“This way.”

As the Empress followed the priest’s guidance into the room, a wooden coffin was placed conspicuously.

“Mama, the condition of the body is not good. So, it might be better not to look…”

Perhaps concerned that the Empress might be shocked, the priest blocked her way with an anxious look. However, the Empress, shaking her head, was resolute.

“No. How can I, as a grandmother, not see my grandson’s final face? I’m fine, don’t worry.”

In the suppressed voice of the Empress, the priest quietly nodded. It was saddening even though he wasn’t a direct descendant.

The rumors of her being cold-hearted were undoubtedly false.

“Could you step outside for a moment? I have some last words for our grandson.”

“Of course. I’ll be waiting outside the door. Take your time with the farewell, then come out.”

“Thank you.”

The young priest, who showed respect to her, left, and the door closed. A heavy silence descended around the Empress.

Thud, thud.

After standing still for a moment as if contemplating something, the Empress slowly approached the coffin. Then, she gazed at the body lying inside.

A body charred black. It was merely a mass of black ashes resembling a human form. Despite the gruesome sight, the Empress, looking down at such a body, spoke quietly.

“If he died gracefully in the Heidern territory, the body should have remained intact.”

‘I should not have spoken so recklessly.’

It must have been agonizing. The pain of burning flesh was said to be indescribable.

“Pitiful.”

However, contrary to the Empress’s words of pity, her lips curled up strangely. Almost eerie.

“Empress Mama.”

And at that moment, a woman, dressed in a deeply pressed robe, entered the room. The Empress, as if she knew it all along, welcomed her without a hint of surprise.

“You’ve been through a lot, Emma. I will surely repay you for this later.”

In response to the Empress’s words, the woman who took off her robe was Leah’s exclusive maid, Emma. She looked proud as she accepted the Empress’s gratitude.

“Thank you, Empress Mama.”

“Yes. Do you have an interesting story?”

“Yes. It’s related to the Heidern Duchess.”

“Heidern Duchess?”

For a moment, an interesting light flickered in the Empress’s eyes.

“Recently, she seems to be getting closer to the bodyguard. Hektor has become especially close among the changed bodyguards.”

At Emma’s words, the Empress let out a dry laugh as if amused.

“How vulgar.”

No matter how noble the lineage, what was the use of it? She had not learned anything worthwhile among the common people.

“Who knows about this fact?”

“I’m the only one. They seemed to be meeting secretly.”

“A bodyguard…”

‘This funeral will be even more interesting than I thought.’

The Empress’s face was filled with anticipation for the events to come. However, she didn’t know. That this moment, right now, would be the last day she would smile.

‘The funeral of Duke Heidern.’

For a day, the entire empire buzzed with Akia’s funeral. The procession of Akia’s funeral, which continued from the imperial palace, was endlessly long.

The path to the cathedral for the funeral, accompanied by the columns of both armies and the performance of the orchestra, flowed along with the crowd.

Even amidst the grand funeral procession, Elay and Empress Hwang Tai-hoo’s faces were somber. More so than Lea, who walked ahead of them.

Lea could not forget the reactions of the Emperor and Empress Hwang Tai-hoo when they last saw Akia’s remains in the main palace.
As if sending off a beloved grandson, the Empress’s shoulders trembled. She felt more sorrow for Akia’s death than anyone else, even if it was hypocritical.

‘Little do they know the body is fake.’

Lea stifled a chuckle beneath her black veil. She was disgusted by the Empress’s hypocritical attitude, mourning Akia’s death more than anyone else while secretly despising him.

Those who came to see Akia’s remains all wished for the Duke’s death.

‘Reminds me of what happened in the Heidern Duchy…’

The meals brought by the mansion servants were untouched by Akia, who always aimed to take the Duke’s life. The hyenas lurking to claim the Duke’s life were always present.

Even now, the somber sighs from Empress Hwang Tai-hoo and the Emperor walking behind were audible. The nauseating display had reached a point where it made one sick.

The funeral procession, which had arrived unnoticed, began to climb the steps of the cathedral.

The coffin containing the fake body was placed at the innermost part of the cathedral, following the procession.

“For Duke Heidern, let us offer our condolences.”

The bishop, who came out with the central coffin, began the funeral service.

“We have been deeply moved by the dedication to the Duke’s empire, the courage and conviction shown in times of hardship, and the unwavering loyalty to the Greater Croathia Empire.”

“…”

“Now, rest peacefully here.”

After the long-lasting service ended, Lea opened her eyes. The nauseating smell pervading the cathedral stung her nose.