The Empire Weakest Approach

As soon as Namsun, the first Emperor of Goldivia, declared the unity of two houses, the High Priest gave his blessing to both the House of the De Morgues and Arquilie. This was seen as an act of approval towards the right approach.

"You made the right decision in uniting the two houses by marriage. However, you will still face trials that you must overcome in order to secure the land of Goldivia."

The Emperor was not given any details as to what trials awaits the Empire. But, he was given a simple instruction by the High Priest that he must be patient and always be prepared.

As the two houses made haste to prioritize their unity,

preparations for the contractual marriage between them were made under only a few conditions. In exchange for giving the noblest title of Duke to the Arquilie, the House of Arquilie must provide the Emperor a great Empress who can stand by his side as an equal ruler.

What the unforeseen future held was the Empress will not be born in his generation.

Nansum was advised to take in concubines to continue the bloodline until the seat for the Empress was occupied. He died not fulfilling the oracles' request. However, because the contract between the two households was created. This has given the Empire some peace, knowing that the second most powerful family would not divide the people.

As fate continued to take its course, the House Arquilie only continued to have sole male heir. The contract has instead been kept as an ancient record.

As time continued to pass, there were small conflicts that emerged between the Kan's Empire and Goldivia. As time had allowed, Goldivia's unbreakable barrier stood strong against their sole competitor. But as the year changes, the barrier that separates the two Empires slowly deteriorates on occasion, where soldiers from the Palace have to be brought to the western borders to prevent illegal migration. Citizens of the Kan Empire still hold hostility towards its former land, claiming Goldivia as still part of the West.

The occasional break-in of Kan only contributed to Goldivia's weakness as Emperors sat on their throne, waiting for their designated Empress to come fulfil the contract.

"When the rightful owner of the seat arrives, Goldivia's former glory will be restored."

No one knew when a female heir would be born in the House of Arquilie. The High Priest could only advise that the Emperor should be patient and be prepared.

As the crown continued to be passed down from generation to generation, a new trial began to emerge in the shadow. It had become evident that not all emperors, who sat on the throne, were made to rule.

The most famous Emperor in the history of Goldivia was a Pacifist, Emperor Kuha, Goldivian did not anticipate this unforeseen future as they expected an Emperor to be strong headed and a great warrior. Due to his calm nature and his deep detestation towards weapons, he was able to ban weapons inside the Palace. The Palace soldiers were only allowed to practice their combat kills without the presence of the Emperor. There was no logical reason his followers could find to understand his hatred towards weapons. They could only conclude that he was a Pacifist that never raised international conflict with other nations.

His way of dealing with conflict is always in peaceful compromise. There are nations that respected him for his ways. But, others criticized him for being weak and cowardly. But, Kuha did not care about the criticism that was being brought to him as the only thing he wanted was to be in harmony with other nations.

Under his leadership, two events unfolded.

First, he gained international relations with other nations, leading Goldivia to open ports for trading. On the present day, the East still benefits from this gain. However, as trading became more popular between the nations, conflict between product demands rose as well. Through Kuha's peaceful negotiation, Goldivia's territories slowly downsized. As part of negotiations, most of the time other nations would request a piece of land. True to his nature, Kuha would readily agree to avoid further conflicts.

The High Priest had to remind the people that only when the Empress seat with the right heir will the trials of the people be turned into the Empire's victory.

As the West expanded, Kan has overshadowed the existence of the opposite Empire that was once their equal.

House of Arquilie had tried conceiving a female heir for many years and each time the attempt will take place, they will be greeted with slight disappointment as news will soon arrive to the Dukedom that the Duchess has given birth to a male child.

***

Calester closed his eyes, wanting to avoid Emerald's pained expression.

"The House of Morgues and Arquilie have waited long enough to unite the two families. Can you at least consider that the reason why this empire is continuing to suffer is because you refused to take the seat?"

The hazel green eyes that were finally looking at her directly for the first time was filled with great restraint as if Calester did not want to be there. But, he had an obligation to the Empire as the Second Prince of Goldivia.

As Emerald stood there in silence, her heart pounded from the accusation that because of her the Empire was suffering. She hated the fact the responsibility of restoring the Empire was given to her. Her refusal to take the Empress' seat has deep reasons, but those exact reasons are not to be revealed to anyone. Even with trusted friends, it was not to be shared.

"The seat will always be empty unless the Crown Prince returns and proceeds with the marriage, your Grace."

Calester refused Emerald's firm rejection as he knew that there was a way to convince the woman in front of him.

"The Crown Prince is here right in front of you... I have been the Crown Prince ever since Calisto left."

Emerald shook her head as she looked at the ground, refusing to listen to Calseter's request.

"I need you to be my wife."