Chapter 896: The Rumour
896 Chapter 896: The Rumour
The burden of responsibility weighed heavily upon her shoulders, yet her unwavering devotion to her brother compelled her to make any necessary sacrifice.
Lost in her thoughts, she was abruptly interrupted as the imposing doors of the main hall swung open, ushering in a Shadow Guard who bore urgent news of the arrival of the Sea King.
Despite not having undergone her coronation, which deprived her of the authority to command the Shadow Guards, she still possessed the highest level of influence as the sole surviving member of the Royal Bloodline.
Formally, the Shadow Guards were constrained from assisting her until after her coronation, but they made every effort within their means to support her leading up to her coronation.
Hearing the information about the Sea King's arrival, even the Princess grew surprised.
The Sea King was strong. Although he wasn't strong enough to wage war against the Elzeiran Empire, but he was still capable of becoming a headache for them as long as he was in the sea.
Amongst the powerful people of Elzeira who weren't under the control of the Elzeiran Empire, the Sea King was one.
Her brother had tried to call the Sea King to the Royal Palace many times in the past. However, the Sea King had always had his subordinates reject the invitation, saying he wasn't there.
It was clear that the Sea King was scared of her brother. He was scared to step on the surface, worried that her brother could harm her.
Someone as cowardly as him had stepped inside the Royal Palace without even being invited? She didn't understand what he was doing here. Did he find out that her brother was dead?
She quickly pushed aside that possibility. It was impossible for anyone to know about her brother's death. Other than her and the Shadow Guards who guarded the Temple, none knew that her brother had died.
It would've been impossible for the Sea King to know about it. Was his arrival just a coincidence in that case? She didn't know the reason behind his arrival.
Whatever being the case, he couldn't create much trouble during the coronation ceremony, especially since the entire Royal City had been turned into a fortress. If he tried anything, the Shadow Guards could kill him.
"Have a Shadow Guard keep an eye on his every movement," she told the Shadow Guard.
"I'm afraid you can't command us yet," the Shadow Guard stated as he turned around.
The Princess lowered her head. For a moment, she had forgotten that she couldn't command them. She wasn't her brother.
She thought about calling and giving this responsibility to a few Generals. However, just as the Shadow Guard was about to step out of the hall, he stopped. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
"Since he might become a threat to the Empire, I suppose I might as well keep him company." He lightly muttered, as if he was talking to himself. However, his words were clearly targeted towards the Princess.
He found an excuse to finish this task, while making it appear as if he wasn't doing it because he was commanded by a Princess.
After he finished speaking, he disappeared.
In the distance, the Princess looked at the slowly closing door in silence. The Shadow Guards were still loyal to their family. Although they pretended to be stubborn when it came to rules, deep down they were always looking out for the well-being of the Princess and the Empire.
The Princess smiled softly as she watched the door finally close, feeling grateful for the unwavering support of the Shadow Guards.
She walked forward, her fingers grazing against the armrest of the throne. She was all alone in the hall as she sat on the throne where her brother used to sit.
"I will definitely win this war," she stated, looking at the portrait of her brother that was hanging high on the wall. "For you... For our people..."
****
The General was accompanying the Sea King around the city.
Although it looked as if he was trying to take Sea King on sightseeing, the Sea King realized that the General was only trying to waste some time while he waited for further instructions from the Royal Palace.
He didn't expose the General. If anything, he also enjoyed seeing the Royal City. He had never been here. He was the King of Seas who always tried to avoid the Elzeirans Empire, realizing how threatening they could be.
As they strolled through the bustling streets, the Sea King couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant culture and architecture of the Royal City. It was definitely much more prosperous than the Island where he resided.
After showing him around, the General brought him to a store that sold some drinks.
He got a drink for the Sea King, while taking one for himself.
"I heard there was an outsider who robbed the Graves of Royal Ancestors?" The Sea King asked as he picked up the drink.
Hearing the question, the Generals spat out the drink he had just sipped.
"Cough, Cough." He quickly composed himself and replied, "Yes, there have been rumors circulating about such an incident."
"Rumors? Are you saying it didn't happen?" The Sea King asked, looking at the General in amusement.
Before coming here, he had already investigated what happened here. He knew about the man who the Elzeiran Empire was searching for. He also knew that the man was from another world.
However, what he didn't understand was how that man managed to escape alive? He had a feeling that something was wrong with the Empire.
Could it be that the Emperor wasn't as strong as before? How else could he allow that man to escape?
He had also heard some rumors that the Emperor had grown weak and that he hadn't shown himself outside for months. Whether it was true or not, he wanted to verify himself.
Just to rest the rumor, he personally came to meet the Emperor. He wanted to see if the Empire was still as dangerous for him as it used to be in the past.