CHAPTER 92 - HARRIET’S SIDE LOVERHarriet sat across from the Emperor who was already in his pyjamas and getting ready for bed. They sat opposite each other on the sofa in the man's room. Harriet's expression had never been so serious before, and neither was the Emperor's.
But while Harriet was still leaning calmly on the arm of the sofa, the Emperor sat up straight, his hands clenched in anger. He had heard Harriet's story in detail about what she had experienced and what Ezekiel had said and done to her.
"You are right. He doesn't deserve the throne, no matter what," the man said. But then Axias chuckled in an ironic tone. "You really are brave, huh? How can you invite me to conspire against my own son?"
"Since I know you as you, this is the first thing I do, Your Majesty," said Harriet.
Axias marvelled at how much Harriet trusted him, and felt hurt at the same time.
"I'm glad you complained to me." Axias was genuinely happy that Harriet complained to him, just like a child complained to her parents. But still, when he heard how disgusting the things his son had done, he felt so betrayed and disappointed.
"I would like to finish this complaint there, but considering that I brought this matter to you, I feel I also have a responsibility to provide a solution. You have to open the Euclase Family Tree and appoint another successor," said Harriet.
The Emperor quickly shook his head. "No. Do not rush. I know what you're thinking, but that crude solution won't work out smoothly no matter how hard we push it," said the man.
"Revoke the title of Crown Prince from Ezekiel Euclase now before it's too late, Your Majesty. And we both already know who the possible next successor to this Empire throne is," said Harriet seriously. She was seriously worried about this continent in that man's hands. Ezekiel's vision was biased, and that wasn't the only problem.
Harriet strongly believed that the right moral foundation was very important for every leader. She trusted Axias because the man had good and strong moral foundations. However, Ezekiel had uncontrollable vulgar greed and misguided morals.
Even though Harriet knew Ezekiel's rationality was enough to make him a great Emperor, he would never become the Emperor his people wanted him to be.
From time immemorial, the reason why Euclase was chosen as the Imperial Supreme on this Continent was their harmonious internal family relationship history, without any history of infidelity, power struggles from emperor children born to different mothers, or stepmother-illegitimate child dramas.
Family matters were the most important thing in the Euclase Empire, as each of its Emperors always adhered to the principle that if his household affairs fell apart, he should not ascend the throne as a man trying to settle the affairs of the state.
This upbringing reached the last generation, the best of them all, Axias–but how could the once normal Ezekiel be like this?
A name popped into Harriet's head. The one who was most likely the reason for Ezekiel's transformation into who he was today.
Cecilia Morganite.
Everything stemmed from that woman. Harriet's chest felt uncomfortable. This was the feeling she got when she saw a parasite on a plant or a nuisance in a grand plan of the state. She had a strong desire to destroy that nuisance to the root, but she had no proof.
"But Ezekiel is my only son that I raised with my own two hands since childhood. He was born the Crown Prince and the title had followed his name even before he was born. Do you think it would be easy to take that title away from him?" asked Axias.
Harriet felt very sorry for Axias. She actually didn't have the heart to say this to such a nice man, but did she have a choice? She didn't want it to be too late and let Axias drift away in his affection for his son who had gone astray.
Harriet said this as the closest person to Axias, who he considered to be his own daughter.
Ezekiel had twice tarnished her reputation, unwilling to understand her or find out about any other point of view than his own, he accused her of cheating and offered Harriet to be his mistress after he had an affair with Cecilia Morganite, even, offering Harriet the throne assuming that only the throne was what she wanted while insulting her as a slut at the same time.
It was not just a matter of self-esteem. That man didn't seem to be able to become a wise Emperor.
"Then, Your Majesty," Harriet looked straight at Axias.
The Emperor lifted his face and looked back at Harriet.
"Let's postpone the decision to revoke Ezekiel's title. Let's have a final test to judge his morals before we discuss it again," said Harriet in a calming voice.
Axias was momentarily stunned and silently stared at Harriet. This woman he had considered his own daughter–oh, he wished Harriet was his own. "Tell me your proposal, child," Axias said in a resigned voice.
Harriet took a deep breath, before opening her mouth and explaining her plan to Axias.
***
"Pffft–HAHAHAHAH!"
Liam coughed and was forced to stop laughing. He vomited some blood and reached over to the table for a white handkerchief. His head was filled with so many memories that drowned his mind, it made his chest ache.
Memories of Harriet's past that his brother-in-law told him, memories of his determination to fight his death to live with Harriet and bring her happiness – memories of the reason why they shouldn't have been together, and the real reason why Harriet couldn't be his mate.
However, he also felt ridiculous after remembering and knowing that he had been jealous of himself all along.
Harriet's lover that the woman really loved was himself, Liam Almandine.
Now Liam was wondering, why didn't Ezekiel notice that the long blonde-haired man was Liam Almandine, and instead thought that he was an affair?
How could his mind go straight to it? Was in his eyes, Harriet was a woman who could have an affair even though she was already married?
Liam was really offended and felt ridiculous. He had also heard that he was rumored to be a dying old man, but he did not expect that it was to the point that no one knew his true appearance at all at this time, that he was mistaken for his wife's side lover.
Yes.
Now he wanted to tell all this to Harriet. Could this bastard just walk away and disappear from his sight now?
"The secret lover and the man my wife really loves, huh?" Liam asked. He smiled a little, speaking in a mocking mumble, "Interesting. I'll tell her this when she gets back."