Chapter 75: Palace of Shadows
The palace chamber was filled with an air of tension as I stood my ground, determined to make the emperor and his court understand the gravity of the situation. The grandeur of the room, with its opulent decorations and the imposing presence of the emperor, contrasted sharply with the dire circumstances I was trying to convey.
I responded to the emperor’s skepticism with unwavering resolve, defending the truth of my claims.
"What could be my reason for lying in front of all the important members of the emperor, especially the emperor himself? Because I can’t find one," I stated firmly, presenting my argument with conviction.
The emperor, however, was not easily swayed, and he questioned my motives and the accuracy of my claims.
"I too have no idea why you’ve brought an accusation without clarifying it. Tell me, what do you want me to do? I can’t say it’s the truth, especially when Duke Alexavier himself has not made any accusations. You’ve arrived here just a few months after your marriage, and you’ve also been accused of disrespecting cultural beliefs," the emperor responded, his tone reflecting his doubts.
I seized the opportunity to shed light on the Duke’s perspective, emphasizing the role his years of military service had played in his understanding of the empire.
"It’s very simple, Your Majesty. You were the one who sent him to war at a very early age. Do you think he would be aware of the state of the empire when he spent most of his life in battle? Is that even possible?" I questioned, hoping to convey the Duke’s perspective.
The courtiers listened attentively, some nodding in agreement, as they began to understand the challenges the Duke had faced throughout his life.
"You are blaming me for sending him to war?" the emperor inquired, his tone betraying a sense of unease.
I clarified my position, assuring the emperor that I wasn’t accusing him but rather highlighting the circumstances that had shaped the Duke’s knowledge of the empire.
"No, Your Majesty, but I want to emphasize that you should accept the truth. You should acknowledge that none of this is the Duke’s fault. He isn’t even aware of the things he has gone through, let alone the condition of Ablia," I explained, aware of the delicate nature of the conversation.
The emperor’s reluctance to fully accept my account of the situation persisted, as he clung to the information provided by his advisors.