The first light of the day has appeared on the horizon, painting the skies with a soft golden glow as the sun slowly rises above the horizon. Cain is still in a deep slumber, dreaming, more like a nightmare. That bastard Emperor laughs hysterically like a crazy monkey. His tall demeaning manner did not match the laugh that rang like the annoying alarm clock in his phone, in his defense it was annoying. The bastard Emperor kept laughing as he lounged at him with greater force and grabbed his face as if he were taking something from him. And when he finally grabbed a piece of himself, an oblong and rubber-like thing, and when he looked at the floor of the water, he didn't have his face.
The Cain's senses were assaulted by loud and jarring sounds of gongs and footsteps echoing through his chambers, the sounds of loud shoes tapping the ground, and the ushers of people disrupting his already nightmarish distraught. When he opened his eyes groggily, seven servants were surrounding his bedchambers he could only flinch and scream in his mind. And everything happened like a blur between a dream and reality. He was dragged and carried by sedan chairs while the amount of preparation he went through just to present a good and healthy Emperor. His lips were painted with a rouge, and it was not all that too; he even attended baths with servants with him, wore clothes with servants, and even the basics–––the servant insisted on serving him. And when he had finished all those things, he felt his headache from their hands touching him.
When Cain arrived, it was all thanks to the sedan chair he was being carried, and he thought that the bustling hall suddenly went quiet because of how he looked. He bit his lips and sighed at the immense discomfort of being watched by the hundreds of officials eyeing him with their mouths gaping. Their noticeable reactions are too hard to guess; one could not say if their eyes widened in shock because of his delicate appearance or if maybe they expected him to die or grovel up on the ground with a battered body. They must have been shocked to see a person who was reported to be almost dead with how bloody and battered Cain's body, but well, here he is, alive and well, as if the assassination is just a simple feat for the Emperor himself. He could only glare at them below from his high throne. His hand felt the cold shivers.
Cain had his feet crossed, draped with his heavy robe, embroidered with a painstakingly crafted thread of golden and red illustrating the opulence of lotus. The headwear on top of his head is delicate and made of exquisite gold, exaggeratedly too big. It trailed a diamond shape, an embedded, almost like a shining halo surrounding the back of his head. Another line of gold trailed into the side of his face, under his heavy crown is curtained with a sheen cloth. Another layer of beads hung in his ears like a necklace. It might be an understatement that sitting on a throne made his heart beat so fast at an abnormal rate that it might just leap out of his throat and run away like a dog with its tail in between its legs. He is scared for his life, and while they only just look at him like an insect he regards it as a threat to his mind.
"Greetings to the Great Padshah, Your Imperial Highness of the Southern Sun. Your return is a miracle of heaven." They all bowed their greetings. It took them too long to greet them. A hesitation and disgust. Cain doesn't know what to do with their bows and just stares at the sight of them.
For a brief, his nervousness was almost gone when he lightly chuckled at the title he had been called.
He just could not help but shudder at the names and titles he has been called throughout his lifespan; Cain never knew he would feel something irking, disgusting, and gut-wrenching whenever he heard those. Is this the Epitome of the Cringy-ness?! Thinking about those names, he would remember his title in his former life. Gaius the genius? And The Gaius Einstein? Not all Scientists should be called Einstein. What's with the obsession of being Einstein!?
"To the Divine bearings of night, we share our greetings, Highnesses." They bowed again, facing the royal family sitting on the floor on each side. The Imperial sons of the royals just sipped a cup of wine and nodded out of courtesy. Cain bit off his side cheeks, because any moment he is going to burst out a laugh hearing another word from them.
The Imperial Court was influential and extravagant, draped with gold and diamond furniture, glistening in every glance that could be caught. The tigers made the wool carpet, with three factions of officials and courtiers standing before the Throne of the Padshah, the Emperor. There were also a lot of officials who were always well-affiliated by sections. Prince Abel sat on the floor with the mat and listened closely to the official's words; the other Princes were there too, sitting with the carpet spread out on the floor, with a low table full of scrolls. Three men stood out, draped with such elegance and authority, before the officials as they stationed each group. One is dressed in a black robe and different ornaments that clash like the sounds of coins, and the middle just stands there in silence with a long and shabby robe and eyes covered with a mysterious symbol; the last man on the right almost looks like he was going to fall off in the floor as his under eyes were dark and droopy.
A shift of wariness and skepticism started to arouse in the silence of the Imperial divan. Inside are closed tight from the doors, guards are stationed on each pillar, and the beginning of power struggle finally starts.
Cain, the clueless man he is, sits atop his ornate throne, his regal presence commanding respect from all in the court. By his side, stands Argus, the Duke, his hands resting on the hilt of his sword. With a proud look on his face, Argus surveys the officials with a sense of superiority, standing as tall as his towering ego. Despite the attention he is receiving, Cain remains stoic, his expression giving away nothing. However, the atmosphere in the court is tense, as if the slightest provocation could lead someone to draw their weapon and spill blood.
The Royal Family arrived, and a wave of disgust washed over the crowd. Their presence was so powerful that it seemed as if the whole room was illuminated by their shining aura. Cain couldn't help but feel dazzled by their radiating hair, which looked like it was burning with intense energy. Their skin was so fair that it looked almost ethereal, and their hair was as blonde as his own. The family's trademark amber eyes seemed to run through their veins. Despite being wary of the people, the royals sat on the floor with a pillow and a small table, looking composed and unbothered. It was like watching a battle between two predators: a tiger and an anaconda, with the tiny and cowardly mouse, Gaius, who possessed Cain's body, caught in the middle. Cain couldn't help but wonder if this was a common occurrence in the Imperial Court. He sent kudos to himself for resisting the urge to lose his mind, but he knew that he was on the verge of mental instability.
A scribe appeared and coughed out loud to get all his attention. "Today, His Imperial Majesty has requested the envoys, officials, and the 'nobles' to present at the Imperial Divan. I hereby commence the meeting."
"His Imperial Majesty was assassinated at Martius, the fourth month, and the twenty-five assassins were identified from the Kashgar netizens. Thus, the twenty-five assassins are yet to be determined for their treason. On Behalf of that, we are, as a result of this, investigating the incident. And I hoped the Imperial Divan would be able to help."
Would they even help when they looked at me as if they were anticipating I would die?
The striking image of a fair-haired man with a cloth tightly bound over his eyes, standing amongst one of the Faction Leaders, captured Cain's attention. Prince Zhiruo Aigou, the overseer of peace in the Empire, who despite his blindness, possessed an unrelenting determination. As Cain gazed at him, he was struck by the mystery that enveloped this enigmatic figure, whose tranquil aura seemed to radiate outward from him. However, Cain couldn't decipher his expression as the blindfold firmly closed the door to the prince's soul. He stood in front of the crowds of officials with such authority.
"The Sulh faction has something to report." His voice was soft yet full of determination when he uttered those words. "I have been investigating the matters in my own hands. The Raan Army accompanied by the padişah from the Kashgar is responsible for the assassination," he spoke softly yet with determination.
When the blind prince spoke the old man is being dragged by the guards, his hands tied with a rough rope, and his body is decorated with blood and sweat. Despite the weary face and the heavy breathing, the man appeared stoic and unflinching in the presence of the Emperor's piercing gaze. Demir Pasha, stood tall and imposing, his fearless demeanor contrasting starkly with the quiet Argus stood by the Emperor's side, ever watchful. "What is the meaning of this, Your Highness?" Argus's wary voice alerted. As the old man was dragged into the room, every official present looked at him with disgust. The guards roughly threw him onto the exquisite golden mat, and he scurried to bow down, his shaking body trembling with fear. "I have committed a grave sin against the Padişah," he said, his voice devoid of regret.
However, Cain observed the commotion and sensed that there was more to the old man's confession than what met the eye. He knew that a sturdy boat only sank if it was faulty, and he wondered what could have led this once-respected man to such a dire fate. "The traitor of the Empire." Zhiruo snickers. "He smuggled different weaponries and took in slaves that were willing to die for the mission, and everything is planned by Demir Pasha, the commander of Raan Army. This is an act of treason, Your Imperial Majesty."
Lucien plastered a smile when he listened to Zhiruo's report. "The Raan Army is the forty-fifth army serving under the Padishah. Its army is based in the Kashgar Region. Demir, the great-grandson of Hamzah, a surviving Lord of the Fallen Dynasty, Menounayem Dynasty," Lucien said.
"For a traitor to have such audacity showing up here, I'd rather have my head hang in the gates rather than waste a breath of begging for forgiveness after all that has happened." A Prince scoffed in the side. Cain couldn't see the person's face because he was leisurely lying in the comforts of the mat and relishing the wine and pillows. Other Princes rolled their eyes at the lying Prince. What a guy, Cain mumbled in amusement.
Someone older than the Prince, draped in a dark robe spoke with great attention. "Mamyun Çelebi, When speaking to the Padishah. You ought to face yourself and represent properly." Elder Prince politely chimed. A man named Mamyun properly faced in his disheveled look and bowed at Cain. "Apologies Padishah, I have spoken too rashly and let my emotions get the worst of me" he apologized. They groaned at him not even taking another chance to speak to him again, while Prince Mamyun rolled his eyes and chuckled as he laid back again.
As Mamyun speaks, the Emperor's mind is enlightened. For the first time, Cain takes a deep breath that echoes through the hallways of the Imperial Divan. Everyone falls silent, waiting for his response to ease their anxiety. Cain gazes back at the old man kneeling before him, and his patience wears thin as he listens to their words, causing him to feel irritated for no apparent reason.
Cain's voice draws a harsh breath and presses on his temple, "If only you had thought of that before my assassination." He couldn't help but direct a scathing comment, "You are nothing but a foolish fuck of an old man." His last sentence was spoken under his breath, but it didn't go unnoticed by Argus, who couldn't help but shoot a startling glance at the Emperor.
"I have been overwhelmed by greed and pride. It clouded my judgment," he confessed. However, before he could continue, the Emperor interrupted him angrily, "No! How dare you even think of harming an Emperor?!" His outburst shook everyone in the room. Cain, who had not realized the extent of his anger, took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. His anger grew as he remembered his death, the fire that crawled into his skin as he screamed to death while the water a electricity around his body zapped till it numbed his body. He could feel the pain before Cain died, and it convulses into his every bone that both of the pain before dying intertwined.
"Y-your Imperial Majesty… I–––" Demir struggled under his cuffs. "Enough. This old man already had enough trouble for today, let's get this quicker. Drag the traitor, and his fate shall be decided by the court. " Another man quickly changed the atmosphere in front of the faction, as he speaks his languid voice full of authority. His command made the guards quickly drag Demir. Suddenly a bustling laughter made everyone spin their heads as his desperate pleas finally turned into hysterical. "It's a shame that you're still alive!"
"A shame that such an exquisite plan has gone wasted. We should have sliced your body wide and open and then you'll never have a chance to live. A man as cruel, pathetic, and miserable jerk as you are!" Demir laughed hysterically, his ragged breath catching up to him and everyone gasped at the sudden confession. Everyone was tensed, and all had their breath held for a second.
Cain sat there, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of the situation. Why in all people that he have to be in the body of an Emperor? He is not fit for this and he is too tired of their bullshit, because now he is accused of a crime he did not commit. The man's eyes were wild, and his voice was hoarse from shouting. "What did I even do?" he whispered under his breath, although he thought what he could not do. Despite the old man's harsh words, Cain remained silent, hoping that the outburst would come to an end soon. Demir keeps struggling, and all the blood in his body already starts to drip into the burgundy mat.
"How dare you!" An official chided. Every official followed suit with their voices loud, which drove Demir's turmoil into complete madness. Their voices cry out of concern and fallacies, to seek justice. The old man does not care for his life to end, he only cares that his words can bring sense to the people. "Sitting a top of the throne. Adorned of gold that you'll drown. The power of a site is not amass of a filthy–––" A strong gust of wind suddenly came out of nowhere, blowing fiercely against his body. The sound of clanking coins echoed in his ears as something hit Demir's side, as he was knocked unconscious now a battered body fell so ungraciously into the hands of the guards. "He shall be sentenced to treason," Lucien patted his hands and clothes, eyeing the guards and taking away the unconscious old man. "Demir has committed a grave crime."
Cain is astounded, however, astounded is an understatement, it was like a flicker of light when Lucien just appeared at Demir's back. A hundred meters away from him, and yet he was able to do it for a second. But how can Cain be so surprised when he has also risen water from a tub, somehow he might be able to part the seas like Moses. Could it be that thing?
The Court Officials did not waste their time and suggested every cruel and possible idea. "Your Imperial Majesty, I advise you to thoroughly search Demir Pasha's allies and eradicate them all." a court official with big headgear on his said. "I advise you to annihilate the Clan of Demir Pasha." another with a long-beared man suggests. And a young scholar agreed among them. "Please proceed with the treason, Your Imperial Majesty."
The officials are pleading for the end of Demir Pasha's life. A tough choice for him, every one of them is pressuring him to agree with them. Cain debated if he should speak once again, and it could be a wrong idea to think about sending someone a treason right? Fuck politics, he doesn't know much about that. He remembered, that his past life was all secluded
"I need some time to think… about some imposing matters,"
"Your safety is not to be delayed." The long-beared man opposes, and the other officials once again follow fit. They did not relent again. "Argus," Cain called at his side. Argus fully understood the call of his name without a glance or confirmation, he stepped up. "His Majesty is not well, he is needed to recuperate. The three factions and the royal family shall stay for discussions." his commanding voice stopped all the official banter and bickering with each other, they went quiet in disappointment yet they were all powerless to the Duke but to leave in Imperial Divan in vain.
Their mumblings can be heard, whispers exchanging concerning the Empire till all of them gone quiet in the Divan. It was only him and the other family. Cain massaged his head. He stood on his throne but a Prince stopped him. "Would you not rather want to punish him?" The elder Prince reprimanded back then halted him. He's tall and his silver head is like a lock of chains as it is wrapped in his head, and clothes are covered till it ends with shoulders. The clothing has fine details of stitches all his its own story of the weave. His scent gives off a strong scent of peppery spice as it gives an aura of comfort. "I am rather concerned if we delay much longer, then I might be the first to lose a fistful of hair than His Lord Astaroz."
"I can fully hear you, Ashmodai," Astaroz grumbled, his tall figure stood while almost half awake and seeking support at Zhiruo's shoulder. His eyes squeezed shut, peacefully unbothered by what everything had transpired back then. Under his eyes is dark and heavy.
"Don't worry, I need some time to recuperate."
A scared and gentle voice made everyone silenced, calling out to the Emperor, "Brother Cain." Everyone in the court froze, their eyes slowly turning towards Prince Abel's trembling form. Abel appeared to be summoning any remaining courage to speak, but Mamyun, who was lounging leisurely in his seat, quickly hushed him. The fear was palpable among every prince and lord present, waiting to see how Cain would respond to Abel's call. "Hm?" Cain answered the Young Prince's call. And it was a surprise, Cain's demeanor was kind as he acknowledged Abel's call. Astaroz, who had been dozing off, suddenly awoke, and Zhiruo almost felt as if they could see the unfolding scene with his own eyes. All the princes are stunned in silence as Abel slowly rises from his mat, unsure of what will happen next. But he was latching tight into his silk pouch, as tight as he could, fearing it might fall into the ground.
But then Cain realized it to himself. Oh fuck.
One rule that Cain has forgotten. He shouldn't be interacting with Abel. He should avoid him, never interact with him, and regard the Young Prince as a nobody––as Cain would always do. But it was too late, all hell broke loose when he answered. Abel's eyes lifted, his eyes shone new different colors, his cheeks flustered with a deep shade of red trying to suppress the joy swelling in his heart. "I made a special medicine to aid you. It's a tea that has a lot of benefits." he gives the silk pouch to Cain and Abel who are already busting into joy.
"Thank you. I— appreciated it. "
With a hesitant expression on his face, Cain slowly reached out his hand to accept the delicate silk pouch offered to him. As he gingerly took hold of it, he felt the smooth texture of the fabric under his fingertips.