Unveiling the Shadow Kingdom

While Richard, the emperor's advisor, was preparing to leave for the imperial palace, his daughter Mirabella approached him with confident steps. "Father, please take me with you to the imperial palace," she said, wrapping her arms around him with a smile.

Richard stopped and turned to her in surprise. "Did the Crown Princess ask you to come?"

Mirabella nodded. "Yes, she has something important to discuss with me."

He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, then said seriously, "Get ready to leave in a few moments." Richard went to prepare the carriage while Mirabella hurried to get herself ready.

.

.

.

Meanwhile, Emperor Edward was heading to Empress Catherine's quarters to check on her. He quietly opened the door to find her sipping tea in her room, looking noticeably better. He approached and placed his hands on her shoulders, saying happily, "I see you are feeling better."

She lifted her head and smiled softly at him. "Yes, I need to get better so I don't worry Henry and Celesia."

Edward smiled and replied, "Yes, you must."

But suddenly, Catherine's expression darkened. "I've heard what the nobles have been saying about the heir. If it comes to it, you must marry another woman because I won't be able to bear another child in my current condition," she said sadly, squeezing her hands together.

Edward was upset by her words and held her hands firmly. "That will not happen. If it comes to it, I will crown Felix as emperor after me. I don't want you to think about such things again. I won't recognize any other woman as my wife but you."

Catherine hesitated and said weakly, "But... what about the Watcher's Eyes?"

"Don't worry about that. All you need to do now is rest and recover," Edward said seriously. Then he added before leaving, "I will leave now."

Catherine watched him as he left the room, smiling through her tears. "I feel relieved..."

.

.

.

In the meantime, the Duke of the West's carriage arrived at the imperial palace. Lina, Princess Celesia's maid, was waiting for Mirabella at the entrance to take her to the princess.

"Greetings to the Princess of the West. Princess Celesia is expecting you," Lina said politely.

Mirabella smiled kindly and said, "Please, take me to her." She followed Lina toward the office, while Duke Richard headed to the emperor's office to discuss imperial matters.

The duke entered the emperor's office to find Edward staring out the window. "It seems your daughter has arrived as well," Edward said suddenly.

Richard replied, "Yes, the Crown Princess asked her to come to discuss an important matter."

Edward smiled and thought aloud, "Oh really!... I wonder what they are planning." Meanwhile, the duke began preparing the papers that needed the emperor's review.

.

.

.

In Celesia's office, Lina entered, saying, "Celesia, Princess Mirabella has arrived."

Mirabella entered, dressed in elegant attire that reflected her high status, with a confident smile on her face. "Celesia, it's been so long since our last meeting," she said as she sat down.

Celesia smiled and said, "It's been three months since we last met, but I didn't expect you to come so soon."

"As long as it concerns the Crown Prince, I had to come quickly. He will lead the empire in the future," Mirabella said seriously.

"Yes, you're right," Celesia said gratefully as she placed some documents in front of Mirabella. "I've gathered some information that might be useful to us."

Mirabella began examining the documents and said in surprise, "Where did you get this information?"

Celesia replied, "My brother Felix brought it. But why do you ask? Have you discovered who is responsible for the incident?"

Mirabella answered confidently, "According to the knight, he saw shadows hovering around them and launching attacks. This is one of the skills of the Shadow Serra, inherited in the royal family of the Shadow Kingdom."

"You said the Shadow Kingdom?" Celesia said in astonishment.

Lina interjected, "The Shadow Kingdom borders the eastern duchy of the Empire of Shinia, and its borders are close to the Great Bridge that connects the empire with the Kingdom of Lunaris. Therefore, launching such an attack wouldn't be difficult for them."

Mirabella added excitedly, "And the archduke's indication of light burn marks, as if the winds carried the flames, points to one person without a doubt."

Celesia and Lina said simultaneously, curiosity evident in their voices, "Who is this person?"

Mirabella replied with a serious look, "The right hand of the former queen and known as the Crimson Wind Beast, it's the current queen, Noira."

"The current queen of the Shadow Kingdom!" Celesia and Lina exclaimed in unison, shocked.

Celesia stood up suddenly and said, "I will go to inform the emperor about this. Lina, take care of Mirabella." She then hurried out of the office.

Mirabella watched her in amazement and said, "It seems Her Highness is really facing a difficult time."

Lina replied worriedly as she poured tea for Mirabella, "Yes..."

.

.

.

Celesia entered the emperor's office suddenly to find him doing paperwork while the advisor watched. "Your Majesty, I have something to tell you," she said seriously.

Edward smiled and said, "Of course, go ahead."

Richard interrupted, "Your Majesty, don't evade your duties."

Edward chuckled lightly and then turned his gaze to Celesia. "What is it, Celesia?"

Celesia approached confidently and said, "We have new information regarding who is behind the Crown Prince's disappearance."