225: The fortieth day

The fortieth day

On the fortieth day after the murder of King Emanuel de Lanark, the somber procedures of mourning in Emoria had finally come to an end. The flags of Emoria and House de Lanark, which had borne the weight of mourning in black, were now being removed by diligent hands, allowing the wind to carry them away. As the banners fluttered, it seemed as if the kingdom itself was exhaling, ready to embrace a new chapter.0

The noble families, dressed in their dark attires as a sign of respect, stood in a solemn line by the grand doors of the Archduke's estate. Each family head, along with their members, had come to offer their heartfelt condolences to the grieving Archduke and his family. The air was filled with an atmosphere of solemnity and compassion, as the nobles gathered to pay their respects.

At the front of the line, the Archduke stood tall and composed, flanked by the Archduchess on one side and the Crown Prince on the other. Larissa, his firstborn, and Adelaide, his last, stood gracefully beside their parents, their faces reflecting both sorrow and strength.

As the noble families approached, they offered words of comfort and support, expressing their solidarity with the de Lanark family during this trying time. Despite their grief, the de Lanarks greeted each visitor with poise and gratitude, acknowledging the kindness shown to them.

Finally, the last group of guests arrived at the Archduke's estate to extend their condolences. Leading them was Leopold von Conradie, wearing a dignified Kolhisan suit with a stoic expression.

"My deepest condolences," he said when he reached Kaiser, his eyes shifting from Kaiser's face to Grace's.

"Thank you," Kaiser murmured, followed by a nod from Grace and a couple more from her daughters.

Walking beside Leopold was Andreas, whose handsome features bore visible signs of tension as he approached the receiving line. He exchanged polite nods of respect with the Archduke and the Archduchess before meeting Larissa's eyes with an unfathomable look. He took her hand and gently kissed it, softening her tense expression.

"How have you been?" He inquired with a gentle tone.

"I have been well," she murmured.

When the Archduke cleared his throat, Andreas proceeded to exchange nods with Adela before walking to the garden, following Leopold.

Adela's eyes, cast downward, sensed his presence before seeing him. An embroidered handkerchief atop a gloved hand was extended her way. Accepting it, she felt the letter hidden inside.

"My deepest condolences, Lady Adelaide," his voice was saturated with warmth.

Lifting her eyes, she met Egon's brown gaze, a glimmer of joy shining within them. They both fought to contain their excitement, knowing they had to hide their affection from the watchful eyes of those around them.

"Thank you, My Lord," she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It's good to see you."

"It's been far too long,"

"It has," she agreed, her heart skipping a beat.

With another rumble from Kaiser's throat as he cleared it, Egon nodded at Claude, whom he seemed to have missed entirely, before proceeding to the garden.

Larissa leaned closer to Adela, "What about Bastian and King Aldric?"

Adela shook her head, having no idea where those two were and why they did not attend. 

"She has not changed at all…" Kaiser murmured, bringing Adela's attention back to the present moment.

When Adela looked at her father's face, she saw it lit up with genuine joy as he caught sight of Princess Sasha approaching. Adela immediately recognized her from the portrait she had memorized in her youth, and despite the passage of time, the woman seemed not to have aged a day.

"Sasha, my dear friend," Kaiser greeted her with affection, stepping forward to embrace her. He then exchanged nods with a man as big in size as Egon himself, who stood behind Sasha like a protective wall.

"Kaiser de Lanark," Sasha greeted, her voice gentle yet firm, "I extend my deepest condolences on the loss of your brother, King Emanuel. The news of his tragic passing has reached far and wide, and the hearts of Kolhis mourn with yours."

"Thank you, Princess Sasha, your presence here means a great deal to me and my family."

Sasha's eyes sparkled, "I have come as the head of the committee to investigate the murder, as requested by the Western and Eastern Kingdoms. Rest assured, we will do everything in our power to bring justice to this heinous crime and to protect the descendants of the last Emperor."

Kaiser replied with a curt nod, "I don't believe you have met my wife, Grace de Lanark."

Adela watched as the Princess's brown eyes assessed Grace, slightly taken aback by their scrutiny.

The Archduchess curtsied, "How do you do, Princess?"

Instead of returning the gesture, Princess Sasha held Grace by her elbow, as if to help her up. She did not reply to the greeting but instead shifted her gaze to the Crown Prince, who bowed slightly in return.

"Let us all proceed to the garden," Kaiser said.

Once everyone was gathered, all eyes were on the royals, with the Archduke at the center of attention.

"My esteemed friends, noble families, and cherished citizens of Emoria," the Archduke began, his voice carrying a mix of sorrow and hope. "Today, we gather here to bid farewell to a chapter of mourning, a time that tested our strength and unity as a kingdom. The black banners may have been taken down, but the memory of our beloved King Emanuel will forever reside in our hearts, guiding us through the challenges that lie ahead."

Egon found his way to Adela's side. He whispered words in her ear as the Archduke continued.

"You handled yourself beautifully during the condolences," he said with genuine admiration, his gloved hand lightly brushing against hers.

Adela blushed, keeping her eyes on her father, and whispered, "Thank you, it was a difficult moment, but knowing you were here made it easier."

"Read my letter," he whispered.

She smiled affectionately, her eyes never leaving the Archduke's, while not truly seeing or hearing him.

She couldn't wait to read the rest of his poem.

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