Darkholm Translation

CHAPTER 016 Count Laurel's former estate, 'Mountain of the Lake.' "I never realized how much the Emperor cares for the people." "To think that His Majesty wouldn't shy away from such laborious work..." "As expected, Lord Maxwell is truly a heaven-sent person." Voices full of admiration for the Emperor echoed throughout the forest. The eyes of those gathered to restore the forest after the fire were fixed on a young man working most diligently. It was an unbelievable sight even though they were witnessing it with their own eyes. The dignified Emperor Maxwell was personally involved in the forest's restoration. As the villagers cleaned up the traces of the wildfire set by a nefarious arsonist, a hundred soldiers from the former Count Laurel's estate appeared, accompanied by thirty members of the Imperial Guard, supporting Emperor Maxwell and his retinue. The villagers were so surprised to see the Emperor in such a filthy scene that th...

CHAPTER 015 A cream-colored carriage adorned with gold trim came to a halt in front of a bustling shop on a busy street in town. As the footman, who had been seated behind the carriage, quickly leaped down and opened the carriage door, a small foot stepped onto the step and Arabelle disembarked. "Miss, let's go in." Vera, the head maid, standing in front of the red-roofed shop, excitedly guided Arabelle inside. It was clearly the town's most upscale women's boutique. "Welcome, my lady." As soon as Arabelle entered, the shop's owner, Shannon, greeted her with clasped hands and a respectful bow. Following her lead, eight female employees lined up inside the shop and hurriedly bowed their heads to welcome Arabelle. Never having received such a grand welcome in her life, Arabelle's light brown eyes wavered with confusion. Having never set foot in such a luxurious boutique before, her nervousness was palpable. Vera, who had often accompanied the count...

CHAPTER 014 Clop, clop, The sound of hooves cut through the forest, sending a flock of early-morning birds fluttering into the sky. Two men, wearing short uniform jackets adorned with red lion crests on their shoulders, emerged from the forest horizon. The two men dismounted and began crossing the river toward a cascading waterfall. Though they wore no armor, their agile and unhesitant movements on the stepping stones were striking. Reaching the waterfall, their gaze fell upon a small cave. The entrance, appearing as if it had been slashed with a sharp blade, led them into the darkness. “It was definitely here.” “That it could reach the cave despite such severe injuries…” The slender young blond man spoke, and the older man nodded, furrowing his brow. The numerous poisoned spears embedded in the black panther were enough to kill two male lions. Flick, the young man pulled a small torch from his sleeve and lit it, illuminating the cave instantly. “Father, look at this. Burnt firewood!” ...

CHAPTER 013 Just moments ago, the flames had obscured the path, but now the downpour made it difficult to keep her eyes open. As if in a struggle for dominance, the torrential rain and the raging flames clashed and intertwined. Soon, the blackened smoke that had soared high into the sky disappeared, leaving only the sound of heavy rain in the charred forest. The Emperor stood still, breathing heavily after climbing up the cliff. His hands still firmly held Arabelle’s head and waist, leaving no space between them. Even amidst the sounds of the heavy rain and the cries of the animals... the pounding of a heart echoed vividly in Arabelle’s ears, so loud it was hard to tell if it was hers or the Emperor’s. Their hearts, pressed against each other, first beat out of sync and then started beating together. A warm weight rested briefly on the top of Arabelle’s head before it was lifted. Soon, the Emperor’s large hands gently but firmly grasped her slender shoulders and pushed her away from hi...

CHAPTER 012 An hour earlier. “I have business with Lord Laurel in his territory, so stay in the tent and wait for me,” the Emperor said, handing Arabelle a large box of chocolates. The tent was more comfortable and cozy than her attic room. As Arabelle carefully opened the box of chocolates while sitting on a soft cushion, the faint smell of burning wood drifted into the tent. When she peeked outside, she saw the eastern sky covered in dark red smoke. “There’s a wildfire!” Arabelle urgently told the soldiers standing guard, who gave her an awkward smile as if they already knew. “It seems so. The fire doesn’t look like it will reach here, so you can relax. But just in case, please stay inside the tent for your safety.” “If we’re not careful, the animals in the forest could be trapped and die. We need to help them.” “I'm sorry, but our duty is to ensure your safety, my lady. The fire is spreading quite extensively, so you must stay here.” “Please go back inside the tent. Otherwise, w...