Champion Of Lust: Gods Conquer's Harem Paradise!

The grand council chamber of the Dragon Empire was an imposing sight. High ceilings adorned with ancient dragon murals stretched above the heads of the gathered nobles, casting long shadows on the floor below.

Massive stone columns supported the room, and the intricate detailing of dragon carvings traced the history of the empire.

Seated at the head of the table, in a high-backed throne made of shimmering obsidian, was Empress Astrid Valyrian.

To her right, the empty seat of the Emperor remained conspicuously vacant—a sign of his increasing detachment from the council meetings.

Below the throne, the ranking nobles sat according to their titles: Dukes and Duchesses occupied the foremost seats, followed by Marquesses, Earls, and Viscounts. The further back the nobles sat, the lower their rank, with Barons at the farthest edges of the council table.

Your next journey awaits at empire

As the morning sun filtered through the grand windows, casting a warm glow across the room, the court was abuzz with conversation.

The topic on everyone's lips? The rising power of the Obsidian family.

"Your Majesty," began Lord Calder, a Marquess whose family had long held influence over trade routes in the southern reaches of the empire.

"We must address the growing influence of the Obsidian family. Their technological advancements are undeniable, and their reach has extended into every corner of the mortal realm. I've heard whispers that even powerful organizations beyond our borders are taking notice. If we don't act quickly, they may become too powerful to control."

Astrid's golden eyes flickered, betraying a moment of discomfort as the name "Obsidian" was mentioned. Though she had remained composed, her mind was already turning.

The Obsidian family's influence was vast, and Emberly Obsidian, the Duchess of their house, was someone Astrid was personally acquainted with. Despite not being close friends, they shared a mutual respect, especially since their paths crossed often in matters of state.

But what unsettled Astrid the most was how Seraphina, her own daughter, had been part of a plan to trap Pyris, the heir of House Obsidian, into a political union. It wasn't something Astrid had wholeheartedly supported, yet it presented an undeniable opportunity.

She had chosen to let it pass, trusting it could benefit both Seraphina and her own ambitions for their family. But now, with the Obsidian name being so openly discussed, she felt a pang of unease.

"Your Majesty," another voice rose, this time from Lord Aelric, a Duke whose family had historically supported the Empress. "While I understand the Obsidian family's contributions, I believe it's dangerous to openly discuss the family of a Duchess like this. Duchess Emberly is a well-respected figure. Shouldn't we show more discretion in matters involving such high-ranking nobility?"

A ripple of agreement spread through part of the court. The tension in the room grew thick as some of the nobles exchanged wary glances.

The Obsidian family had long been one of the empire's strongest houses, second only to the Dragon Imperial family itself.

It wasn't just their wealth that made them influential—it wasn't their command of technology, business either, or their control over the empire's most valuable resources, it was the power hidden behind that name, power that once rivaled a god, and not just any god, but the Elemental Deity himself!

For many, that kind of power was both a blessing and a threat.

Astrid shifted slightly in her seat, her discomfort growing more apparent. She couldn't ignore how delicate the situation had become. Emberly's influence was undeniable, and the strategic importance of the Obsidians made them invaluable allies.

Still, with the current discussion, she could sense that some in the court were more inclined toward envy and caution.

A rustle of robes brought the Empress back to attention as another figure, Lord Varro, an ambitious Earl, stood and addressed the court. "Your Majesty, it is true that the Obsidians are valuable. But we must also acknowledge that their influence has grown too rapidly.

They are becoming a force in their own right—one that might soon rival the very power of the Imperial family, I'm afraid!" Duke Aelric gritted his teeth.

At this, Astrid's hand gripped the arm of her throne ever so slightly. She could feel the eyes of the court on her, waiting for her response.

Before she could speak, however, the grand doors of the council chamber swung open with a resounding boomz a powerful aura of presence hit the court room

A figure stepped into the room, commanding immediate attention—Duchess Emberly Obsidian. The room fell silent as her presence dominated the chamber. Tall and regal, with white hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see through every soul in the room.

Emberly strode forward with the confidence of a woman who knew her power.

"Pardon the interruption," Emberly said, her voice calm yet dripping with authority. She stepped further into the room, her sharp gaze scanning the faces of the gathered nobles, most of whom couldn't meet her eyes.

When she reached the head of the table, her lips curled into a knowing smirk.

Astrid felt her heart tighten as she met Emberly's gaze. There was an understanding between the two women—one forged in the fires of politics and necessity. While they had never been close, they had both played the game long enough to know the stakes.

The tension in the room was palpable. Emberly stood tall, radiating both elegance and power, her eyes challenging anyone to speak ill of her family in her presence.

For a moment, it seemed as though the entire council held its breath, waiting for what would happen next.

After a beat of silence, Emberly smiled wider, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I hear my family's name has been on everyone's lips. Surely, if there are concerns about House Obsidian, you can voice them directly to me."

Her words were a challenge, and it was clear she expected no one to rise to it. The court, which had been so bold moments earlier, now sat in uncomfortable silence.

Astrid, sensing the shift in the room, finally spoke. "Duchess Emberly, it's true that House Obsidian's influence has become a matter of discussion, but it is also a testament to the contributions you and your family have made to the empire. We are merely discussing how best to ensure that influence continues to serve the Dragon Empire's interests."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Emberly's eyes narrowed, though her smile remained in place. "As always, my family's loyalty lies with the empire. But rest assured, everything we do is to the benefit of all."

With that, the room fell into an uneasy silence, the tension still hanging thick. Astrid sat back, her mind still swirling with the implications of this conversation.

The Obsidian family was indeed growing stronger, and as much as it benefitted the empire, Astrid couldn't help but wonder how long it would be before their ambitions clashed with her own.