698 Beneath the Roses (2/2)

”This was also how your uncle died back then, but you were much kinder with the poison that you used.” The Emperor put down the cup of water and closed his eyes. After pondering for a moment, he opened his eyes again, ”First, it was the National Assembly, then it was the Ministry of Finance. Taking into account how much time has passed, the imperial army and ground forces should already be under your control as well?”

”Almost.” Don Juan answered honestly, ”Adrian is very slick and has yet to agree to my terms and conditions.”

”Take your time. I chose him to lead my ground forces. I know him well.” The Emperor commented, ”He will always take the winning side. He knows that he will be of use to you but before I die, he will not declare for you.”

Don Juan listened and nodded, ”Sounds like it won't be long.”

”Yes, it will be soon.” The Emperor nodded and his expression was solemn, ”I'm probably the Emperor with the shortest reign in the entire history? I have waited my entire life just to be an Emperor for two months.”

”History will remember you, father.”

”Who cares?” The Emperor laughed and looked up at him, ”After I die, treat my queen well. She is a foolish woman and will pose any threat to you. Your uncle will become the next Emperor. You must guide him well.”

He paused and looked at Don Juan, ”Do you understand what I'm saying?”

Don Juan thought about it and said, ”You want me to send him to the guillotine?”

”Someone has to clean up the mess.” The Emperor sighed, ”Right now, the Ministry of Finance and the national reserves are in terrible state. I don't have time to resolve it and he won't be capable enough to do it too, so things will only get worse. Since he has always been obsessed with wearing the crown, then fulfil his wish. Let him face the ire and wrath of the people and the National Assembly on your behalf. When the next rebellion comes along, you will be able to take the opportunity to send him and other troublesome people to heaven. Don Juan, you will be a brilliant new king, the leader of Burgundy's resurgence, and a perfect Emperor.”

Don Juan listened but he did not seem pleased. Instead, he fell into deep silence.

The Emperor struggled mightily before patting his shoulder, ”Don Juan, don't be anxious. You have to take your time when it comes to certain matters. This is something that I had to learn throughout my entire life. You were too careless and reckless sometimes. If I had not asked someone to clean up the mess for you, people would have found out about your brother.”

There was a long period of silence before Don Juan finally looked up at him. ”Don't you hate me, 'father'?” He continued through gritted teeth, ”I killed my own brother, who was supposed to be your successor, and now I have taken everything away from you.”

The Emperor smiled, ”No, you have fulfilled all my wishes, my child.”

The Emperor smiled consolingly, ”Why would I hate you? You are a good child. You are just like me. There is always hunger in your eyes and you are never satisfied. I had six sons but it took me a long time to realize that they were all useless and worthless. They were like pigs fighting for scraps but never once have they ever thought of looking up at the sky. Can you understand how I felt? I was filled with pain and despair. But you are different from them. You are a wolf, a true predator. I knew it from the first time I saw you. It was fated that you will be my successor. You will fulfil the wishes of our ancestors. You will become the true ruler of Burgundy, the one and only king! How happy I was when I first saw you.”

He stretched out his hand grabbed onto Don Juan. His eyes seemed to be burning, ”Do you know how happy and comforted I was when I drank that cup of red wine that had been laced with tulip? I was more than happy to embrace the outcome. It's a pity that you can still be too careless sometimes. Your inexperience worries me. Over at the town of Lute, you should have cleaned things up much earlier. How could you have left behind such a huge loophole?”

Don Juan was stunned. A chill ran down his spine as he lowered his head and looked at his own 'father'.

”You… already knew?”

”How can I not know? A father must always know his son well. Isn't this the reason why I adore you so much?” The Emperor looked at him and smiled. There was a hint of lunacy in that smile that made Don Juan confused. ”Don't be afraid. How can I possibly stand by and watch you lose everything? You were too careless and soft-hearted, but have you not thought about the consequences of someone pointing you out? Someone would surely have remembered your face! Don't worry. The people that the queen had sent over will not be coming back. I have already made sure of that.”

This man, who was on the verge of dying, grabbed onto Don Juan's wrist and his grip was as strong as a metal claw. ”You will wear the crown, my child.” He stared at the successor before him, as he if was trying to erase all of the latter's weaknesses with his will. ”You will go down in history while I will be forgotten. History will remember you for your greatness, Don Juan!”

Silence. Amidst the long silence, Don Juan's pale face finally cracked a smile, ”I… understand.”

With that, the Emperor smiled and finally released his hand. It was as if he had used up all of his strength. He laid back down on the bed, his eyes were struggling to open. ”Don Juan, are you still there?”

”I'm here, father.”

”Come closer, my child, I can barely see you.” The Emperor inspected his face and smiled, ”My dear, tell me, who are you?”

”I am your son, father,” the young man replied hoarsely.

”Very good.” The Emperor laughed. He was pleased with the answer. With all the remaining energy he had, he shouted, ”Then tell everyone, who are you?”

”I am your successor.” Don Juan closed his eyes as the blood vessels in his eyes branched out. ”I am the first citizen of Burgundy, the protector of the white roses and the Emperor of all!”

The Emperor closed his eyes contentedly. He spoke no more. His breathing became weaker until finally, he passed away.

In the silence, Don Juan leaned back onto the chair weakly as sunlight continued to shine into the palace. They shone on the wall and casted a blur shadow. He shut his eyes and laughed self-deprecatingly. ”Yes, I am Don Juan.”