Ashriel stood in front, where everyone could see her properly. The symbols on her long trail and her cold eyes made everyone shiver. The buzzing crowd became silent when Ashriel opened her mouth to speak.              “I believe everyone of you is aware of the indelible incident that took place five years ago. Aside from my birthday and Coronation Day, this day marks the death of the former Ruler, Meredith Eleanor Theupholis La Elora, and thousands of people who surrendered and who fought until their last breath. Being the Ruler is not something to joke about. Now, as the official Ruler of the Two Great Empires of Aparctias and Thrascias, I pray that God would give me the wisdom to carry out the responsibilities I need to fulfill and promises that I should then be made.”              The crowd remained silent as they listened to Ashriel’s speech. As nobles, they were all used to lis

After meeting with Chaster, Ashriel walked through her favorite garden, where Nathan waited. Reaching the massive door, the four huge guards bowed and opened the door for her.“Make sure no one enters.” She commanded and walked in.“Yes, Your Highness.”As she entered, the same breeze and view that usually greeted her felt different. That is because this time, Nathan was there, standing under Ashriel’s favorite Sakura tree, waiting for her arrival. “The ocean’s beautiful tonight,” Nathan commented and looked at her with a big smile as Ashriel slowly walked towards him. “But you’re beauty is different.”“Tsk. Why do you compliment me so much today?” Ashriel sulks and stands beside him. “Though it was nighttime, the ocean surely is beautiful. It looks more beautiful now than it did before.” She closed her eyes and felt the cold breeze.  &

It was a peaceful day because the Coronation had just ended. Supposed to be. Yet a panicking, loud knock was heard outside Ashriel’s office.            “Your Highness!” Raith hurriedly entered her office and knelt in front of Ashriel, panicking. “T-The Quislings tried to attack the guards of the third gate of Austere,” Raith reported, catching his own breath. Olive and Nathan’s eyes widened, and they glanced at Ashriel, who was stunned.            “What-“           “Your Highness!” Their eyes transferred from Raith to Oriana and Leon, who dashed inside the office. “The First Division Air Forces reported that multiple missiles were released to the second gate of Austere. They managed to counterattack and destroy the missiles it but the fallen parts affected some place-“   

“Y-Your Highness! Please, have mercy on me!” The man covered in dirt and blood pleaded while kneeling in front of Meredith. Meredith’s eyes transferred from him to the woman and two children who were crying at the edge of the room. It was the man’s family.             “P-Please, Your Highness!” The woman pleaded with her broken voice and Meredith felt sympathy for them.             “You’re a noble yet you dared to betray the Empire.” Meredith looked at the man. “Since you have two little children, I’ll show you mercy.” She said. Meredith’s husband, Valor, looked at her with wide eyes and aimed to speak, but Meredith motioned her hand. “But the law is the law. Take off his ring.” Meredith’s cold voice and words pierced the man, and he went berserk. Taking off his rings means stripping his noble title and exiling them from the city. No more wealth, supplies, and power.

Two months had passed since Ashriel announced her mission to everyone. Since then, almost everyone has lost their appetite for doing their jobs. Ashriel went to the Cadre’s secret place and faced the breathtaking view of the ocean. The water glittered because of the algae, and the buzz of the insects was like a piece of soft music. It felt magical.           “I’ll miss this place,” Ashriel whispered and walked towards the biggest tree below the small hill. “But I’ll miss you more, of course.” She smiled. “I’m leaving tomorrow, so come out now.” She stopped, and her smile widened when a big figure came out from behind the tree. “Carsillion.”            Ashriel walked closer and held Nathan’s hand, but he quickly grabbed her shoulders and pulled her down on the ground. Ashriel remained calm, but then her eyes widened when Nathan