Back to You - Dan Heng IL, Blade

46. Back to You (Epilogue)

"What is this, Father?!"

The Emperor turned towards Eiji, who was panting as he ran as soon as he got to know one of the Emperor's plan behind even his back.

"What?" the Emperor sighed as he sat on the chair along with a general of an exploration unit "Why do you look so troubled, Eiji"

"Why? Did you ally with the Holy Order to attack Blade's convoy?! For what reason?" Eiji was still standing in his imperial kimono, looking concerned. He really didn't expect his father to actually attack the convoy in that way.

"Blade would never let us have the Imbibitor unless I give him your title. Don't worry, I didn't want to kill him, but we needed an heavy blow to his unit to get Dan Heng back to us." the Emperor sighed "But nothing worked, one of the exploration unit just discovered the bodies of the men we've sent... How did they even manage to.." he grit his teeth to then lock his eyes into Eiji's one "I think Blade will get more rebel than he is now if he keeps the Imbibitor with him"

Eiji sighed in relief as he heard they were fine "No, I actually think the opposite. Haven't you seen how he's actually more reasonable?"

The Emperor laughed "Oh please..." he blocked himself "Wait, he hasn't killed anyone but those two assassins now that I think about it"

Eiji rolled his eyes "I am pretty sure we can use his... affection towards the Imbibitor for our gain. Just what in the.... You were about to kill one of my brothers, this is... insane"

"Oh, Eiji" the Emperor smirked a little, looking at his son "If you don't, then I must."

Eiji kept himself calm and looked out the window of the big meeting room "No, father. I am sure there's no need to kill anyone. I am the Crown Prince, and I will keep my title. Enough blood has been shred for the Empire already"

The Emperor kept and amused smile under the serious stare of the Prince "Sometimes I don't know if you're playing well your cards or you're ignoring the reality about your brothers. If it wasn't for his obsession... Blade and Haru would have allied to kill you... and then killed the other to finally have the final winner" he sighed "I don't even know why you would stop me from killing Blade, after all he's just a tool for war... But I must say, he indeed became quite interesting now"

Eiji crossed his arms "You failed to get the Imbibitor anyway, why don't we plan to meet them outside the Palace?" he asked "Let's plan a visit in his territory if you're that worried the Imbibitor knows our Family secrets. Maybe it's time we tell Blade about his mother and name."

The Emperor nodded a little "Sometimes it's boring to see you being so diplomatic even to your competitors... Let's say Blade will be out of the power game, I am interested, Eiji" he smirked and laid the chin on his own palm "What are you going to with Haru? His mother's followers are more active than usual, I am sure she doesn't accept you having the title, but what can I do to my lovely concubine?"

Eiji knew the Emperor couldn't really do anything about it. He actually could, but he was just letting the brothers play their games, and he was enjoying the sight.

But nobody truly knew that the Emperor had always loved those moments where they were all meeting at the court and have a meal together. Sadly the "family" was just a mask of the true intentions. Not all the Princes were sincere and the Emperor could notice it in Blade and Haru. The others were pacific, probably because their mothers were just peasants the Emperor fell for their beauty at first sight? Blade's mother was a general of his army who was senteced to death once it was discovered she was indeed a woman.