Amanda opened the door to the Black Emperor's chamber as the Nempla birds were flying around, searching for food. How surprised the pale-skinned woman was when she pulled back the mosquito net and saw her son and husband fast asleep on the bed. Max's feet were resting on Illarion's broad chest as if the little boy was climbing on his tall, big father's body.'They look so peaceful at a time like this as if they didn't argue at all last night. If only I could paint, I would want to capture this rare scene,' Amanda thought, smiling silently.Just as she was about to turn around and let the two most beloved humans in her life continue their sleep, her pale hand was gently pulled, causing Amanda to pause."Where are you going?" Illarion whispered, his husky voice tickling Amanda's ears as he pressed his lips right against her hearing senses. The black-haired man leaned in close to her."Sir-."Before Amanda could say anything else, her mouth was silenced by Illarion. "Sshh... don't say an
"Am I not jealous of other women?" The black-haired man looked very disappointed. "Does Amanda never love me?""Leave me alone with Amanda right now," Illarion ordered the other three people in the room.Soon, Duke Gree, Hang Gari, and finally, Princess Hera bid farewell with curiosity. But refusing Illarion's command now seemed impossible, as the Black Emperor seemed to be harboring anger.Before closing the door, Princess Hera glanced worriedly at Amanda. 'Will that girl be okay? My brother wouldn't just kill the woman he loves, right?'Once the door was closed, Illarion lifted Amanda's chin immediately, urging his wife to look into his dark eyes. "Is that what you want? Me marrying another woman? Aren't you even a little jealous of me, Amanda?" Illarion asked, pressing his pride. 'I even want to gouge out the eyes of anyone who looks at you with immoral intentions.'Their love languages were indeed very different. Illarion Black with his possessiveness, while Amanda White with her
Galela appeared annoyed as she tightened her shawl around her shoulders."You promised me an unforgettable dinner with the Black Emperor, but here I am, walking towards a distant garden behind the lake. Are you planning to kill me and bury me there?" the old woman asked the handsome man beside her."Believe me. I have long intended to do so. If it weren't for the debts I owe you, old woman," Illarion replied flatly.Galela immediately frowned, but as she set foot in the backyard garden, her emerald green eyes widened at the beautiful sight. The park was adorned with fireflies, lovely candles, and beautiful flowers.Illarion sighed. "I wanted to have a romantic dinner here with Amanda, just the two of us. But I don't know what my sister has been feeding her that made the girl dare to reject my request." The Black Emperor then noticed Galela's expression beside him. 'But this isn't bad either. I can repay all the kindness this old woman and her husband have shown me and my family.'"Vis
Amanda kissed Illarion's cheek gently as the man's hand wandered back to her body. "I think Max is looking for me now, Lord Illarion Black. He needs to be reminded to shower and have breakfast, and Princess Hera will discuss her education and lessons with me," Amanda said, gripping Illarion's hand tightly to prevent it from roaming her body again.Illarion appeared disappointed. "Very well, coincidentally, I also want to discuss that," Illarion finally said.The royal family gathered in the dining room that morning, enjoying a luxurious meal. Although it felt excessive, the servants would typically enjoy the leftovers. It was a common practice in that era."Regarding Max, I want him to attend St. Benedict's school if you agree, Amanda. Additionally, he will receive knight training during his school breaks," Illarion suggested, looking into his wife's purple eyes. He initiated the conversation after breakfast.Amanda gazed at Max from a distance. Her son was practicing wooden swordplay
That afternoon, Illarion Black and Duke Gree discussed their plan regarding Amanda's change of identity. Duke Gree was a trusted person of Illarion Black. The nobleman was among the first to oppose Queen Minerva and side with Illarion Black in the early stages of their conflict.Some say Duke Gree's loyalty began when he fell in love with Emperor Black's birth mother, Concubine Sonya. However, nobody dared to ask to confirm this. The Black Emperor seemed indifferent; he considered Duke Gree more than a family member.Illarion's face twisted in annoyance again that evening, making Amanda uneasy about boarding the carriage."Come on, this is also for our good," Amanda pleaded while caressing Illarion's sharp jawline."But what about the other one hundred and ninety-nine rooms? We haven't tried them yet," grumbled the infamous ruler of Anarka. Now he was nothing more than a lovesick person who didn't want to be separated from his beloved woman."Oh my God. I was perfectly fine when my mo
Amanda just nodded, too shocked and still holding onto Max. The little child, on the other hand, tried to free himself."Who is that? I will punish them for startling my mother!" Max threatened and intended to follow Mathilda to find out who threw the stone."Max!" Duke Gree exclaimed, restraining the little child. "My wife will severely punish her.""Her? Who is 'she'?" Max asked, becoming more curious.Thomas Gree let out a heavy sigh as he looked at Amanda. "It's not important. I believe your rooms are ready," Duke Gree said, indicating that he didn't want to discuss it further and redirected their attention.The nobleman then called a servant to escort Amanda and Max to their rooms. However, a piercing scream deafens their ears, causing Amanda and Max to startle again. Duke Gree's forehead furrowed with displeasure. "Mad child!" the nobleman muttered."What's happening?" Amanda asked. "Is Dutchess Gree alright?"Duke Gree smiled awkwardly. "Don't worry about it, Amanda. Please fol
"Are you okay?" Amanda asked again. Duke Gree, now standing next to the little girl, immediately lifted the collar of her shirt. Like a pink cotton candy because of her messy hair, Thomas immediately dragged the girl. "Stop!" Amanda commanded. "What are you doing?" she asked, seeing the terrified look on the little girl being dragged. "Oh, forgive me, Amanda. This child is really naughty. I think that bastard's blood flows strongly in her. I apologize if it disturbs you. Please go back and rest," Mathilda interrupted while gently patting Amanda's shoulder. At the same time, Duke Gree continued to drag the young girl. "I said stop, Duke Gree!" Amanda ordered again, ignoring Mathilda's words. "Who is that little girl? She looks terrified." Amanda could no longer pretend to be indifferent. The little girl's presence honestly reminded her of herself from a few years ago. Duke Gree let out a sigh as he pushed the little girl away. "I don't want you to know. I don't want anyone to know
"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
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