Nephthys' team—also known as the Shadows—was the strongest unit the empire had ever seen. It would not have been an exaggeration to say that they alone could conquer the world.
***
"Duke Eason Daenerys and Duchess Mira Daenerys, accompanied by Young Master Avner Daenerys and Amabilis Daenerys."
Their arrival was announced clearly.
Everything in the hall came to a halt. Conversations stopped, movements paused—not so much to look at the Duke and Duchess, but rather at their nephews.
The Daenerys family was famous for its power. Even though Avner was known for his low energy reserves, his swordsmanship was nothing to scoff at. He had never lost a sword fight—not once.
Except against his master.
But the public didn't know that.
Another reason this family was admired was their beauty. Duchess Mira and her sisters were often called the fairies of the empire.
"Duke Eason, Duchess Mira."
The Emperor called out as he walked toward them.
He had never cared much for etiquette. Rumors about that were absolutely true. He spoke to aristocrats with far too much familiarity, something they deeply disliked—it bruised their pride. The Emperor didn't like aristocrats in general.
But he liked the Daenerys family.
They were just as idiotic as he was.
"Your Majesty, it has been quite some time,"
the Duke and Duchess said, bowing respectfully.
"Oh my… are these little Avner and little Amabilis?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Oh my, they've grown so much."
The Emperor stared at them in disbelief.
"How long has it been since I last saw them? Five? Seven years?"
"Ten years, Your Majesty."
"Oh my… look how handsome you've become. Are you looking for wives? I can help."
He paused, glancing around at the many young ladies clearly waiting for him to leave.
"Then again, it looks like the wives are already looking for you."
He chuckled.
"You don't really need my help. Well—enjoy the party."
And with that, he left them.
"Look how much they've grown,"
the Emperor mused as he walked away.
"They've become quite strong. And little Avner looks like he's finally found a capable master."
"How so, Your Majesty?"
his assistant asked curiously.
"Can't you see it?"
"See… what exactly, Your Majesty?"
The assistant was thoroughly confused as he followed him.
"His shield has cracked,"
the Emperor said casually.
"The one suppressing his powers. If he keeps walking this path, it'll disappear completely. Looks like another master is on their way."
"Shield…?"
"The barrier stopping his powers."
"…."
That explanation did not help the assistant understand anything at all. But then again, he rarely understood the Emperor.
The Emperor stopped suddenly and turned to him.
"Wow, you're really useless. You know nothing. Why do I even keep you around?"
He tilted his head.
"But you are funny. So I'll keep you. Even though you're stupid."
"Thank you…?"
The assistant wasn't sure if that was an insult or a compliment. Probably both.
"Come on. Let's go. We need to find Nephthys."
The Emperor smiled.
The assistant immediately knew this was bad news.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor was brimming with energy—never staying still, always causing trouble.
***
"Young Master, I'm hosting a party next week… I would love to invite you—"
Avner was completely surrounded by young ladies, all of them unintentionally blocking his search for Nephthys.
"Oh, I'm very sorry, ladies,"
he said politely.
"I have something urgent to attend to. But I'm sure this young gentleman would love to go to your parties."
He shoved Amabilis straight into the crowd and made his escape.
"You little—!"
Amabilis was about to curse him out when he was immediately bombarded with questions.
"I heard you spend a lot of time at Duke Eason's residence. Do you not have a good relationship with your parents?"
"Haha… that's not it. I just enjoy spending time there."
"I heard Miyeon was supposed to attend tonight, but I haven't seen him. Did you fight?"
"No, we didn't. He must be working."
"Is that so…? Oh! Is it really true that Avner has no energy at all?"
"Hahaha…"
Amabilis could only laugh nervously.
"You sure have a lot of questions…"
"Do you intend to marry soon?"
"What?"
He froze.
"I could marry you."
"No, I could."