Episode 26. After a long night
They spent the night wide awake.
While countless sleepless nights had occurred on the battlefield, this was a first.
Renisha read silently, and Kassius, pretending to flip through his books in front of her, peered at her.
They were books he'd found in the Emperor's bedroom.
It was shocking how perfectly intact they were for a madman to keep reading by his bedside.
"The Great Men Who Raised Hientri,"
"What Makes a Proper Emperor?"
"Someone Wanted to Become Emperor ."
Renisha had found them under the bed and chuckled.
It was Cassius's job to pull them out.
The titles themselves were unpalatable, but Renisha was reading with gusto.
"...You're really calm,"
Kassius muttered, gazing at the dawning sky.
Renisha had told Kassius he could sleep if he was bored, but how could he possibly sleep in this situation?
It felt like his life had been stolen.
A sudden, strange proposal, a confirmed marriage.
And on top of that, it was a mysterious and strange night when Renisha was chosen as Kassius's wife.
And that night had passed, and now a new morning was about to dawn.
He was too lucid to call yesterday's events a dream.
It felt a bit unfair, as it seemed only Kassius was confused.
Renisha looked up from her book at the casual remark.
"These books can only be found here."
"What do you mean?"
"These books were banned and burned by the Emperor. Most of them are on a different track than Laxus. The current Emperor rules this empire through a reign of terror. Books like these, read by radicals, are of no use. He probably burned them all early in his reign."
They spent the night wide awake.
While countless sleepless nights had occurred on the battlefield, this was a first.
Renisha read silently, and Kassius, pretending to flip through his books in front of her, peered at her.
They were books he'd found in the Emperor's bedroom.
It was shocking how perfectly intact they were for a madman to keep reading by his bedside.
"The Great Men Who Raised Hientri,"
"What Makes a Proper Emperor?"
"Someone Wanted to Become Emperor ."
Renisha had found them under the bed and chuckled.
It was Cassius's job to pull them out.
The titles themselves were unpalatable, but Renisha was reading with gusto.
"...You're really calm,"
Kassius muttered, gazing at the dawning sky.
Renisha had told Kassius he could sleep if he was bored, but how could he possibly sleep in this situation?
It felt like his life had been stolen.
A sudden, strange proposal, a confirmed marriage.
And on top of that, it was a mysterious and strange night when Renisha was chosen as Kassius's wife.
And that night had passed, and now a new morning was about to dawn.
He was too lucid to call yesterday's events a dream.
It felt a bit unfair, as it seemed only Kassius was confused.
Renisha looked up from her book at the casual remark.
"These books can only be found here."
"What do you mean?"
"These books were banned and burned by the Emperor. Most of them are on a different track than Laxus. The current Emperor rules this empire through a reign of terror. Books like these, read by radicals, are of no use. He probably burned them all early in his reign."
"But why this..."
Led by Chief Maid Lindy, most of the servants declared their intention to follow Renisha. Renisha smiled bitterly.
Having entered the palace, Renisha had thought she had nothing left. Rather, she had lost everything. But Renisha had so many people left.
People who loved and cared for her. Renisha wiped her face.
"I don't know. I wonder what the Emperor is thinking inside them. He's as cunning as a snake crawling on the ground."
Renisha smiled, disparaging the Emperor.
“You pretend to be crazy and drive people crazy until everything goes your way. That’s why this empire runs so well even when the Emperor does nothing.”
Perhaps relieved, Renisha began to babble. Kassius flipped through the book.
Kassius couldn’t quite understand what they were talking about, or what Renisha meant.
However, he understood that it was a matter of political leanings. He felt a slight sullenness.
It was the first time Renisha had seemed so at ease while talking about Laxus.
“Dawn is breaking. That door will open soon, Sir Kassius. Once that door opens, everything will be irreversible. I’ll give you one last chance.”
“What chance?”
“A chance to escape from me.”
Renisha smiled gently.
The shadows of dawn fell across her bright face, illuminated by the dawn.
Even though Renisha was smiling, she looked as if she were crying.
“I have no intention of stopping what I’ve started. I will see it through to the end and put an end to my relationship with Lexus.”
The slender, platinum-blonde hair that framed her delicate body, her eyes filled with the soft glow of spring.
Everything about Renisha was fragile, yet now she looked like a war goddess.
A goddess guarding the battlefield.
A god of war, determined to secure victory.
“...Don’t stop,”
Kassius said, seemingly possessed by a trance.
“Keep going. I’ll be behind you.”
“...”
Kassius was now looking at Duke Lottera through Renisha.
The Duke of Lottera was no exception, unable to stop what he had started.
Renisha was indeed the Duke of Lottera’s daughter.
“As your husband and supporter, I will stand behind you.”
“You are truly kind,”
Renisha spat, her voice melting.
“Me?”
“I don’t know about others, but you are very kind to me.”
Renisha put down the book she was reading.
It was a book she'd held in her hand to help her endure the tedious night.
But what caught Renisha's attention more than the book was Kassius.
Kassius, sitting stiffly, glanced at Renisha.
A fairly large table still stood between them.
Neither of them seemed inclined to cross it.
"But the distance between us seems unfriendly. Aren't we destined to be married anyway? Sitting like strangers, facing each other, apart like this isn't appropriate for a married couple."
"Your Majesty."
Kassius spoke with a serious expression.
“Even if the Emperor has made up his mind and it will come to pass, Your Majesty, the Empress is not my wife yet. I do not wish to bring any shame upon Your Majesty, the Empress. I...”
Kassius lowered his head, seemingly confused.
Renisha’s heart warmed at the sight.
He was a man who was utterly unsuited to this society and to Renisha.
He was too untainted to be considered a good match for Renisha.
How could Kassius possibly be a match for Renisha, who had already hit rock bottom?
“...You will definitely get whatever you desire. Even divorce.”
“Did you say divorce?”
Kassius’s golden eyes were filled with shock.
He looked as if he had never heard such a profane word before.
Kassius shook his head.
His red hair swayed as violently as his emotions.
“There will be no such thing, Your Majesty. I would never make such a request of Your Majesty...”
Kassius hesitated, then opened his mouth.
“Your Majesty, even if it’s an unavoidable situation, promise me you won’t say such things.”
This time, it was when Renisha looked surprised.
Renisha didn’t believe in eternity.
Yet, seeing Kassius brimming with conviction, she wanted to believe.
She hoped Kassius would never change.
“...I’ll try.”
Only then did Kassius’s smile soften.
Morning came.
After a long night, like an endlessly unraveling thread, morning arrived.
The play Laxus had prepared reached its climax.
“Oh.”
Laxus grinned coyly.
“What is this in my bedroom? Tell me, Empress.”
Renisha stared at the chamberlain with an indifferent gaze.
The chamberlain bowed his head with an apologetic expression.
“Your Majesty...”
“I’m fine, don’t worry about it.”
“Your Majesty, this can’t be happening...”
Tears welled up in the chamberlain’s eyes.
The maids in the Empress's palace also burst into tears.
The sniffling could be heard overlapping.
The chamberlain bowed deeply and lowered his head.
Then, he unfolded the parchment he was holding.
It was the decree of abdication.
< Empress Renisha has committed infidelity.
I cannot help but lament this fact, but I offer forgiveness to the Empress and the hero of the Empire, Kassius.
The Empress has abdicated.
Renisha will live as Cassius's wife from now on.
Renisha will become Renisha Lottera, the wife of Kassius, who has been granted the title of Duke of Lottera, and will claim no authority as Empress. >
Renisha smiled faintly.
To push everything onto Renisha? Laxus was as shameless and despicable as expected.
No matter how much Laxus tried to hide it, people would know.
How the Emperor had brought down the noble Renisha.
< One, I remember the devotion of Renisha, who has lived as Empress for the past ten years.
I forgive the sinners as a blessing for the new beginning of the Empress and Sir Kassius.
The bodies of the dead sinners will be returned to the Empress's arms with courtesy.
I hope you will accept it with joy. >
The chamberlain's hands trembled.
Renisha's lips were trembling just now.
Sparks of anger flashed through Renisha's pink eyes once again.
'Damn you.'
The chamberlain lowered his head with a bewildered expression.
In this abnormal situation, only the Emperor remained calm.
< Also, take the Empress's palace attendants and leave.
Since you are giving her capable palace attendants, it is only natural that they will be helpful for the Empress's future.
This is also my heart blessing the Empress's future.
Despite the Empress's infidelity, I have decided to forgive and accept everything she has done.
So, I hope the Empress can forget everything that happened here and make a happy new start. >
The head chamberlain said in a tearful voice.
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I’m sorry...”
“What do you have to be sorry about to me? That wasn’t what you wanted.”
Renisha shook her head slightly.
Then she turned her head and looked at the people crowded into the Empress’s bedroom.
A sob escaped her lips.
“Your Majesty, this can’t be happening. No one can do this to Your Majesty. If Your Majesty hadn’t been here all this time, this empire would have fallen long ago...!”
"Don't say that, Lindy. You're all getting dragged into this because of me. Those who wish to leave may do so. And those who wish to follow me may come with me."
Renisha smiled, disparaging the Emperor.
“You pretend to be crazy and drive people crazy until everything goes your way. That’s why this empire runs so well even when the Emperor does nothing.”
Perhaps relieved, Renisha began to babble. Kassius flipped through the book.
Kassius couldn’t quite understand what they were talking about, or what Renisha meant.
However, he understood that it was a matter of political leanings. He felt a slight sullenness.
It was the first time Renisha had seemed so at ease while talking about Laxus.
“Dawn is breaking. That door will open soon, Sir Kassius. Once that door opens, everything will be irreversible. I’ll give you one last chance.”
“What chance?”
“A chance to escape from me.”
Renisha smiled gently.
The shadows of dawn fell across her bright face, illuminated by the dawn.
Even though Renisha was smiling, she looked as if she were crying.
“I have no intention of stopping what I’ve started. I will see it through to the end and put an end to my relationship with Lexus.”
The slender, platinum-blonde hair that framed her delicate body, her eyes filled with the soft glow of spring.
Everything about Renisha was fragile, yet now she looked like a war goddess.
A goddess guarding the battlefield.
A god of war, determined to secure victory.
“...Don’t stop,”
Kassius said, seemingly possessed by a trance.
“Keep going. I’ll be behind you.”
“...”
Kassius was now looking at Duke Lottera through Renisha.
The Duke of Lottera was no exception, unable to stop what he had started.
Renisha was indeed the Duke of Lottera’s daughter.
“As your husband and supporter, I will stand behind you.”
“You are truly kind,”
Renisha spat, her voice melting.
“Me?”
“I don’t know about others, but you are very kind to me.”
Renisha put down the book she was reading.
It was a book she'd held in her hand to help her endure the tedious night.
But what caught Renisha's attention more than the book was Kassius.
Kassius, sitting stiffly, glanced at Renisha.
A fairly large table still stood between them.
Neither of them seemed inclined to cross it.
"But the distance between us seems unfriendly. Aren't we destined to be married anyway? Sitting like strangers, facing each other, apart like this isn't appropriate for a married couple."
"Your Majesty."
Kassius spoke with a serious expression.
“Even if the Emperor has made up his mind and it will come to pass, Your Majesty, the Empress is not my wife yet. I do not wish to bring any shame upon Your Majesty, the Empress. I...”
Kassius lowered his head, seemingly confused.
Renisha’s heart warmed at the sight.
He was a man who was utterly unsuited to this society and to Renisha.
He was too untainted to be considered a good match for Renisha.
How could Kassius possibly be a match for Renisha, who had already hit rock bottom?
“...You will definitely get whatever you desire. Even divorce.”
“Did you say divorce?”
Kassius’s golden eyes were filled with shock.
He looked as if he had never heard such a profane word before.
Kassius shook his head.
His red hair swayed as violently as his emotions.
“There will be no such thing, Your Majesty. I would never make such a request of Your Majesty...”
Kassius hesitated, then opened his mouth.
“Your Majesty, even if it’s an unavoidable situation, promise me you won’t say such things.”
This time, it was when Renisha looked surprised.
Renisha didn’t believe in eternity.
Yet, seeing Kassius brimming with conviction, she wanted to believe.
She hoped Kassius would never change.
“...I’ll try.”
Only then did Kassius’s smile soften.
Morning came.
After a long night, like an endlessly unraveling thread, morning arrived.
The play Laxus had prepared reached its climax.
“Oh.”
Laxus grinned coyly.
“What is this in my bedroom? Tell me, Empress.”
***
Renisha stared at the chamberlain with an indifferent gaze.
The chamberlain bowed his head with an apologetic expression.
“Your Majesty...”
“I’m fine, don’t worry about it.”
“Your Majesty, this can’t be happening...”
Tears welled up in the chamberlain’s eyes.
The maids in the Empress's palace also burst into tears.
The sniffling could be heard overlapping.
The chamberlain bowed deeply and lowered his head.
Then, he unfolded the parchment he was holding.
It was the decree of abdication.
< Empress Renisha has committed infidelity.
I cannot help but lament this fact, but I offer forgiveness to the Empress and the hero of the Empire, Kassius.
The Empress has abdicated.
Renisha will live as Cassius's wife from now on.
Renisha will become Renisha Lottera, the wife of Kassius, who has been granted the title of Duke of Lottera, and will claim no authority as Empress. >
Renisha smiled faintly.
To push everything onto Renisha? Laxus was as shameless and despicable as expected.
No matter how much Laxus tried to hide it, people would know.
How the Emperor had brought down the noble Renisha.
< One, I remember the devotion of Renisha, who has lived as Empress for the past ten years.
I forgive the sinners as a blessing for the new beginning of the Empress and Sir Kassius.
The bodies of the dead sinners will be returned to the Empress's arms with courtesy.
I hope you will accept it with joy. >
The chamberlain's hands trembled.
Renisha's lips were trembling just now.
Sparks of anger flashed through Renisha's pink eyes once again.
'Damn you.'
The chamberlain lowered his head with a bewildered expression.
In this abnormal situation, only the Emperor remained calm.
< Also, take the Empress's palace attendants and leave.
Since you are giving her capable palace attendants, it is only natural that they will be helpful for the Empress's future.
This is also my heart blessing the Empress's future.
Despite the Empress's infidelity, I have decided to forgive and accept everything she has done.
So, I hope the Empress can forget everything that happened here and make a happy new start. >
The head chamberlain said in a tearful voice.
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I’m sorry...”
“What do you have to be sorry about to me? That wasn’t what you wanted.”
Renisha shook her head slightly.
Then she turned her head and looked at the people crowded into the Empress’s bedroom.
A sob escaped her lips.
“Your Majesty, this can’t be happening. No one can do this to Your Majesty. If Your Majesty hadn’t been here all this time, this empire would have fallen long ago...!”
"Don't say that, Lindy. You're all getting dragged into this because of me. Those who wish to leave may do so. And those who wish to follow me may come with me."
"I will gladly walk any path, even a thorny one, if it's one Her Majesty the Empress!"
Led by Chief Maid Lindy, most of the servants declared their intention to follow Renisha. Renisha smiled bitterly.
Having entered the palace, Renisha had thought she had nothing left. Rather, she had lost everything. But Renisha had so many people left.
People who loved and cared for her. Renisha wiped her face.
"So... you were there,"
Renisha muttered. Those who had stood behind her as she fought against the injustice of being the Emperor. The Emperor was mad. On her first day in the palace, the Emperor had warned Renisha.
"Empress, welcome. You represent House Lottera. You have a duty to protect your family."
"Think carefully about how you can protect your family."
Renisha smiled briefly as she recalled the past. Renisha had devoted herself to this castle for her family. She had cleaned up the mess the Emperor had left behind. The harder and more painful it was, the more she had worked. She had thought that this would one day be rewarded. But, in the end, this is it. So, she believes that one day, the spark that started in Renisha's heart will burn this entire castle.
'Definitely!'
***
Renisha threw away everything she could enjoy as Empress and left. Laxus leaned back on the sofa, clutching a glass. His gaze was fixed on the books neatly placed on the table. They were books he had tossed under the bed and forgotten about. There were traces of Renisha.
"Should I put the books away?"
Henry asked Laxus, watching him.
"No. Leave them where they are."
It was the only trace of Renisha left in Laxus's bedroom. Laxus smiled coldly. As he had hoped, all traces of Lottera were erased. He banished Renisha, who had been shaking Laxus, to a distant place. The unholy Empress would never return to the palace. But why this?
Renisha, who had left without even crying, was so irritating. Laxus narrowed his eyes.
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