Faced with Pluvia's decision, Wuze not only showed no fear or remorse, but instead burst into laughter.
His laughter echoed throughout the hall, sounding somewhat desolate.
"Your Majesty, if you want me to die, I dare not refuse. However," he looked at the emperor he knew so well, then sneered, "if you hope I'll beg for mercy, you're mistaken. Today I admit defeat, but at worst it's just a bowl-sized scar. When I'm down below, I want to see how you, who killed your family and betrayed your father, will justify yourself to the spirit of Father!"
"Killed my family and betrayed father."
Hearing these words, Pluvia felt momentarily dizzy.
In her daze, she seemed to see again the corpse of Yunis—her brother, and also seemed to see the complex gaze her father gave her on his deathbed.
Accident? Disbelief? She wasn't sure, but the previous emperor did leave with a smile, so perhaps he had anticipated this outcome, or rather, this was the outcome he most hoped to see.
