Chapter 100: Chapter 100

Aileen can't believe what just she heard. The Emperor was abandoned her family. Silver's family already served the empire for long generations and already giving countless gift.

"How could you do this?" She whispered to herself while the crown prince show the letter of the plan to assassinated the empress. "This is not a rebellion. I just take what supposed to be mine. No one better than me who could rule this empire. I am the one who can be the empress!"

Nolan's voice became colder when he said, "As a punishment for this unforgivable sin, all the wealth and the property which belong to Silver Family will confiscate to the Empire. They will be stripped from the current tittle and exiled to the Risqué Island in an undefined time."

Marchioness Silver then shouted loudly before she passed out. Meanwhile, the Marquess trembled in fear. Not only, his plan got ruined, but the Emperor already know his bad deed on the noble's faction.

Bribery, blackmailing and spreading a fake rumor to stir the political situation between empire and the noble.

"Pl-please, have a mercy! Y-your Majesty! Please!" When he took one step forward, the royal guard already stopped him.

"Bring them to the investigation room." Arthur said in firm voice.

When the guards took Aileen's arm, she cried, "DON'T YOU DARE TO TOUCH ME! I'M THE EMPRESS OF THIS EMPIRE! LET ME GO FROM YOUR DIRTY HANDS!"

All the guests were shocked to that scenery. An elegant woman like her already reveal her truly face and lost her insanity.

But, they don't have a time to pity that fallen family. Because, the Emperor starting to expose another noble's family who helped the assassination plan.

To their surprise, almost a quarter of the guests was found guilty. They've already taken to jail or being interrogated.

Because most of the member of noble's faction was executed. The Emperor will resellect the members based from their honesty and integrity to prevent this accident in the future.

Duke Lancia crossed his arms. No word come from his mouth. His gray eyes staring at the Emperor who became ten years older than he supposed to be. To announce this on his birthday must be troublesome.

Arthur raised from his chair. His golden eyes swept on all his citizen who became afraid and discomfortable. "Please accept my apology because of this disturbance. I hope nothing bad happened in the future on this empire. My dearest citizen, I believe that we can keep support to each other. So, please enjoy this banquet."

Arthur was left followed by Nolan and several guards.

But, all the people already lost the moods to partying. They choose to left earlier than their original plan.

Armano walked to the balcony to find his daughter who talking with Maxwell.

Her eyes widen when found him, "Father, what happened?"

"Don't worry. It's over. Let's go home, My Dear."

Cecilia noticed something in his face. That's why she decides not to ask further. Then, she turns her head to her fiancé, "See you later, Max."

His gaze became soften before he kissed her hand, "Yes, see you later."

Armano rolled his eyes when look at them. He took his handkerchief to wipe her daughter's hand, "Don't test my patience, Young Man."

"I'm just doing a part of mannerism, Father."

Armano gritted his teeth and look clearly annoyed, "I'm not your father."

Max smiled innocently, "Not yet."

"Pass my condolence to your father."

The young man knitted his brows, "Why don't you say it by yourself?"

"I have no time to waste. Besides, he is your father. Not mine." After that, Armano take her daughter's arm and leave him alone in this windy night.

Cecilia threw her gaze into the empty ballroom. Several servants, who wear black and white uniform, starting to clean that place.

"The party was ended earlier than I thought."

Armano nodded as a sign of agreement, "They must be having something in their mind."

"Hmm, I see."

The gray eyed man looks at his daughter with a puzzled look. "Cecilia."

"Yes, father."

"I want you to become my successor. Just you. Not your husband. No matter who he is."

"Yes, father. I already said it before."

"I remember you denied wanting to get married, too."

Suddenly, her both cheek blushed, and she found no courage to face his father, "Well."

Armano stopped when they're almost reaching the exit door. He looks at her daughter who still blushing, "When I was young, I said something similar like that. And it's changed when I met your mother. Falling in love is a great thing, isn't it?"

"Father, I--,"

"I already told that brat for waiting until you passed the test. But, Cecilia, how about you?"

"Me?"

"I want to hear about your wish. About what you really want."

Cecilia lower her head until she can see her shoes, "I still want to help you, Father. Along with Max and everyone else. I can't wait to go to Icicle, either."

"And then?"

"W-well, I fell in love with Max and want to see him every day. Perhaps I am a greedy woman. But, I still want to be the successor who surrounded with the people I like."

Armano smiled gently, and he put his hand to her shoulder, "No one will be bothering you even you took the test after get married."

Cecilia look at his father in disbelief, "Fa, father!"

"Tell him to meet me if he wants to formally proposed you. And, I will tighten the security at your room. I've got a feeling that he will try to sneak up to your room."

Her cheeks reddened again, "Father, he isn't--,"

"Cecilia, I used to be a young and reckless man, too. So, I am positive about this."

When she wants to deny it, she remembered that Max already sneak up in her room to send a document of South Island. Not to mention that Max usually put some gift in her room when they're still living on that island.

"Look at your expression right now. Seem like I was right."

Afraid that he will be angry, she has no choice but said the truth, "But, we didn't do anything."

"Yes, for now. But, how about later?"

"I'm sorry, Father."

He shook his head and gently pat her head,"No need to apologize, My Dear. You didn't do anything wrong. But, if I saw his glimpse in the middle of the night at your room, I'm afraid that my hand became slipped and accidentally cut his leg.

Because I thought he was a thief. If that happen, even the palace can't defend him."

Cecilia gulped, "I'll tell him to using the front door, Father. And I'll make sure he will come before sun goes down."

"Good. As expected from my brilliant daughter." Armano look satisfied, and he guided her to their carriage.