The Edict-Undo It!

Carmine and Alor rose with the sunrise, preparing to attend court. Their presence was formally announced upon arrival.

While Kneeling down to receive the imperial edict, they listened intently as the proclamation was made:

"General Carmine, a benevolent and intelligent leader, foresaw and thwarted the complex deception of the former couturier, Ren, which nearly led to the Emperor's demise. In recognition of her life-saving efforts, General Carmine—a kindhearted, brave, and resourceful woman—shall be bestowed the title of Consort and is hereby ordered to enter the Harem."

Carmine could hardly believe her ears. She was in utter disbelief, frozen in shock. The thought of becoming a consort and being confined to the palace starkly contrasted with her desires.

As the court waited for the edict to be formally accepted, Carmine made no attempts to receive it. Alor, who had sensed her shock, stepped forward. With a deep bow, he spoke on their behalf, "The Emperor's wisdom is truly profound, and we are deeply grateful for his boundless kindness." 

"Alor, who played a crucial role in saving the Emperor's life, will be granted the title of General of Shar and Inap for his merits, along with ten thousand gold coins."

Slowly, Carmine came to her senses. She glared at Alor with such hatred that, if it could burn, it would have burnt him on the spot. After issuing the decree, Emperor Cynax immediately ended the court session for the day, leaving no opportunity for Carmine to refute or challenge the decision.

When Carmine returned to her residence, she struggled to understand how things had spiralled to this point. Finally, she put two and two together and summoned Alor.

When he arrived, she was seated at her circular dining table, sipping tea, but she did not grant him permission to sit.

"Now that you are the General and I am merely a consort, isn't it impolite of me to keep you standing here?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Alor could sense the bitterness in every word she spoke.

"Alor, I don't understand why you set me up like this. You are not someone greedy for power or wealth. Have I misjudged you??? If you had simply asked, I would have happily given up the title for your sake. So why did you go behind me and force me into a corner like this?"

Her anger surged like a tempest. "Since you've created this mess, you will fix it. I will not accept the edict, even if it means my death." Her defiance was palpable, her determination unwavering.

She hurled the ceramic cup in her hand at him, her fury evident in her every move.

"Do you see all these gifts here?" she demanded, gesturing toward the room. "The Emperor sent them for me to prepare as his consort for the evening banquet."

Without hesitation, she swept all the items on the decorated wooden tray onto the floor before him.

"I don't know what you told the Emperor, but we are at a standstill—and you need to fix it. The Emperor and I only have a relation of Emperor and a loyal subject. He is righteous and has always prioritized his country above all else. He would never make such a ridiculous decision unless you instigated him."

Emperor Cynax was well aware of Carmine's personality and attitude. He recalled the day Alor had approached him, requesting the issuance of an edict to make her a consort.

"She will never agree to it," the Emperor had said. "With her unyielding personality, she would absolutely refuse."

"You promised," Alor had replied, "when I saved your life, that you would grant my wish. This is my wish—I only want her to be safe and live a good life."

The Emperor sighed. "I understand, but she is a strong-willed woman. I don't think I can convince her?"

"You are the Emperor," Alor said with conviction. "With your wisdom, I know you can make her agree."

True to his promise, Emperor Cynax decided to fulfil Alor's request. He intentionally ended the court session early that day, ensuring Carmine had no opportunity to counter his decree. His manipulation was evident.

He knew full well that she would not accept the edict willingly. However, a promise was a promise, and as Emperor, it was his obligation and duty to see it through. Determined, he made his way to Carmine's residence in the palace.

As Emperor Cynax reached the residence, he overheard the conversation between Carmine and Alor. After he heard his name mentioned, he opened the door. He entered, his regal bearing and steely gaze announcing his presence. "So, General Carmine knows me so well, you will be a perfect Consort for me," he declared.

Both Carmine and Alor immediately knelt before him.

"Your Imperial Majesty," Carmine said, "this humble subject has never aspired to be your Consort. I do not deserve such a high status. I have served in the army, leading soldiers, and no longer embody the dignified image of a woman in society. The Emperor deserves the country's most beautiful and dignified women in his Harem."

"Actually, you are right," Emperor Cynax replied. But I don't feel you are telling the truth; you are just saying it to escape being my Consort. "

With firm determination, Carmine said, "Your Imperial Majesty, I truly mean it."

"Since you are so unwilling, I promise you that you shall be granted your freedom when the time is right."

"Carmine," added, "however—"

The Emperor's voice thundered, cutting through the room. "Do you want my officials to mock me for withdrawing my decision in less than a day without any explanation?"

Cyanx could sense her deep reluctance to be his Consort in eyes, which she dared not voice, likely due to fear of political power imbalance.

She was well aware of her limitations. 

"All I ask," he continued, his tone softening, "Is that you maintain the appearance of my Royal Consort in front of everyone. I expect nothing more from you."

Those words brought Carmine the peace her mind and soul had longed for since the ordeal began.

"Your Imperial Majesty, I am eternally grateful for your kindness," she said, bowing her head.

The Emperor turned to leave, pausing at the door to say, "My Royal Consort, I look forward to seeing you at the banquet this evening." Then, he left the room.

As Emperor Cynax left, his thoughts drifted back to his encounter with Alor.

"Why are you doing this?" Cynax had asked. "It will only make her suffer. She is a free spirit; she cannot be caged."

"I don't want her to suffer," Alor had replied. "But this time, she barely escaped death. Moreover, this time, she has really offended Rulean head-on. His Majesty will never rest until he destroys her. You are the only person in the nation who can keep her safe from Rulean."

Cynax had been speechless. He knew all too well the vengeful nature of Rulean. Reluctantly, he had agreed to Alor's request. Deep down, however, a glimmer of hope remained—that his brother Rulean would mature and let go of his grievances against Carmine one day.

In the room, Alor exhaled deeply, feeling a measure of relief. He desperately wanted to believe in Cynax's words, yet making this request had torn his heart into a million pieces.

Even so, the Emperor's assurances gave him a faint hope—a fragile dream that, one day, he might be able to live alongside Carmine again.

Meanwhile, Carmine let out a sigh of relief as the Emperor left her residence.