Darkholm Translation

CHAPTER 156 Side Story 5. The Empress of Absolute Power “Where is Her Majesty, the Empress?” “She must arrive before His Majesty, the Emperor.” The nobles who had arrived at the Emperor’s meeting room were all asking for the Empress. “She has just left the Garden of Light. The welcome ceremony for the vassal state's delegation this morning was slightly delayed.” At the attendant’s reply, the nobles' expressions became increasingly anxious. If His Majesty the Emperor arrived first... As expected, their uneasy premonition became reality. “His Majesty has arrived.” The copper doors on either side of the meeting room swung open as the palace steward announced the Emperor’s arrival. The nobles hurriedly rose from their seats to greet the Emperor. Their eyes were busy trying to gauge the Emperor’s mood. His lips were not twisted into a crooked smile, nor were his eyes smiling in a menacing way. Fortunately, the Emperor didn't seem to be in a bad mood, so they all breathed a sigh ...

CHAPTER 155 Side Story 4: From the Moment I Met You The mountain behind Kander’s lord’s estate. “Roaaar...” A low groan echoed from between slack jaws. In the crimson-tinged vision that dipped sideways, the dozens of spears embedded in the body came into view. Blood flowed from the hind legs and sides, forming puddles on the ground. A large, elongated black body twitched, trying to rise, but soon collapsed onto the grass once more. Caught off guard. Grinding his teeth, the Emperor trapped within the body of the black leopard fought to hold onto his fading consciousness. This time, he had meant to finally end the lives of Count Laurel and the Northwestern Alliance, who had joined forces with him. Count Laurel was a corrupt power broker who had built formidable influence in the southern region, thanks to the favor shown by the previous Emperor. A loyalist who had saved Emperor Maxius's life during the war, he was now at the center of power abuse and corruption, but he couldn't be...

CHAPTER 154 Side Story 3: Until I Met You   The Crown Prince’s Palace of the Helterd Empire In the crown prince’s bedroom, long past the time for sleep within the imperial palace. Moonlight slipped through the curtains and draped over the bed. The white moonlight, resting at the head of the bed, softly illuminated the face of the sleeping nine-year-old crown prince. For someone so young, his face was astonishingly beautiful and captivating. His skin was smooth and radiant, like porcelain. Dark bangs, glossy and well-kept, partially covered his broad forehead. Beneath his thick and noble brows, his eyelids were gently closed. Thick, lush eyelashes cast a shadow over his rounded cheeks, the only feature that still hinted at his youth. His straight, high nose and full, alluring red lips were already perfectly formed. Each feature, taken individually, was stunning, but together, they formed a flawless harmony of proportion and elegance. He lay still, facing the ceiling, his breath...

CHAPTER 153 Side Story 2: The Times I Wasn't With You  “She’s not by the well or in the stable either!” “She must have slipped out of the manor.” Camille and Roxy burst through the door of their father Jonathan’s laboratory. Jonathan’s face twisted with anger, turning crimson. Outside the cracked, old window, the sun was nearing its zenith. It would soon be time for the market to open in the village. Today’s market was a special event where merchants from the southeastern region gathered to showcase their specialties. For Jonathan, who had long been dismissed as a quack healer, today was also a crucial day. He had meticulously prepared to prove the healing powers of the DelSaincre family to the local nobility and influential figures. Jonathan’s gaze fixated on the small cage in the corner of the lab. The animal, which should have been lying there groaning in pain, was gone. The lamb whose leg he had broken just the day before in the forest was missing. As was Arabelle, who should h...