A Sad Day For The Empire

It was currently mid-day. The streets all around the empire should be busy with people and noise. Yet, the only sound you can hear was the rain was pouring hard on the solid ground.

The atmosphere the rain brings was accompanying the mood every house currently has. No man or woman was inside their own shelter. Everyone has begun praying outside in condolence for their recently departed Great King Reynold.

Even the harsh weather condition does not stop a family of four from doing the same.

"What a big loss for Auzeweth."

"Papa, who are we praying for?" A lovely little girl was tugging the shirt of his father.

"The person who made our place very big. Without him, you won't be able to eat the cotton candy you want every week."

"Wow! He is really a great person, papa."

"Of course he is…"

"Dear, do you know who will be the next King would be? Is there any rumors where you work?" A mature woman who seems to be the wife of the rugged man whispered in his ears.

"I can't really say this is much because these are all rumors, but my Captain has told me that His Highness Brian will be the one inheriting the throne."

"His Majesty's grandson?! I thought he is the one who does not care at all over managing anything."

"Yes, His Highness was a great captain in the army. And I was fortunate to be under him one time. He was the captain, yet he gave all the task of handling his group to the other high-ranking officials. He is the type of person who leads with his sword and not with his words…"

"Will it be bad if he became the King? Maybe we will be in constant war if he bears the crown." She hugged her daughters like she was protecting them from something.

The rugged man cannot help but smile looking at his wife's actions. He also moved closer to hug the three of them and answered his wife's question silently, "No, His Highness Brian is as good as His Majesty or dare I say even better… However, I am sure if he would be the king, things would be interesting."

This type of scene was happening across all corners of Auzeweth Empire. From rich to poor, they gave their farewell respect for the man who ruled over them for the past many years.

***

"My father has been the King of Auzeweth for 50 years, almost half of his age has been within the throne… However! He did not regret a single day where he was racking up his brains and body for serving the people of Auzeweth."

The man standing on the podium in the center of a large crowd was dry even though the rain was still pouring hard. In fact, no one among the large crowd was wet in any way from the rain.

This was because of the magic being cast that made a bubble not only protect them from the outside weather but also amplify the sound from the person talking on the podium.

"From the last words of my dear father… He said that it was a pity he will not be able to serve his people any longer. He wished only the best for Auzeweth and even the friendly nations sympathizing with us… He also gave his last request before he bid his farewell. And as a dutiful son of his, I am bound to fulfill it with all of my capabilities." Zola gave a bit of time for the people to guess what his father wanted before dying.

Observing from the highest point in the location, he was able to see all important figures present for the funeral of his father. There were a dozen or so people who caught his eye based on their importance. From the members of Laurefort and other major families of Auzeweth to people of significance from other territories, their purpose of coming here differs from one another.

Some nations they are allied with have sent their representatives while some even sent their own rulers. A bald man in particular was staring at him intensely, but it did not bother him in any way. This person is one of the few people who came to see whether the news of his father dying was true or not.

The question in their mind is simple. 'Did the figure of power of their future enemies really have died?'

'You think I won't notice you.' Zola silently grumbled in his position before continuing with his speech.

"My father wanted my son, Prince Brian, to be the one following his footstep as the new King of Auzeweth!" He said with great conviction which resulted in the stirring of the crowd. Even some of the not so friendly important figures cannot help but show a slight shock when hearing the news.

"It is unfortunate that he is currently in his expedition for gaining the glory of claiming the unkown land in Mirage City to be one of our own… But tomorrow, when he is expected to return with hopefully good news, he would be crowned and blessed by the Gods to be the 13th King of Auzeweth!"

This declaration has given the crowd a reason for applause even if it was a funeral for their beloved King.

It is not an exaggeration for the name Brian Laurefort to be more popular among the people, especially outsiders. His strength and achievement have echoed across the battlefield for years. He is said to be the man who has never lost a single war.

His attitude towards the responsibility of being a noble was also not unheard of. So, when they receive the news that he would be the next King of Auzeweth, the future was suddenly filled with uncertainty.

'Unfortunate indeed.'

While the crowd was busy receiving this news, a woman with her face covered in a veil stared at the event like she cannot be bothered by it. Even when her face is covered, you can immediately tell she was a beautiful and elegant noble. Yet despite all of that, it is difficult to get close to her because of the untouchable air around her.

This was not magic or anything. Her presence came to be because of her behavior. If one knows about her, the first thing they would probably hear is her indifferent attitude toward everything. There was little that can change her expression, even his husband or daughter could hardly do anything towards her unconcerned look.

Beside her, a gentleman with a well-suited suit dared to come close to her.

"Her Highness, I have done what you have instructed…"

"As expected of the best servant in the house." She said without even bothering to look at him.

"It may be selfish of me, but can I request your Highness for something."

"…" No response. That is what she gave him, but it did not matter anyway since the gentleman still stated his request.

"It has been and will be the worst mistake of my life to have not been able to protect His Highness… If Her Highness would let me, I want to let Miss Paia to grow up peacefully for His Highness sake."

The gentleman never raised his head up starting from when he stated his request. She was thinking about it, or not. No one really knows what was going inside her head, but most likely it does not concern the request of the gentleman.

"Miss Paia will never remember that she was a part of Laurefort, and I will make sure she will never meet you until the end of time… I just wish for the innocent girl to grow up with a normal life."

"Sure." A nonchalant answer but an answer, nonetheless.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Her response was everything the gentleman wanted yet he was not done yet.

"Why can't you be a mother for Miss Paia…?"

"Life has a lot to offer. I won't let myself be shackled by taking care of a little creature who might or might not become your enemy. It is already great my responsibility as a 'loving wife' has ended, so I don't to be bothered to be a 'loving mother'."

"I understand, Your Highness…"

The gentleman stepped back and returned to his previous position. Throughout the whole conversation, he has not let a single hint of his turmoil show from his expression and voice.

'It is impossible for this woman to be a part of your life, Sir Brian.' The gentleman thought to himself waiting for the end of the event before he can do what he needed to do.