OMLOW 92

Chapter 92

[Do not attend the funeral. After it concludes, immediately return the imperial castle and devote yourself to the temple.]

Stamped at the bottom were unmistakable seals—those of the Emperor and the Empress. For Lionel, refusing this order was impossible—at least, as long as he didn’t want to incite rebellion.

For the past three and a half years, the only family members who had been at the estate were me, my mother, and my older brother.

My older sister had gone directly to the North, and my father remained in the capital handling support funds for the North and other duties. The reason our family came down to the estate was none other than me. Specifically, it was to avoid the Empress’s constant nagging to bring me back to the capital and resume my “bride training.”

“If you arrive too early, who knows what excuse they’ll find to drag you out again.”
“Yeah. Better to reach the capital just in time.”

That plan was fine… until my brother’s sudden stomach pains turned our schedule into a thrill ride.

By sheer luck—or misfortune—we arrived in the capital on the very morning of the Emperor’s funeral.

“What time does the funeral start?”
“At noon today. We’re not late yet. Hurry and change your clothes!”

We rushed into the townhouse, where our father awaited us. The servants, who had been anticipating our arrival, quickly brought water for washing and fresh clothing.

As we let them handle us, moving along in a flurry, we finally managed to arrive at the Central Temple just in time for the funeral.

“The seats are already full. We almost couldn’t even get in.”

The funeral was held in the Grand Hall of the Central Temple. To avoid drawing attention, our family took the remaining seats at the very back. Meanwhile, the Pope’s eulogy continued.

“This sudden calling by the divine is a sign that His Majesty the late Emperor was summoned early. If we look at the accomplishments he achieved during his life…”

The eulogy dragged on—painfully long—but no one dared fidget, whisper, or act distracted. Naturally; anyone who misbehaved at the Emperor’s funeral would be ostracized from high society.

Let’s see…

Wearing a black veil over my head allowed me to glance around without being noticed. From my seat at the back, I could only see the backs of others, but spotting the person I wanted was easy. Lionel would definitely be seated at the very front.

…Huh? Where is he?

The front row was occupied only by the Empress and the first prince. No one else. Lionel should have been sitting beside them.

Strange. We left on the same day… he should’ve arrived by now.

Had Lionel missed the timing too?

I stole a glance at the still-speaking Pope, then cautiously closed my eyes beneath the veil.

Ruda. Ruda, come out, Oba.

As I called Ruda’s name twice, I felt a thread-like connection in my mind.

Ruda… are you with Rio?

…Strongly, it felt like “no.”

It was strange. While staying in the North, Lionel had always kept Ruda hidden in his jacket pocket to avoid detection. So why were they apart now?

Something felt off. At the same time, an inexplicable unease began to rise in me.

Ruda, where are you now? Show me the surroundings.

Through my lowered eyelids, I saw towering mountains and a wide cave. Inside, dozens of enormous wolves gathered, and Ruda sat atop what looked like a massive throne-like rock.

In front of him, on a flat stone covered with soft leaves, piles of large and small forest fruits were stacked.

Could it be that Ruda had somehow tamed those giant wolves and ruled them as their king?

I couldn’t understand the situation, but at least he didn’t appear to be in danger.

Do you know where Rio is?

…Apparently, Ruda didn’t know either.

Alright. Have fun, then.

After ending the telepathic link with Ruda, I carefully scanned the interior of the temple, making sure no one noticed.

But Lionel was nowhere to be seen, and neither was my sister. He must have truly failed to arrive on time.

I hope nothing serious happened… he needs to be here before the funeral ends.

But eventually, the funeral concluded without Lionel’s arrival.

The only remaining part of the ceremony was the reading of the Emperor’s will.

“Finally… the late Emperor’s will should be read, but due to an unforeseen incident, it cannot be presented.”

“Unforeseen incident?”

At the news that the will could not be read, whispers erupted among the attendees.

The Empress rose, walking over to the Pope, calming the murmur.

“The chamberlain who served the late Emperor fled with His Majesty’s will.”

“What…?”

People didn’t seem satisfied with the explanation. Some glared at the Empress suspiciously. I was one of them.

Did the chamberlain really run off with the will?

A sudden anxiety made my chest thump.

As expected…

“Without the will, it cannot be verified. However, during his life, His Majesty the Emperor wished to appoint the first prince, Kaien von Alteheid, as Crown Prince.”

“What…!”

“Your Majesty, may I speak?”

My father stood abruptly. Observers were shocked by his open defiance, but the Empress calmly shook her head, as if she had anticipated this.

“I know what the Duke intends to say. It is regarding the promise the late Emperor made to the second prince. However, circumstances have arisen that prevent His Majesty from fulfilling that promise.”

“Pardon?”

“This will be explained by someone else.”

The Empress stepped back, and moments later, another person took the floor—Archbishop Sage.

Huh? Why him?

Unlike me, my mother beside me visibly stirred in shock.

Archbishop Sage began speaking from the front:

“I take this opportunity… to confess the sin I have committed.”

“A sin? Why would the Archbishop make such a public display at the Emperor’s funeral?”

“Wait… is that… the Oracle Stone he’s holding?”

“Yes. This is a stone inscribed with a divine oracle…”

The Pope, who had stepped back, poured holy water over the stone. It did not break; instead, it radiated a dazzling, multicolored light.

“It’s real! This isn’t fake—the oracle is genuine!”

“Wait, what does it say? I can’t see from back here.”

“Let’s see… ‘He will embrace a righteous ruler who will be remembered in history.’”

The hall fell into stunned silence. I, too, couldn’t contain my shock.

This wasn’t in the story…

More importantly…

A righteous ruler?

Anyone could see it meant the one who would become Empress!

Whose oracle is this?

The temple erupted into chaos, with everyone questioning, whispering, and speculating.

“Everyone, quiet!”

“Who does this oracle belong to?!”

As the Empress tried to calm the crowd, someone shouted the question. Everyone fell silent, eager for an answer.

Curious, I peeked under my veil, searching for the owner of the oracle. But then my mother gripped my hand tightly, trembling.

Why is Mother so nervous?