Chapter 17: The Empress’s Summons and a Tempting Offer

That evening, a six-horse carriage, dispatched from the Imperial Palace, drew to a halt before the grand cathedral. According to ancient customs passed down from the Eastern Continent, a monarch’s carriage had to be drawn by six horses, a practice known as the “Six-Horse Imperial Carriage.” The number of horses pulling the carriage denoted status; for instance, a minister was only permitted a four-horse carriage. This custom served to highlight the inherent nobility of a monarch, setting them apart from all others, and thus it was embraced by Western rulers. Later, led by the Emperor of Dibiles, rulers across the Western Continent adopted this system, which has remained in use to this day.

Neither Wang Xiaole nor Cai were monarchs, yet the Imperial Palace had sent a six-horse carriage to escort them. This gesture alone proved the immense deference the Empress had shown them.

“Our escort has arrived.”

“Let’s go!”

Once the two women were seated inside the carriage, the Empress’s personal coachman cracked his whip, urging the horses forward. Along the street, the imperial carriage became a blur, racing down the thoroughfare.

During their journey, the two could glimpse the second most important structure in the capital through the carriage window: the Royan Colosseum, named after the capital itself.

This architectural form originated in the Kingdom Era, when theaters were typically built into hillsides, forming semicircles with tiered seating rising along the slope. By the Imperial Era, people began to utilize vaulted arch structures to support the seating, effectively joining two semicircular theaters together. This gave rise to the so-called “amphitheater,” which no longer required a mountainside for support. The Royan Colosseum, in particular, was the largest elliptical gladiatorial arena constructed during Dibiles’s First Empire period.

This colossal edifice was commissioned by Restiel V. The Emperor ordered its construction to appease victorious generals and soldiers, and to glorify the great Dibiles, thereby creating a truly magnificent structure. Records state that upon its completion, a hundred-day celebration was held throughout the nation, during which a total of over 9,750 livestock were slaughtered. If the chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, cattle, and sheep could speak, they would surely have cried out, ‘What? Are you slaughtering us for your entertainment?’ Members of future animal welfare organizations, if they could travel back in time, would undoubtedly launch a fierce protest against such an event…

At the Colosseum’s center lay the arena floor, paved and encircled by tiered stands. The stands boasted seventy rows, divided into five distinct sections. The first section was reserved exclusively for the Emperor and imperial family members. The second belonged to the great nobles. The third was for general nobility. The fourth was set aside for the wealthy. The final, fifth section was for ordinary citizens. In those days, the poorer and less esteemed one was, the higher their seat, and all were standing-room only.

Above the audience, a vast awning, suspended by ropes, provided shade. Because the awning sloped inwards, it facilitated ventilation. These awnings were manipulated by sailors stationed in the uppermost colonnade, much like controlling ship sails. The arena’s stands rested upon three layers of concrete barrel vaults, with eighty arches per layer, forming three concentric annular vaulted corridors of differing heights. The uppermost layer consisted of a fifty-meter-high solid wall. The stands receded in successive tiers, creating a terraced slope. Each layer’s eighty arches formed eighty openings, while the top two layers featured eighty window openings.

Upon entry, spectators located their designated ground-level archway according to their seat number. From there, they ascended the stairs to their assigned section, ultimately finding their specific seat. The entire Colosseum could accommodate up to sixty thousand people, yet its thoughtful entrance design prevented any congestion or chaos.

Beneath the arena floor, a network of hidden tunnels and passages concealed props, livestock, and gladiators, who would be hoisted to the surface when performances began. The Royan Colosseum stood as a testament to the empire’s past glory.

Today, Dibiles, when viewed across the entire world, no longer ranked among the foremost nations. Yet, just as a nation can decline, so too can it be revitalized! The current Empress, though young, had tirelessly strived to restore the empire to its former greatness through her own efforts and the strength of her people.

Having departed from the Colosseum, the imperial carriage arrived at the entrance to the Imperial Palace. Their journey, however, was not yet complete, as the coachman still had to transport them further. They now passed through the palace’s antechamber, an area known as the “Court of Rubies,” a courtyard adorned with red marble, its very name a testament to its beauty. This courtyard served as the main entrance to the “Palace of Heavenly Sun.” Beyond this point, the coachman’s mission officially concluded.

Stepping onto solid ground once more, the two women formally entered the palace. The Palace of Heavenly Sun boasted a U-shaped layout, a façade stretching 402 meters, and a roof spanning approximately ten hectares. Furthermore, it featured 2,269 windows, 1,356 chimneys, and 78 staircases, encompassing a staggering 2,400 rooms! Unquestionably, a palace fit for an emperor was precisely of this caliber. Restiel XIV was a truly deserving emperor of her era; it was during her reign that this historically significant palace was constructed. The legacy she left behind continued to be utilized by her descendants today.

Wang Xiaole and Cai arrived at the Throne Room. They glanced at the knights arrayed on either side before stepping forward onto the velvet carpet. They approached the imperial dais, where they came face-to-face with the person who had summoned them.

Her golden hair cascaded to her waist, her skin as soft and translucent as fresh cream. Her eyes, like twin black pearls, shimmered with the brilliance of stars. Beneath her delicate, upturned nose, her cherry-blossom lips gleamed with a dewy luster. Her beauty was exquisite, truly like a luminous pearl. Adorned in a regal purple gown, her presence exuded an unparalleled majesty. Seated upon the imperial throne, the young woman embodied the very essence of a worldly monarch.

She was Isabella Dekalen Restiel, the current Empress of the Dibiles Empire. Anlin, standing at her side, was a very familiar figure to Cai.

Isabella gestured for them to forgo formalities, then spoke words that were, at their core, an atonement for the young master’s transgressions:

“My country’s people have caused you both trouble.”

The Empress inclined her head from the throne, a gesture of apology. Any further show of humility would be impossible, for she was the sovereign of a nation.

“You called us here just for that one sentence?”

Unlike her usual humble demeanor, Cai now appeared quite arrogant, her tone less than friendly.

‘Is this another side of her?’ Wang Xiaole mused. It could also be understood that Cai adopted this attitude towards certain individuals she disliked.

“Beyond an apology, I have something else to say…”

Times had changed; not every emperor in every country still referred to themselves as “We” or “the Imperial One,” as in the past. Using the common pronoun “I” was, in some ways, preferable, as it made one seem more approachable to the people.

“You may deal with the Regent Duke’s son as you see fit. As Emperor, I guarantee that no repercussions will follow this matter!”

With Isabella’s words, Uwe Dekalen Restiel was effectively condemned to death.

“Is that all?”

Cai’s meaning was clear: if Isabella were to declare, “That concludes our business,” she would immediately lead Wang Xiaole away, not lingering for another second. Unfortunately, the Empress was about to disappoint her.

“Not just a few words. I also wish to invite you both to dine here.”

“There’s no need! We’ve already had dinner.”

Isabella found herself puzzled: Why did the Sacred Maiden of the Papal State harbor such animosity towards her? Could it truly be solely because of Uwe?

While Cai was determined to leave quickly, Wang Xiaole held a different opinion.

“Can’t we eat again?”

Having grown up, Wang Xiaole had naturally never experienced dining in an imperial palace. She felt this was a rare opportunity, perhaps even the only one in her life. What they ate wasn’t truly important; Wang Xiaole primarily wanted to indulge in the experience. This way, when she looked back on her life in the future, she would at least remember such a special occasion. To take it a step further, even if they didn’t eat, simply drinking a glass of water here would suffice. At least then, she would have achieved a significant milestone on her life’s journey.

Regarding the question of staying, Wang Xiaole had only uttered that single sentence. Yet, that one sentence caused Cai’s resolve to waver. Observing the pitiful, pleading gaze of her beloved, the Sacred Maiden declared her surrender.

“Alright, we’ll have our second dinner here.”

Cai had no other choice. Even if she steeled her heart, the image of Wang Xiaole’s expression at that moment would inevitably resurface in her mind every time she recalled the day’s events. There was a strong possibility she would be plagued by guilt for the rest of her life.

With the matter settled, Isabella summoned a maid, instructing her to send word to the imperial kitchens for the chefs to prepare a grand feast. Isabella did not waste the intervening time. Though not occupied with official duties, she sought to engage in something meaningful. Her eyes fixed upon Wang Xiaole.

“What is your name?”

Since the gaze was directed at her, Wang Xiaole informed the Empress of her name.

Beyond her name, Isabella had more she wished to know.

“What is your current position?”

Wang Xiaole did not lie, stating the truth directly:

“I am a chef in the Church.”

As her words fell, Isabella’s eyes widened, barely believing her ears. Even from a distance, she could detect the potent aura emanating from Wang Xiaole. To put it plainly, should anyone propose a duel between herself and Wang Xiaole, the Empress would not dare claim certainty of victory. And Isabella was already considered a top-tier powerhouse in Dibiles!

‘So powerful, and yet so young, her future is simply immeasurable…’ The Empress felt a pang of regret, yet deep down, she also recognized an excellent opportunity. Her palms, resting on the armrests of the throne, were already slick with fragrant perspiration. Isabella was a little nervous. She knew what she was about to say, and she felt she was being somewhat impetuous. But she could not hold back! A talent of such caliber stood before her, yet the Sacred Maiden seemed oblivious to her true worth. ‘If you do not cherish her, then do not blame me for being impolite.’

“Miss Xiaole, if you are willing, you can come work for me starting tomorrow!”

A voice, authoritative yet tinged with urgency, inevitably reached Wang Xiaole’s ears. In that very moment, someone in the room was filled with profound regret. Can you guess who it was?

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