Chapter 154 (1/2)
Chapter 154
Proofreader: somnium
The atmosphere was still there.
The Emperor did not call him to a private space, but to his office. And then Chancellor Lin and Guards Captain Gayan had arrived before Lawrence.
Of course, Lawrence often went to the Emperor’s office as well. Here, he often met with other officials, watched the Emperor give brief orders, or consult with the Chancellor.
But it was the first in three weeks. It was also the first meeting after Miraila’s incident.
It wouldn’t be strange if it was a more private, paternal time.
But apparently it wasn’t like that now.
The Emperor didn’t even tell Lawrence, who was on his knees that he didn’t have to. Instead, he pressed on his forehead with his thumb and forefinger.
Gayan asked.
“Do you feel uncomfortable? Shall I call the doctor?”
“It’s okay. I’ll rest after I’m done.”
“Your Majesty’s health.”
“What’s the big deal with a little headache?”
Lawrence didn’t get up until the Emperor allowed.
The Emperor said in a stiff voice.
“Get up, Lawrence.”
“Yes.”
Lawrence stood up and politely stepped aside from the Emperor’s face.
He knew he was hated.
It was a situation where he couldn’t do anything in the last three weeks.
Cedric intervened and took the initiative.
Since Lawrence was Miraila’s son, from that point on, Lawrence could not intervene in the trial. If he wanted to intervene, it should have been much earlier. He should have done it around the time Artizea presented her mediation.
At that time, behind-the-scenes negotiations between the temple, the media that dictated by the words of Grand Duke Roygar, and the Emperor’s watchful government could influence the outcome of the trial.
But from the moment Cedric intervened, that was no longer possible. Because Cedric knelt before the citizens and promised a fair trial.
Citizens watched to see if the promise was kept or not, and they will be watching for a long time to come.
In the meantime, the exposure of Miraila’s son himself had no advantage whatsoever.
While Cedric’s popularity and fame skyrocketed, Lawrence couldn’t help but be angry at the thought of how he had been locked up in a mansion.
Even more tantrums erupted when officials and military figures who had supported him turned to Cedric like flipping palms.
But for the time being he intended to bow down and be quiet.
Because he knew the Emperor was feeling sad.
“What have you been doing?”
the Emperor asked.
“I quietly reflected on myself at home.”
“Have you ever met your sister?”
“I only sent consolation and congratulatory gifts. The visit was refused by the butler. They said she was uncomfortable showing her face to her brother when she is sick and sensitive.”
“If you were a friendly older brother, how would she feel uncomfortable?”
The Emperor clicked his tongue.
Lawrence was dumbfounded that the first story they talked about when they met was about Artizea.
Recently, the Emperor had a little favor for Artizea. However, she stood in the position of being a useful noble who could be used to any extent.
The Emperor could not openly talk about Miraila, so he compared him to Artizea and criticized him.
But Lawrence didn’t realize it.
He did not clearly distinguish himself from his family. His mother and younger sister were always there only for himself.
He knew that even for them they had separate lives and feelings.
However, he only knew that when thinking rationally about it. When talking like this, he lived moment by moment and did not fully realize the situation.
So even now, at the words of the Emperor, his heart boiled.
The Emperor must have known that Lawrence was not on very good terms with Cedric.
Even if Artizea was pregnant, he felt nothing. Rather, he was upset that Cedric had an heir.
He couldn’t tell himself why very well.
However, the unknown hatred that had arisen after the fight with Cedric that day, grew deeper and deeper as time passed.
It felt as if it was the reason they haven’t been able to be close with each other since he was young.
Lawrence didn’t respond and just bowed his head as he pressed it down.
“Tsk.”
The Emperor clicked his tongue once more to make it sound blatant.
Clearly, Gayan was apologetic.
“I intend to appoint Cedric as the Secretary of State this time.”
“What?”
Lawrence raised his head in surprise.
The Emperor looked at him with displeasure.
“He should be rewarded anyway. He dispersed the protesters without clashes, and the problems caused by the temple were also safely solved.”
“Is that a reason for a reward? Rather than overwhelm the protesters, relying on His Majesty’s dignity, he merely made a flattering vain promise and dismissed them.”
“I’m sorry that I couldn’t protect your mother until the end.”
said the Emperor. His expression had softened considerably.
Lawrence lowered his head to hide his expression.
It wasn’t that Miraila was resenting or hurted by the Emperor.
But he couldn’t understand. Why did the Emperor appear to be yielding to the protesters at all cost?
It was through Cedric, but in the end the Emperor was behind it.
Cedric even went out on behalf of the Emperor and knelt before the protesters.
Isn’t this just incompetent?
If it had been Lawrence himself, he would have released the guards and dealt with the protesters who dared to gather in front of the Chancellor and violate the Emperor’s authority.