2026-07-04 19:33:28
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DID YOU SERVE UNDER THE RED BUTCHER
"First, Mr. Gallagher, please accept my condolences once again," he began. "I understand how difficult today must be for you, and I appreciate your willingness to spare me a few minutes.""Thank you, Mr. Ashbourne," Simon replied. "My grandfather meant a great deal to me. I appreciate your family's presence here."Victor nodded respectfully before gesturing towards a quiet pathway leading away from the burial grounds."Would you mind walking with me?"Simon agreed, and the two men moved towards a secluded section of the cemetery grounds.For several moments, Victor remained silent, apparently choosing his words carefully."Mr. Gallagher, I have spent many years dealing with powerful businessmen, government officials, and influential families," he eventually began. "I know how easily people allow wealth and authority to influence their judgment. But I would like you to understand something about me."Simon regarded him attentively."I respect your position as chairman of the Arranguare
A KISS UNDER A FATHER'S WATCHFUL EYES
"Simon," she whispered, moving closer, "there's something I've wanted to do for a long time."She hesitated briefly, allowing him an opportunity to pull away, before leaning forward and kissing him.Simon was surprised by the unexpected affection. However, he did not reject her. He placed a hand gently against her back and returned the kiss, allowing himself to enjoy the warmth of someone who genuinely cared about him.The kiss was brief and tender, but it carried feelings neither of them had fully expressed before.Although several mourners noticed the moment, nobody interfered. The people attending the funeral understood that Simon was grieving and respected his privacy. Rather than making remarks or drawing unnecessary attention to the couple, they continued their conversations or quietly moved away.However, one person found the sight considerably more difficult to accept.Genevieve had been standing near the reception area when she noticed Clara approaching Simon.She had watche
THE EMPEROR'S FINAL FAREWELL
The first handful of soil struck Pa Gallagher's coffin, and Simon felt a pain that no battlefield injury had ever caused him.For several minutes, he stood motionless beside the grave, watching the burial attendants carry out their duties. His grandfather was finally being laid to rest, and the painful reality of his death had become impossible to escape.The funeral was taking place at a private cemetery in Betford. Despite Simon's immense wealth and influence as chairman of the Arranguare Group, he had deliberately arranged a modest ceremony. It was a remarkable contrast to the life Pa Gallagher had once lived. Years earlier, he had occupied the imperial throne of Navauria, one of the world's great military powers. As emperor, he had commanded enormous respect, enjoyed extraordinary wealth, and possessed the authority to influence the destiny of an entire nation. However, he had voluntarily abandoned his imperial responsibilities and the privileges of royalty to pursue a quieter, s
A PROMISE WRITTEN IN TEARS
"My boy, I am afraid that the people who once plotted to kill you may now be close enough to your younger brother to decide whether he lives or dies."He looked at his grandfather, his concern becoming increasingly difficult to conceal. Damon was not merely the emperor who had inherited the throne Simon abandoned. He was his younger brother, someone Simon had protected and loved long before either of them understood the responsibilities of the imperial crown.Simon's shoulders stiffened. "Do you have proof that my brother is in danger?""Not proof of a plan against him. But I have proof that is enough for you to fear one." Pa glanced toward the cabinet beside his bed. "My brown bag. There's a sealed envelope beneath the clothes. I wanted you to have it."Simon found the envelope and recognized the old-style imperial marking across its flap. He looked up, but Pa shook his head."Read it when I'm gone. I don't know who can still be trusted. Don't accuse anyone until you understand what
THE TRAITORS BEHIND THE CROWN
Pa Gallagher watched Simon for several seconds before speaking. His breathing was uneven, but he tightened his weak fingers around Simon's hand."Do you remember the Crownfall Front?" Pa asked.Simon frowned. "Of course. I fought them in Navauria. Grandfather, why are you asking about rebels who were defeated years ago?""Because you never knew who was helping them," Pa replied. "Jebbah financed their operations. The republic of Colsvogg supplied weapons and military advisers. The men you fought had friends in countries far beyond Navauria's borders."Simon leaned forward. Crownfall had used equipment the rebels could never have purchased themselves. "We suspected that they had foreign support during the continental war. If that's what you wanted to tell me, it can wait until you're stronger.""No, my boy. There's more." Pa swallowed and rested against his pillow. "Some of those friends were sitting inside our own imperial government."Simon's grip loosened. "What are you saying?""Of
BEFORE I CLOSE MY EYES
"You told her?" he asked, with a voice that carried unmistakable disbelief. "Grandfather, those are secrets I've protected for years. You know what could happen if the wrong people discovered them. How could you tell someone about my secret without speaking to me first?"Pa noticed the hurt in his grandson's expression and tightened his grip on Simon's hand. "I know how important those secrets are to you, my boy. But Genevieve is not someone you should fear. She has cared for me when you couldn't be here, and I trust her completely. I would never knowingly place you in danger."Simon turned towards Genevieve again. He was not angry with her, but the discovery left him feeling strangely betrayed by the one person he had always trusted with his deepest secrets. He wondered how many conversations they had shared while she already knew the truth about him.Genevieve met his gaze without looking away. Her expression was calm, sympathetic and reassuring, as though she understood everything
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