66 Rewarding Karna

The tension in the room dissipated as Aryan and his advisors shared a moment of light-hearted laughter, relieved by Karna's successful demonstration of Udra's strength to King Bhagadatta. Amidst the jovial atmosphere, Aryan's gaze sparkled with a sense of satisfaction, acknowledging Karna.

"Well done, Karna. Your demonstration has undoubtedly conveyed the strength and prowess of the Udra kingdom to King Bhagadatta," Aryan commended, his voice filled with a sense of pride and admiration for his loyal companion.

Karna bowed respectfully, his demeanor radiating a sense of confidence and accomplishment. "It was an honor to represent the Udra kingdom and showcase our might to King Bhagadatta. I trust our display has left a lasting impression on him."

Aryan nodded in agreement before he changed the subject with a smile.

"Well Karna, now that this matter is over, it's time to reward you. From today onwards, I announce you as the King of Anga kingdom under Udra's flag. "

Karna's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and gratitude at Aryan's proclamation. But he still rejected it humbly.

"My lord, although I am humbled by your trust but unfortunately I cannot accept this reward. It's too much for me. I only want to help you and nothing more. "

Aryan smiled at this and said calmly.

"Don't be in a hurry to refuse Karna. This is not just a reward but also Bhanumati and Dushala's guru dakshins to you for teaching them. "

"This... "

Karna hesitated as he looked at Bhanumati and Dushala's encouraging faces before he finally accepted it.

"Alright your majesty, I accept this esteemed role and promise to uphold the values of the Udra kingdom and ensure the prosperity and well-being of the people of Anga under your banner."

Aryan smiled warmly, acknowledging Karna's commitment to his new role. "I have full faith in your abilities and leadership. Your dedication and loyalty have been invaluable to the Udra kingdom, and I am certain that you will bring prosperity and stability to the regions under your care, Anga Raj - Karna!"

Subsequently Aryan appointed Eklavya as the next Senapati/ general in place of Karna as promised.

Aryan gestured for Eklavya to approach, his expression one of solemnity and respect. "Eklavya, it is with great honor and trust that I bestow upon you the position of Senapati, in recognition of your unwavering dedication and exceptional skills in the field of warfare. Your leadership and strategic acumen have been instrumental in our triumphs, and I have no doubt that you will continue to uphold the valor and integrity of the Udra army."

Eklavya bowed deeply, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and determination. "My lord, I am humbled by your trust and pledge to serve the Udra kingdom with unwavering loyalty and steadfast commitment. I shall strive to fulfill my duties as Senapati with the utmost dedication and honor, ensuring the protection and prosperity of our people and territories."

Aryan placed a hand on Eklavya's shoulder, conveying his confidence in the newly appointed Senapati. "I have no doubt that you will lead our forces with integrity and valor, inspiring our soldiers to achieve greatness on the battlefield. May your leadership bring glory and security to the Udra kingdom, Eklavya."

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After the formalities of the court were over, Aryan returned to his room accompanied by Bhanumati and Dushala.

"Hey Bhanumati, how about I also appoint a few other people to govern the kingdom in my place, leaving extra personal time for us. "

Aryan said dreamily as he yawned tiredly.

"Hahaha, that's definitely one of the most humorous idea I have ever heard. "

Bhanumati laughed out loud.

"Yeah, I mean, people out there are ready to literally do anything to get their hands on the throne but you on the other hand, sigh! You're too lazy Aryan. "

Dushala said helplessly.

"Lazy, am I? "

Aryan muttered as he remembered Lord Vishnu's words.

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"Son, you will receive a Seven Deadly Sins system which will grant you seven unique abilities. But you won't be getting them directly. Instead, you have to earn them.

As for how, you have two paths. Among the seven fundamental sins of pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth - you can either conquer them by killing the person who is the representative of that sin in that age or you can be that person yourself, there by getting the ability corresponding to that sin. But that way you will also be affected by it. So it all depends on what you choose."

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Remembering these words, Aryan understood the reason behind his increased laziness and list. But thankfully, these two weren't much of a problem.

However it was also like a wake up call for him, reminding him that although it's comparatively easy to get the ability by committing the sin himself but it also has some shortcomings. So he should pay some attention in the future.

And while Aryan was enjoying his leisure time, the gears of time were shifting as all the pieces fell in place.

In Hastinapur.

Because Bhishma somehow got the wind of a conspiracy brewing in Varnavrat through Vidhur and immediately left the Royal Palace to Varanavrat go save the Pandavs, Shakuni and Duryodhan had to act on their plans ahead of time.

Although there were still two days before the New Moon night, Shanuni instructed Purochan through his messenger bird to execute their plan today itself, before Bhisma can reach there.

After reading the message tied at the feet of the eagle, Purochan turned to face his wife and after nodding at each other, they burnt the message on the stove so as not to leave behind any evidence.

"Come on, we have to do it tonight. "

Purochan said coldly.

Purochan summoned his trusted aides, imparting clear and concise instructions to each one of them.

As the night settled over Varanavrat, in the palace where Pandavs and their mother Kunti was staying at, Purochan's wife secretly mixed poison in their dinner. The reason they did this was because if Arjun stayed conscious when they light the palace to fire, then he could easily extinguish the fire with a Varunastra. Thus they had to ensure that the Pandavs are unconscious at that time.

After serving the food to the Pandavs, Purochan and his wife saw that the Pandavs and Kunti fell unconscious immediately after they started eating.

Then without wasting any more time, Purochan and his aides left the palace and came outside.

They exchanged determined glances with each other before everyone separated and started lighting the Lakshyagriha to fire from all directions.

Before long, the whole palace was engulfed in flames. After all, this palace was made from highly inflammable material like grass, lac, flesh, oil, etc in the first place with the sole purpose of burning it down.