Chapter 29 - Position

"Dame Ayfara…what are you doing here?" asked Vanessa as she bowed her head as a sign of respect. "Just visiting His Imperial Highness," she smiled and grasped her arms around Vanessa's, who looked in panic from her sudden action.

As the two were talking, Emelia sees a man, from the corner of her eye, stomping his foot onto the ground and thought to herself 'what grudge does that man hold against the marbled ground?' It was also her first time seeing him around the palace.​​

"Say Princess Emelia how is your stay so far?" Ayfara asked Emelia who continued walking towards her. "It's alright," She answered with a tone of disinterest. Ayfara pouted and intensely stared at Emelia who notices her intense stare but decides not to question her. "Aren't you affected by what's going on?" Ayfara asked another question but then this time Emelia didn't answer her.

Those speculations are outrageous. Emelia wanted to tell them her side but there wouldn't be any point, because if she were to stand up for herself, no one would be on her side. "What about you Dame Ayfara? Aren't you the one who is supposed to be affected?" Emelia asked Ayfara, which hit a nerve.

It was just a few moments ago when she was slapped by her own father and now she was getting slapped with words. Ayfara contained her cool but her facial expression hid nothing. "Why should I be affected? She's not my sister,' Ayfara rolled her eyes after. "I have to go. See you again, Princess," Ayfara removed her arms and walked ahead of them at a faster pace.

Emelia silently watched Ayfara disappear in front of her and wondered if it was alright to say that. She brushed her hair backward and kept pondering about it. "Are you alright, Miss Emelia?" Vanessa asked after seeing the distressed look on Emelia's face. 'It's not the time to make people worry' Emelia told herself. "I'm alright. Could you lead me to the library?" Emelia asked and quickly changed the topic. "Yes, of course!" Vanessa said and escorted Emelia to the library.

The whole morning Emelia spent her time in the library reading about the history of the royal family of the Vivan Empire. She didn't know much about this empire as she simply didn't have any interest.

As she read through the book there was one person that captured her eyes. The crowned prince of this empire wasn't Elliot but another prince. Elliot Lucius Renaud was the second prince of the Vivan Empire. Vanessa from behind asked, "Is there a problem?" Emelia shook her head but what she just saw slightly bothered her.

"Do you perhaps know…" Emelia paused and thought about the best possible way to ask. "Who is the first prince?" Vanessa's face color turned pale and she looked to both sides before saying anything. "The first prince was killed by His Imperial Majesty."

Emelia didn't mean to touch a sensitive matter but she had to ask no matter what since she wanted to know more. To sit on the throne meant that there will always be a possibility of bloodshed. It's not rare to hear siblings killing each other just for the throne. But Emelia wondered if that man really did kill his brother.

The late Emperor died from a sickness and so did the Empress. The only ones left in the royal family is the Archduke's family and the Emperor himself. All this time he had been alone, it's a pity.

"Until when do you plan to stay in here?" a familiar voice asked and his footsteps could be heard, walking towards Emelia. "Do you need to know?" Emelia asked and when Vanessa sees the man she excused herself out, giving privacy to both of them. "So cold," he chuckled and sat across her with his leg crossed.

Emelia continued reading and ignored Elliot who was watching her read the book in silence. "Your no fun," Elliot said as he wiggled his fingers in a circle. "I'm not a form of entertainment," Emelia answered back as she closed the book. She wanted to read the book in peace and not have someone stare at her while reading. She felt awkward.

"I never said you were," Elliot chuckled and shook his head. "You're done already?" He asked seeing Emelia standing up and placing the book where it belongs. She turned her head, looking at him, and answered, "A certain person destroyed the still and quiet library."

"Are you that interested in me?" Elliot asked as he saw what book she was reading earlier. "Ask me any questions I'll answer it," He said but as if she would ask him any questions. She didn't want to further involve herself with him. "No need. I will take my leave now," Emelia was about to leave but then she stopped when Elliot asked, "Do you believe that I killed my own brother?"

Emelia didn't turn her back but she was taken back for a while by his question. It's not like she cared much about what happened but she was still slightly curious about it. Instead of giving him a direct answer, she stayed neutral saying, "Who knows? You're the only one who knows the truth."

Even if Elliot did kill his own brother for the throne Emelia wouldn't care about it. But the way he sounded, it sounded as if he was in sorrow. Elliot laughed her answer off and stayed longer in the library.

As Emelia walked out of the library she sees Alan and Enoch by the door. She looked at them for a while then looked away. They really are brothers Emelia said in her mind as she passed by them. Then from the corner of her eye, she sees someone alone standing in the corner, and calls for her.

"Brother, what do you think about Princess Emelia?" Enoch asked as he watched Emelia and Vanessa walk the long hallway. Alan looked at Enoch and answered, "Different but someone who I don't trust." Enoch laughed out loud and slapped Alan's arm saying, "Every girl you know is different."

Alan sighed out of annoyance and watches Emelia's back then answered, "Maybe someone who could save His Imperial Majesty." Enoch nodded his head in agreement and both of them flinched when they heard the door opening. They saw Elliot walking out of the room with a frown but the frown was rewritten with a smile as he said, "I heard what you guys were talking about."

"We are terribly sorry for being rude," Alan said as he pushed Enoch's head down in a bowing position. "It's alright," Elliot shrugged it off then asked, "That reminds me. Tomorrow is the meeting with the council am I right?"

"Yes, it is," Alan answered confused since it was unusual for Elliot to forget his own schedules. "Alright," Elliot muttered, looking down the ground as he slowly walked away.

Alan felt something off from Elliot and the cause is no other than Emelia. It's her fault that he became confused for awhile. "She needs to learn her position," Alan softly said and followed behind Elliot.