extra 1 : catching up

This is partly on crack partly serious btw.

Also the extra stories don't exactly follow an exact timeline. The ages might be slightly confusing but the point is they grown up mostly.

..... (This is after the war is over and the palace was rebuilding)

Athanasia sat across Claude, at the head of the table. Lucas, Felix and Lillian on either side of the table. (Lucas on Athy's right, Lily on the left, Felix next to her on Claude's left.)

"I think this conversation is long overdue." Claude said.

"I agree." Athanasia replied. There was a long pause, the awkward silence made them uncomfortable.

".... It's petty to say I'm sorry. But you deserve an apology." Claude finally broke the silence. "I was a fool indeed. My emotions clouded my judgment. Your daughter is right; I did use black magic to erase my memories of you and Diana. I couldn't accept the fact she died while you were born."

Claude stared at his teacup, planning his words in his mind. "You have very bright children. I'd say their strength in magic is thanks to the help of their father?" He glanced at Lucas. The magician smirked and leaned back.

"I met Arius and Lucy long ago. I can't believe I didn't recognise the boy when he was officially introduced. Probably due to the curse casted upon me. Well to be frank it is my own foolishness of ignoring my daughter that I couldn't meet my grandchildren." He said.

" I bear every single responsibility of your suffering. Will you let me make it up to you, Athanasia?" It was his first time in years saying her name. The name he hated so much.

Athanasia clenched teeth, never once did she look away from her father's eyes. A single teardrop slowly fall down her skin, making everyone alarmed.

"I tried everything to gain your affection, even if it's the least bit of your attention. I won't forgive you immediately...but I'll let you make it up to me." Athanasia said while choking on tears.

Claude stood up, making big strides across the table, and engulfed his daughter into a big hug. Athy, though surprised at first, returned the hug by squeezing him. She cried even louder and she swore she could hear Claude sniffled quietly.

Felix cried too out of pure happiness and relief for them.

.......

"So Lucas was the one who saved me. He taught me magic and helped me adapt to my new life. And.... We fell in love." Athy said to Claude.

"When did you get married?" Lillian asked. When Athy left, she didn't tell Lily that she was still alive because she was afraid Lily would get involve.

"Some time after we found out I was pregnant." Athy smiled. There was a silence. Athy and Lucas realised they made a mistake.

"You...got pregnant before marriage..?" Lillian asked, bewildered. That was unexpected.

"Err... Yes?" Athy said.

"Sigh, it's not like I can do anything about it. I was the same like you." Claude said. "That is true. Lady Diana never married." Lillian nodded.

"I didn't know that!" Athy exclaimed, genuinely surprised. What did she expect really? Her mother was a dancer and her father was the emperor, of course their relationship would have difficulties.

"I guess it runs in the family...." Lucas mumbled.

..........

"Oh yeah, here's another thing I want to talk about." Claude said. He took something out and put it on the table."Here, you can have this."

It was the imperial seal. Claude giving this to Athy means he is passing the crown to her.

"You're serious?" She asked.

Claude nodded. "It is something that belongs to you anyway."

Athy teared up again. She could never dreamed of being an empress.

"What do you say, love? Are you gonna do it?" Lucas asked her.

She was hesitant to reply. True that the people love her and was remorseful of what they did to her, but the nobles were less acceptable. They prefer Jennette, who is of noble blood, rather than Athanasia whose mother is just a lowly dancer.

"I....." She said. "I want to try. Maybe just for a year or two. Just until Attheia is ready to take over."

And so Athanasia ascended as the next ruler with Lucas helping her. Stories of her fake death were published everywhere in the continent. The story was particularly enjoyed by young ladies as they think that Lucas was very romantic to save Athy and fall in love with her at first sight.

Athanasia did her very best training her daughters as proper princesses so that they won't be ostracized for their humble origins. She made sure her daughters had a strong mental health and best etiquette. Attheia was the hardest in this subject. Teaching her etiquette of a 'proper lady' is like telling a cat to fly. Alas, Athanasia found the perfect solution, the perfect teacher. Madame Halsey was more than happy to be an instructor.

Dowager Empress Athanasia lives quietly in the Diamond Palace. Everyday she spends time doing whatever she wanted all her life but couldn't. And to top it off, she has her beloved husband by her side.

Lucas visited the Black Tower once in a while. Though for the most part he just play and laze around. Sometimes he helps if there are problems about magic but that is only if Athy tells him to.

Claude does nothing but sleep now. Very much needed sleep. There's no responsibilities for him anymore except for the responsibility of finally being a good father. He's trying his best.

And Felix? Enjoying retirement with his lover. After all the ruckus, Felix finally confessed his feelings to Lilian even though they're both quite old. Well love knows no boundaries and age is just a number anyway.

Hopefully our favourite characters will find each a happy ending of their own.

....................................................................

Finally finished an extra story. There's still more. Particularly about Attheia since you guys are so excited to see her lover lol.

BTW wmmap is almost ending 😭😭😭 as u can see i really love that manhwa so so much. It was THE manhwa that made me love reading  any other manhua/manhwa besides manga.

Should write another ff? Comment here if yes.