Silver Lining Yesterday - Chapter 30
The several airships that had threatened Riholm were quickly destroyed, and the deformed reptiles that the dragon-riders controlled fled in fear.
Yet, the enraged dragon did not stop, wrapping the floating city in storm clouds.
The cradle of wisdom, Riholm, became an inaccessible ruin.
The one who destroyed the city, which no one had dared to approach, was none other than the dragon of the East, who had protected Riholm for nearly a thousand years.
When even the last hope of controlling the out-of-control revolutionary army was dashed, the nation was helplessly drawn into the hands of Gemma Heidegger and Gregory Lipton.
The newly crowned young king lost all real power, becoming a puppet. While the revolutionary goal of establishing a democratic parliament was achieved, decisions made by the lower house representing the people could always be blocked by the upper house, which was filled with nobles.
The revolutionary army was absorbed into the existing kingdom’s military structure and became the core of the new military government.
The sword that once aimed at the corrupt monarchy now guarded the newly established government, eliminating so-called ‘counterrevolutionaries.’ Even the police forces, responsible for maintaining order, were absorbed into the military, further expanding the military’s influence.
Over the course of 20 years, their regime became incredibly solid.
With the military sword in one hand and the media pen in the other, the power they wielded was invincible.
They oppressed the people just like the old monarchy, but unlike the arrogant monarchy, they knew how to win the favor of the people.
The majority of the people loved their ruler.
They admired Gemma Heidegger, who ruled like a queen in the parliament building, and cheered for Lipton, who returned every day with news of victory.
This was the story of the 23 years during which Jean Rohrbach was absent.
A revolution that succeeded, yet remained incomplete.
A military regime, which operated in a far more cunning way, replacing the fallen monarchy.
Now, the people, who no longer even knew how to struggle under their feet, and those who wielded absolute power, received the love of the masses…
“Jean, from now on, I’ll be your sword.”
My dear Gemma, where are you wandering?
The reality that Jean could not accept had come crashing down.
No matter how much she tried to deny it, the image of Gemma pointing a finger at her reminded her of the harsh reality. The hatred and anger directed at her, the fear and guilt that couldn’t be hidden, crashed down on her mercilessly with each passing moment.
Now, she had no one left. Not President Amelroi, who had been her strong support; not Ernest Garland, who had been like a sibling; not Gemma Heidegger, her dearest friend; and not Miranda Valentine, who had guided her along the right path.
Jean, who had stayed up all night with her eyes wide open, finally accepted the truth as she gazed at the rising morning sun.
She was now alone.
* * *
Nix stared coldly at the firmly shut door.
It has been three days now.
Having rejected food for three days and even coughed up blood, a chilling silence had followed since last night.
He could no longer tolerate this. The shock of the harsh reality was understandable, but if she lost her mind now, it would be troublesome.
Nix slammed his fist against the door firmly.
The pounding noise echoed loudly down the corridor, yet beyond the door, there was nothing but stillness.
Unable to wait any longer, Nix shook the locked doorknob, then yelled fiercely.
“Hey, I know you’re in there. Open the door.”
“……”
“Open the door.”
Nix, glaring at the silent door, took a step back.
Soon, the door was violently kicked off its hinges with a crash, and Nix stepped into the cloud of dust that rose from the broken door.
The room that had been sealed off for days, reeked with a musty odor, and a heavy darkness had settled in.
As his eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness, he saw the chaotic scene before him.
White and yellow pillow feathers were scattered everywhere.
Blankets, seemingly ripped apart with bare hands, were thrown across the furniture, and the neatly organized files, which had been arranged before disembarking, were now half-burned, scattered near the fireplace.
Whistling derisively, Nix looked around the untidy room and tilted his head slightly.
A broken canopy hung like ragged cloth in the corner, where a small figure huddled.
Without hesitation, Nix turned and walked toward the corner.
Reaching it, he shoved his hands into his pockets and looked down at the tangled curls of the figure.
A look of disgust flickered in his bloodshot eyes.
“Hey.”
“……”
“How long are you going to stay like this?”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
