Chapter 114: A Substitute’s Revelation
I walked into the confusion created by the East Marquis’s statement about Ablia’s well-being. Sensing something significant unfolding, I decided to address the emperor directly.
"I too don’t understand what is going on, so I will talk about His Majesty myself," I declared.
"Yes, do so. I too need to go for an audience with His Majesty, so I will accompany you," the East Marquis offered, guiding me into the audience hall. This was my first time in the hall, and the intense gazes from those around me made it clear that my presence was noteworthy.
"I, Bernice Balliol Agnes, the North Duchess, greet the sun of the empire," I announced, bowing before the emperor seated at a distance.
"North Duchess, it is nice to meet you. I didn’t know I would even get the chance to see you in this life," the emperor responded, laughing as if mocking me.
"I didn’t know either, Your Majesty. But I am here for the sake of Ablia. I didn’t expect this from the empire, no, from the emperor himself," I retorted, my words carrying a mix of anger and defiance.
"What do you want to say, Duchess?" the other marquises questioned.
"I know you wouldn’t be aware of the reason why I’m here, but I’m here for something you will never experience but we do. So, I want to ask why Ablia is not getting enough supplies when other regions are getting enough," I demanded.
"Ablia is not getting supplies?" murmurs spread among the marquises.
"We send equal supplies to all," the emperor asserted.
"No, Your Majesty! I have just talked to the East Marquis. He has clearly stated they have been getting enough. But why is my region so barren, unless it is purposely done by the empire itself?" I argued, raising my head defiantly.
"You are now questioning the authority of the emperor!" a shout silenced the room.