Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 183: Before returning Delhi part -2

Rewari Kingdom, fort of Bawal, night of 5th march, 1557

Aditya was unexpectedly summoned to the fort’s walls by the emperor. An eerie silence filled the night air, with only a few elite imperial guards standing watch. The sudden call felt odd to Aditya, especially since they were set to depart the next day. It was the same spot where he once interrogated Acharya Sukhdev, and somehow he couldn’t deny it was no coincidence.

Samrat Hemu was looking at the city with hands clasped behind his back. When Aditya arrived, the emperor motioned for his guards to leave them alone. Once they had departed, Hemu, still gazing out over the city, spoke.

"Aditya, tell me... what do you think it takes to be a great ruler?"

Aditya couldn’t believe his ears. It was the ’emperor’, calling him by his ’name’ for the first time. He replied cautiously, "Perhaps... someone who acts with a deep understanding of the consequences of their actions."

Deep in thought, Hemu asked again without turning. "Do you think I lack that quality?"

Aditya immediately replied, "No, Samrat. I believe you are the greatest emperor the world has yet to witness."

Hemu continued, "It has only been a month since you arrived, yet I see faces filled with happiness and hope, a sight I’ve never seen before. The subjects who once showed loyalty out of fear now show love, freely given. This level of devotion is something usually reserved for gods, not humans motivated by mere interest."

He turned to Aditya, his gaze sharp. "Tell me, Aditya, what drives you? Why do you go so far for them? You have an army that would die at your command and civilian support that sees you as their leader, regardless of their sovereign. Tell me honestly—don’t you wish for the throne?"

Aditya was taken aback. Was this another test of his loyalty? He had been hired to serve the throne, but now, gauging the emperor’s true intention was difficult. He took a deep breath before answering.

"My motivation is the people, Your Majesty. I may have noble status now, but there was a time when I was counted among them. My actions are shaped by that past. You may not believe me, but I’m true to my convictions. As for the throne, I have no reason to worry as long as you, or someone you choose, sits upon it. My service remains unchanged, for my foundation is you, Samrat. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support."

Hemu felt pleased by his words. "At first, I hired you for your talent and because I had need of your skills. But over time, I’ve come to rely on you. The fame and loyalty you’ve earned for the Samrajya have surpassed my expectations. I don’t care where your knowledge comes from or if you truly have other hidden secrets, but if you are the man you appear to be, then today, I would like to adopt you as my real son."

Turning to Aditya with emotion in his voice, Hemu added, "I have no doubt this is how it would feel if it were my own flesh and blood. Your name alone brings pride to our lineage. Tell me, Aditya—will you accept me as your father?"

Aditya was dumbfounded. His respect for the emperor was immense, but to be acknowledged as his son was beyond anything he had imagined. In his past life, he had been an orphan, never fully recognized for who he was. Could this really be how it feels to be acknowledged by a father? Overwhelmed, he dropped to the emperor’s feet.

"It would be my greatest blessing to be adopted by you, Samrat," Aditya said.

He felt a gentle hand on his head as Hemu spoke softly, "Then from this day forward, call me father."

Aditya stood and embraced him, feeling like a child long deprived of a father’s affection. Hemu patted his shoulder before declaring, "I wish to make you the crown prince."

Aditya was stunned. "But why me, Majesty..." he corrected himself quickly, seeing the emperor’s stern look, "I mean, Father. I still expect you to marry."

Hemu sighed, leaning against the wall for support as he gazed into the distance. "Once, in my pursuit of power, I lost someone I loved dearly. Her memory is my true strength, the thing that sustains me in difficult times. I cannot lose that by bringing someone new into my life. Before you, I was in a forced situation to marry and bring someone who could carry forward my reign and legacy. But after meeting you, I have found new hope."

He paused and turned around and said by meeting his eyes." So, as a father, I ask you to grant me this selfish wish, to free me from the pressures of the future."

Aditya paused for a moment, then stepped beside him, leaning against the wall and gazing out at the city. "Father, I accept your wish," he said thoughtfully, "but I ask that you wait until I return from the south. I want to be certain I’m ready to take on such a responsibility."

A small smile crept across Hemu’s face as any lingering doubts he held were washed away. He nodded in agreement, and with that, both father and son stood side by side, gazing into the distant land, discussing their future roadmap together.

**********

After returning from his meeting with the emperor, Aditya was deep in thought. Hemu had revealed troubling developments in Delhi that had unfolded during his absence. Three major merchant groups operating across the Indian subcontinent were causing significant unrest for the capital.

They were particularly interested in the company model Aditya had introduced and were lobbying within the imperial court for laws that would allow them to establish private armies. Their interest extended to procuring cement, and when they were denied access, they attempted to entice villagers into collusion—only to be thwarted when the villagers reported them.

Aditya’s Hindshakti Company had garnered considerable fame, attracting many workers to Khirki village. However, this influx brought its own challenges. Recent reports of assaults on women workers involved in road construction under Diwakar had ignited panic among the villagers and diminished their trust in the authorities.

In response, the emperor had been compelled to employ women as guards, but the situation remained precarious. Investigations indicated that the merchant groups were linked and sought to create unrest in an effort to infiltrate the village and uncover the manufacturing secrets. This led to the decision to seal it off, allowing entry and exit only under strict supervision.

The situation was further complicated by the lack of a clear leader among the merchant groups, which hindered the empire’s ability to take decisive action. Ironically, the empire relied on these groups for essential supplies and services, making any response to their disruptive actions even more challenging.

As Aditya pondered mulled over these challenges, he crossed the palace garden and spotted Princess Meenakshi sitting alone, lost in thought.

Their eyes met, and she gestured for him to join her. Sensing an opportunity for a brief respite from the weight of his worries, Aditya approached her, for some light conversation.

He took a seat on the bench next to Princess Meenakshi, the cool night air gently enveloping them. She was gazing at him intently, the nearby flickering lights reflecting in her captivating eyes.

"You look lost in thought," she observed, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "Is everything all right?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Nothing of great importance," Aditya replied, masking his worries. "I’m just surprised to see you here, enjoying the beauty of nature."

Meenakshi laughed lightly, her charm, brightening the air around them. "Well, I did invite you to join me, didn’t I? It’s peaceful out here."

Aditya nodded, savoring the moment. "It truly is. There’s something soothing about being one with nature."

After a pause, he inquired, "How was your stay with us? With our one-month timeline nearing its end, I hope it’s been enjoyable."

Her smile faltered for a brief moment. "It’s been wonderful, but I can’t help feeling sad that it’s only for a month. I’ll miss this place."

Delighted by her sentiments, Aditya felt an unexpected comfort wash over him. "There’s no need to rush back, Meenakshi. You could stay in the capital if you want. I’d love to show you around."

Her face brightened again as she teased, "You’re not getting off that easily, Aditya. I still have two days left, and I won’t leave until the weapons consignment is sorted."

"Rest assured, I’ll make sure everything is handled properly. I want your time here to be as memorable as today," he promised, his tone earnest.

Meenakshi nodded eagerly, her excitement evident, but then a shadow crossed her face. Aditya noticed her sudden sadness and felt a pang in his chest.

Before he could say anything, she quickly changed the subject. "I should go now. My maid will be looking for me."

"Of course," Aditya replied, though he hesitated, watching her stand. As she walked away, he couldn’t shake the feeling of sadness that clung to him.

He turned his gaze to the distant stars, each twinkling light a reminder of the fleeting moments they shared. ’why does it feel like I am at lose here.’