After the luxurious Imperial carriage returned from the Kalahar Empire to the capital, amid a public reception filled with a joy that renewed every time the people saw their noble Emperor, cheers rose and banners fluttered, as if the entire city pulsed with his name.
The guards escorted Fiona from the carriage after opening the door with total respect. Her elegant, beautiful dress enchanted everyone who saw it, flowing softly around her and reflecting an elegance that grew more radiant under the gaze of the crowds.
Kayden did not descend from the carriage. He told her to go to the palace and wait for him, as he had an appointment he had to attend—his voice was calm but carried a seriousness that brooked no delay.
Fiona entered the palace and was received by Margaret with care and attention. "The Empress of the land and its new bride," that was what the people called Kayden's wife, a title that accompanied her every step within the vast halls of the palace.
At sunset, in the nation's cemetery, Michelle, the Minister of Education, stood with his hair stirred by the winds blowing toward the east. He stood before two graves very close to each other, yet separated by a barrier that prevented them from touching, as if even death kept a gap between them that could not be bridged.
On the right side was a grave, beside which lay white garments blended with deep blue. The grave was adorned with many flowers and letters—traces of love and gratitude that never ceased.
Michelle slowly approached that grave, placing a flower as he said:
"Your actions have borne fruit, William. Everything you did, Kayden utilized carefully, using it for the purpose it was made for. You will always be remembered on the tongues of the people and on the tongue of this Empire. Every person will bear witness to your deeds, so sleep in peace."
Michelle finished speaking, then went to the other grave on the left side. His right foot stepped over the barrier, followed by his left, until he stood before the second grave.
On the grave before him was a single rose and a letter, and beside it black clothing blended with red, as if a symbol of glory stained by sin.
Michelle bowed slightly, a tear breaking on his nose before it fell. He placed a bouquet of red roses and spoke in a heavy voice, filled with reproach and heartbreak, as if the person were standing before him:
"It wasn't necessary... what you did... it was just... hideous... You will carry your sins with you even after death. People will remember you as the killer, as the criminal."
"What a man wishes for in his life is a loyal wife, abundant wealth, and a high status sufficient to hold his head high among the nobles, and you had more than that. And now you have left your loved ones without support for a position you did not deserve... Maxwell... I will pray for you, and I will care for all those you left behind for your sake, because they had no part in what you did."
"Uncle Michelle, can we go back? I don't want to stay here anymore..."
A small child of six said it, tugging at Michelle's cloak and looking up at him, his delicate voice cutting the silence of the place, before it was interrupted by the sound of light clapping.
Michelle turned slowly to see Kayden approaching. Kayden stood before William's grave on the right side, bowed, and placed a rose. He looked up at the sky where the sun was fleeing from this side of the world, saying with a smile followed by his deep voice:
"What words, Michelle... I will pray for the rest of my life that my death be as moving to someone as this, and that they pray for me and always remember me."
Michelle looked at his nephew, then said in a commanding tone:
"Stay here, Max."
Michelle went to Kayden and bowed, saying:
"Minister of Education Michelle greets Emperor Kayden."
Kayden took his arm and helped him up, saying:
"You don't have to do this, Michelle."
Michelle stood and said:
"Kayden... Emperor Kayden, I wish you a long life... Upon your death, the people will grieve and the world will be ruined."
He paused for a moment, then continued while looking at his brother's grave:
"And the criminal remains free and at large."
Kayden looked at Michelle with a heavy silence, then said after the stillness settled:
"Thank you, Michelle. Do not place all the blame on him, for there are higher powers involved in the matter."
Michelle asked in surprise:
"Seraphine, who suddenly disappeared?"
Kayden replied, looking at the ground for a moment before raising his eyes:
"It seems there is someone who surpasses even Seraphine..."
Michelle:
"How can someone be of higher status and power? Who is he?"
Kayden replied unknowingly:
"I don't know... what his secret is, what his power is, who his army is. I see him sabotaging the Empire at every point, present everywhere—in the shadows and secrecy, in taverns, in schools... It seems I must face another danger."
Michelle replied, lowering his head slightly:
"I will help you with everything I have, Emperor."
Kayden, smiling:
"I know you are capable of that, but leave those matters to the appropriate people. I want you for something else."
Michelle said in a puzzled tone:
"What, my Lord?"
Kayden:
"You know that education is poor in Andorra, don't you? I want you to help my father fix the education there."
Michelle:
"Your command, Sir."
...
On the grand palace balcony filled with flowers and plants, overlooking a beautiful pond and many trees, with a large palace on a hill behind the Imperial Palace making the view even more beautiful, Olivia—who shone with her elegance, her distinctive black hair, and the famous eyes of the Bryan family—was speaking with the crowned one and her brother's wife, Fiona, in a tone as gentle as her features:
"So, how is life in the Imperial Palace?"
Fiona replied, resting her face on her hand gracefully:
"What?? Are you jealous? You can come whenever you wish, little one."
Olivia:
"You've started talking exactly like Kayden, even in your choice of words. Is it love, I wonder?"
Fiona laughed, saying:
"You know this love has been around for a long time, don't you?"
Then Olivia raised her teacup and said:
"I should have spoken with you more then."
At that moment, Kayden entered his palace balcony, still in his royal attire. He placed one hand on Olivia, who was sitting on the right of the balcony, and on the other side sat Fiona, whom he also placed his other hand upon.
But before he could say anything, Olivia spoke after sipping her tea:
"Here comes the love."
Kayden said in a playful tone:
"Love? Were you talking about me then? Know that my love for you is more than your love for me."
Then he kissed both girls on their foreheads.
Fiona said, holding his cheek:
"Who taught you these sweet words?"
Kayden said, moving her hand away from his cheek:
"Must there be another girl for me to flirt with my wife and sister??"
At that moment, Margaret entered, saying:
"Young Master Kayden has always been a poet, my Lady."
Kayden went to the other side beside Margaret and said with a playful smile:
"Yes, Margaret taught me those sweet words; I use them to improve my speeches."
Then he continued, looking at her:
"Why have you come, Margaret?"
As Kayden was saying this, a woman came from behind him in an elegant dress, her hair carefully tied, and her dress full of jewelry. She said:
"Do you permit my entry, Emperor?"
Margaret then said:
"I want to inform you that you have guests, Sir."
Kayden said:
"Lady Sarina, of course, please come in."
Kayden finished his words by allowing Sarina entry, then immediately left the balcony after learning that his brother had arrived.
When he exited the balcony that overlooked his throne, he heard the voice of a small child addressing Adrian:
"Father, where did Mother go?"
Kayden said as he went to his chair:
"Your mother has entered the balcony; do you want to go to her?"
Upon Kayden's appearance, Adrian bowed to greet him, saying:
"Adrian Bryan greets Emperor Kayden."
And his son, who bowed in turn:
"Seroz Bryan greets Emperor Kayden."
Silence prevailed for a moment, then he continued, placing one hand over the other as a sign of respect:
"I await Your Majesty's permission to go to her."
Kayden laughed loudly from his royal chair and said:
"You have taught him well, Adrian. You may go, Seroz."
He continued:
"These formalities are not important if the matter is between us, brother."
Adrian said, looking to his left:
"Matters must be conducted correctly before strangers. What would happen if someone thought that Emperor Kayden Bryan exploits his position and helps his relatives over others?"
Kayden said:
"Do not worry about this man; he is my private messenger. You can trust him—he is my tongue that speaks to the rest of the empires and others. But do not worry, my actions are what show my morals and qualities... and I have done a lot."
He stood and then stepped forward twice, beginning to descend the stairs that led to the floor where Adrian stood.
Adrian stood up:
"Very well."
Kayden reached him, then said while patting his shoulder:
"Have you been transferred to Andorra to help Father properly?"
Adrian replied:
"Yes, everything went well."
Kayden asked:
"Then why did you come?"
Adrian said:
"Do I need a reason to come to my brother?"
Kayden replied:
"Man, I thought you wouldn't say that given those formalities."
Adrian said, looking toward the balcony:
"Forgive me, Kayden, but I must raise Seroz well—perfectly, in fact. I want him to be the best."
Kayden said:
"Do not worry, he will be the best without a doubt. I will improve education in Andorra soon. Tell me if Seroz needs anything, though I think you will be able to fulfill his wishes."
Adrian replied with a laughing smile:
"Of course, but he must also be taught and not be spoiled like you?"
Kayden replied sarcastically:
"Look where this spoiled one has reached."
Adrian looked to his right, at a perfectly painted portrait of William, with "The Empire's First Swordsman" written above it, as he said:
"True."
When everyone left, Fiona came to Kayden and said anxiously:
"Kayden... can you look into my brother's matter? I don't think he is taking a good path... just guide him..."
Kayden looked into her anxious eyes and her beautiful face that healed the wounds of battles and the fatigue of a long day, then said:
"Of course, my dear, do not be afraid."
Fiona was reassured, then went to the room comforted after leaving the matters in Kayden's hands.
"Sir..."
It was Kayden's private messenger who said it.
"I have come from the Kingdom of Peace today after a long journey, and this is the Advisor's message."
Eugene:
"Hi Kayden, we have reached a breakthrough in weaponry, and this kingdom has flourished with schools and hospitals. They have erected a statue of you here like the one in Fiore. I will come in a few weeks.
Eugene Tead."
Kayden replied with slight anger:
"That flatterer started the message with praise so I would let him stay there longer..."
The messenger:
"Weaponry is very important for our Empire, and it will change the world, Sir."
Kayden replied:
"And what will Eugene benefit in making weaponry? Let every person play their role."
Silence prevailed for a moment, then Kayden said after he calmed down:
"Fine, fine... go and bring him."
The messenger replied with great shock because he had just arrived from the Kingdom of Peace today:
"Whaaaaaat?"
Then he said, having corrected himself:
"Your command, Sir."
He walked toward the door slowly, then turned back, saying:
"What shall I tell him, Sir?"
Kayden rose from his chair, then raised his voice slightly so the messenger could hear him:
"Tell him that the men who work in the shadows..."
"Have already moved."