The Evil Emperor's Fragile Heart

While the children were enjoying their time outside, King Jaren was ensconced in a meeting room with the warring envoys of the Pearl Kingdom and Obsidian Kingdom yet again.

"I demand to see Prince Raven right now!" someone from the Pearl Kingdom shouted. "Our Head Sage Yue especially came to meet him!"

"Your Head Sage Yue doesn't deserve to meet our Prince Raven!" someone from the Obsidian Kingdom shouted. "Prince Raven is a prince of the Obsidian Kingdom!"

"Don't disrespect our Head Sage Yue! He is the father of Prince Raven and is entitled to filial piety!"

"Ha! Haven't you hypocrites abandoned our Prince Raven at the time of his birth? How dare you claim any kinship now?!"

"Prince Raven recognises his father! Look, he even gave him a brooch like the one King Jaren wears!"

"It was probably given out of pity. Our Crown Princess Pica not only has a brooch like King Jaren, but she is also an investor in Prince Raven's new business, which spans the Emerald Kingdom, the Sapphire Kingdom and the Obsidian Kingdom!"

"Are you saying that the Pearl Kingdom can't support Prince Raven's new business?!"

"You can't even feed your own citizens, how will you invest anywhere?"

"How dare you?! Shut up!"

"You shut up!"

King Jaren rubbed his temples with one hand and smoothed Azar's scales with the other hand, watching the shouting match playing out in the room and wondering if he should step in or if he should simply let them continue fighting.

Ultimately, the decision was taken out of his hands by the little dragon. Irritated by the noisy humans fighting over his beloved Daddy, Azar's tolerance finally reached its limit.

He roared, loud and angry.

A dragon's roar wasn't a simple thing. The room shook, as if experiencing an earthquake, and a powerful, oppressive wave of magic washed over everyone. Many people fell to the floor in shock and fear.

King Jaren chuckled. "Thank you, my little one," he said softly, kissing the top of Azar's little head.

Crown Princess Pica looked at Azar with great interest. The dragon had claimed Mana and Raven as his parents…so she should be his grandmother, too, right?

Head Sage Yue's gaze, too, lingered on Azar. He was more and more convinced that the prophecy about Raven referred to this little dragon as the source of his great fortune and fame.

"Monster…" a man next to Head Sage Yue whimpered.

A few days ago, Head Sage Yue would have agreed with the man. But now, he knew Azar was important. He also knew that both Mana and Azar doted on the little dragon very much and perhaps the way to win their favour was through this dragon.

A net of earth magic engulfed the whimpering man and he was tossed out of the imperial palace in one shot.

Everyone looked up, shocked, at King Jaren's furious face.

"Who dares insult my grandson?!" he thundered. His eyes glowed menacingly, and his entire frame was surrounded by a dazzling green light.

Several people cowered in their seats. Since King Jaren was known for making his Emerald Kingdom rich and prosperous, a lot of people tended to forget that he was a very powerful magician, and in his youth, he had been hailed as one of the battle lords. He had even defeated King Orion, known to be the fiercest warrior, in a tournament.

Crown Princess Pica smiled to herself, very satisfied with Raven's in-laws on the whole. She had also received a copy of the business plan, and she had been very impressed with it. And very proud that her son was able to awaken his powers and display his talents. She was certain that Mana and Raven would give her excellent returns on her investment! But even more than that, she liked their magical strength. Just now, this little dragon's mighty roar had fascinated her, and she was eager to gain his recognition as his grandmother!

"Too right," Crown Princess Pica said. "Prince Azar is our royal grandchild, and the son of Prince Raven and Princess Mana – how can anyone be allowed to insult him like this?"

Most people in the Obsidian Kingdom's side were fascinated with the little dragon anyway, especially from his interactions with the royals of the Emerald Kingdom.

"The Pearl Kingdom is as hypocritical as always," someone from the Obsidian Kingdom said.

Head Sage Yue glared at his own people, most of whom were cowering in fear, terrified by the double pressure from Azar and King Jaren. He stood up and bowed politely to King Jaren and Azar.

"I apologise on my subordinate's behalf," he said politely. "I hope King Jaren and Prince Azar will find it in their hearts to forgive the disrespect."

Azar snorted and nuzzled his Grandpapa.

King Jaren nodded curtly and withdrew his magic.

The man who had been thrown out of the imperial palace wasn't allowed in, though. He made a ruckus at the gates of the imperial palace, but the guards blocked him. Everyone recognised the earth magic net used to throw him out. It had been a long time since King Jaren had been angry enough to toss someone out like this – but the guards all knew about it. No one would risk their necks and allow this despicable man back in! To get King Jaren so angry, he must have said or done something against one of the royal children, they were sure. Given that this man was from the Pearl Kingdom, it was quite likely he'd said something against Prince Raven!

The imperial guards were very protective of their royal family – and they had welcomed Prince Raven and Crown Princess Bella with open arms. Once they got to know the two of them a little more, their admiration only increased. Raven's current popularity with the imperial guards was second only to Jules these days! So anyone insulting Prince Raven…they were guaranteed to have a difficult time in the Emerald Kingdom.

Head Sage Yue also realised the futility of asking for his subordinate to be permitted back into the meeting, and didn't push his luck. Instead, he attempted to make light conversation with King Jaren and Azar about their upcoming trip to the Pearl Kingdom and politely enquired if there were any special things he should pay attention to when making the arrangements.

"Lies, Grandpapa," Azar warned King Jaren in a low voice. "Daddy's bad father lies. Other people around him are planning bad things against Daddy and Mommy."

King Jaren sighed. He'd expected as much. To be honest, if he hadn't seen the spark of hope in Raven's eyes when the Pearl Kingdom had proposed hosting a banquet in his honour, he'd have turned them down. Raven had probably not even been conscious of it himself, but King Jaren was person of very high EQ when it came to his loved ones. But now that the banquet was already being planned, he could only be very careful about his children's safety.

"Head Sage Yue, all I wish for during our visit to the Pearl Kingdom is the mental and physical safety of all my children and my grandchild," King Jaren said gravely. "I will not tolerate any insults or attacks on Raven or Azar. And if you are unable to give me this basic assurance, it may be best to simply cancel the banquet."

Head Sage Yue froze and glared at his subordinates. Didn't they know how hard he'd been trying to win Raven's favour?! If this overprotective bear of a man now cancelled the trip – when would he be able to see his son again?!

Swallowing his anger, Head Sage Yue bowed again. "I shall personally ensure that neither Raven nor Azar shall face any negativity of any sort," he said.

"I'll hold you to that," King Jaren said seriously. "Everyone knows that I'm very protective of my children, and I won't hesitate to pack up and take them away if there is anything which makes them upset. There is nothing more important to me than my little ones."

"I understand," Head Sage Yue said.

"I'm with you on this one, King Jaren," Crown Princess Pica spoke up, her tone smug. "We all know how the Moon Temple has disparaged our Raven all these years. It would be quite traumatic for the child to have to face such persecution again."

"I shall personally ensure that my son's reputation is cleared by the time the banquet arrives," Head Sage Yue promised.

"Very well, then," King Jaren said. "We shall rely on your efforts, Head Sage Yue."

Relieved, the envoys of the Pearl Kingdom finally released their breaths.

Someone from the Obsidian Kingdom opened his mouth to speak, but Crown Princess Pica glared at him and shut him up.

"If that's all, then we can consider our business concluded," King Jaren said, standing up from his seat.

Crown Princess Pica stood up as well. "Thank you for your hospitality, King Jaren," she said politely. "We shall depart for the Obsidian Kingdom now. Please give my love to Raven and Mana, and little Azar, too, of course."

King Jaren bid her a polite farewell.

With the Obsidian Kingdom envoys departing, the people from the Pearl Kingdom also had to leave, albeit reluctantly.

King Jaren heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, he could enjoy some peace with his children!