The Emperor's Secret Luna

Chapter 6: Order From The Palace

Alvira did not think that such a gift from the Grand Princess would have triggered such a huge uproar. Within half a day, there was already a new wave of gossip.

The heiress of the Grand Duchy of Chantrea received a dance from the 1st prince and was gifted by the 2nd prince a very rare piece of jewelry that the Empress took a fancy to. She became the most envied young lady in the empire after the grandiose banquet. But what makes it more enviable was the sudden appearance of the Grand Princess, who had been away from the empire for almost 5 years… It was said that the Grand Princess came back to the empire just to celebrate the banquet and she even gave her the Berxley Village, which was personally given by the Emperor to his imperial sister. What did all of this imply?

The news spread like wildfire within the Islomore Empire. In just a few hours, various versions and opinions were running across as everyone on the street was talking about it. The eccentric character of the Grand Princess was not a secret to everyone.

However, this news was soon covered by the various attacks on the southern borders of the empire. A pack of werewolves had ambushed the southern borders and many villages near the borders were destroyed. This attack caused fear among the citizens, which brought great turmoil to the empire.

It had been years since the last attack by the werewolves and this sudden ambush had caught the empire off guard. Not just that, the werewolves had even chosen the farthest place to attack, which made it nearly impossible for the imperial city to send troops immediately.

Reports had been continuously sent to the imperial palace. About 5 cities near the southern borders had been destroyed and many lives had been lost in the ambush.

The emperor immediately called out a meeting to address this issue and suppress the werewolves from proceeding forward.

“Those bunch of beasts are becoming more unreasonable!” Emperor Vester walked to his throne, flicked his robe, and sat down angrily.

“Your Majesty, we should send troops immediately to defend the remaining cities in the south. We can’t let those werewolves take control of our lands.” Count Logan spoke.

The other officials nodded in agreement. They can’t allow the werewolves to expand their land or it would be difficult for them to defeat them in the future. And so, they must get back to the southern lands by whatever means possible.

Emperor Vester sighed, “This pack of werewolves is becoming more crafty. I’m afraid it won’t be easy to defeat them just like in the past.”

“His Majesty is right. We can’t follow the same military strategy we have had all these years. Our enemies are getting smarter and so, trapping them would be hard.” Prime Minister Roscoe Mills said.

“However, larger troops that are efficient and skilled must be deployed as well. In the imperial city, aside from the troops guarding the palace, the only troops who were highly skilled and great in number were the Chantrea Army of Grand Duke Chantrea.”

“Your Majesty, Grand Duke Chantrea has long retired from office. It would be against the law for him to lead the battle!”

“Your Majesty, Grand Duke Chantrea’s troops are our only hope to defeat the enemy! Please reconsider this suggestion!”

“Your Majesty, it is not appropriate for Grand Duke Chantrea to lead the battle!!! Please don’t disregard the laws of the empire!”

Different opinions and voices were heard in the imperial throne room. Some were against the idea, while some strongly supported it. Among all the living military generals in the empire, the most highly skilled and smart to lead the war is Grand Duke Chantrea.

But, after the death of Grand Duchess Chantrea, Grand Duke Chantrea retired from office and lived his idle days in his residence. While his troops were sent to work for the different shops and stores that they owned. Some became guards of the Grand Duchy while some became shopkeepers and servants for their various stores.

Fortunately, Grand Duchess Chantrea owned plenty of business inside and outside of the imperial city, so settling this large number of troops was not that difficult. At first, the imperial family wanted to take in these soldiers and put their skills to use, but none of them accepted it.

Their loyalty towards the Grand Duke is so deep that they would rather follow their leader in living an idle life rather than put their military skills to use and achieve greater fame. This is the reason why the Grand Duchy of Chantrea remained powerful despite everything that had happened.

Emperor Vester’s face was grim and his eyes were icy, “Summon Grand Duke Chantrea now!”

Emperor Vester had a hidden resentment towards Grand Duke Chantrea. Especially in a situation like this where they still have to rely on the retired official to suppress the enemy. He is the emperor, the monarch of the empire, yet he still needs to ask for an official’s help when fighting enemies. But, compared to his hatred towards the werewolves, this resentment was nothing. He would rather swallow his resentment and lower his pride to ask for Grand Duke Chantrea’s help than let those beasts whom he hated the most steal his lands!

***

The moonlight was as soft as water. When Alvira was going to sleep, someone was knocking at the door. She was surprised and asked, “Who is it?”

“Alvira, it’s me. Are you asleep?” It was her father’s voice that slowly rang outside the room.

The door was pushed open, and Grand Duke Chantrea, in a gray robe, stepped in. He casually sat down and poured himself a cup of tea.

When GrandDuke Chantrea took a sip of the tea, his eyes slit up, and he asked with a smile. “My dear, this tea is quite good. Is this a newly bought one?”

“I planted them myself, father. I’ve been trying to learn some skills in farming as I might be able to use them in the future. If you want, I can give you some.” Alvira flicked her sleeping robe slightly and sat down in front of Grand Duke Chantrea. “Did something happen father?”

Grand Duke Chantrea looked at his daughter’s face solemnly before answering, “His Majesty summoned me to the palace earlier this afternoon.”

“Butler Murray had indeed told me about it. Why did His Majesty summon you? Is it because of the battle at the Southern Border?” Alvira looked at Grand Duke Chantrea and guessed. Aside from that reason, there's no way that the Emperor would summon her father to the imperial palace.

Grand Duke Chantrea nodded helplessly, “It was indeed the case. His Majesty wanted me to lead our troops and head into the Southern Borders to suppress the werewolves.”

Hearing his words, Alvira turned sullen, “Why would His Majesty ask you so? What about the other generals in the empire? You have long retired from being a general. If they needed your military strategy, we could just teach some of the generals instead of you personally going in there to fight.”

Gradnd Duke Chantrea did not comment and glanced at the moonlight outside the window. His eyes contained grief and sorrow which were rarely seen. In front of many people, Grand Duke Chantrea was strong and brave, but not once had they seen him being weak. But only Alvira knew how much pain he was suffering from.

Losing his wife is equivalent to losing half of his life. Because of the regret he felt back then during her death, he left his post as the great general and lived idly. According to him, he doesn’t have the right to protect everyone when he can’t even protect his wife.

Gently holding the teacup with her slender fingers, Alvira put it over her lips, took a sip of tea, and slowly put it down. “If I’m not wrong, father had already accepted the work.” Without giving it a second thought, she knew that Grand Duke Chantrea must have already agreed to head to the Southern Border.

Grand Duke Chantrea nodded in reply. That is one of the reasons why he came to see his daughter this late at night. One was to tell her about his decision and the second would be bidding farewell to her.

“Is it because mother’s hometown was there on the Southern Border? That’s why you agreed to it?” Even without confirmation, Alvira knew that it was probably the main reason for her father’s decision. He did not want to lose the remnants of her mother, especially in the place where they first met and fell in love with each other.

“That was the place where I confessed my love for your mother. It was a very special place for your mother, and for me as well. All of our firsts happened in that place. Our first meeting, our first talk, our first touch, our first vow. I don’t want to lose it.” Grand Duke Chantrea became emotional as he reminisced about the time they both spent in the Southern Borders. It was indeed one of the greatest joys of his life that he can’t afford to forget.

Alvira placed her hand on her father’s hand and pressed it gently, “I understand father. Go and protect that memory you had with your mother. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Grand Duke Chantrea smiled warmly, “Thank you, my dear.”

“When will you leave?”

“At dawn. Butler Murray is already gathering the troops as we speak. Before I leave, there’s something else I want to talk about with you.” Grand Duke Chantrea looked quite solemn, “You will be left alone in this residence, I can’t be at ease. Knowing that the imperial family can make a move on you while I’m away puts me in a dilemma. I am certain that the two princes would use this time to reach their claws at you.”

Grand Duke Chantrea paused and then continued, “Especially those greedy officials supporting those princes, they would use this chance to meet you or even threaten you to do their bidding. One mistake can lead you to danger, Alvira. How about you leaving the imperial city as well during this time? You can take a vacation at our residences outside the imperial city.”

Alvira’s finger was gently tapping on the table, a wicked light flashed through her dark eyes as she said, “Don’t worry about my safety, father. By the time you leave, I will head towards Berxley Village and spend my time working there. I think it is a valid excuse rather than having a vacation. As you know, the court may think that I am escaping or hiding.”

“You will go to Berxley Village?”

“I had this thought for a while now and was just thinking of the right time to tell you. But since you are leaving for the Southern Borders, I think it is also the proper time for me to visit the village.”

Alvira wanted to know the motive behind this gift. And she could only find the answers if she went to that place. Her father is also right, staying in the imperial city is quite dangerous, not just for her but also for the whole ducal house. So, leaving is the best option.

“Alright. Since you have already decided, I will support you. But, don’t forget to bring a lot of guards to protect you. I will also leave Doctor Leopold for you just in case something happens.”

“But father, you will need Doctor Leopold more than I do.”

“No buts Alvira. I would only be at ease if he was at your side. Besides, I can get another doctor to accompany me in the battle. So, don’t worry about it, and take care of yourself properly while I’m away.” Grand Duke Chantrea stood up and caressed Alvira’s hair, “Now, you also have to prepare for your departure tomorrow. I won’t bother you any longer. Rest well, my precious daughter.”

***

Colorful lantern lights were hung on the streets. Children were busy running in the streets with glistening candy in their hands. The streets were filled with a variety of candlelight and flowers. It was the Festival of Harmony that was being celebrated.

“His Highness had run towards the forest. With his injuries, he won’t be able to run so far. Quick and follow him through. Master had clearly told us to capture him, dead or alive!” a hidden shadow, watched the crowded streets with his wicked grin.

“But why does Master want His Highness’s life? He is nothing but a useless prince!” another man asked.

“It’s none of your business! Just do what the Master ordered you to do!” In a flash, all the dark-cloaked shadows in the alley disappeared.

Moments later, in the vast wilderness, a young man was surrounded by a group of dark-cloaked men. On his back was a cliff at an unknown depth. Either way, there was no chance of him escaping.

“You are really quite skilled, Your Highness. The Great General must have trained your endurance. But, we are under orders to send you on your way to hell!” the dark-cloaked figure exclaimed, laughing maniacally.

The young man’s eyes flashed as his sharply honed killing instinct was on high alert.

“Just you people aren’t enough to send me to hell!”

In a flash, the young man and the dark-cloaked men fought in the darkness of the night. The deathly still of the night in the forest was broken, smelling acridly of death and blood.

The young prince was skilled. However, fighting over 10 men with his injuries is detrimental to him. No matter how much he endured, the pain in his legs was beginning to increase as they bled profusely. His knees were shaking and he almost lost his balance. Fortunately, he managed to support himself with the help of his sword.

“Hahaha, give up now Your Highness! I will be merciful if you kneel and beg. I might give you a painless death!” one of the dark-cloaked men sarcastically spoke.

The young prince just coldly stared at them. In spite of his face being a pale white, his face drenched with sweat, and his legs currently in a dire situation, his aura of nobility was not affected in the slightest.

“Pain? I was never afraid of death, much less pain! But, don’t think that it is the end. Tell your Master that I will come and take his life! He must prepare himself!” Without hesitation, he jumped onto the cliff and disappeared like a shadow in the night!

“Young lady! Lady Alvira! Wake up!”

“NO!” Alvira woke up in fright as sweat spread out on her face profusely.

Esther worriedly took a glass of water and handed it over to her. “Lady Alvira, are you okay? You had a nightmare earlier.”

It took a while before Alvira managed to calm down. That was the same man again. He looked a little younger than the one she had dreamed of before, but she was certain that they were the same person.

“Who are you?” Alvira whispered as she lowered her eyes.

She can’t believe that she had dreamed of him again. In her memories, she had never seen or even met that person. Is there some hidden connection between the two of them?

Esther was gently wiping off the sweat on her young lady’s face as she spoke with a worried tone, “Lady Alvira, what did you dream about? You were shaking in your sleep. Is it a bad dream?”

Alvira did not answer and closed her eyes tightly.

‘Those cold ocean blue eyes. Why do I have this feeling that I have seen him already?’