"I don't quite understand what you mean, my Majesty," Laine calmly replied, moving nonchalantly to Surya's side, wrapping his arm around the female knight's waist.

"Let's talk somewhere else," Emperor Carl Franz smiled slightly, his expression unchanged, as he raised his hand, signaling Laine to follow him to the corner of the town.

There was the Emperor's temporary palace, heavily guarded.

Laine was still somewhat hesitant, but Surya squeezed Laine's hand, "My husband, let's go together."

"But..."

"You should go, and so should I," Surya said gently, "The Emperor obviously has something to say to you, he won't harm you."

"This doesn't look like a friendly invitation," Laine was still hesitating.

"You have to consider the costs. This Emperor of the Empire is a seasoned politician, clearly intending to have a private discussion with you," Surya said, pulling Laine's hand, whispering in his ear, "Obviously, it's related to your arrival with Tygris."

"Understood," Laine nodded, quickly catching up.

The group arrived in the garden of the Emperor's temporary palace, which was located in a locally renowned baron's mansion, though the baron disliked living there, usually residing in a castle fifteen kilometers away, only visiting for tax collection and during the summer.

In the courtyard, large tables and chairs were set up. The Emperor signaled all Rick Guards to withdraw, leaving only his Standard Bearer, Ludwig, a silent old man with a big white beard, standing behind the Emperor.

The weather was cold, with gusts of icy wind. As Mr. and Mrs. Laine sat opposite Emperor Carl Franz, someone immediately served them hot coffee. The Emperor picked up the coffee cup, still smiling, "Drink, I swear by the Friedrich Clan that the coffee isn't poisoned."

"There's no need for that, Your Majesty, I trust you wouldn't poison it," Laine and Surya both raised their cups, taking a full sip.

"The arrival of Tygris surprises me. The High Elf Supreme Grandmaster usually wouldn't come to the Empire without something important. His presence brings me both joy and concern," Emperor Carl said as he sat on a wooden-backed chair facing Laine, "Because every time he appears, it signifies something significant is happening."

"He came because of me," Laine picked up his coffee.

Coffee is a luxurious product from the Southern Realm, with the price per pound varying from a few to several dozen Gold Marks (equivalent to Gold Crowns and Gold Dinars). The coffee consumed by the Emperor of the Empire was clearly top-quality, with a rich aroma. Laine cast his gaze on the Emperor's face.

On Carl Franz's face existed only sincerity and eagerness. The Emperor smiled, "Yes, perhaps he did come because of you, Laine Macado, who killed Khorne's Divine Chosen Champion 'Red Eye' Egil Steelbjorn. This King of the Skalings brought deep pain to all order races. Therefore, it is not strange that he came for you, but this does not mean that Lord Tygris does not carry a higher, more important mission, am I right? Tygris has stayed in your territory for over a month. Apart from contacting the wood elves, you must have reached a deal or even an alliance with Tygris?"

"Your Majesty, your insight is sharp. Whether I say yes or no, you probably already have an answer in your mind," Laine did not directly answer Emperor Carl Franz's question.

"It doesn't matter if you don't want to answer, I understand," Emperor Carl Franz continued, still smiling, "You are the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lady of the Lake, and Tygris is the High Elf Supreme Grandmaster, both of you are divinely favored. Some things certainly cannot be casually spoken of, I understand, but what I want to ask is, Laine, what do you think of me? Or rather, how would you evaluate me?"

"Your Majesty Carl, you are strong, confident, passionate, and resolute. You are an outstanding politician and general, but your abilities as Emperor still await the test of time," Laine squinted, fully expressing his evaluation.

"Yes, you are right," Emperor Carl Franz's expression became serious, "I have one last question, Lord Laine, what do you think the Emperor of the Empire is?"

"The elected monarch, the vanquisher of darkness, the inheritor of all sacred legacies of Emperor Charlemagne from the mountains to the sea..." Laine instinctively began to give a standard answer.

"That's for speaking to the commoners. Let me tell you, Laine, in the eyes of the Prince-Electors, what the Emperor is," Emperor Carl Franz sneered, "The Emperor of the Empire is a mercenary to help the Prince-Electors fight wars! Just like that Mercenary Corps called Blood Axe you saw today!"

Surya noticed Ludwig let out a light hum.

"The Prince-Electors hold all military and political power in their own provinces. On the surface, the Empire appears unified, but in reality, each province is an independent kingdom. The Prince-Electors are content with their rule, only remembering the Emperor they elected when finding their enemies insurmountable," Carl Franz continued, "Don't oversimplify the problem; as this Emperor of the Empire, I can truly control only Rick Territory and the southern stronghold of Nuer."

"I understand that," Laine said quietly, "But, my Majesty, such independence is necessary."