I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 209

When I hesitated to answer, Tess tapped my cheek gently.

“It’s not the last time, why so anxious?”

“I’m afraid of you dying.”

Even if I no longer have nightmares, the fear hasn’t faded. I know too well the terror of death.

“I won’t die. I will return to you, Euseniel. That’s what you wish for, so I must honor it.”

In his dark eyes, I could see myself holding back tears. I forced a smile, and Tess smiled back.

“Goodbye, Euseniel.”

My beloved squinted his eyes in a soft smile, kissed my forehead gently, and then he was gone.

It was as if he had dispersed with the breeze flowing in through the open window.

* * *

The imperial troops were scheduled to leave the city gates in the morning.

After the Emperor declares the departure, it’s my duty to deliver the blessing.

“Miss, the carriage is ready.”

After Tess left, I was restless and couldn’t sleep. Laura informed me.

My father, who had stayed overnight at the palace, would also be there to see.

An imperial carriage waited outside the main building, surrounded by a guard of knights, making it look solemn.

“I’ll ride alone.”

Refusing the hand of an escorting knight, I climbed into the carriage by myself.

I did not want anyone touching me when I still carried Tess’s trace on my body.

The scenery outside the carriage window looked the same as ever, but my heart felt like it was continuously leaping. It felt like I was rising and falling over and over.

“We’ve arrived.”

The ceremony was set in the wide courtyard between the inner and outer walls of the palace, where the main imperial buildings were located.

The chief attendant greeted me and led the way, with palace maids and attendants following behind me.

From a distance, I could smell the metallic scent of cold iron. Sure enough, as we approached, I saw knights in uniforms and soldiers in armor behind them.

We reached the back of the platform, behind the walls.

“When His Majesty finishes his speech, you may come forward and offer the blessing.”

“Yes.”

I replied, steadying my quickening breath.

“And this.”

The chief attendant handed me a red box, which when opened, revealed a slender golden crown inside.

“This is… made from the flowers of Maydea, isn’t it?”

“You recognized it right away.”

Before the establishment of the Northern and Southern Empires, there existed a mythical tree called Maydea that supported the world. This crown was crafted in the likeness of the flowers from that legendary tree.

– Those who receive the protection of the great tree will have glory in everything

Murmuring an old tale that is rarely read now, I placed the crown on my head.

“This crown is traditionally worn by the woman who blesses the troops during the departure ceremony, but it is also a crown for the Empress.”

Despite its delicate appearance, it felt surprisingly heavy on my head.

“It was His Majesty’s command.”

“Thank you for letting me know.”

I tried to focus on Tess’s speech, but my nerves made it hard to hear clearly. I could only discern that his voice was louder than usual.

Oh, pull yourself together, Euseniel Hardland.

I muttered the phrases I had prepared to myself and clasped my hands together.

My goodness, I can’t believe I’m this nervous.

The solemnity filling the space, the clanking of metal, and the chill hitting my face all heightened my tension. The weight of the word ‘war’ is not the same.

In the distance, the ministers, including the Chancellor and my father, stood in orderly rows.

Although it should be spring, a cold winter wind still blew. My hair fluttered slightly beneath the thin golden crown.

As Tess’s speech drew to a close, I stepped forward, and by the time I reached the platform, he had finished.

“May the goddess of fortune grant her blessings.”

He extended his hand to me as I ascended the platform, and I gladly took it.

My simple white dress fluttered as Tess, looking radiant and making this moment seem dreamlike, smiled at me. I carefully stepped back three paces.

With the clearest and loudest voice I could muster, I delivered the blessing.

O mighty tree that holds up the world, beneath which the fox and the eagle rest,

Grant life to someone’s precious daughters and sons, mothers and fathers,

Allow them to safely return to their homeland soil.

Grant victory and glory to the sons and daughters of the Northern Empire.

“Glory of victory to His Majesty and the Northern Empire’s army!”

“Wahhhhhhhh!”

With the concluding phrase, a thunderous cheer shook both heaven and earth.

I too, want to go.

I want to take up a sword and join you.

Even though I had hinted the night before, Tess just shook his head with a smile, adding, “Even if it weren’t for me, the Duke would oppose it anyway.”

As the situation worsened, it was possible that sons and daughters from every family, young and old, would be conscripted. Hoping that such a scenario would never come, I wanted to go before that happened.

Mounting a black horse brought by a page, Tess then shouted.

“Advance all troops!”

The movement of a large force shook the earth, and occasionally the rustling of horses was mixed in.

As Tess, who needed to lead, quickly receded into the distance, I grasped the hem of my dress and ran after him.