Chapter 73 Birthday: Premonition of Losing Control [VIP]
At the stroke of one in the afternoon, citizen representatives gathered in the city center square boarded the colorful floats one after another, and waved ribbons as they left the city center square amid the cheers of enthusiastic citizens and tourists.
They will spend the afternoon circling the city, igniting the joyous atmosphere, and arrive at the Little Palace of Love before dark to present their carefully prepared programs and surprise gifts to their beloved Holy Lord and all the nobles who have come to attend the birthday party.
However, the emperor's arrival disrupted the rhythm of almost all celebrations, including the parade of floats.
Many important roads were forcibly blocked by the knights of the Royal Knights who arrived in Maga with the emperor, and the float procession was forced to take detours again and again.
The professional artists who had passed the inspection a few days ago and were excitedly waiting for the dinner to begin in the lounge area were roughly taken into a small room and forcibly searched. The portable musical instruments of several artists were even destroyed on the spot because the Royal Guards in charge of the inspection suspected that the instruments had interlayers.
"Everything is for the safety of His Majesty the Emperor and Da Mo!"
"Yesterday evening, a patrol of knights was attacked in the grove near Lake Lilia!"
"We will not allow any dangerous elements to get close to His Majesty!"
“…”
The emperor's knights argued convincingly.
However, all the citizens of Maga knew that the emperor had dark thoughts about Da Mo. Unable to bear the emperor's harassment, Da Mo returned to Maga City, a city full of beautiful childhood memories, to live in seclusion. However, the emperor was relentless and not long ago sent a team of royal knights to patrol around the Little Love Palace in the name of concern, in the name of protection but in fact it was surveillance.
Why must we endure the rule of tyrants?
(Thinking about His Highness being harassed by the Emperor for the next few days, my heart aches.)
(It should have been a happy birthday party, but now it's...)
Thus, the sunny city of Magha was shrouded in the shadow of "Edmund III". Although everyone tried to show the joy and happiness that matched the festive atmosphere, all kinds of concerns and anxieties surged beneath the lively appearance.
…
…
After a bath, Yaris relaxed on the sofa, listening to the faint laughter of women and children outside the window, the chime of bells startled by birds brushing against the fence, and the rehearsal of artists performing on stage that evening...
"This sound, full of life... is so beautiful..."
Yaris muttered softly.
Xiao Yun heard this, but showed a worried look: "Later-"
"Don't worry."
Yaris smiled gently, stretched out his slender hand, and gently stroked his brother's cheek: "He is terrible, but I have you."
"I have you too."
Xiao Yun lowered his head and kissed the fair forehead.
Then--
"His Majesty Edmund III, the Holy and Great Emperor of the Sun Empire, who is deeply respected and loved by his people, has arrived—"
Following the high-pitched voice of the etiquette officer, the elegant and solemn door slowly opened. Edmund, dressed in a heavy purple formal suit, walked into the room arrogantly, surrounded by Prime Minister Ulysses and others, and appeared in front of the two.
"Long time no see, my dear cousin."
"Yeah, we haven't seen each other for a long time."
Yaris stood up and showed his signature cold, slightly contemptuous, but also very appropriate and polite sarcastic smile.
Edmund narrowed his eyes and looked at Yaris with a stern look as if a merchant was measuring the value of goods, and a low sigh gradually escaped from the corner of his mouth.
"It's been a while since we last met, and you've become even more beautiful than before—I don't mean any harm, I just suddenly remembered the first time I saw you. I was so surprised back then that I almost lost my composure... I've known since I was a child that I have a very beautiful cousin, and I've heard many stories about you from my mother and the servants. But before we officially met, I always thought that a man's beauty could only be described as handsome... And you..."
"Your beauty clearly has nothing to do with male handsomeness, but neither does it make anyone think you're a woman... You possess a beauty that transcends gender, even the human race... Therefore, I often wonder what you are. Are you a man or a woman? A human, or some unknown humanoid lifeform?"
"Thank you for the compliment."
As if he had finished his work and had not noticed Edmund's abnormality, Yaris asked him to sit on the tall and exquisite chair specially prepared for him, and sat back on the sofa.
Xiao Yun stood behind the sofa, one hand on the backrest, his fingertips touching his brother.
Those words just now...
【These are Edmund’s true words, and they are also His words.】
[Then shouldn’t we…]
It's okay. I know how to deal with it.
"—Edmund, I'm so sorry, but I didn't expect you to have changed so much after not seeing you for a few months."
Yaris stared at Edmund and said thoughtfully, "You look like you've had a serious illness. You're as thin as a skeleton. What happened?"
"What could happen to me?"
"Ever since you left the capital, I've been thinking about you every day. My longing for you has drained my blood and made my health worse day by day."
"oh?"
"For the past six months, I have used whips, daggers, and red-hot needles to ravage your body, breaking your already slender and fragile limbs. I have also poured poison into your mouth, leaving you bleeding, and made you utter mocking words..."
"But even the most brutal and twisted dreams are unforgettable to me... And every time I do this to you, I will wipe the blood off your body, bandage your wounds, and help you dress up as an exquisite doll, little..."
"What am I? Is it my inner desire or... Fortunately, although I always get pleasure from the uncontrolled violence in my dreams, I wake up to realize that these actions are wrong. I can't let the evil in my dreams become reality..."
Having said this, Edmund suddenly grinned, as if the skin named "Edmund" was suddenly torn off, revealing another soul hidden under this face.
"He" twitched his lips and made a mocking sound.
"I am tortured by my inner desires, and my body is withering away... The only one who can save me is you... If you return to the capital and stay by my side, I will be able to recover and grow flesh and blood again... and once again become the handsome man adored by noble ladies..."
"So you disguised the monster as a knight and sent it to the Little Cupid Palace?"
Yaris asked seriously.
Edmund's eyes suddenly became empty, his mouth opened mechanically, and he uttered a sound of disbelief: "Yaris, what did you say! You were attacked? A monster disguised as my knight appeared in the Little Palace of Love?"
Is his mind still normal?
Xiao Yun, feeling extremely strange, couldn't help but ask Yaris.
[It seems that Edmund's situation is more complicated than we expected...]
【you mean--】
[Edmund may not have fully accepted His consciousness, and He seems to only regard Edmund as an interesting puppet.]
【That……】
"—Jaris, I'm sorry that my negligence caused you and Lucien such a severe fright. Fortunately, you were not injured."
Edmund repeated in a strange tone, "Yes... Even if it was the other me in my dream, I couldn't bear to have a scar on your beautiful face, which is like a work of art. I would rather chop off your head and place it on a golden platter for admiration."
"...Your Majesty, you should go back and take your medicine."
Ulysses couldn't help but whisper a reminder.
"--Okay, I admit I haven't been quite normal lately, often saying things that even I find strange. So I've handed over the affairs of state to Ulysses and the ministers, and every night before going to bed I take the medicine prepared by the doctor..."
Edmund smiled, a smile that could hardly be called normal. "I'm usually not wary of people I trust. I never suspect they'll add anything bad to my medicine..."
"You're getting weirder and weirder, Edmund."
"To reassure everyone, I'm going to take my medicine now... I'll definitely be back to normal before tonight's birthday party starts..."
Edmund stood up while talking nervously.
"Then—see you tonight."
"See you tonight, Your Majesty."
…
A heavy, oppressive silence hung in the air for a long time after Edmund left the hall.
People said nothing, didn't even move.
Time passed silently in silence, and I didn't know how long it had been -
"Brother, Edmund..."
Xiao Yun spoke slowly: "Is Edmund now considered a living person or a ghost?"
“It’s difficult for me to answer this question.”
Yaris said in a low voice, "According to Edmund's own account, 'He' should have gradually invaded Edmund's body through dreams. Now, 'He' can replace his consciousness and take over his body at any time... But Edmund is confused and dazed about being reduced to a puppet, and firmly believes that 'He' is the embodiment of the evil desires deep within his heart..."
"Of course, Edmund's words aren't necessarily the truth. After all, humans have a natural tendency to lie and embellish themselves."
"So what do we do now?"
“Prepare for the worst.”
Yaris said in a soft voice, his eyes were extremely firm.
Looking at Yaris, who was as slender and thin as a girl but exuded an awe-inspiring aura comparable to a god of war, a bold idea flashed through Xiao Yun's mind.
(Jaris, did you foresee the bloody and hopeless future during that unexpected encounter with the Dragon Emperor? Did you also foresee that Edmund would turn to darkness due to the evil in his heart, and therefore forced Lucien to learn military and political studies, which he disliked?)
After Lucien ran away from home, unable to bear the burden of his studies, you fought against the Dragon Emperor alone, while winning over Kairusha, who saw you as a lord in need of salvation, supporting Alfonso, who had the potential to become king, gathering young scholars who admired you, and using the 'Dark Night Mentor' and his men to exploit each other...
(With your intelligence and sharpness, how is it possible that you haven’t realized until now that I’m not the original Lucien… Perhaps, you knew everything from the beginning, but you…)
(Everything you've done so far has been to save the Western Continent and prevent a terrible future... That's why you're always so haggard and sad...)
…
…
In the evening, the birthday party officially began.
All the magical lighting tools installed in the Garden of Eros were lit. Hundreds of light sources were used through mirrors set near the light sources for refraction and flickering, making the already beautiful Garden of Eros almost a vortex of light and a paradise on earth.
Thousands of Magha citizens who had the honor to attend the banquet wore festive attire and walked happily through the garden that was as beautiful as a brocade all year round.
——The emperor's sudden visit disrupted the original birthday party schedule. As commoners, they were prohibited from entering the luxurious and glorious Golden Hall to get close to the imperial nobles attending the birthday party. However, the generous Prince Da Mo still prepared enough wine and food for everyone, and arranged for hundreds of folk artists to perform songs and dances in the garden.
The chefs at the Little Love Temple pulled out all the stops to ensure a constant supply of food. Fat roast chickens, roast pork, and roast steaks were devoured in the blink of an eye. Freshly baked cakes and bread, still steaming hot, found their way into everyone's stomachs. Mead, fruit wine, ale, and all sorts of iced fruit juices flowed like water. Flower jellies, meat pies, fruit tarts, sweet cakes, crystal candies...
People lined up in front of the tents offering different kinds of food, their faces flushed and laughter ringing, as if they had never eaten anything good before.
Of course, as representatives of the citizens, they attended today's banquet not just to eat and drink.
After enjoying the delicious food without any scruples, people gathered around dozens of small temporary stages to enjoy the artists' singing and dancing performances, constantly cheering and applauding, waiting for the sacred moment of moonrise.
…
…
"As expected of a sacred family with a 5,000-year history, a simple birthday banquet can consume a huge fortune, enough to feed and drink everyone in a small town for a whole year."
On the balcony, Edmund, whose mental state had returned to normal after taking the medicine, looked at the people moving in the garden and made harsh comments.
"But everyone is happy," Yaris said with a smile, "Birthdays should make everyone happy, right?"
"...Are you mocking me?"
"On the contrary, I hope you will enjoy yourself tonight."
"Oh!"
Edmund took the wine from the servant and said grimly, "I am different from you. I am the emperor, and the emperor needs the people's fear more than their support and love. Only when everyone fears me will they obey me."
"Stretching the bowstring to its limit might unleash an arrow with unprecedented sharpness, but what's more likely to happen is the bowstring snapping, and the arrow falling to the ground."
"Yaris, why do you always give your tenderness to those who don't deserve it at all?"
Edmund narrowed his eyes and stared at Yaris sharply.
"They are both short-sighted and forgetful. They are now applauding your generosity and kindness. But if I declare that you have colluded with the 'tyrant' Alfonso, betrayed the interests of the Solar Empire, and even attempted to start a rebellion that endangered the peace of the Empire, even without solid evidence, they will actively distance themselves from you for fear of being implicated, and will cheer sincerely when the news of your death comes."
"Well, the situation you described is indeed possible..."
Yaris said lightly, "However, I have not colluded with Alfonso, nor have I betrayed the Empire. As for the rebellion you are most worried about—how could I, in my frail health, launch a rebellion and endanger the peace of the Empire?"
"You are weak, but you have a strong and healthy brother."
Edmund's voice suddenly became high-pitched, and his eyes looked viciously at Xiao Yun who was standing behind Yaris.
"Lucien, I heard that you are very popular among the people in Gaula?"
"The environment in the Gaola region is harsh, and the people live in hardship. I only need to do a little to gain the unanimous support of the people."
"Are you implying that the five border earls sent by the Empire to Gora did nothing?"
"They are military earls, whose duty is to defend against barbarians and bandits and to protect the Kas River's waterway. They also do not serve as the lord's governing lords."
"...You are indeed laughing at me."
Edmund's eyes flickered as he slowly said, "Actually, I was planning to execute you in secret."
"Why?"
Xiao Yun did not show any particular surprise.
Yaris's expression was also calm: "Are you so insecure?"
"If you were an emperor without an heir and unpopular with the people, and you were faced with someone younger, more popular, more capable, and of a nobler bloodline than the royal family, would you feel distraught and even want to kill him just in case?"
"If I were the emperor..."
"You will also find a way to kill the young man who threatens you, or exile him, right?"
Edmund demanded, his eyes full of ferocity.
"...If I were the emperor, I would never do this."
"Why?"
Edmund looked at Xiao Yun suspiciously: "Why not kill him or exile him?"
"Humanity has long since left the barbaric era where defeating the previous leader in a one-on-one duel would make one the new leader of a tribe. If an emperor loses his crown, it must be because he has done something terrible that even his closest relatives cannot accept, not because a challenger younger, stronger, or more capable than him has emerged within his realm."
"oh?"
Edmund gave him another strange look. "You brothers have strange ideas. You all think that the emperor was driven from the throne. The only thing wrong is that the emperor is not a usurper."
"The founding emperor of the Yula Dynasty was also a usurper. To be precise, almost all the founders of dynasties in the history of the Solar Empire were usurpers."
Yaris smiled and said, "Three thousand years ago, the Holy Royal Family formally gave up their royal power and retreated to become a hereditary high priest family. Edmund, do you think they made this decision voluntarily?"
"——What do you want to say? Are you even going to criticize your own ancestors?"
"I always like to evaluate past events from the perspective of a historian."
"All right!"
Edmund muttered as he returned to the brightly lit Golden Hall.
"Your birthday party is about to officially begin, don't keep everyone waiting! Your Highness!"
Upon hearing this, Yaris's expression suddenly became serious: "He..."
"Don't worry, I'm here with you. Tonight, I'll follow you like a shadow and protect you."
Xiao Yun said firmly.
Hand in hand, the two walked into the banquet filled with pleasant sweet fragrance.
The music stopped suddenly.
The nobles lined up in an orderly manner, standing on both sides of the red carpet, looking at the protagonist of the night with bright eyes.
At the end of the team, Edmund was standing in front of the throne, wearing a purple cloak with white trim. His pale face was almost crushed by the huge crown on his head. Two attendants were beside him, holding a scepter and an orb respectively.
"I am honored to be able to personally put the gift I carefully prepared on my dear cousin at his birthday party."
Following this brief declaration, another attendant came forward, holding a purple box in his hand. On the box lay a grand and luxurious necklace. The necklace was made up of more than twenty Rosamari flowers of varying sizes, with orange flame beads as stamens and gold inlaid gemstones as petals.
"My dear cousin has been frail and sickly since childhood. Whenever the weather changes or he's physically or mentally frightened, he'll run into uncontrollable high fevers, sometimes even falling unconscious for days. So I prepared this unique flame bead necklace for him. Legend has it that the flame beads are the pure blood of the Moon God, infused with the essence of the sun, shed when the Sun God raped him. They possess both the sun's fiery heat and the moon's gentleness."
"...Thank you for your trouble, cousin."
Yaris said this unmoved, and raised his slender chin slightly when Edmund picked up the necklace and put it on him.
"Yaris, you are truly incredible."
Edmund said, wiping his ears.
"You are not from this planet either."
Yaris smiled and whispered back.
The nobles present were so frightened when they saw this scene that their hearts almost stopped beating.
After Edmund put the necklace on him, Yaris smiled and took two steps back. He exchanged a glance with his brother beside him and slowly raised his right hand: "Today is a special day."
“It’s a very special day indeed.”
Edmund sounded like he had a toothache.
Jaris ignored him and announced to the guests, "According to custom, I should invite a lady here to dance as the formal opening to the ball. Unfortunately, something happened yesterday, and I still have a high fever. I can only sing a song for everyone with the help of my brother Lucien. Please enjoy the joy of this evening."
"Long live! Long live!"
People raised their glasses and cheered, then consciously divided into two rows, leaving the dance floor completely empty.
The two brothers walked slowly into the center of everyone's attention.
…
“…We believe that one day
Courage will break the chains, and true love will be free
The rejected dream shines brightly
Lovers no longer need to hide their love for each other
We believe that one day
We will usher in our light, the light in our lives that is most worth cherishing
Love will eventually go through thorns and tears,
Let us endure everything with unwavering determination
We believe that we can overcome the difficulties
Just like every storm we've weathered
One day, we will create a world that belongs only to us
A brand new world that shines just for you and me..."
Under Lucien's smooth playing, Jarris sang notes as transparent and pure as a spring under the moonlight.
The hall fell silent instantly.
The noisy garden soon quieted down.
The people—whether they were nobles in the Golden Hall or commoners in the Garden of Eros—stood still as stone statues, their eyes wide open, listening intently.
——Perhaps some of them acted intoxicated out of politeness and flattery, but more of them were truly immersed in the singing.
After all, even from a professional singing perspective, Yaris's voice can be described as mellow and gorgeous, like the sound of nature, not to mention that he also possesses dazzling embellishments such as peerless beauty, five thousand years of glory and wealth.
In fact, countless people have openly stated that if His Highness is interested in them, they would abandon their current lovers and become his lovers even if it means angering the gods.
Unfortunately, even though they tried to straighten their chests and spread their feathers like male birds in the mating season, Yaris still had no interest in them.
At this moment, he was concentrating on singing and would occasionally lower his head to exchange glances with his younger brother who was accompanying him, and they were so intimate as if they were the only two people left in the world.
Edmund stood before the throne and watched in despair, with uncontrollable suspicion, disappointment and anger in his eyes...
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