"What is your name?"
"My name is Barton," he replied, his hands trembling violently.
"Aha, Barton. Okay. You came out for this journey for a happy event, so the emperor will forgive you this time, but you shouldn't make the same mistake."
"Yes, madame! This will never happen again!"
"As you have made efforts for me, I've begged the emperor for your mercy. But I can't save you from any punishment to save his face," she said in a soft and firm tone.
Barton lay face down again and replied, "I'll accept whatever punishment you give me. Just save my life. I have a wife and children. They would starve without me. Please..."
"Oh, you have a child. Is it a daughter or a son?"
"I've got one son and one daughter."
Hearing his words, she bit her lip gently as if she was thinking of something.
"Good. Then let's do this way."
She raised herself upright as she made a decision. Her red diamond on the neck shined brighter in the sunset.