CHAPTER 26: CHAPTER26-EMPRESS JOSEPHINE

The elders present were all shrewd and worldly men. Each of them had lived long enough to see countless shifts of power, and they could instantly read between the lines of any situation. They were well aware that with Sacco’s terrifying potential, it would not take him long to fully grow into his strength. Once he did, a single word from his mouth could plunge the entire Crossbridge Empire into irreparable ruin.

One elder spoke in a heavy voice, his tone reflecting the gravity of the moment."Right now, the Crossbridge Empire is extremely dangerous. Many major organizations have already withdrawn from the imperial capital."

Another added, "Should our House Tascher also follow suit and retreat? Perhaps it would be best to leave this land of turmoil altogether. The Empire is nothing but a vortex of disaster."

A third elder continued, his eyes narrowing. "Josephine, at least, has the protection of the Sapphire Bank. That should ensure her safety. But for us, House Tascher, there is no reason to be dragged down into the abyss alongside the Empire."

Indeed, this empire had already reached the end of its road. Its decline was irreversible. And if Sacco were to unleash his vengeance upon it, then what awaited would not simply be additional misfortune—it would most likely mean the complete obliteration of all who stood in the wrong place.

Thus, the wisest course of action seemed clear: to distance themselves from the Crossbridge Empire before disaster struck.

Yule, the head of House Tascher, sat with furrowed brows. His face betrayed hesitation and uncertainty. He too had to carefully weigh the potential gains and risks of such a choice. At times, fleeing from danger was not the true solution. Sometimes running only made one appear weaker and invited other predators to strike.

Just as his thoughts churned, a servant’s hurried voice rang from outside the chamber doors."My lord, His Majesty the Emperor is coming to House Tascher!"

The words stunned the assembly. Yule and the other elders exchanged quick glances, each filled with confusion. At this particular moment, why would the Emperor personally come to House Tascher?

After a brief silence, Yule finally gave his reply."I understand. Go at once to the Sapphire Bank and inform Josephine. Tell her to return so she may join us in welcoming His Majesty."

The servant bowed quickly and departed. Yet inside the hall, the elders could no longer hold back their murmurs.

"What could be the Emperor’s purpose, coming to us now of all times?" one asked.

This question lingered uncomfortably in every elder’s mind. Before doubt could fester further, Yule raised his hand and spoke with authority."Regarding Sacco, I want all of you to keep this matter strictly confidential for now. As for His Majesty’s true intentions, I believe we will not have to wait long to hear them from his own lips."

He paused, his eyes sweeping across his peers."The Emperor’s arrival may not necessarily be a bad thing for us. It could provide an opportunity—a chance to observe firsthand what stance he intends to take."

The news that Emperor Aurek was personally coming to House Tascher spread quickly. Immediately, the great household was set into a flurry of activity. Servants rushed about preparing the castle halls, the elders adjusted their ceremonial attire, and every corridor hummed with nervous anticipation.

At the same time, Josephine—who had been occupied with her duties at the Sapphire Bank—also received word. After a brief moment of contemplation, she made her way back to her family estate.

When the preparations were nearly complete, the rumble of wheels on stone echoed at the castle gates. At last, Aurek’s carriage arrived and halted before the entrance of House Tascher’s ancestral castle.

The door opened, and down stepped the tall, commanding figure of Emperor Aurek. His presence was striking. With sharp brows, star-like eyes, and an aura that seemed to sweep across the world, he carried himself with a majesty that was impossible to ignore.

Yule, as patriarch of House Tascher, was the first to step forward. He bowed respectfully."Your Majesty Aurek, it is the greatest honor of our family to receive you at House Tascher."

The Emperor’s reply was brief, but carried weight."The glory of Crossbridge rests with you as well."

His voice was calm, almost detached, yet the words carried enough gravitas to silence the courtyard.

Then Aurek’s gaze shifted. His eyes came to rest upon Josephine.

Josephine stood among them, radiant and dignified. She wore a formal gown that highlighted her tall, elegant figure. Around her slender, snow-white neck hung a dazzling gem-studded necklace. Her sapphire-blue eyes sparkled with clarity, and her golden wavy hair cascaded like sunlight across her shoulders.

But more captivating than her beauty was the aura she carried—a mysterious quality that set her apart from every other noblewoman. Unlike the superficial airs of aristocracy, Josephine’s presence suggested something deeper, something enigmatic.

Aurek could not help but admire her. He had once thought that Angie was among the most beautiful women he had ever met. But standing before Josephine, he realized she surpassed Angie by far. Not only in appearance, but in temperament. Josephine’s allure was undeniable.

Indeed, she truly lived up to her reputation as the most celebrated beauty of the Crossbridge Empire.

And beyond that, she was also the Empire’s yet-unwedded Empress. Aurek mused inwardly with a faint smirk. Yes... it seemed his future wife was, without doubt, beautiful enough to satisfy even an emperor’s standards.

For Aurek, to be emperor was not only about wielding power and authority. Beauty and companionship were also among the rightful enjoyments of his position. With Josephine by his side, he finally began to feel he had something close to the image of a true sovereign.

"Your Majesty, please, this way," Yule said, gesturing forward.

Aurek inclined his head and stepped into the castle halls, Yule leading the way. Josephine followed close behind, casting a thoughtful glance at Aurek’s back. The elders of House Tascher trailed behind them, keeping their respectful distance. None of them had the privilege to walk beside the Emperor himself.

Soon, the group entered the grand reception hall of House Tascher.

Aurek’s gaze swept across the assembled elders. Their postures were perfectly respectful, their words courteous, yet Aurek could clearly see through their act. Their reverence was superficial, nothing more than polite pretense.

House Tascher was, after all, one of the greatest aristocratic families within the entire Empire. Behind them stood considerable resources and influence, even forces that existed beyond the Empire’s borders. Yule himself was an Expert Rank warrior, a formidable man by ordinary standards. And most of the elders here were of Elite Rank, impressive in their own right.

In past days, such a force would have been considered highly powerful—worthy even of an emperor’s attempts to court their loyalty. But for Aurek now, their strength seemed pitifully lacking. He felt no real urge to draw them into his fold.

The silence grew heavy. Finally, Yule broke it with a carefully measured question."We wonder, Your Majesty, what business brings you to House Tascher this day?"

Aurek’s lips curved slightly, his eyes once again shifting toward Josephine."I have merely come to see the Empress."

Josephine dipped her head slightly, offering a serene smile."Your Majesty, I thank you for your concern."

As she spoke, her sapphire eyes studied him intently. She had long been aware of the downfall of the Minister of War Nock’s household, and in her role as a manager of the Sapphire Bank, she had even made certain arrangements behind the scenes. Yet what truly puzzled her was the transformation before her.

Why had the once-weak emperor changed so utterly, as though he had become an entirely different person? Why was he now stirring storms across the capital with such force? And for what ultimate goal?

Aurek’s calm voice interrupted her thoughts."I have already begun preparations for the coronation ceremony of the Empress. If House Tascher faces any difficulties, speak of them now."

As he finished, his gaze swept over Yule and every elder in the hall.

The words landed like a thunderclap. The elders exchanged looks, their faces betraying unease. They understood perfectly: this was no casual remark. This was a demand—a direct pressure from the Emperor himself.

Now, House Tascher would have to make a choice.

But what choice would it be?

Every pair of eyes gradually turned toward Yule, the patriarch. The weight of decision lay squarely on his shoulders.

House Tascher’s fate would be determined here.