Chapter 108

The rumor that Duke Gabriel oversaw the ascension anniversary ceremony spread across the empire. People were so busy discussing it that they almost forgot their own business.

Some speculated that the emperor still regarded Duke Gabriel as a meritorious subject.

Others whispered that the emperor had planted a trap within the ceremony.

Still, others thought it was meant to curb Empress Consort Liliana’s rapid rise.

Amidst all the gossip, one thing was sure: Duke Gabriel was dedicating himself to this ceremony as if his life depended on it.

The royal family allocated him a substantial budget, yet Duke Gabriel used his funds to make the celebration even more extravagant and grandiose.

Just as Agrina had predicted, Duke Gabriel had no intention of willingly entering a trap. He was prepared to give what he must but determined to solidify his daughter’s position as a candidate for empress.

He had already instructed his attendants to foster an atmosphere where the guests would expect rewards.

Duke Gabriel failed to account for the fact that Helio, as a man forged by war, didn’t equate royal protocol with royal pride.

Helio didn’t appear at the anniversary celebration at all, as if the guest of honor hadn’t shown up to his own birthday party.

What good was preparing for the emperor’s grand entrance if he wasn’t there?

“Father, why isn’t His Majesty coming?” Beatty asked her father with trembling eyes.

Adorned with more care than any other day, his daughter was as beautiful as the fabled king of light spirits.

But it was all for nothing if Helio, who was supposed to behold that beauty, was absent.

The duke’s clenched fists trembled with rage. He muttered under his breath so no one else could hear.

“Damn it! That’s why you can’t trust an unrefined brute raised on the battlefield!”

The duke whipped his head around, scanning the area.

“The Empress Consort! Where is that woman that she hasn’t shown herself yet?”

His anger shifted to Liliana, and it began to flare.

Lucia watched the scene from her seat on a high dais and let out a quiet chuckle. Though she couldn’t hear him, it was apparent what he was looking for.

“How amusing. She’s probably off with Helio. Did he think they’d just stand around, draining their wealth for a single dance?”

Lucia’s maidservants stifled their laughter as they listened.

It was a farcical anniversary celebration.

* * *

In truth, Helio and Liliana had set out early in the morning. The carriage they rode appeared on the outside like a high-ranking servant’s, but it was much more comfortable and warm inside.

Liliana started chiding him as soon as they boarded.

“You really mean having a carriage like this for playing hooky?“

“The palace is stifling.”

Of course, for Helio, who had roamed the battlefield since before he hit adolescence, the palace, so filled with protocols and eyes, must have felt quite oppressive.

Liliana peered out the window and spoke cautiously as they rode for a long time.

“So, where exactly are we going?”

“Not sure.“

“Don’t play coy. I’m really curious. Judging by how we’re going farther out, it doesn’t seem like we will join the festivities.”

The empire’s citizens were throwing a festival to enjoy the long-awaited ascension anniversary.

Liliana had fond memories of the last festival they attended, so she had a spark of hope they were going again. But that wasn’t the case.

Helio crossed his legs and folded his arms, assuming a relaxed, almost nonchalant pose.

Whenever he was in the palace, he exuded pride and dignity, but outside, he suddenly took on a laid-back, almost wild air, like a knight training bare-chested in the arena.

Liliana, cheeks growing red, turned her gaze to the window even more intently.

The carriage had passed the capital and was winding up a low mountain path.

Though no buildings were in sight, the well-paved road and patrolling knights indicated that this was not just a rural area.

Gradually, Liliana began to understand their destination.

‘We’re going to the royal family’s burial ground.’

It was, after all, the day Helio ascended to the throne and not far from the day he had killed his father and siblings.

With no clear idea of his intentions, Liliana fell into silence.

Noticing her tension, Helio spoke in a soothing tone.

“I’m not taking you here to trouble you, so don’t worry in advance.“

“… I’m not worried; I just don’t want to offend Your Majesty.“

“It’d take more than this to offend me. You know I’m rather fond of you.”

Helio gave her a playful smile, recalling a recent conversation. Liliana turned away from his gaze, hiding her flushed face with her hair.

The carriage finally stopped atop a flat hill. Helio stepped down first and extended his hand to help Liliana.

As she took his hand and stepped out of the carriage, a brisk wind nipped at her cheeks, but the magnificent scene before her made her forget the chill.

A building constructed with interlocking golden-hued wood appeared almost as solid as if made of stone. It stood quietly yet impressively without disturbing the surrounding landscape.

“I’ve never seen such a beautiful building before.”

The words slipped from Liliana’s lips without her realizing it.

“That’s a relief.”

There was a trace of inexplicable self-mockery in Helio’s voice.

“Did Your Majesty build this?“

“We agreed not to use titles when we’re outside.“

“…But isn’t this the royal cemetery?“

“It’s outside all the same.”

Once Helio began to insist on something, Liliana knew arguing was no point. But she wasn’t the type to simply back down without trying.

She glanced at Helio, putting on a playful expression as she spoke.

“Alright then, Helio.”

For a moment, the usually calm Helio’s expression wavered. Liliana was strangely delighted to see a surprise flicker in his eyes, which were usually as serene as the moon in the night sky.

Feigning innocence, she asked, “Shall I stop if you think I’m being disrespectful?”

Helio burst into laughter, and he seemed genuinely amused.

“I was the one who insisted on this, so why would I ask you to stop?“

“Exactly, right?”

Helio kept his amused smile as he walked ahead, and Liliana quickly followed him.

“It’s the first time I’ve laughed after coming here.”

Liliana felt relieved that he seemed to be in good spirits. But just as she had that thought, as if to mock her, Helio’s face grew somber, and his eyes turned hollow as they drew closer to the building.

They walked silently, moving deeper into the enormous structure until a grander scene caught their attention.

The rounded corridor was lined with so many doors that it was impossible to count them all at a glance. Helio opened one of them himself.

Inside was a large portrait along with a beautiful urn.

In the Carlo Empire, bodies weren’t buried as they were. It was considered an honorable death to be cremated so that not even animals or insects could touch the remains, allowing one to end their life in a pure form.

So, the urn likely contained the person’s ashes in the portrait.

The person in the portrait had a face that, while not as striking as Helio’s, was quite beautiful.

If the saying that a person’s eyes reveal their character was true, this person must have been very kind. He had gentle eyes and a gaze as warm as sunlight.

Liliana wondered who this person was but chose not to ask. Helio had explicitly chosen this door among so many, likely because he wanted to honor this person. She didn’t want to intrude.

“It’s been a year, brother.“

Helio’s voice was dry, yet it sounded quite affectionate to Liliana.

He might have visited this place yearly to see the portrait’s owner. Even so, Helio opened and closed his lips as if he couldn’t find the words he wanted to say.

Eventually, he gave up and started to turn away, rubbing his forehead.

Liliana gently took hold of his wrist.

“Helio, would it be alright if I pay my respects, too?“

“…What would you say to someone you don’t know?“

“Then tell me his name.”

Helio didn’t quite mean it that way, but Liliana held her ground. He let out a thin sigh and murmured quietly.

“Adonia.”

Liliana nodded with a small smile and stepped in front of the portrait.

“Nice to meet you, Prince Adonia. I’m Liliana.”

Unlike Helio, who struggled to speak a single word, Liliana cheerfully prattled away.

“Seeing how Helio visits you every year without fail, you two must have been close as brothers. Right? I thought the only people he was close to were Princess Lucia and Sir Ternz. I’m glad to learn something new.”

Helio leaned against the wall, watching with an expression that suggested he was curious to see how far she would go.

“If you were close with Helio, you must’ve disliked Duke Gabriel, too? I bet he’s being thoroughly humiliated at the palace today. Just thinking about it makes me feel so smug and happy. Helio is getting along just fine, pulling off many mischievous tricks. There was this incident last summer…”

As Liliana began to share stories about Helio’s daily life, he reached out and stopped her by the elbow.

“That’s enough.“

“Why?“

“He wouldn’t be interested in hearing about me. He’d be happier to hear about what’s happening in the empire.”