The Rogue System [BL]
Chapter 307 - Arranged marriage

Chapter 307: Chapter 307 - Arranged marriage

The grand procession through the city was nothing short of a spectacle.

Ryan, mounted on his steed, led the entourage through the crowded streets toward the palace. His expression was grim, his mind heavy with the weight of the king’s orders.

Behind him, the guards rode in formation, their armor gleaming under the midday sun, a stark contrast to the grim mood that hung over the group.

The streets, once bustling with joy, now seemed like a spectacle of scorn.

The people who lined the paths had not forgotten their resentment for the prince who had been taken from them. As Eric was led through the streets in chains, rotten vegetables, fruit, and even mud were hurled at him.

The prince’s once proud demeanor was now a thing of the past, replaced by a hunched posture as he absorbed the insults from the crowd. His eyes were cast downward, the flickering defiance that Ryan had once seen in him now dimmed by the public humiliation.

Ryan’s gaze flickered over the scene, his heart twisted in frustration.

He had seen many battles, but none as damaging as this display of hate.

This wasn’t the fate he had imagined for the prince, and though he had been ordered to bring him here, it gnawed at his conscience. Yet, his duty was clear, and as the prince’s back receded into the distance, Ryan’s frown deepened.

The procession finally came to a halt at the steps of the palace, a monumental structure that had once been the symbol of prosperity and power for the kingdom. The architecture was a blend of ancient Chinese grandeur: towering pagodas with intricate eaves, red-painted columns, and gold-leafed carvings adorning every surface. The air was thick with incense, and the scent of jasmine mixed with the murmur of courtly servants rushing about.

The palace gates creaked open, revealing the sprawling inner courtyards where nobles and officials walked in constant motion. Ryan’s eyes briefly wandered over the serene beauty of the palace grounds, the royal gardens meticulously arranged with blooming lotus ponds and statues of warriors who had long since passed into history.

As he made his way through the palace, a eunuch appeared at his side, bowing with a soft smile. "Honorable General, His Majesty requests your presence."

Ryan didn’t respond immediately, his mind too clouded with the recent developments. Instead, he simply nodded and followed the eunuch.

As they entered the throne room, the change in atmosphere was stark. The room was vast, with high ceilings supported by golden pillars.

At the far end, perched on an elevated platform, sat the new emperor—a young man with a calculated, serene expression.

His gaze locked on Ryan as he entered, and the emperor gave him a smile that seemed benevolent but lacked warmth.

The corners of his mouth curled in a way that suggested he knew something Ryan did not.

Ryan’s steps slowed as he approached the throne, his eyes narrowing slightly.

The young emperor, having inherited the throne after the old king’s death, was no stranger to power.

In the past ten years Ryan had conquered almost all their neighboring kingdoms, unifying the land under his rule. Thus he had earned a reputation that stretched far beyond the borders of this kingdom.

It seemed that the emperor was keenly aware of that fact.

And was jealous of it.

The emperor gestured for Ryan to stand before him. "General Ryan," the emperor’s voice rang out, smooth and polished, "It is an honor to have you in my presence after such a long absence. Your loyalty and accomplishments speak volumes."

Ryan didn’t flinch, but his mind churned.

He had not returned to the capital in over a decade. In that time, he had fought wars, quelled uprisings, and earned the kingdom’s power through blood and sweat.

Yet, his relationship with the new emperor was tenuous at best.

The old king had trusted him implicitly, but the crown prince’s succession had altered the balance of power. This emperor, eager to prove his worth, was not likely to be as kind.

The emperor continued, his tone suddenly taking a more regal edge. "As a reward for your service and dedication, I have decided to grant you a marriage—one that will cement your loyalty to the throne and unite our nation." His smile deepened, and Ryan’s stomach churned with unease.

"General Ryan, you will marry young Prince Eric," the emperor proclaimed, his voice unyielding.

Ryan’s fists clenched at his sides, but he remained silent.

This was no mere political maneuver—it was a grandeur move to destroy his future generation. Marrying a man will ensure that his family line will end with him. As the only son of the Yin family they will not have any bloodline continuation after this so called marriage.

"You will not refuse," the emperor added, his voice soft but carrying an underlying menace. "And should you question my judgment, know that your family’s safety is in my hands. Your life, General, is not as untouchable as you believe."

Ryan’s teeth ground together as he fought to suppress the surge of anger that flared within him.

He had the old king’s promised seal—his safeguard, his protection—something that could guarantee his life in the most dangerous of situations.

But he knew, too, that the emperor was a man who wouldn’t hesitate to test boundaries, to see how far Ryan would bend before breaking.

The emperor’s eyes gleamed as he sat back on his throne, clearly pleased with himself. "It is done, then," he said with finality, his hand waving dismissively. "You may go. Prince Eric is to be kept in detention until the ceremony is complete. I trust you will make the arrangements accordingly."

Ryan stood frozen, his mind racing. He wanted to say something, to push back, but he could not. Not now. Not with the threat hanging over him. Slowly, he bowed in respect, his posture stiff with the weight of the situation.

Before he could turn to leave, the emperor’s voice rang out one final time. "Remember, General Ryan, power is not just about strength. It is about control. And I am in control now. Do not forget that."

Ryan nodded curtly, his jaw clenched. He turned on his heel, striding out of the grand hall.

As he exited, he caught a glimpse of Eric being escorted down the hall, his figure hunched in resignation as he was led to his quarters. Ryan’s frown deepened as he watched the young prince disappear from view.

This was not just a marriage—it was a pawn in a much larger game.