Chapter 29: The Duke Does Not Wish for His Daughter...

Chapter 29: The Duke Does Not Wish for His Daughter...

Early in the morning, the capital seemed somewhat chaotic, like a baby who had woken up too early and was whimpering softly.

One carriage after another lined up in neat rows and headed towards the Imperial Palace.

People opened the doors of their shops, only to see carriages speeding by, raising dust as they went.

Passersby also moved to the sides, and could only duck into shops to take a look, avoiding the carriages.

Whats going on?

Dont knowit looks like something big judging by this scene.

Soon, the carriage that finally stopped in front of the castle gates was exceptionally luxurious.

Duke Rivierre gently got out of the carriage and looked around.

The mages had basically all arrived, but without exception, all the mages were staring at him with hostile eyes.

If looks could kill, Duke Rivierre would probably be riddled with holes.

The Dukes reputation, after the volcano incident, had already fallen to the extreme in mage circles.

There were no rumors or slander, everyone had seen it with their own eyes.

No one took the initiative to greet the Duke, even the Beke aristocrats who were relatively close to him shook their heads helplessly.

He stood alone at the door, neither humble nor pushy.

After a while, the towering gates of the castle slowly opened, and a strong wind burst out from the castle, blowing the clothes of all the mages present to flutter loudly.

It was like a beast trying to swallow the pride of everyone present.

A knight escorted a dignified silver-haired man out.

The man looked less than thirty, still very young, dressed luxuriously with an extraordinary bearing.

Seeing this face, many recognized him, and all bowed.

The Duke, standing at the very front, also bent down and saluted respectfully to this man, one of the most honorable in the Empire.

Your Highness, the Second Prince.

The Second Prince nodded slightly to the Duke, and gestured for everyone to stop bowing.

Since you are all here, please come in first.

After getting permission, the mages entered one after another. When it was the Dukes turn, he was stopped by the Second Prince.

He smiled at Duke Rivierre:

Duke Rivierre, shall we go somewhere else to chat?

Duke Rivierre looked at the Second Princes smile that didnt reach his eyes, and responded:

Your Highness, I do not wish to keep His Majesty waiting.

The Second Prince shook his head and continued persuading Duke Rivierre:

Father is getting old, and needs more rest.

Even if you go in now, youll have to wait for a while.

Besides, I do sincerely wish to converse with you.

The Second Prince leaned in close to Duke Rivierre. Covering his mouth with one hand, he whispered in his ear:

Perhaps I can help free you from your current predicament.

Duke Rivierre listened expressionlessly to his words, not replying.

The Second Prince then relaxed and laughed.New novel chapters are published on

Since the Duke didnt respond, that naturally meant agreement.

He said to Duke Rivierre, Duke, please come with me.

Under the escort of the knights by his side, the two did not enter through the front gate, but went through a side path to a palace.

This is my place, Duke. You can speak freely here.

The Duke glanced at the guards around the Second Prince.

These guards are naturally my own people.

He waved his hand to signal his subordinates to bring a seat for Duke Rivierre.

The Duke sat down without hesitation, and the two looked at each other.

Hearing this, the Duke laughed and said, Your Highness, isnt it a bit inappropriate to be developing your own confidants so early?

His Majesty, your father, he isnt dead yet.

The Dukes inquiry carried a chill that made the Second Prince shudder slightly.

He put on a helpless expression and smiled back:

Duke, I dont want to die mysteriously at any time.

Sitting in my position, to contend or not, is not for me to decide.

I look forward to seeing if he can remain so calm when accused by everyone.

The palace hall was already filled with people. Knights in full armor and holding longswords stood guard around the perimeter.

Gwen stood near the imperial throne. As Captain of the Imperial Knights, she was tasked to protect the Emperor.

Kneeling at the very front was Duke Rivierre.

Seeing the Duke, Gwens expression was complicated.

She certainly knew what the highly ranked minister had experienced today.

It was definitely not pleasant.

But it had to be said, he loved his daughter very much.

Gwen quickly looked away, scanning the mages.

He wasnt there.

No matter how she looked, she couldnt find Victor.

Hedidnt come back

Somehow, her heart felt a little sad.

Perhaps because Victor was someone she had known since childhood.

Suddenly, accompanied by the heralds announcement, the Emperor sat on the throne surrounded by his subjects.

Aubrey Sol, the Eighth Emperor of the Carenthian Empire.

He already looked very old with a full head of white hair.

Although this Emperor was only sixty, not much older than Duke Rivierre.

Seeing the Emperor, all the mages knelt down on one knee, showing their utmost respect.

Emperor Aubrey gestured for everyone to stand.

Only Duke Rivierre remained kneeling in place.

The elderly king looked at Duke Rivierre, closed his eyes, and sighed.

He quietly watched the Duke and asked:

Rivierre, when the volcano was about to erupt, did you stop the magic circle?

Yes.

Duke Rivierre didnt hesitate at all.

The Emperor asked again: Rivierre, they say you wanted to kill all the mages, including the villagers below, to accompany your daughter in death. What do you have to say about this?

Your Majesty, I have no explanation.

The Emperor looked at him silently, sighing heavily,

Alas

He looked at Rivierre, his gaze full of reluctance.

Once, they were the best of friends, comrades.

Yet now, Rivierre still looked so young, while he was the first to embark on the journey of life and death.

He had wanted to protect his old comrades in his final years.

But Rivierres actions had impacted the imperial familys credibility.

If he did not deal with it harshly it would only chill others hearts.

Rivierre, understand me, forgive me.

He closed his eyes, ready to pass final judgment on Rivierre.

Suddenly, all the knights outside the doors drew their swords.

A towering fiery vortex rose out of nowhere outside the hall, attracting everyones gaze.

The intense heatwave made them unable to open their eyes. When the heat dissipated,

The mages slowly opened their eyes.

A figure emerged from the light.

Gwen stared over there, a gleam flashing in her eyes.

Victor!?

Victor appeared before everyone. His red-striped coat fluttered in the hot wind.

He looked towards the Emperor, did not kneel, but only bowed.

Sorry, Your Majesty.

Im late.