Chapter 425: I'm the Rule!
The Demon Imperial Palace is an extraordinarily unique structure. Unlike the Elysium Holy Imperial Palace or the Holy Orthodox Hall, the Demon Imperial Palace is divided into two sections—the Outer Palace and the Inner Palace.
The difference between them lay in their functions. The Outer Palace served as the administrative center, housing the high-ranking officials of the demon race, including Arch-demons and the Eight Demon Generals.
Meanwhile, the Inner Palace was the exclusive residence of the Demon Emperors and their families, passed down from generation to generation.
Only those with explicit permission from the Demon Emperor could enter. Without it, stepping inside was impossible.
However, at this very moment, a shocking event was unfolding in the throne room of the Outer Palace.
Aragon, Zariel, Noah, Daniel, Livia, and Zahat stood in a line, facing Liliana, who sat upon the throne.
Unlike her usual regal and imposing demeanor, Liliana now appeared weak and pale.
Her hands and feet were bound by black chains glowing with an ominous red light.
Narrowing her eyes, she spoke in a cold, sharp tone. "When did you plan this?"
Aragon, standing at the center, crossed his muscular arms and smirked.
"Heh… We've been planning this for a long time, Your Majesty. Are you surprised?" His voice dripped with mockery.
Liliana clenched her teeth and spat, "Damn you, Aragon!"
...
Two hours ago...
In the throne room of the Outer Palace, numerous high-ranking members of the demon race were present, seated on either side of the room.
The four seats closest to the throne on both the right and left were reserved for the eight Arch-demons.
Meanwhile, the remaining seats were designated for ministers and other high-ranking officials.
Liliana sat on the throne with an air of calm indifference, her long white legs elegantly crossed.
Draped in a stunning black gown, she resembled a captivating yet thorny rose.
Her imposing presence, combined with an aura of dominance, silenced the entire throne room, as if a subtle yet oppressive pressure filled the air.
"Is everyone here?" she asked casually, her gaze sweeping across the room.
"They have all arrived, Your Majesty," Lyra, standing to Liliana's right, responded with a respectful bow.
"Good," Liliana said with satisfaction. Taking a deep breath, she then declared, "Then let's begin the annual meeting."
At her words, everyone in the throne room, including Aragon and the Arch-demons, slowly rose to their feet and bowed their heads in deference.
"As you wish!" they responded respectfully before returning to their seats.
Liliana's gaze shifted to a figure seated on the left side of the throne room. "Minister Raven, you will be the first to report on the economic development of the Demon Empire this year," she declared.
The annual meeting takes place every two months toward the end of the year. Its purpose is to assess the development of the Demon race across various sectors, including economic, social, defense, and more.
Its significance was evident in the presence of numerous high-ranking officials, including the seven Arch-demons, all gathered in the throne room.
Called upon by Liliana, Raven dared not object and promptly rose to his feet.
Tall and youthful in appearance, his face carried a gentle charm that could easily deceive those unfamiliar with him into believing he was a kind-hearted demon.
However, those who truly knew him would think otherwise. Beneath his seemingly benevolent facade lay a ruthless and cunning nature.
Otherwise, he would never have risen to such a high and esteemed position in the Demon Empire.
Raven cupped his hands respectfully toward Liliana and began, "Your Majesty the Demon Emperor, the economic growth of the Demon race has been remarkable. The policies you have implemented have played a crucial role in this progress. Moreover, the people's satisfaction with your rule has been a significant contributing factor."
"Oh?" Liliana was momentarily surprised by the news, but a smile slowly spread across her lips. "Very good! I'm pleased to hear such a report. Rest assured, your efforts won't go unnoticed. A great reward awaits you." Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire
Raven's smile widened as he bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty."
With a small nod, Liliana then called upon others to present their annual evaluations.
While the Demon Empire's economic growth was promising, not all sectors fared as well.
The military faced setbacks due to the heavy casualties suffered in the war in the Desert of Chaos.
Additionally, the health, education, and infrastructure sectors in various small towns far from the capital struggled with significant challenges.
Despite these issues, Liliana remained composed. Rather than viewing them with anger, she saw them as clear indicators of her government's shortcomings—problems she needed to address without delay.
The meeting continued for another two hours until Liliana finally spoke, "By the way, during this meeting, I will announce the Arch-demon who will be the True Leader."
Her words immediately stunned the demons in the throne room, causing an uproar. However, they quickly recovered and shifted their gaze toward Aragon.
If any Arch-demon had a chance of becoming the True Leader, it was undoubtedly Aragon.
Sensing the admiring glances from the others, Aragon's expression remained composed, though a proud smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
Unfortunately, before he could savor the moment, Liliana's next words shattered all his hopes.
"To fill the vacant seat of True Leader, I appoint Arch-demon Lyra, my personal maid."
"What!?" The room erupted in disbelief.
Among the seven surviving Arch-demons, Lyra was the youngest and weakest.
Meanwhile, the position of True Leader was meant to be held by the strongest of the Arch-demons, and that, of course, was Aragon!
"I reject the decision!"
Suddenly, a crushing pressure emanated from Aragon as he stood up, his expression twisted in fury.
Liliana narrowed her eyes, her gaze cold as she fixed him. "Reject? What right do you have to reject my decision?"
Humiliated by her words, Aragon's anger flared as he gritted his teeth. "Your Majesty, you cannot be so selfish. Your decision blatantly violates the rules established by the Demon Emperors before you. Are you willing to defy your ancestors?"
"What Aragon says is true, Your Majesty. You must not break the rules of your ancestors," Zariel added, standing beside Aragon with a calm demeanor.
"I agree with Aragon," Noah declared as he slowly rose to his feet.
"We do too!" One by one, the higher-ups of the demon race who aligned with Aragon rose in support.
Liliana's expression remained unfazed, as though their objections had no impact on her.
Her gaze swept over them, her red eyes flashing with cold intensity, and she declared in a commanding tone, "Rules? Heh... I am the rule!"