13 Revol (1/2)

The sun had began to rise from the peaceful meadows in the background, along the trailing dirt roads. Is a red coach with its wheels touching the ground in grandeur. Inside the coach, is the escaping Empress Ekaterina and the Crown-Prince of the Empire, Karl. They had previously left the Imperial Palace to head to the Duchy. In which, the Empress is planning her escape with her son.

She took a peek from the curtains of the coach to see the beautiful sunrise in the peaceful plains, the Empress had not seen a beautiful gazing view for a while now since she was only locked in the Palace for several years now. She could see the vast prairie in the window, the coach is currently traversing in the vast plains of the central region of the empire. Also known, as the the Pax plains.

The Pax plains stretches from the central areas of the empire until it reaches as far as thesouth-eastern areas of the Kingdom of Summerwyn. Most of the influential battles in the history of the continent took place in the plains. Primarily, due to the fact that it could support military armies without the pain of thinking the horrible logistical nightmares in the mountain ranges of Gardenia.

Crown-Prince Karl, who is currently 7 years old. Is excited to visit the Duchy, it is only the Crown-Prince's first time to venture outside the Imperial Capital, or the Palace. The Emperor had promised to allow the Crown-Prince to go outside the Palace when he reached the age of 14. But this sudden decision of his mother to go outside really made him excited.

He wasn't even sure why would they suddenly leave the Imperial Palace with his mother in such a time. But, as he would gaze on the lovely sight on the window. He would think to himself that going outside is much better than being confined to the walls of the Palace.

The Empress Ekaterina, really loves her son deeply. She would do anything for the safety of her son. Despite her responsibilities as the Holy Empress, she wants her people to be free from the yoke of the military bureaucrats. And, she wants an everlasting peace and prosperity in the continent.

as the two gazed over the distance, Ekaterina would hug her son and tell him a lot of stories.

”Karl, you can see the sun rising from the fields at the distance right?”

”Yes mom”

”You see, i wanted to make a future where; a world where we will not know suffering. A world where everyone knows how to love and understand each other. I hope that you will know that, violence and spread of fear won't give you happiness. But, giving love to each other will help you achieve true happiness” Ekaterina told to her son,

Ekaterina would hug Karl deeply, as the two are happy together in the coach while seeing the sun rise from the wonderful prairie in the distance.

”Mom i love you, please don't leave me” Karl said to his mother while hugging deeply,

”Of course, i won't leave you my son” Ekaterina replied,

the motherly love the Empress gives to her son knows no boundaries, she would do everything to protect her son.

after leaving the prairie they could see the walls of a city from a distance, the imperial insignia can be seen flying from the flagpoles. But, the crest of the House of Ophiel can also be seen flying as a reminder that the city is under the local control of the Ophiels. The coach had closed it's distance to the gates, as the guard's had to inspect the coach; the coachman opened the doors of the coach and revealed the Empress' presence.

the Empress left the coach and ordered the guards to let them in and close the gates as soon as possible, the guards we're shocked by the Empress' sudden appearance in the city and immediately followed her orders.

The gates of the city of Ophelburg is immediately closed. The inhabitants and local supporters of the Ophiel Dynasty had to celebrate the Empress' sudden visit to the duchy. The coach arrives in the city center to be greeted by the inhabitants waving the flag of Ophiel.

the city of Ophelburg is the Empire's second biggest city, as well the capital of the Duchy of Ophelburg. The dukes of Ophiel are subjects of the Holy Emperor, thereby making the Emperor their liege. The city is known for it's cultural heritage in the empire, the city houses numerous palace and cathedrals, the Ophiels are devout faithful of the church and as such, supported the Grand Bishop's cause. The inhabitants are majorly opposed to the overwhelming different religion of the Imperial Capital, which is the Reformists.

The two major religions of the Empire consists of the Faithful and the Reformists. The Reformists includes 70% of the Empire's subjects, while the Faithful is limited to a mere 30%.

The Empire used to be one united religion until 80 years ago, when the Emperor decided to replace the Church's authority from the empire, allegedly claiming ”corruption of the church” as the Emperor's main reason to break away from the church. This caused a wave of unrests in the Empire, as many advocated to convert to the Empire's state church to protect the interests of the Empire, and there we're also those who wanted to remain with the church because they believe going against from the church will lead them more away from god and be brainwashed by the Empire's agendas.

This caused the Imperial Civil War, it started when the Emperor was assassinated by the Duke of Leońe. Causing two factions to battle over the control of the Empire, the newly-crowned Emperor and his Reformist allies, against the Duke of Leońe and his Faithful allies.

The civil war lasted 6 years, and the result was major depopulation in the Empire. Many soldiers died, causing the men in the countryside to contribute in the Imperial Army's ranks as well. Leaving many few people in the countryside to work on the fields. And as such, famines and disease outbreaks we're common. A lot of execution happened as well, with both sides condemning the other to be heretics and executed a lot of people who don't believe their religion.

Much of the Empire was rebuilt after the war, and prosperity return immediately.

the coach after greeting the masses in the city, proceeded to go to the Ophiel Palace. The coach stopped in the entrance way and the coachman had come to open the coach doors, the Empress and her son stepped out and we're greeted by the Palace's servants. She immediately ordered the servants to move the belongings she bought outside her room.

The journey took 3 days and Empress was tired, she immediately went to her bed and slept. While her son was already asleep in his room.

Morning had came, and it was quiet in the Palace. The Empress woke up and checked the Crown Prince's room. Only to see Karl still sleeping, she went downstairs to go to the dining room. She ate her favorite dishes made only in Ophelburg, she was delighted to eat her favorite food again. After eating breakfast, she immediately remembered her father's instructions and walked to her father's room.

But while she was walking, a servant had immediately came rushing over to her. Apparently bringing with him a bad news.

”Yes, why are you so tired?” The Empress asked to the servant,

”I have bad news you're majesty”

”What is it?” the Empress asked,