Chapter 113
Chapter 113
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: Memories of Naria
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“Of course, nothing like that will happen. But this is a fact only I know—Naria liked me a little more. She’d come to me every time to vent, you know. ‘Hus this, Hus that, Hus grumbling on and on.’”
Lander chuckled softly as he lifted his head. The image of his friend hounded by Naria was still vivid.
“Ah, right. Your name. I heard from Bank. You changed it?”
“It’s Lander now.”
“Boring name. Why not just stick with Hus? No one would recognize you anyway.”
“Coming to the Holy City made me realize just how much effort you put into altering my face.”
“I told you. I’d erase you completely. Be grateful—you’re free to roam because of me.”
Ardhen turned his head, gazing out at the setting sun as he spoke.
“I miss Naria.”
“Yeah.”
“She would’ve made things lively.”
“My wife would’ve chattered away on her own, not caring if we listened or not.”
“And if one of us showed any sign of tiring, she’d say it wasn’t the time for that and drag us outside. Carefree girl. The fact that the imperial guards were in an uproar because of her alone is a secret we can’t tell.”
“Still, everyone loved her. Whenever she showed up at the palace, people flocked from all over.”
“Even the Chief Chamberlain seemed to like her more than me. A guest prioritized over the Emperor. Couldn’t even get mad about it.”
His wife’s sociability couldn’t be summed up with mere words like “good.”
From the free citizens working deep in the palace to the officials handling duties at its pinnacle.
When she approached with an “Ah,” people responded with an “Oh” and welcomed her. No one didn’t know her.
Once, he’d asked her how she’d gotten so close to everyone.
His wife had answered with a puzzled look, as if the question was out of left field. “I greeted them, so we’re close. Isn’t that how it is for you too?”
Lander clasped his hands together. He recalled her long fingers wrapping around his rough ones. The way she’d playfully stroke them, then pinch teasingly.
His throat bobbed. The sorrow that had vanished with a sigh of regret revived at the corners of his eyes.
He gritted his teeth and squeezed his clasped hands tighter.
Why was this?
He hadn’t cried on the day he witnessed his wife’s final moments, nor at her funeral, nor when he left this place.
The Grand Duke’s voice echoed in his ears. Now, you must fully embrace your emotions.
“On second thought, neither the Grand Duke nor Taine has any talent for cooking. We need dinner, so I’ll have to lend a hand.”
His friend sitting across from him rose quietly.
As Ardhen vanished, the noises from the kitchen faded away too. In the living room, where only the occasional insect chirps broke the silence, he wept soundlessly within.
His quiet sobs soon swelled into uncontrollable tears that forced their way past his pressed lips.
He missed his wife like mad.
* * *
Taine followed the Emperor out of the house in bewilderment, though he went along anyway. The Grand Duke didn’t ask for reasons either.
“Grand Duke. Shall we take a short walk?”
“If you hadn’t said it, I would’ve dragged you out myself.”
Watching the two lead the way, he realized how biting the wind brushing his cheek was.
This level of cold meant nothing to him, but he worried for the two ahead—especially the Grand Duke.
He was coughing a lot lately. They needed something to wrap around him. He spotted a blanket in the living room.
“The wind is sharp. I’ll fetch something to wear.”
He was stepping back after reporting this when the Emperor glared at him. It was a look he’d never received before. He involuntarily bowed his head.
“Never think of entering without my permission. Understood?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Tension stiffened the back of his neck. What mistake had he made? He’d never seen the Emperor rebuke him so harshly.
It wasn’t a scolding tone, but the emotion within was far from ordinary—heavy enough that he couldn’t easily lift his head.
“You’ll scare the kid.”
The Grand Duke spoke.
“Lift your head. I was overly sensitive. I apologize.”
“No, Your Majesty. It was my failing.”
“What failing when you don’t even know what happened? You did well. You’ll continue to do so.”
The oppressive air lifted. Taine steadied his breath and followed behind the two.
He didn’t ask what it was about or why he’d been reprimanded. If the Emperor issued punishment, there would be just cause.
“Everyone needs time to be alone with their solitude. You mustn’t disturb that.”
The Emperor said. From the nuance, he understood. Something was weighing on the Commander, so they’d stepped out.
Since they were only circling nearby, it wouldn’t take long.
“Grand Duke.”
“What?”
“Is that guy okay now?”
“He will be. He came back like this, didn’t he? That alone means he’s already resolved and sorted everything. If he were still lost, he probably wouldn’t be here.”
“Insolent friend. He should’ve come to see me at least once. That was our promise. But he had no intention of keeping it. It’s ridiculous coming from the one who drove him away, but I was truly angry. I wanted to slug him.”
“You think you could land a punch?”
“If he cried and begged for just one, I’d let him. Or if he knelt and pleaded, I’d give him a slap on the cheek.”
“Cheap knees you’ve got there.”
“Worth it for a shot at punching that guy.”
“Sounds about right.”
Taine was at a loss how to interpret their exchange. Knees this, cheeks that.
Coming from anyone else, it’d be lèse-majesté—summary execution. But it was the Emperor speaking, with the Grand Duke—the great teacher of the empire’s scholars—playing along.
He knew they were free-spirited by nature, but today was especially so.
Taine cautiously glanced at the house perched on the hill. How at ease and precious must the Commander inside be for the Emperor to act this way?
“Shouldn’t things be getting noisy around now?”
“You mean the New Year’s address?”
“No. Your successor.”
“That too.”
“Settle it in advance. Don’t complicate things for the kids every year.”
“Who’d be good? They’re all my seed, so they’re all decent.”
“If they’re your seed, the empire’s glory will end soon.”
“Then should I adopt someone else’s and raise them? A smart one. Taine! You’d do nicely.”
The words made his vision flash yellow. He bent at the waist in response.
“That’s far too burdensome a statement, Your Majesty. Please retract it.”
“Grand Duke, what do you think? This one could be entrusted with the empire’s future.”
“From our chat earlier, he’s better than you. It’s about time the imperial line changed anyway.”
“As you say, stagnant water turns foul. Might as well overhaul it myself. The empire’s history has always been dotted with rebellions.”
Cold sweat beaded on his nape. Even knowing it was a joke, his nerves stood on end—the Emperor’s jests often didn’t end as such.
“He’s a bit too straitlaced to keep by your side.”
“He’ll stay that way.”
As the two laughed and resumed walking, a long shadow cast by lantern light appeared. The Commander had stepped outside.
“Grand Duke, let’s head in.”
“Prepping dinner now will take a while.”
“I’ll handle it. Better than leaving it to you, right?”
“You know how?”
“If not, we’ll just boil it and eat.”
The Emperor clasped his hands behind his back and strode ahead. His steps toward the Commander were remarkably light.
“Taine, was it?”
“Yes, Grand Duke.”
“Take a good look. That’s the Emperor with his worries set aside.”
“I’ll redouble my efforts, so Your Majesty can always be at ease.”
“Ardhen may not know much else, but he’s blessed with good people. Come on, I’m getting hungry too.”
Taine matched the Grand Duke’s stride. He chewed over the words—the Emperor unburdened—inside his mind.
* * *
Charlotte didn’t want to open her eyes. She wished she could sink into eternal sleep like this. But her mind cleared more with each passing moment.
The whispering voice beside her grew sharper too.
- How long are you going to stay like that?
Her eyes snapped open. She scowled and looked around. Everything was hazy.
She couldn’t see properly. Was this how she’d live forever?
Doesn’t matter, Charlotte thought, pulling the blanket over her head again.
Not seeing didn’t matter. The strange noises didn’t either. Dying wouldn’t.
That day, Charlotte stopped thinking. She didn’t want to think about anything. She just wanted to vanish. Somewhere she couldn’t feel a thing would be nice.
“Are you awake?”
The same person brought food again today. Charlotte lay still.
“You didn’t eat again?”
It was a kind voice. The urge to cling and cry welled up, but she held back.
“Charlotte. You need to eat to get better.”
“Don’t want to.”
“How about just a little?”
“Don’t want to. Don’t need it.”
“Shall we talk with your sister then?”
“Nothing to say.”
It came back to her mid-sentence.
The chill of her soles, the squelching feel, the foul smell, the purple form.
Charlotte curled up and screamed. No, no!
“Charlotte!”
A woman’s hand touched her. Charlotte flinched violently and screamed louder. She needed help. No, she needed nothing.
Her head spun. Daddy, Daddy. No, Daddy’s gone. You know that. You know it best.
Voices tangled in her mind. It hurt too much. Too much to even cry.
She thrashed. Her blurry vision darkened bit by bit. It was scary.
She sensed others entering the room. As her sight faded, people’s forms appeared as blobs of light.
Unlike Daddy, who reeked and glowed purple, these people had no odor. Their color was white.
“Mana density is rising!”
“Administer the sedative!”
“Barrier magic is active.”
The voices sounded muffled. Her body felt weightless, like floating. No, submerged in water.
- If you wish, I can make it go away.
The ‘voice’ said. Charlotte nearly said, Make it go away, but clamped down.
She couldn’t say it. She knew how dangerous this friendly ‘voice’ was.
“Everyone out. Isolate her for now and monitor.”
“Mana density is dropping.”
“Damn it all.”
People were leaving the room. Through the closing door, she heard the first woman’s voice.
“Didn’t they say an important guest is coming today?”
“I don’t know who. Orders just came to leave minimal staff in the isolation facility and send everyone upstairs.”
“Could it be His Majesty?”
“Maybe. That thing inside is worth His Majesty’s interest.”
That thing, thing. Charlotte plugged her ears with her hands.
(To be continued)