The public heard the news about the emperor's death later on. This causes many dogs in the nation to feel lost, on edge, and unguided. Most couldn't have the strength to work in the mines, factories, or even work in the administration to run the nation.
When the count heard about the many absences of a large number of workers in multiple places around the country, He issues a national state of mourning. Letting the many citizens of Bronzehill to grief for the emperor, and place many businesses on hold to allow the workers to pay their respect towards him.
Barnaby worked desperately to help the staff members in the administration. Giving each of them comfort, talking with them about their sad state of mind for the empire now the Groover the 5th was gone, many even felt lost on what to do now. He himself had doubts about his own action for handling this crisis the nation was dealing with, believe that he was either too blunt about it or too soft.
Margret continued helping others towards pacifism and caring for all life in this world. When many dogs shed tears for the emperor's death and continuing to show emotional instability in the open, she embraced them with a welcoming, and comforting presence for them. She tells them it's gonna be ok, there's no shame in showing your sadness towards others. Emotion isn't a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of understanding towards anything living being. She encouraged many of the diamond dogs to create flower gems, the flower gems are used to honor those who have passed away, using the gems from the mines as a way to remember their deeds in this world.
The nation of Bronzehill wasn't the only nation having difficulty with the recent death of the emperor. The nation of strawberry dutchy, one of the biggest nations in the empire, was growing concerned with the empire now, believing it will all collapse under the new rule of Groover the 6th. Duchess Gabriela Eagleclaw believed the nobility in the empire should be in charge of the empire until the young prince could reach the age of ruling the empire. Archon Eros the 7th believes it's the will of God to allow the young prince to rule with the help of the church, saying that this was the moment when the prince could be the savior of the empire that they have prayed for.
Count Bronzetail continued to deal with the grief of losing his best friend from this world, the friend that was an honor to have as the best man to his own wedding. He ordered many different artisan's and craftsman's to create a flower gem. The many workers on this project believed this was something that was more than a commission they usually get. This could be a time where they show their love and compassion for the late emperor, thinking it was their responsibility to create something not just for the empire, but for the young boy who lost his father. Instead of making a flower gem, they created the most beautiful statue in the semblance of Groover the 5th using the finest gems they could get their hands on.
The Count was beyond pleased to see the statue of his best friend. He shed a small tear for his friend and thanked each and everyone who worked on this. Barnaby and Margret were too impressed by the craftsmanship of these artisans and craftsmen, but then again they realized they are Diamond dogs after all.
"The Statue looked, beautiful father," Margret said as she walked over to his side. Giving him a soft hug to comfort him a little. "I'm sure the emperor would've liked it himself."
"Thank you, sweetie, though I bet he'd say that there was no need for that." He smiled as he gave his daughter a hug right back at her.
"Yea, this will look lovely here in the city right dad." Barnaby looked at his father with a small smile.
"Barny, we should give this to the prince in Griffenheim. Not here." Margret replied, looking back at her brother behind the count.
"But sis, the people here are stricken with grief. This will help them feel comforted and try to move on." Barnaby said pointing towards the city in the hopes that they can understand where he's coming from.
"I know barny, but think about the prince. He just lost his father and is now expected to run an empire, wouldn't you want to help him." Margret said with a sad look on her face, imploring her brother to think about the young boy.
he sighed and looked back at his sister. "I know sis, I do want to help him. But our citizens need this statue too if the citizens see this at the industrial park we've named after him. It could lift the spirits that our citizens are feeling."
The count looked at both of them and gave them a low nod. "I understand what you two are doing, and as much as I appreciate your input. I will have the final say in this matter, and the prince needs to have this gift. This will be a gift that should be for his son."
Before the royal family could enter their palace and order the statue to be shipped to Griffenheim, a griffon messenger from the prince arrived. Badly injured and looking half dead when he collapses onto the ground, he crawled towards the count.
"C-Count Ignatius of Bronzehill... " the wheezing and the blood coming from the mouth and his body was horrifying for the Bronzetails.
"T-The Prince... He has been... has been"
Killed. that word infuriated the count to a degree that made him lose it. He grabbed the bird's shirt and looked him in the eyes.
"WHO KILLED HIM!!!" He shouted towards the bird as absolute rage could be heard in his voice. "WHO KILLED THE PRINCE YOU BASTARD, WHO!!!!!"
"It-it was..." Before he could say who killed the prince he died in the count's grip, finally succumbing to the wounds he sustained.