Chapter 95: Surround him with the peonies in my garden

After announcing what she desires, she took a glance to the carriage where General Theobarlt’s body was in. It was just a slip second but Sir Alluka and the captive Lorenzo saw the pain in her eyes that she was trying to hide.

Lorenzo’s heart sank even deeper after seeing the Emperor’s expression. He is willing to accept death as a punishment for what he did. It was because of him… It was because of him that caused the Emperor to feel extreme distress. If he was only mentally strong… he would have stopped his urge. He should have just died along with the barbarians.

Sir Alluka’s eyes fell to Lorenzo. Seeing Lorenzo’s state, he knows that there is something wrong with Captain Marshall. Even before they went to Nirov, he noticed Captain Marshall’s strange behaviour. He noticed him suddenly looking out of nowhere. He noticed him quite sniffing like he’s having a runny nose. He also found something like a powder on his belongings and when he asked about it, Captain Marshall told him that it was the medicine prescribed by his doctor. Even during the battle with the barbarians, Captain Marshall was weaker than before.

“Is Captain Marshall sick?” It was when the battle with the barbarians was over when General Theobarlt asked Alluka about Lorenzo.

“I think so? He is not weak unlike now.” Alluka replied, shrugging. Yes, he looks weaker than before. Maybe he is sick.

General Theobarlt nodded, “Alright. I will just assign him to take my place as the commander as we go investigate the tribe.”

Alluka was uncertain about this decision. “Do you trust him? He is Count Marshall’s son.” He is a son of a noble from an anti-imperial faction. He is your enemy.

“Her Majesty referred him to me because she had trust in him. He also showed exceptional talent albeit his young age. Further, I trust him because he is Her Majesty’s fourth consort. He also seemed to have grown up to be a mature fellow.”

Alluka was silenced, still uncertain of the decision but then just nodded since it is the General’s opinion. ‘You’re strong but you’re too trusting, General.’

Upon remembering that moment, Alluka’s eyes fell into the Emperor’s back. Even from the back, he can feel the melancholic sentiment overflowing the Emperor’s body. This made him feel extremely bad.

‘I should have warned him again…’ Loneliness of losing a good friend succumbed to his heart. General Theobarlt was such a good man, the best man for the Emperor. Their genuine love could not be surpassed.

‘I should have scolded you more for being too trusting.’ But he can do nothing now as he was already late.

Emperor Darya continued her way to the main gate of the Imperial Palace’s walls. Seeing the messy gate and rattled knights, she remained silent as her horse took her in front of the main palace.

There she saw Duke Esteban, Sir Lavenorth, and Silla waiting for her. As soon as she jumped off the horse, Sir Lavenorth came running towards her, putting a thick coat around her.

“Your Majesty, we have managed to stop Count Marshall’s rebellion under Lord Esteban’s command.” He immediately reported.

Darya’s eyes moved towards Duke Esteban but her expression was still the same. Lifeless. Cold.

“You did a good job, my lord.”

Duke Esteban was speechless. Her voice was also lifeless and she felt so distant from him. He wanted to come over and embrace her so bad but… where is General Theobarlt? Why is he not with her? There was Sir Alluka, Captain Quira… Captain Marshall…

His eyes widened after seeing Lorenzo’s bad complexion. The worse was his hands were tied while Vice Captain Agrigue was on the same horse as him, as if keeping an eye on him.

His eyes met Lorenzo’s but Lorenzo suddenly looked away from him, looking miserable as if ashamed of himself. Why does his son have such an expression? Why would they have such expressions?

Duke Esteban was not the only one that was confused. Sir Lavenorth was also looking for General Theobarlt’s presence since they were at the main gate.

Just as soon as Sir Lavenorth was about to ask, Emperor Darya spoke which made the air become thin and extremely cold.

“Prepare the best coffin for my third consort. Make sure it is clean and polished.” She paused because her voice shook. And her head felt so full.

Then she continued after a few seconds. “While waiting for the preparation of the coffin, make sure to clean his body until the blood in his wounds does not smell. Spray him with my perfume.” She could not stop her tears.

She sobbed, “And please keep his body warm. Make sure not to make him feel suffocated in his coffin. And surround him with the peonies in my garden.” So then she left without taking a glance at the carriage.