The matter did not take long to reach the Emperor's ears, despite Zayden's attempts to prevent it. He had known from the beginning that it would happen sooner or later. And he knew exactly what it meant.
Ren would have to prove his innocence—assuming the Emperor was willing to grant him that opportunity in the first place.
After all, he was allegedly the man responsible for the deaths of countless Revharan soldiers.
The Grim Reaper of Hianshu.
A name stained with blood in the eyes of many.
Whether the accusations were true or not no longer mattered to the public. The moment his identity had been revealed, judgment had already begun.
As a ruler, Zaphyr could not simply ignore such a matter.
The deaths of his people demanded answers.
And if Ren were truly responsible, punishment would follow.
That was the burden of a crown. A burden that required justice to be placed above personal feelings. No matter who stood before the throne.
