Darkholm Translation

CHAPTER 121 Two days before the wedding, today's important events were a banquet and a puppet show. The expressions of those heading to the imperial garden were tinged with curiosity. They had expected tonight's event to be held in one of the three main gardens of the imperial palace. The three gardens of Helterd Palace were the pride and symbol of the Empire, unmatched even on the continent. However, they were being led down a completely different path, not the one that led to the expected gardens. Unlike the open and expansive gardens, the path they were taking suggested the destination was much smaller in scale. After a while, the representatives from other kingdoms stood before the entrance of a garden covered in vines. A subtle, sweet fragrance wafted through the vine-covered wall. Two neatly uniformed guards opened the garden's doors on either side. “Welcome to the Garden of Light.” Standing at the entrance, Baroness Rosalind and Sir Ted Chamblain greeted the guests, ...

CHAPTER 120 One hour before the puppet banquet. In the quarters of the King of Laikanoor within the Imperial Palace. Bergen, having finished preparing to attend the banquet, was conversing with his captain of the guard. “Is everything ready without any issues?” “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. We’ve trained her well; she’ll be worth her price.” “The Emperor is no easy opponent. If we show even the slightest opening, we’ll be the ones to suffer.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” After the captain of the guard and the knights withdrew, the door to the bedroom connected to the reception room opened. Bergen’s mustard-yellow eyes scanned the woman standing by the door. There was no emotion in his gaze as he took in the sight of the beautiful woman. Soon, an inexplicable dark emotion spread through him. Once, just looking at her had brought him peace of mind... But now, an uncontrollable hot surge rose from within him. The dreams he had long harbored had turned to dust, slipping through his fingers like sand...

CHAPTER 119 Arabelle's round eyes scanned the dim room. Her steps hesitated as she entered, and the Emperor quickly signaled with a nod. Antonio and Secretary Lex hurriedly drew back the curtains, letting the fading orange light fill the room. Tap. A faint sound of a door closing reached Arabelle's ears. She turned her head toward the sound, but all she could see was the large wardrobe that filled one wall. Advisor Kyle quickly brightened the room’s lights. Commander Jacob and Deputy Commander Peter smiled warmly and bowed their heads. Advisor Kyle and the two secretaries also greeted the Empress with respect. Arabelle's face flushed slightly with embarrassment. “I heard the meeting was over... I’ll wait in the audience chamber.” “No, the meeting has already ended. I was just catching up with my loyal subjects. I was planning to come to you anyway.” The Emperor stepped forward, wrapping his arm naturally around Arabelle's shoulders. Deputy Commander Peter tactfully chim...

CHAPTER 118 Maxwell's Second Office. After the administrative meeting ended, thirty or so officials left the office. The nobles who walked out had uniformly bright expressions on their faces. It was as if the celebratory atmosphere of the wedding had seeped right up to the office threshold, making the air inside warm and pleasant throughout the meeting. The meeting was deemed successful simply because the Emperor hadn’t said, “I’m in a foul mood right now.” If the Emperor’s lips had uttered words like “disgraceful” or “displeasing,” everyone would have to rack their brains to see if anyone, even a distant relative, had committed any wrongdoing. As the nobles walked in groups along the outdoor corridor, they began to whisper among themselves. Of course, they didn’t forget to habitually look around—one could never know where the Emperor’s ears might be hiding. “I wish the wedding celebration would last a month like in the old days.” “Indeed. At least the Emperor’s mood will be good f...