The atmosphere at the Imperial Palace was tense. The servants were having an especially difficult ti.
All kinds of celebrities and envoys were about to visit Velrune to attend Aaran's coming-of-age ceremony, so everything had to be perfect.
Everything from the empire's best bakeries to prominent chefs was in Velrune, preparing a feast like no other. People who thought the Emperor had gone all out for Eleanor's ceremony were stunned to see the extent to which he was going for Aaran.
It was surprising to them because they weren't aware of the relationship the two shared. In the public's eyes, Aaran was just a son-in-law.
By sunset, guests from every kingdom and association began arriving to attend the banquet. If soone was influential, they were present there.
People couldn't help but think, if this was the celebration for soone turning 18, how great would the next coronation ceremony be?
anwhile, Aaran stood on an unlit balcony, watching over the crowd. The Emperor stood behind him, watching Aaran with great interest.
"This must be your first banquet."
"Yes, Father."
Technically, Aaran had been a part of many banquets in his past lives. However, this one outshined the rest. Not to ntion, it was his first ti attending an imperial banquet.
"You should get used to it. There'll be a lot more celebrations you'll have to attend from now on."
Aaran nodded, though he wasn't planning on staying in Velrune or in the Runedral Empire for that long. The demons and cultists were moving at an accelerated pace compared to what he rembered. If things kept progressing as they were, it wouldn't take long before Elysium was invaded.
"You should be proud, son. So many people ca just to see you."
"We both know that's not the truth, Father," Aaran chuckled. "They're here to make connections and continue to be in your good graces."
Upon hearing Aaran's words, the Emperor gave a hearty laugh. Unlike others who kept buttering him up, the Emperor liked Aaran because he had always been straightforward with him.
In his mind, Aaran was everything the Emperor wanted in an heir. He was strong, charismatic, a capable leader, and an unapologetic warrior.
"One day, they will fear and admire you too," the Emperor said, patting Aaran's shoulder. "And when that day cos, this small crowd of a thousand will grow into several thousand."
He continued, "People from all over the world will bow to your every command. Don't stop until you make it happen."
"Of course, Father."
The Emperor smiled contentedly. He had raised a decent successor. Even if he were to pass the next day, he would die without regrets. In the nine years he had ntored Aaran, not once had the boy left him unsatisfied, no matter what trial he threw at him.
"It's getting cold here," the Emperor said, leaning on his walking stick. "Let's head inside."
Aaran nodded and gently guided him inside.
However, as they were leaving, Aaran noticed sothing strange. The people below began gasping and made way for soone. It wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for the imperial knights pointing their swords at the guests.
So unwelco people had arrived.
Representatives from the Marki Empire.
***
In the last nine years, relations between the two kingdoms had improved significantly, primarily because the Runedral Empire had stopped its expansive conquest.
The Emperor had waged wars to collect darkness for Eleanor. Now that she had been healed, there was no reason for war. The two empires ca to an agreent, and that's how dibi ca into existence.
An academy that belonged to both empires, yet answered to none.
But that didn't an the empires had forgotten the harm they had inflicted on each other. They were at peace, but they weren't friendly.
That's why it ca as a surprise to see the Marki envoy there.
"Your Majesty, the—"
Donovan ca rushing onto the balcony.
"I know, Donovan," the Emperor sighed.
"I'll deal with them, Father."
"No. This is your day. I won't let anyone ruin this. Not even you."
To Aaran, it didn't matter if they were the Marki or the snarky. It was rude and mannerless for soone to attend an event they weren't invited to.
But ignoring them might lead to unnecessary complications, especially before Aaran was headed to dibi.
The Emperor had the sa opinion as Aaran.
It was better to welco them.
However, the Marki had forgotten sothing. The Emperor wasn't one to play these gas. Since they had arrived without prior notice or invitation, he wasn't obligated to welco them personally.
"Send so servants to greet them. Anyone will suffice."
"At once, Your Majesty."
Donovan bowed and left. With him gone, the Emperor turned to Aaran.
"This banquet is for you, son. You must not give those people too much importance by eting them."
"Duly noted."
The Emperor patted his cheek, smiling.
"There's much you need to learn about diplomacy."
Aaran agreed with that statent. The Emperor was a genius when it ca to it. The Marki would be humiliated by the servant's welco, but they wouldn't lash out.
How could they when it was they who showed up there without prior notice?
They could either accept the welco or leave. Either way, no one would bla Runedral for what happened.
Unfortunately, the Emperor underestimated the thickness of their skin. Far from being embarrassed, the three representatives from Marki imdiately joined in on the fun.
The invited guests were the ones uncomfortable with their presence. After all, the hall was filled with people who were once their enemies.
Just then, an announcent was made, and the Emperor arrived. People, including the Marki, quickly bowed before him.
"Ladies and gentlen, thank you for gracing this humble get-together with your presence," he said. "Several years ago, I t a young, ambitious boy who has turned into a fine man tonight."
The Emperor continued, "Please welco the man of the hour, my beloved son… Aaran Runedral."
The hall was shrouded in absolute silence. No one wanted to point out the obvious. But before they could think about it, the Marki began clapping, and soon the rest of them followed.
It wasn't a mistake.
Aaran wasn't an Aurelia anymore.
Reviews
All reviews (0)