Hi! Tagal na nito sa draft ko last year pa 'to. Hahaha. I just updated this cuz it's my birthday.

Anyways, still have a writer's block about this story. But here you go! Just a little gift from me! Have a nice day! ♥️

***

#TCS102: Empress of Eviralle

"WHO are you...?" The Tinsel Saude's voice was full of question and his eyes gazed at Akakios like he was trying to read where his soul came from. Akakios didn't say anything back and just stared at him blankly while the rain was pouring.

"Does it matter?" Akakios's soft voice echoed with the drops of the sky's tears while carrying a dead body. Tinsel wasn't moving from where he was standing and I watched his every movement. He looked like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

I followed Akakios and helped the people in cleaning the place and making sure that people who died tonight were handled in properly. Naging mahaba at puno ng hinagpis ang gabing 'yon. There was that eerie silence again within everyone, but unlike before this silence was more solid—it was like a decided silence.

Everyone decided to work and they all prepared flowers to make it the bed of those who lost their lives. We put them in line at the top of the hill near the church. My heart felt so heavy doing all of it. Just seeing the dead was taking everything in me.

Ni hindi ko magawang puntahan kung nasaan sina Jessette, Precious at Gil. There was that voice in me that wanted to believe that they weren't dead, that they were going to greet me when the sun rises, but deep in my heart I knew that was a futile thought.

Tumigil din ang ulan at no'ng tumigil 'yon wala ka nang makikitang apoy sa paligid, mas maging maayos rin kung nasaan ang mga bangkay at may mga bulaklak na rin kung saan sila na hihimlay. All the people were mouring but they were mute. They were just crying and kneeling in front of their loved ones.

The sun also started rising in the sky. The Tinsel Saude was also leading all of the South's people. Hindi ko alam kung magpapasalamat ako na mukhang naging maayos ang lahat o magluluksa kasi ano pang silbi no'ng maayos na bagay kung marami namang nasawi?

"Everyone... please gather for the prayer." I lifted my head from being unable to move away from the dead bodies and was just gazing at everyone from below.

The girl who was older than me probably at her thirties said that and smiled at me. She was one most gentle people in here, and everyone was following her when Tinsel wasn't here. It was like she was the next one in-charge after Tinsel.

I also saw how a lot of people was saved because of her. She had a really fair complexion, she was so pale, and her eyes were wide and sincere looking although her irises were dark as the night. Her lips were pink and her nose was small and high. She looked like an apparition, or someone so frail, but there was something in those dark eyes—a hidden commanding power. Like a High Priestess.

"Miracle," Akira called when I didn't move after the lady asked me to do that. I snapped back to reality and nodded at him. Biblee went to me and held my hand. The three of us went to the gathered people to pray.

Akakios was across us, he was beside that lady who was leading the prayer.

"Who is she?" tanong ko kay Biblee. Even Tinsel seemed to respect her.

"Hindi ko rin alam, pero mukhang ingat na ingat ang lider ng mga Saude sa kanya. Anak?" she concluded, and I just nodded. There was no resemblance, but maybe she was more on the mother's side. I'd ask Akakios later.

Ilang sandali pa that girl led the prayer. She was so solemn. Akakios also looked sincere while praying for the dead. Kaya naman pumikit na rin ako at taimtim na nagdasal. I felt a strong light on my eyes even though it was closed.

The sun was rising in the sky. Umaga na. Nang imulat ko ang mga mata ko matapos magdasal, kulay kahel at maliwanag na ang langit. It was a breathtaking view, but it also seemed so tragic with all the things that happened throughout the night.

The cries started once again, it was now dawning on them that this was really it. That their festive became a night of nightmare. I sighed and there was a hurtful grip in my heart.

"Ano'ng gagawin namin, mahal na Saude?" one man asked while looking at the corpses.

"Katulad ng sabi ni Alas... kailangan n'yong mamili. Lalaban ba kayo o ipagpapatuloy natin ang nakagawian?" His baritone voice—although he didn't shout—echoed to everyone's ears. There were a few murmurs.

There were eyes of fear, but I saw eyes that shined with determination.

"Tama na..." one girl, probably Biblee's age, spoke with her head down and her right hand fisted on her left chest.

"Paano kung mas maraming masawi?" sagot sa kanya ng isang lalaki sa mahinang paraan.

"Kahit ano namang gawin natin, palaging may masasawi..." another one from the crowd responded with a voice like he was so done with their fates and what was happening in the South.

"I've always have a question inside of me..." Our gazes looked at that girl who looked so gentle. Tinsel Saude even moved from where he was standing just to look at her. Her voice was so calm and it felt like it was removing the pain inside of me.

"What's different this time? What will be different this time?" She revealed the question that she had buried in her heart. She smiled sadly at everyone. Despite of that voice that was like the air travelling around comforting us, it had that punch of impact.

"All these years passed but nothing was different. We are still stuck in here... stuck in this hell." She sighed and shook her head. Then she looked at Akakios, like she was reminded of the things that he said last night. On how powerful his words were.

"Then, last night... I got tired of asking the question of what's different this time... I realized that I was asking the wrong question all along... it shouldn't be what's different this time. It should be: What can we do to make a difference this time...?"

Napatitig lahat sa babae. Ang ilan pa ay tumago para sumang-ayon sa kaniya. She looked at Akakios with a peaceful smile. "You are right, young man..." she murmured to him. Tinsel Saude was observing them.

"Lady Vladimira..." I heard one mentioned her name.

"But the choice will remain in the South's hand. So... tell me, tell us, tell our Lord Tinsel Saude, and we will do our best to support your decision," she added powerfully. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil sa tindi ng epekto no'n sa lahat ng taong nandito.

Tinsel Saude sighed but did not say anything. Akakios gazed at everyone with that hopeful eyes, as the started to murmur to each other about their ideas.

"Please..." Akakios began. "You have endured, sided, and agreed with all the Marquis's unjust acts against the South, aren't you tired?" he asked them with a softer voice as he glanced at each one of them.

"Bring back the land that Agnyska protected... bring back the South that Laurentius offered his life to save..."

Awtomatikong nagtubig ang mga mata ko sa huling pakiusap ni Akakios sa kanila. His eyes met mine and he smiled sadly. I felt his whole heart, his hope, his wish, his desire. I was also carrying all those with him, and I knew... it wasn't only me that reached his sincerity.

I glanced at Tinsel Saude. Akakios already got his heart, even before Akakios revealed to him that he was Agnyska's son. He already decided to side with Akakios and his action last night proved it.

"I want my life back!" Napalingon kami nang sabay-sabay no'ng may magsalita sa mga taong nakapalibot sa amin. He was crying because of the loss of his loved one, but his eyes were fiery while saying that with determination.

"I want our land back!" sigaw ng isa pang babae sa may dulo at itinaas ang kamay n'ya.

"Para sa lahat ng nasawi noon, at nasawi kagabi! Tatapusin na natin ang paghihirap na 'to!" malakas na dagdag pa ng isa sa kabilang banda at itinaas ang kamay habang nakakuyom ang kamao.

"Ang daming tao ang tumalikod sa kapwa nila dahil sa takot sa nakatataas na dapat ay s'yang nagsisilbi sa atin, panahon na para matigil ito!" Another voice from the left side declared with full heart as he raised his clenched hand.

"Lalaban na tayo! Lalaban na kami!" sunod-sunod na sigaw ng mga tao at saka itinaas ang kamay nila na nakakuyom.

I felt like my heart swell in so much emotion hearing their voices as one. I glanced at Akakios and I saw how he was so amazed by what was happening right now. He made this possible... he made them united.

"Para kay Gil!"

"Para kay Jessette at Precious! Para sa mga anak ko!"

"Para sa mga pagdurusa natin na gusto ko nang wakasan!"

Their cries of pledges and hopes made me feel so emotional and overwhelmed. People suddenly looked at Akakios who was gazing at them in astonishment. They all yelled their thank you to him. They applauded him for opening not just their hearts but their minds.

His kindness. His sincerity. And his voice reached everyone.

Tinsel Saude and the lady Vladimira was also smiling at him while looking at him.

After that cheer, we proceeded in organizing the whole funeral and Akakios took the lead with Tinsel's permission. The people wanted him to do it anyways, because for them he was the new symbol of hope, the new symbol of their will.

Habang abala pa sila sa ginagawa, napalingon ako sa isang banda. I saw the warriors that were caught last night—the one who set the whole place on fire. They were being watched by Tinsel's people. I smirked quietly.

That act. Those captured was the main reason why I knew Akakios had Tinsel convinced for a long time, and he was just wary of the people—but like how Akakios made him nod, he knew Akakios could also convince the people, and what he did last night was a challenge for Akakios.

"Miracle?" Napalingon ako no'ng may pangalan na tumawag sa akin. I glanced at her and smiled. She had that authoritative aura around her, even though she really looked like a fragile goddess.

"Lady Vladimira?" I asked and she nodded. "Will Alas, Biblee, and Akira go to the Lord Tinsel's house later?" My eyes widened with her sudden invitation. Mabilis hinanap ng paningin ko si Akakios.

"I already asked him, and he said he'll go if you and the other two are there," mahinahong saad pa ni Vladimira. Napabuntonghininga ako at tumango sa kanya. She beamed in a really serene way, and told me that she'd wait earnestly for our arrival later.

Mabilis akong pumunta kay Akakios. "Are we going to the Saude's later?" pagkukumpirma ko.

"If you allowed it," Akakios retorted. I smiled and nodded and he hugged me tightly while kissing my forehead. Not minding that other people might see us, kahit ako wala nang pakialam gusto ko na lang magpahinga sa bisig n'ya. It was such a devastating and long night.

"Thank you for being safe..." he whispered and I embraced him soundlessly.

"You did great..." I told him and closed my eyes just to feel his warmth more.

Umalis din kami sa lugar na 'yon at tinulungan ang mga tao na makabalik sa mga lugar nila kasama ang mga bangkay ng mga mahal nila sa buhay. Halos magtatanghalian na no'ng matapos 'yon, at nagpahinga kami saglit.

The captives were locked in the prison with utmost security. Tinsel Saude supervised that and I knew it'd be controlled and there would be no mistakes anymore because of his firm eyes and how Vladimira was also working with Akakios to appease and secure the people and the captives.

Mamayang hapunan kami pupunta sa bahay ng Saude. It was finally starting. Our plan was finally on its track. But there was no time to feel intimidated nor nervous, because the path ahead would only get harder.

"Kinakabahan ako!" Biblee mentioned when we informed them about the dinner later.

The four of us were together in Biblee and I's room. Nasa labas ang may-ari ng bahay at ilan pa dahil nga sa pagkamatay nina Jessette. We just finished helping them settle and they told us to rest while they continued their private time and mourning with their loved ones.

"What if they question who you are?" Akira looked at Akakios. He was sitting on the chair across us, and Akakios was standing and leaning on the door. Biblee and I were on the bed, naka-indian sit kami parehas.

"Tinsel already knew who I am," Akakios answered and Biblee's flew wide open.

"Oh my gosh! Bawal 'yon 'di ba?!" hindi makapaniwalang dagdag nito at tinakpan ang bibig. Akakios sighed and I shook my head at her with a small smirk.

"It was prohibited for Akakios to reveal his real identity to the Domain, not to the Saude," pagkaklaro ko sa kanya. Napatango-tango naman sila ni Akira.

"Is it safe to do so? What if they suddenly reveal it to everyone? And use you?" Akira questioned critically with narrowing eyes towards Akakios and me. I shook my head at him.

"I think it is good that the Saude knows the truth. It is easier to build a good rapport. Ang sama naman no'ng puro kasinungalingan at pretense 'yong foundation ng Saude at ni Akakios, it won't do good in the long run, especially that this thing would really take long," I answered with a smile. Akakios nodded to agree with me.

"And the Saude are the clan that's the root of the tradition and culture of the High Priest and High Priestess. They won't betray us, unless we betray them, that I can assure you. And Tinsel was already convinced with me, before knowing that I am Agnyska's son." Akakios crossed his arms after stating his opinions.

"Tinsel respects my mother and he is one of the most loyal to her when she was alive. I was sure he'd do everything to help us," he added with a smile.

"Pero grabe kaya makakwestyon at maka-oppose sa 'yo 'yon kagabi!" Biblee reacted. "Grabe katakot din magsalita 'yon! Nanginginig na ako halos sa tensyon kagabi!"

Akira nodded to agree with Biblee. "Yeah, he spoke like he was making you give up your plan." He also shrugged his shoulders.

Akakios and I chuckled simultaneously. Napakunot-noo naman sa amin sina Biblee at Akira. "That wasn't his intension. He questioned me last night to challenge me. It was like he was saying: convince the people while I voice their concerns. Show me you can be the image of their will and their desire of breaking free from the Marquis's clasp."

Biblee and Akira's face showed immediate understanding with Akakios' answer. I nodded, too. "And also, he was just really trying to convince the people through Akakios, you know," I added simply.

"Wow!" manghang sabi ni Biblee. "That makes a lot of sense, maybe I was just really overwhelmed with his aura last night that I could only remember how opposed he was." I nodded to agree, because that would really be the normal reaction and conclusion about last night.

But I saw through that move because Tinsel brought the captives.

"Now, it makes sense, why Tinsel let those enemies live," Akira mentioned while bobbing his head lightly.

"Oh, right!" Biblee exclaimed. "To make sure that the Marquis will not be able to know that the South disobeyed and not to draw any unusual attention to the South for the time being!" Napatango kami ni Akakios ng sabay dahil do'n.

Kaya sigurado ko na kumbinsido na ni Akakios si Tinsel bago pa man dumating ang gabing 'yon. The Saude made the decision to capture the enemies alive, meaning he was plotting to go against the Marquis now, secretly and discreetly.

Kapag kasi pinatay mo ang lahat ng sumugod sa South, makakatunog ang Domain at mga Marquis.

Bakit walang balita sa mga pinasugod ko? Bakit walang balita sa mga namatay sa South dahil sa ginawa nilang mali? Bakit mukhang may kakaibang nangyayari sa Timog?

Those questions would echo and Marquis would send another group of enemies to guard the South making it so tight and we'd not be able to move again because of the keen eyes that would soon watch us.

However, that changed because some enemies were still alive.

The Saude could send a guard to report about the tragedy. But they need to control whom they were gonna send. And they would also have to extract information from those enemies. There were too many possibilities.

Make one of the enemies go and report to the Marquis that everything was fine in here and it was like the usual because the South was terrified and would never be able to celebrate their festival again because of the attack. However, this enemy that they would send, they needed to make sure that they would be able to control him and not betray them.

The other option was to extract all the information that they would get and they should learn the enemies' ways. And one person from the South would imitate them and he'd be the one to report to the Marquis. The only problem was... who would even volunteer for such a dangerous mission.

Either way, it was still both risky. I just hoped that the Saude would be able to provide a solution for this mess.

***

WHEN the night came, the four of us went to the Saude's house.

I thought it would be a mansion or some kind of palace-like. But yeah, we were on the South. It just a two-floor wooden house that was a little big compared to the other houses in here, but it wasn't really huge unlike the ones in the Capital.

Sinalubong kaagad kaming apat ng mga tauhan ng Saude. We went inside and we were automatically greeted by Tinsel Saude and the one beside him, Vladimira Saude. Mukhang anak nga ni Tinsel ang babae.

"Maganda gabi, at tuloy kayo sa tahanan namin," Tinsel Saude greeted in a full voice.

"Maganda gabi," Vladimira also mentioned in a really fine voice.

"Hello po!" masayang bati ni Biblee. Tahimik lang akong ngumiti kagaya ni Akakios at Akira.

We all went inside and we were greeted by their humble living room. They led the way to the kitchen and there was already a dinner on the table. It wasn't a lot but it was enough. Umupo ang mga Saude sa upuan nila, kaya naman sumunod din kami.

"This is my daughter, Vladimira," pakilala ni Tinsel sa anak. We greeted her politely.

"Miracle po," pakilala ko rin. Sumunod din sina Biblee at Akira.

Pormal na kumustahan at kwentuhan ang naganap sa mesa. There was that hidden tension in each one of us. Biblee was often talkative even in strangers, but she knew that the Saude weren't just strangers, they were powerful in the South so she kept her mum. Mas tahimik, mas kaunting pagkakamali.

Habang tahimik kaming kumakain, biglang klinaro ng Saude ang lalamunan n'ya. We all stopped eating and focused his attention on him. Looked like the formalities were done, and we were on business.

"Let me be direct to the point," Tinsel started then he glimpsed at Akakios seriously. "Are you really our Agnyska Saude's son?" his voice was laced with hope and affection.

The leaders of the South carry the name Saude, whether by blood or not. Mostly the ones who carried the surname were the ones who were deemed as the High Priest or High Priestess, if not those who were powerful and the ones chosen by the people were the ones who use that name.

Akakios nodded politely.

"But that night she died—her son was taken away by someone. And we thought it was the Marquis... to kill you..." Halos maiwan sa labi n'ya ang mga huling salita. Akakios sighed and looked at me in a mellow way.

"It was my saviour, and Master who took me that night. He cared for me and raised me well. Away from this country, away from the enemy."

"Who? Who is your Master?" Vladimira questioned.

Akakios smiled at them. "Gideon Vontridge." Nanlaki ang mga mata nila sa narinig na pangalan. Looked like they were aware of the Vontridge clan and they respect them so much.

"I don't mean to question His Highness..." Vladimira started and I saw how Tinsel looked opposed with what she was about to ask. But Vladimira still had the last say. "How can we be sure that you are the real one?"

"Vladimira," matigas na bulong ni Tinsel sa anak.

Instead of being offended, Akakios just laughed at them.

"DNA?" bulong ni Biblee. Napanganga naman si Tinsel at Vladimira sa narinig dito. Kinurot ko nang bahagya si Biblee! Her eyes widened when she realized that her inner thoughts were heard by them.

"Joke," bawi nito at saka ngumiti nang sobrang awkward. Lalo tuloy natawa si Akakios sa nangyari.

"My Lolo can prove it. And here..." Akakios slowly turned his back on them and showed them his scar. That symbol that was so weird. Parang roman numeral na one, 'tapos may ekis. Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Vladimira at Tinsel sa nakita.

They both stood up and we were alarmed.

"Glory to the son of the High Priestess," they chorused and bowed respectfully. Napalingon ako kay Akakios at nakita ko kung paano s'ya ngumiti sa akin na parang awkward na awkward sa ginagawa nila.

"Please be at ease," Akakios murmured and they went back to their seats automatically.

"We will serve you. You are the rightful owner of the name of the Saude," Tinsel declared and Akakios stared at them. "We will do our best to support whichever it is that you need. Please accept your humble servant's plea..."

Akakios eyes glowed power. He needed this and he got it.

"How's the Domain's court?" Akakios asked frankly like they did earlier.

Tinsel sighed. "We are still oppressed by the Marquis."

"What happened last night, it is possible that it will make the Marquis act and check what's happening in here because of the casualties of their warrior." It wasn't a direct question, but I knew it was about what we were talking about before we came in here. I wondered how the Saude would respond.

"Please do not worry about that, Your Grace. It is being handled by us. It is not new for us to experience their cruelty. The Marquis will not get suspicious. My father will report about what happened, and a guard that we already trained would accompany him to confirm it."

Napakunot-noo ako sa sinabi ni Vladimira.

"I'm sorry, but what do you mean?" I asked politely.

"Kapag may nangyayaring pag-atake sa amin, may ilan talagang nanlalaban, pero sa huli lahat nang 'yon nasasawi. Walang tao sa South ang trained kagaya ng mga umaatake sa amin. Kaya't madalas tumutungo ang ama ko para kwestiyunin ang ginawa ng Marquis, at para sabihin ang kabuuan ng nangyari..." she narrated while bowing.

Damn, Marquis. Even in that occurrence they were trying to make the Saude see who was in control of them! How cruel! Ikaw pa mismo ang magbabalita ng nangyari sa inyo, para lang sa laro ng kapangyarihan!

"We could lie about some details of the attack. And that will give us three to two months before they found out the truth," Tinsel informed us.

"If this happened before and you lied to them, it can put us in a tighter situation. They will not be fooled twice," Akira mentioned to them firmly.

Umiling ang Tinsel. "We never lied about what happened before. This is the first time that we will. We just know how the situation works. And we all know that someday the people will decide to fight the Marquis, so we trained some people to act like the guards that will come with me. So, we can buy some time and prepare for a revolt."

"We just never knew it would be this early..." Vladimira added.

Napatango-tango naman kami ro'n at mas naliwanagan. "How about the three to two months?" nalilitong tanong ni Biblee.

"Those are usually the time limit where the guards are called back to the Capital and to change the ones locking and guarding us in here. Kapag dumating ng gano'ng oras at walang mga gwardiya ang bumalik sa Capital, doon matutuklasan ang tunay na nangyari kagabi."

I nodded with understanding. Looked like the situation was handled well. They were really the leader of the South. At least, that bought us some time. We could use that to train more people. We already trained some, and their prowess were beyond astonishing. Parang kahit wala silang alam sa labanan at hindi trained, alam ng katawan nila ang gagawin. It was like they were born with it.

It would be possible to have an army prepared and ready during that time, especially once the Apocalypse come to this place. It would soon shape as the base for what we were aiming for—to remove the Marquis in the throne.

"Now that the people are convinced, and all the guards that are supposed to be watching the South are all captured, we will move and we will plan." Akakios looked at the two Saude and they both nodded with fire in their eyes.

"We will do what we can to support, Your Highness," Tinsel said with dignity and bowed to Akakios.

"Train the people how to fight battles, we will send people in here to teach them," Akakios declared and the Saudes nodded to agree. They were ready to abide Akakios's words.

Nag-usap at nagplano kaming lahat sa mga susunod na gagawin. May ilang hindi pagkakasundo pero mabilis 'yon nareresolba dahil sa mga opinyon ng bawat isa.

The Saudes were really good in planning, too, they were full of potential, but they were just really powerless in the Domain to nurture it. Now, it would be utilized and it would never be wasted again.

Halos lumalim na ang gabi dahil sa pag-uusap-usap namin. Hanggang sa napunta na kami sa kasunod na mahalagang diskusyon.

"We would fail to free the South, no matter what we do..." malungkot na imik ni Vladimira.

"If the Marquis is the one reigning the country... yeah, it is bound that the South will never see what the future holds..." Tinsel sighed.

I shook my head at them. "That's the reason why we are here. Why Alas is here..." mariing sambit ko sa kanila.

"There is one way to make all of the plans possible," I told them.

"What is it?" asked Vladimira.

"To get the throne from the Marquis." Ngumisi ako sa kanila, at nakita ko ang gulat sa mga mata nila.

"There are already chosen candidates for the throne," Vladimira stated implausibly.

"They never said that no one should be added among the candidates," Biblee pipped in with a smile. Mukhang mas naintindihan kaagad ng Tinsel ang bagay na 'yon.

"Are you planning to put Alas's name as one of the candidates?" Tinsel questioned candidly.

"It would only be possible with your help," direktang sagot ko naman.

"I will be frank," Akakios started and the Saudes focused on him with respect. "To be able to be one of the candidates in the heir selection, I needed the Saude to back me up, and to introduce me to Empress Emily."

Napasinghap at nanlaki kaagad ang mga mata nila at hindi makapaniwalang napatitig sa amin. Halos dumagundong ang buong lugar sa matinding pagkamangha at tila napakahirap no'n iproseso sa utak nila.

"I will make a deal with her. And through that I'd be able to be one of the candidates if I convinced her. But for that to happen, you are a vital part," pagpapaintindi ni Akakios sa kanila. "The Empress would question who I am, and where I am from. It was just so sudden... a no one will approach her asking her to put a name on her registry. It would be baffling."

Napatango-tango naman silang dalawa dahil do'n. "However, you can back me up for that. I am a Saude. You can put me in your registry. And once that's proven, I can meet her, and I will convince her."

Tinsel nodded at him. "It is easy to put you in our registry, for you are a true Saude. And no one from the Domain really knows about our family and clan, for we are nothing but an old history to them. But it is not easy to convince the Empress."

Tumango kaming lahat. Alam namin 'yon. Kaya nga sa South ang unang pakay namin at hindi kami basta-basta dumiretso sa Empress.

"Trust us on this, we will convince the Empress," I stated at them with eyes full of determination. We were already moving; we would not stop until we get what we wanted. It would be tough, but we were prepared for it.

"Just let us meet, I will handle the rest..." Akakios told them in a full voice.

Walang nagawa ang mga Saude kung hindi ang tumango. "The Empress would probably grant my audience. But it is not guaranteed that she will favour you or favour us."

We nodded without hesitation and they sighed. Pumayag sila sa sinabi namin at lihim akong napangisi.

Now, while waiting for the Empress, we would continue to support the South. As we go along the way with our plans, the time we spent were supposed to be one with the people. Because they were the reason for this, and they would be the one to overthrow this current regime.

***

WE continued building a good relationship with the South the next month. Although, the Saude agreed to our views and plans, we still made sure that we had that 'connection' and 'rapport' with them. I was fully aware that trust would take a good time to be built but just one mistake to crush, that was why we were doing our best.

Tita Misha, Tito Takashi, Tito Takeshi, and Isolde also proceeded in here with a lot of trained underlings secretly to start training people on how to fight. Bata, matanda, lalaki, babae, lahat sinimulan nilang i-train dahil alam namin na hindi magtatagal at magsisimula na rin ang suspisyon ng Domain sa South.

Like what Tinsel and Vladimira said, the guards and the Marquis were handled well. They weren't suspicious and they were even happy with that the attack was successful. They even sent some funds for the 'warriors' that attacked the South.

Iniisip ko pa lang 'yon nag-iinit na ang ulo ko. Damn, the Marquis really wanted the South to rot. And to never see the daylight.

"Ang lalim ng iniisip ah." I automatically looked at where the voice came from and I saw Biblee.

I shook my head while cackling. "Not really," I spoke gently.

"H'wag ka mag-alala masyado Ate Miracle, yes, we had a hard time the past few weeks about convincing the other parts of the South, but luckily, they are now on our side. Everyone, the whole South is finally moving as a part of our plan." She smiled while looking at the bright sky, there were no clouds at all. Such a good day.

"You're right. We built a good relationship with the leaders of the South, especially the Saude. The people are also on our side and they are all supporting Akakios," I murmured realizing all of it. I smiled at the sun, it was shining brightly—just like someone I know.

"Did Tinsel have a set date for Alas and the Empress meeting?" Biblee asked curiously. I nodded at her.

"Yeah, they will meet next week. That's why we are going back to where we are staying at the Capital while the other elders will come in here." Napabuntonghininga si Biblee, kaya naman napatingin ako sa kanya.

"Bakit?" She looked sad with what I informed her.

"Mami-miss ko lang 'yong mga tao rito. Naging tropa ko na rin 'yong mga nandito eh." We both chuckled with what she stated, true enough, she was like the so-called Lady General in here, people follow her and they were happy with her silliness.

Maybe that was why Akakios had that brilliance in him and why people could put their trust in him. He was the image of their will that night, and it only strengthen with how he treats people... plus, you could see that those who were following him—like Biblee, Akira, the Saude, and me—are happy and safe. He just provided the people what the Domain couldn't provide.

Hope. Future. Will to fight.

But that was what scared me the most. People... and their minds, their hopes, their wills, and their future. All in the image of Akakios. Ain't that terrifying?

"Ain't the world terrifying?" imik ni Biblee na para bang nararamdaman 'yong nararamdaman ko. I beamed at her and laughed softly.

"Why?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"You know... it works like. You plant in a field, it blooms. You take it and you eat it. But there are the ones who cannot. The rich gets richer; the poor gets poorer." She sighed and the breeze gave us a refreshing blew.

"If the world really works that way, I think that's an easier way..." Biblee looked at me unbelievably. I shrugged at her. "You know, you will know where to give and when to distribute. It's not going to change. The month of planting, the month of harvesting. Either way, it's a cycle. You'll get used to it, so ain't that easy?" Halos mapanganga si Biblee sa sinabi ko.

"What's terrifying is the people inside of it... them who take too much, them who changes things so they can benefit, them whose greed are never-ending, them who changes minds easily, and them who chooses..."

Napailing-iling sa akin si Biblee at biglang natawa. Muntik na tuloy malaglag sa kinauupuan n'ya kung hindi ko pa s'ya nahawakan sa braso.

"Iba talaga kayo magsalita ni Alas, hindi keri ng beautiful brain ko," natatawang saad n'ya. I shook my head at her and laughed a little, too.

Our day went like the usual. We helped the people and trained them. We also talked to the Saude, and visited some other parts of the South, and it was going well. Parang 'yong butas ng karayom at pagiging impatient namin no'ng mga nakaraan, sa wakas nagkaro'n na ng bunga.

It was like a punch and a reality in me that, yeah, this was it, this was really it. We were moving forward, and I would not let anyone get in the way. I would push just to make sure that the sun would get what was rightfully his.

***

BEFORE the day of the fateful meeting with the Empress we were back on the hotel where we were staying. Tuwang-tuwa kaming sinalubong ng mga Crowns at Pasaways. It felt like an enternity that was why we spent some time with them.

They were gathering people from different parts of the Eviralle. Those who were not part of the nobility class and those who were also suffering because of the Marquis. There were those little parts in the nation, too, and it was their job to make sure that those people would be ready, too, and would help and support us.

After all, the last factor that would decide whether we would succeed or not was not the Marquis, it would be the people of this nation.

"Is everything ready for the meeting of Alas and the Empress?" tanong ko sa mga nasa intel room.

Cleon, Yvo, Kalix, Justice, and Luna were there. Biblee was taking a little break as an intel because she already did a lot with helping us in the South. The rest could handle it, the event was one of the biggest in our plan, but it wouldn't need a lot of people.

"Yeah," sabay-sabay na sagot nila.

We would make sure that after the private talk, we would be prepare to do what the Empress would require us to do.

"Do you have any idea how the conversation would go?" Yvo swirled around in his swivel chair so he could face me.

"The Empress would question Alas identity, that's given," I mentioned nonchalantly.

"Sabagay, mushroom lang si Alas eh, biglang sumulpot 'tas magpapaampon sa 'yo. Baka masampal 'yon no'ng Empress!" Cleon joked, and I looked at him sharply and he automatically zipped his mouth and smiled awkwardly.

"I think it will go well," Kalix voiced out while cleaning his eye-glasses.

"Really?" ngisi ni Luna.

"Yeah, Alas is a Saude. He was already in that registry since birth. And you know how weird the registry for the Saude is. They just put the powerful and the blessed in that. So, the Empress wouldn't question because it had been the South's way. And you know, he has the back of the Tinsel who is the most powerful Saude at the moment."

Biglang pumalaklak si Luna at Cleon sa sinabi ni Kalix, tumawa naman kaagad si Justice, habang napatingin si Yvo kay Kalix at napanganga nang bahagya.

"Dude, that was like the longest opinion I've heard from you!" Yvo teased while cackling. Umirap naman kaagad si Kalix.

Nag-thumbs up si Luna. "Improving na tayo stick ah!" she kidded.

"Whatever," Kalix murmured at them.

"But, I agree, too," Justice spoke after laughing with them. "The Domain views South as 'nothing' so they don't really care about them—they only recognize the Tinsel to keep the whole South in control, so, if the verification is from Tinsel, it was already a win."

I nodded to agree with my brother that was right. "Also, no one from the Domain knows people from the South—aside from Tinsel—because they are detached from them. So, it will go smoothly about Akakios' identity."

Parang nakahinga nang maluwag si Cleon at Luna sa sinabi ko.

"What bothers me is the Empress request, too," Cleon added. "What could she demand? Do you have some ideas or anything?"

I sighed and nodded as I crossed my arms. "How about the rest of you? Do you have a wild guess of what she would want?" balik-tanong ko para malaman ang iniisip ng mga matatalinong 'to. They were our intels.

"First, she will really like the Sinner's Crown or the so-called Black Ruby Domain. That's like a reputation and recognition as an Empress. And you know, through the Dragon's Crest, she can wish more wealth or maybe underground force under her." I nodded with Luna's opinion, that was a high possibility.

"But if she hears Alas request of the registry and the law, she'd surely demand more, for what Alas wants isn't light..." Yvo voiced out while putting on his hand on his chin.

"Maybe she'd like more power in the Domain?" Kalix shrugged his shoulders. True. That's the basic.

"Or she can demand to own more land or some kind of power to hold Alas," Cleon also mentioned while playing on his chair.

"How about you, Ate? What are you thinking?" Baling sa akin ni Justice. I titled my head to the side.

"What if what she wants is not power... but something that will stop her sadness, suffering, and hurt?" I asked them quizzically. I smirked when their foreheads knotted in synch.

"What?" Justice asked unbelievably. The others echoed his sentiment.

I turned my back on them and raised my hand to wave at them. Leaving them in confusion and speechless.

They called me but I didn't look back. As a flash of memory crossed my mind. To that day we saw Abelard and Emily. Emily's eyes shined in my mind. Let's see and wait what it would be... tomorrow would be the day, after all.

***

Akakios Laurentius' POV

The fateful day came.

"Hi." Silhoue went to me and fixed my tie. I didn't say anything and just watched her do it quietly. I smiled inwardly. So beautiful... Just seeing her erased all the worries and nervousness in my system about meeting the Empress.

"Good luck..." she murmured sweetly and I nodded at her.

"Alas." Sabay kaming napalingon no'ng marinig namin ang boses ni Lolo. I nodded at him, and held Silhoue's hand for the last time. I kissed her forehead and I found my strength.

"I'll be back..." I told her with a smile.

"Make sure you will." Natawa ako nang marahan do'n, at tumango. I waved at her one last time, and Lolo opened the car door for me. Sumakay na ako ro'n nang tahimik at tinanaw ang kumakaway na si Silhouette na marahang nawawala sa paningin ko.

"What are is going on inside your head?" Lolo, who was beside me, asked quietly.

"On how I will succeed in the bargain," I stated with a beam.

"How confident, Young Master," Lolo mentioned and laughed proudly. I nodded at him. Of course, I needed to be confident in the outcome. I didn't come in here to fail; I came here to go forward. A mindset that only looked at failures and hesitations weren't something that I needed in this situation.

"Will Tinsel meet me in the said place?" Tumango si Lolo sa akin at nagpasalamat ako sa kanya.

Natahimik kami pagkatapos no'n. I just looked outside of the window. It only screamed beauty and richness. Such an opposite of what the South looked like. I felt my jaw tightened. It felt so unfair.

Why was this place like this? Why was the South left behind? It was hurting my heart. No one deserved what the South was going through... but those who made it that way should face their consequences.

For someone like me who only saw the beauty in each situation, and someone who defied to be 'bad', reality soon came knocking on my door with a great surprise, and that was when I learned that there was a lot to fix, to learn, and there was a room to grow.

And during that time, although, I remained the Akakios they knew. I knew inside of me; a lot had change already.

Naging tahimik na lang ako sa mga sumunod na minuto at mahinahong nag-antay. Hindi rin nagtagal dumating kami sa lugar kung saan mangyayari ang pagkikita namin ng Empress kasama si Tinsel Saude.

The moment I saw the place, and the people around there, I already knew how powerful the person I was meeting. There were a lot of guards, and there were even people who were in disguised that would be ready to attack the one who would dare something funny on the Empress.

I fixed the buttons on my coat and I went outside. Lolo remained on the car and told me that he'd wait. I nodded and bid him farewell politely.

The moment I was at the entrance of the garden pavilion. The guards checked me. I went through a strict and proper checkpoint. When I passed through, I was greeted by Tinsel Saude. He beamed widely the moment we saw each other.

He bowed and I did the same. I wasn't supposed to lower my head nor bow, but I needed to do so, because Tinsel was still considered a high person and people who were around us, who were watching, might become suspicious.

"I'm sorry, I was used to giving respect to you..." Tinsel whispered when he hugged and tapped my back. I only nodded.

"Hello, it's nice to see you again..." I greeted him politely. Tumango ito sa akin. He guided me to where we would meet the Empress. Kada hakbang ko naramdaman ko ang pagkabog ng puso ko. I wasn't really that nervous, but I was also wary of everything that might happen.

Tinsel and I talked with courtesy to each other. Then, we went to somewhere like a huge garden with bushes and flowers around. Napangiti kaagad ako sa nakita. It was so pretty and refreshing that I almost forgot what I came here for...

"Let me introduce and confirm your identity to the Empress, first, and when she requested to leave the two of you alone, I will leave." I nodded to Tinsel's instructions and smiled.

"Thank you..." I meant it sincerely, all of these wouldn't happen, if it weren't for him. All his service and what he had done for us, I would make sure to pay it once the time comes.

Habang papalapit kami sa isang lugar, hindi ko maiwasan mamangha sa paligid. It was peaceful and serene. There was a pond and a bridge leading to a circular and grand gazebo. The path was so wonderful because of the nature's presence.

The two of us went towards the bridge and while walking I saw a figure that gave me little goosebumps, but I shrugged it off, but seemed like Tinsel couldn't do it. He was feeling the great pressure from that figure whose back was on us, but I wasn't really feeling it right now.

I just calmed myself and tried to control my aura. I shouldn't give any kind of suspicion.

When we arrived at the gazebo, there was a circular table in there and there was an expensive and unique tea set. The Empress was standing across us and she was standing in a red formal dress that hugged her body. Her long and a little curly brown hair was up to her waist. Even just looking at her back, she already looked dignified and powerful.

I glanced at Tinsel using my peripheral vision, and saw that he was ready to greet. I readied myself to join him.

"Blessing and Glory upon the Empress of the Eviralle. We greet you with humbleness, Your Highness," we spoke in chorus, and knelt on our knee while bowing down. I felt a gush of air, and I knew that the Empress turned to face us.

"Greetings to Lord Tinsel and to his subordinate." The gentleness and authority of the Empress's voice echoed in our ears.

I followed when Tinsel Saude stood up.

"It is great opportunity to be in Her Grace's presence," Tinsel Saude mentioned as we both lifted up our heads to look at the Empress.

I saw Tinsel shook with the tension that he was feeling but I remained calm, but not too calm, I pretended that I was also feeling the pressure, although, I couldn't. The Empress face wasn't that readable, but she was indeed a beauty.

She looked innocent and angelic with that fair complexion, thin cupid shaped pink lips, high and small nose, properly done eye-brows and eyes that shined like a jewel of sepia. Now that I was looking at her closely, I saw light freckles on her cheeks, and a small beauty mark on near her left lips.

"It is a blessing to be in Your Grace's presence," I mentioned with politeness and with a gentle voice.

"Please take a seat," the Empress instructed and we followed after Her Grace was seated, too, with the help of her court lady.

A waiter filled our small cups of tea with the Empress's gesture. After that, they backed away, and we were left in the gazebo. The Empress sipped on her tea with great elegance. Bawat kilos pino, bawat galaw nagsusumigaw ng pagiging sopistikada.

"Who is the young man, Lord Tinsel?" Ni hindi 'to nagpaliguy-ligoy at tiningnan kaagad ako nang masinsinan. I bowed a little and smiled. I saw sparked of interest in her eyes. But I saw something that Silhoue mentioned from before.

Loneliness. Longing.

At first, I didn't know why she looked at me that way, but it slowly dawned on me. Silhoue... I smirked mentally. Silhoue was really not someone you'd want to be your enemy.

"Your Grace, let me introduce to you Alas Saude, he is from my clan, and one of the South's talented people." Tinsel kept it short and critical. There was no need to mention other things, as long as it was verified that I was tied to the Saudes, that was the vital part.

"If it is from the Saude's clan. You must be remarkable and powerful who will be like Tinsel in the future," she mentioned softly, but with a hidden meaning. I almost laughed at her answer, but I didn't I just listened and accepted it.

What she was basically saying was... stay in the South. Stay powerless, although recognized in the Domain. Live quietly and remain in the South's poor land, you could never escape no matter how talented and great you were.

"Your Grace's praise is immeasurable," Tinsel and I told her delicately.

"Tinsel had been sending me letters and requests to meet you. I cannot deny the Lord's earnest wish..." she informed us, and we nodded with respect. She sipped on her tea once again. And Tinsel looked a little nervous in her presence—or maybe because of her aura.

There was a short silence, and Tinsel sipped some from the tea. I remained observant.

"I will get straight to the point, are we discussing something Lord Tinsel, or do I only owe a talk with the young man?" direktang sambit ng Empress, at lihim akong natuwa dahil do'n. I thought we'd spend a long time in doing a casual talk.

"I will give a private time to Your Grace, and to Alas Saude," Tinsel declared, and I saw how Her Highness smirked with it. She glanced at me like she was reading my motives, but I remained smiling and bowing down a little to her.

After that short moment, she nodded to allow Tinsel to move away from us. "Blessing and glory to the Empress of Eviralle," he mentioned and stood up slowly backing away.

Inantay ng Empress na makaalis si Tinsel at maupo sa isang gazebo na nasa garden na parte at wala sa may pond. Nang makita na nando'n na si Tinsel na tanaw-tanaw rin kami, ibinaling n'yang muli sa akin ang paningin.

"Alas Saude..." she murmured. "Saude... a name that holds a lot of history..." she smirked at me and titled her head as she slowly placed the teacup on her saucer. "You must be really important to make Tinsel connect the two of us."

Her voice was gentle but her words were sharp.

"Your praise is highly appreciated." I saw how one side of her lips curved in astonishment because I didn't deny her compliments. She needed to see that I wasn't just someone who was weak like the South's people right now. I needed to show her confidence and strength, that way she'd recognize me.

"That's brazen of you to meet with me using Tinsel," she stated straightforwardly and cackled amusingly while gazing at me.

"Then let me continue to be more shameless, and offer my gift for you for my behaviour..." I also retorted directly, and I signalled one of the person whom I gave the box that I was carrying, and he placed it carefully at the center of the table.

When the person moved back to his place away from us, I stood up and removed the wrap on it. It showed an antique and expensive box.

I opened it and the Dragon's Crest greeted her sight. Nakita ko kung paano s'yang natigilan nang makita ang bagay na 'yon. I knew she knew what the gift was, she shook her head while chuckling amusingly.

"The infamous Dragon's Crest..." she muttered taking a great interest on the present. I bowed and offered the box to her.

"I hoped this present would satisfy Your Grace..." Tumango-tango ito at kinuha ang bagay na nasa mukhang treasure box. Kinilatis n'ya 'yon at hindi mawala ang maliit na ngiti sa labi n'ya. Now, she was interested.

"Your gift is truly amazing. But let me get straight to the point. What is it that you want? Answer me straightforwardly." Umupo ako at inayos ang sarili. Now, we were talking.

"To be able to offer a good gift to Your Highness is already a glory. And I will speak directly to obey Your Highness's words. What I want is to be part of your registry." Walang alinlangan kong sagot at tinitigan s'ya sa mga mata.

Shock was slowly written on her face, and she laughed like she couldn't believe it. There was a great tension and pressure on the two of us, but I wasn't greatly affected, but the ones who were near us, almost knelt on their knees.

"How brazen..." the Empress commented while smirking evilly, her eyes showed power and intimidation, I didn't back down.

"Do you think, I'll easily agree to what you just said?" she challenged, her gentle demeanour was gone, I was now seeing the Thomure-Marquis in her.

"No, Your Grace," I stated and placed my hand on my chest and bowed a little to show some respect. "But you will consider it." I slowly raised my gaze and met her eyes. Kitang-kita ko ang pagkamangha sa kanya, at may kislap din 'yon ng tila pangungulila.

I finally got her. I don't think I'd be this successful if it weren't for my Silhouette.

"I admire your boldness, but even if the Dragon's Crest is right in front of me. I will not do it. Yes, you are a Saude. If this was from the past, you'd be considered on par with my authority, but in the present, you are way under me." There was an evidence of warning in her voice.

"Your Highness..." mahinang simula ko. "I did not come in here to just ask for a request, I came in here to bargain." Napataas ang kilay n'ya sa sinabi ko.

"You want your name in the Thomure... in exchange for the Dragon's Crest. Is that it?" tanong nito sa akin. I bowed and shook my head at her politely.

"No, a request could only be returned through a request. And the Dragon's Crest is a gift." Kuminang ang mga mata n'ya at tumango-tango s'ya. She poured on her cup and sipped a tea. She was now weighing what I was telling her.

"For what reason..." I smirked inwardly, she was really interested because I piqued her attention. "Is it that you want your name in my registry when you are already a Saude?" Her one brow flicked intimidatingly.

I chuckled softly at her. "Do you want a direct answer, Your Grace?" I asked her with eyes full of determination.

"Yes." Ngisi nito.

"I want to be a candidate in heir selection."

The pressure rose, and I saw how her hand tightened on the cup. It didn't overwhelm nor scare me one bit, but I saw how Tinsel stood up in surprise from his seat. Who wouldn't the aura that the Empress was giving off, wasn't to be joked with.

I remained calm, and also sipped on my tea.

If I hadn't heard anything from Silhoue, and if I didn't see and recognized the eyes of the Empress, I wouldn't be this bold and candid with her. But... if she knew how to control the game, I knew how to play it.

Because I played more dangerous games than this with my Silhouette.

"Are you doing this because of the South?" she asked directly and I nodded at her.

"You are going to lose," she said while shaking her head. Her eyes were filled with emotions. I smiled at her warmly instead.

"The race hasn't started; you can never be sure..." I murmured at her.

"You are quite interesting, young man, I admit that, but what you ask is still too much," she said, but I saw it in her eyes, that she still wanted me to convince her. So, I sighed and bit my lower lip, while she was watching me.

I gestured the person who had the other box. Mabilis 'tong sumunod at inilagay ang isa bang tila treasure box na mahal at iniingatan sa katabi ng box ng Dragon's Crest. The man who brought it, retured to his place, and I stood up to open the next box.

Mas nanlaki ang mga mata ng Empress, at naitakip n'ya ang kamay sa bibig. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"H-How—" Halos hindi n'ya alam ang sasabihin sa sobrang pagkamangha. "This was the most desired treasure of the Domain and the one I wanted the most to be on my hand," she murmured to herself unbelievably.

"I..." I started when she looked at me intensely, her eyes burning. "I can give you what you desire, as long as you also return my wish, Your Highness."

Hindi s'ya makapagsalita sa akin sa gulat at pagkamangha. Her eyes were now glowing with more longing.

"What is it that you badly... desire, Your Highness?" I questioned her tenderly.

Nagkaro'n nang mas mahabang katahimikan dahil do'n. She was looking at the two great presents in front of her. She was weighing it. How she'd benefit from me, and how it would affect things. I was sure, she was leaning more on my side.

"You ask for my desire..." she started, and I sat up properly. We were really communicating now.

"You are offering me gifts that one would kill just to have it in their hands, and even asking me for my desire. I don't think you only wanted your name on the Thomure, I think there is more from aside from that... I don't do vague deals," she demanded with grace and class.

One of my lips curved upward. Truly, the Empress of the Domain.

"Aside from my name on the Thomure, I wanted your support. Support in candidacy for the heir..." I saw sparks in her eyes whenever I mentioned that. She nodded lightly.

"That was given," she mentioned. We both knew that putting my name on her registry would also include the support for the candidacy, but that still doesn't assure a win. I was sure, if she'd go to support someone, she'd want a sure win.  We were talking about the next Emperor.

"And?" she asked impatiently.

"Support for a law that the South would soon pass," I declared straightforwardly. She laughed inwardly.

"You know... the longer I talk to you, the more ambitious you are, but the more ridiculous it gets... you are up against the Abelard Marquis. Even if the court passes the law because of my faction, you cannot escape the Emperor."

She sipped on her cup and put it down regally on her saucer. I did the same, and looked at her intently.

"Like I said, Your Highness, please don't talk like the race is already done..."

Amusement lined through her expression.

"So... Your Highness, what is it your desire for you to grant my wishes? I know that it doesn't go one way..." I mentioned to her candidly.

She nodded her head.

"No matter how ridiculous, I still see myself in you..." she started with a voice of tenderness and rawness. I felt her pain for a moment. She smiled at me sincerely, her eyes gleamed as she avoided my gaze and looked at the beautiful scenery.

"How wonderful it will be for my child... to grow up like me... like you..." The pain in her voice echoed like a cry of the bird in the sky. She wasn't looking at me, but I was directly pierced through my heart.

When her gaze slowly met mine again, I saw sadness, but it was gone in a split second. If it weren't me, I was sure, no one would see that... I was able to catch it because Silhoue forewarned me of it.

Silhoue told me that Emily would listen to me, but her demand would be so different from what we were expecting because the Emily that I could persuade wasn't the Empress, but a mother... who lost her child.

"I will put your name in my registry, and I will support you and the law that the South wants, but the path you are taking seemed bleak..." I nodded as I already knew about that. She looked at me with an intense aura.

"But for now I can only do you the first one, and the rest will still be unknown..." Great. I only needed the registry for now to move on. That was more than enough. It was her payment for the Crown, I was sure of that.

"Then... I will ask you of two things, as you asked me with two."

Marahan ulit akong tumango sa kanya. I would benefit from her, of course, she'd also use me until I lost my value to her. That was how it works, and I was prepared for it.

"First..." My hair on my arms stood up with how powerful and authoritative it sounded. "Prove to me that your path can succeed. Show me how you can stand with the other heirs." I remained mum to listen.

"And you can convince me with that... if you show the trophy of blood to the Domain..."

Her eyes glinted something so dangerous. Damn. This lady knew what she was getting into. I felt myself shiver, not because of how powerful she was nor her aura that was so heavy and royal, but because of excitement.

I smirked at her as I sipped from the teacup.

"And second..." Her voice almost disappeared with the air, but her gaze just gotten stronger.

"Put my son's grave on the Domain's Memorial of Hero and Royalties."

My jaw almost dropped because of what she demanded of me. Hindi kaagad ako nakapagsalita. It gave me goosebumps.

Silhouette... told me the exact same thing!

"Are you still up for my wishes?" she asked with an evil smirk. I stood up and bowed down to her. I wanted to reach out my hand for a handshake, but I couldn't do it since it wasn't right to do for someone higher than you.

"I accept the deal, Your Highness," I stated firmly with a smirk.

She also stood up. "Then... we have a deal, Alas Saude... show me that you are indeed worthy of carrying the name that the history has forgotten..."

"I will..." I told her with full of confidence.

I looked at Emily. Her wishes... wasn't of an Empress... but of a mother.

"Blessing and glory to the Empress of Eviralle..." I said my last words to her, as she slowly walked away with her people and with my gifts.

The First plan is... finally completed.

***