Chapter 249
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
The railway opening drew large crowds.
Emilia attended the inauguration ceremony alongside Mikhail. The eyes of the people sparkled with anticipation.
“Please step back! It’s dangerous!”
The stationmaster’s shout caused the crowd to retreat. In the distance, the train appeared, gliding along the rails.
It emitted a cloud of smoke as it approached—a train connected to Valoh.
The Emmental Square was filled with the crowd’s excitement. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the train.
Those who saw the pitch-black locomotive up close murmured in awe.
“Aren’t you scared? To put your life on a machine rushing at such speed.”
“But it’s so fast, isn’t it? It’s said to reduce a week’s travel down to two days. That’s amazing.”
“Besides that, I heard the train created many jobs. Trade will surely thrive!”
“Overall it’s good, but it’ll take time to adjust.”
Though some were skeptical, most were positive—likely because neighboring countries had already introduced trains.
When the train, puffing white smoke, came to a stop at the station, everyone was amazed.
“Still impressive to see again.”
Most were left speechless by its massive size.
Emilia, seeing the train in person, was a bit scared herself. She doubted whether such a large black machine made of iron could truly be safe.
“It will be fine.”
Marquis Gepetto smiled warmly at Emilia. The doors opened, and Baron Benjamin stepped off the train.
There was a trial run with selected guests and investors, including Emilia and Mikhail.
The two carefully boarded the train.
“Will this be okay?”
“There will be no problems. Boestin often rides it from Valoh to other countries.”
Emilia nodded. As more people boarded, the train released steam and began to move again.
Though there weren’t many stations yet, it traveled the short distance from Emmental to Feitech.
As the train sped along, Emilia’s gaze drifted to the window.
It was a very different experience from riding a horse. No wind, only the passing scenery.
“Wow.”
It was amazing—being able to travel comfortably to other countries like this.
“You can’t take your eyes off it.”
“It’s fascinating. The fact that you can easily cross into another country is astonishing.”
“That’s true.”
“I wish Bartsch had introduced this sooner. Development would have accelerated.”
“I’m glad it wasn’t earlier.”
“Why?”
Emilia tilted her head. Hadn’t he invested in the railway project?
The reactions of those who saw the train expanded the business further. Hotels would also thrive as foreigners arrived by train.
“Do you regret your investment?”
“No.”
“I don’t get it.”
“Well, maybe if it had come earlier…”
He trailed off, then smiled and squeezed her hand.
“I thought I’d never find you.”
Emilia’s cheeks turned red. She turned her gaze away and looked out the window.
Her face colored deeply. Pressing the back of her hand to her warm cheeks, she smiled softly.
“There will be more people in Bartsch now.”
“Yes. It would’ve been better if all the railways were finished, but it’ll take time. So I think we’ll travel by carriage for now.”
“A carriage? We’re leaving?”
His sudden words made Emilia’s eyes widen.
“You didn’t even get a summer vacation.”
“Ah.”
Most nobles spend summer at their townhouses for leisure.
The hunting season had been canceled for various reasons, so everyone was probably waiting for autumn.
Bartsch’s autumn sky was clear, and the sunlight was warm.
“Is it okay to leave the capital outside the vacation season?”
“I’ve talked it over. Everyone says you should rest—you’ve had a lot on your plate.”
There really had been a lot. If she spoke about it, the night wouldn’t be enough.
Standing side by side with him, watching the quickly passing scenery, Emilia felt strange.
“Bromley will be warm. And at the townhouse there, you’ll find things you like.”
“Things I like?”
“Look forward to it.”
Mikhail smiled and hugged Emilia from behind. She shrugged lightly, wrapped in his arms.
“Alright, I’m looking forward to it.”
Truthfully, she was happy even in this moment. It felt like time could stop and it would still be perfect.
❖ ❖ ❖
A month had passed since the royal family’s dissolution was announced.
Adrian, Lady Luther, and the nobles involved were executed.
As they were led to the gallows, onlookers threw stones.
Blood flowed down Lady Luther’s head, and bruises marked her body, yet she stared fiercely at those throwing stones.
“Those who cursed me will meet a grim end.”
The crowd hesitated at her words.
The executioner forced Lady Luther to kneel and bow her upper body.
“Any last words?”
With a bitter laugh, she responded. A miserable death indeed.
“They will all miss me. Nobles will mourn the old days after the royal family is gone.”
She looked up and scanned the crowd who came to witness her death.
Wearing a bitter smile, she closed her eyes.
“I failed to gain love, so I sought power instead. Is that such a great sin?”
She laughed loudly.
“Hahaha! This wretched Bartschs will finally take my life.”
Lady Luther never admitted guilt and protested to the end.
“Execute.”
Lady Luther died without a scream.
Unlike her, Adrian remained silent as the crowd jeered at him.
“Die! A king who killed your father and drove your own mother to death!”
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