Chapter 128 – The Audience with the Emperor
Heavy footsteps echoed through the golden corridors of the Imperial Palace of Luminaria. Towering walls were draped with grand tapestries, depicting the empire's past wars and the rise of its emperors. Morning sunlight pierced the stained-glass windows, scattering blue, red, and gold across the polished marble floor.
Fenrir walked at the front, his stride steady despite the pressure in his chest. Behind him followed Kael Morgenstern and the 20 finest Crimson Knights, their crimson-black armor gleaming under the light. Though merely guests in the heart of imperial power, their presence made servants and palace guards bow their heads in wary respect.
Nobles crowded near the outer hall, eager to witness firsthand the figure known as the Crimson Wolf—the young baron who had come to control six border territories. Whispers filled the air as Fenrir passed.
> "That's him…"
"The boy who crushed three barons in a single war?"
"Impossible—it must be an exaggeration…"
"But… look at the way he walks. That's no novice's stride."
Fenrir did not turn. His gaze remained forward, sharp and unwavering, his breath steady. His father, Celdric, had once told him: "Never let foe, ally, or even friend see hesitation in your step. A leader must always appear certain."
Today, those words were his shield.
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The colossal golden doors opened slowly, revealing a throne hall that made every guest draw breath. Massive marble pillars gilded with gold supported a dome ceiling high above. At the far end stood the Golden Throne, elevated upon three wide steps, adorned with the sun sigil of Luminaria.
Seated upon it was Emperor Aurelius Luminaria V. His age seemed past sixty, yet his posture was firm and his eyes sharp as an eagle's. His hair was silvery-white, his beard neatly groomed. He wore a deep-purple imperial robe with a golden sun emblazoned across his chest.
At his sides, dukes, counts, viscounts, and senior barons sat in neat rows. Some eyed Fenrir with curiosity, others with disdain, and still others with envy.
When Fenrir's name was announced, silence fell over the vast chamber.
He advanced, dropping to one knee on the marble floor. His voice was firm, unshaken:
> "Fenrir Eisenwald, Baron of the Northern Border, ruler of six territories, pays respect to His Majesty, Aurelius Luminaria V."
The Emperor studied him for a long moment, his faint smile unreadable.
---
"Rise," the Emperor commanded, his deep voice resonating through the chamber.
Fenrir stood tall. His eyes met the Emperor's directly—no fear, no arrogance, but no submission either.
The Emperor observed, then spoke:
> "So… this is the one they call the Crimson Wolf. A boy who supposedly toppled three barons with a mere handful of men, now holding six domains. You've made many nobles restless, Fenrir Eisenwald."
Soft murmurs rippled among the nobles. Some nodded, others frowned. Fenrir knew each word of the Emperor was a test, not idle talk.
He answered calmly:
> "It was never my intention to cause unease, Your Majesty. I did only what a leader must: protect his people, defend his land, and uphold his oath of loyalty to the Empire."
The Emperor's smile widened faintly.
> "A safe answer… but also the right one."
---
Suddenly, the Emperor leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing deeper.
> "I knew your father since we were boys… you are the son of Celdric, aren't you?"
Gasps echoed through the chamber. Nobles turned to one another, shocked at the mention of that name.
Fenrir froze for the briefest instant, then inclined his head.
> "Yes, Your Majesty. I am Celdric's son."
Aurelius chuckled low, his tone laden with hidden meaning.
> "Celdric… a strange man. Stubborn, unpredictable, yet with a heart few could understand. Very few knew who he truly was. I never thought I would one day see his son standing before me."
Questions roared in Fenrir's mind: How could the Emperor know my father from childhood? Who truly was Celdric? What secrets did he keep from me?
But he held his tongue. This was not the time.
---
An aged Count rose, voice booming.
> "Your Majesty, with due respect… is it fitting to grant so much attention to a mere boy baron? He rules only a swamp once considered worthless! His victories were but chance, against weaklings unworthy of note!"
Other nobles muttered in agreement, while some defended Fenrir, citing his undeniable victories.
The Emperor raised his hand. Silence returned at once.
> "I do not measure by words, but by deeds. Fenrir Eisenwald has proven himself. And now, I wish to see… whether he is merely fortunate, or truly a wolf that can shake foundations."
---
Aurelius fixed his gaze on Fenrir.
> "If I entrusted you with more land, more responsibility… what would you do, Fenrir Eisenwald?"
Fenrir drew in a deep breath. The red aura, thick as molten lava, churned inside him though he did not release it. He knew every eye in the chamber weighed on his reply.
His words had to strike balance—not arrogant, not meek.
> "I would guard every land as if it were Eisenwald itself. I would uphold law, protect the people, and ensure the Empire loses not a single inch of soil placed under my care. For I do not lead for myself alone… I lead for Luminaria."
A long silence followed. Then… a faint, genuine smile touched the Emperor's lips.
> "Good. Bold words… I shall see if your deeds hold as firm."
---
The audience stretched long, filled with sharp glances, whispered envy, and political intrigue. Fenrir did not receive all the answers, especially about his father Celdric, but the seeds of mystery were planted deep within him.
As he departed the throne hall, Kael and the Crimson Knights flanked him like living walls. The nobles' murmurs trailed after his steps:
> "He… is truly different."
"So he is Celdric's son… this mystery only deepens."
"The Crimson Wolf… will he be our Empire's threat, or its hope?"
Fenrir did not look back. Yet within, he vowed: I will uncover the truth of my father. And I will prove the Crimson Wolf is no mere name, but a force to reshape the future.
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