The Emperor sat upon the high Dragon Throne, his hands gripping the armrests so tightly that the veins on his forehead bulged. His eyes were filled with fury and disbelief.
An oppressive atmosphere filled the entire court, as if time itself had stopped.
"This Henry... what in the world is he thinking?" Each of the Emperor's words seemed forced through gritted teeth.
"I gave him ample rewards. I raised his noble rank, granted him fiefs, money, people, grain, and armaments. I gave him everything he could possibly want! And what does he do? He brazenly recruits soldiers and expands his territory at a time like this!"
The Emperor shot to his feet and violently smashed the crystal goblet in his hand onto the floor. It instantly shattered into a thousand pieces, sending glittering shards flying everywhere.
The surrounding guards and ministers all lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at the Emperor's wrath.
