Chapter Fourteen
_The Last Night of the Year :1
When I returned from the festival, the clock was ticking four. I entered my room, quickly changed my clothes, and sat down at my desk, feeling like a truant student skipping his lessons. When I settled quietly at the desk, a knock came at the door:
"Come in."
Marshall stood elegantly as usual, looking at me with puzzled eyes before lowering his head. I suppressed the ticklish feeling inside; Marshall had realized I went out. I said with composure:
"What is it, Marshall?!"
"King Nathan wishes to meet you... He's been waiting outside for an hour."
I had informed him that I was completely busy until three in the afternoon, and everyone probably knew my schedule. I took a deep breath:
"Allow him to enter."
"Your Highness's command."
Marshall left, and a minute later, Marshall entered accompanied by the old King:
"Greetings to the Sun of Cassian."
I stood up, shook the King's hand, and motioned to Marshall, who promptly exited. I led the King to sit on the wide sofa and sat facing him. Marshall came in with tea and refreshments and poured the tea for us. I raised the clear golden teacup and inhaled its scent with pleasure because it reminded me of Ariana. I smiled, took a sip, and with a relaxed voice:
"What does King Nathan want from me?"
The King smiled, realizing that I understood his intentions and was difficult to manipulate:
"I wish for the Emperor to dance his first dance with my daughter."
I laughed cheerfully and said with a sarcastic smile, setting down my cup:
"Your Highness, you know the meaning of the first dance for Cassian..."
The King was about to open his mouth, but I finished my words in a gentle tone. I felt like I was starting to resemble Ariana when she changed her expressions to manipulate her opponents:
"It is not a tradition, but for me, the honor of the first dance will be for the future Empress... And I believe Your Highness knows that."
"Your Majesty rejects political marriage... despite the rumors saying the new Emperor rejects a marriage imposed by the temple with a Saintess, isn't that true?"
I relaxed and went back to drinking my tea, cheerfully:
"Don't you think jasmine and clove tea is delicious?!... "
"Your Majesty has an exquisite taste in tea."
Despite my strange question, the King answered simply. I laughed cheerfully and said:
"My refusal to follow the temple in determining the future Empress is my own private matter, and the choice of the future Empress is a matter I will determine according to my own standards. I will not involve myself in a purely political marriage... "
"But isn't Your Majesty looking for strong support?! Especially since Your Majesty has started showing your departure from the temple!"
I don't know why, when he mentioned strong support, a picture of Aya came to my mind. That fragile girl is a strangely protective shield for me. Despite her strange actions always, and especially today, she is the strongest power I have, a strength that supports my heart and soul...
"I have strong, unwavering support..."
The King looked at me with puzzled eyes and said in a low voice:
"Is there a powerful family that will support Your Majesty, perhaps the Ariston Duchy, they have two princesses, or Duke Silvano? It is true that they do not have a marriage relationship, but they are one of the strongest Duchies...."
I laughed at the amount of information this man knew, and placed my hand under my chin:
"Don't you notice that Your Highness interferes a lot in Cassian?"
"..."
I felt his confusion, and before he could open his mouth, I spoke:
"I want our relations with Nathan to continue well in the future, Your Highness... Do not interfere in what does not concern Nathan, because things will proceed in a way that displeases neither of us."
It was a clear threat. The King swallowed his saliva and smiled with an anxious face. I laughed cheerfully and stood up:
"I await Your Highness at the banquet."
The King barely stood up and dragged his legs out of the office. I felt somewhat refreshed and returned to complete my work, and of course, Ariana permeated my thoughts as usual.
* * *
After a busy day, I felt tired. I took a warm bath and returned to rest on my bed, hugging one of my books. I looked at the beautiful sunset view and took a deep breath to resume thinking carefully. I made a mistake today and my tongue slipped, but will I be able to tell Raph the truth? I trust Raph very much and there is no law preventing me from telling him that I am reincarnated, but will he believe it?! Will he trust me?!
I racked my brain with many thoughts. The full silver moon and the last night of the year were a sign of Ariana's death, as mentioned by Marian in the novel. I had told Elena about that. I remember a text in the novel:
{ " On that day all the ominous events occurred. My mistress bade me farewell on that night, and the Empire collapsed... Everyone might look at my little master in a bad way..." }
I didn't understand the point about the Empire collapsing, because there were many intertwined events in the novel. Also, I don't know if my intervention and changing of events will change the future. I hope it will be for the better...
Let's think for a moment, Duke Philip Silvano and Elena Brion. If Ariana dies on the last night of the year, it means Raphael met Elena before meeting me, but I don't know if they met or not because of my interference, and I don't know how I will ask Raph about it before telling him the truth. In the novel, many catastrophic events were mentioned starting from the last night of the full silver moon year until the next six years: the Emperor's madness, border wars with neighboring kingdoms. It is said that the relationship collapsed because of this night, but what happened on this night?! Raph, please be okay...
I wished sincerely inside, then I stood up from my bed and headed to my seat in front of the window. My attention was drawn to the cute silver rabbit placed near my basket. I picked it up with my hand and patted it with a complex feeling... I returned to sitting on the chair and started emptying the basket, which I hadn't touched since my arrival...
Some magic tools, some nice, cheap accessories, and the last thing was a necklace of pure white emerald with an elegant masculine design. I found it by chance during the festival, and the stone is magical, made from a dragon's heart. I paid all my remaining money to buy it, and I don't regret it, but because of the recent incident, I couldn't give it to Raphael. Maybe he'll come tomorrow, and I'll give it to him...
I looked at the sky and saw it embracing the dazzling silver moon. The falling of silver snow is the last sign of the end of the night. I didn't wait long, and the clock struck twelve, a new day began, and the snow finally fell...
The scene was very beautiful, but there was a bad feeling inside me. I held onto Raphael's necklace, feeling my heart pounding frantically, not warmly as usual, but with fear and anxiety. I kept clutching my hands to my heart as I closed my eyes with an intense feeling of worry...
Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock!!!!!!!
Who is knocking on my room door this late at night?! I approached my room door but found no one...
Knock Knock K-K-Knock K-K-Knock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The intensity of the knocking increased, and it wasn't coming from my main room door. I spun around in my room to find the source of the knocking until I approached the secret door. I hesitated a little, but I decided to open the door. Only a very few people knew about the door...
When I opened it, I felt a body almost fall on me. I breathed quietly, tried to grasp what was happening, and looked at the huge body lying on me. Silver hair shone with moisture, and he was panting heavily. I lifted him slightly and looked at his face:
"Raph?!"
Despite my calling him, he seemed unconscious. I cursed my weak body, which nearly fell as I struggled to carry him. I barely moved him until I reached my bed, which was the closest point to the door. I put him down and unbuttoned the first buttons of his shirt so he could breathe...
He was completely unconscious. I don't know how he got here?... But his body wasn't entirely fine. I gently patted his cheek. There was no difference in his temperature, and I searched his body for any injury, but I didn't find any. His body was sound, without a single scratch. What happened to him?! Why is he in this state?! My attention was drawn to a silver bracelet with strange, multi-colored jewels. It looked odd and resembled the handcuffs used to arrest criminals in my world...
It contained magical formulas whose exact nature I didn't know. I had a strange instinct that told me to put my hand in the empty ring...
I hesitated a little, but I acted recklessly and put my hand in the empty ring. I felt a familiar wave of energy seep into my body. It was so strong that I felt my body losing consciousness..
* * *
Darkness was everywhere. I couldn't see a thing, not even my own fingertips. I was walking and felt pain, thorns piercing and wounding my feet. It wasn't my adult body, but my small, ten-year-old body, weak and fragile...
I kept walking, and my steps turned into a run. I felt a presence following me and a killing intent surrounding me. I stopped... I felt suffocation, fear, cold, and despair. My body collapsed onto the ground, and I put my hands on my neck, trying to remove the entity that was choking me...
I tried and tried, but to no avail. The small child's body gave up trying, and I closed my eyes, surrendering to death at last.
Splaaaaaash!!
I felt warmth surrounding me, and the killing intent vanished, even the hidden hands choking me disappeared. I felt light and warmth enveloping my body and soul...
I felt a small entity hugging me, and the light bothered my eyes. When I opened them, I found that morning had broken. As my vision cleared and my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw an unfamiliar ceiling, felt a small weight on my chest, and a distinct scent I knew well. I slowly rose to see honey-colored hair and a face sleeping peacefully...
"Aya?!"
She seemed deeply asleep and didn't hear my voice. I sat up slowly on the bed, and when I moved my left hand, Ariana's hand fell away and the two bracelets separated. I looked at Ariana in astonishment, leaned closer, and gently pulled her to lie down on the bed beside me. She had been sitting on the edge the whole time...
I looked back at the separated bracelet to recall the events of the previous night....
* * *
After finishing a good number of documents, I found that it was still early for me. I didn't want to go early anyway. I went back to work more, and the work was relaxing when evading an annoying obligation...
Knock Knock Knock!!
I tried to ignore the knocking on the door several times, but it continued in a quiet and orderly manner. I knew it was Marshall, so after ignoring it several times:
"Enter..."
"Your Majesty! The banquet has begun, and His Highness is not yet ready..."
Marshall entered, bowed, and said his words in his usual manner. I sighed in boredom, stood up with heavy steps, and headed out of my office, motioning for Marshall to follow me...
After walking for a few minutes, I reached my private room and turned to Marshall:
"Surely everything is ready?!"
"Certainly, Your Majesty..."
It was a reply I was used to, so I quickly went inside, took a quick bath, and changed my clothes with some assistance from Marshall, and set off for the banquet hall...
Marshall was following me silently, and I felt he had something to say, so calmly, as I was still walking:
"Marshall! Speak the words you wish to say..."
I felt his hesitation, but he spoke:
"Your Majesty, regarding your first dance... Why did you refuse the Princess?"
"Marshall knows the reason why I do not wish to dance with the Princess..."
"Because Your Majesty does not want to give the position of Empress to a foreign princess?!"
It was more of a question than an answer, so I laughed scornfully and said:
"Your answer is somewhat correct, but definitely not..."
"..."
He looked at me with inquiry, so I smiled wickedly and said:
"Let the days tell you the answer."
I quickened my steps slightly, and Marshall followed me. In truth, I don't know exactly what I want. What a farce... The position of Empress, a position for which families prepare to sell their daughters... What fools they are. The Empress is a woman I will marry and who will be a mother to my people, a woman whom my heart will choose because she is the most suitable for this place..... Aya.
My heart pounded violently when I thought about it. The name Ariana flashed in my head when thinking about my life partner... Did fate choose Ariana to be my partner in life too?!...
What are these stupid thoughts?! Aya will be annoyed if she reads my thoughts...
I dismissed the random thoughts and continued my way until I reached my private lounge room, where Casper, Brian, and my four assistants were at the door. I bypassed the room and moved toward the hall to enter...
"His Majesty, the Sun of Cassian, Emperor Raphael De Cassian... enters!!"
After my presence was announced, I entered. It was a boring and routine procedure: entering and seeing everyone bowing with respect and veneration. My father told me to feel the greatness when I was a child, but I think being an Emperor is nothing but a burden. Those present here never bow with genuine respect, but hide their greed and malice with false reverence. They flatter those in high positions for their interests; they will not hesitate to stab in the back when their need is over...
I descended the stairs and moved confidently among the attendees. It seems that I now know what I want. I reached the top of the throne steps, looked at everyone, drew a sarcastic smile, and raised my cup:
"The glory of Cassian and my glory..."
"The glory of Cassian and the glory of the Emperor..."
Despite the confusion of the attendees for my self-glorification, they did not comment but raised their cups to the toast of Cassian and my toast, something I didn't think about in the past, but now I will give this position its stolen right...
After the toasts, I sat majestically on the throne and looked at everyone. I will act on my parents' advice with moderation.
Nobles and delegations came to offer their greetings, and this time I accepted them with a wide smile and an open heart...
[" Surround your enemies intelligently, keep them in doubt, and make everyone swear that you are right even if you are wrong..."]
Many were surprised by the change in my behavior, but they tried to hide it skillfully, but I smartly monitored them...
"Duke Philip Silvano... greets the Sun of Cassian, His Highness."
Why did I feel a turmoil in my stomach upon hearing his greeting? Duke Silvano was not a person I hated or loved, but he was a person whose name was once associated as Ariana's fiancé. Is that why?...
["The Duke is a kind person. He accepted her postponement so that I wouldn't fall into a rumor..."]
I didn't remember anything, she praised him by saying he was a kind person. How can this man be kind?! I felt extremely annoyed, but I realized that I hadn't accepted his greeting yet, which kept the Duke bowing...
"You may stand..."
The Duke looked at me with an inquisitive face, but I felt intensely annoyed, so I ignored the matter. I realized at that moment that I had unintentionally created a great misunderstanding, and I continued the boring greetings with a smile, and then I descended from the throne...
Usually, the banquet should begin with a dance by a member of the Imperial Family, and since I was the only one left and had never danced before, everyone was ignoring the first song...
I moved quietly among the guests. Ivan approached me casually and bowed in an exaggerated manner:
"Ivan Jerome greets His Majesty..."
"Stand."
Ivan smiled, and his expressions showed that he was bringing up a casual topic:
"Your Majesty, you must be careful... I feel they want to do something in the Dragon's Ritual..."
"Ivan, even if we have doubts, we cannot prevent the ritual. We must prepare countermeasures..."
"I think I'm almost ready..."
"Ivan! I trust you.."
"I will be ready."
I felt somewhat grateful to Ivan that he was a good person. I left Ivan and started moving in the hall, and of course, the nobles were approaching me with greed and predatory intent. I let them believe that, but I know that I am the one who will exploit their desires for my benefit...
"Your Majesty..."
"Princess Veronica, pleased to meet you."
I had avoided her throughout the festival, and here she came. I greeted her with a straight smile and went with her to a quiet corner:
[ " Do not make unnecessary enemies... "]
Does she mean that this matter should turn into a diplomatic issue?!... I don't think so, it's folly...
I looked at the silent and embarrassed Princess, then spoke calmly, still smiling as much as possible:
"I want to ask the Princess something..."
"..."
She raised her head to me with surprise and nervousness, so I spoke calmly and seriously:
"Who is seeking a political marriage with Cassian, the Princess or the King?!"
If I told Aya about my question, she would go mad. She would tell me I was a reckless person... It's okay, we must finish the incomplete matters..
The Princess hesitated and said in a trembling voice:
"Why do you ask, Your Majesty?!"
"Princess, I want you to be honest so I can answer you.."
"It is me, Your Highness."
"If your father is exploiting you for this matter, tell me.."
"No, I swear it is me, and with my full desire..."
"Why?!"
I don't know why my voice turned cold despite my attempts to be friendly with her, but I tried to remedy the situation, so I looked at her calmly and urged her to answer. She hesitated a little and then said:
"I fell in love with Your Majesty from the first moment I saw you."
I don't know if I am dull or what. I almost laughed sarcastically in her face, but I clung to kindness and told her:
"But I do not desire a political marriage, and moreover, I have my own standards. I don't mean that the Princess is not good, but the Princess might be miserable with me. Don't be deceived by the illusion of love at first sight, it's a trick... You are beautiful and good. Find your happiness with someone who will appreciate it..."
She looked at me with complex eyes and said in a shaky voice:
"Your Majesty, you are a wonderful person and would be any girl's dream... Perhaps if Your Majesty and I got to know each other, you might love me."
"Do not delude yourself and try to create your own misery... It's not a fault in you, but I will not love you."
She froze in her spot. It seems I will make things worse. I will try to fix the matter...
"Does Your Majesty have a woman in his heart?!"
"..."
I don't know why I felt confused. It wasn't a difficult question, but I stammered and couldn't answer..
"It seems Your Majesty does."
"..."
She bowed and wanted to leave, but I stopped her and said calmly:
"Your Royal Highness!!"
"..."
She turned to me and looked with complex eyes.
...... To be continued ......