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Michael Kaiser can be considered a fair and exceptional leader despite his youth. He is the first Emperor in the history of the Empire to actively participate in battles with other kingdoms as if he were just another warrior in the ranks.
From a young age, he was trained alongside the gladiators to fight in the name of his honor and the glory of his people. He was quite brave, cunning, and cruel when facing his enemies, not hesitating to decapitate or stab anyone who crossed his path. His circle of trust consisted only of his loyal follower, Alexis Ness, and a couple of bodyguards that his father insisted he had since he began to forge himself as the future successor to the throne.
Like any Empire, most gladiators were slaves from fallen and subjugated kingdoms under Rome. Among them was a warrior with indigo eyes, Isagi Yoichi, who hailed from a place beyond the sea where the sun rises. Kaiser had lived with him since his adolescence, growing together and facing each other in the great coliseums, fighting mano a mano against rebellious warriors from the borders to expand his dominion even further.
However, a dilemma arises that torments his heart. That untamable man with dark hair does not reciprocate the love that Michael professes to him with such devotion, apart from the admiration and respect he has for him as his subject.
Or so he believes.
"My lord, perhaps what you feel is just a temporary obsession," Ness says, bowing his head without looking into his eyes, trying to provide comfort. "If you order it, I can keep him confined in his quarters until you satisfy yourself completely with his body."
Kaiser snorts, having considered numerous times forcing Yoichi to satisfy his deepest desires. "He plans to escape with his friends, Alexis," he says with a distant gaze and a disturbing smile on his lips. "And I know how to keep him by my side forever."
These words confuse Ness, but he decides not to interfere any further. The days pass, and Isagi is summoned by the Emperor to the throne room. Upon arrival, the guards let him through and close the imposing iron door behind him, leaving him alone with the man placidly sitting on his golden chair in the middle of the room.
Isagi kneels before his sovereign, keeping his gaze on the ground. "You have called me, Römisch-deutscher Kaiser ?"
"Yoichi," Kaiser says, trying to contain a small laugh, "Don't be so formal when there's no one around."
"I'm afraid that's something I cannot do, Your Majesty."
Kaiser sighs and decides to be direct, "I know you plan to escape with other slaves," Isagi raises his head, surprised by the accusation, and Kaiser stares back at him more hostile than he has ever seen before.
"It's not what you think, Kaiser," Isagi responds, hoping his words can persuade the Emperor. "It's just a misunderstanding—"
"Yoichi, Yoichi..." Michael interrupts him, "I'm sure you know that lying to me will lead to death." Isagi feels a lump in his throat.
"Rise," he orders him, "I want to show you something."
Isagi obeys, and they both make their way to the huge balcony overlooking the gladiator training fields. "Do you want to know who informed me about your intention to escape?"
Kaiser wraps an arm around the gladiator, pulling him closer to his body. "Hiori Yō," he whispers in his ear. Isagi feels something break inside him; he had been betrayed by one of his best friends but still didn't want to believe it. "It's impossible; Hiori is a hero, and he would never..."
"So you love him because he's a hero?" Love? What the hell was he talking about? He appreciated Hiori, but not in that way. Michael forces him to turn around so they are face-to-face and roughly grabs his chin. "Let me tell you something about heroes, Yoichi."
Their lips are dangerously close. "A hero would sacrifice you for the greater good. Just like your ally betrayed you in exchange for his own freedom and that of your comrades, I have no such scruples. I would burn this world for you."
"Will you let them go if I stay with you...?" Isagi asks, looking into his eyes with determination.
"I can be a tyrant or a benevolent Emperor; that will depend on you, Yoichi."
"Are you blackmailing me?"
"Take it as you please, but my words are serious," the Emperor responds, drawing a victorious smile on his face. "If you run away, I will kill everyone who matters to you and seek you out to the ends of the earth to make you mine."
"Do you love me enough to destroy your Empire for a mere slave?"
"With a madness you cannot imagine."
Isagi knows that Kaiser will let go of all his friends if he sacrifices himself, and if that means becoming the Emperor's lover, he will do so without protest. He will submit to the whims of that cruel villain because he loves him with the same intensity. Without asking, he seals their agreement by devouring his lips, and he is sure that Michael will not let him go until they consummate all the insane love he feels for him.
xxx
"It's time to leave," said Karasu as he gathered all the supplies he could from the palace, just like his companions, before embarking on their long journey.
"Where is Isagi?" Bachira asks as he looks around for him.
Hiori shudders but decides it's best to be honest, "The plan wouldn't have worked if he had come with us..."
"Are you suggesting we leave him behind?" Reo's words were like daggers. "I will go back for him—" but a hand holds him back. "Nagi! What are you doing? Let me go!"
Reo tries to struggle, but it's futile. "I'm sorry, Reo. But I can't risk losing you..."
"Do you want us to continue being slaves, forced to participate in hunts and death matches in colosseums or on the war fronts?" Rin challenges him.
"I know you're smart, Reo," Karasu intervenes. "He would be unhappy if he came with us."
"Explain your reasons," Bachira demands.
Karasu laughs. "Why do you think there are no soldiers or guards here?" Everyone is stunned, realizing he was right. "Isagi is deeply in love with that damn tyrant emperor."
Hiori heads towards the exit, urging the others to follow him. "Let's not let his sacrifice be in vain.”