Empire of India: Rise of the Ruthless Prince

Royal Palace, Vijayanagara Empire.

The morning sun rays filtered through the tall windows of the palace, and the morning dew settled in the garden. Freshly bloomed flowers were getting tended by the gardeners. The palace staff was working as usual, maintaining. Smoke billowed from the kitchen as the chefs prepared food.

Harsha was in his study room previously used by Krishna Deva Raya. He had become the Emperor, and this was his rightful place in the Palace. It was a huge study place, and his butler, Viswa, was working alongside him.

He still remembered the words of the Emperor when he said Viswa would be his butler.

"There will be problems. If you are willing to deal with it. Go ahead."

A month had passed since he took the throne. He was busy dealing with the aftermath of the civil war on the empire's finances. Thanks to the help of the Nayakas and an old butler. He was now able to finish up the issues.

The rumors of the former emperor being gravely injured spread like wildfire at the command of Rakhtasura. The timing was impeccable, and coupled with the citizens and nobles who saw the pale emperor in the royal court, it added fuel to the fire.

It gave no room for discussion of the Emperor discarding the throne to retire.

In fact, the former Emperor and his father had retired and moved away from the Royal Palace along with Luisa.

He did visit him before leaving the palace.

Barging into his study room filled with energy.

"I am leaving for Goa tomorrow, my son. Do your best. HAHAHA." Harsha looked at him flabbergasted. Luisa was standing behind him, trying not to laugh.

"Huh! You recovered this fast?" Harsha muttered aloud.

"I can finally take a break from my duties." His father said, holding his head high.

'Is this the same Emperor known to be coldblooded? And what is this recovery speed? He was pale like a ghost just a few days ago.'

Luisa hit his ribs playfully, causing him to wince.

"Harsha, We will be back in a few months. Alfonso has arranged security for us!"

Harsha sighed deeply.

"Fine! Go do whatever you want."

Harsha was planning on reforms for the Empire as a whole, establishing industries that boosted production and efficiency in the Empire. He also had to face a huge issue with the military capabilities of the Empire.

In the age of cannons and muskets. The Empire lacked the capabilities to create their own artillery for the defense.

Lack of investment in military technology was the reason why the Empire fell in his old world, according to the history books.

He needed to lay the foundation for this age of reforms in the Empire.

For this endeavor, he was required to establish a royal council that acts like his arms in the Empire. It turned out to be a tough task in itself. He had to figure competent individuals for each position and also, at the same time, not exclude nobles to maintain his political influence.

"Viswa, give me the list of candidates for the Royal Council."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Viswa was dressed luxuriously to befit his status as the butler of the Emperor. He also carried a sword along to protect Harsha.

After the coronation of Harsha. Viswa finally took the oath of total allegiance to Harsha. He felt like he had proved himself in the battle of Mangalore to Harsha.

He still vividly remembers the oath.

Viswa walked to the stage where Harsha was sitting and kneeled.

"I, Viswa, swear on Vijayanagara's sacred soil to serve Emperor Harsha Deva Raya loyally. Blessed by Goddess Saraswati and Lord Hanuman, I vow to protect our empire's honor and prosperity. My oath shall echo through Hampi as I dedicate my heart and sword to his glory."

"Viswa?!"

Harsha's voice interrupted his thoughts as he was frozen, standing with the list of candidates.

"Sorry, Your Majesty! Here you go." He handed the list of the candidates.

Viswa had done his due diligence for the research for the candidates necessary for the council.

He was told that the better and more efficient the council. The faster the decision-making would be there in the Empire.

"This is good!" Harsha said. "Call all of them to the palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Viswa left to send invites to the candidates.

Following the departure of Viswa, Rakhtasura entered the room to report. Harsha was given full control of Yamaduts. He was currently using them to expand the spy network inside the Empire.

"Your Majesty. We have established bases in the Empire and are expanding at a rapid pace. We are also looking into the centers in the other kingdoms."

"I see, that's good. I have another task for you."

"What is it? Your Majesty." Rakhtasura asked, tilting his masked face.

"Find some dirt on the Crown prince of Kasim Sultanate and my grandfather, the king of Gajapathis." He said with a smirk.

"Understood." Rakhtasura faded into the shadows.

Harsha was still astonished by the man's stealth capabilities. He could barely sense Rakhtasura. His work ethic was impeccable as well. He did every task with utmost scrutiny and efficiency, like Viswa.

On the night of the day of the coronation. Rakhtasura appeared in his room after the feast ended.

He spoke in his deep voice and was well dressed in his usual black dress with red highlights and wore a mask to cover his appearance.

"I greet the new Emperor," he said, slightly bowing.

"So did you come to pledge loyalty to me?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. As the part of my pledge of loyalty."

He undid his mask to reveal his face.

"So... this is how you really look like."

"Are you astonished, Your Majesty?"

"I did expect someone special underneath, but this was definitely a surprise."

He kneeled down.

"I swear loyalty and dedicate my life to the New Emperor." He took an oath of life to Harsha.

"What is your real name, by the way?" Harsha asked, sipping some water.

"My real name is —"

Author Notes

New volume starts, guys! Hope you enjoy