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Chapter 318:
Chapter 318:
Chapter 318:
TL: Etude
“A grand ceremony?” Aldridge asked with curiosity.
“Yes, a grand ceremony! Just like the ancient mural in the coliseum,” was the reply.
Aldridge understood. The coliseum in the imperial capital was built during the ancient Gubera Empire era and had been preserved till now, undergoing numerous renovations. Many valuable murals had been retained, the largest of which depicted the scene of the ancient Gubera army parading foreign captives through the streets after a victory.
This street parade was not as simple as it sounded; it involved a complex set of rituals and procedures.
“The ceremony planning should be your responsibility, as a scholar well-versed in history. Ensure that each aspect of the event is detailed and specific, and try to replicate the grandeur of ancient times,” Aldridge was told.
“Uh… Your Majesty,” the Emperor began to speak further but was interrupted by the old scholar shaking his head, “I find your idea quite inappropriate.”
“Why?” Bartley Griffin was surprised, thinking the teacher would approve of the idea.
“Do you know, teacher? In this war, we have captured over 50,000 prisoners. Never in the history of our wars with the Nestans have we achieved such a great victory. A grand ceremony to celebrate this victory and enhance national pride is more than appropriate.”
Aldridge shook his head: “The Nestans have just shown their willingness to submit. We could use this opportunity to negotiate more tangible benefits for the empire. Why anger them for mere vanity? A Gubera-style ceremony may enhance our honor but will inflict great humiliation on the Nestans. Once they find out, they’ll take it as a national disgrace and fight us to the end, reigniting the war.”Bartley, dissatisfied, said: “Really, teacher! This is such a great opportunity. It could also bring fame to my son Antonio. This victory is his doing, and such honor could dispel the dishonorable rumors about him. You taught Antonio as well, don’t you want him to have a better life?”
Hearing the Emperor’s words, the old scholar immediately countered: “Giving him too many accolades too soon will only harm him. Many do not want to see Antonio so prominent.”
The Emperor’s face grew grim: “Is that what you’re really worried about? Let me think… who are you afraid of… Dias?”
Aldridge did not respond to the Emperor’s speculation and remained silent.
The Emperor Bartley clenched his fist tightly: “He is my son, and I will protect Antonio. Hmph, I’d like to see who dares harm a hair on my son.”
Aldridge sighed and advised, “Your Majesty, a shield can block the sword coming from the front but not the dagger stabbing from behind. I know you mean well for Antonio, but this victory has already given him enough prestige among the empire’s elite. More could be more harmful than beneficial.”
Bartley was very troubled and weakly waved his hand: “Fine. Aldridge, I’ll heed your advice. Let’s shelve the ceremony for now.”
Aldridge breathed a sigh of relief, saying, “Prince Antonio will soon be returning to the capital. Your Majesty, should we discuss what terms to propose to the Nestans?”
“Alright, we should indeed put that on the agenda.”
“We’ll draft an initial strategy and then discuss it at the Imperial Conference…”
…
The meeting between Scholar Aldridge and Emperor Bartley lasted until evening, after which they enjoyed dinner at the palace. Contrary to Kevin’s expectations, the royal cuisine was no different from that of the wealthy in the capital. Before coming, he had thought even the spoons used by the Emperor for soup would be made of gold.
After dinner, they bid farewell to the Emperor and left the side hall. Walking through the palace corridors, they encountered a tall young man.
“Good evening, Scholar Aldridge,” the young man greeted with a smile. “It must have been hard discussing matters with my father so late.”
The old scholar also smiled back: “Good evening, Your Highness. As a royal advisor, it’s my duty. I dare not say it’s hard.”
Kevin was surprised; this was the Emperor’s eldest son. Unlike his father, the Emperor, he was adorned in jewels, exuding an air of regal elegance. Behind the prince stood a court lady with a veiled face, quietly standing behind him after bowing to Aldridge.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the prince suddenly turned and asked, “Is it about my brother’s return?”
Aldridge neither confirmed nor denied, simply stating, “It’s about the recent victory of the empire.”
The prince smiled meaningfully: “Indeed! Such a great victory! I am so proud to have such an outstanding brother.”
Then, he turned and walked away, the court lady following closely.
As they watched them leave, Kevin felt the court lady’s gaze on him through her veil, almost as if she smiled at him.
When they rode back to the Scholar’s Tower in the carriage, the moon was already high in the sky.
Throughout the journey, Kevin, full of questions yet hesitant to ask, thought it inappropriate for a commoner like him to inquire about royal secrets from the old scholar. Today’s conversation between the teacher and the Emperor had a whiff of court conspiracy, something the common folk would relish.
After escorting the teacher back to his study, Aldridge said, “You should rest now. I have some writing to do.”
They wished him goodnight and left. A few steps away, Mond said, “You seem eager to ask something, so go ahead… Alright, I know what you want to ask. It’s not really a secret; everyone in the capital, from nobles to commoners, knows.”
Mond began to explain, “The Emperor’s two sons are from different mothers. The Crown Prince is born of the Empress, and Prince Antonio… his mother is someone else.”
Oh, Kevin thought, a classic tale of royal brothers vying for the throne.
“The Empress is from the prestigious Dias family, her father being the current Prime Minister. Antonio’s mother died when he was very young, and her identity remains unknown to the outside world.”
“And,” Mond sighed, “there are rumors that Antonio’s mother was…”
Was what, a peasant girl? The disparity in status did seem stark.
“A witch.”
Kevin was shocked. The Emperor having a child with a witch was indeed scandalous.
So that was the “dishonorable rumor” the Emperor mentioned.
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