The Solitude of an Emperor [TO BE UNPUBLISHED]

77: White Flowers

Dressed in modest white dress to commemorate her third consort’s death, Emperor Darya faced her people gathered outside the palace walls who were waiting for her announcement. It is obvious in her expression the remorse with what happened to the Largoth Empire. 

After the people found out that her third consort passed away during the barbarian battle, they all took any white flower and held it as they gathered outside the main gate. This is to show their sincere hearts are mourning the Empire’s General’s death. It is also to show their sincere gratitude to him as he put the people in good hands.

Seeing white flowers below her, she clenched her fist, trying her best to not show a weak expression. The only people who saw her struggle behind the scenes were all of them with her. These include Duke Esteban who’s heart is broken seeing her suffering. Silla was also there still processing the fact that the Empire’s General had passed.

“I express my gratitude to see the people of the Largoth Empire mourn for the Empire’s General. As a reward to him, there shall be no next Empire’s general in every generation of the Largoth Empire.”

“I am aggrieved to announce that there shall be no main consort as the supposed consort had passed for the wellness of the Largoth Empire.”

After hearing that, Duke Esteban closed his eyes and nodded. It has to be expected that his Emperor will choose General Theobarlt over any of them. He had long accepted it but it still stings in his heart when he is reminded of the fact that her heart will never get back to him.

“Hail to the Emperor of the Largoth Empire!”

“Hail to the Emperor of the Largoth Empire!”

The people started calling but then she raised her hand to signal them to be quiet. So then she continued her speech. “I am ashamed to tell you that some subjects of mine had started a rebellion, causing panic and distress to us while we were at a disadvantage. I am ashamed to announce that my second consort is an accomplice of Count Adrida Marshall and Viscount Amorio and some of the Barons of our Empire.”

“All accomplices of Count Marshall along with his family shall be held captive to face the Emperor. If one will run away, any imperial knight shall not hesitate to take their lives at stake. To end my announcement, a war will break out between the Largoth Empire and the Corstan Kingdom any time soon. Please cooperate with me by lending your strength to help with the necessities of our knights, either undergraduate or postgraduate. All knights of the Largoth Empire shall prepare for war within two days.”

“Hail to the victory of the Largoth Empire!” a citizen remarked and the people followed him.

“Hail to the victory of the Largoth Empire!” Those were the words she could hear until she was back at the consort’s palace.

Duke Esteban and Sir Lavenorth were just following her. They were worried about her because she had never touched the food that was served or did she ever speak about her feelings to them. 

Seeing her enter the room where her third consort was, they backed out as they waited outside. Duke Esteban sent Sir Lavenorth to rest as he remained guarding the door.

“Will you be well, my lord?” Sir Lavenorth was hesitant to leave. His eyes looked over Duke Esteban’s waist.

“The doctor said I will be fine.” Duke Esteban assured him.

Sir Lavenorth was still reluctant as he left Duke Esteban alone. When he was out of sight, Esteban finally touched his injured waist. Of course, it was a lie that he is alright.

It was a deep stab and the doctor could not assure him good health. He was told to rest but how can he just rest while his wife is suffering?

It was in the middle of the rebellion. He approached a maid thinking that the maid might have panicked that she did not know what to do. To his surprise, as soon as the maid ran towards him, it was too late. He was stabbed in his waist. The worst is when he saw who it was.