She instinctively tried to lower her head, attempting to hide the tears that betrayed her vulnerability, her voice choked with sobs:

"I'm sorry..."

But the hand above her head felt incredibly heavy, making it impossible for her to lower her head.

Aurelion could only watch helplessly as her father's figure gradually became blurred.

She saw Aubrey's eyes gradually become serious.

Do you remember what I said?

Aubrey's weathered and authoritative voice continued to echo in her ears:

"Only when wearing a crown can one bow one's head."

"Now, let me teach you one last lesson."

Aubrey withdrew his hand from the air.

He placed his hands behind his back, and with the composure of a once-majestic emperor, calmly gazed at Aurelion, and said in a low voice:

"As an emperor, you have no right to apologize."

"Remember, even if you have made a mistake, you can try to make amends, but you must never apologize."

Aurelion listened blankly, facing Aubrey, her heart filled with confusion.

But then she heard Aubrey continue:

"Apologizing means you have wavered in your decision-making."

"To bow one's head is to lose confidence in one's own strength."

As soon as she finished speaking, Aurelian felt a sudden jolt deep within her soul.

As if suddenly realizing something, his eyes widened.

In her memory, she had never seen her father apologize to or bow his head to anyone.

And no one dared to disobey his orders.

All orders issued by the emperor must be obeyed unconditionally, regardless of rank or status.

Imperial decree is above all else; it is the supreme authority.

For Aurelion and everyone else, this would subconsciously be taken for granted.

Because everyone firmly believed that Aubrey was invincible.

He doesn't need to ask for help from anyone, nor does he need to bow his head to anyone.

As the most powerful and respected emperor in this empire, his authority was unmatched.

However, now that Aubrey is no longer the emperor, he has bowed his head.

A smile returned to his face, and he gazed tenderly at the child who had inherited his mission.

The former majesty and grandeur have gradually faded, and the solemnity of the emperor is gone.

"Child, feel free to make the decision you believe is right."

Bang!

Suddenly, a stunning beam of light burst forth high in the sky.

The dazzling array of lights, as brilliant as fireworks, illuminated the entire night sky of the capital.

These streaks of light reflected off Aurelion's face, making her expression of surprise and disbelief clearly visible.

Two bright stars were reflected in his eyes, and within them seemed to be the flickering figure of Aubrey.

At this moment, Aubrey finally closed his eyes with satisfaction, letting his form become even more hazy and ethereal.

A voice, filled with loving compassion and detachment, seemed to drift from afar, gently flowing into Aurelion's ears:

"This is the last lesson your father will teach you."

Finally, the ethereal sound dissipated gently with the rising breeze.

It was as if it had taken Aubrey's illusory body with it and rushed into the distance, disappearing into the distant horizon.

Aurelion's eyes widened as she felt the breeze brush against her hair and the cool wind gently caress her face.

She desperately wanted to reach out and try to persuade them to stay.

However, she could only watch helplessly as her father, inside the armor, silently vanished.

As Aubrey passed away, the unsupported golden armor crashed to the ground with a dull thud.

The crisp sound of metal clashing was like a golden hammer striking Aurelion's trembling heart.

Her eyes trembled as she stared intently at the suit of armor lying silently on the ground.

She longed to bend down and embrace the armor, but her limbs seemed to be bound by ice, unable to move.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she still refused to lower her head.

She let the glistening tears overflow her eyes and silently slide down her cheeks.

It fell silently to the ground, dispersing into wisps of mist.

Although the echoes of the colorful fireworks still reverberated around them, Aurelion's voice turned icy.

It's as if they've lost their last bit of emotion.

"The late Emperor Aubrey was buried in the Imperial Mausoleum, with his armor buried with him."

"The funeral will be held tomorrow."