Chapter 318:

Chapter 318:

TL: Etude

“A grand ceremony?” Aldridge asked with curiosity.

“Yes, a grand ceremony! Just like the ancient mural in the coliseum,” was the reply.

Aldridge understood. The coliseum in the imperial capital was built during the ancient Gubera Empire era and had been preserved till now, undergoing numerous renovations. Many valuable murals had been retained, the largest of which depicted the scene of the ancient Gubera army parading foreign captives through the streets after a victory.

This street parade was not as simple as it sounded; it involved a complex set of rituals and procedures.

“The ceremony planning should be your responsibility, as a scholar well-versed in history. Ensure that each aspect of the event is detailed and specific, and try to replicate the grandeur of ancient times,” Aldridge was told.

“Uh... Your Majesty,” the Emperor began to speak further but was interrupted by the old scholar shaking his head, “I find your idea quite inappropriate.”

“Why?” Bartley Griffin was surprised, thinking the teacher would approve of the idea.

“Do you know, teacher? In this war, we have captured over 50,000 prisoners. Never in the history of our wars with the Nestans have we achieved such a great victory. A grand ceremony to celebrate this victory and enhance national pride is more than appropriate.”

Aldridge shook his head: “The Nestans have just shown their willingness to submit. We could use this opportunity to negotiate more tangible benefits for the empire. Why anger them for mere vanity? A Gubera-style ceremony may enhance our honor but will inflict great humiliation on the Nestans. Once they find out, they’ll take it as a national disgrace and fight us to the end, reigniting the war.”

Bartley, dissatisfied, said: “Really, teacher! This is such a great opportunity. It could also bring fame to my son Antonio. This victory is his doing, and such honor could dispel the dishonorable rumors about him. You taught Antonio as well, don’t you want him to have a better life?”

Hearing the Emperor’s words, the old scholar immediately countered: “Giving him too many accolades too soon will only harm him. Many do not want to see Antonio so prominent.”

The Emperor’s face grew grim: “Is that what you’re really worried about? Let me think... who are you afraid of... Dias?”

Aldridge did not respond to the Emperor’s speculation and remained silent.DiiScôver new stories on no/v/e()/lbin(.)c/o/m

The Emperor Bartley clenched his fist tightly: “He is my son, and I will protect Antonio. Hmph, I’d like to see who dares harm a hair on my son.”

As they watched them leave, Kevin felt the court lady’s gaze on him through her veil, almost as if she smiled at him.

When they rode back to the Scholar’s Tower in the carriage, the moon was already high in the sky.

Throughout the journey, Kevin, full of questions yet hesitant to ask, thought it inappropriate for a commoner like him to inquire about royal secrets from the old scholar. Today’s conversation between the teacher and the Emperor had a whiff of court conspiracy, something the common folk would relish.

After escorting the teacher back to his study, Aldridge said, “You should rest now. I have some writing to do.”

They wished him goodnight and left. A few steps away, Mond said, “You seem eager to ask something, so go ahead... Alright, I know what you want to ask. It’s not really a secret; everyone in the capital, from nobles to commoners, knows.”

Mond began to explain, “The Emperor’s two sons are from different mothers. The Crown Prince is born of the Empress, and Prince Antonio... his mother is someone else.”

Oh, Kevin thought, a classic tale of royal brothers vying for the throne.

“The Empress is from the prestigious Dias family, her father being the current Prime Minister. Antonio’s mother died when he was very young, and her identity remains unknown to the outside world.”

“And,” Mond sighed, “there are rumors that Antonio’s mother was...”

Was what, a peasant girl? The disparity in status did seem stark.

“A witch.”

Kevin was shocked. The Emperor having a child with a witch was indeed scandalous.

So that was the “dishonorable rumor” the Emperor mentioned.

Liked it? Extra chapters at /premium/ via Patreon!