In the Name of Empress-Chapter 510 - 327: The Price of Peace Is Actually Roland?
Van Gogh Museum, this place was once the palace used when the last Emperor with the title of Great Emperor of the Old Empire ascended the throne. After the Republic was established, it was confiscated by the government and converted into a museum.
The exhibits in this museum mainly consist of the life items and weapons, armor, and various trophies of famous Emperors from the Old Empire period.
This museum carries the past glory of the Jin Yuan Kingdom and records the decline of the old Imperial Authority. After its conversion into a museum, it also displays relics of Freedom Fighters.
After overthrowing the Old Empire, Mr. Carlo called out here, announcing that the Jin Yuan People would henceforth embrace freedom and move towards a republic, no longer having to be slaves to Emperors and Nobility.
On the same day, his daughter Alina was born.
He had high hopes for Alina, hoping she would inherit his will and let the light of freedom shine on every corner of Jin Yuan.
Twenty-two years later, his daughter Alina ascended the throne as the Emperor in this museum.
What a Hell of a joke.
The freedom fighters who overthrew the imperial system died at the hands of those also pursuing freedom, and the daughter who stood up to clean up the mess ultimately ascended the throne where the imperial system was overthrown.
At four o’clock in the morning, Alina stood alone in front of the Fanxi Palace, expressionless.
No one knew what she was thinking, and no one approached the location of the upcoming enthronement ceremony in a few hours.
Alina stood quietly, closing her eyes, wanting to listen to her father’s voice.
Unfortunately, there was nothing.
If her father safely crossed the Nether River, he would likely have been arranged to enter reincarnation a few years ago, becoming a brand new infant without all past memories.
If unable to cross the Nether River, her father’s soul would completely dissipate, becoming nourishment for the Nether River.
Alina clearly knew that even if her father successfully embraced a new life through reincarnation, he would be a completely different person, with no kinship with her.
In any case, she would never have a father again, nor hear the teachings of anyone.
Except Roland.
Alina heard footsteps approaching from behind.
Without turning her head, she knew it was Roland. He did not hide his footsteps, the even and steady pace had an ability to calm the heart.
Alina did not turn around, softly murmuring, "Roland, did I do something wrong?"
Roland replied frankly, "I don’t know."
"Don’t know?" Alina suddenly turned around, eyes wide open.
"Of course I don’t know. Some things can’t be judged right or wrong by those involved, it’s left for history to judge."
Roland looked into Alina’s eyes shining in the night sky, calmly saying:
"Having wise or strong individuals guide the country’s direction is certainly not the best system, but sometimes it’s the most appropriate. Like now, if no one takes responsibility, even discussing whether to join the Freedom Alliance might take several months, and by the time there’s a result, it would be too late."
"Let us just do what we need to do, and leave the judgment of right and wrong to posterity."
Roland’s words did not take a stance, but "not caring" is also a strategy.
Alina accepted Roland’s advice, exhaled a long breath, and slowly said:
"You’re right, the future of fifty-three provinces nationwide and seven overseas provinces, as well as one hundred and thirty million people, rests on my shoulders. I have no choice.
"Thank you, Roland."
There was an indescribable emotion flowing in Alina’s gaze, Roland did not meet her eyes but waved his hand and asked:
"Putting that aside, did you think Sofia would come when you invited her?"
"Although unlikely, I did consider it." Seeing Roland’s evasive gaze, Alina felt a slight disappointment in her eyes, speaking calmly.
Roland nodded, softly reminded, "Have you thought about what to say to her? If it’s to petition for peace, I suggest you save your effort."
He was genuinely worried Alina might be naive in diplomacy.
Peace is the most expensive luxury in the world; only through blood and courage can it last long. A peace that’s given is not peace, but poison.
Alina rolled her eyes at him in dissatisfaction, grumbling peevishly, "Prime Minister, is my political acumen that poor in your eyes?"
"Negotiations without strength are meaningless, so I will prove to Sofia that I have the strength to discuss peaceful coexistence on equal terms."
This time it was Roland’s turn to be surprised.
After careful observation, he confirmed Alina was neither drunk nor confused, her mind was clear, and she could be accountable for her words.
"Do you have a new trump card?" Roland couldn’t resist his curiosity.
"Yes, it pertains to my identity, but I cannot reveal it to you before using it." Alina timidly lowered her head, softly murmuring.
Roland’s assistance was unreserved, yet she had difficulty speaking on this matter, though she had her reasons, it felt somewhat uncharitable.
Seeing Alina’s cautious demeanor, Roland knew she always had an internal struggle, feeling indebted for his frequent help, forming a mental knot.
Roland did not want this mental burden to grow heavier, as it would severely affect her mindset to continue her journey on the path of stardom.
He reached out to hold Alina’s somewhat uneasy hands, calmly saying:
"No matter the obligations, they were settled the moment the soul blood link was established. Now neither of us owes anything to the other, or rather, there’s no need to dwell on these between us."
Life is so precious, and after gaining power, Alina didn’t change her heart, continuing to face Sofia, an almost invincible presence in their understanding, with Roland.
Not only that, she also proactively sought to establish a Soul Blood Link, binding her life and soul entirely to Roland.
