The Rebel's Omega
Chapter 57

Chapter 57: Chapter 57

He turned, glaring at the Pei and Lu family heads who were grtting their teeth under the pressure, already sweating bullets. "Where are your manners, clan heads?" He sneered. "Have I denounced the Ivory Warlord that you’re already disrespecting him? Omega or not, I summoned him, and he shall be present for the entirety of this meeting and many more, whether you like it or not. So be careful of the words you utter, or you’ll end up just like the Pei family’s third young master."

A heavy silence followed, the weight of the Emperor’s words settling over the room like a shroud. Eyes darted nervously, and no one dared to challenge him further. Though they wondered, Hua Ren’s identity had already been exposed. Why was he still allowed to enter the Celestial Dragon Hall? Was he still a General? It was true that the Emperor had not publicly denounced the Ivory Warlord so does this mean that the Ivory Warlord was allowed to retain his position? Even as an Omega?

They all tensed. If Hua Ren was to remain a General despite his gender then they could forsee a lot of problems. After Hua Ren’s true identity had been exposed, they had all rejoiced, thinking that the biggest obstacle on their path had been destroyed but now, it seemed that the obstacle was still there, standing as firm as a mountain.

The Emperor’s gaze shifted, locking onto Hua Ren with a flicker of irritation. "You’re late," he stated, his voice low and displeased.

Hua Ren immediately bowed, his movements fluid and graceful. "Apologies, Your Majesty. I overslept." That, and he had to change the bandages of his wound himself. He couldn’t risk anyone knowing he was injured. Especially the Emperor.

The Emperor’s expression softened and he retracted his pheromones, allowing the clan heads to breathe. "That’s fine." He gestured toward the raised dais. "Come, stand beside me."

A collective gasp rippled through the gathered clan heads. They exchanged astonished glances, disbelief etched on their faces. Why would the Emperor ask an Omega to stand beside him? What the hell was happening?

Hua Ren sighed softly, already aware of the Emperor’s intentions. The marriage proposal lingered over him like a shadow ever since that night the Emperor proposed to him. At first, he was unsure of what to say, whether to accept it or not but after last night, his head was clearer than ever.

Without hesitation, he moved forward, ascending the dais with elegance and going to stand beside the Emperor while trying as much as possible not to show any expression.

"Move closer." The Emperor ordered and Hua Ren did as he said, moving close until his body could almost touch the throne.

He stood straight, his face blank, devoid of expression though he could feel the Emperor’s probing gaze on him. His palms began to feel clammy with sweat. Could it be that the Emperor had somehow linked last night’s incident with him? Was he already in trouble?

If he was, what about Sheng Fei and the people they had freed? Had the Emperor’s people gotten to them? However, the Emperor smiled, putting Hua Ren slightly at ease.

The Emperor felt pleased with Hua Ren’s quick compliance. He looked at the gorgeous General and felt his heart beat quicken slightly. Truly, he had wasted so many years. If he had paid attention to Hua Ren’s behaviours, he would have been able to deduce that his own General was in love with him and could have easily taken advantage. Well, it wasn’t too late. He was sure that Hua Ren would not pass up the opportunity to be his bride. He would mark him and control him, in turn, controlling the Celestial weapon.

The voice in his head let out a loud scoff after hearing his thoughts. ’You still believe he can be controlled?’

’Of course I do.’ The Emperor replied, a little annoyed that the voice was doubting him.

The voice sighed. ’I don’t know why I chose someone so stupid. Haven’t you thought about it? If he truly loves you as he claimed, he would have accepted your proposal the very second it left your lips. Why hasn’t he given you an answer yet?’

’I’m not stupid.’ The Emperor clarified. ’I’m just patient. Patience bears good fruits. You’ll see.’

With that, he faced the clan heads once more, clearing his throat. "As you are all well aware, last night’s events have thrown this court into chaos. Not only did the rebels dare to raid the auction and seize every item, but they also had the audacity to attempt an assassination on your Emperor."

Hua Ren frowned as he listened, his posture going rigid. His hands curled into tight fists at his sides and his jaw clenched. The way the Emperor spoke of the stolen items as if they were mere possessions left a sour taste in his mouth. He let out a shaky breath, struggling to remain outwardly calm, though inwardly he simmered with anger at their complete disregard for the humans involved. Still, he kept his gaze fixed ahead, not wanting to seem suspicious.

The Emperor’s sharp eyes caught the subtle shift in Hua Ren’s demeanor and a flicker of amusement crossed his face. He thought that Hua Ren must be angry with himself for not being there to protect him.

’Good.’ he thought to himself, a faint smile ghosting over his lips. He was sure that Hua Ren’s feelings for him were strong.

Satisfied, he allowed his gaze to sweep over the rest of the room, his voice deepening with authority as he continued. "An assassination attempt on the Son of Heaven is an act of treason so vile that it threatens the very foundation of this empire. This brazen act of defiance against the throne is an insult to us all, and it will not go unanswered."

His piercing gaze swept over the gathered clan leaders, each one stiffening slightly under the weight of his scrutiny. "First, those rebels seized the lands at our borders, burned our camps to ash, and plundered our provisions. Just weeks ago, they waged war at the Eternal Grain Valley, where we suffered the loss of fifty soldiers and a revered general. It is no coincidence that these events occurred simultaneously. We face an enemy that is cunning and bold, one that believes it can move against this throne and remain in the shadows." His dark eyes narrowed. "But shadows cannot hide from the Celestial Dragon’s fire."

Hua Ren closed his eyes, willing himself to remain calm. It was taking everything in him to remain silent. He had confessed to the Emperor that he was the one who killed those soldiers and Hei Long. Why was the Emperor twisting things and blaming the rebels? Was this the Emperor’s way of setting him free of his crimes? He didn’t understand.