The Empress spoke softly, regaling us of festival activities.
At night, people would make wishes by lighting their floating lanterns and then placing them in rivers. Id often go to see it.
Did you also light a floating lantern in a river?
Yes. If you overlook the scenery from afar, its breathtaking. Like a milky way flowing across the ground.
Well, honestly, I cant quite picture that.
There were deep wrinkles on soone elses forehead though. Damian was using his imagination to the fullest.
The Empresss attention alternated between the two of us as that happened. She had a slightly pained expression on her face.
Co to think of it, neither of them has ever gone outside palace grounds.
Its just
I was abandoned the mont I was born in the imperial palace while Damian was imprisoned since he was three years old.
The Empress reached out to silently caress my cheek.
The words she said and ended on gave reassurance.
One day, both Charlize and the crown prince will be able to go see the festival.
Your Majesty, the Empress.
At the sa ti, a handmaiden showed up.
.it must be ti to leave.
I swallowed my saliva.
The ti has co, you must depart now.
I see.
We stood up.
Ti to et the Emperor again.
The very thought made the tension I felt rise up to my throat.
***
In the imperial palace, there was a shrine dedicated to the divine beast, Aurelia.
Our destination was a courtyard where the shrine was located.
As I entered the courtyard, I had a strange feeling.
It was because the shrine of Aurelia in front of sohow felt familiar.
Its definitely the first ti Ive seen it but it feels as if Ive been here a long ti ago.
This feeling left a tingling sensation in my chest.
What could it be?
Why am I feeling this way all of a sudden?
I curled my lips.
No, lets not think about pointless things. I should focus on the harvest festival.
I shook my head and fixed my gaze.
The first thing that caught my attention was the huge number of nobles that had lined up in rows.
The Emperor was yet to arrive but that didnt matter as the nobles gasped when they saw Damian enter the courtyard.
They murmured among themselves.
Isnt that the crown prince?
How, how is the crown prince his Majestys candidate?
They might be talking quietly but theres just so much of them.
Theyre like an upset beehive.
What do you think? Truth be told, well never know if that boy might beco the heir.
Youre right, its been ten years since his Majesty succeeded to the throne.
and among them, were those who uttered rude remarks.
Cant they say anything nice?
As I glanced in Damians direction, he shook his head slightly and moved his lips.
Its okay.
Why do you an okay?
I gritted my teeth when a chilling voice suddenly spoke.
The only prince whos inherited the Carpel na stands before you, what nonsense are you spouting?
It was the Duke of Rochester.
The nobles settled down a tad bit after the Duke showed them his stern attitude.
The Duke then glanced back at , smiling as he whispered to .
Kid, you look good today.
.Did the Duke complint just now?
My heart felt all tingly while my cheeks beca flushed.
On the other hand, Damian widened his eyes and proceeded to stare at the Duke.
No, is Damian getting all emotional again?
I wonder if the Duke had the sa thoughts as , his expression just radiated, Whats wrong with the crown prince?
anwhile.
Ah.
Feeling a passionate gaze coming from the sides, I lifted my head to see who it could be
Her Majesty, the Empress dowager.
The Empress dowager was watching from a distance and looking my way.
She desperately tried to hold back her tears but her wrinkled eyes were already watery.
Thats right, all imdiate family mbers attend the harvest festival
I glanced sideways at Damian.
He was barely suppressing his emotions.
Those scarlet eyes of his were trembling.
Its the first in five years since theyve seen each other.
I feel sorry for them, considering everything they went through.
Soti later, Damian bowed his head.
Her Majesty, the Empress dowager responded to Damians greeting by nodding her head as well, smiling.
But then.
A voice mixed with snickering was heard.
Damian, youre here.
It was the Emperor.
The Emperors lips curled with sick joy as if he basked in all the insulting remarks directed at Damian.
Your Majesty, the Emperor, greeted the crown prince.
Watching Damian bow his head before the Emperor made bite my lips.
The Emperor also looked at her Majesty.
The Empress is also here.
Yes, your Majesty.
The Empress addressed the Emperor with such a vacant expression.
The Emperor and the Empress then began to lead the way, followed by Damian and .
In the distance, an ornately decorated altar ca into view.
Above the altar was a chest that was covered in gold and also elaborately decorated.
The chest was filled to the brim with grains and fruits that symbolized a bountiful harvest.
Under the protection of the divine beast, Aurelia, this year has been an abundant harvest.
The Emperor then began to recite his gratitude.
I, on the other hand, suppressed my anger and glared at the Emperors back.
Those words he said and even the right to hold the ritual should be Damians and Damians alone.
After a while, the Emperor reached out to us.
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