Chapter 31 - Secrets

Third Person POV

Emelda Aspen has spent three days in her lab studying specimens after specimens that were sent by Astoria to her for research. She only realized she hadn't been out of gear lab when a knock was heard at the door. Emelda thought that a day of rest was all she needed. But-

"Mama-" Adelaide smiled as she carried her twins with her.

"I think it's best for you to get a little bit of sun and probably get some breakfast before you fall ill." Emelda reached out her hand to pat the twin's head before making her way out from the door towards her chamber.

Adelaide safely delivered twins babies and they are growing into such a loveable pair of babies that light up the cold and depressing Northern castle. The moment the twins were born, the Northern sun was seen rise from its horizon just to greet the new additions of the Aspen family.

"How's my grandson and granddaughter?" Emelda asked the moment she arrived at the dining hall.

"They aren't as demanding as Alexandra. When Alexandra was their age, she would throw tantrums at every minute she could. But the twins are quite easy to handle." Emelda smiled.

"They surely are Astoria's blood. When Astoria was a child, the count and I thought something was wrong with her since she rarely cry. But the priest and healer told us that nothing is wrong with her. It's just her personality." Emelda took one of the twins from Adelaide's hands and carried the child to her seat.

"Any news from the borders?" Emelda asked.

"The knights are faring. With the help from my brother and his knights, Astoria could have some rest. But the monsters doesn't seems to stop evolving into greater being. I suggest that we sent a group of wizards and alchemist to the borders to investigate this matter. Astoria could sense dark magic is involve." Emelda hummed.

"What about the empire?" Adelaide smiled before she asked the servants to take her child from her hands and take a seat on the dining table.

"The empires have their new empress as we speak. I now have my own eyes and ears sitting on the empress throne. The emperor however, is still as useless as he always was. But the empress dowager seems to be planning something big." Emelda sighed.

"What about the former emperor? What sort of moves does he makes?" Adelaide shrugged.

"He has been bed ridden for the last two months. He had an accident while hunting. To be honest I wish he died from excruciating pain but we can't be that lucky." Adelaide sighed before cutting her food into bite pieces.

Emelda covered her granddaughter's ears before asking the servant to take the child away.

"Language dear- not in front of the kids." Adelaide smiled.

"What's your next move? Will you be taking over the empire now that you have a solid foundation built in the palace?" Adelaide shook her head no.

Adelaide placed her knife down and took a few sip of her water. "Not just yet. I will start with the imperial family's vassal. From there I will destroy their foundation and make them pray harder than before. The imperial government has no solid plan for the future. All they care about is the present."

Emelda watched Adelaide closely. She wondered to herself how could someone like Adelaide who once stood on top of everyone be able to keep such composure even after everything she had built was taken from under her noses. Now she understands why Adelaide doesn't seem to care much when she was dethroned.

"You had planned this from the start, did you? Since when?" Adelaide smiled.

"Since my daughter was killed mercilessly. She took my precious from me and I have no choice but to retaliate. They wish to play with fire, so I gave them what they wanted. It's only fair, right?" Emelda scoffed.

"In that short of time? Adelaide dear, you expect me to believe it? Even when you were the empress, your true goal is to bring Tempest's current ruler down, am I right?" Adelaide smiled from ear to ear.

"How did you know, mama?" Emelda turned speechless. She didn't expect for Adelaide to say such a thing at all.

"Adelaide dear-,"

"Mama, don't you think Astoria would look good wearing the emperor's official clothes? I really want to see her in that attire." Emelda is just lost in words.

"Please don't tell me that's your only reason to destroy the current reign." Adelaide hummed.

"It's the only valid reason. Besides, the people of Tempest need a better ruler than those cowardly dogs. Don't you agree, mama?" Emelda couldn't say much as what Adelaide just said is the truth.

"It's impossible for me to put reason into your words but whatever makes you happy, dear." Adelaide smiled before continuing eating.

"Mama, would it be better for me to tell Astoria about the twins?" Emelda nodded.

"But what if it causes more trouble than-" Emelda stopped Adelaide from continuing on.

"Knowing Astoria, she would deal with her task with ease knowing there is someone waiting for her to be home. I'm not telling you to consider telling her about the twins through letters but it's best to give hints." Adelaide hummed.

"I'll think about it."

A few days later,

As Adelaide went through her day acting as the North's lord, Astoria's family members who used to take care of the family's finances asked to see her in person. Adelaide agreed to meet them and she was surprised to see the state they are in.

"Did the former empress abandon you too?" Adelaide's question surprised them. Thoughts keep running in their mind, how did Adelaide know what happened to them?

"Congratulations on the birth of the twins. We heard that somehow Astoria managed to get the princess pregnant with the help of a demon." Adelaide remained nonchalant.

"Is that the only reason you're here? Not for money? Or perhaps your title back? I can't give you back the title you've lost. You may go and beg the emperor for those titles." The family members gave each other a nod before revealing a secret that no one has ever heard before.

"The empress dowager has been in contact with a group of dark magicians that reside at the North. The witch is a fearsome creature that made its goal to turn the North into a bloody battlefield between humans and monsters. The reason why the monsters keep appearing is because the witch is there by the order of the empress dowager." Adelaide remained calm as she tried to process what she heard.

"And why should I believe this tale of yours?" Adelaide questioned.

"Because when the empress dowager met the witch, we were there." Oh-

This is interesting.