The large doors of the Imperial Hall slowly closed after June Astral left.
A quiet murmur spread among the nobles.
Some looked confused.
Others looked slightly embarrassed by how casually the princess had just said goodbye to the Emperor.
But the Emperor himself simply sighed and rested his head lightly on one hand.
Meanwhile, Lucas de Hein stood calmly in the center of the hall.
His silver eyes moved toward the throne.
After a moment, he spoke.
"Your Majesty."
The Emperor looked at him.
"Yes, Lucas?"
Lucas's voice remained calm and direct.
"The Princess."
Several nobles immediately became attentive.
Lucas rarely asked questions about people.
The Emperor raised an eyebrow slightly.
"What about her?"
Lucas paused briefly, as if choosing his words carefully.
"Is she always… like that?"
A few nobles looked shocked by the question.
But the Emperor suddenly laughed.
A deep, amused laugh echoed through the hall.
"Yes."
He leaned back on the throne.
"June has always been like that."
Lucas listened quietly.
The Emperor continued.
"She does whatever she wants."
Some nobles looked uncomfortable hearing that, but none dared to argue.
The Emperor's expression softened slightly.
"She is intelligent, talented with the sword… and far more dangerous than she appears."
Lucas's silver eyes glinted slightly.
"…I noticed."
The Emperor looked at him carefully.
"Why do you ask?"
Lucas was silent for a moment.
Then he replied simply.
"…Curiosity."
The Emperor studied his face for a second.
Then a small smile appeared.
"That's rare."
Lucas de Hein was not known for being curious about people.
But it seemed today…
Someone had successfully captured the attention of the Master of the Magical Tower.