Chapter 121
“Enough. That is quite enough!”
At the Emperor’s command, Sylaria clenched her teeth. Only then, after he repeatedly tried to stop her, did Cressida finally let out deep, heavy sighs as if she had no choice left.
“I… I have failed as a mother, Your Majesty…”
Cressida spoke in a trembling voice. When the Empress shed tears in front of so many, the Emperor, flustered, soothed her by patting her gently.
“Calm yourself. Arendtert didn’t do it intentionally.”
“Even so, there is a limit to what can be forgiven!”
Cressida wept loudly and wailed. She turned to the nobles of the council with streaming tears.
“I have no face to show you. How could I possibly soothe the hearts of parents who lost their precious children so senselessly…”
“……”
At the Empress’s apology, several nobles wore displeased expressions. They couldn’t bring themselves to speak harshly to a crying woman, but it was clear they were holding back.
‘Truly quick witted, aren’t you.’
Sylaria sneered inwardly. She once again marveled at the Empress’s sharp mind. A mother who one would expect to defend her son was instead the first to condemn him. She raged as though she intended to cast him out, to have him killed.
When the mother herself was lashing out like that, who wouldn’t be thrown into confusion? The only choice was to reassure her that her son’s mistake wasn’t too great, that things would be alright.
“Even if I must empty my entire fortune, I will repay you. The word ‘compensation’ may not be enough, but I will surely, even if only a little, share in your pain. So please…”
While appealing to the nobles, the Empress rose from her seat. Then she collapsed to her knees on the floor.
“So please, forgive this unworthy mother.”
“Your Majesty the Empress!”
“Your Majesty!”
The nobles, who had been listening with reluctant expressions, turned pale and shouted.
Without realizing it, they were becoming actors in the performance Cressida had staged.
“Please rise. Please don’t do this!”
“Enough, please stop and stand up!”
The nobles flusteredly tried to raise the Empress. At that moment, Arendtert also dropped to his knees and lowered his head to the floor.
“I apologize. Truly… Hiic, I was in shock… I should have at least collected the bodies…”
“Good heavens, what are you all doing!”
“That is enough!”
The nobles broke into a sweat at the combined apologies of the Empress and her son. The hostility they had shown when Sylaria first entered the audience chamber was nowhere to be found.
“Both of you, rise at once.”
Amid the uproar, the Emperor issued his command in a dignified voice. At his order, attendants helped the Empress and Arendtert stand. The Emperor looked at them with pity in his eyes and spoke.
“Second Prince Arendtert shall reflect on himself until further notice from me. In the meantime, spending time at the temple to repent for your wrongdoing would be wise.”
“…I understand.”
“And the Empress should calm herself. Since when does a child’s fault become the parent’s fault? If that were so, I myself would be a sinner.”
“Hiic… Your Majesty…”
Cressida leaned into the Emperor’s arms, sniffling. Sylaria marveled at her astonishing acting. The woman who had always been so forceful and vibrant looked so pitiful now.
“With Euclid’s succession to Crown Prince complete, this audience is dismissed. All of you may withdraw. Moving around after so long has exhausted me.”
After speaking, the Emperor rose, supporting himself with his staff. The nobles bowed their heads in respect until he left the room.
Once the Emperor departed with the Empress in tow, Arendtert left with his head hanging low. Grizelle, who had been quiet as if she wished to disappear, hurried after him.
“What an impressive display of motherly love.”
When even the nobles had departed and only one person remained, Euclid spoke with a dumbfounded tone. Shaking his head, he asked Sylaria,
“How can someone wipe away tears that aren’t even flowing?”
“You saw it too, Euclid?”
“You mean the Empress forcing out nonexistent tears, or her rubbing perfectly dry eyes?”
At Euclid’s question, Sylaria burst into laughter. Not out of amusement, but sheer disbelief.
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