her actions.

Edward’s hands curled into fists, the edges of his nails biting into his palms. I lost to her. To a child.

The private chamber was dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of incense. The Emperor stood at the head of the room, his expression unreadable. His sharp eyes swept over Edward and the High Priest as they entered, his authority radiating even in silence.

"Your Majesty," the High Priest began, bowing low. "The revelation of Lady Adeline’s lightning powers is an unprecedented event. It changes everything."

The Emperor’s gaze remained fixed on Edward. "Indeed. And yet, there seems to be more to this than meets the eye. Edward, what do you make of it?"

Edward straightened, his face calm despite the storm brewing within him. "Your Majesty, her lightning power is a rare gift. But it is also a dangerous one. If not properly controlled, it could destabilise the Empire."

The Emperor’s lips curled into a faint smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes. "And yet, she seems remarkably in control, does she not?"

The Emperor didn’t want to continue this topic at all, the reason why he was here was to deal the final blow and make sure they don’t get ideas like this again.

"Head Priest, your lapse of judgement has almost cost the lives of my soldiers. Your decision to recall the healers leaving my soldiers helpless violates the agreement. And now you shall face repercussions." His eyes narrowed at the Head Priest who looked soulless.

He shifted his gaze to Edward, the true mastermind. Of course, only a few knew that. He intended to let the Head Priest take the fall...

He won the battle... But the war remains... The true mastermind had not been brought to justice. They should tread carefully and be ready for any scheme.

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