The capital of the Berg Empire was a meticulously planned city.
It featured distinct zones divided according to their functions and well-paved boulevards. It served as the heart of the continent.
However, the scenery outside the capital was very different. It was surprisingly tranquil and serene, to the point where one couldn’t believe it was the same region.
Surrounded by the picturesque scenery of a peaceful garden, the beautiful villa was a place every noble desired to be invited to.
However, such an opportunity was not granted to just anyone. Setting foot in this villa meant receiving the Emperor’s special trust.
Today, the Emperor’s exclusive villa was open to all the nobles of the capital. This was because the prayer ceremony of Saint Asta was taking place there.
“These days the empire is in turmoil,” Asta said, “the people are in a frenzy, believing that a witch has risen. I will pray to God to reveal and the truth to end this chaos.”
Asta’s demand was accepted by the Emperor. He even granted her the permission to use his villa.
This surprising spectacle was made possible because the Emperor’s granddaughter was at the center of the turmoil.
Eventually, an altar of God Prache was erected in the Emperor’s most cherished garden.
The Emperor stood and watched as the luxurious golden altar took shape.
There was no chair in sight for him. The same was true for the numerous attendees. Only scattered pieces of cloth were laid on the ground for kneeling.
At the sight, the nobles started chattering.
“His Majesty the Emperor is about to kneel before God.”
“I don’t believe it. Isn’t this the same Emperor who abolished the Blessing Day?”
“In the end, he was thwarted by Princess Hanelope.”
“Mere mortals cannot defeat the Gods. Now His Majesty has to kneel before the temple.”
“By the way, Asta’s back in the game. We should enjoy the show.”
The Emperor pretended not to hear the chatter and waited for Asta to appear. So did Prince Hart, who sat with him.
“Talk to your hearts content. For it might be your last day.”
Hart stared at the knights standing not far away. The masked knights were nervous. For they were not knights, but physicians. More specifically, it was Henderson and his fellow workers.
Not long ago, Hart had rescued Henderson, who had been imprisoned by Asta.
Upon realizing this, Asta tried to recover Henderson, but it was impossible. Hart had left no evidence, and Henderson was well hidden.
Hart ensured Henderson’s safety and had him, along with his fellow physicians, focus on researching the Divine Poisoning.
Henderson said, “I’ve been studying Divine Poisoning for a long time. Because I’ve had doubts about the reality of the disease, and the more I’ve studied it, the more I’ve been convinced of my suspicions.
“If I provide you with the facilities, can you make a proper report on Divine Poisoning before Asta’s prayer is held?”
“In such a short time! It’s not possible for us who..”
“If you are so useless, I’ll send you back to Asta. She will gladly come to pick you up”
“I w-will do my best!!”
Henderson and his team sowed immense dedication as their lives were on the line.
In the end, they produced results in this short time.
Research proved that Divine Poisoning had no substance. This was the testimony from Henderson, the person who had accused Hanelope of being a witch.
‘With these two things, I can clear Hanelope’s name’.
However, even with such thoughts, Hart couldn’t ease his mind.
Hart sighed.
“It’s all my fault.”
He failed to recognize an evildoer like Asta and unwittingly helped her gain influence and spread her wings.
“If it weren’t for Hanelope, we might still be wandering in the nightmare created by Asta.”
She was so small, so tiny, so precious that it broke my heart.
Such a tiny child had saved him. Now it was his turn to save Hanelope.
“…….”
The Emperor stared silently at his son. His act of surrendering was to support Hart’s plan. It was a ploy to get Asta’s vigilance down, but in reality he did it for Hart. He was setting the stage for Hart to reveal the truth in front of everyone.
Asta, who loves to be the centre of attention, was happy to gather the capital’s nobles.
‘I have gathered the army outside the villa, so Asta and the priests will not be able to escape , even if they try.’
Asta, of course, was not going to let this opportunity pass without a fight. That’s why I assigned some of them at the capital.
‘I’ve told them to bring Hanelope back to the palace to protect her.’
And now Hart and the Emperor were waiting for Asta to appear. But Archbishop Liang appeared alone.
“I apologise for keeping you waiting so long.”
“Where is the Saint?”
“The Saint is now purifying her body and mind.”
“What? Why is she taking so long?”
The Emperor asked sharply. He had an ominous premonition.
Archbishop Liang was perplexed and said, “I think the Saint taking time because today’s prayer is very special. Isn’t it for His Majesty’s granddaughter?”
Archbishop Liang tried to soothe the Emperor’s temper. The Emperor kept mum at the mention of Hanelope.
But in truth, he was utterly irritated with Liang’s presence.
‘What kind of scheme is she up to? Although the Emperor supported Asta’s plan by pretending to submit to her and the Divine Revelation, it’s still suspicious! As long as she doesn’t cause trouble, that would be great.’
The Duke of Eisen argued that Asta was sure to get into trouble again and that he wouldn’t get involved with her. But the Pope, who kept a neutral stance in public, was speaking up for the Saint that day.
‘The old man suddenly started screaming at me! I regret speaking up for her! What is Asta doing and why hasn’t she come?’
Archbishop Liang stared outside the villa.
Just then, Professor Munich came running up from the back of the garden.
“Your Majesty, there’s an urgent messenger from the imperial palace. They say there’s been an uprising in the capital.”
“What? A riot? Why?”
The Emperor was puzzled. Hart, who was listening, was also taken aback.
“Is this related to the death of children?”
“There were also rumours that witch’s marks were found on the bodies of the children, but I already had them investigated and declared them untrue.”
“Well.. today bodies of drowned children have been found today bearing the witched mark. There are thousands of witnesses.”
“What?”
It must have been tampered. But that wasn’t the point.
“The people are furious, saying that the imperial family is distorting the truth to protect the princess…”
Professor Munich swallowed hard and spoke despairingly.
“They are heading towards the residence of His Highness Prince Hart.”
“What!”
The Emperor and Hart were aghast.
***
“Run… away?
The shaking panels disappeared with a flash. But I was frozen in place with goosebumps.
“Hanelope, what’s wrong?”
Brantley asked. The Spigent twins also became concerned.
“Is something wrong?”
“Do you feel sick?”
That’s when the thunderous shouting came from outside the window. It sounded like the scream of tormented spirits from hell.
Even more frightening was the fact that the mansion was very large, so the sounds outside usually didn’t reach us.
Both I and the twins flinched in horror.
Brantley’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he cupped his hands over my ears.
“Miss!”
As I shivered, the door opened and Sherry and the servants rushed in.
They were surprised at the sight of Brantley and the twins, but quickly recovered their composure and helped us.
“Miss, it’s very noisy outside. You might have a headache. Let’s move to a quiet place,” Sherry said.
She was probably going to take us somewhere safe.
After giving us each a piece of candy, she asked, “By the way, when did your friends get here? I didn’t realise, and if I had, I would have brought you some toys.”
The children looked at each other and said nothing, so Sherry smiled sweetly and asked again.
“As you’re feeling bored, Master must have invited your friends for you.”
“…….”
“I suppose the bodyguards guarding the mansion knew and let them in?”
“The guards didn’t open the door.”
Katherine replied sharply to Sherry’s leading question.
When Sherry learned of how Katherine had entered the manor, she ordered another servant to thoroughly check that part of the house.
When we descended to the first floor, there were people waiting for me.
They were men dressed in shabby clothes.
Sherry, holding my hand tightly, whispered to me, “Miss, you’ll be going to the palace with them. His Majesty ordered it in case the outside gets noisy.”
“What about my friends? Are they coming with us?”
“I’m afraid not. Your friends will be escorted home safely. Don’t worry.”
Sherry said reassuringly and took me to the knight.
The knight showed me a deed with the Emperor’s seal.
“By order of the Emperor, I will take the Princess to the Imperial Palace, where she will be safer than here.”
Sherry leaned over to the knight, who appeared to be a captain, and whispered.
“Yes. I’ve been notified by Master that someone will come from the palace if anything dangerous happens, but how are you going to get there through the mob?”
She lowered her voice so I wouldn’t hear, but unfortunately, I heard Sherry’s questions.
“I’m afraid we’ll need more knights to get safely.”
Sherry asked in a commanding tone. This was a new side of Sherry, who had always been a sweetheart.
“I can’t bring more knights, as most of them are at Her Majesty’s villa, but don’t worry. We’ve come in disguise, so the mob that’s after the Princess will think we’re one of their own.”
The captain knight unfolded his robes.
‘He must be planning to hide me in his robes.’
But Sherry still had doubts regarding the feasibility of this plan.
The capital of the Berg Empire was a meticulously planned city.
It featured distinct zones divided according to their functions and well-paved boulevards. It served as the heart of the continent.
However, the scenery outside the capital was very different. It was surprisingly tranquil and serene, to the point where one couldn’t believe it was the same region.
Surrounded by the picturesque scenery of a peaceful garden, the beautiful villa was a place every noble desired to be invited to.
However, such an opportunity was not granted to just anyone. Setting foot in this villa meant receiving the Emperor’s special trust.
Today, the Emperor’s exclusive villa was open to all the nobles of the capital. This was because the prayer ceremony of Saint Asta was taking place there.
“These days the empire is in turmoil,” Asta said, “the people are in a frenzy, believing that a witch has risen. I will pray to God to reveal and the truth to end this chaos.”
Asta’s demand was accepted by the Emperor. He even granted her the permission to use his villa.
This surprising spectacle was made possible because the Emperor’s granddaughter was at the center of the turmoil.
Eventually, an altar of God Prache was erected in the Emperor’s most cherished garden.
The Emperor stood and watched as the luxurious golden altar took shape.
There was no chair in sight for him. The same was true for the numerous attendees. Only scattered pieces of cloth were laid on the ground for kneeling.
At the sight, the nobles started chattering.
“His Majesty the Emperor is about to kneel before God.”
“I don’t believe it. Isn’t this the same Emperor who abolished the Blessing Day?”
“In the end, he was thwarted by Princess Hanelope.”
“Mere mortals cannot defeat the Gods. Now His Majesty has to kneel before the temple.”
“By the way, Asta’s back in the game. We should enjoy the show.”
The Emperor pretended not to hear the chatter and waited for Asta to appear. So did Prince Hart, who sat with him.
“Talk to your hearts content. For it might be your last day.”
Hart stared at the knights standing not far away. The masked knights were nervous. For they were not knights, but physicians. More specifically, it was Henderson and his fellow workers.
Not long ago, Hart had rescued Henderson, who had been imprisoned by Asta.
Upon realizing this, Asta tried to recover Henderson, but it was impossible. Hart had left no evidence, and Henderson was well hidden.
Hart ensured Henderson’s safety and had him, along with his fellow physicians, focus on researching the Divine Poisoning.
Henderson said, “I’ve been studying Divine Poisoning for a long time. Because I’ve had doubts about the reality of the disease, and the more I’ve studied it, the more I’ve been convinced of my suspicions.
“If I provide you with the facilities, can you make a proper report on Divine Poisoning before Asta’s prayer is held?”
“In such a short time! It’s not possible for us who..”
“If you are so useless, I’ll send you back to Asta. She will gladly come to pick you up”
“I w-will do my best!!”
Henderson and his team sowed immense dedication as their lives were on the line.
In the end, they produced results in this short time.
Research proved that Divine Poisoning had no substance. This was the testimony from Henderson, the person who had accused Hanelope of being a witch.
‘With these two things, I can clear Hanelope’s name’.
However, even with such thoughts, Hart couldn’t ease his mind.
Hart sighed.
“It’s all my fault.”
He failed to recognize an evildoer like Asta and unwittingly helped her gain influence and spread her wings.
“If it weren’t for Hanelope, we might still be wandering in the nightmare created by Asta.”
She was so small, so tiny, so precious that it broke my heart.
Such a tiny child had saved him. Now it was his turn to save Hanelope.
“…….”
The Emperor stared silently at his son. His act of surrendering was to support Hart’s plan. It was a ploy to get Asta’s vigilance down, but in reality he did it for Hart. He was setting the stage for Hart to reveal the truth in front of everyone.
Asta, who loves to be the centre of attention, was happy to gather the capital’s nobles.
‘I have gathered the army outside the villa, so Asta and the priests will not be able to escape , even if they try.’
Asta, of course, was not going to let this opportunity pass without a fight. That’s why I assigned some of them at the capital.
‘I’ve told them to bring Hanelope back to the palace to protect her.’
And now Hart and the Emperor were waiting for Asta to appear. But Archbishop Liang appeared alone.
“I apologise for keeping you waiting so long.”
“Where is the Saint?”
“The Saint is now purifying her body and mind.”
“What? Why is she taking so long?”
The Emperor asked sharply. He had an ominous premonition.
Archbishop Liang was perplexed and said, “I think the Saint taking time because today’s prayer is very special. Isn’t it for His Majesty’s granddaughter?”
Archbishop Liang tried to soothe the Emperor’s temper. The Emperor kept mum at the mention of Hanelope.
But in truth, he was utterly irritated with Liang’s presence.
‘What kind of scheme is she up to? Although the Emperor supported Asta’s plan by pretending to submit to her and the Divine Revelation, it’s still suspicious! As long as she doesn’t cause trouble, that would be great.’
The Duke of Eisen argued that Asta was sure to get into trouble again and that he wouldn’t get involved with her. But the Pope, who kept a neutral stance in public, was speaking up for the Saint that day.
‘The old man suddenly started screaming at me! I regret speaking up for her! What is Asta doing and why hasn’t she come?’
Archbishop Liang stared outside the villa.
Just then, Professor Munich came running up from the back of the garden.
“Your Majesty, there’s an urgent messenger from the imperial palace. They say there’s been an uprising in the capital.”
“What? A riot? Why?”
The Emperor was puzzled. Hart, who was listening, was also taken aback.
“Is this related to the death of children?”
“There were also rumours that witch’s marks were found on the bodies of the children, but I already had them investigated and declared them untrue.”
“Well.. today bodies of drowned children have been found today bearing the witched mark. There are thousands of witnesses.”
“What?”
It must have been tampered. But that wasn’t the point.
“The people are furious, saying that the imperial family is distorting the truth to protect the princess…”
Professor Munich swallowed hard and spoke despairingly.
“They are heading towards the residence of His Highness Prince Hart.”
“What!”
The Emperor and Hart were aghast.
***
“Run… away?
The shaking panels disappeared with a flash. But I was frozen in place with goosebumps.
“Hanelope, what’s wrong?”
Brantley asked. The Spigent twins also became concerned.
“Is something wrong?”
“Do you feel sick?”
That’s when the thunderous shouting came from outside the window. It sounded like the scream of tormented spirits from hell.
Even more frightening was the fact that the mansion was very large, so the sounds outside usually didn’t reach us.
Both I and the twins flinched in horror.
Brantley’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he cupped his hands over my ears.
“Miss!”
As I shivered, the door opened and Sherry and the servants rushed in.
They were surprised at the sight of Brantley and the twins, but quickly recovered their composure and helped us.
“Miss, it’s very noisy outside. You might have a headache. Let’s move to a quiet place,” Sherry said.
She was probably going to take us somewhere safe.
After giving us each a piece of candy, she asked, “By the way, when did your friends get here? I didn’t realise, and if I had, I would have brought you some toys.”
The children looked at each other and said nothing, so Sherry smiled sweetly and asked again.
“As you’re feeling bored, Master must have invited your friends for you.”
“…….”
“I suppose the bodyguards guarding the mansion knew and let them in?”
“The guards didn’t open the door.”
Katherine replied sharply to Sherry’s leading question.
When Sherry learned of how Katherine had entered the manor, she ordered another servant to thoroughly check that part of the house.
When we descended to the first floor, there were people waiting for me.
They were men dressed in shabby clothes.
Sherry, holding my hand tightly, whispered to me, “Miss, you’ll be going to the palace with them. His Majesty ordered it in case the outside gets noisy.”
“What about my friends? Are they coming with us?”
“I’m afraid not. Your friends will be escorted home safely. Don’t worry.”
Sherry said reassuringly and took me to the knight.
The knight showed me a deed with the Emperor’s seal.
“By order of the Emperor, I will take the Princess to the Imperial Palace, where she will be safer than here.”
Sherry leaned over to the knight, who appeared to be a captain, and whispered.
“Yes. I’ve been notified by Master that someone will come from the palace if anything dangerous happens, but how are you going to get there through the mob?”
She lowered her voice so I wouldn’t hear, but unfortunately, I heard Sherry’s questions.
“I’m afraid we’ll need more knights to get safely.”
Sherry asked in a commanding tone. This was a new side of Sherry, who had always been a sweetheart.
“I can’t bring more knights, as most of them are at Her Majesty’s villa, but don’t worry. We’ve come in disguise, so the mob that’s after the Princess will think we’re one of their own.”
The captain knight unfolded his robes.
‘He must be planning to hide me in his robes.’
But Sherry still had doubts regarding the feasibility of this plan.
