“It seems we’re about finished.”
The assembly, which started in the afternoon, was finally coming to an end late at night.
“Lastly, I have something to say to all of you.”
The sudden statement from the emperor drew all the ministers’ attention. They adjusted their glasses, wondering what the unpredictable young emperor was about to do next.
“I suppose it’s time I start preparing for my retirement.”
Huh? The atmosphere in the meeting room became instantly quiet. No one grasped the meaning of the emperor’s words at once.
“Your Majesty, you are still so young to talk about retirement.”
Whenever such a topic was broached, discussions about a successor inevitably followed. The emperor had so far avoided any mention of a successor…
Does he have someone in mind? Suddenly, why so confident, the ministers’ gazes sharpened.
“That’s right, Your Majesty. A successor has not yet been determined.”
The silence was broken by Ron Benio, the Minister of General Affairs. Ron was the younger brother of the Grand Duke Benio and the uncle to Ash.
“The only one who can be the successor in the current situation…” Someone beside him added, “Is none other than Grand Prince Ash Benio.”
It wasn’t incorrect since the throne of Meteora had to be passed to a ‘male’ from the ‘Eunomia’ lineage.
“The successor is entirely within my authority. It’s not for all of you to worry about.”
It was a familiar power struggle.
“Given how indifferent you all are about my retirement, I must make my preparations in advance.”
However, the emperor’s response today was unusually relaxed.
“I’ve decided to develop the Belleng district into a resort island directly managed by the imperial family.”
“…Eh?”
The room was filled with blinking eyes. A resort island? And managed by the imperial family?
Where is the Belleng district again? Who owned it? Did I have land purchased around there? Caught off guard by the sudden announcement, their minds were racing with calculations.
“The Belleng district was owned by Princess Felicite, but I’ve recently acquired it all.”
The ministers’ mouths dropped open at that revelation.
“Your Majesty, is this not a leak of imperial family confidential information? What reason could that young lady have for buying that unimpressive Belleng district?!”
“She liked it, so she bought it. Apparently, there was some inheritance left over from the previous duke.”
Oh, no! Realizing they were too late, the ministers changed their approach.
“Your Majesty, how do you plan to develop the commercial areas within the resort island?”
Since the land was firmly in the emperor’s grasp, they couldn’t contest it. But they were free to build buildings or set up stalls to make money inside.
“We were actually planning to hire a new designer in our family to build a new salon.”
“Ah, that’s already been settled. In exchange for the land, I’ve granted the princess exclusive rights to sell eight different products.”
Essentially, Felicite would monopolize the profits from the resort island. How much money would end up in the hands of a young woman not even half their age…?
“So, let it be known to all.”
The emperor smiled, but only a chilling silence filled the room among the ministers. After all, the resort island was to be a joint venture between the Felicite family and the Rixon imperial family. When had the two families become so close?
“I understand your overzealous concerns about the successor, but that matter will soon be—”
“Your Majesty.”
It was just then,
“I have something to say to you, and the ministers present here.”
The empress, as if she had been waiting for this moment, knelt down. It was a clear stance for battle.
“What is going on, Empress?”
Remembering the empress’s counterattack at the award ceremony, the emperor seemed inwardly pleased, expecting another bomb to drop.
“During my time as the crown princess, I wish to reveal a secret will left by the late Imperial Princess Izel.”
However, those words gradually tightened the emperor’s brow.
“…Empress.”
“Your Majesty the Empress!”
Even the ministers, struggling to maintain composure, began to murmur.
“Your Majesty, the son of the late imperial princess, bearing her blood, is alive.”
“How…!”
Amidst them, the empress calmly confessed, surprising even the emperor, who hadn’t anticipated such a bold move. However, the empress, Juyong, chose a frontal approach because she couldn’t trust the emperor. After all, the emperor had failed to protect his nephew 19 years ago.
“Thus, there is a living heir to the Rixon imperial family, Your Majesty.” The Empress’s voice echoed in the suddenly silent room.
“Empress…” The emperor’s fingers trembled slightly as he spoke. “Are you prepared to take responsibility for what you’ve said?” He was overwhelmed with emotions he hadn’t prepared for.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Therefore, I ask you to command the High Priest…” The empress held her head high, ensuring everyone could see her. “Please open the Lake of the Goddess.” Ensuring no one could deny her gaze.
* * *
At the same time.
The assembly seems to be running long.
I looked out the window from my office. Although the assembly usually ended after midnight, it seemed to drag on even longer today.
Well. Given the back-to-back bombings by the emperor and empress, it was to be expected.
“Norma’s consistent volunteer work at the orphanage seems to have greatly helped revamp their image.” Obelo, beside me, commented.
“Children and handsome men, quite an excellent strategy indeed.” His face was utterly serious as he reported on the public reaction.
The activities of the Norma had become a picture-perfect scene, gracing the cover of weekly magazines.
“With public opinion on the antidote being favorable, we could start selling to the nobles next month.”
Everything was proceeding smoothly.
“Especially since the underground castle is hailed as fulfilling the late imperial princess’s will. Public opinion is indeed fascinating.” Obelo murmured, satisfied yet bitter at the overnight change in perception. “The cursed underground castle has suddenly become a sacred space.”
“Soon, something even greater will happen in that underground castle.”
“Pardon?”
The most significant output from the underground castle was yet to come. The crown prince, Redian Hyu Rixon!
At this rate, we might as well build a memorial museum. Just thinking of that made me feel reassured.
“Princess, there’s a big problem.” Suddenly, Aeron appeared with an urgent knock.
The assembly must have ended. The bombshell news that Izel’s son was alive must have reached Aeron, explaining his panicked expression.
“They said an hour ago, Redian caused a rampage.”
But what came was unexpected news.
* * *
I immediately headed to the Norma quarters.
“A rampage, all of a sudden?”
“It seems like he had a nightmare. It’s the first time since he completely stopped the sedatives…”
It was common for Redian to have nightmares. However, until now, under the influence of the sedatives, even if he had a nightmare, he would either forget them or mumble incoherently.
“So, he had a clear-headed nightmare this time.” Maze nodded.
It was expected to be okay since we had gradually reduced the sedatives. It was natural for a rampage to occur, given it was his first nightmare in years where he was fully conscious.
“How is he now?”
“We’ve restrained him with binding spells and administered a large dose of sedatives.”
Given the dangerous situation, it was a necessary response.
I thought we were almost there. The thought of him being tied up like a monster again left a bitter taste in my mouth.
In a few hours, every morning paper would be flooded with news that Izel’s son was alive…
“He must be sleeping by now.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll go see him myself. Make sure no one else enters.”
“…Be careful, Princess.”
Ignoring that familiar warning, I entered Redian’s room. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him like this.
In the darkness, the motionless white bed was visible. The carpet under my feet was soft, and the air brushing against my face was warm. Instead of the smell of blood from the underground castle, the room was filled with a sweet scent. But,
Sigh. I stopped in my tracks and looked down at Redian, who lay exhausted. His arms and legs were bound by restraints, and his hair was a tangled mess. How hard he must have bitten his lower lip for it to be bleeding…
“You must have cried.”
His eyelashes were wet, and the area around his eyes was red and swollen.
“I’m sorry for coming late. It must have been hard for you.”
Everything seemed to have changed, yet nothing had changed at all.
It was then. Huh? Redian, whom I thought was asleep, slowly opened his eyes.
“Are you awake?”
Despite the massive dose of sedatives, how was he awake? His blue eyes were groggy and drowsy, but his gaze was fixed on me.
“Redian?”
“If I wait…” His voice, choked and subdued, floated in the air. “Maybe Master will come.”
“…”
“Please, Master, just stay with me until I fall asleep.”
His tone was so feeble it tugged at my heart, so I sat down on the bed. Then, I began to stroke his hair, and Redian nestled closer into my embrace.
“I keep having the same dream. I look so terrible in that nightmare…”
“It’s okay, Redian.”
His breathing trembled as if he was recalling memories again.
“Master will hate me for it.”
“I told you, once you wake up, it all disappears. No matter how you appear in those dreams, it’s okay.”
“…”
Silence lingered for a while, Redian’s breathing gradually becoming calmer.
“Rere?” I leaned closer to check if he had calmed down.
“Lies…” Redian, lifting his head slowly, looked at me. “If I change.”
When I met eyes hidden by his silver hair.
“You’ll abandon me just like before.”
A piece of memory flashed through my mind.
