"No," Amanda lied. Peter smiled upon hearing her response. "Let me help," said Peter, taking the seaweed basket from Amanda's arms. The basket wasn't too heavy, but for a small girl like Amanda, it seemed difficult for her to carry. "Ah! Peter, let me carry it," Amanda declined, trying to take the basket back. But Peter pulled the basket back. "May I help you reduce your burden, Amanda?" asked the copper-haired man with a sincere smile. "I would be happy to indulge you," he continued, whispering softly in Amanda's ear and winking one eye. The woman with amethyst eyes immediately stepped back, creating distance between them. 'Why do you always reject me, Amanda?' Peter thought to himself. "Thank you, Peter!" Amanda said, hastening her steps. She felt uncomfortable with the way the Galela son was treating her. But Peter's steps quickly caught up to Amanda's. The dark-skinned young man immediately took Amanda's hand, intending to hold it. Still, Amanda gently pushed his hand away
"Peter! Amanda!" called a woman, Mary. Immediately Amanda pulled back her hand, grateful for someone between she and Peter now. "Mary, how is your father's illness? Is he getting better?" asked Amanda, which was answered by Mary's nod. "My father is much better, Amanda. Thank you." The only reason Amanda, who was considered a cheap woman, was accepted in the village was that Amanda was skilled at making medicine. Almost three-quarters of the village's population had been treated by Amanda. From making medicine, Amanda and the Balton and Galela couple earned a living in any area they visited. "Don't you go to Eden?" This time Mary asked enthusiastically, her eyes kept looking at Peter. "What's happen at Eden?" Peter asked. Now the three of them were walking side by side on the beach. "They are selecting beautiful girls for the Black Emperor in Eden." Amanda tightened her grip on her dress. 'Come on Amanda, why are you always surprised by this news? This isn't even the first ti
Bruises and blue marks on Max's arms and dried bloodstains on the little boy's temple indicated this was not a rare occurrence. In fact, it happened frequently, and every time Max returned from school, his small and fragile body was covered in bruises and scars from punches and kicks. However, the little boy never explained the cause of all this. He would say it wasn't important and that he had won all the fights because the other kids were disrespectful and rude. Amanda knew exactly what was causing all of this, though. She was the "whore" who had a child without a husband, as every villager in Artias called her. They told their children about it, and rumours spread like wildfire in such a remote area like Artias. "Do you do what Uncle Peter told you to do?" Peter asked, trying to get down on Max's level. Max smiled, showing a row of perfectly aligned teeth. "Of course, Uncle! Uncle is the best teacher! No one can beat Uncle!" Max exclaimed with admiration. Peter ruffled Max's h
"Oh, you guys are here too!" said the head of the Artias region, as he saw Peter and his friends enter the meeting hall. Artias is one of the regions in the Southern Continent that has a different system of governance. While other regions still adhere to an absolute monarchy, Artias has already established a democratic system. Its head is one of the traditional elders chosen through consultation. "What's going on, Chairman Fang?" asked Peter curiously. The young man from Galela was a respected leader among the youth in the Artias region. "We're going to welcome some important guests, Peter!" replied the old man with a lean, muscular body, looking very enthusiastic. "Who?" asked the other villagers. The large meeting hall was already filled with influential villagers in Artias. The residents were very curious about their leader's following answer. "The Black Emperor and Queen Eden are visiting this region." Surprise murmurs could not be hidden from the faces of the villagers, the
"Illarion? Illarion wake up," said Amanda as she tapped the man's cheek. His obsidian-colored eyes opened, and the person he missed so much was sitting next to him. They were under the shade of a big tree, surrounded only by grass atop the hill. The gentle breeze blew Amanda's silver hair as she sat beside her loved man. Illarion couldn't take his eyes off Amanda, although his heart whispered, "This is a dream. A dream that erases my nightmares about my mother burning on the gallows. This dream even accompanied my nights since eight years ago." "Amanda, when will you take me away?" Illarion always asked while stroking the pale-skinned girl's chin. "I miss you," Amanda would always answer the repeated question from the black-haired man in her dream, like a broken tape. The petite girl in his embrace shook her head. "You're not for me, Illarion." Then, cold air and snow suddenly covered the grassy field. The tree with lush leaves under which they had sheltered withered, leaving onl
"Do you know the story of the Gunion fish migration, Emperor?" Queen Zaina suddenly changed the awkward atmosphere hanging between the two of them. "No." "The Gunion fish from the cold eastern tip of the Southern Continent will migrate in large numbers to the warmer western area to spawn," Queen Zaina explained. "Isn't that what every animal does during seasonal transitions?" Illarion asked, raising his injured eyebrow. 'Very masculine expression, very handsome,' thought Queen Zaina before continuing her story. "Gunion fish are different. They will mate in the eastern tip of the Southern Continent, and then the females will migrate west to lay their eggs. What's interesting is that the males will stay in the cold area. They will make nests and defend themselves from other animals. It's no wonder many male Gunion fish die from freezing during that time." "Hmm?" Illarion tilted his head, looking interested. "A sacrifice to defend their territory, a very chivalrous attitude indeed.
Amanda's legs went weak at hearing that. Only Grandfather Balton and Amanda knew the real figure of Max's father. "Why?" Galela asked, seeing Amanda sitting weakly with an empty gaze in front of her. "H-how could he be here?" Amanda asked nervously. "Well, from what I heard, he's looking for a potential wife!" Galela said while flipping her hair. "I think I've been a widow for too long," Galela added with a mischievous smile. Max wrinkled his nose as if disgusted by Galela's behaviour. "But Madam is already old-." "SHUT UP, YOU BRAT!" Galela shouted. "He's been a widower for eight years since his traitorous wife was executed. During that time, he hasn't chosen any woman as a replacement. We don't know, maybe he wants someone more mature to accompany him, someone who's-." "But you are already old, Bu," Peter retorted, suddenly appearing behind Amanda and Max. "SHUT UP!" Galela snapped again. "His taste might have changed!" "Are you okay, Amanda?" Peter asked, ignoring his mothe
Illarion refused the palanquin prepared by his guards so that his feet wouldn't get wet when he disembarked from the large boat he had just boarded, which was one hundred meters from the shore Artias Beach.The man dressed in all black stepped onto the westernmost island of the Southern Continent. White sand immediately greeted his black boots, leaving contrasting footprints. "Your Majesty, the Black Emperor. May the golden lion of Arkana always bless you," greeted Chairman Fang. 'The pressure of dominance emitted by this man is no joke. His charisma is extraordinary,' praised the Artias leader inwardly. "Thank you, Chairman Fang. My best wishes to you," replied Illarion, placing his right hand on his chest, returning the honor to Chairman Fang. Behind the handsome and muscular man, two women were visible, capturing the attention of the residents. The beautiful face of Queen Zaina always attracted anyone's attention, whether male or female, while the strong and sexy appearance eman
Illarion stopped in his tracks, not wanting Amanda to distance herself further from him. While gazing into Amanda's amethyst irises, the man with obsidian hair asked, "What if it's all true?" Amanda leaned against the cold stone wall in the underground chamber, not wanting to fall in front of Illarion Black, who had just revealed something Amanda had never suspected in her entire life. Her beloved friend Aime, who had been replaced by Illarion, had died because of the actions of the man she loved the most. 'I was even willing to die for this man with black hair,' Amanda thought. "I guess we're not destined to be together, Emperor," Amanda replied. The sorrowful expression that Illarion displayed upon hearing Amanda's words made Karak's laughter resonate once again in the underground chamber. "Karma! Hear that! It's your Karma, Illarion!" the old man interjected amidst his terrifying laughter. "Don't leave me again, Amanda," Illarion pleaded weakly as he followed the girl's steps t
"I am Karak."Amanda's purple eyes widened upon hearing that name. Karak was the man who poisoned Illarion during the dance party at King Abraham's birthday. It was then that they met Galela and Balton, who saved Illarion and provided the antidote for the poison.'Is it because of that incident that Illarion is torturing this man? Because he once poisoned him?' Amanda wonders why this old man gets punishment like this by Illarion Black."It seems like you recognize me," Karak guessed, narrowing his eyes. The chains on his back rattled. "Ah, my abilities are truly extraordinary."'I shouldn't get involved in this. I should leave,' Amanda thought."Hey, don't you hold a grudge against that man?" Karak asked.Amanda, who was about to turn back, halted her steps. "Why would I?""For sacrificing you.""What do you mean?" Amanda asked.Karak chuckled softly before answering Amanda's question. "Who do you think poisoned the King? The previous King.""Huh?" Amanda murmured, looking confused.
Princess Hera's face immediately turned pale. "Of course, the spring colour is the most suitable, like the colour of falling leaves," Amanda said with a smile, patting her sister-in-law's arm. "Oh, yes, of course," Princess Hera replied with a forced smile. "We were discussing the perfect dress colour for spring, my Lord," Amanda explained. "Oh," murmured Illarion, then he got into the carriage. "My sister will stop at the Main Palace. She will stay there for a while to prepare for our wedding celebration," Illarion explained to Amanda. "Ah! Thank you, Princess Hera. I hope I'm not causing you any trouble," Amanda expressed. "Oh, certainly not. I'm happy to finally do this after waiting for the emperor's wedding for ten years," Princess Hera replied, appearing to laugh. But that only furrowed Amanda's brow. 'Why does Princess Hera look so uncomfortable next to her brother?' Finally, Amanda White and Illarion Black arrive at the black palace after escorting Princess Hera to the
"What are you doing?" Princess Hera asked, investigating while pulling Illarion's arm as soon as the dance party ended.The Black Emperor immediately brushed the woman with dark ash hair hand. "What do you mean?""High Priest, what are you doing to him?"Illarion shook his head and scoffed. "Tsk! Do you suspect me, Sis? Isn't that going too far? I am also deeply saddened.""You're not good at acting, Illarion!" Princess Hera stated firmly.The handsome man with a scar on his right eyebrow laughed cynically."You've gone too far! You're just like our late father, the previous King."Illarion immediately stared sharply at his sister. "Don't compare me to that old man who sold you for power.""What's the difference? You also kill to justify your goals! The High Priest is a holy person, a representative of God, Illarion!" Prince Hera shouted. "I never expected you to become this bad.""I was the one who saved you!" Illarion retorted, clenching his jaw and tightening his elbow."We'll see
"I should have sent someone to fetch her," thought Illarion as he searched for Amanda among the hundreds of guests.Illarion face lit up with a wide smile when he saw a figure with snow-white skin passing through the hall's main entrance where the dance party was being held.All eyes once again followed the steps of Illarion Black, amazed by the physical perfection of the leader of the deadliest army in the entire Black Continent. Their breaths were caught as the Black Emperor knelt before a woman."Who is she?" "I heard she's the daughter of Duke Gree, but wasn't she sickly and had a child out of wedlock?" Question after question rolled in hushed tones, too afraid to voice out loud who the woman now offering her hand to the Black Emperor was. One wrong answer, and their heads might roll before they get a chance to find out.After Illarion gently kissed the back of Amanda's hand, he stood tall and led the girl with pink tresses onto the dance floor, accompanied by beautiful music. The
"Max!"Amanda called nervously, startled and looking embarrassed, when she almost got caught kissing Illarion by a young boy and Virginiana."You're too young, ten years old, to hurt me, little boy," Illarion said, slightly annoyed because he could taste Amanda's cherry lips. "What is he doing? Stealing Mom's breath again?"Amanda's face turned crimson while Illarion laughed heartily upon hearing Max's question.The dark-haired man tilted his head, observing the little girl clinging behind Max. Virginiana appeared to steal glances fearfully, observing Illarion Black's figure. "Is it her?" Illarion asked Amanda. "Both of you look so alike.""Oh, yes, she's Virginiana!" Amanda exclaimed, shifting her attention to Max, still feeling embarrassed.Virginiana's face immediately turned pale as Illarion looked at her again, now knowing her name. The little girl bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears. Illarion knelt in front of Max and Virginiana."Allow me to introduce myself as the fath
"What?" exclaimed all the attending guests. They didn't expect the ruler of Anarka to attend this small tea party. Although Duke and Thomas Gree, noblemen and trusted aides of the Black Emperor, were present, it was unusual for someone other than the host's spouse to attend such a small tea gathering unless they had an intimate relationship with the host."Black Emperor is here, are any of these noble ladies capturing the ruler's heart?" Countess Synera asked, full of curiosity.Romantic relationships among the nobility were always intriguing to gossip about, especially when they involved higher-ranking nobles. And now, the Black Emperor, dressed in a dark maroon suit, walked along the path to the party venue, causing the hearts of the noble ladies to beat faster."Forgive my intrusion. I was passing by and decided to visit Duke Gree's residence briefly," Illarion said, trying to come up with an excuse, but the noble guests didn't care. The presence of the handsome man dominated their
Mathilda and Thomas seemed drawn to attention when they saw Kaliya, who couldn't stop smiling while holding hands with Amanda in Duke Gree's garden residence."She has sun-kissed skin spots just like Vivian," Mathilda murmured finally, and Duke Gree nodded with a sad look beside his wife."Are they just noticing this now?" thought Amanda. She felt Kaliya's hand tremble slightly in her grasp.Suddenly, Kaliya screamed loudly, pulling flowers and throwing them toward the Gree couple."Kaliya...," Thomas softly called out, no longer shouting, which caused the brown-eyed child to widen her eyes in confusion."Did I do something w-wrong?" she asked with a trembling voice. Subconsciously, Kaliya knew that if she were called by her name, she would be punished, as that had been happening to her all this time.Amanda immediately crouched down next to the little girl so their eyes were level. "You did nothing wrong, my dear, but it's better if you don't throw anything at other people because it
"Who?""Duke Alantoin Son, Ignatius Alantoin. Fortunately, that playboy was also sentenced to death by the Black Emperor along with his father, who was a loyal supporter of Queen Minerva," Mathilda replied angrily. "He is the flesh and blood of a man who opposes the Black Emperor."Amanda stared sharply at Mathilda. "Did you forget? My father is also a distant relative of Queen Minerva."Mathilda immediately choked. She, who had wanted to make Amanda understand why she treated Kaliya that way, felt attacked instead. Amanda immediately refuted Duchess Gree's statement."She is still a child. She is innocent, especially since she is your daughter's child, Duchess. She is your granddaughter-.""She is the reason my weak daughter died while giving birth! Her father deceived my daughter so that she would give up her virginity. My daughter, who never met anyone outside of wedlock, was left alone by that damn man! Even though my daughter insisted on giving birth to her child, even though her