Ruler of Desires

Chapter 8: The Dignity of the King

"Goo goo goo..."

Lelouch's laughter awakened the three from their thoughts. He didn't care what the three women were imagining; the effect of the king's aura he released far exceeded his expectations. Aside from still being physically weak, he could now use his mental power to forcibly influence those with weak will. The faith of just a few hundred people could achieve such an effect; what if it were thousands, tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands?

Could that not influence reality?

Although Lelouch did not have memories of the future, he knew that as he grew, the consciousness of all the deceased and their belief power would automatically coalesce upon him. Ever since he officially declared the birth of the King of Humanity to the world, the consciousness and souls of those who had died no longer surged towards the C world, where they would lack consciousness in Alaya; instead, they were absorbed by his kingly stigma.

As the King of Humanity, Lelouch was the representative of Alaya in the real world. Through the king's stigma, Lelouch could directly feel Alaya's existence. It was like a radio; although separated by two worlds, they could still sense each other's presence and communicate.

Separated by one world, Lelouch could not absorb the power from Alaya but could only draw in the faith and intentions carried by the deceased through the king's stigma. However, these beliefs, which had not returned to Alaya, were mixed with a significant amount of negative consciousness. This was the original sin released from humans' souls after their physical death.

Humans are born with the eight original sins; as long as they are alive, these sins reside deep within their souls, with the soul dwelling in the body. Unless the body dies, the stigma of these original sins will never be released.

As the king of all humanity, the weight of the sins borne by Lelouch through the king's stigma was unimaginable. Furthermore, with the presence of those who had died, the mixture of negative consciousness heightened the power he absorbed, making the curse he bore even stronger. Only individuals like those present today, deemed social elites, with their vibrant and hopeful faith, were what Lelouch needed the most.

Because the living could bear most of the curses themselves.

Understanding how to rapidly enhance his power and alleviate the curse, Lelouch was, of course, delighted.

(Now, Ashford Duke, become the first servant beneath the king; this is the king's blessing for you!)

Using his laughter to draw the attention of those around, Lelouch opened his tender little hands towards Ashford Duke.

Could this be...

Ashford Duke, who had been watching Lelouch, saw the little prince extend his hands toward him. His expression shifted from shock to immense joy. Knowing what this gesture meant thanks to his granddaughter Milly, he understood that His Highness the Prince wanted him to hold him.

Quickly assessing his own attire, Ashford Duke carefully adjusted his dress and attire, and with a trembling voice, he asked cautiously, "Is it permissible, Marianne Imperial Consort Your Highness?"

"Of course! Today is this little guy's banquet, and he is the guest of honor. As long as it is his wish, we should do our best to fulfill it, right?"

As Marianne Imperial Consort spoke, she gently handed Lelouch to Ashford Duke.