The Royal Deal

CCXCI - CCC

The coronation of the new empress of the Sehar Empire couldn't have been any more gorgeous and grander. Belice became the empress under the blessing of Celios the High Priest. Belice announced Duke Michen mui Roden as the fiancé of the Empress instead of the Prince Consort. It was Loyalterre who was the happiest at the news.

"Congratulations, big brother!"

"Loyalterre, thank you. Sit, I have something to say to you." Loyalterre sat in the chair in his office, smiling happily.

"Soon, the documents regarding restoring your status will be ratified."

"Many already say I'm a noble."

"But official documentation is still important. It's better to have it set in stone. I was worried about you training with Duke Skad, but ultimately it worked in your favour."

As Duke Skad treated Loyalterre as a noble, she was slowly accepted by the other upper-class citizens. This allowed a clear path for her to become part of the Roden family tree.

"Loyalterre, listen carefully. Soon a war will be declared with the Boron Kingdom. Sir Skad will likely lead it. Which means you will not be able to train with Duke Skad any more. How would you feel about studying abroad? Even though Sehar is a vast empire, it's times like this when you need a broader view of the world."

"Really? Can I really study abroad?" Loyalterre said, extremely excited. "I'll make you proud! Duke Skad told me 'No matter how smart you are, you won't know until you have actually experienced the world.'"

Michen had been worried that Loyalterre might have feelings for Alexcent. He had to be sure his worries were unfounded. "I'll arrange everything for your trip. Funny, for some reason I thought you might have feelings for Sir Skad..."

"I did. I was severely rejected," Loyalterre admitted. Michen choked on a sip of water. "It wasn't long after I started going to the Duke's place that I realized it, and I confessed to him. But, he rejected me. 'Get lost' he said." Loyalterre glared, trying to reenact Alexcent's expression. "I was scared to death at that moment."

"Your Majesty, we received a message that we're very close to victory." Karune was reporting on the last battle with the Boron Kingdom.

"Of course. Sir Skad only brings victory," Belice replied. "Prepare for travel. To show respect for those sacrificing their lives for the Empire, I wish to be there personally to witness the last battle."

"There will be nothing better for the moral of the soldiers than your personal encouragement," Karune agreed. "You honour these soldiers very much." All of the other nobles agreed.

Several days later, Belice travelled to the battlefield with a contingent of palace soldiers. The battlefield was covered with a blanket of corpses. Alexcent stood amongst the dead, covered in blood that was not his own. Belice witnessed the demon that everyone said Alexcent was. And she realized then that it was because of her. She ordered this. She started to become faint as the knowledge of what she had done overtook her.

Belice remembered the promise she had made to her mother, that she would protect Alexcent. She had failed in that promise. She was determined now, not to ignore it anymore. She would devote her life to saving him from the pain. She would help him realize what love is. After the battle was done, Belice headed to the Tower of Silence to change her determination into a reality.

"Is Her Majesty in?" Michen asked Karune. Her day's schedule had been completed, but she couldn't be found anywhere.

"She went to the Tower of Silence," Karune replied.