Roman did not understand what was happening to his body.
He was drowning in anger and grief after hearing Noah's words about his mother. He was not the real Roman Crowell he was a soul sent by Goddess Aria into this body to fulfill a destined task. He knew that truth. And yet, the pain he felt was real. Too real.
He was a master of mana manipulation, someone who prided himself on absolute control but now, he was losing it.
His aura burst outward.
The entire royal courtroom trembled as a suffocating pressure filled the air. Every noble present froze in terror, their bodies stiff, their minds screaming the same question:
How can a nineteen-year-old boy emit such a deadly, overwhelming aura?
King Augustus Nova sat frozen in shock.
Noah Rockson panicked completely. His mind collapsed under the pressure. He dropped back into his seat, clutching his forehead, muttering in broken fear.
"What… have I done…?"
Beside Roman, Selena clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms, struggling to hold herself together. Jacob Crowell, however, simply stared unblinking at Noah and the king. There was no fear in his eyes. Only domination. A silent declaration that he did not fear either of them.
Prime Minister Joshua Caesar gathered what little courage he had left.
"Deputy Duke Roman Crowell," he said shakily, "control yourself and your aura. You are in the royal court. You are defying its laws."
Roman snapped his head toward him.
The killing intent in his eyes was so sharp that the prime minister instantly shut his mouth, unable to speak another word.
Roman then turned to face his father and sister.
His expression had changed completely twisted by rage and murderous intent. His voice thundered through the hall.
"Is what he said true?"
Jacob and Selena remained silent, lowering their heads.
Roman shouted again, his voice cracking with fury.
"IS IT TRUE?!"
Selena finally spoke, her voice heavy.
"Yes. It is true."
Every noble held their breath.
"He is the one responsible for our mother's death," Selena continued. "He killed her without mercy so he could rule Ephor as he pleased. Mother opposed him."
She swallowed, forcing herself to continue.
"He tried to kill you as well… when you were still in mother's womb. He fed her daily doses of black magic poison. That poison damaged your core before you were even born. It made your body fragile."
Roman's breathing grew heavier.
"After giving birth to you," Selena said softly, "mother died because of the poison."
The king raised his hand slightly, signaling the prime minister to summon the court magicians immediately.
But it was already too late.
Roman turned slowly toward Noah.
Without moving his hands, Roman activated his telekinesis.
Noah's body lifted violently into the air, his hair clenched by invisible force. He was dragged upward, slammed against the ceiling of the courtroom, choking as Roman's magic wrapped tightly around his neck.
Screams echoed throughout the hall.
The prime minister shouted for the royal knights.
"Restrain him!"
The knights rushed forward.
Roman flicked his hand.
A violent wave of magic blasted them away, smashing their bodies into the walls, shattering stone and sending debris crashing down as Roman walked forward.
He yanked Noah's body down with brutal force and smashed him into the floor.
The impact echoed like thunder.
Noah lay unconscious, his body broken from the single strike.
King Augustus roared in fury.
"You brat! Do you know what you are doing?! Do you understand the consequences of this?!"
Roman stepped toward the throne.
His gaze locked onto the king, cold and absolute.
"You are not worthy to rule," Roman said. "You piece of shit of a king. I do not recognize you as the king of Clover."
"You know nothing about what it means to be a king. Nothing about how a monarch should rule."
Augustus snapped.
His aura exploded outward as he stood.
"I will kill you with my own hands, you damned Crowell!"
At that moment
The massive doors of the royal courtroom slammed open.
Every head turned.
A woman stepped inside calmly.
"Long time no see, Roman Crowell," she said. "I came as you ordered. I brought what you wanted."
Roman looked toward her.
Standing there was none other than
Ezra Violet.
Vice-Captain of the Holy Paladins.