In the King’s bedroom, Niram holds his father’s hand with a solemn face.
In a different room Mariko asks Vimar and Nidi whether Niram is by his father’s side and if she can be next to Niram. Nidi apologizes that she cannot. Mariko touches Nidi’s cheek and says that he doesn’t need to apologize since she understands. Mariko asks if Vimar and Nidi are alright. Nidi tells Mariko that they’ve heard that the King passed away while he was visiting Princess Mina. The King and Princess Mina was talking in the garden; when it was time to leave, he collapsed. From the shock, Princess Mina has been in her bed since then. Mariko asks about Mina’s baby. Vimar says that the Princess is okay at the moment according to her doctors. He asks if Mariko wants to see Princess Mina. Mariko agrees immediately. Vimar continues to say that the Princess has secretly been sending her servants here, asking to see Mariko.
Holding a crying Princess Mina, Anila tells Mariko about the meeting with the King. Mina is so shocked that she’s unable to speak, Mariko hugs and consoles Mina. Mina finally tells Mariko that His Majesty had left a will declaring Prince Niram to become the next king. Mina heard him mentioned it right before he passed away.
Queen Krishna angrily knocks off her drinking glass.
Niram takes Mariko going to the city. Mariko asks Niram about the will. Niram says that he has many official duties when he gets home, like scheduling his father’s funeral and ascension ceremony. He asks about Mina, and Mariko tells him that she has calmed down. They pass by a gate, so Mariko asks Niram where exactly are they going. Niram points at a big building undergoing construction and says that is the state’s first university. Mariko asks what is the purpose of coming here. Niram sadly mentions that his father is the first person to build a university on the state. Moreover, his father was supposed to come here today instead of him. Mariko is saddened by that fact.
Niram tells Mariko that they are leaving to visit the railroad facility that is under construction. Niram says that they can’t visit all the facilities supported by his father in one day, but he at least wants to go around the places where his father has put a lot of effort into. Niram wants to directly tell the workers about the King’s death.
A few children see Mariko and tease her for having a flat face. Niram looks at the children with disdain and announces Mariko as the cutest person in the entire world.
Niram plays with the children. Mariko says that he is good with them. Niram reveals that Padma was loved more than him. A girl asks about Padma and Niram sadly pets her face. A child says that the Prince has changed and he becomes more generous. Another child agrees saying that the Prince used to be bossy. Mariko cautiously looks at Niram, who is now irk.
Mariko notices that most Westerners command the workers. Niram explains that they are professionals from Britain, who has come to help them because the state is one of British alliances. Niram thinks that it’s better to develop the country by themselves, but they still need to depend on them for now.
The rulers of princely states have signed a contract with the British King and became British alliances. However, “alliances” is a ruse to cover for “colonies ruled under the Britain”. Each native princely state are ruled by the king of that princely state. They have the permission for self-govern, but a British ambassador is required in each state.
Back at the palace, Niram and Mariko meet the British ambassador and his uncle, the Prime Minister. Niram introduces Mariko to that ambassador, who calls her a Chinese friend.
Mariko asks Vimar whether ones who become king don’t have a right to even mourn silently.
In a meeting, a man says that they shall follow the King’s will and name Niram as the official successor. One man raises his hand to speak, but Niram walks in, who tells them to continue without minding him since this is the future of the state. The man asks about Padma’s case and worries if this lead to problem for Prince Niram. Niram asks the British ambassador for his opinion. Mr. Dench had drug in his system, so he thinks that it was an accident rather than a planned murder. He mentions that the issue of choosing the next king is not for Britain to barge in. If he is asked to give an advice, he will provide an answer, but that’s all. A man announces that after the King’s funeral, they will move onto Prince Niram’s coronation ceremony.
Prime Minister and Mr. Dench meet with Krishna in her living room. She is angry that they have been quiet about the issue with the throne. Prime Minister says that they didn’t have a choice, but stay silent. Even if Prince Niram becomes the King, they can still be able to take his throne. If they are loud, they will wake up a sleeping lion. They can’t make careless moves now.
Krishna thinks in her head, “Why do you think I killed my son for? If only that second prince didn’t exist.” Prime Minister concludes that it’s be easy if Princess Mina gives birth to a boy.
Princess Mina is in labor pain, but she stops Anila to get the doctors.
Nidi tells Mariko that Prince Niram’s duty is done for the day and ask her to see him in his room. Mariko walks in to see a crying Niram. Mariko also starts crying and thinks, “He makes it seemed like everything is fine, but he always hides alone and cries by himself.” Mariko silently and slowly back-hugs Niram.
To be continued (Click here for the next chapter)
I don’t know what to think about this chapter. It is an emotional rollercoaster. Maybe that’s the reason why I’ve delayed posting it?
Be strong Niram!!!!! Thanks Mariko for always being by his side.
There are 7 more chapters to go. How will the ending turn out? Stay tuned!
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