The Monster Duchess (GirlxGirl) (Futanari)

Chapter 21 | The Next Shadow Empress

ELPIS'S POV

"Is there a problem with burying my noble consort inside the ancestral burial ground? We've been together for thirty years. It shouldn't be a problem." The elders looked at each other before facing me.

"But, even your father's concubines weren't buried in the ancestral burial ground. Only your legal wife is allowed to be bury there. Your concubine will only stain the holy place." Something in me awakened when I killed the elder who talked about my noble consort as if she had no dignity.

"Anyone dare to question me again?" I watched as the other elders shake her head no.

"You old fogeys may be the royal advisor for the current emperor but don't forget that I am still your superior. I will have the noble consort bury in my ancestral burial ground, and that's final! Anyone who opposes shall face the same consequences as the dead elder." They all nodded while the shadow guards dragged the dead elder away from my sight.

"Elpis," Virtra called out for her wife when she entered her private study.

"Welcome back. How was your short trip?" Virtra shrugged her shoulder before taking off her veil.

"I've made the necessary preparation for the burial while the others took the initiative to inform the whole Empire of Grace's death." I never thought that this day would come sooner than expected. Yes, we always knew that Grace would eventually succumb to death, but I always brush the thought off.

"Now that Grace finally found her peace, what should we do about her duchy? I know we shouldn't talk about this now, but we can't ignore the corruption that has been going on while she is bedridden." Virtra is right. As the ruler, I can't let my emotion takes control of my mind and action.

"They will surely use this opportunity to take over the duchy. I had my eyes on Baron Sanchez for a long time, and it seems he's beginning to take action. The news of Grace's death will be the turning point for their plan to take over the duchy." Virtra has a point.

"Order the shadow guard to keep their eyes on Rose. Even though she is married to a marquess, but she is still the sole heir to Grace's duchy. Those bastards will find a way to make sure that no one will stand in their way. If I'm not mistaken, baron Sanchez was the one who requests for the title of a duke, correct?" Virtra nodded.

"Grace's duchy means a lot to her. We will protect it with our life." Someone knocks on the door.

"Your highness, the high priest and his entourage have arrived. He requested to meet the saintess." What a bold move they did. Do they think that I would let them do whatever they wish in my palace?

"Did the saintess decline their request?"

"Yes. The saintess wishes to stay in her room while they're here." I stood up from my seat and reached out for my wife.

"Virtra, protect your sisters, okay?" My wife nodded. I gave a small peck on my wife's cheek before asking the servant to lead me towards the high priest whereabout.

"Tell me, what do you think of the high priest decision to be here now? Do you think he wants to get everyone's attention for himself and let his henchmen fo all the dirty work in the shadows or he just simply wishes to see the saintess now that Galatea is busy with the funeral?" I simple inquired an answer from my trusted servant.

Before the servant could even reply to my question, I heard a commotion not far from where we are.

"I'm sorry, your holiness but the saintess doesn't want to be disturbed today. She has been through so much because of the noble consort's death. It would be better for you to leave this place now before the shadow empress c-," the guards were surprised to see me standing behind the high priest with my hands crossed.