Special CH. 02

Scheriziel rested her head on the emperor's chest as they soaked in the hot tub. Then she asked her husband, who was silent and staring blankly at the water. She said, "Are you alright?"

"Yes. It's just that I'm quite sad about my old man's demise," Viishaun replied.

It was not just the emperor; the whole empire had filled with a heavy heart as the former great leader bid goodbye for eternity. After fighting with his age and ailment, Argus XV left the world. 

The empress embraced her husband. Then she patted his head buried in her plump chest. She dared not utter a word but comforted him through her acts.

"I've been mad at him for years because he has never been a good father to my younger self. I only felt reconnected with him after going back in time."

"At least you two had lived well in this second life of ours. I'm sure he is happy wherever he is right now."

"Right. I'm glad that my choice in this life turned out fine. At least he gets to see and play with his grandkid," he replied.

The empress kissed his royal highness' hair. Then, Viishaun remained in such a position, whereas his head found comfort in his wife's warm chest. 

"We should wrap up now. Vinziel must be waiting for us already."

They withdrew from the tub and wrapped their nakedness in a maroon robe. Once done sporting a mournful humble white attire, the couple had breakfast with the three-year-old young prince.  

"Your royal highness, the carriage is ready," says a servant. 

Viishaun nodded his head and replied, "Thank you."

Scheriziel wiped her child's lips. Then they left the dining hall to leave the palace. The royalty went to the church for the final public viewing of the former emperor's wake. Whereas a coffin was displayed in the center of the altar, and the citizens were free to stand next to the deceased, free to tribute flowers and anything they wished to give to the corpse.

When the royalty arrived, the church prohibited the public from entering in the meantime, with respect to the privacy of the reigning family.

Scheriziel was carrying the young prince in her arms when the latter asked, "Mother, why is grandpa still sleeping on this glass? How can he breathe if there's no opening?" 

Viishaun and Scheriziel exchange a look that says -what-should-we-say?-

Then, the emperor nodded, so the empress replied, "You are too young to understand this, but you should know that your grandpa is gone. He won't come back to us, sweetheart."

"What do you mean gone, mother? He's just lying there." Vinziel dotted his index finger on the surface of the glass coffin.

Scheriziel sighed and brushed her fingers on her son's messy blond as she added, "It means... Grandpa is peacefully sleeping there, but his soul will be with us. We may not see it, but we can feel it."

"That's right, sweetheart. I'm afraid you can't play with grandpa anymore, but at least you still have Vinny with you," Viishaun added as he kissed his son's forehead, then pulled his wife closer to him.