Chapter 566: The Regent
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 566: The Regent
"Your Highness, have you recovered from your injuries?"
"I appreciate your concern, Lord Bugard. My wounds are no longer an issue."
In the Imperial Palace, Albert—having regained his usual composed and peaceful demeanor—nodded in greeting to Count Bugard, whom he had happened to encounter. He leaned slightly on the arm of a maid for support.
Count Bugard was the current head of the Bugard family and the father of Ariel, the genius illegitimate daughter Albert had heard so much about. While one could find counts by the dozen in Belland, this graying old man had used his own political maneuvering to secure a high-ranking position within the Empire’s center of power. Even Albert had to show him a measure of courtesy.
"Lord Bugard seems to be in a hurry. Are you headed to..."
"There is a very important meeting I must attend immediately."
A helpless, bitter smile creased the Count’s aged face. "In these exceptional times for the Empire, an old man like me doesn't get much of a choice but to put in some extra hours."
"I see. You have my gratitude for your hard work, My Lord."
Albert nodded understandingly and stepped aside to clear the path. "In that case, I won't keep you. Please, after you."
"You have my thanks. However, Your Highness is of noble status; there is no need to show such deference to an old man like me. You'll make me feel quite overwhelmed by your favor."
"It isn't a matter of favor, merely what I ought to do," Albert said, the corners of his mouth curling upward. "Besides, who knows? We might be working together very soon."
"Is that so?"
Count Bugard offered a similarly meaningful smile. "Then I shall look forward to it immensely."
Once Count Bugard had departed, Albert withdrew his gaze from the man's retreating back. He rubbed the corners of his mouth, wiped away his smile, and resumed an expression of deep sorrow. He turned to the maid supporting him and said, "Let’s go. It’s time we saw my... Imperial Father."
*
The palace was spacious and quiet. Although there were many maids and guards, there were certain periods when one could walk for a long time without encountering a soul.
Yet, outside those grand doors, Albert encountered an unexpected silver figure.
"Celicia?"
Albert stopped in his tracks. After a brief moment of surprise, he regained his usual gentle smile. "Are you here to visit Father as well?"
"As well?"
Celicia turned her head, her expression cold and unreadable. "Is that why you're here, Brother Albert?"
"Since we've both made it this far, there isn't exactly a second option, is there?"
Albert walked to Celicia’s side and glanced at the two towering knights guarding the room. His gaze swept over the magnificent doors, a flicker of something treacherous flashing in his eyes before he spoke in a low voice. "I wish to see the Emperor. Please announce my arrival."
From beneath a heavy visor, a gaze swept over Albert before quickly retreating.
"Wait here."
Silence returned.
With no one speaking, the atmosphere grew somewhat eerie.
"Is there something on me, Celicia?" Albert finally asked with a light cough, turning toward her.
Since a moment ago, Celicia had been staring at him with her cool gaze, making no effort to hide her scrutiny.
"No. You look very clean, Brother. It’s just..."
Celicia tilted her head slightly, looking at the person beside him. "It hasn't been long since we last met, yet you've already replaced your maid."
The maid supporting Albert was young and delicate-featured, but her face was as expressionless as a wooden puppet’s. Even in the presence of Celicia, she showed no reaction whatsoever.
"Regarding that... I had no choice."
Albert shook his head in feigned agony. "Lawenny sacrificed herself for me during the recent turmoil. It still brings me great pain to this day. Alas, the dead cannot return to life. For her sake, I must look toward the future."
"Is that so?"
Celicia turned back toward the closed doors, her voice devoid of emotion. "Brother... you truly are a man of deep sentiment and loyalty."
"Lawenny and I shared a profound bond. Naturally, I value it."
"I’m sure the Miss Lawenny you speak of would be very happy to know your heart."
"Thank you. But she is gone; what more can I ask for? I can only strive to be better to those who are still living."
"Hearing you say that truly puts my mind at ease."
"Haha, look at what you're saying, Celicia. We are siblings. Why talk of being at ease or not? It’s not as if I would ever do anything to you."
"Indeed... siblings."
"..."
"..."
Another bout of silence followed.
Fortunately, the awkward atmosphere didn't have time to fester. With the heavy thud of halberds being raised, a low voice echoed from within the massive suits of armor before them.
"His Majesty commands it. Enter."
The two spoke in unison: "Who?"
"Both of you."
"Both?"
They glanced at each other with slight surprise. Albert shrugged, while Celicia remained expressionless.
However, it wasn't something worth being truly shocked over. Though this wasn't exactly what they had anticipated, they walked into the room side-by-side.
"Father."
Both bowed simultaneously, offering their respects to the withered old man lying on the bed.
"It’s Celicia... and Albert."
Audrich III opened his clouded eyes, his voice raspy. "Is something the matter?"
"I—"
"I have naturally come to check on your health, Father."
Before Celicia could speak, Albert—who had seemingly needed a maid's support just moments ago—strode to the bedside. He grasped the Emperor's skeletal hand and said in a heavy tone, "After everything that has happened, I know you must be suffering. Forgive me, I have come late."
"That matter... ah, you mean that fool Andrew... cough, cough."
Audrich coughed with difficulty. "Indeed. Though I did not like him, he was my son. What father wouldn't be grieved by the sudden death of his son?"
"Father... please, restrain your grief."
Albert’s face was a mask of pain. "This is all my fault. If only I weren't so useless, so powerless... then perhaps Andrew wouldn't have died."
"Is that so... if you weren't so... powerless... cough, cough, cough, cough!"
Audrich III broke into a violent fit of coughing. It took a long while for him to settle. Looking at that pale, shriveled face, anyone could see how weak the once-supreme ruler of the Empire had become.
"So, did you both come just to visit me?"
Audrich III tilted his head slightly, looking toward Celicia.
Celicia hadn't fought Albert for the spot by the bed. Instead, she had summoned a maid, handed over a bundle of medicinal herbs, and was currently whispering instructions on how to brew them.
Hearing the question, she replied without looking back, "I truly came only to visit you, Father. But as for Brother Albert... that might not be the case."
"Are you doubting my concern for Father?" Albert looked up sharply, his voice tinged with indignation.
"No, no. I would never doubt your sincerity, Brother. However, your status is quite different now than it was before. I believe you didn't work so hard to secure an audience with Father just for a social call," Celicia said meaningfully. "To be honest, I’m surprised you waited this long to come."
"Nonsense! Visiting Father is the highest priority. How can you say—"
"Enough, Albert."
Audrich III spoke. His voice was raspy, yet it still carried a trace of majesty. "If you have something to say, say it plainly. You are my only son now. Are you afraid I’m going to eat you?"
"No... Father, you must believe me. I have no ulterior motives."
Albert spoke with utter sincerity. "It is only that the Empire is currently in a state of upheaval. With the recent events and Andrew’s death, the political landscape is unstable. Therefore, I wished to offer a suggestion... I ask that you re-establish the position of Regent to fill the void left by Andrew’s duties!"
"I see..."
Audrich III said calmly, "Is that the purpose of your visit?"
"No!" Albert’s expression shifted slightly. "Father, believe me, I have no special designs. I believe your health will recover quickly so you can take back the reins of the Empire!"
"Enough. Spare me the nonsense."
Audrich III raised a hand with great effort, stopping Albert from continuing. "I am not blaming you... cough... yes, we are family. Why would I doubt you over such a small thing? You are right. My body is frail, and it is difficult for me to manage state affairs. The Empire does indeed need someone to step up and take charge."
"As for the candidate..."
Audrich III’s gaze swept over Celicia, who seemed indifferent to the conversation, and then at Albert, who stood before him with a bowed head and a respectful expression. A strange smile suddenly touched the Emperor's lips.
"Given the current situation, there really isn't much of a choice for the Regency. It can only be..."
*
In the Imperial Palace, within the Imperial Council Hall, the high throne remained empty.
Inside this gargantuan hall, the magnificent vaulted ceiling was adorned with exquisite murals. These masterpieces, created by famous historical artists, shone brilliantly under the light of magic stones.
The sculptures lining the sides were majestic and imposing. The figures standing with swords drawn were so lifelike they seemed ready to step off their pedestals at any moment.
These statues depicted the Empire’s most famous figures—founding heroes and pioneering generals who had left indelible marks on history. They had followed the First Emperor at the end of the Great Turmoil to lay the foundations of the massive Empire that stood today.
Under the watchful eyes of these legends, anyone entering the hall should have felt a surge of courage and ambition, ready to use their wisdom and strength to clear all obstacles from the Empire’s path.
Yet, for some reason, these ministers—men who usually dared to slam their fists on tables in front of the Emperor and argue until they were red in the face—were now solemn and terrifyingly silent.
It was as if some horrific enemy, one they had to face with absolute seriousness, was not outside the Empire or in the Abyssal battlefields, but right here.
"Hey, I say..."
The silence was finally broken. At the head of the table, a bear-shaped creature wearing a ridiculous pink onesie expertly scratched its backside. It then crossed its paws under the bear-mask's chin, its profile cast in deep shadow.
"You all are being so serious and silent," the creature said in a dissatisfied tone. "It’s making things quite difficult for me, the new Regent of the Empire."