The Imperial Hall was filled with nobles, advisors, and high-ranking officials of the empire.
Everyone stood in their places, speaking quietly among themselves.
But the topic of every conversation was the same.
"The Master of the Magical Tower is coming today."
"Do you really think he will appear?"
"Lucas de Hein never attends palace meetings…"
Whispers spread across the room.
At the front of the hall, near the throne, June Astral stood calmly.
Today she was no longer dressed like a commoner.
She wore an elegant noble outfit, though it was lighter and more practical than most royal gowns.
Her long brown hair flowed down her back, and her bangs rested neatly across her forehead.
Her brown eyes looked relaxed, almost bored.
One noble approached her nervously.
"Your Grace… do you think the Tower Master will truly come?"
June smiled slightly.
"I'm curious too."
Just then—
BOOM.
The large doors of the hall opened.
Every head turned.
A tall figure walked inside.
The room immediately fell silent.
It was Lucas de Hein.
His black hair framed his calm face, and his silver eyes looked cold and sharp as always.
He walked forward slowly, his long dark coat moving slightly with each step.
Many nobles lowered their eyes.
Some looked nervous.
Lucas stopped a few steps away from the throne.
But his gaze didn't go to the Emperor first.
Instead…
His silver eyes moved across the hall.
Until they stopped on someone.
June Astral.
For a moment, the two simply looked at each other across the hall.
June recognized him immediately.
Her lips curved into a small smile.
The "mister" from the market.
Lucas's expression didn't change.
But in his mind, the memory returned clearly.
The short girl with the ponytail.
The one who called the market her land.
The Emperor's voice finally broke the silence.
"Lucas de Hein."
Lucas looked toward the throne and bowed slightly.
"Your Majesty."
But even as he did…
His silver eyes briefly returned to June again.
And June noticed it.