La Pluie

Act I.

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“Kill him, Your Majesty… it is the only way for you to regain your authority.” The whispers were soft and vague yet cunning and diabolical, it was enough to push the Emperor to the edge of a bottomless pit. Remuria is a prosperous nation in the middle of vast seas and oceans. It is a lone empire that withstood countless wars and hostility from neighboring nations. Behind Remuria’s greatness stood one man, not Emperor Remus but the Prime Minister who was intelligent and kind, beloved and cherished by the people.

The Prime Minister of Remuria is as stunning as the bright silver moon that watches over the empire. He was called by his surname Neuvillette, a magnificent man who became the pillar of the empire. His wit and bravery allowed him to outmatch his enemies and his shrewdness and beauty gained him faithful allies who stood by his side amidst any chaos that befall upon the court of Remuria. His deeds are not only known within the palace but also among the public. He led the development of hospitals and charities for the poor. Unlike the proud ignorant nobles, he visited the slums himself to provide aid for those in need and took care of each individual as if they were his children.

The people worshiped him like a god which enraged the current Emperor, Remus. Unlike the Prime Minister who was appointed by the late emperor, Remus is an extravagant idiot who cares about no one but himself. He lived a life of luxury ever since he was young, spoiled, and pampered as he was the only heir to the throne. “If you aren't the only child I have, I would never give you the throne!" His father would often yell at him. Remuria is doomed with Remus as its emperor thus, the previous monarch established Neuvillette to be the Prime Minister hoping he would lead the country to a bright future.

However, that bright future turned dull when Remus began delving into black magic. He became worse than he already was. Every night he would hear whispers that roused his dark impulses urging him to commit a sin that he knew he would regret. He tried to fight the desire to slaughter but as he kept hearing the praises of the people to the Prime Minister instead of him, corruption slowly devoured his heart.
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Remus knew that Neuvillette treasures the young Crown Prince. The boy has been sickly since birth and he lived alone in a detached palace together with a limited number of servants. The Emperor blamed the child for killing the Empress during childbirth and so, abandoned him in a desolate castle, forcing him to live in solitude despite his immature age. Only Neuvillette visits the boy, to provide the love and care the young prince lacked. The latter acknowledged the Prime Minister as his companion and guardian and he often looked forward to the Minister’s daily stays.

Unfortunately today, Neuvillette wasn't able to visit. It was a rainy night and the young prince was still outside the doorsteps, waiting for his best friend's appearance. Clack clack. The young prince heard shoes that hit the cold stone floors. Someone was coming and he instantly stood up, with a beaming smile and excited voice, “Monsieur Neuvillette, is that you?" But there was only silence. The halls were dark and the boy tried to squint his eyes to see who had come to visit. Monsieur Neuvillette was never this silent whenever he came by which made the boy ponder in curiosity. Youthful and naive he was, unaware of the dangers that lurked behind every shadow, drew near the man who stood not far from him. The last thing he saw was a blade that glinted under the lightning glow and the face of his father that he once longed to see.

The court was in chaos the next morning. The Crown Prince is dead and the culprit was the Prime Minister himself.