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Chapter 10 — The Meeting with the Emperors
It was a quiet morning, and the sun had only just begun to illuminate the towers of Leopold Valeborn's palace. Yet something felt different today—more than usual, to be precise. Leo woke early, sitting up calmly despite the restlessness weighing on his mind. Today, he was expected to appear before the Emperors.
Not a casual visit. A private audience. One that had been postponed for far too long.
The weight of it lingered in every corner of his palace.
He rose and dressed in an exquisite royal outfit—elegant, luxurious, and tailored from the finest materials the kingdom could offer. Every detail spoke of power, status, and refinement: silver-thread embroidery woven into the fabric, magical gemstone buttons glowing softly with contained energy. Each fold, each layer of velvet reflected the authority and lineage he carried.
Leo knew the appearance mattered.
That didn't make it any less irritating.
He would much rather stay in his palace, continuing his research on his damaged magic and preparing for the future of the kingdom.
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One Week Earlier
Meanwhile, Yeana and Nella accompanied Ana through the palace corridors, which continued to leave the young human utterly amazed.
"I still can't get used to the luxury of this place," Ana said, gazing at the floating chandeliers and enchanted tapestries that vividly narrated the history of the kingdom. "It's incredible."
"But it's nothing compared to the Emperor's palace," Yeana remarked with her usual mild sarcasm, without losing her formal tone.
"Really? Is it that much bigger and better?" Ana asked, genuinely surprised.
"Yes. Much more, actually," Nella confirmed.
"Then… why does Leo, being the crown prince and having access to the imperial palace, live here?" Ana asked, frowning in curiosity.
"That's because when the prince came of age, he asked for his own palace as a gift," Yeana explained. "He personally designed it—extravagant yet functional—and chose a remote location, far from the capital's noise."
"I was surprised too," Nella added. "But beyond its grandeur, he wanted practicality. Deliveries here are extremely efficient—local and international establishments go out of their way to meet deadlines, simply because this is the crown prince's palace."
"But isn't it inconvenient for traveling across the kingdom?" Ana asked, still puzzled.
"Yes, of course," Yeana replied. "But since he rarely goes out, he used to rely on spatial magic to move freely without notifying anyone. That is… no longer possible, given his damaged powers."
"Ohhh… I see," Ana murmured, genuinely surprised.
---
That same day, as Ana continued marveling at the palace, an imposing figure appeared in the grand halls.
A man of elegant bearing, with colorless white eyes and pale blue hair. His presence suggested he had lived for over a century, yet physically he looked no older than forty. He wore formal black attire that contrasted sharply with his fair skin and light hair.
To Ana, he was simply beautiful—an arresting, dignified beauty that felt strangely familiar.
He was the imperial palace's royal butler.
Lord Seraphiel.
And also… Yeana's father.
In this world, the name Seraphiel was not merely a surname, but a prestigious noble title, renowned for efficiency and excellence in royal administration. The Seraphiel family had served the empire for centuries, and both father and daughter were prominent figures within that legacy.
"Welcome, Father," Yeana said in surprise, her tone filled with absolute respect. "What brings you to this humble palace?"
"Good day, Lord Seraphiel," Nella greeted, bowing slightly. "I am Nella Ignivar, of His Highness's royal guard."
Seraphiel responded calmly and formally.
"I am here under orders from Their Majesties, the Emperors. They demand that the prince present himself at the imperial palace within one week. No later. I was sent personally because His Highness has declined too many invitations. Should this continue, sanctions will be imposed."
Ana remained silent, instantly grasping the hierarchy. She had learned quickly that in moments like this, she was not meant to exist—an invisible guest who must not interfere.
"Yeana. Nella." Seraphiel's gaze sharpened. "What is that thing you are hiding behind you?"
Both women stiffened. They had prepared for the possibility of discovery, but Yeana's father was exceptionally perceptive—and lying to him was no simple task.
"Father, the being you see is a magical creature created by His Highness," Yeana stated firmly.
"Yes, Lord Seraphiel!" Nella added. "His Highness used a forbidden spell to create it."
Ana barely managed to suppress her laughter, feeling like a very quiet piece of furniture trying not to exist.
"Why does it look so different?" Seraphiel asked, studying Ana carefully. "It resembles wolfmen and elves… yet it is neither."
"For its design, His Highness drew inspiration from a mythological creature," Nella explained. "One commonly found in children's tales."
"It is called a 'Human,'" Yeana finished nervously.
Ana felt a silent wave of relief—they had defended her existence flawlessly.
"Interesting," Seraphiel said at last. "I will report what I have seen to the imperial palace. Deliver my message to His Highness."
"We will," they answered in unison.
Before leaving, Seraphiel turned toward Ana and added with a faint smile—one that nearly made her burst out laughing:
"And make sure to train that thing properly."
"We will!" Yeana and Nella repeated, perfectly synchronized.
---
One week later—the same day as the present—Leo was informed by Yeana and Nella about Seraphiel's visit and the orders delivered.
The pressure was undeniable.
He had to attend the imperial palace and meet the Emperors.
Obedience had always been part of his duty—but claiming he was pleased about it would be an outright lie. Accustomed to his autonomy, the prince felt deeply uncomfortable at the thought of his parents interfering in his affairs.
As he prepared, he studied his reflection in the mirror. His golden eyes burned with determination mixed with irritation. He adjusted the cape of his royal attire, ensuring every fold and embroidered detail was flawless.
Every step he would take today had to be measured.
He did not represent only himself.
He represented his lineage— and the authority it carried.
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