The Solitude of an Emperor [TO BE UNPUBLISHED]

64 : Eastern

Darya’s fate might be predicted according to her choice but it was an entirely different area. It was only about the love she was going to experience and not about how she had become an Emperor. There is no doubt that her future in this repeated timeline is unfixed and unwritten as the supposed fate had been crumbled since someone had turned the time back. Just like now, as soon as she was about to depart from Alvellor, she had received an unexpected news that shook her world.

Since a carriage will take two days to arrive at the Imperial Palace, she had no choice but to take a personal horse along with General Theobarlt. They galloped their individual horses to the road and to any shortcuts just to come earlier in the Imperial Palace. The two days journey back to the Imperial Palace had become one day. It was dawn when she entered the Imperial Palace.

Along her way, she saw a large unusual ship docked on the Hiague port causing horror to the town’s people. There were men scattered in the vicinity, wearing a long uniform and armour to their chest, legs and head. It was no doubt eastern knights and an eastern ship.

When she arrives at the main gate, the Empire’s knights are facing the eastern knights, guarding the main gate as well. It seems like Duke Esteban invited the convoy who had come from the east to the Imperial Palace. 

Silla was waiting for Darya at the entrance of the main gate. Upon seeing the Emperor, she immediately made a report.

“An Eastern convoy had come to retrieve Mister Zale, Your Majesty.”

Hearing this, Darya was still unable to process the report she had received. Yes, Zale is the reason why the Empire had an uninvited visitor.

“Where is Zale?”

Silla looked around to see if anyone was listening to them. Seeing that there are eastern knights guarding the main gate, she leaned closer to Darya to whisper her answer, thinking that it might be heard.

“I took Mister Zale to my mother’s house since the eastern knights are inspecting every house in the city, searching for him.”

Darya nodded and tapped Silla’s head, feeling proud that she had done very well.

“Good. Thank you.”

“Yes. I know you value Mister Zale. I cannot just let those eastern bastards get their hands on such a precious being.”

Darya hushed and let out a small chuckle. She immediately walked fast to the Emperor’s office where she found Duke Esteban waiting for her. As soon as the door was opened, he stood up from his seat and immediately walked towards her. He took her hand and embraced her in his arms.

“I apologize for my lack of ability in managing the national estate, Your Majesty.” Duke Esteban looked worried, his eyes swollen, seeming like he did not have a sleep because of what happened.

“You should rest. I will handle the rest.” Darya smiled, “You did well.”

In fact, there should have been a feud that might have occurred if Duke Esteban did not handle it well. He also successfully negotiated with the convoy in order to wait for her to come. It is good that he was able to make the convoy stay this far.

Duke Esteban had a profound smile, feeling like he wanted to cry in her arms but he thought about his dignity as a man. He could cry even if General Theobarlt was there but if Lavenorth is present, he just could not. Duke Esteban could only nod his head and left the office after kissing Darya’s forehead. He goes to his chambers in the consort’s palace. However, no matter how he tried to rest, he just could not stop getting worried about the Emperor, imagining how she would react if she faced such a vicious convoy.