The Change in Gabella 7

Translator: Cinder Translations

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Antonio arrived at the emperor's bedchamber but lingered outside, hesitating to enter. Aldridge, who accompanied him, took a step forward and said, "Your Highness, now that events have unfolded, you must face what comes next. Avoidance will solve nothing." 

"You're right, teacher," Antonio replied. 

He adjusted his attire, steeling himself, and ascended the stairs. The guards at the door saluted him; they were Antonio's men, as the emperor's original guards had been reassigned elsewhere. 

Upon entering, Antonio found Anbolov waiting inside. Anbolov stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, your father is feeling rather despondent. He needs the comfort of someone close. Please, go to him." 

Antonio patted Anbolov's shoulder, saying, "You've done well. Thank you for guarding him, for protecting my father." 

He then moved past Anbolov and entered the inner chamber. 

On the bed lay an elderly man with a grief-stricken expression. The emperor of Gabella seemed to have aged decades overnight. 

His eyes, now clouded, were devoid of their usual luster. His hair was disheveled, his skin sallow and dull. 

The emperor appeared indifferent to the outside world; he did not even glance up when Antonio entered. The maidservant at his bedside saw Antonio and looked at him with reverence, understanding that this young man was the future ruler, with the power to decide countless lives. 

The maid bowed, and Antonio waved her off. Standing beside the bed, he softly called, "Father, I'm here." 

Only then did Emperor Bartley Griffin slowly raise his head. "You've come?" he asked, his voice hoarse. 

Antonio gently sat on the edge of the bed. The emperor looked at his second son and suddenly, with all his strength, embraced Antonio, weeping aloud. 

Outside, Anbolov, hearing the emperor's cries, rushed in and was greeted by this sight. 

Antonio, too, wrapped his arms around his father, tears welling in his eyes. 

Softly, Antonio said, "Father, I will make this country better than ever. It will become the greatest nation in history, carrying the pride of all its people." 

Antonio remained in his father's chamber for half an hour. When he emerged, he was met by someone unexpected—Siegfried. 

Antonio embraced him warmly. "My friend, my brother, I need you now more than ever." 

Siegfried responded fervently, "I will always be at your side, Your Highness." 

He glanced toward the bedroom door, concerned. "How… is His Majesty?" 

Antonio shook his head. "This has struck him deeply. He needs time to process his grief, but he'll come to accept it eventually." 

"How did you get here?" 

According to the plan, Siegfried was supposed to be with Marshal McDonald, leading forces near the capital to attack the strongholds held by Duke D'Arshi's loyalists. 

Siegfried gave a slight smile, dismissively saying, "Duke D'Arshi's supporters were hardly a challenge. Only one fort still resists." 

"Marshal McDonald suggested I return to the capital with a contingent to deter any lingering dissent." 

Antonio replied, "When we made our move, Duke D'Arshi somehow caught wind of it and fled outside the capital. We haven't located him yet. I suspect he may be hiding in that last fort still resisting. Inform Marshal McDonald to be thorough—ensure that neither the duke nor any loyalist escapes." 

"Rest assured, Your Highness," Siegfried responded solemnly. 

After leaving his father's chamber, Antonio convened a meeting with the Council of Ten. 

"Your Highness," Master Maite began, presenting a proposal. 

"Bennett's disappearance has gone on too long. We should track him down." 

As the strongest melee spellcaster, Bennett held a crucial position within the Arcane Order and was the undisputed leader of his faction. But embarrassingly, Bennett had been missing for years. 

Initially, the council's upper echelons didn't think much of it—Bennett, known for his arrogant, solitary nature, often went off on his own. His personality wasn't well-liked, and some were quietly relieved he was seldom around. 

Still, despite his quirks, his prolonged absence could no longer be ignored. Missing such an important operation, Antonio's takeover of the capital, wasn't just a character flaw; it was gross negligence, warranting punishment. 

But first, the council had to find him—to understand his current activities or confirm if he was even still alive, a fate many secretly preferred. 

Antonio said, "Given his long absence from Gabella, we should consider the possibility that Bennett has defected." 

"I agree," nodded Master Maite. 

"And to counter his possible betrayal, we need strong agents to confront him. Bennett, being a powerful melee spellcaster, requires opponents at the council level. Your Highness, you should decide who will go." 

"I'd like to hear your thoughts, Master Maite." 

After some thought, Dorati Maite suggested, "I propose Master Odanel and Lady Marianna of Crimson Flame. Odanel specializes in mental magic, which will strongly restrain Bennett, while Lady Marianna, a fire manipulator, can effectively engage him if he's defected. They last tracked him in Aldor, and Lady Marianna is well-acquainted with the area." 

"Very well, let's proceed with your recommendation," Antonio agreed. 

(End of the Chapter)

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