Inside the Emperor's chamber, the nobles watched quietly as June Astral stood before the throne.
June crossed her arms slightly and tilted her head.
"The Master of the Magical Tower?"
Her tone sounded curious.
"You mean Lucas de Hein?"
The Emperor nodded.
"Yes."
He leaned back slightly in his throne.
"He is the most powerful mage in the empire. Yet he rarely cooperates with the court."
Several nobles looked uncomfortable hearing that.
Lucas was powerful… but also famously difficult.
The Emperor continued calmly.
"You will meet him."
June raised one eyebrow slightly.
"Me?"
Her brown eyes sparkled with a little amusement.
"That sounds interesting."
The Emperor looked directly at her.
"He received an invitation from the palace today."
June smiled slowly.
"So he's coming here?"
One of the advisors coughed nervously.
"Well… Your Grace… we cannot be certain."
June blinked.
"What do you mean?"
The advisor spoke carefully.
"The Tower Master is known for ignoring invitations."
June stared for a moment.
Then she suddenly laughed.
A light, playful laugh.
"Really?"
Her smile became slightly mischievous.
"That makes him more interesting."
Meanwhile…
At the very top of the Magical Tower, Lucas stood by the large window again.
The royal letter rested in his hand.
The wind moved his black hair, and the sunlight reflected faintly in his silver eyes.
One of the tower mages waited nervously behind him.
"Master… will you attend the imperial meeting?"
Lucas looked down at the city.
Then his mind briefly recalled something.
A short girl with a ponytail standing on a bandit's chest in the market.
"…Your Grace."
Lucas folded the letter calmly.
"I'll go."
Behind him, the mage froze in shock.
Lucas never attended palace meetings.
But today…
For some reason…
He had changed his mind.