CHAPTER NiNE: GLOOMRIDER

Karl observed his sister, Aurora, with a warm smile as she practice horse riding. However, his happy moment was swiftly interrupted when Llythor, Linda, the 6th primcess and Heather, the 8th Princess, inadvertently approached, completely unaware of his presence nearby.

Karl, the sole son of the emperor and empress, held the highest status among his siblings, who were born from his father's concubines. He an embodiment of charisma, power, and a chilling, ruthless demeanor. At a young age, Karl possesses striking handsomeness that leaves both men and women captivated at first sight. With sharp, angled features and flawlessly pale skin as if kissed by the moonlight, he stands tall and exudes an almost ethereal presence. The most distinctive feature of Karl is his flowing mane of long hair that falls effortlessly around his shoulders with his icy blue, piercing eyes. This striking contrast adds to his allure, casting an aura of mystery around him. Karl is known for his cold and cruel nature, distant from the emotions that bind most individuals.

"I can't believe she's attempting horse riding," Linda remarked, and they all laughed. Llythor, with a sly comment, said, "Where's your brother? It's a pity he's not around to help; you might end up falling." Aurora confidently replied, "I won't fall; I've been practicing for a while now."

Llythor, unyielding, declared, "You've forgotten that my eyes can perceive all in this realm and beyond. Don't complain that I didn't warn you when you fall and ended being ridiculed by the maids." He then signaled Princess Bella, who deftly moved to the back of Aurora's horse, using her powers to ignite the horse's tail. Chaos ensued as the horse bolted, throwing Aurora to the ground, subjecting her to mockery.

Aurora, in tears, looked towards her brother and Llythor and the princesses followed her gaze, realizing Karl had witnessed the entire ordeal. Fear gripped them as Karl approached, lifting Aurora in his arms. As he prepared to leave, Llythor, sensing trouble, went on his knees, insisting it was just a playful act. The princesses echoed him, claiming it was all in good fun, but Karl remained silent, walking away.

"Are you alright?" Karl asked and Aurora nodded negatively. "What do you want?" Karl inquired as he carried Aurora to her chamber. She replied, "His eyes can predict things, so I want that." Karl smiled in understanding.

Later in the evening, he sense a sudden change in the weather as the rain began to fall. He smiled slyly, aware of who could be responsible for this occurrence, as Lady Agnes had assured there would be no rain that day.

His personal guard, Ethan, entered and respectfully addressed Karl, saying, "My liege, should I bring Lady Agnes to account for her actions? She explicitly declared in front of the Emperor and Empress that there would be no rain for this month, yet the downpour continues unabated. I fear it may cause significant damage." Karl calmly replied, "There is no need for that. This is not the work of Agnes but someone else entirely. Have you carried out my order?" Karl asked.

"Yes, I have, but, my liege, must you go this far? If the Emperor were to find out about this, he will definitely be angry," Ethan said.

"If he had properly put his children on a leash, then I wouldn't have resorted to this," Karl replied. "And I also want you to discreetly go to Lord Leonard's mansion and ensure everything is in order. Do not mention that I sent you." Ethan bowed his head in acknowledgment and proceeded to carry out the order.

**Lord Aeonius Mansion**

Melody, the daughter of the esteemed seer, Aeonius, held a peculiar but influential position in the kingdom. As Karl's lifelong companion and childhood friend, they had shared an unbreakable bond since their early days. Melody owed her life to Karl, for he had rescued her in a time of great need, and ever since, she had lingered by his side. However, while Karl viewed their connection as a means to quell the rumors surrounding him, Melody's sentiments ran deeper. She yearned for something beyond Karl's pragmatic perspective, despite knowing about his engagement.

"But I heard Lady Agnes declare herself that there would be no rain today. Is she growing old? That woman truly has a way of surprising everyone. I can't help but wonder why she remains in her position despite her evident incompetence," Melody remarked as she adorned her hair with more ornaments.

"But, my lady, why are you still dressing up when you can't go out today?" her maid exclaimed in disbelief. "Don't tell me you plan on venturing to the palace in this rain!"

"Not even thunder or anyone's orders can prevent me from seeing the crown prince today. If even the angels of rain want to unleash stronger forces than rain, they are free to do so, but nothing can stop me," Melody declared defiantly. However, her maid interjected, reminding her of the crown prince's engagement and his commitment to marry before looking at other women. "I don't understand why you are going through all this trouble," the maid added.

In a fit of anger, Melody viciously dropped the hairpin she had been clutching, its loud clatter startling her maid. However, her anger swiftly transformed into a cunning smile as she turned towards her bewildered attendant. With a calculating gaze, she uttered, "Have you not heard of engagements being broken? They are not yet wedded, so why should I stop my pursuit of becoming his crown princess? The crown prince show no interest in her, and their paths have never even crossed. But my case is entirely different, for we have shared a significant history together."

Having completed her preparations, Melody rose to depart, but upon stepping outside, she was met with an intensified downpour. Frustration and fury welled up within her, compelling her to hastily retreat to the solace of her chamber.

***Hunting Ground***

Llythor was out on a hunting expedition with his guards, riding atop his majestic horse. They were in pursuit of a fierce wild boar, galloping so rapidly that he swiftly outdistanced his loyal companions. Eager to capture his elusive prey, he unleashed arrow after arrow, each one missing its mark. His mind consumed with the boar, he remained oblivious to his surroundings.

Suddenly, the boar vanished into thin air, leaving Llythor perplexed and disoriented. Descending from his horse, he began to frantically search for any trace of the elusive creature. Moments later, a menacing growl filled the air, causing him to pivot on his heels. To his astonishment, he found himself face to face with an enormous dragon of immense proportions. As if in a trance, his gaze locked onto its mesmerizing eyes, confirming its identity as the legendary 5th dragon, Gloomrider.

Llythor's concerned guards scoured the area, urgently calling out his name in every direction. Suddenly, their hearts sank as a piercing scream pierced the air. Without delay, they rushed towards the source of the agonized cry.

When they reached Llythor's side, dread overwhelmed them. He lay sprawled on the ground, as blood streamed from his eyes. The cries of pain echoed through the surroundings, as if pleading for relief. "KARL!!!!!!!" he screamed repeatedly.