You Hit My Heart by Kylie Stanford

Chapter 2091: I Chose This

Reuben did not react as strongly as Hajime. He said slowly, "I've wanted to say this for a long time. I don't want to be the emperor. When Father was on his deathbed, I wanted to make my intentions clear. I have no regrets; when I burned the edict, I made my stance known. Afterward, I wanted to leave here and take Mother back to the Bryant family. Hajime, I know I have disappointed you, but this is my true desire. This constrained life doesn't suit me, and I don't like power. A free and easy life is what I yearn for."

"I understand," Luther said. "One man's treasure is another man's poison. The throne is just a shackle for you."

"Yes, if I were to take that position, every day would be suffocating for me." Reuben glanced at Luther, grateful for his understanding. "When I burned the edict, my sincere intention was to trade the imperial seal for your safety. I didn't expect Hirota's people to exploit the situation; that was my oversight."

Joyce stiffened slightly. So, she had stolen the Dawnblade in vain? In the end, Clint would still become the emperor.

"Joyce, I'm sorry. I know you are now under Clint's control and went through great lengths to steal the Dawnblade. Your efforts won't be in vain. At least now we have two bargaining chips. With everything in our hands, Clint must agree to our terms," Reuben expressed his apology. "No matter what, this is our country's issue. I'm sorry it has involved you."

"Never mind, it's better than having all the blame for killing you and the Crown Prince pinned on me and framing the Heath family, igniting a war between two countries," Joyce said, knowing Hirota's intentions and relieved she had preserved Clint's life. She hated him but still had to protect him in the end.

"The external threats now outweigh internal strife. After last night's events, Hirota's intentions are exposed, and the Yoshikawa family has openly rebelled," Luther reminded them. "Regardless of who becomes emperor, eliminating all remnants of the Yoshikawa family will require significant effort and resources."

Hajime frowned. "I didn't expect Hirota would dare! We underestimated him."

"Such a person on the throne is more dangerous than anything else; you should understand that," Luther said as he released Joyce and stood up. "The only path before us is the one I mentioned last time: negotiation."

"Yes," Reuben agreed. "In last night's emergency, we joined forces. No matter what, we are all Yuchuan by blood. Now that Eastern Capital is controlled by the Imperial Household Agency and the Crown Prince, if we fight among ourselves again, Hirota will surely exploit it."

probably watching closely," Hajime said

understandable they are standing by now; I'm only worried some

an agreement quickly and give a clear direction to the other major families. The longer we delay, the more chaotic things will become,"

Prince might eliminate the Imperial Household Agency and me as well since I'm a thorn in his side. But now isn't the time to worry about

may not necessarily eliminate you," Luther suddenly asked, "Hajime, do you have a

already married and my second daughter, I have a younger daughter who is 26 and

Mr. Warner meant: "Are you suggesting my daughter

he agree?" Joyce had seen how Clint treated Chiyuki; even in desperate times when Hirota forced him into

at her father's hands," Reuben said

surely preserved Given the current situation, gaining full support from the agency would

hesitated because his family had deep

the door from

to see a woman

by her gentle and serene demeanor-fair skin, bright eyes,

a tranquil

even her

melodious like an oriole's.

surprised too: "What