A majestic and opulent occasion was held at the Grand Estate of the North-West Empire. The Emperor of this vast domain was a youthful sovereign known for his charm and sociability. This grand celebration marked the conquest of the Crucify Empire, a feat that strengthened his rule. The event proceeded smoothly, with nobles and dignitaries in attendance.
At the stroke of midnight, deep within the Grand Imperial Drawing Room, Emperor Oknecao of the South-East Empire sat with his two concubines, awaiting the arrival of the Grand Emperor. A moment later, the imposing figure of Grand Emperor Herbio entered the room, his expression courteous yet calculating. He offered a polite nod.
"I appreciate your presence, Emperor Oknecao. I understand you have been preoccupied with drafting a new policy for your empire."
The concubines stood, bowing gracefully before the Grand Emperor.
Emperor Oknecao narrowed his eyes. "Surely, Your Majesty did not summon me here merely to offer thanks. Am I correct, Grand Emperor Herbio?"
Herbio's lips curled into a smirk. "You are not wrong."
The concubines took their seats, sensing the conversation was about to turn serious.
"Then tell me," Oknecao continued, "what is so urgent that it could not wait until morning?"
Herbio leaned forward, his tone deceptively casual. "I was wondering—where has that adopted Chinese princess hidden the Blood Tear of the Dragon Empress? The lavaliere that I have sought for years." His fingers drummed against the table. "I sent spies, but they failed. That princess is clever... They were caught and executed." He let out a theatrical sigh. "But now, while she sleeps, I thought I'd ask you instead."
Oknecao's expression hardened.
Herbio continued, his voice turning cold. "Make no mistake—my primary goal is to obtain that lavaliere. If you refuse to tell me its location, I will have no choice but to grant you a pity death." He paused, eyes gleaming. "Of course, I will claim it was a suicide—an elaborate plot to frame me. Your imperial family will be cast out into the streets, torn apart by angry villagers. And in the end, your empire... will be mine."
Fury flashed across Oknecao's face as he rose to his feet. "How dare you! Do you think I will betray my people? Even if it costs me my life, I will never—"
A sharp gasp escaped his lips. A dagger, its blade laced with poison, had pierced his back. Staggering forward, he turned in disbelief. Lady Charlos, his own concubine, withdrew the knife, her expression void of remorse.
His legs gave out beneath him. He collapsed to the settee, unmoving.
Grand Emperor Herbio's gaze flicked to Lady Charlos. "Why now? I told you to wait until he refused outright."
Lady Kial, the second concubine, smirked. "Forgive her impatience, Your Majesty. Oknecao had grown old, weak, and frustrating to serve. I understand my sister's desires towards outstanding noblemen. We longed for a ruler who was... younger. Stronger. Like you."
Lady Charlos lowered her head. "I hope you will forgive me, Grand Emperor."
Herbio exhaled, rubbing his temples.
Meanwhile, in the Empress's chamber, the wife of Emperor Oknecao, with pure shining white hair, stirred from her sleep. A sharp pain lanced through her chest, jolting her awake. Gasping, she clutched her heart and called out.
"Leonos! Leonos!"
Her lady-in-waiting rushed inside. "Your Majesty! What's wrong?"
"I—I felt a terrible pain in my chest," the Empress gasped. "It can only mean one thing—my husband is in danger."
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