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The path we will create together_
Written by: Lemon
After a few hours, she and the Duke began to walk around the palace with a leisurely pace, but with heavy hearts.
The setting sun, peeking through the gaps between the royal palace's magnificent curtains, helped to further dazzle Berlish's mind.
"Your Majesty, do you know where you are going?"
"Um... well"
"...I'm on my way to see my father."
"Ah... Now that I think about it, I haven't returned to Your Majesty yet.
I couldn't tell you..."
"...Even if I tell you, you probably won't hear it..."
"...Can I ask what that means, Belly?"
.
.
.
"In fact, Your Majesty could not open his eyes
It's been ten days since I arrived..."
She is very carefulShe began to tell the story. It was only natural that her heart sank at the Duke's pensive expression, and it seemed incredibly difficult to hold back and properly tell him the truth.
"The fortress was not in perfect condition, but ten days ago, it suddenly
I also had a hard time because you were sick and in bed..."
"...Your Majesty... how could such a thing happen..."
"The congressman said it would be good to clear your mind..."
.
.
.
"...it became. Belly's heart is suffering,
I don't want to listen deeply."
Her eyes grew even redder, and the tears welled up so tightly that they seemed ready to fall at any moment. The Duke hurriedly told her she could stop talking. Her deep breath, then, must have been an attempt to swallow those tears.
They forced their heavier steps to arrive in front of the emperor's quarters. They informed the weary-looking minister standing before them that they would skip over their report. Then they opened the door slightly and entered.
Anyone who saw the dazzling sight covered in gold would have been amazed. But inside, there was a shallow breath that could barely be taken in and out.emperorwas lying listlessly on a large bed covered in gold.
They would have naturally noticed the emperor first, rather than the splendid gold ornaments and gold decorations.
"Your Majesty... the return of Duke Kim Tae-hyung of the Kiloberos Empire.
I would like to express my gratitude to Your Majesty for the honor of meeting you..."
The Duke, who had been paying homage to the Emperor, felt a pang of pain at the sight of his face, which was almost as pale as that of a dead man. Knowing the Emperor had struggled for five years to fend off the counts who had seized his vacant position, the Duke's emotions must have been even more mixed.
"...It is true that even when His Majesty was in good health, he was powerless and was chased by them while doing politics,
They say that Your Majesty is useless, so they treat Your Majesty like this.
"I threw it away miserably..."
"......"
"Is this really what a true empire looks like?"
A moment of silence fell as the duke sighed deeply at her words. No touching singing could be heard, and no mournful funeral was taking place, yet heavy tears fell from their eyes.
The birds outside the window seemed to sympathize with their sorrow, pausing their high-pitched chirping for a moment to perch on a swaying tree. The sun was nearing its end, and the dusk was blazing red.
The Duke shed tears of sorrow, then took a deep breath, turned his gaze away for a moment, looked at her intently, and spoke carefully.
.
.
.
"...I'm sorry to say this, but... Your Highness the Princess
NowReal seatIsn't it time you found it?"
"......"
"Yes, if Your Majesty returns here, I earnestly request that the Princess take that position."
Even after hearing the Duke's words, she showed neither surprise, joy, nor sadness. She simply gazed at the Duke, who had spoken, and spoke with an indifferent expression, as if she had let everything go.
"Your Majesty... do you trust me...?
Your Majesty doesn't know how weak my personality is.
That's right..."
"It wasn't like that when I was around."
"......"
She nodded reluctantly, seemingly hesitating for a moment. Perhaps she was deeply lost in thought, wondering if she could truly endure sitting in such an imperial position.
"Belly, don't be afraid of the Emperor's seat."
"But as a child who grew up seeing my father's figure
You know very well that I can't help but be afraid..."
"The Empress passed away early, and the Empress Dowager was deposed.
Since His Majesty was alone, he had no choice but to do politics.
I had no choice but to do it.
Belly knows it too well."
"...yes"
"...Belly only trusts me."
At those words, she slowly raised her wavering eyes, which had long since fallen to the floor, and looked back at the Duke. Though still wavering, something called faith must have taken root within them. That was perfectly suited to bolstering her courage.
The leaves still clinging to the trees swayed, and the birds that had been chirping stilled. The sun, which seemed poised to set soon, began to disappear a little more quickly. And the moment the sun set, and no light illuminated the empire,
The Emperor of the Empire held his breath.
"...!!!"
When she breathed shallowly, every breath became audible, like the sound of wind leaking out. When that sound completely ceased, when absolute silence descended, the Duke and she, who had been speaking, were unable to continue speaking.
"father..."
She called softly for her father and collapsed to the ground, her legs seemingly weakened. The Duke, startled, sat down with her, checking on her condition. Her eyes were unfocused, and she wept wildly. Her voice was so loud that it resonated throughout the room.
"......"
The Duke offered no words of comfort to her as she wept so sadly. To speak to her at that moment would be to rob her of the moment when she could have freely sent the Emperor off, and would prevent her from cherishing the memory of the Emperor for long.
So the duke waited and waited in silence for a long time.
After about two hours, the emperor's pale body was moved, and she, exhausted from crying for a long time, leaned weakly against the duke and shed the last of her tears.
"...Just breathe a little slower, Belly.
And then he collapses..."
Before the Duke could even finish his sentence, her head dropped. The small head leaning against his shoulder tilted slightly forward, and the Duke quickly supported her.
It was a miracle that her already weak body, which had been crying for over two hours, didn't collapse. The duke carried her wordlessly, leaving the emperor's quarters and walking towards her own.
As the duke stepped outside, counts were milling about in front of the residence, along with various ministers and officials chattering. Naturally, they were talking about the next emperor.
The Duke frowned, perhaps displeased with their appearance. The surroundings quieted slightly, but the noise soon returned. He glared at each of them in an angry voice and spoke confidently.
"Princess Freyad BerlisiPlease do not forget that only he can ascend to the throne as the next emperor according to the Imperial Palace Law."