Inside a luxurious suite within Imperial Vale—the finest hotel in all of Valloria—two figures sat facing each other.
One, a boy with jet-black hair and crimson eyes.
The other, none other than Emperor Kaelith himself.
Alden had expected this meeting—Amyra had asked him to come for this very reason.
She'd been clear: her father wanted to speak with him.
Still, it seemed the duel had left a deeper impression on the Emperor than Alden anticipated.
From the moment he'd arrived, Kaelith hadn't said a word.
He'd simply sat there, studying Alden like he was some rare and unpredictable creature.
Alden sighed inwardly.
Just talk already and let me go.
"So," Kaelith said, his voice smooth, "Alden... What is your relationship with my daughter?"
He had a smile. Not a warm one. Not even neutral. It was the kind that could make even the dead shiver.
Alden stayed calm. He had expected this question.
"She's my friend, Your Majesty." Alden replied politely, keeping his voice steady.
