System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 857 - 269: Emperor of the Empire Dies Suddenly (10,000 Words) Part 2

With a nod, Lynn said, "Mr. Alan, please make yourself comfortable."

Lynn turned back toward the castle after bidding Alan farewell.

Respectful greetings from townsfolk out for a leisurely stroll accompanied Lynn as he walked past rows of red-brick houses.

He lifted his gaze to the sky.

Countless stars dotted the world-enveloping night sky like sparkling jewels.

Though night had long descended,

brilliant moonlight cascaded down, draping the whole town and nearby fields in a silver sheen.

Beneath that silvery light, Lynn even spotted wild chrysanthemums gently swaying beside the red-brick road.

This stunning nocturnal vista was visible only in this instant.

Upon reaching the castle,

an oil lamp's warm glow filled the reception hall.

Kuisi, who had waited patiently, saw Lynn mount the steps and rushed forward to welcome him.

Curiously, Kuisi asked, "Sir, you’re a bit late today. Were you busy with the literacy campaign?"

Lynn walked to the dining table, replying, "More or less. I chatted with Alan for a while afterward."

Kuisi nodded knowingly, "Sir, please wait a moment. I’ll have them bring up your dinner now."

Settling comfortably at the table's head, Lynn gave an affirmative hum.

Some minutes passed,

then Kuisi and the maids wheeled in a cart, arranging platters of food across the dining table.

With Kuisi attending him, Lynn savored his daily dinner.

After a steaming bath and Janet’s soothing massage in the private quarters,

Lynn reclined on the bed, pulling Janet’s soft form close, and slowly drifted into slumber.

...

Beneath the night sky lay the Royal City—Triumph City.

Resembling a lion bursting with tireless energy.

Inner and outer cities blazed with lights.

Within the inner city, people in opulent garb sauntered along the avenues, faces lit with smiles.

They scanned about, marveling at the array of wares lining the vibrant streets.

Unlike the nobles and affluent folk of the inner city,

the outer city brimmed with hustling figures.

They hauled overloaded wagons or shouldered heavy loads, threading through the thoroughfares.

Even under cover of night, they toiled unceasingly for their livelihood.

To gather extra pence for more sustenance for their kin.

Though Triumph City simmered in the cold war between the two Princes,

it left the city's dwellers utterly unaffected.

They understood that without outright war or soldiers storming in,

life pressed onward.

In stark contrast to the thronging masses surging through inner and outer cities,

the grand Carolingian Royal Family castle loomed desolate and frigid.

Along corridors braced by milky-white pillars,

solely golden-armored soldiers gripping long spears pressed on with their patrols.

Each footfall sent iron boots clanging against the stone floor below.

The armor plates grated together besides.

A relentless metallic clamor trailed the Imperial Guard patrol everywhere.

As they went past the Emperor’s bedchamber,

the middle-aged captain of the Imperial Guard squad fixed a grim gaze ahead.

He shot a glance toward the Emperor’s bedchamber.

Windows sealed shut, doors bolted firm.

Imperial Guards stood sentinel at the entrance and crucial passages.

The full contingent of Carolingian Royal Family Imperial Guards rotated for round-the-clock watches.

All to shield the Emperor’s bedchamber housing Karedi’s reigning Emperor—Charlemagne VI.

Having scanned the vicinity and found no irregularities,

the squad captain ushered his guards away from the spot.

Deep within the Emperor’s bedchamber,

a soaring arch ceiling boasted ornate carved beams and painted rafters aglow with golden foil motifs.

Marble mosaics clad every wall.

Strikingly, the vast flawless marble surfaces bristled with myriad radiant gems.

United, they crafted a majestic mural of a triumphant campaign!

A colossal four-poster bed claimed the room's exact center.

Bedposts of pure gold bore ruby vines etched in intricate patterns...

Bed drapes of premium silk displayed the elaborate Carolingian Royal Family insignia.

A black crowned lion on gold!

The bedside table beside the majestic bed was hewn from a single jade slab.

Gem-studded candlesticks bore wavering candle flames.

These cast light on the face of the old man nestled beneath the bedcovers.

His skin held a sickly yellow tint, gray shadowing the pallor.

This aged ruler was Karedi Empire’s Emperor—Charlemagne VI!

Just then, Charlemagne VI seemed ensnared in a harrowing nightmare.

Eyes squeezed shut, brows locked in deep furrows.

A subtle tremor shook his frame, as though battling to rouse from the grip of a horrifying dream.

His cracked, dry skin stretched taut over his sharp cheekbones.

Silvery strands of hair clung to his perspiring brow.

Furthermore, sweat drenched his whole body, leaving the bedsheets completely sodden.

Abruptly,

Charlemagne VI's hollow eyes snapped open, his feeble gaze drifting feebly over the bed drapes.

He appeared to be striving to determine his location by glancing around.

His lips parted slightly, drawing in heavy breaths.

Yet after mere moments of breathing, as if every ounce of his strength had vanished,

a weak, tormented groan rose from Charlemagne VI’s throat.