Act 10. Why Are Ominous Presentiments Never Wrong?
As mentioned in the novel, I saw a terrifying man covered from head to toe in black armor. I watched in silence as sanguine blood trickled down the blade of the sword he held. If I tried to run away, I knew I would be nothing more than a game of chase for him. I slowly closed my eyes as he approached me, praying that he would finish me off with a single stab.
All of a sudden, my body shook violently. Are you all right, my lady? Youre covered in sweat.
I sighed in relief when I saw Merilyns worried face looking at me.Oh, it was just a dream. Thank goodness.
* * *
The emperors hands trembled as he read the crown princes letter.That vile rat! Hes finally coming back after dragging his feet all this time, but hes still not saying when hell return.Even though the letter listed several reasons for his delay, the emperor was still irritated since the excuses came from his irksome son.
He tore up the crumpled letter and muttered in a cold voice, Now that one of them has sent a letter, we just have to wait for the other one.
At that moment, one of the servants at the door entered the office and whispered to the grand chamberlain. The grand chamberlain then swiftly approached the emperor and mumbled softly, Your Majesty, Duke Floyen has arrived.
Bring him in, the emperor ordered in a deep voice at the news of the arrival of the person he had been waiting for. When the door to his office opened, Regis entered and bowed to the emperor.
I greet the Sun of our empire, he said.
Welcome, Duke Floyen. Do you know how long Ive been waiting for you? the emperor greeted with a sardonic smile.
Despite the emperors sarcastic greeting, Regis remained calm and responded coolly. I apologize for not being able to come sooner. Both my mind and body have become weak these days Although he was using being ill as an excuse, Regis face remained the same as usual.
The emperor raised an eyebrow in a disapproving manner.I dont like what hes doing, but theres no time to argue with him.If it werent for the other people in the office, then he wouldve lashed out at him.
I have something to discuss with the duke so everyone else can take their leave, the emperor announced.
Im sorry?
But Your Majesty!
The grand chamberlain and Count Pyrex, the head of the emperors royal bodyguards, tried to retort, but the emperor waved his hand and shooed them away as if they were pests. Soon, the only people left in the office were Duke Floyen and the emperor. The emperor, who had been staring at Regis, opened his mouth and disclosed his true intentions.
Duke Floyen, did you know?
What do you mean, Your Majesty?
About Marquis Lennox. I recently heard that he is starting to have ulterior motives.
The Marquis Lennox who Regis knew was a commander in the south known for being an outstanding tactician. He was also someone who possessed a great love for the empire.
Ask Lord Floyen to protect the capital. Hell buy enough time for us to go north and ask for reinforcements,he had said to the emperor. Regis hadnt been particularly displeased with his decision back then, since he had said it out of his loyalty for the empire, and it was true that his decision had helped protect the capital. Even so, such loyalty didnt help Marquis Lennox win the emperors favor as he had done something out of concern for the crown prince.
Ulterior motives? Regis asked.
I mean traitorous thoughts.
Marquis Lennox having traitorous thoughts? Wasnt he the man who devoted himself to the emperor during the war?Regis hardened his face as he watched the emperor. The emperor looked down at him and spoke.
I hear that he had the guts to betray me and to gather a large number of soldiers behind my back.
When he heard those words, theories started to flood into Regis head.Is it because of that?He wore a serious expression as he was brooding over what he just heard, when the emperor continued in a disgruntled voice, taking Regis silence as affirmation.
Isnt it obvious that hes started to have ulterior motives? All the nonsense he used to say, including how he told me to bring the crown prince back and educate him to become the king, makes sense.
Regis frowned slightly and sighed at the evidence the emperor brought up.How could the man known as the emperor be so dim-witted?
Since ten years ago, Marquis Lennox had been voicing his opinion about gathering military forces at the southern border in preparation for an invasion from Lagon. However, the emperor and the nobles in the capital had dismissed his ideas as nonsense.
Your Majesty, what is making you doubt his loyalty?
The emperor grimaced at Regis question, then gazed at Kirkes ring on his finger. I certainly dont doubt your loyalty.
Even though the emperors words sounded assuring, Regis knew that it was a warning. He was indirectly saying that if he found out that Regis had any ulterior motives, then he would start putting pressure on him. Regis glared at the emperor who was fiddling with Kirkes ring.
The emperor soon raised his head and smiled ominously. As long as I have this leash, youll be on my side.
The moment he heard the word leash, Regis felt a fire start burning in the pit of his stomach but soon calmed his anger.Its not the right time yet.Instead of keeping his glare trained on the emperor, Regis slightly lowered his eyes. Mistaking the change in Regis expression as a sign of intimidation, the emperor let out a boisterous chuckle.
But unfortunately, I only have one leash. So, there is no guarantee that others will be as loyal.
Regis knew what the emperor was trying to say and fought off the queasy feeling settling in his stomach.Hes trying to provoke me.Whatever the truth behind Maquis Lennoxs actions were, Regis had no intention of helping him as he was the commander who had cold-heartedly left him behind. However, Regis hesitated for another reason.Itll definitely take a long time to get to the south where Marquis Lennox is.