<Karma>
The next morning I received a letter from the current Crowns. It was a reminder for the Noble Council meeting with the appointed family heads that gather every four months. This would be my first time actually. Despite being the heir to my family's fortunes and successes, titles like those don't apply to me because I am the reincarnation.
In Nagisa's case, it's quite complicated especially with Mamoru and his family situation.
I got ready in the morning with the presence of my butler and maids tending to the room. They all seemed tensed and fatigued. For the first time, they've never greeted me with light and energy, as it was obvious through their dark circles and lack of conversation.
•••••••••••
In the capitol where the court trial was also held, the Eye of Thrones is what the building structure is called for the meeting hall of nobles. Just like any of the buildings in the capital, it was breathtakingly glamorous. It's center dome with gold was intimidating just to look at, as you question the master artist behind the architecture and color scheme.
The 10 pillars in front of the building counted the original numbers of the noble families that were slaughtered, including the Original Crowns. As of now, there are seven that conceived the reincarnations. As followed, they are the Akabane's, Shiota's, Asano's, Hayami's, Chiba's, Maehara's, and lastly the Kuro family who are the exception to the curse.
Despite the Kuro family being one of the noble families, I've heard during my studies that they faintly exist upon the surface of earth. It is to my understanding that the Kuro line only conceive males and the wives are hand picked from both the middle and noble class.
I've read in books before that the Kuro family is deeply intertwined with the Original Monarchs, Roka and Yua. But why is it that I've never met them once? There are even rumors that the Duke's existence is fake and that there's no actual lineage.
Nagisa patted my shoulder and I was stunned back to reality. We advanced into the building through the golden arch with a group of knights escorting us from all sides.
With each step, you could hear the clattering of our decorated suits. The medals and pins that illuminated the black and burgundy red attire.
We continued down the grand halls, plastered with paintings and decor that lasted from King Kirai's reign. The essence of the art emitted a lingering sensation of prosperity and hell. This was much needed especially for a gathering like this.
••••••
Both Nagisa and I entered a room with nobles sitting at the round redwood table. Each one of them had a advisor, standing behind their seat obediently.
In this scenario, we were all related in some kind of manner to the Original Crowns, Roka and Yua.
All of them stood up when we appeared and bowed their head. Starting with the Asano senior and my father, who were the oldest amongst us all as the leading nobles. If Nagisa's father was here, he would of joined them.
Of course Yuriko is still young for such a position, my father has been coming in her place and will hand over that responsibility when she becomes 15.
"Nice to see you again my King, Queen. I think we'll be in each others presence quite often then not." Asano senior's voice was chillingly rememberable.
Nagisa nodded his head back to him, while he was still awkward with the general meeting. Nagisa and I both sat down and so did the rest.
In the corner of my eye, I saw my father smiling at Nagisa and he seemed to be well content by the familiar face.
"My name is Hiroto Maehara, heir to the Maehara household. He presented his noble crest that bore an elk, placing it on the table."
"My name is Rinka Hayami. I am the female heir of the Hayami household. It's an honor to be in your presence." Her eyes were as stoic as any feline I would know. She placed her crest carefully on the table, which had a Sabertooth beast.
"My name is Ryūnosuke Chiba." His hair covered most of his face, so it was difficult to see his wholesome expression. He laid his crest down as well. His was a black Hawk.
The Asano's crest was the Lion.
I glanced around. No empty seats except for Nagisa's father who didn't come today. Not two, but one.
I guess the Kuro family doesn't have a permanent seat. Despite the absence, their banner was the only one hung on the same wall next to Yua's and Roka's fallen houses. The Griffin belonged to Roka, Dragon was Yua's and lastly, the sea monster belonged to House Kuro.
Ours were across on the opposite wall.
So how exactly do we contact them? Are they in any position to know of our meetings when they don't contribute? Let alone, show up?
But that isn't the problem now.
I looked over at Nagisa and he placed his family crest in the center, along side the others. The Shiota's symbol was a Python.
I felt bad for leaving him hanging, as for the fact that his father didn't show up.
I placed my family crest on the table and they all looked up with confusion. The beastly Cerberus.
"Shall we begin?" I raised my chin and continued with the hind sight to dominate.
They all answered in a unison.
"Yes, my King."
Their eyes were passionately confident. The will to protect the kingdom were expressed on all their faces. Therefor before I heard anyone speak, I was satisfied.
"Due to our current situation regarding the strange attacks, we can all conclude that it is a state of rebellion no? However, it could be an outside group that is responsible for this." I explained.
"My King." Maehara stood up and bowed his head.
"From my intel and areas of where the Maehara lands extend, there have been suspicious farm-like folks passing on the main road for a couple of weeks. I though nothing of the matter, but until the attacks bellowed across the kingdom, it became a concern."
"Why of course. Nagisa's brother had confronted these men too, if I can say that they are all connected." I replied.
"Can we assume that this is because of the curse?" Hayami spoke with a sharp tongue.
Everyone stared at her with cautionary eyes and turned away. Not wanting to be affiliated with such a person.
"Go on." I said.
"My Queen, I mean no disrespect." She began, "but we've come across strange events ever since you've stepped into the palace. Wouldn't you say yourself, that many things have occurred?" Hayami spoke to Nagisa.
"Y-you're not mistaken." Nagisa nodded his head, "It's possible that it is the case and I cannot deny the truth."
"Assumptions are usually right if it's coming from Hayami. She has a wit for things like this." Chiba agreed with her. "Just yesterday, the patrolling knights caught three men during dusk, trying to burn down a school on Chiba grounds. I think interrogations are already being held."
"If anything else surfaces, I'm ordering you all to send it directly to my advisors. Slaying anyone who is reckoned to be a threat to the kingdom will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Capture them and we'll take things from there." I said.
"You're surely mistaken my King! If blood is being spilled on our people, shouldn't we protect ourselves?!" Hayami slammed her hand on the table.
Karasuma who was guarding the door had his hand on the handle of his sword. The knights behind me took a step forward, at the same time her advisor tugged her arm.
"Lady Hayami, please settle down." He instructed with fear instilled his voice. "Apologize this instant."
Maehara raised his hand and looked over at Nagisa and then at me.
"Sorry for my intrusion, but she is correct my King. Why should we be lenient?" Maehara spoke.
I stood up and cleared my throat.
"I know this is my opinion, but fighting fire with fire will lead to nothing but, burning pandemonium. Those who are captured will be put on trial accordingly, and their fates will go as followed. We will continue to end this insurgence and bring peace, that is my hope. If you don't align with my plans, you may proceed out that door and leave your crest here. Then again, I won't force any of you."
They all broke their gaze with another and talked to their advisors behind them. I waited with Nagisa who was looking back at me with a simple smile. And even my father nodded his in a proud manner.
"I apologize my King. I was very rude to you. I just want to keep the people safe, that is all. You're just too humanitarian." She explained. "Nothing like what the books say about the Original King."
"Then get used to it Rinka Hayami because I am Karma Akabane. This is the way we'll take back the Kingdom safely and soundly. We cannot risk becoming those who steal lives easily, we'll be hypocrites."
With the gapping silent, I ended it with,
"Lead with example. This is what the Original King and Queen would of wanted."