Chapter 35 - The Last Phase

Astoria's POV

I stood behind Adelaide as she met the nobles of the empire. From what I had learnt from Bolton, Adelaide had sent out an invitation to all nobility without the imperial family's knowledge and she would give them an option either to go under her wings or the other way round.

It has come to my attention that most nobles agreed to be part of the coup but not all. Some even question Adelaide if she is sane.

"Lady Adelaide, have you gone mad? To challenge the imperial family like this- aren't you afraid of what they might do to your family?" Lord Hawthorne laughed.

"Have I ever shown any respect towards the imperial family? Have I ever feared them? I don't think so. Whatever my daughter wish to do, House Hawthorne will follow suit. I mean, she has House Aspen's strongest knight by hr side, only idiots would choose otherwise." The nobles began to whispered among each other.

"If you manage to overthrow the current emperor, who will lead our empire? You?" Adelaide smiled.

"Tell me who is more fitting to be your ruler than me." Adelaide's words send shivers down my spine. This woman- she knows how to manipulate her aura to such an extent.

"You all have experienced how chaotic the government is after I leave the palace. How was it? Was it difficult?" Adelaide smiled. None of the nobles dared to say anything.

"It was. But I'm sure in time the emperor will realize his duty to serve. What can you give to the empire if we choose to follow you?" Asked one of the nobles.

"A new monarch with experience and good diplomatic relations with foreign countries. I heard what happened at the banquet— I dare say it was a disaster, yes? The retainers couldn't even save the situation. And as days go by, the empire has lost all its major allied forces while I continue to gain more support from neighboring kingdoms. Choose wisely, ladies and gentlemen." Adelaide leaned back to her seat with a small smile.

Adelaide was the empress for a reason. I remember when I first met her, she was a fearsome ruler for sure. And these nobles- they have no choice but to follow her. Because they know if the situation remains, the empire will fall completely.

The nobles discuss among themselves before finally deciding on what they should do.

"We have come to a truce, we will stay under your rule." Adelaide smiled.

"Wise choice. Now, for your first order, leave the empire at once. Bring your families and friends with you. Seek refuge at the North, the South, the West or the East until further notice. The concubines will take care of you and your family. Stay away from the capital because in a month, Tempest will fall."

A few days later,

"Alya," Alya smiled before bowing her head the moment she saw me.

"What are you doing?" Alya chuckled.

"You never cease to amaze me, Astoria. As promised, I had brought the members of House Lowenstein with me." It's been a while since I met Jennifer and the moment our eyes met, I can't help but to give my only friend a hug.

"What is going on?! Astoria- the things I heard—- you and Adelaide outdid yourself. Do you have any idea how chaotic the capital is right now? Witches and dark magicians are making the capital its home after the nobles left!" Jennifer seems confused but that's understandable.

"We know. Everything is according to Adelaide's plan. The nobles are all safe. The only ones left at the capital are our knights and mages. The people of Tempest are all here seeking refuge." Jennifer seems confused. I smiled at how clueless my friend is.

"Don't worry about it. Enjoy the North while you're here." I was showing Jennifer around the castle when we came across Adelaide and the twins.

I couldn't help but to smile at the twins because they are too adorable. Adelaide smiled as Jennifer bowed to her.

"I am no longer the empress, Lady Lowenstein. Feel free to call me Adelaide. Or if it makes you feel better, people here call me Lady Hawthorne." Jennifer apologized for her action.

"I'm sorry if my question seems rather rude but who are these children? Honestly, that child in particular reminded me of when Astoria was little." Oh- I didn't mention this in my letters.

"They are my twins." Jennifer's mouth ajar opened.

"I didn't know you were pregnant?! Who's the father?! Wait- did you give birth at the borders?!" I need to calm my friend down. When I turned to Adelaide, instead of helping me to clear the misunderstanding, she laughed!

"Adelaide gave birth to the twins when I was at the border." Jennifer's eyes widened.

"So they are the emperor's?!" I facepalm myself. This is getting nowhere.

"They are mine. Moloch, the demon king, gave me something that made me grow a—- umm, grew—" Adelaide handed the twins to the maids before she explained everything to Jennifer.

"Astoria was tricked by the demon king to consume an aphrodisiac that made it possible for her to have the right tool to make me pregnant. I gave birth to the twins while she was at the border. It sounds crazy but the demon king is here to confirm it." Jennifer sighed.

"Okay. There is so much I need to learn." Adelaide smiled.

"I believe your father is here as well? And where is Alya?" Oh! I totally forgot about Alya.

"She is with count Lowenstein. I was showing Jennifer around since the last time she was here, she was only ten years old. I totally forgot about Alya and the count." Adelaide smiled.

"It's okay. Stay here with your friend. I'll handle the rest." I gave Adelaide a light kiss on the cheek before she went to see Alya and the count.

"Bitch, that woman gave birth to your children! I didn't know how to react at first but now that I finally got the idea, I am shocked!" Jennifer sighed.

"Astoria, I noticed how different the northern Castle is now that Adelaide is here. It seems more like home." I smiled.

"I feel the same way. To be honest, without Adelaide here, I don't think the North would thrive. Having her here has given a new ray of hope for the people of the North. It has never been this warm after the death of my father." Jennifer smiled.

"You're in love. I can tell that much about you, Astoria. I never knew you could smile like you did when you saw Adelaide and the twins. I don't know if you know this but you're not the type to smile very often." Huh? Really?

"I guess I'm changing. I hope it's for the better." Jennifer sighed before shaking her head.

"I supposed so- but it's weird to see you smile." Jennifer abruptly stopped walking when she saw a group of shirtless knights at the field.

"Is my room near the training field?" huh?

"Not really. Your room is near the frozen lake." Jennifer sighed.

"Is there any available room near the training field?" I think for a moment before shaking my head.

"You were too late- the other noble ladies had taken the rooms near the training field." Jennifer seems down for some reason.

"Would you like to go and see the knights?" Jennifer's eyes light up. It seems all the ladies here have one similar interest- the knights. Should I order the knights to wear full armor even in training?

When we arrived, I noticed the field was filled with female onlookers and the knights were all getting way ahead of themselves. Should I teach them all a lesson?

I asked Jennifer to find a place to stand while I went to the field and asked Arthur what was going on. Arthur was surprised to see me since he didn't expect me to be here.

"Countess! What are you doing here? We were just training our swordsmanship, I swear!" Lies- I tilted my head and noticed two rookies are getting themselves ready for a spar match.

"I didn't schedule any sparring match today. Arthur, tell me the truth." Arthur sighed.

"One is the noble ladies had offered to give the champion five hundred worth of gold coins. The knights were excited and decided to have a sparring match. I know I should informed the countess beforehand but who would say no to five hundred worth of gold coins?" I see.

"Alright- the last man standing will have to spar with me. How's that sound?" Arthur smiled.

"Perfect! We will start right away."