Chapter 53

Part 6. From Boy to Woman

The coffin, wrapped in a black flag, was placed in a large carriage. The imperial knights led the way while people filled the streets, singing their sorrows. The death of revered Duke Maximilian del Ihar, and the more shocking fact that he was killed by the very poison meant for the emperor, shook the empire.

The roads of Eteare rang with the soldiers' footsteps. A voice began the dirge, subsequently joined by thousands of voices throughout the capital, spreading like wildfire.

"Isn't it so sad, my lord?" Pipi said, wiping her tears. Lia sat by the window, watching the funeral cortege cross through the capital. She saw Claude atop his horse at the forefront of the procession.