"The replacement took place within the Sherman Empire, and I became the supervisor of this intelligent machine."
"Mother," Emilia asked tremblingly, "has my real father been dead for a long time?"
"I am sorry... I’m sorry... Emilia..."
Princess Dana’s eyes filled with tears as she continuously shook her head,
"I don’t know about these things, I am only responsible for supervising this intelligent machine... sorry, Emilia... I’m very sorry for making you go through this..."
"I’ve recorded what just happened," Yang Ming said gently, "It’s a necessary measure to ensure you won’t use your resources to seek revenge on us."
Princess Dana remained silent.
Yang Ming walked to the side, picked up the knight’s longsword, and presented it to Emilia.
"Your Highness," Yang Ming smiled, "Feeling a bit better?"
"It hasn’t relieved much, but it’s better than just now," Emilia retorted, "Is this the fate of a vassal state’s royalty?"
Princess Dana hurriedly said, "They only target those vassal state royalty members who attempt to betray Sherman."
"Rest assured, your second brother won’t repeat the same mistake," Yang Ming handed over the longsword.
Emilia reached out to grasp the sword’s hilt and looked up at Yang Ming.
"A gift from me to you."
Yang Ming looked towards Princess Dana and said slowly,
"From now on, this sword has been endowed with the sole authority to command these five hundred mechanical guards.
"When you hold it, these guards will heed your command.
"Emilia, can I entrust you with the task of supervising this Emperor Intelligent Machine?"
"I can, Mr. Yang Ming!"
A bright light burst from Emilia’s big eyes as she gripped the sword’s hilt with both hands and propped the longsword on the ground.
The engines in the chests of the mechanical guards simultaneously began to spin, and a faint noise filled the great hall.
They adjusted their positions and knelt on one knee toward Emilia.
"Emilia, we need to keep this matter from Edwan," Yang Ming said, "I still need to return to prison to serve my sentence, and after that, I must seek promotion in the military. The safety of the Imperial Palace is entrusted to you and General Fremont."
Emilia nodded seriously, "I will do my utmost!"
"Your mother will help you," Yang Ming said casually, "Princess, about those subordinates of yours..."
Princess Dana hurriedly said, "I will handle it!"
"No, you can’t handle it," General Fremont said sternly, "the Empire won’t allow such secrets to leak; now, as Princess Emilia, Lieutenant Yang Ming and I stand here, they all clearly know you can’t deceive them."
Princess Dana’s fingers trembled slightly.
Emilia tightly pressed her lips together, wanting to say something, but Yang Ming’s gaze stopped her.
"Your Highness, political struggle is .
"When you hold this ornamental knight’s sword, it means the security and happiness of billions of people in this country also rest on your shoulders."
Yang Ming turned and said,
"General Fremont, make arrangements, try your best to make it look like an accident; those women must keep quiet from now on."
Princess Dana hastily shouted, "No, don’t do this, they would never betray me!"
Yang Ming remained silent.
"At least," Princess Dana cried tremulously, "at least spare my maid’s life, she is my intimate partner! We are one and the same! She is also a supervisor!"
"General," Yang Ming said, "spare the maid, erase her memories of today. I will arrange for someone to send over the memory-wiping device."
Fremont agreed without further comment and strode towards the palace gates.
Princess Dana collapsed to the ground.
Emilia walked over, clutching the bladeless knight’s sword.
She placed the longsword beside her feet, lowered her head, and embraced Princess Dana, stroking her mother’s smooth long hair.
"Mother, you might have forgotten, but we are actually also part of this country."
Princess Dana began to sob, holding Emilia tightly in return.
The old Emperor, with a bloody hole in his back, lay on the steps as if asleep.
Yang Ming quietly observed the old Emperor’s back, appearing a little dazed.