Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Asokan reached Sachin's mansion and was guided to the hall, where the discussions would be held. It was a large hall and decorated with luxurious items, it was precisely made for a show of wealth by Sachin.

He could see the extravaganza in the atmosphere.

'He spent a lot for this, eh.' Asokan thought.

"Lord Asokan, do you like this?" Sachin asked.

"Of course, it looks good." Asokan exclaimed.

Sachin had an arrogant and proud look as Asokan complimented his work. He came closer to Asokan and whispered.

"Lord Asokan, some people want to meet you before the meeting."

"Hmm…" Asokan looked serious. "Fine, guide me there."

Sachin smiled and rubbed his hands. "Yes, Lord Asokan, let's go and meet them."

Asokan glanced at the hall; many nobles were seated, small and some medium-level nobles. It was much more than he expected. He didn't think there were these many remnants in the Empire. It was quite a shock for Asokan.

Now he understood why Viswa chose this risky way instead of capturing everyone separately.

Asokan was guided into a study room and a few members were seated down. He entered and saw a familiar face. It was Acuthan Nair, the son of the late matriarch of the Nair family of Kozhikode.

His eyes widened. Asokan didn't expect him to be here.

"Lord Asokan." Acuthan got up and greeted him. "Let's have a talk."

Asokan sat down on the sofa next to Acuthan. There were elders of the Jadhavs on his side.

'Those geezers were alive, eh.'

"So, what is it?" Asokan crossed his legs.

"Asokan, what is your plan? Why did you change sides?" Acuthan asked.

"Do you even have any idea about the mess?" Asokan sighed. "Prince Bhairava had to sign an agreement with the Emperor about something that I have no information about."

"Agreement?" One Elder spoke. "Is that why you are in the council?"

"Yes," Asokan admitted. "I was forced to join the council so that the Emperor doesn't go after Prince Bhairava."

Acuthan sighed. "What a mess indeed."

"You understand my plight, I am in no position to oppose without any stringent support from the others." Asokan admitted with a concerned expression.

"What do you mean by that? Lord Asokan." Sachin asked.

"The current council has 7 people and all of them are supporters of the Emperor except. I am not a majority to oppose it." He said. "If you want any changes we have to do something that shows our influence."

"Are you ready to stand up for our cause, Lord Asokan." asked Acuthan.

"What exactly is your cause?"

"Our cause is simple, we need the former system of nobles back and reinstate the former Emperor as the rule. The Current Emperor is not fit to rule the Emperor. He is too young and inexperienced." Acuthan declared.

"Do you all agree on this?" Asokan looked skeptically at everyone else in the room,

Sachin also nodded. "The Emperor has taken a lower caste that dares to defy superior noble heritage. It just shows that the Emperor is not in his right mind taking the decisions."

"This would harm the Empire in the future, Lord Asokan." An Elder of the Jadhavs also admitted.

"I see, but do all of them gathered in the hall know about this?" Asokan asked.

"We will declare our plans during the meeting." Acuthan got up.

Asokan looked seriously at Acuthan. "Lord acuthan, you need to be straightforward with your words."

"We don't need fence sitters in the endeavour." He said. "I shall lend you support if you managed to convey the message properly to everyone."

"I won't support an half-hearted endeavour." He admitted.

"Don't worry, Lord Asokan. We will take care of this and show you our unity." Sachin chimed in along with some Elders of the Jadhav Family.

Asokan smiled and shook hands with Acuthan.

"Let's go then,"

The Meeting began in an instant, everyone noble participating in the plan were called to the hall. Asokan's bodyguards were also closeby protecting him.

Asokan was trying his best not to stifle a laugh as he head speeches from each of the top nobles that was gathered here. Each one of them talked bad about the recent reform and centralization of people.

They wanted to oppose the reform and show that the current ruler wasn't fit for the Empire.

Acuthan, the ring leader of this operation finally stepped forward to address the crowd.

He said many things similar to the previous ones.

"Fellow Nobles, the current Emperor is young and inexperienced. Although strong, he lacks the foresight and the vision needed to lead the Empire."

"We as the nobles should step up and raise our voice against this injustice. We must communicate with the former Emperor, help him reinstate the Empire once again. We cannot let His Majesty Harsha ruin centuries of our prosperous history."

Asokan sighed.

'Inexperienced eh…..If only you were in the council. The Emperor speaks like he got years of experience. He is shrewd, wise and a visionary.'

'And for ruthlessness, I am sorry Acuthan….' He prayed silently once again.

As for the Plan by Viswa. It was simple, Asokan was given the role of the executioner. He was tasked with killing the main nobles that lead the group right there.

He was just waiting for the signal. He could see the spies smirking at the corner of his eyes.

'I guess it will be time soon,' His bodyguard covertly passed a sword to him.

A medium noble raised his hand. "His Majesty will not go down without a fight, are you suggesting we kill the Emperor?" He asked Acuthan.

The crowd fell silent awaiting his answer.

"Yes, but it is for the greater good of the Empire." Acuthan declared. "Who is with me in this plan. We must show our solidarity and seize power from the worthless Emperor." He roared.

The other nobles stood and raised their hands agreeing to their plan.

Before the spy could signal Asokan the door to the hall flung open, a blood soaked individual in the leather armor walked with a wicked smile.

"Oh….All the traitors are here." He laughed.

Tens of Covert corps and Royal Army soldiers walked into the hall.

Viswa raised his arm and roared with a cold look.

"LET THE CLEANSING RITUAL COMMENCE."