The Solitude of an Emperor [TO BE UNPUBLISHED]

61 : Authority

Duke Esteban arrived at the Imperial Palace just before the Emperor departed. When he received the Imperial letter about his summon, he immediately went to the Imperial palace. Seeing the few carriages lined up near the main gate, he got worried that it was so few that the Emperor might not be comfortable with her travel. However, as soon as he saw General Theobarlt standing beside her, not wearing a uniform, he sighed in relief thinking that he might be coming with her.

He took off his carriage and immediately went out to greet the Emperor who’s waiting for his arrival. He took Darya’s hand and kissed the back of her palm. He then leaned close to kiss her lips. He was not intending to kiss her openly but he missed her so badly that he could not help but do it abruptly. The last time he saw her was when Lorenzo got betrothed to her and now that he saw her again, she is leaving for a few days.

Meanwhile, Darya had an indifferent look when Duke Esteban did that. Although it was to be expected, she was surprised a bit that he did it in front of her favourite, General Theobarlt. Ever since Darya got married to him, Esteban never attempted kissing her openly and without permission. Before, he would also constantly get jealous of General Theobarlt but he changed for some time later. What exactly caused him to change drastically, like he is a completely different person from her first life?

The officials and attendants present are all looking at the Emperor and her first consort. And then they would gaze at General Theobarlt who’s standing by her side. For a while, they got nervous that General Theobarlt might get annoyed but they did not see any indifference in his expression. He does not look affected at all. 

So then, they looked at Duke Esteban still kissing the Emperor. He looked nervous but did not let the Emperor go after a few seconds. Maybe it was because Duke Esteban missed the Emperor for not seeing her for a few days. Moreover, he could not just show his affection whenever the two met because they would always see each other during nobles’ meetings. And when Duke Esteban is present, General Theobarlt would coincidentally be present as well, making the Emperor draw more attention to her favourite concubine.

“I came as soon as the letter arrived at my estate. How would you like me to help you, Your Majesty?” Esteban finally let go of her and asked her softly.

Darya stared at him for a while. He looked nervous and worried at the same time. Judging by how he dressed normally and with his slightly messy tied long hair, he really hurriedly went to the Imperial Palace.

“I am going to the town of Alvellor as for the meantime. I would like to visit and practically see what had progressed in the location. While I am away, as my first consort, I will entrust you the national estate with Sir Lavenorth.” 

Lavenorth who heard that smiled widely towards Duke Esteban who gazed at him and then back to the Emperor.

“You will be responsible for my work. You will also have the same authorization as an Emperor while I am not present.”

Duke Esteban flinched upon hearing the last sentence. He did not expect Darya to give him such authorization as an Emperor just like that. This is exactly what his late father wanted, for him to take this opportunity and build his name to become the Emperor. But it was before. He does not have a peck of interest in reigning the throne until he dies. He will never do what he did before.

“This subject heeded Her Majesty’s will. I will do my best, Your Majesty.” Esteban lowered his head and then looked back at her beautiful eyes. Those beautiful eyes that will always be remembered by his sight, like stars in the night sky that he hopes to see every night.

“Are you really going to just bring three carriages with you?” His eyes become full of concern. “I am worried that you might catch a cold while you are on the way. I am also worried that you might encounter bandits in the Alvellor.” Just thinking that there are only a few maids and knights that she is going to bring, it is concerning him.

“I appreciate your concern, Lord Esteban. I have inspected all the things I need and it is intact and complete. Furthermore, I will also be travelling with General Theobarlt so no need to be concerned. I will have to go now.” Darya showed him a beam before walking passed him.

Esteban turned around to face her and lowered his head along with the official and attendants. “Please take care, Your Majesty.” He then felt General Theobarlt’s tap on his shoulder before he followed Darya to the carriage.

As soon as the carriage left one by one, he was immediately guided by Sir Lavenorth to the Emperor’s office.

“What is the situation in the Alvellor?” He asked Sir Lavenorth on the way.

“The town had been recovered from the monsters and is currently being sanitized thoroughly as Emperor Darya was worried that the infectious deceased would rise. The people of the town had been evacuated to Hiague for the time being.”

“Was there an infectious disease discovered?”

“As of the moment, the researchers have discovered one but it is not dangerous. However there are some restrictions that must be followed if you are present to the location.”

Duke Esteban nodded his head. “Good, are there any other problems of the Empire that have arisen during this month?”

“All major problems had been resolved for the moment. If we look at the minor ones, there are some laws formulated by some nobles that you need to check since Emperor Darya said that it must be investigated thoroughly with the use of many brilliant minds. I guess Her Majesty would like to hear your thoughts about it as well.”

They finally arrived at the Emperor’s office and he was immediately guided by Sir Lavenorth to what he was going to do. Sir Lavenorth is also in a good mood because Emperor Darya specifically asked Duke Esteban to work on the national estate with him. It means that he is not going to shoulder all the responsibilities alone. And it is also good to work with Duke Esteban rather than the Corstan Crown Prince.

As the time passed by, while skimming the papers that were piled in his front, Esteban finally showed a frown on his forehead as he looked at Sir Lavenorth to ask him a question.

“I noticed that there had been many immigrants residing in the Empire and migrants that were going in and out the Empire.”

“Yes. Those papers had just come from the office of the Chamberlain this morning. Her Majesty had not checked it yet.”

Esteban expressed his concern about this matter. “We could not just accept too many people from other countries. We are in the state of emerging our country for improvement. With these numerous immigrants, we will and might pollute our homeland and will cause destruction to the environment if we expand the city and each town. It is a great disadvantage.”

“I like your idea, Lord Esteban. I would like you to propose a law about immigration regarding your concern. I supposed Her Majesty would be happy about it.”

Other than General Theobarlt, Sir Lavenorth likes Duke Esteban to be by the Emperor’s side. He is a powerful noble and he thinks rationally when it comes to the national estate. He is also worried about the welfare of the people and is patriotic. Duke Esteban was also one of his favourites among the nobles.

“Do you think that Her Majesty will heed my proposals?” Duke Esteban was quite unsure about making a proposal. He thinks that his idea would be bad for the Empire. He might look stingy in the eyes of the immigrants.

Seeing Duke Esteban’s worried expression, he sighed. “Her Majesty will never neglect you, Lord Esteban.” If Duke Esteban only knew that the Emperor cared for him. “Her Majesty often mentions about your achievements and your dedication to the Empire. He would read every single report you make as well. I can say that she has put her trust in you since a long time ago.”

Hearing this from Lavenorth himself, his face heated while maintaining a dignified expression. He felt that his heart felt like feathers and he could not help but love her even more. He will do anything to make it up to her although he knows that he will not have another chance.

***
END OF CHAPTER 61
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