Execution (2)

"'Today, a villain would be brought to justice whose existence was nothing more than a blight on our great history'."

Speaking low so that only Lucretia could hear, the emperor watched the sea of waiting citizens and the vacant gallows in front of them as if it was all distant.

"...I'm sure the people would be delighted for that to be the result of today."

The people of the empire were not vicious by any means. The meaning of it all was just that high. 

"The future would doubtless be as radiant as the Sun Father and the sky that holds Him on this day."

"..."

The Imperial Princess only listened to the emperor's words, but although her expression remained as silent and stoic as always on the outside, anyone who knew her well would be able to tell.

Inside, she was surely furious.

Whether wholly ignorant of his successor's sentiments, or simply deciding to dismiss them for the moment, the emperor continued.