CHAPTER 145: SERENA’S SPEECH

The funeral pyre was built outside the palace walls, in the presence of hundreds of thousands of civilians and soldiers alike. Everyone was dressed in black—no jewelry or fancy outfits, just plain black robes.

Women covered their hair, and men covered their bodies completely, wearing gloves and socks. Only their heads were visible.

I was the only exception, leaning on the palace wall and watching from the sidelines like the outsider I was.

Serena approached the funeral pyre, and Selric handed a torch over to her. She walked around it to face the people and began her speech.

"Good evening, everyone. For those who may not know me, I am Serena, daughter of Empress Althea. Thank you all for being here to honor her memory."

Whispers began spreading among the people, and they exchanged glances with one another.

This made me wonder how dumb these people were.

How the hell are they not aware of the identity of those ruling them?

I’ve read books about kings disguising themselves and walking among their people to hear their unfiltered opinions. I always wondered how it was possible for people not to recognize their own king—but now I know why.

I wasn’t like them.

Even though the current President of America looked like any other sixty-year-old man with gray hair, if that man walked past me right now, I would recognize him.

"Dumbass people," I cursed and rolled my eyes.

"My mother was wise, compassionate, and unwavering in her belief that peace was not a gift to be found, but a legacy to be built. I remember how she would walk the palace gardens at dawn, gathering morning blossoms and quietly humming to herself as the world slept. In those moments, I saw how deeply she cared—not just for the empire, but for the smallest joys that bind us all," Serena continued her speech.

"She faced betrayal, hardship, and armies twice her size. Yet in her final hours, she expressed no fear—only hope: ’If Solinthar lives on, I have done my duty.’ This strength was never born of fearlessness, but of purpose."

’She never said that.’

My head snapped in Serena’s direction, and I blinked in confusion.

Was the lie necessary?

Empress Althea was already loved—there was no need to go the extra mile to make her look like a saint.

After hearing that, I couldn’t help but feel skeptical about the story of her tending the gardens every day.

Serena paused, her body trembling under the gaze of many. I could see them feeling sorry for her—wearing worried looks, and some even pitying the crown princess.

Was this whole funeral meant to be a means to gain the support of the people?

What was the need? It’s not like she has any competition.

Caleum didn’t seem like someone interested in the throne. That boy just wants to look after his family.

So what’s the point of all this?

"Now I stand here in front of the pyre we built with care. I’ll pour oil over it and walk around it one last time, as tradition says, to help her spirit move on. The fire will carry her away."

With that said, two guards walked up, each carrying fancy oil jars. Serena handed the torch to another guard before taking one of the jars herself.

She began walking around the pyre, pouring oil over it. Midway through, the first jar emptied, and she took the second one and continued until she returned to where she started.

"To those who scattered in joy when she smiled, and marched in hope when she led—know this: she taught more than governance; she taught conviction. She taught me that humility is the crown worn by the strongest of rulers," Serena continued, her voice much firmer now.

"Mother... your dream was always larger than walls and borders. Today, I carry that dream forward. Your legacy will guide me. Your faith in me will pulse through every decision I make in the days of darkness ahead."

Serena turned her back on the crowd and faced the pyre.

"May these flames honor your life with dignity, and send your memory across the skies—a testament that compassion is strength, and love can rule even beyond death."

Saying this, Serena placed the torch to the pyre and it instantly lit up in fierce flames—burning too brightly for any normal person to stand close. But she stood there, untouched by the fire.

"Rest now, Mother. The world you saved will not break. Not while I breathe."

People began cheering and clapping while I just stared at her, genuinely intrigued.

There was something unique about this royal family I couldn’t understand.

I could only lie to Empress Althea in her final moments because the feeling that I’d be caught if I lied vanished as she neared death. I could write it off as paranoia, but deep down, I knew there was something more to it.

Something I can’t explain about these people.

Serena’s gaze found me, and a small smile played on her lips with tears streaming down her face. I returned her smile, but inside, I wore a cold frown as I tried to decipher the mysteries hidden in the royal bloodline.

"Carry on her legacy?" someone scoffed in a loud voice. "Who are you to take the Empress’s place when my mother still lives?!"

Silence!

Everywhere fell silent as a man walked out of the crowd, his long red hair nearly brushing the ground. He was dressed in a red, fitted coat that covered his entire body, only revealing a glimpse of the armor underneath.

His visage was cold and vicious, and he had an X-shaped scar on his left cheek. Flanking him were two guards in full armor, and behind them stood a man in dark robes with a cloak draped over his head, hiding his face.

Ding!

[Prince Ronald, Son of Empress Althea’s sister, Princess Alisha]

The system was quick to spit out the information, as if it was enjoying the drama as much as I was.

"Ooh!" I muttered in surprise.

My brain pieced everything together almost instantly—and I realized why Serena was playing to the public.

She had competition!