Chapter 14: How Could This Happen!

“From now on, there will be no joy in such events. So, do not speak carelessly.”

“Yes…” 

Liza replied in a subdued voice, feeling incredibly hurt by the Empress’s different attitude towards her.

“One more thing. Let’s make this clear. If His Majesty did such a thing, there must have been a reason. Why do you think an innocent person died? Do you dare to judge what His Majesty has done? Have you forgotten your place?”

Tears of sorrow and resentment streamed down Liza’s face. She had seen the Empress angry many times, but she had never been the target herself. The Empress’s anger had always seemed more like tantrums, but this was the first time she saw her scold someone with such weight and dignity. And the target was herself.

“I was… wrong. Please forgive me, Madam…”

Liza sobbed and begged, her insides churning. Though she said she was wrong, she secretly resented the Empress.

“Reflect on your actions for a week. Do not step foot in this room!”

As Liza left the room, sobbing with her head down, the other maids waiting in the next room turned away from her. They seemed quite pleased.

The Empress had always favored the wicked Liza, but she had a terrible reputation among the maids. Liza was known for her lies and schemes to gain favor alone. Many maids had suffered from her false accusations. Some had even been hit by the Empress because of her.

Changing her expression as if she had never cried, Liza ignored the maids and stormed out.

“Madam is absolutely right.”

Someone whispered cautiously. Though the door was closed, they acted as if the Empress might hear them.

“Honestly, it’s a relief.”

Another whisper followed. They all spoke cautiously but seemed eager to say something. They elegantly criticized Liza. It felt as if Liza, who had been deeply disliked, was finally getting what she deserved, and their faces relaxed.

***

The nanny, who had something to discuss with the Empress, stopped briefly. She watched from a distance as the Empress dismissed the maids, telling them to rest. The nanny smiled slightly.

The maids had always acted reluctantly. Of course, they had done so within the limits to avoid the Empress’s wrath.

The Empress had always treated the maids like objects, replacing them frequently at the slightest flaw.

But now, the maids’ attitudes have become more respectful and polite. These small changes were positive to the nanny, and her face brightened a bit more. It was because the Empress had changed first that they had also changed.

Once the maids left, the nanny hurried to the Empress.

“Madam, you must have heard the news, but wouldn’t it be better to postpone the lunch with His Majesty tomorrow?”

Indeed. The atmosphere would be tense. The Emperor had beheaded a knight. Just hearing the news made her neck feel cold again. Bellita trembled slightly, wrapping her hand around her neck.

The Emperor still terrified her. She wanted to avoid it if possible. But she had made a promise and felt she should keep it. No matter how scary and trembling the situation, running away would be cowardly.

“No, I will keep it as planned.”

She had become stronger. Even in such situations, she chose to face it rather than make excuses. The nanny nodded slightly and whispered quietly to the Empress.

“Madam, are you uncomfortable without your memories?”

“I’m grateful that I have you, Nanny.”

She indirectly admitted her discomfort. The nanny was thankful and grateful that the Empress, who used to complain all the time, was maturing so gracefully.

The Empress, who used to turn the palace upside down for any discomfort, was now like this even after losing her memory. The nanny admired the Empress, who seemed to mature ten years every day. Even her tone had softened. The Madam, who had been like a child, seemed to mature ten years in a single day.

The nanny hesitated, wondering if she should mention ‘that child’ now. No, she decided to wait a bit longer.

“Madam, would you like some refreshing tea?”

The Empress seemed curious about the nanny’s expression, as if she had something to say. But she didn’t rush her, trusting that the nanny would tell her in due time.

Bellita quietly watched the nanny leave the room to fetch the tea.

***

“Tell everyone to be cautious.”

Kuro ordered the two dukes in the absence of Duke Santino. They met every day at Duke Jenson’s residence, a safe place within the capital where they could speak freely.

Believing the Emperor would be replaced in six months, they had been meeting more frequently.

But today’s incident made such caution necessary. Their planted spies were in danger, and the information they received was crucial.

“Trust us.”

Many spies, including these two dukes, were still useful to Kuro.

“How is Duke Santino?”

“His left ear is half cut off. He can’t speak properly.”

“He hasn’t even gotten out of bed. The shock was severe.”

It was understandable, but Kuro was disappointed to learn that Santino couldn’t handle such a situation. His grey eyes darkened, like a rainy sky.

“Weakling. Tsk.”

“Hahaha. Duke Santino is like that. But don’t worry about us.”

He didn’t like how they tried to elevate their achievements in Santino’s absence. He needed someone solid and strong, like Dein and Anton.

Though Dein was his enemy, even the Benoit family acknowledged his presence. Kuro, who had always been compared to Dein, wished he would quickly die and disappear.

But he envied the Emperor for having people like Dein and especially the steadfast Anton. Though he didn’t show it, he felt inferior to the Emperor, who had such capable allies. He hated feeling this way. Looking around, he was frustrated that his most loyal supporters were only of this caliber.

Kuro took a deep breath to calm himself. Such thoughts wouldn’t help him. Though his fmen were a ragtag bunch, they were numerous. Their strength was necessary to become Emperor and gain power. There were historical examples of rulers who, despite having a Divine Beast, became puppets without their own faction. He had no intention of becoming such an Emperor. He planned to be one who wielded power freely.

“I feel very reassured. Having you two.”

He flattered them appropriately, and the two dukes’ eyes gleamed with pride.

***

The Emperor rode his horse faster, almost flying.

He felt heated. This happened occasionally, perhaps because of his temper. The cool wind calmed his heated head and body. The pleasure of riding at full speed and the coolness against his skin stabilized him.

The sight of the Emperor riding in perfect harmony with his magnificent black horse inspired respect in Anton, beyond their lord-vassal relationship.

The Emperor only allowed Anton to ride beside him. Though they didn’t exchange words, they built trust and loyalty in this shared space.

After a refreshing ride, the Emperor dismounted skillfully without an attendant’s help.

Having loved horses since childhood, many guessed the Emperor’s Divine Beast would be a giant horse. But the manifestation in an unexpected person had bewildered his close associates.

Anton, who had ridden with him, was urgently conversing with someone a bit away. The Emperor walked quickly, not paying much attention.

When Anton approached, the Emperor asked lightly.

“Why did you prepare the black horse instead of the white one today?”

Anton suddenly fell silent. Sensing something was wrong, the Emperor turned to Anton with a puzzled look. Anton’s face was very pale.

“What’s the matter?”

Anton decided to take full responsibility for what he had just heard from the attendant.

“Your Majesty, the white horse is missing.”

“What?”

What kind of nonsense is this!

“I have committed a grave sin.”

“You’re not the stable master, so what sin? Explain in detail.”

“It has disappeared without a trace. It has not been found yet.”

The Emperor’s stable was guarded like a fortress, yet the white horse had disappeared without a trace. This was unprecedented, and despite searching the entire palace, it hadn’t been found. The attendants were terrified, fearing for their lives.

It was indeed a grave error. Losing the Emperor’s horse. But the horse had left no tracks, and there was no place for such a large horse to hide. It had vanished completely, leaving everyone bewildered.

The Emperor couldn’t believe it. 

How could this happen!

The white horse he cherished so much couldn’t have flown away…

At that moment, the Emperor’s eyes twitched.

Could it be!