Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 16: After, Part 1
...—6th July, E642 | Imperial Palace, Nevada, Vermillion Empire—...
KANNA came out of her room with a long breath. No, it's not because he's less rested or anything. He slept five hours a day; it was more than enough to rest the body from fatigue. It was also not that Achilles could not find Artemys' existence; the much more powerful magic of light hindered Neir's [Clairvoyance Magic] work. It was also not that he had failed to track down his half-sister. No, not at all.
Nightmares. That's why Kanna looks less excited in the morning blind like this. He had soaked in cold water, his body was fresh to move. However, a fresh body does not mean a mind either. Moreover, no matter how big her influence was and how strong she was now, Kanna was still a seven-teens girl. It is not surprising that he feels a little depressed. The nightmare he remembered again had left an unwanted effect.
But Kanna is still Kanna. She is a woman with a strong body and mental strength. How burdened his mind though, he can always control it and not let his clear mind be covered. He has been taught since childhood to always be focused, always calm, always level-headed. Therefore, once he arrived at the palace dining table, all traces of the exhaustion of his soul were no longer visible. Kanna enjoys breakfast with her sister and stepmother with a calm state of mind.
Only the three of them were at the dinner table. Artemys only occasionally joined when he visited here when there was a need. While his father, it was unquestionable. The man rarely joined. In a month only two or three times. Not infrequently in that one month he never joined.
Breakfast was in peace. Occasional chats accompany the clang of tableware. Kanna did not have a bad relationship with her mother Artemys, while her sister Artemys was the closest half-sister to her. The dining table was a place that never made her feel upset; the dining table was one of the most comforting places in the palace. Even when Artemys “still crazy” first, there was never a problem at the dinner table.
An hour later, Kanna was already on the first floor of the palace. All matters related to the imperial administration took place on the first floor. So too with Kanna's own workspace. He welcomed all the imperial guests on the floor. Meyrin was still not back; she had to take care of herself some of the things that the assassin usually took care of for her.
“Yang Mulia.” A soldier approached. “Twelfth Commander asked me to tell His Majesty that Queen Favilifna Kingdom has arrived and wants a meeting with Her Majesty. Currently the queen and a bodyguard were touring the compound. Commander Xavier himself said he would go straight back to Verada. Oh, here's the written report that Commander Xavier left.”
They got things done there faster than I expected. Indeed, I've asked Lilithia to speed things up there, but that doesn't mean it should be finished this fast. However, hearing Lilithia yesterday offend the existence of the demon and the presence of Vermyna, the situation of Favilifna might not be alarming at all.
“Thank you, Warrior.” Kanna received the paper from the soldier. “After half an hour, meet Queen Elmira and guide her to my room.”
“Ready, Your Highness.”
Nodding, Kanna headed straight for her room while reading the details of the report that Xavier had written. The gentle blonde-haired girl read the writing quickly and meticulously, not wanting to miss out on the slightest thing that might be useful to put the empire in a position of benefit.
...—Verada—...
Xavier went straight back to Verada not without reason. As he had planned, he was going to Veria to finish off Shiva Rashta and bring Artemys home. If Artemys's skin was scuffed, Xavier wouldn't have killed Shiva. He would torture her until she begged to be killed— which of course he would not grant. The new Xavier will take out the man when his senses are no longer able to feel pain.
Kanna is the best option. However, Kanna was needed in the empire. And, although it could be arranged so that Kanna could leave, Xavier was more comfortable inviting Monica. With Monica, he could share a lot; xavier knew Monica very well. But Kanna is different. He did not want his relationship with Artemys to be known in detail by Kanna. As Artemys wished, he would seek to keep their relationship a secret from the imperial family other than Achilles.
With such thoughts in mind, Xavier solidified the intention to talk to Monica, then told Heisuke, and then they would meet Nueva. If he tells Kanna, the woman will insist on coming along. Talking to Nueva is a better option.
...—Nevada—...
Elmira has to admit that Nevada is a very classy city. He did not think Etharna would be able to rival this city in terms of luxury and elegance in a few years. However, given the history of the empire, it was not surprising. Unlike the Favilifna Kingdom, the Vermillion Empire was a wealthy land since its foundation. The Vermillion family used to be the richest family in Islan. With them as the founders of the empire, it was only natural that the imperial capital was able to amaze the eyes.
Same with the Imperial Palace. Although Elmira was proud to say that her Royal Palace deserved to be called royal, she was still unable to surpass her palace in the presence of an imperial palace that stood haughty in the heart of the city. Not only is the building large, luxurious, and beautiful, but the protection is also very good. He and Mary had just been around, and Elmira could immediately tell the security of her Royal Palace was nothing compared to the security of the Imperial Palace.
It would be very difficult for any assassin to try to infiltrate inside. If it could, for some reason due to any kind of luck, it was extremely difficult for the assassin to be able to come out alive. Moreover, under the marble he was walking in there was still a spacious basement. The Imperial Palace's security was completely awake.
“Do you think I should also add security to my palace, Mary?” elmira asked her favorite woman. “If I get married and have children, it is very important to ensure the security of the palace. Indeed, Xavier is strong, he can definitely protect me and his son in the future, but still we need to prepare a good environment for our children.”
Mary looked down at Elmira. “Before you deluded like that, wouldn't it be more important to make sure you can claim Xavier first?” he asked with an expression that said he was not interested in serving Elmira and her delusions.
“Ah, Mary, you are now so good at ruining the mood of la—” Elmira suddenly stopped her speech, reflexes turned around when she heard footsteps approaching.
“Sorry to interrupt your time, Your Excellency Elmira Cent Nix Faviflna, but I was sent by Her Majesty Kanna to guide you into the palace.”
“Ah, of course, please guide us, Warrior.” Elmira quickly responded, an elegant smile that imaged “Holy Queen” springing up on her lips. “Although this seems demeaning, but you are completely innocent, Warrior. I'll talk to your lord about this matter.”
“O-Oh, I understand. Then please follow me.”
With that, Elmira and Mary walked calmly following the soldier.