Chapter 11
Part 4
"Fix It, Chaeri. Fix All of It."
Location: The Duke of Rudolf's Manor – Late Night Crisis Meeting
Duke Rudolf is a refined man—stoic, composed, proper.
But tonight?
He looks deranged.
Papers are scattered. Ink stains his cuffs. Two quills are snapped in half. And he's sweating.
Duke Rudolf (gritting teeth): Do you know how many committees I chaired today, Chaeri?
Chaeri (defensive): You're the Duke—
Duke Rudolf (exploding): I AM NOT THE ENTIRE EMPIRE!
He throws a scroll across the room.
Duke Rudolf: The Treasury Board has no head! The Agriculture Bureau is managed by a seventeen-year-old! The military? No commander! Foreign ambassadors? Drinking in taverns because there are no hosts!
He grips the table.
Duke Rudolf:
"Fix it, Chaeri. Fix. All. Of. It."
Chaeri: Spiraling
Chaeri (outraged): You think I haven't tried?! I tried to destroy their trade—Adrien's men shut it down. I tried to start a scandal—Ophelia's staff fed it back to me!
She throws up her hands.
Chaeri: I can't even start a rumor without someone exposing the truth with a full report, ten signatures, and a witness testimony!
Imperial PalaceSuddenly… a Letter from Killian
Delivered on pristine paper, sealed with his insignia.
"Dearest Father. I've decided to join my brother Adrien for a brief respite to recover from the crushing weight of duty. Please forward any concerns to the Council—oh wait, they're all on fire. Regards, Killian."
Emperor (face draining):
"...he WHAT?!"
Adrien's Countryside Villa
Adrien and Ophelia are in matching robes. Killian sits between them. They clink juice glasses.
Adrien (to Killian): So, how long are you staying?
Killian (sighing): Indefinitely.
Ophelia (smiling): We're so happy to have you.
Behind them, aides serve pastries. A string quartet plays softly in the garden. Fireflies float in the twilight.
Killian (with dead eyes): I just watched the Minister of Commerce cry. I needed this.
Meanwhile… In the Capital
Every noble in the empire is working overtime.
There are no leisure venues.
No cafes. No salons. No peace.
Everyone's titles mean nothing when everyone is in crisis.
Lady Lestia (panicked): My husband hasn't come home in three days!
Baron Helmont: I'm running both the Tax Office and the Ceremonial Committee! I don't even know what a ceremonial committee does!
Viscountess Mira (on the verge of sobbing): I just wanted tea. One cup of tea.
Chaeri: The Last Straw
Chaeri: You know what? I'll go to the villa myself. I'll drag them back!
Duke Rudolf (collapsing into a chair): Do it. Beg. Crawl if you have to. But if one more official resigns, I'm exiling myself.
Adrien, Ophelia, and Killian toast under the moonlight.
Adrien:
"To being free."
Killian:
"To watching the empire burn."
Ophelia (smiling):
"To love, leisure, and leaving the court to rot."