Reincarnated As Young King of Meteor City(Meruem-HxH)

Haruto’s walk continued, unperturbed, Machi aligning her steps on his other side.

To many, Komugi was renowned as the unparalleled Gungi player that the ambitious Haruto aspired to defeat. However, Canary's discerning eyes sensed an undercurrent of something deeper, something neither of them could put into words. She knew Haruto in ways others didn't, and if she were to make a guess, even he wasn't fully aware of why Komugi held such a special place in his heart. For now, Canary didn't push; she believed that some mysteries resolved themselves with time.

As Canary thought, Haruto himself couldn't pinpoint the exact reason behind the depth of his feelings for Komugi. However, he knew that he wanted to be near her, to protect her. This unfamiliar surge of emotion had been growing, making him reflect upon himself more intently.

Zeno’s recent arrival at the palace had been one of the triggers. An inexplicable wave of resentment had surged within Haruto upon their first meeting. Yet, in an unexpected turn of events, Zeno became part of Haruto’s council. The very presence of Komugi had always stirred something deep within him. From the very first glance, an unexplainable connection was felt. Then there was the indomitable Netero, whose mere presence sent alarms ringing in Haruto’s mind. He couldn’t decipher why he felt that Netero might rob him of something precious.

Adding to the complexity of emotions that hung in the air were Canary’s own burgeoning feelings for Haruto. There had been fleeting moments, close encounters that were either self-interrupted or disrupted by unforeseen circumstances. In her heart, Canary knew that Haruto meant more to her than just a brother. Initially, she felt unworthy of his attention, content with being a sisterly figure. However, his recent conversation with her changed her perspective; he asked her to be free, to be more than just a guardian. He recognized her as Canary—his Canary.

Canary walked beside Haruto, observing his interactions, watching the way his authority naturally flowed from him. There were no flamboyant displays, just an aura of subtle command that made it clear he was to be respected and followed. This made her feelings grow more profound, her connection to him more personal.

Arriving at the throne room, Haruto took his seat, his back straight and eyes calm but penetrating. Canary, standing by his side, shared a fleeting glance with him, her stance protective yet reserved. Machi sat across from him, her eyes assessing, noting every detail of the people in the room.

A little later, Milluki Zoldyck walked in, breathing heavily, with Killua smirking beside him. The smirk disappeared as they both bowed in front of Haruto. "Your Highness."

Haruto nodded, his gaze steady on them. "Milluki, did you figure it out?"

Milluki mumbled, seemingly avoiding the question. "Speak freely!" Haruto ordered, his tone leaving no room for disobedience, making the heavy teen rigid.

"Your Highness. I am certain about how the game works but some details still elude me. I need multiple game stations to see how it works."

Haruto leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. "Why haven't you done it already?"

Milluki sighed, "Your Highness, the copies are almost impossible to find. I've searched wide and far. Money is not the issue; availability is."

Machi leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly, "Are you talking about Greed Island?"

Milluki’s eyes brightened. "Machi-sama, you know about it?"

"I had an interest in the game, but it was difficult to find. I used some connections to research it. There’s a big auction in Yorknew City soon, several games will be auctioned there." She locked her eyes with Haruto’s.

Haruto took a moment, then nodded decisively, "Get them."

Machi rose from her seat, "Legally?"

A dead stare was Haruto’s response, and she chuckled in return, "Fine."

Machi then pondered, "Who should I take with myself?" Her eyes lit up as she looked at Haruto. "Why don't you come with me? It is a big event where you can meet people of high standing. You can also do some shopping."

Haruto opened his mouth, ready to decline, but his gaze shifted, landing on Canary. Her eyes seemed to dance with the prospect of the trip. "Fine," he said. "Keep the team small. We don't need many people for this trip."

Machi nodded as she walked out, "Will do, Your Highness."

Once she left, the room was enveloped in a tense silence. Milluki glanced at Killua then to Haruto, "I am certain the game is in the real world like you said, Your Highness. Why don't we find the island?"

To this, Haruto shook his head. "I want to discover the Nen used to create such a big operation. The island doesn't intrigue me, nor the game." His eyes were unwavering, revealing his unwavering determination to grasp the elusive.

Milluki nodded, accepting that Haruto's vision was different from his own. "Your Highness sees beyond what we see." His voice was laced with admiration and curiosity.

Killua’s eyes sparked with excitement. "Can I be in the team to try the game, Your Highness? Gon and I can win the game for you." His words were filled with youthful optimism.

Haruto looked at the boy and nodded. "Do as you wish." His eyes bore into Killua’s, prompting an excited jump from the boy as he left with his brother.

"Canary," Haruto’s voice broke her reverie, "prepare for the journey."

Her heart skipped a beat, "Yes, Haruto." Her voice steady, but her eyes betraying the excitement within.

As Canary left, the shadows in the corners of the room seemed to ripple, revealing another figure. Illumi appeared from the concealed darkness, but Haruto could discern that this was merely a clone to deliver a message. "Your Highness," the clone knelt, his features neutral. Haruto nodded, his eyes sharp, "Report."

Illumi raised his head, his words succinct, "I infiltrated the Kakin Empire, Your Highiness. My reach is currently limited, but I manipulated the concubine of a high-standing minister. The minister, unable to keep his secrets, divulged to the concubine that Kakin Empire is assembling ships for a substantial endeavor."

Haruto's eyes, steely and penetrating, fixed on Illumi's clone. "Continue."

"Princes and princesses, all from different mothers, vie for the throne, their rivalry intense and destructive." The details flowed, each word painting a more vivid picture of the volatile political landscape.

"Look into it," Haruto commanded, his mind racing with the implications of this revelation.

The clone nodded, and after a few more exchanged details, disappeared into the shadows. As it left the palace, its features morphed, blending seamlessly into the crowd, undistinguishable and unseen.