I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 80
Silence fell upon the banquet hall. Moments later, it erupted into an uproar as shocked gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd.
“An emergency trial?”
“His Majesty the Emperor against His Majesty the Empress?”
Lionel’s gaze snapped to the Empress reflexively. A visible tremor had replaced the usual calm in her eyes. His heart ached to see her vulnerability. Clenching his jaw, he stepped forward, glaring at the judge with unwavering intensity.
“A trial?! Without any warning, right now?!”
The judge took a deep breath, visibly uncomfortable under Lionel’s fierce gaze, and spoke with forced composure.
“His Majesty the Emperor has decided to proceed with an informal trial to protect Her Majesty the Empress’s honor. As this is an internal trial within the Ulrich family and an emergency trial, it can proceed without separate notice.”
Suddenly, Elizabeth stepped forward, her voice a low growl, her demeanor that of a lioness ready to protect her cubs.
“So, you’re saying you’re going to file a lawsuit today, on a national holiday, and at a banquet? This is unprecedented and outrageous!!”
“… His Highness the Grand Duke has also been summoned as a witness. Please come with us.”
The nobles of the Baldr family began to object loudly. Voices rose in unison, declaring that the trial could not start this way. The judges, now sweating profusely, glanced at each other in desperation. At that moment, the Empress, who had been silently watching the commotion, stepped forward, her presence commanding immediate silence. She approached the judge, her gaze piercing through him.
“If this is a trial, then it means you’re accusing me of something,” she said, her voice steady, betraying none of the turmoil inside.
The judge, overwhelmed by her authority, lowered his head and remained silent, unable to muster a response.
‘You were the one who refused. You also failed to do your duty.’ The Emperor’s voice echoed in her mind. Adele took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Her chest felt tight, and breathing was difficult, but there was nowhere else to retreat. A trial?
“Very well, let’s proceed. Show me the way,” she said, her voice so calm and her attitude so composed that those around her were left speechless.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Lead the way,” she urged.
The judges, jolted by the Empress’s calm command, hurriedly turned around. Lionel reached out to stop her, his face a mask of despair. The many eyes on them were of no concern to him. He still did not fully understand what she wanted or needed. However, he knew one thing for certain: the burden she carried on her thin shoulders was immense. She was the type to bear it alone, no matter the weight, even if it crushed her. She had once asked for her people back home to be called, but then changed her mind, deciding she couldn’t burden them with her struggles.
“I will stand by you,” Lionel vowed silently, determined to support her until the end. But the Emperor seemed to have other plans. A servant appeared, his voice cutting through the tension in the hall.
“Today’s banquet is canceled due to an emergency trial within the royal family! An order to evacuate the palace has been issued. Please return home immediately!”
Adele gently pulled Lionel’s hand away, giving him a reassuring smile.
“I’ll go with them. Don’t worry about me. Just go back,” she said.
Elizabeth whispered something as she passed Lionel. His heart ached as if it were being squeezed. His entire being felt like molten lava, but he forced himself to stay calm. Now was not the time for blind rage. He needed to protect the Empress with a clear head. What kind of trial was this? What crime were they accusing her of? Lionel clenched his fists, fury building inside him.
‘If there’s a crime, it’s the Emperor’s neglect of his duties!’
A sudden thought flashed through his mind. The servants and soldiers were beginning to surround the banquet hall, pressuring everyone to leave. As the nobles exited, Theseus approached Lionel, his anger evident. Before Theseus could speak, Lionel addressed him.
“Brother, gather the nobles.”
His voice was so steady and confident that Theseus paused, his hand falling from Lionel’s shoulder.
“They’re trying to act before we can respond. We must take action now,” Lionel said.
With those words, Lionel stormed out of the banquet hall, determination fueling his every step.
Meanwhile, the judges stormed into the Empress’s palace. The startled maids ran to Lady Giggs, their voices trembling with urgency.
“The judge is here!”
“Yes, they’re looking for the Empress.”
Lady Giggs, ever composed and dignified, stood up straight and confronted the judges.
“What is the meaning of this?”
The judges, clearly intimidated by her presence, cleared their throats and spoke hesitantly.
“His Majesty the Emperor has called for a trial of the Empress. Hanna Giggs has been summoned as a witness. Please come with us.”
Lady Giggs glared at them, her voice dripping with disdain.
“A trial against Her Majesty the Empress?!”
“We must proceed with respect for Her Majesty’s honor. Please come with us.”
Madame Giggs felt a chill run down her spine. She quickly donned a coat, hiding her trembling hands, and followed the judges into the night, her heart heavy with worry for the Empress.
All citizens of Echmont were tried by national law, but the Ulrich family was an exception. The imperial family was tried by the Imperial Palace Law, and this trial was to be conducted in the courtroom within the palace. Adele stopped before the heavy doors, feeling as though the gates of hell were opening before her. Elizabeth, sensing her fear, grabbed her hand tightly.
“It will be alright,” she whispered.
Their eyes met, and Adele managed a faint, reassuring smile. As the massive doors opened fully, she stepped forward, meeting the Emperor’s gaze across the room.
****
Meanwhile, Lennox confronted Diane, his face twisted with anxiety and helplessness.
“The Emperor has abandoned you! How can he not have seen you even once?”
Diane clenched her eyes shut, wishing she could silence Lennox’s incessant complaints. He continued, relentless in his tirade.
“If this continues, you’ll be expelled after giving birth, and your child will be taken!”
Diane clenched her fists, feeling the urge to scream. She preferred the cold stares of the nobles over Lennox’s nagging. But he didn’t stop.
“Why haven’t the doctors confirmed your pregnancy? Think, Diane. Why the delay?”
“Please, shut up.”
“Is the Emperor asking you to postpone the announcement?”
Diane opened her eyes slowly, Lennox’s words echoing in her mind. Shadows darkened her features, her expression hollow. Lennox clicked his tongue, disapproving of her appearance.
“You look terrible. Eat something, for heaven’s sake.”
“Is that all you have to say?”
“What do you mean?”
“What am I to you?”
Diane stood with all her strength, moving to the next room and locking the door behind her. She slid down, sinking into darkness. Lennox’s words haunted her.
“Did the Emperor tell me to delay the announcement? Why?”
Diane’s eyes filled with confusion. Memories resurfaced. The Emperor’s expression when he suspected her pregnancy had been chilling. Her stomach twisted in pain, familiar and unwelcome.
“Oh, no….”
She trembled, remembering the Emperor’s cold gaze. Realization hit her like a ton of bricks. A scream tore from her lips.
“That can’t be true!”
