The Duke of Ronian Empire

The Duke of Ronian Empire — Duke Vance Anselm Cohan. The third most influential man next to the Emperor and Head Priest. He was known for his tremendous wealth, not superior to the wealth of the Imperial Family, and sole possessor of the wind attribute. Not only that, he was well-known that Duke Cohan has had a hostile relationship with His Majesty since they were kids. As Emperor Ian ascended the throne, Duke Cohan silently observe from behind. He continued to strengthen his knights, manage his estate, and spend his nights with different women. It was his routine not until he found Oriana. His pawn against the emperor.

Knock, Knock, Knock

"My Lord, Lady Oriana is here."

"Let her come in," replied Cohan, putting down his cigar.

Oriana entered the duke's office where she could smell the tobacco from his cigar. She bowed down and greeted, "Greetings Duke Cohan."

"Seems like you're doing great as the princess that you forgot to contact me."

"I'm sorry for not reporting to you, Duke Cohan. It's just my mind is preoccupied with a problem I encountered while staying inside the Imperial Palace," Oriana said.

"A problem huh? Tell me what it is."

"The Imperial Family seems to have their attention on this kid named Brielle. Duke Cohan, I believe it would be best if we eliminate the possible problem in our plan," she suggested, smiling.

Duke Cohan laughed loudly as he heard the reply of Oriana. "You're smarter than I thought. You're right. A simple root might become a tree in the future. It's best to eliminate it before it grows."

"I'm flattered by your praise, duke," smiled Oriana. "I hope for the success of your next plan. Let me know if you need any help, I'll gladly give you my assistance."

"Sure. I would gladly receive your help. Who would dare to refuse the Black Mage."

Oriana's eyes and hair turned gray. She became taller and her physique got bigger. Her face matured into a grown woman. Oriana, who was seen as an eight-year-old child, was an old black mage.

***

Imperial Palace

"What should we do father?"

"Mother, is Brielle going to leave?"

" Ian, is there anything we can do to make them stay here?"

Ian sighed as he was bombarded by questions from his family. He didn't expect that Atlas would find a place on the first day of searching. All of the places that are for sale and rent inside the Empire were all bribed by Ian so that Atlas doesn't have the choice but to stay in Sol Palace. The owners made their places too old or too extravagant that was not aligned to Atlas and Brielle's liking. He was sure that it was going as it planned. Not until Atlas barged into his office and proudly said that they found a house and they will leave within a week.

"Stop for a moment," Ian said. "I know we're all attached to Brielle after living with her for months but we should be reminded that she has her own family. And we can't control where she lives or what she will do in life. It's the responsibility of Atlas."

"But you promised that she'll stay here with us!" shouted Ethan." She's like my little sister to me. You're the Emperor. You can take what you want, right? Why can't you just take Brielle?!" 

"Ethan, you're being disrespectful towards your father!" scolded Helena.

"I agree with Brother Ethan. I want Brielle. No one else." said Kye.

"Both of you, stop dreaming of making Brielle your sister! " snapped Ian." She is not and will never be your sister. If anyone you should be treating as one, it should be Lady Oriana."

Helena and the princes were silent after hearing what Ian said. He was right. There was more possibility that Oriana was their family. However, they knew to themselves that they like Brielle more. She is the princess that they imagined. No word could describe how they felt on the day they first met. Maybe it was just a coincidence or spur of the moment. Or maybe it was an instinct.

Ian looked outside the window and saw Lady Oriana get out of the carriage. He murmured, "As of today, we'll treat her as the sole princess of the Empire ."