Chapter 55: Divine Decree
In a chamber steeped in shadows, Emperor Zadicus Belenus knelt before an imposing, ominous presence, his head bowed in solemn submission. His voice trembled as he addressed the looming, unseen figure.
"Yes, Supreme God. This unworthy emperor is at your service," the emperor responded, his words laden with humility.
The voice, a cruel and mocking entity, sneered in response. "Emperor? Ha ha ha ha! You dare to call yourself an emperor when you can’t even perform the simplest tasks, let alone rule a kingdom? Do you truly believe that emperors are as incompetent as you? I think not," it taunted mercilessly.
"I humbly request your forgiveness for my incompetence," the emperor bowed even lower, his voice quivering with a sense of dread.
"I have no use for your forgiveness. I appointed you as emperor because I believed you were worthy. I believed you would serve me wholeheartedly. Yet, you’ve made me question my choice. You’ve made me doubt whether your ministers possess greater wisdom than you, the emperor who governs the entire kingdom. Have you no shame?" The voice continued to berate the emperor, its words slicing through the air like a blade.
"Do you not feel ashamed of yourself for being so inept?" it inquired, each word dripping with disdain.
"I do, my Lord. I feel a deep sense of shame, and despite my best efforts, I cannot escape my own inadequacies. As you’ve noted, I’ve done all that I could. I even sent Duke Alexavier to the war for many years as you requested, but I cannot comprehend why you remain unsatisfied. This lowly emperor struggles to grasp your superior desires," the emperor replied, his voice quavering with a mixture of fear and reverence.
"Ha ha ha ha! You believe you fulfilled my wishes? Then why did the Duke return? Why did he meet the Marquis’s daughter? Why did he marry her? Why did that girl become the Duchess of the North? Did you truly act according to my instructions? The Duke should have remained on the battlefield, dedicating his entire life to it, not returning to the dukedom!" The voice growled in frustration, its anger palpable.
"I apologize for my error, Supreme God. I had no choice but to summon him back. The battle had concluded, and I had no option to keep him away from the kingdom," the emperor explained, his words laced with regret.
"Then ensure that you send the Duchess to the temple. If you can accomplish this, my blessings will forever rest upon your dynasty. I shall bestow blessings upon your heirs for generations to come," the voice decreed before vanishing, leaving the emperor to contemplate the weight of the divine mandate.