Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 98.2: Bonus Story: Battle for the Imperial Crown Part 2

Byleathea walks the garden in her mourning dress with her veil down. With the passing of the Emperor, the Empire will be in mourning for the week while arrangements are made for the funeral. The young new Empress's mother is in a tricky position now as much as her daughter is, and she was surprised to learn what Sundenelle did on her way out.

The matronly woman understands her daughter's decision. It will be a well-known fact that the last person seen with the Emperor in his last moments was Sundenelle. There's no hiding the fire afterwards, and it's easily disprovable that anyone other than Sundenelle would have heard his last words, since 'in her madness from losing her beloved father', she set the convalescence wing of the Imperial Palace on fire, which is also not provable, since only a handful of guards were present when the room went ablaze.

Sundenelle has been scheming since, as her Father's true last words sparked a duty within the new Empress, even if she lied to him to put him at ease.

Perhaps it wasn't a lie. My beautiful Sun never wanted to be the ruler, and yet, she is taking on the burden of wrestling the seat away from those who are not of Imperial blood.

The Emperor confided in Byleathea more than anyone else, and after hearing his final words, she realized too late that he had hinted at the truths he revealed. He often claimed he never slept with the Empress, as they secretly reviled each other in private and couldn't stand to be anywhere near each other. As such, he had secret passages built into their room, from which he would leave after they were both seen entering the room.

Byleathea regrettably believed that his words were simply sweet nothings meant to appease her; confessing to his 'true love' that she was the only one.

However, the only person the Emperor never lied to, save for good-natured teasing, is Sundenelle. His precious daughter was his gem of the palace. He never tired of her, and he often spoke highly of her and her wit.

The fact that he told Sundenelle that she is his only true daughter... As unbelievable as it is, Byleathea can't help but trust those words now.

And, to further prove it, Sundenelle is making her best efforts to get into the Emperor's private quarters, which will involve more of her temper tantrums that she would normally consider a disgrace.

Byleathea's role is to be visible as well, being approachable and non-threatening.

"Lady Byleathea," speaks a gentle male voice that the noblewoman recognizes with ease.

I can't believe it was exactly as Sundenelle said.

Byleathea turns to face the one addressing her; none other than the Dowager Empress's youngest son, Thermihk. The mistress's heart tightens a little at seeing his gentle and caring smile. Of all of the children regarded as members of the Imperial family, Thermihk became something of a foster son to Byleathea, who came to care for him like a wetnurse alongside her own daughter. The Empress was focused on grooming her eldest son for the throne, so she often left Thermihk to the maids. Wishing the boy to have a stable upbringing, and for Sundenelle to have a playmate amongst her siblings, Byleathea came to care for Thermihk deeply.

"Prince Thermihk. A sincere pleasure to see you. I wish it were under better circumstances." She curtsies politely, as his station is higher than hers so long as he is considered a prince.

A small part of Byleathea wishes that the family could remain a family as it was under the Emperor, but she knows that's not possible.

Thermihk is already as tall as Byleathea, and he has a fairly lithe frame. The motherly woman knows him as a gentle soul, though he is not without cunning.