Nadeline couldn't help but lightly pound her fist on the coffin. "[b][color=fdc68a]The suffering of my people, their screams for blood will not be ignored. Shion had wanted the mines blown up so that the magicite would bring balance Zodiark's warped presence, but instead, the Dark Esper was one step ahead of her.[/color][/b]" The princess clenched her fists tightly as she would look down on Justine. "[b][color=fdc68a]Lola was always unhinged, all she needed was a little push to become full-on psycho. And look at what has happened...[/color][/b]"

She would then turn fully to her companions. "[b][color=fdc68a]Father has told me that the Council is currently meeting with the Empress. Justine's death, as well as the many who have perished today, will be the sole reason Rozarria will go to war.[/color][/b]" Nadeline would hesitate for a moment, crossing her arms. "[b][color=fdc68a]The only thing we can hope for is that the Council would deem war too risky, we have lost much in terms of people and power. Or at the very least, it would be delayed for some time.[/color][/b]" She would then let out a small sigh. 

[hr]

Levi.

Grant's mind seemed to go blank for just a moment. He was sure Jaakuna was expection some sort of response, but Grant was focused on just one thing. Levi. The snake. Jaakuna had trusted the woman who was literally infamous for betrayals, the one who had nearly gotten Grant killed. He was almost waiting for Jaakuna to explain that this was some kind of cruel joke. That he was lying. No, it was no lie, it was the truth, and Grant was in denial.

Somehow, someway, Grant had managed to maintain eye contact with Jaakuna. For just a split second, Grant wanted to punch Jaakuna in the face. But it seemed he had acted without realizing, and while he hadn't him him, Grant had grabbed Jaakuna by his jacket, gripping it tightly.

"[b]Levi...[i]Levi[/i] of all people.[/b]" Grant's words were surprisingly calm all things considered. No, he could not strike Jaakuna. Jaakuna had somehow managed to forgive him when Emiri was also hurt in his care, but somehow this felt so much worse. "[b][color=92278f]Jaakuna...why...why would you do such a thing? Levi plays for no one but herself! She would never have done it without having something to gain from it![/color][/b]"

It was then that something in Grant's head would click. "[b][color=92278f]Are you...are you trying to tell me Zodiark is in her head?[/color][/b]" He asked Jaakuna, his eyes widening. "[b][color=92278f]Emiri's mother is dead, her father on the edge of life and death, do you have any idea what that does to a person? I wouldn't be surprised if Emiri is mentally shattered...her psyche must have taken a toll..and you're telling me Zodiark is in there somewhere, possibly manipulating her?![/color][/b]"

[hr]

The door to the throne room would open, alerting Nadeline, Wesley, and Savayna to Emiri's arrival. She would walk over to them, taking a good, long look at the coffin. Nadeline watched her carefully, raising an eyebrow as Emiri would touch the flowers around the coffin.

"[b][color=f6989d]They're beautiful, aren't they?[/color][/b]" Emiri asked them quietly, a gentle smile on her face, though it would fade as she would look at Nadeline. "[b][color=f6989d]You look more like my mother than even I do. You, Karolina, and Justine...all the perfect blonde haired, blue eyed maidens. You look very much like my mother, give or take some years.[/color][/b]" Emiri admitted to her, playing with the end of her ponytail.

"[b][color=fdc68a]Yes, you do take more after your father.[/color][/b]" Nadeline was inclined to agree, specifically noting Emiri's darker hair and paler skin. "[b][color=fdc68a]I suppose that was just the luck of the draw.[/color][/b]"

Emiri gave Nadeline a cold, hard look. "[b][color=f6989d]Yes...that must be why you have that look.[/color][/b]" She said, narrowing her eyes. "[b][color=f6989d]Lorenzo has it, too...that snobby, judgmental look my mother always used to give me, like you knew so much more than I did.[/color][/b]"

Nadeline knew this was coming, though she had hoped it would have been in private, rather than in front of Wesley and Savayna. She placed one hand on her hip, watching Emiri carefully. "[b][color=fdc68a]Must be a talent I inherited from my father then, the one where I can see right through you.[/color][/b]" She stated sharply. "[b][color=fdc68a]I understand you must be suffering, but I don't believe that's any cause to take it out on me.[/color][/b]"

"[b][color=f6989d]You're absolutely right![/color][/b]" Emiri nodded, looking down at Justine. "[b][color=f6989d]It's just...I thought that look would have died with her, but I guess it still haunts me. I see her in you, isn't that strange?[/color][/b]" Emiri looked up at Nadeline, who seemed to look at her with pity. "[b][color=f6989d]Why are you looking at me like that?[/color][/b]"

"[b][color=fdc68a]Because I thought you were strong. I never figured you would let her death shatter you as such.[/color][/b]" The princess admitted, baiting her. "[b][color=fdc68a]But look at you, lashing out at everyone just because you're angry and upset with yourself. You wish you could have done something for her, you wish you could have saved her, don't you?[/color][/b]"

The brunette looked at Nadeline in surprise, though she would look at Justine. After a moment of silence, she would let out a laugh. She was [i]laughing[/i]? Now it was Nadeline's turn to be surprised as Emiri would lightly pat her on the shoulder. "[b][color=f6989d]Oh, that was a good one, Nadeline![/color][/b]" She told her cheerfully. "[b][color=f6989d]No...no, I don't. I wish I could have saved Papa, but her...she can stay dead, for all I care.[/color][/b]"