The explosion itself was minor, a mere blip in the grand scheme of things. Yet, the aftermath of the incident proved to be far more significant than the blast itself.
In a hurry, the party made their way back to the Imperial Palace, leaving a handful of knights and soldiers behind.
The journey back was swift; the location of the incident was not far from the palace, and the carriage sped down the road at full tilt, urgency propelling them forward.
"Your Majesty? What happened?" Theor inquired, his eyes wide as he looked at the two adults who sat in silence beside him. The explosion had jolted him awake from his slumber in Astelle's arms.
Kaizen offered a gentle smile, reaching out to tousle Theor's unruly hair with one hand. "There was an accident on the bridge. The railing is old and broken."
"Really?" Theor's expression shifted to one of concern, and he blinked rapidly as he absorbed the news. "I'm glad no one was hurt."
"Yeah, that's a relief," Kaizen replied, ruffling Theor's hair affectionately.
Astelle watched the two, her gaze lingering on their interaction, but she remained silent, caught in her thoughts.
• 🍁 •
As the carriage glided through the grand gates of the Imperial Palace, it made its way directly to the Empress Palace.
Upon her arrival, Astelle quickly changed her clothes, bathed Theor, and tucked him into bed. Meanwhile, Kaizen immediately proceeded to his office.
He finished reporting the day's incident to his men and later made his way to the Empress Palace, arriving well past midnight.
"Your Majesty," Astelle said, rising from her seat by the window to greet him.
Kaizen hadn't even had time to change out of his earlier attire, still dressed in the same clothes from before.
"Where's Theor?" he asked.
"He fell asleep a little while ago," Astelle replied.
The hour was late, and the palace lay shrouded in silence. Even the Empress's bedroom, situated at the heart of the palace, was enveloped in tranquility.
"You must be tired as well. You should get some rest," he suggested gently.
Astelle didn't respond; instead, she regarded him with a worried expression, her eyes reflecting a myriad of complex emotions.
Kaizen recognized the thoughts swirling in her mind. He had already given orders to his men regarding the day's events. Vellian had appeared momentarily bewildered but promised to investigate the matter immediately.
'Who could have done this?'
There were a few individuals who came to mind. The motive behind the attack was painfully clear.
How dare they.
'I will never forgive you.'
Though he concealed his anger, Kaizen spoke soothingly to Astelle.
"Don't worry too much. I'll take care of everything."
Astelle continued to observe him closely.
Kaizen offered her a calm smile, the same one he had given to Theor. His eyes appeared warm and friendly, yet Astelle, having spent so long with him, could see beyond the facade.
Kaizen was seething with fury, his anger palpable.
"They probably didn't have time to devise an elaborate plan," he said, his voice steady yet fierce.
