"I'm tired!"
After Nicholas I finished speaking, his whole being seemed drained, and he sat back on the throne.
The four people below the steps, seeing the weary demeanor of Nicholas I on the throne, called out anxiously, "Your Majesty!"
"I'm fine! Just a bit fatigued!" Nicholas I showed a forced smile and waved his hand to the four below the steps, saying, "Dolgorukov, Nesselrode, Orlov!"
"Present!" The three, whose names were called by Nicholas I, responded almost simultaneously.
"The three of you may leave!" Nicholas I took another glance at Alexander and said, "Alexander, stay!"
Although the three present were somewhat worried about Nicholas I's condition, they had to obey Nicholas I's order and leave.
The empty room was left with only Alexander II and Nicholas I, one looking up from below the steps, the other looking down from above.
The father and son represented the past and the future, respectively; they exchanged no words, only silently gazing at each other.
