CH 187

He seemed to be the only one who noticed her unusual tone. All the soldiers in the room stood in awe of her after witnessing her performing the divine miracle on the injured soldier. Ridrian realized suddenly that the soldiers were all looking at him like puppies, waiting for his response.  He frowned but allowed Iona’s request.

“Okay. Kraman, gather all the soldiers.”

“Ah…Umm, I was hoping you would gather those prisoners from Lucretia as well.”

“Do as she said.”

Ridrian allowed Iona’s to have her way. However, he wished he had an inkling of what she was planning.

“As you order.” All the higher ups, including Kraman and Raven, left to gather soldiers. Ridrian took the opportunity to move closer to Iona.

“I was surprised to see you here this early in the morning.”

Iona smiled and moved closer to him, her sky-blue eyes sparkling as she looked directly into his eyes.  All the soldiers were moving towards the podium as per his order, so there was no one watching them.

“Rian, do you trust me?”

“Of course.”

“Then, no matter what I say, don’t forget what I said before. Okay?”

What was she talking about?

He was so consumed with trying to remember what she had said that he was startled when Iona touched his lips with her fingers. Ridrian’s ears flared up as a recollection of what she had said flashed through his mind. Iona smiled, enjoying his discomfort.

She is so lovely.

Ridrian’s lips curled into a small smile as he gently smoothed back Iona’s hair, tucking a strand of bangs behind her ear. “Don’t you think it would be safer for you to stay in the castle, rather than on the battlefield? It’s a gruesome scene out here.”

But Iona stubbornly shook her head. “I can’t just hide behind you and the others forever. I need to prove to myself and to you that I can be of help too, even in battles.”

You’re already helping me.

Ridrian was too shy to say how he felt out loud.  Instead, he settled for gently brushing his fingers against Iona’s blushing cheek.

“I’m always on your side. So do whatever you wish and don’t hold back.”

Iona’s eyes widened in happy surprise at his words.

“Thank you, Rian.”

Kraman returned sooner than expected. “Your Majesty, we’ve gathered every one of those who are conscious.”

“Ah, Iona, shall we?”

“Yes.”

Iona looked nervous. This was quite unlike her usual self; she had been solemn even during her coronation. He hadn’t seen her this nervous lately other than a few times when they were alone.

Just what is she planning?

He chuckled softly as he thought of the possibilities.

Ridrian noticed Iona hesitating a bit at the stairs. Come to think of it, the stairs were designed for a big man so they were a bit high for her to climb. He walked closer to her and offered her his hand.

“Iona.”

“Ah, thank you.”

She grabbed the hem of her dress with one hand, grabbed Ridrian’s hand with other and made her way down the stairs. He could see that she still had that stiffness in her shoulders that intimated to him that she was nervous. She took a deep breath as she neared the podium.

“Whew, I’m always nervous before a presentation.”

“Pre…?” The emperor was confused.

“Talking in front of lots of people.”

“Oh… I see.”

He was curious about what she was going to say, but he believed in her. Even if she was to announce to everyone present that he possessed the power of demons, he would still believe that she had some kind of reason.

“Use this.”

Ridrian gave a small clear marble to Iona. It was for amplification. Iona made sure that she paid close attention as he gave her instructions on how to use it.

Shortly, she climbed to the podium in preparation for the speech she was going to give. She needn’t have worried about how she was going to grab the attention of the crowd that had gathered.  Everyone present was immediately captivated by the vision she created in her white dress, blonde hair and eyes the color of the sky.

Iona placed the object Ridrian had given to her near her throat and took a deep breath. Soon her clear voice could be heard all around the podium.

“My Dear people from Ivant and Lucretia. I’m Iona Lesprey, currently a Viscount in Ivant Empire and the secretary to the Emperor, Ridrian Ferid Lebrooks.”

At her words, the was a loud mumbling among the people. It was already surprising to see a ‘lady’ in a ‘white dress’ in a battlefield, but for that person to be so close to the Emperor? It was a rather startling realization.

The Emperor didn’t have that many close people around him. Even at that, they were mostly famous people, well known to the soldiers in name and appearance. They had all heard about the existence of a female secretary, but they hadn’t been expecting the beauty that stood before them. And on top of that she possessed such strong divine powers!

The soldiers continued to whisper among themselves.

“Can it be that she’s the person that the temple mentioned?”

“No way.”

“But her name….”

“Everyone quiet!” Everyone went silent at Kraman’s warning.

Iona nodded in grat