213: The Puppeteers - Claude's POV (part 1)

The Puppeteers - Claude's POV (part 1)

Emanuel de Lanark had always been an aloof, distant ruler residing in a distant palace. Finding it hard to trust those around him, he mostly kept to himself, occasionally revealing a facade of cheerful behavior during gatherings with the aristocrats when the truth about him was far from the image he projected.1

Very different from all the Emorian monarchs who had traditionally ruled their people from the forefront, passionately defending their just causes. Unlike his predecessors, the elder brother of the Archduke was never one to engage in battles or take an active role in leading his troops.

Claude paused next to the immense portrait of his deceased mother, hanging in the dimly lit corridor of the desolate palace.

"I couldn't protect you back then, but I will protect them now," he whispered solemnly.

Back when an Emorian Kingdom was only an ideology that generations fought tooth and nail to turn into a reality, Emanuel, through no merit of his own, became the Crown Prince when his father inherited the honorary kingship and led the opposition against the previous Emperor.

Though Emanuel de Lanark couldn't hold a candle to his younger brother, Kaiser, the fact that he, by default, became the Crown Prince was never openly objected to because he held significant political value at that time.

It was an era when anyone with royal Emorian blood and visible Emorian traits was being singled out and assassinated one by one. And so, protecting the King and his two princes became an absolute priority to their supporters, no matter the means necessary.

Claude stared into his mother's light green eyes in the painting. Were you aware that he had assassinated his relatives back then?

Those who were aware of the true dynamics knew what was happening behind the scenes. From a very young age, Emanuel had been manipulating and controlling his father, using him as a pawn to further his own ambitions. Unfortunately, many of the decisions made with his father as a mere tool were harmful to the rightful cause of the enslaved race, undermining the efforts to bring justice and freedom to the oppressed people.

Whispers circulated, hidden away from the public eye, hinting at Emanuel de Lanark being a curse to the cause, a reincarnation of the first Empress herself!

Disturbing rumors suggested that he had orchestrated the elimination of all potential contenders for the throne during his reign. Others alleged that he was on a relentless quest to locate the well-hidden Healers within Latora's sands, intending to manipulate them as instruments to crush the Emorian revolution once and for all. These voices, too, were silenced one by one, until the fact that even the walls in Emoria had ears became known, and nobody dared to utter a syllable against the Monarch.

The atmosphere of fear and oppression grew, suffocating any hope of speaking out or standing against Emanuel's rule. The once vibrant spirit of resistance now lay subdued under the weight of his iron-fisted control.

Far from a successful rebel with a cause, Emanuel de Lanark was a true tyrant, one shielded by a formidable force – a warrior who consistently achieved victory on the battlefield. With Kaiser de Lanark by his side, Emanuel's path to the throne seemed certain. The brothers' alliance created an aura of invincibility, instilling fear in anyone who dared to challenge their authority.

The people of Emoria could only watch in trepidation as their once hopeful dreams of freedom and justice faded under the oppressive reign of the de Lanark dynasty.

Was Kaiser truly blind to all of that back then?

Turning his back away from his mother's portrait, Claude continued on his path down the corridors, in a hurry to return to Larissa as soon as possible. The shameful history of the man who raised him churned in Claude's mind as he made his way to the throne room, an antiquated chamber that mirrored the ideologies of its antiquated ruler.

This will all be over soon. Claude consoled himself as the guard opened the door for him. He entered the room, walking confidently on the crimson carpet, meeting Emanuel's gaze with a calm posture. Though he disliked the act, he bowed his head once he reached a distance of twenty feet from the throne, a gesture that he hoped would soon be dispensed with as well.

"You have summoned me, Your Majesty,"

"Leave us," Emanuel yawned, dismissing the only two ministers present in the room, rendering it empty except for the two guards stationed by the door. The guards acknowledged the order with a nod and exited the room, closing the door behind them.

Claude knew he needed to provoke Emanuel if he was to learn anything about what the old snake had in mind. He had to make him angry rather than drowsy, and so, he reluctantly decided to bring up Larissa, knowing that she had always been a sensitive subject, especially now that she had failed to marry into House von Conradie.

"Are the preparations for our departure ready?" the King asked, his usual boredom apparent as he slouched on the throne, looking down at Claude.

"The mana portal is ready for our use. But I am concerned about Lady Larissa," Claude replied cautiously.

"Why is that?" 

"It opens in your former estate," 

Recognition passed through two sneaky blue eyes.

"God forbids Larissa gets bothered during her trips with us because she does not wish to cross paths with her betrothed," Emanuel replied sarcastically, a step closer to losing his composure.

"Your Majesty, I recognize your lack of fondness towards her, but Lady Larissa de Lanark is the first-born daughter of the Archduke and the beloved beauty of all of Lanark and Emoria," Claude continued, choosing his words carefully. "It would be wise to ensure she is not disturbed or put in an uncomfortable position for the sake of her father."

Emanuel looked as if he was contemplating a bothersome matter before making up his mind about it. He slowly reached for his sword and unsheathed it, holding it in his hand with a sense of bitter reminiscence.

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