If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 90
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
read more chapters on luna kofi
At the time, Vlahova had been swayed by Cain’s convincing arguments. However, with the passage of time, doubts began to surface about the hastiness of his decision.
He recalled the countless nights spent consoling Alexandra, who had been in tears. Eventually, Alexandra had managed to heal from her heartbreak and marry a foreign prince, a match Vlahova deemed far more suitable than a noble of humble origins.
He took solace in this outcome, convincing himself that a foreign prince was indeed a better match.
Vlahova should have known better.
Cain Vernat had hidden motives.
The determination in Cain’s eyes was not the unwavering loyalty to him as an Emperor. Cain’s accomplishments in war and his efforts to stabilize the empire seemed driven more by a dedication to the empire itself than by loyalty to its ruler.
Was it loyalty to the Emperor or devotion to the nation? The two might seem the same, but they had distinctly different implications.
Vlahova feared he might have raised a tiger, a creature far more dangerous than Duke Kristin had ever been. Had he mistakenly raised a potential threat?
Once again, Cain had defied orders. He had provided aid to those accused of collaborating with pirates, supplying them with resources and manpower to help them become self-sufficient.
Despite this blatant defiance, Cain faced him without a hint of shame, which only fueled Vlahova’s rising anger.
“I have something to say to the Sun of the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor.”
Cain’s voice broke the tense silence.
What is he going to say? Vlahova felt an involuntary wave of tension wash over him.
“I, Cain Vernat, formally request a reinvestigation into the accident that occurred ten years ago involving Duke Kristin.”
The words that followed pierced Vlahova’s sense of security, stirring a deep-seated sense of betrayal.
“….A reinvestigation into the death of Duke Kristin? What do you mean by this?”
“Just what I said, Your Majesty. There are several suspicious circumstances surrounding Duke Kristin’s carriage accident. I humbly request that these be thoroughly investigated.”
“Outrageous! The Duke’s death occurred more than a decade ago. What purpose does reopening this case serve now?”
“It holds great significance for me. Duke Kristin was my father-in-law.”
“Reinvestigating this case now would be a direct affront to those who handled the original investigation. Are you suggesting I stand by and let my loyal subjects be deemed incompetent?”
“My motivation stems from a deep sense of responsibility for my family’s loss. A new perspective, with different investigators, could uncover new leads. Please consider this, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Vlahova bit his lip in quiet frustration.
It was an old matter, long since settled. There was no need to stir it up again after all these years.
“Can you swear there is no hidden motive behind this request?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Cain knelt, bowing his head, showing the utmost respect.
“My wife has never been free from the shadow of her father’s accident. I wish to alleviate her worries and provide her with comfort through a fair and thorough reinvestigation. How could I harbor any ulterior motives? I am your loyal servant.”
It was a plausible excuse.
By marrying the sole heir of Duke Kristin, Cain had essentially become part of the Duke’s family.
Wanting a fair investigation into a family member’s death seemed reasonable. To question this further might imply he had something to hide.
“Very well, but there is a condition.”
“Please state it, Your Majesty.”
“You must immediately cease all post-war reconstruction and restoration projects you have undertaken without my authorization.”
“…”
“You are aware that this is why I summoned you, are you not?”
“I apologize, Your Majesty.”
“I cannot easily forgive you for defying my orders and consorting with pirates.”
Cain silently clenched his fist. The Emperor’s treatment of his border subjects as colluding with pirates filled him with anger, but he couldn’t let it show.
“I am sparing you this time, considering your past achievements. But there won’t be a second chance.”
“I understand, Your Majesty.”
“Say it yourself. Admit that you have defied my orders and repent for all your mistakes. Cease all support to the pirates immediately and commit to eradicating them.”
“I, Cain Vernat, deeply regret my disloyalty to His Majesty, the illustrious sun of Nikephos. I vow to demonstrate His Majesty’s authority to those who dare invade the Empire and undermine the grandeur of Nikephos.”
Finally, a hint of satisfaction crossed Emperor Vlahova’s face.
He believed he had forced Cain to stop the post-war reconstruction projects, achieving his aim. However, Cain’s true objective was to gain the authority to reinvestigate Duke Kristin’s death.
With a final, respectful bow, Cain stood up.
The Emperor waved him off dismissively, signaling him to leave.
