With this, Sylas had dangled a bait so tempting that no noble could resist. They would be drawn to it like moths to a fla, driven by the allure of the rewards.
As the Emperor massaged his temples, clearly distressed by the implications, a voice interrupted.
"Your Majesty, now is not the ti to hesitate."
The Emperor frowned as Crown Prince Maximilian stepped forward. He had no fondness for his son, and seeing him involve himself in political matters only deepened his displeasure.
"Why are you speaking out, Maximilian? Stand aside."
Maximilian, fully aware of the Emperor's disdain, pressed on regardless. The situation was too urgent to prioritize his father's temper. If mishandled, the imperial family itself could face decline before Maximilian even ascended to the throne.
"We must imdiately send envoys to the elven principality and request the establishnt of a Mage Tower in the capital. If we delay, it will be too late."
"Silence! On what grounds do you expect them to agree? Unlike the count, the imperial family has no connection to the Grand Duke!" the Emperor retorted.
"Offer them rights and privileges in return," Maximilian suggested. "If all else fails, you must bow to them."
"W-What did you just say?" The Emperor's face reddened with anger, and the court nobles gasped. For the Emperor, who valued his dignity above all, the suggestion to bow and plead was unthinkable.
As the Emperor prepared to erupt in fury, Maximilian sighed deeply and spoke again.
"Your Majesty underestimates the situation. Do you not grasp the true significance of the Mage Tower's reconstruction?"
"You dare lecture now?" the Emperor snapped.
"Soon, countless noble children will flock to Drakenfels. Do you think they'll go there alone? They'll bring escorts, attendants, and wealth with them."
Nobles, who valued appearances above all else, would never send their children without lavish support. High-ranking nobles would showcase their status with extravagant displays, while lesser nobles would stretch their resources to maintain their dignity.
"All that wealth will pour into Drakenfels. Even if the count does nothing, they'll demand facilities, purchase supplies from rchants, and build roads for better access. Drakenfels will grow rich and powerful, and the empire's center of gravity will shift from the capital to Drakenfels. Can you stand by and let that happen?"
The Emperor's face turned pale as Maximilian's words struck ho. It wasn't an exaggeration—it was a realistic projection. Seeing the impact of his argunt, Maximilian bowed slightly and pressed on.
"Your Majesty, your authority is paramount, but your counterpart is a foreign sovereign. Bowing to them is no great disgrace. Would you rather bow to a foreign king, or to a vassal within your own empire?"
"Mind your words, Maximilian!" the Emperor shouted.
Maximilian bowed silently and stepped back, his expression unreadable. The Emperor glared at his son but fell into thoughtful silence.
"...Invite the elven envoys to the palace. I'll et with them personally," the Emperor finally ordered.
Though he detested Maximilian's boldness in ddling, the Emperor couldn't deny the validity of his argunt. If left unchecked, Drakenfels would grow into an unstoppable force, even with its current limitations. For the empire's future, the capital needed its own Mage Tower.
This is the mont. I must intervene before Drakenfels establishes its Mage Tower.
If Drakenfels succeeded in constructing its Mage Tower first, all elven mages would gravitate there, leaving no incentive for anyone to co to a Mage Tower built in the capital afterward.
The Emperor resolved to act swiftly, even if it ant establishing an incomplete and hastily constructed Mage Tower to secure talent before Drakenfels could.
"Your Majesty, the envoys from Drakenfels have been intercepted en route and persuaded to visit the capital first!" a courtier reported. "They are on their way here as we speak!"
"Truly?" the Emperor exclaid, rising from his seat with a bright smile. It seed they had successfully diverted the elven mages, catching them before they reached Drakenfels.
"It has been a long ti since we've hosted such esteed guests! Prepare the finest food and accommodations! I shall personally greet them at the palace gates!" the Emperor declared.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The Emperor was pleased to have seized the opportunity, but so nobles wore uneasy expressions. While it was labeled as an invitation, it was, in truth, closer to a forced abduction.
"Your Majesty, are you certain this is wise?" one noble ventured cautiously.
"What nonsense are you spouting now?" the Emperor retorted.
"Shouldn't we have sought the Grand Duke's consent first, as the Crown Prince suggested? Bringing individuals here against their will, especially when they were bound for another destination—"
"Silence!" the Emperor thundered. "If we waste ti following proper procedures, the Mage Tower will already be established in Drakenfels. What good would that do us?"
The nobles fell silent at the Emperor's sharp rebuke, though their unease remained. No matter how urgent the matter, this was an open display of disrespect. The Grand Duke of the elven principality was known for his ruthlessness—he had personally executed a forr head of the Herning family. Would he really let this affront slide?
"Let's just hope this doesn't escalate into outright hostility with the principality before we even get to the Mage Tower," one noble thought grimly.
A few days later, the elven envoy arrived at the imperial palace. True to his word, the Emperor went to the palace gates to greet them personally.
"Welco, noble progenitors of a great race! I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival!" he declared.
"Greetings, Your Majesty of the Empire," replied the elves, their expressions stiff and cold.
Despite the Emperor's warm reception, the envoys were clearly displeased. Being brought here against their will had done little to improve their mood. Undeterred by the frosty atmosphere, the Emperor led them to the banquet hall with a genial smile.
"I hear you've been tirelessly traveling back and forth between Drakenfels and your principality. Take this opportunity to rest here at the palace, and let us converse at leisure," he said.
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