“Julius, we’re family. As long as you put down your sword, I will spare your life.”
“Why? Why didn’t you just die? You’re clearly gravely ill and on the brink of death. Why are you still occupying the throne?” Julius gritted his teeth as his eyes turned bloodshot.
He looked somewhat frightening.
“Julius, I know you all too well. While you’re extremely talented in both the literary and martial arts, you lack a compassionate heart. You’re also ruthless in your ways.
“That is why you are not suited to be the Prince and also the reason you will never be the Prince,” Rufus explained bluntly.
“Nonsense!”
Julius suddenly roared, “You’ve been the Prince for decades! Once you die, it’ll be my turn next! Who else is more fitting than me throughout West Lucozia?”
“I’ve already decided the next-in-line for the throne, and it isn’t you.” Rufus shook his head.
“You’ve decided?” Julius laughed manically.
Julius scoffed with arrogance, “Austin is just a childish brat! How can he compare to me in terms of talent, ability, and prestige? What makes you think he’s worthy of taking the throne from me?”
Rufus responded calmly, “I don’t mean Austin.”
“Who else could it be if not Austin? You can’t still be pinning your hopes on Logan, who has disappeared for ten years? We don’t even know if he’s still alive!
“How can you think of passing down the throne to him? Are you out of your mind?” Julius mocked.
“How dare you!” Albert was about to retort when Rufus raised a hand to stop him. Compared to Julius’ roaring madness, Rufus remained unusually calm.
“Julius, I can only tell you that Logan is still alive and doing well. He’s far more outstanding than I was back then and is much more suitable to be the Prince,” Rufus stated earnestly.
“So what if he’s not dead? Considering his age, Logan is only a few years older than Austin. In the end, he’s still an inexperienced brat!
“As for me, I have extensive experience on the battlefield, and the prestige I’ve earned among the military and civilians surpasses Logan’s by a thousandfold!
“In a fair competition, he wouldn’t even be worth mentioning before me!” Julius screeched.
He never took the Rhys family’s Kirin seriously. If it weren’t for Rufus’ support, suppressing Logan would have been as effortless as swatting a fly.
“Julius, your arrogance blinds you to the reality that there will always be someone superior out there.”
Rufus looked at him in pity. “You should expand your horizons, Julius. Don’t just confine yourself to the world of West Lucozia. The world is much bigger than you think.”
“Enough of your nonsense! You’re just selfish!”
Julius’ disdain was evident as he roared, “You preach about serving West Lucozia and its people, but all you care about is your son! In your opinion, the throne is only meant for your son to inherit.
“Just admit it! You’re just a hypocritical egoist!”
“You’re right. My actions are influenced by personal considerations, but they are rooted in the pursuit of the greater good.”
Rufus continued calmly, “If either of my sons were incapable or unfit for the throne, I would never allow them to inherit it.”
“Hmph! All this righteousness is just a guise for your children’s benefit.”
Julius’ face darkened, “If you truly cared for the country and its people, you would step down from the throne and let us compete on equal grounds!”
“So, a fair competition is what you desire?
Unexpectedly, Rufus nodded. “Very well, today, I will grant you the chance to engage in a fair competition with my son!”
