The spring sunshine was bright and pleasantly warm, yet as Lampari the Thirteenth basked in its comfortable glow, he felt none of its usual warmth. Instead, he still felt cold all over and could not help pulling the thick fur blanket more tightly around himself.
Seeing Lampari the Thirteenth's movement, Derma, who stood beside him, could not keep a trace of sorrow from crossing his face.
His Majesty's health was visibly worsening by the day, yet no matter how Derma urged him, he refused to rest for even a moment. Every day, he continued reviewing official documents and dealing with troublesome affairs of state as usual, seemingly no different from any other day in his decade-plus reign.
Well, there was one difference: His Majesty had held far fewer court sessions lately, and even when he occasionally convened one, it never lasted long.
Despite Lampari the Thirteenth's strict orders and the precautions Derma had imposed on the Royal Palace's staff as its steward, word of His Majesty's illness had inevitably leaked out.
The news had now spread among all the nobles of Anvilmar City, leaving them deeply unsettled.
On the surface, Anvilmar City seemed as peaceful and prosperous as ever, but beneath that calm, undercurrents had long been stirring.
Everyone was watching, waiting to see how serious His Majesty the King's illness was, waiting to see whether he... would die.
"Ahem-" Lampari the Thirteenth suddenly coughed twice.
Derma's heart tightened, and he hurried forward, only to see Lampari the Thirteenth lower the hand covering his mouth. His palm was stained a shocking dark red.
"Your Majesty-" Derma's face went ashen. He called out, but choked up and could say no more.
Lampari the Thirteenth looked at the large bloodstain on his palm, but instead smiled. He leisurely picked up a silk