For some reason, Cassian’s current behavior made Lionel uneasy, but he didn’t want to show it on his face.

Their meal continued after a few more talks, but the atmosphere never fully returned to how relaxed it was earlier.

Not long after, the Emperor finally put down his utensils, which signaled the end of his meal. He didn’t even need to say anything else when the servants immediately walked to him

The Emperor slowly stood up from his seat while wiping his hands with the cloth prepared beside him.

"I still have matters to attend to." His voice now returned to its usual authoritative tone.

"You must be busy as always, Father." Elara nodded understandingly.

"The empire will not manage itself, Elara." The emperor answered before glancing toward the people around the table.

"You may all accompany me to the throne room if you wish."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Elara answered. With her decision, everyone stopped eating.

However, Cassian will stand up in the middle of it.

"I’m afraid I’ll have to go first, your majesty. My mother wished for my audience a while ago. I just stopped here to know your state."

The emperor nodded at Cassian. He waved his hand and dismissed him, "You may go. Greet your mother, for me."

"I will, your majesty." Cassian lowered his head to the emperor before gazing to the side.

"I will go now, your highness. Duke."

"Take care, Cassian."

"We’ll see you again soon."

Arden and Elara bid their goodbyes to Cassian. After that, it was Lionel. Before Cassian could even bid him goodbye, he took it as an opportunity to talk first.

"Goodbye, Cassian." Lionel smiled at him. "Let’s see each other next time."

"Let’s see each other next time, Lionel," Cassian forced a sweet smile on his face at that.

After their greetings, Cassian turned around and exited. Elara and the others soon stood up too to follow the emperor. Lionel quietly followed behind his parents as they eventually left the dining hall together.

The moment they stepped outside, what greeted them was a sight of Imperial knights that have now lined themselves along the hallways. The servants also stepped aside and lowered their heads deeply as the Emperor passed by.

Not long after, they finally arrived at the throne room. The enormous doors slowly opened, and Lionel couldn’t help but quietly lift his gaze upon entering. The throne room was still grand as he the last time.

Inside, there were already several officials and nobles waiting. They must be here for a meeting with his grandfather. The moment the Emperor entered, everyone immediately lowered their heads.

"Greetings to His Majesty the Emperor!" They all said in unison. It was loud enough that it echoed across the throne room.

"At ease," The Emperor calmly walked toward the throne afterward, before sitting down naturally at the head of the throne. Only after he had settled down did the people inside raise their gazes.

Meanwhile, Lionel was quiet near Elara and Arden’s side. Honestly, he was not even sure if he was supposed to be here. Several members of the Imperial Council were present, alongside high-ranking nobles and officials involved with the empire’s affairs.

He knew that this matter should be for adults. However, surprisingly enough, nobody questioned Lionel’s presence. Maybe it was more of no one dared to question why he was here.

After all, both Duke Arden and Princess Elara allowed him to remain beside them openly. And more importantly, the Emperor himself said nothing. So naturally, nobody else dared to point it out.

Soon enough, the discussions inside the throne room started. They just let Lionel stay at the side to listen.

"The northern nobles have started arguing again regarding territorial taxes."

"The recent banquet hosted by Count Verstein caused another issue among the high society ladies."

"There are also rumors regarding conflicts between the Western kingdoms."

Lionel quietly listened from the side without interrupting their talk. His expression remained calm, but inside, he was already paying attention to every single detail.

This was the first time he had ever properly witnessed the empire’s political atmosphere this closely. Back then, he never cared much about these things.

But now? Now he listened carefully.

I didn’t know this is how things happen back doors. The more Lionel heard, the more he realized how complicated noble society truly was.

But it was a good experience. Now he knows how people truly think. Lionel silently glanced around the throne room.

"And right, one more matter remains regarding the issue of the Pevelon family."

The moment those words were mentioned, Lionel’s eyes secretly widened slightly.

Pevelon... that was the family that owned one of the largest sugar factories and warehouse networks in the empire!

Lionel glanced at the person who mentioned the topic. It was an old council member.

"The conflict between the two heirs still has not been resolved," the elderly council member continued seriously. "In fact, the situation has worsened over the past few weeks."

Several nobles inside the throne room frowned after hearing that.

"Both sons are currently fighting over inheritance rights regarding the factories, trading routes, and warehouses left behind by the late Count and Countess Pevelon." The council member opened a document before continuing.

"Since the couple passed away without leaving an official will, neither side is willing to step down as heirs."

It’s just as I remembered... Lionel’s fingers unconsciously curled slightly at his side.

"There are even reports stating that the two brothers have started threatening one another openly." The council member’s expression turned even more troubled afterward.

"Their supporters are beginning to clash as well. One side recently accused the other of attempted poisoning."

The atmosphere inside the throne room immediately became heavier with the mention of that.

"That family controls nearly 60% of the empire’s sugar distribution," another noble muttered with a frown.

"If this continues, it may affect trade stability."

"And high society as well," one council member added.

"What are they doing now?" The Emperor asked from the throne while resting one hand against the armrest.

"They have begun hiring private guards in large numbers." The council member hesitated briefly before answering. "According to recent reports... both sides fear assassination attempts."

Lionel’s jaw slowly clenched at those words. This confirms it completely. Everything was proceeding exactly like he remembered. Lionel slowly lowered his gaze to hide the emotions in his eyes.

I need to know the update regarding the task I gave Rylan and Eiden.

= = =

A/N:

Wow!!! I’m so surprised to receive a huge gift from a friend. Really really thankful for the Magic Castle I received. Thank you!

Will update additional Chapters on friday for everyone.