AHEIAID Chapter 56: Truly Mind-Numbing
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The old Emperor, Lapa,
Was someone who had lived a smooth and easy life, never experiencing hardship or setbacks.
Back in his time, he was the only heir of the Ottoman royal family. As a crown prince, Lapa never had to endure the brutal struggles of succession. He naturally inherited his father’s throne and became the next emperor of the Ottoman Empire.
When he ascended the throne, the empire was at its peak.
Internally, he had senior councilors who were unwaveringly loyal to the former emperor. Externally, the Thirteen Districts of Surveillance served only the empire.
Lapa, who was never interested in politics and was deeply passionate about the arts, simply appointed a few advisors to handle decision-making for him. He then devoted himself entirely to his artistic pursuits and emotional indulgences.
Sometimes, he found being an emperor incredibly boring, as it hindered his dreams.
Since he had no brothers, he had no choice but to rule the empire, which meant that even his time for painting and afternoon tea was cut in half compared to other nobles—how unfair!
Later, Lapa fell in love at first sight with a merchant’s daughter.
Even though his ministers strongly opposed the match, he insisted on marrying her.
To Emperor Lapa, this woman was a goddess—charming, wild, and exuding a beauty completely different from that of the royal family. She was a living contradiction, which only made her all the more fascinating.
Even her merchant-like cunning and ruthlessness intoxicated him.
He simply adored this kind of woman!
Later, this goddess bore him two princes and a princess. As Lapa aged, his desires changed—he longed for a harmonious and perfect family.
In his fantasies, they all lived in a beautifully exquisite castle.
He wouldn’t have to deal with troublesome political affairs, nor would he have to listen to his nagging ministers.
His children would be obedient and well-mannered, his wife gentle and passionate, and he would occasionally teach his children to paint. His artwork would be highly sought after, and his life would be so blissful it was almost intoxicating.
To this, the empress—who spent her time fooling around with the guards and delighting in making a cuckold of the old Emperor Lapa—scoffed.
"If he weren’t emperor, he'd be nothing! Living in a castle? What an idiot."
"He’d make more money begging on the streets than selling his paintings!"
The overly glamorous merchant’s daughter, born from the common folk, rolled her eyes.
At first, she had been discreet about her affairs, but after getting caught once, she simply shed a few tears and complained about her loneliness. Seeing himself as a noble and forgiving man with a heart shining like a saint, the emperor immediately forgave her.
Not only did he not blame his wife, but he also became even more resentful of the political affairs that had "caused" him to neglect her.
From that day on, the empress knew—he was a fool.
A big fool!
Completely self-absorbed and emotionally indulgent, he was destined for mediocrity. Relying on him? She might as well rely on her two sons.
Both princes were her children. No matter which one ascended the throne, she would still be the emperor's mother—what was there to fear?
With that realization, the empress no longer bothered to hide her affairs from her husband or children. She continued indulging in luxury, living life to the fullest.
As for raising the children? That was the servants' job. They were royal children—what could they possibly lack? Why should she trouble herself?
Even as major events unfolded in the empire, the empress remained indifferent.
What? The old emperor is in trouble? I'm going to be a widow?
She embraced her strong and youthful lover with excitement, celebrating their passion in an endless series of heated battles.
What? The two princes are fighting over the throne?
So what?
They’re both my sons anyway.
The empress, wrapped in the embrace of yet another handsome young lover, giggled and whispered sweet nothings in the garden.
—That was until, while indulging herself in a lavish manor, she received news that her younger son, Harry, had lost his mind and raided the home of Garius Heine, the head of the Surveillance District 13.
The old emperor had been rescued by the District 13 and, in retaliation, had hidden Harry away in the palace, declaring a break with Garius Heine. This enraged the crown prince, Joseph, who stormed out and left the palace.
The empress: ………
Idiot!
What a goddamn idiot!
That fool of an emperor had single-handedly ruined her perfect life.
Breaking ties with the District The old Emperor, Lapa? Did he have a death wish? Was he trying to get himself, her, and their sons all killed just so that Heine could take over?
A shrewd woman like the empress knew very well just how capable Lapa really was.
With one son causing trouble and the other storming off, and the emperor digging his own grave, there was a very real chance her future happiness was about to go up in smoke. Frowning, she pushed her lover away and called for her servants to dress her. After changing, she rushed back to the palace.
Meanwhile
In the palace, the old emperor was throwing a fit.
“What does he mean by this? Huh? So the Heine family are heroes now? I must reward them? A minister is duty-bound to serve the empire and me—he was just doing his job! And he thinks that makes him special?”
“A mere estate, a handful of men—so what?”
“In the old empire, would he have even dared demand an explanation from me? What right does he have to question the emperor of the empire? He is just a subject!”
The gathered advisors stood in a row, their faces expressionless as they listened to Lapa rant. He paced back and forth, smashing things in his fury.
Even as shards from a shattered vase scattered near their feet, they remained unflinching.
From time to time, they nodded in agreement with the emperor’s words—but who knew what they were really thinking? Were they mocking him? Ridiculing him? Or simply weary and disillusioned with their incompetent ruler?
One thing was certain: none of them truly agreed with him.
Anyone with eyes could see who was right and who was wrong in this situation.
More importantly, this time, Lord Heine was truly enraged. There was a looming sense of an impending storm, a change in the tides.
“So it’s my fault? It’s Harry’s fault?”
Lapa sneered.
“I was only attacked because the District 13 failed in their duties! And as for Harry—if there was no bad blood, would such a well-behaved child suddenly commit such a huge mistake?”
“If they think I’ll hand him over, they’re dreaming. They really believe they can push me down? I won’t let it happen!”
“I’d like to see what he dares to do. What, does he think he can rebel against me?”
The advisors lifted their eyelids ever so slightly before bowing in unison. “Yes, Your Majesty is right.”
“Hmph.”
Only then did Lapa finally let out a breath, his anger easing. He turned and sat down, about to speak again when the palace steward hurried in and whispered something in his ear.
The empress had arrived.
At this news, Emperor Lapa’s face lit up with joy. He urged the steward, “Hurry, bring the empress in. At a time like this, of course, she’s the one who worries about me the most.”
The steward nodded and left.
Shortly after, the empress swept into the room, graceful and proud, dressed in a strapless emerald-green gown. Lapa admired her beauty, eagerly taking her hand as he began pouring out his troubles.
That wretched District 13—blah, blah, blah…
That rebellious eldest son, only thinking about forcing him to hand over Harry—blah, blah, blah…
Not even caring that Harry was his own brother—blah, blah, blah…
The empress was already irritated by the first few words. A flood of nonsense trickled into her ears in fragments, and she discreetly shot a glance at the nearby advisors.
The advisors nodded, immediately seizing the opportunity to turn and slip away as quietly as possible.
When Emperor Lapa finally finished rambling, he gazed up at his goddess-like wife like an eager puppy. “My dear, what do you think?”
What do I think?
I think you’re a damn fool asking to die! You want my opinion? Ha.
The empress curled her lips into a dazzling smile that completely masked the impatience simmering beneath. She gently took Lapa’s hand and sat beside him, her eyes warm and affectionate.
“Your Majesty, Harry indeed made a mistake.”
“I know.” Lapa frowned at her words, clearly displeased. “But I am the emperor. Why should I make amends to a few mere commoners over a minor mistake?”
Why?
Because everyone is equal now, and you still think you have some divine privilege?
Brainless idiot.
While cursing him internally, the empress's smile grew even more enchanting. She knew exactly how to manipulate Lapa, so she spoke softly, “But, as a benevolent ruler loved by his people, how could you be so indulgent with your own child? A true emperor holds all to the same standard—only then will you appear great and just.”
Lapa’s frown deepened. “But Harry is our son. If I compromise, wouldn’t that mean admitting defeat to the District 13?”
“Of course not! How could you think that?” The empress widened her eyes in feigned shock before continuing smoothly, “Not all children turn out outstanding. Even without Harry, we still have Joseph.”
“But…”
“Harry has never been close to us. His temper is violent and unpredictable—he’s nothing like your son. Compared to him, Joseph is handsome and honest. He resembles you far more.”
“…That’s true…”
Lapa recalled Harry’s erratic, neurotic behavior. Apart from his angelic face, he was indeed inferior to his elder brother in every way.
Sensing that her words were taking root, the empress narrowed her eyes knowingly. There was just one final push left.
She tightened her grip on Lapa’s hand, and when he turned to look at her, she greeted him with an alluring, intoxicating smile.
“Besides, now is not the time to fall out with the District 13.”
“Listen to me, my dear…”
T/N: Please give support on my ko-fi page, thank you🍊🍊🍊
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