Chapter 2: Shadows of the Past, Hopes for the Future
Silence prevailed throughout the journey as both Celesia and her father, Archduke Leo, sat without exchanging glances or words. The long years of separation had created a deep rift between them, despite once being the epitome of a perfect father-daughter relationship.
The silence was broken when the Archduke turned to Celesia with a cold, emotionless gaze and asked, "How are the monsters in the mountainous region now?"
Celesia responded with the same coldness, "It seems most of them have perished. I only see weak-level monsters now, so the residents will soon be able to live in that area."
The Archduke replied, "It's good to hear such news. But make sure you don't make any mistakes with the Emperor."
Celesia sighed bitterly and said, "I know what I'm doing. I don't need your advice. You abandoned me all these years and married another woman besides my mother."
Her father looked at her angrily, saying, "Do not speak about Clara. You were the reason for her death."
Both remained silent until they arrived at the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor awaited them in the imperial garden, sipping tea. The guard directed them to the Emperor, a man in his thirties with light brown hair and distinctive crimson eyes, sitting and enjoying tea in a garden filled with beautiful flowers and gentle breezes.
The Emperor turned with a bright smile and said, "I haven't seen you in a while, Leo. How are you, my friend?"
The Archduke replied coldly, "Happy to meet you, Your Majesty. I hope you are well."
The Emperor laughed and said, "You are still as cold as ever, Leo. We are friends, so call me Edward."
The Emperor had a cheerful and kind personality, yet he hid great intelligence and wisdom, having led the empire with his skills since he was twenty years old.
Celesia was astonished by the Emperor's interaction with her father, saying to herself, "I didn't know that the Emperor and the Archduke were so close... Indeed, they are related by blood."
The Emperor turned to Celesia, who was watching in amazement, and said brightly, "Hello, little princess."
Startled, she quickly responded, "I apologize for my late greeting. Celesia Ryouger greets His Majesty the Emperor."
The Emperor, surprised by her politeness, smiled and said, "Oh, what fine manners you have at such a young age. You resemble your father when he was young."
Celesia did not react much to his words. To cut off their conversation, Leo said, "Your Majesty, please tell us why you summoned us, and what does Celesia have to do with it?"
Celesia quickly added, "Yes, that's true. What made you release me after all these years?"
Edward looked at them, thinking to himself, "They really are very similar, even in their manner of speaking." Then he said to them, "Of course, sit at the table first to have some tea, and I'll tell you the reason."
After a few moments of silence, the Emperor spoke with serious eyes, "As you know, everyone affected by the Power Chaos Disease lost their lives when their power exploded. But it's different with you, little princess. You did not lose your life during the explosion of your power, which made me think that you might be able to tame your powers by fighting the monsters. So, how is your control over your powers now?"
Celesia looked at him steadily and answered, "As you said, I have gained more control over my powers, but I cannot say that I have fully mastered them."
"That's why I summoned you," Edward spoke firmly. "You know that the Crown Prince has his mother's abilities to absorb the energy around him. So, I was thinking of arranging a marriage between Celesia and Henri."
Shock appeared on Celesia's face as the Archduke Leo and the Emperor exchanged sharp looks. Celesia felt her heart racing and her thoughts spinning. It was clear that this proposal was not just a fleeting idea but a carefully studied plan to achieve a balance of power within the empire.
The Emperor looked at Celesia seriously, trying to calm her, saying, "I know this may come as a surprise, but your marriage can achieve the stability we need. Your abilities to control the Chaos Force, combined with Henri's abilities to absorb energy, can create a strong alliance that will protect the empire from future threats."
Celesia looked at her father, searching his eyes for any support or objection, but found only worry and hesitation. After a few moments of silence, Leo asked in a hoarse voice, "And what about Celesia? Have you thought about her feelings and desires?"
The Emperor sighed and replied, "I think about the interests of the empire and our future. But of course, we cannot ignore her desires. Celesia, the final decision will be yours. But I ask you to think carefully about it."
"Well, for me, isn't this a good thing?" Celesia wondered to herself, searching their confused faces, trying to understand if this decision served her personal interest or not.
She saw in her father's eyes a hint of apology, while the Emperor seemed more determined, emphasizing the necessity of this marriage for the stability of the empire.
After moments of deep thought, Celesia answered hesitantly, "Perhaps... maybe it could indeed be good. But I need to make sure first... make sure that this is the right decision."
Leo said, "Do you want the tragedy to repeat itself?" in a voice filled with worry and reproach, his face expressing sadness and concern.
Celesia listened attentively to her father's words, feeling shocked at the reminder of the past tragedy, which had left a deep wound in their hearts. She knew well that this decision was not easy and that it could open old wounds.
The Emperor responded confidently, "Don't worry, I have faith in Henri's abilities."
Celesia listened to the Emperor's words, feeling some relief at his confidence in Prince Henri's abilities. However, she had her own concerns and internal arrangements that needed review.
"Alright, I agree to the marriage, but isn't it too soon?" Celesia said hesitantly, expressing her concern about the timing.
Leo said, "It's better to start with an engagement first."
The Emperor laughed kindly and said, "Haha, okay, I guess I was hasty. We will hold the engagement in the duchy in two weeks."
Celesia smiled, grateful for the decision made with the support of those close to her.
The Emperor added, "And after three months, we will hold the wedding at the Imperial Palace."
Celesia felt the immense responsibility that awaited her, but she was ready to face this future with optimism. "So, Your Majesty, may I take a walk in the royal palace?" she asked.
The Emperor replied with a smile, "Of course, Celesia, you can explore the palace as you wish. This is your new home now, and we hope you find comfort and happiness here."
Celesia smiled and said, "Thank you."
Celesia left the place, and Leo turned to Edward and asked, "What exactly are you planning? Couldn't you find any other girl besides Celesia to make her the Crown Princess?"
The Emperor calmly replied, "Are you worried? You seemed cold toward her. But I will answer your questions. I don't think I could find a girl as wonderful as her. She is smart, strong, and beautiful. Even the Princess of the South is not as intelligent as she is. So I believe she will be the perfect wife for my son."
Archduke Leo looked at the Emperor thoughtfully, realizing that there was more to it than met the eye. He felt relieved that at least his daughter's abilities and value were respected, but he still worried about the uncertain future.
"I really hope this is the right decision," Leo said slowly, pondering all that awaited them in the coming days.
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.
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While Celesia was exploring the royal palace, a beautiful glass greenhouse caught her eye. Out of curiosity, she decided to enter and found someone inside. What grabbed her attention were crimson eyes gleaming in the dim light. "That must be the Crown Prince," she thought.
The young man turned to her and said in a formal tone, "Excuse me, but this place is only for members of the royal family."
Surprised, Celesia quickly replied, "I apologize, I didn't know. This is my first visit here." Then she hurriedly exited.
The young man paused for a moment and called out, "Wait, are you the daughter of Archduke Rieger? You both have the same eyes."
Celesia stopped and turned, saying, "Yes, that's correct. My name is Celesia Rieger, the first princess of the Rieger Duchy. I apologize for not introducing myself."
The young man smiled and said, "Henry Alexandrine, Crown Prince of Xenia. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Celesia responded warmly, "The pleasure is mine as well."
At that moment, they heard approaching footsteps. Celesia saw a beautiful woman with white hair and emerald eyes accompanied by a young knight. Henry greeted her, saying, "Good day, Mother."
Celesia immediately recognized the woman as the Empress and respectfully said, "Celesia Rieger greets Her Majesty the Empress."
Empress Catherine looked at Celesia with surprise and said, "You look so much like your mother, Clara. You've really grown."
Curious, Celesia asked, "I'm sorry, do you know me, Your Majesty?"
Catherine smiled and replied, "Oh, of course. Your mother was my dear friend, and I saw you when you were little."
Celesia responded with regret, "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't remember you, Your Majesty."
Catherine gave a warm smile and said, "Don't apologize, you were very young then. Now, I look forward to seeing more of you in the future."
Celesia expressed her gratitude, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
A guard interrupted, saying, "Pardon me, Princess, but it's time to return to the duchy."
Celesia responded with regret, "Oh, so soon? Well, if you'll excuse me, I'll be leaving now."
Catherine smiled and said, "Safe travels, I hope we meet again soon, my dear."
Celesia left quietly, escorted by the guards, heading towards the waiting carriage.
After her departure, Catherine turned to her son and smiled, "Did you know that this girl is the top candidate to be your future wife?"
Henry was taken aback and exclaimed, "What? Why didn't anyone tell me?"
Catherine replied in surprise, "Oh, it seems your father hasn't informed you yet. Celesia must have known about it, but she didn't show any signs."
Henry blushed and said shyly, "That makes it even more embarrassing."
Catherine patted his head gently and said, "Don't worry, you'll get over it soon."
Suddenly, the chief steward arrived and greeted them, saying, "Excuse me, Your Highness, but the Emperor is waiting for you in his office."
Catherine said, "No doubt he wants to inform you about the matter now. So, go and hear the details."
Henry bid his mother farewell and headed towards the Emperor's office, accompanied by the chief steward.
At the door, Henry knocked twice, hearing his father's voice, "Come in."
He opened the door and entered, saying, "Good evening, Father."
Emperor Edward smiled and said, "Good evening, my son. Please, have a seat."
Henry sat down, and his displeasure was evident on his face. Edward noticed this and asked sarcastically, "Your mother must have told you. Didn't you like the proposal?"
Henry replied honestly, "No, what bothers me is not being informed about it."
Edward laughed and said, "I wanted to make sure of their approval first, so I didn't tell you. So, what do you think of her?"
Henry thought deeply and then said, "She was a calm young lady, well-mannered and beautiful, but..."
Edward interrupted curiously, "But?..."
Henry replied sadly, "She seemed broken inside."
Edward sighed and said seriously, "You noticed that? ... After all, she has been through a lot in her childhood. She lost warmth and affection, faced death several times, and was alone for seven years. So, it's no surprise she's broken. That's why you must be her support in the future and protect her. You're the only one who can."
Henry replied firmly, "Of course, I will do my best to make her smile again."
Edward felt reassured and smiled, saying, "Yes, I depend on you."
...
On the other hand, Celesia was traveling back to the duchy. In the carriage, she gazed at the scenery, feeling a mix of nostalgia and tension. As they neared the castle, one of the knights said, "Your Highness, we are almost there."
Celesia replied with emotion, "Alright, it seems I'll see my home again."
The carriage stopped in front of a large castle surrounded by a vast forest. Celesia stepped out of the carriage and followed her father, heading towards the garden that had witnessed the tragedy seven years ago. Feelings of pain and regret overwhelmed her heart, but she continued walking steadily.
At the castle gate, a lady with red hair and gray eyes was waiting with a small girl of five with short red hair and blue eyes.
Celesia looked at them and thought, "They must be the Duchess and my half-sister."
Celesia said politely, "It's a pleasure to meet you both."
The new Duchess smiled and said, "Welcome home, Celesia. I am Elena, and this is my daughter, Lauren."
The little girl looked at Celesia curiously, then shyly said, "Hello."
Celesia bent down slightly and replied kindly, "Hello, Lauren. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The Archduke interrupted, saying, "Let's go inside, we have much to discuss."
Everyone entered the castle, where Celesia felt the weight of the past slowly fading with each step. She was determined to start a new life and achieve the happiness her mother had sacrificed for.
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