In Time And Memories

Chapter Sixty-One

My 19th birthday banquet came and it is a grand celebration. The guests are having fun and I am too with the member of the knights. They are the only people I consider close to me, not these pretentious nobles who acted as if they didn't saw me as a wasted lady.

At least these knights are honest with themselves and I can feel that they truly respects me and just wanted get close to me. They are genuine, in simple words.

"Your imperial highness," a familiar words called my attention. When I turned, my lips stretched into a welcoming smile.

It is my mother, Duchess Laurenze. When I ascended to the throne, my relationship with her was reconciled after she explained everything to me. I did gave her a chance to explain herself since I do owed her and after that, I opened myself to her.

She explained that her disappearance was connected to Empress Thiane' death and that they are trying to stop Queen Frizella's plans. The reason why it took her so long is because she was trying to find something.

It was the goddess, Malaia, who was believed to be the same goddess that founded Meliean Empire. When she mentioned that name, I remembered my brother's letter from years ago. And that is also the reason why my brother has to find her, it's to help our mother.

Now that it has been cleared, I have nothing more against her. I already forgave her and besides, she's the only parent I have.

"Mother." I smiled and then embraced her. Yzel is standing behind her.

"Happy birthday, my beautiful daughter," she greeted. "Happy birthday, Laine." And my brother too.

"Thank you. Let's sit down." I gestured them on the chair but my mother stopped me.

She smiled back. "Urus is looking for you." My eyebrows raised. She told me where Urus is and let me take a walk outside. It was said that Urus is in the garden again.

I immediately went there. When I arrived at the garden, I saw him holding a big bouquet. It consists of red and white flowers which symbolizes true love and everlasting love. But what shocks me the most is the kind of flower it is.

It's halegundry flowers.

Unlike the minnesoua flower that only blooms once a year and is rare, these flower is common but it lasts forever.

Even if it was cut out of its bushes, the flower will never withered. Because of this, people of the Meliean Empire belives that when a person gave this to someone, it symbolizes an undying love towards that someone.

True love, undying love, and everlasting love.

"My gift for you." He handed me the bouquet. At first, I only stared at it with hesitation and then tears started to roll on my cheek.

Urus embraced me and comforted me which it should be who are comforting him. I don't think I deserve accepting this bouquet. I don't think I deserve such a great love.

He hushed. "It's okay... it's okay..."

"I'm sorry..." I uttered between my sobs. He embraced me tighter and his lips landed on my forehead.

"You don't have to apologize, it's okay... I will wait for you."

That same embrace, later on, turned into a dance. He swayed our bodies slowly while hearing the faint sound coming from the palace.

——

A day after my birthday, Queen Frizella called me as she said that she will give me a gift. I told her servant that they can just deliver it to me but she refused as the queen wants me to get it myself.

That certainly sounds suspicious but I still decided to go. After I finished my duties, I went to her palace where she locks herself up.

Ever since Urus and I sat on the throne, she rarely goes out.

"Your highness, the empress has arrived." Her servants opened up the door and let me walk inside. It feels like I am walking straight to my enemy's den. Well, I think that's how exactly it is.

I saw her pouring tea on the cup. "Greetings, empress. Would you like some tea?" She smiled at me sweetly but I will never fall for that. Who knows that tea is already poisoned.

"Why did you call for me?" I don't have to say some honorifics since she's not the queen mother and my position is now higher than her.

"Oh come on, now. Didn't my servant told you that I have a gift for you?"

"Gift? Like poisoning me?" I smirked but she burst out laughing.

"Oh, how funny you are, Your imperial highness." Her hand went for the cup she just poured the tea into and drank from it to show my that it is not poisoned. "Loosen up a bit, empress. I just want to have a conversation with you."

My eyes squinted. "Then go straight to the point."

"You know... I am not the bad guy here." Her smile is still there but her voice is laced with seriousness. Now, what does she mean by that? It's obvious that she is the bad guy.

"These imperial family." She paused and then her eyes went to me. "They are hypocrites." Her expression looks disgusted.

"I know you probably know what happened on Thiane, on her idiotic act. But you don't know everything I know."

"What do you mean?" My teeth gritted. What does she mean by the imperial family are hypocrites?

"What if I tell you that the imperial family are using black magic?" My heart skipped a bit and my eyes widened. Seeing my reaction, Queen Frizella's smirk also widened.

No. I don't believe that. Black magic is forbidden and when someone was found guilty on using black magic, will be killed.

"You are right. Black magic is forbidden, it was agreed by the first kings and first emperors of Polczia." She stood up and walked towards the windown to stare outside. "And yes, someone who uses black magic will be killed. However... have you ever wondered why Urus can use two magics?"

I couldn't speak because I did wondered about that too. Urus said that only the imperial family can have two magics and it is rare. So, how...

Oh.

"See? They are hypocrites. Killing those who uses black magics when they, themselves, are using it with their free will."

No. I can't let my mind be coaxed by her. She's just manipulating me.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Did you know why Thiane died? Because when the imperial family have her, they can be unstoppable. They are just like their goddess."

Goddess? Does she mean Malaia?

I stood up which the couch made a sound. Queen Frizella looked at me. "No matter it is, you are still the evil one here."

Her reaction was a total opposite of what I expected her to react. Instead of getting angry, she laughed out loud.

"You know, after realizing it, you and I are just the same. It only happens that I know everything while you are enjoying an oblivious life." Without any hesitation, I left the room.

I don't want to listen to her words anymore. It's disrupting my mind.

———