"Your Majesty is truly humorous," Surya said with a smile.

"It was forced out of me. In the Imperial Court, you must learn to smile; a smile can fill your allies with confidence and leave your enemies uncertain." Emperor Carl Franz relaxed slightly as he had obtained the intelligence he wanted. He turned his gaze to Laine, "Lord Laine, sometimes I feel it's such a pity. You understand, the Empire is your true home."

"I already have a home." Laine smiled and embraced his wife's slender waist, "This is my home."

"Ah, back then when we met briefly in Mijordenhaven, it caused me much regret that such an outstanding warrior was taken by the Knight Kingdom. Actually, with your feats, I could also grant you the title of Count," the Emperor said regretfully, shaking his head.

"I was blessed by the Lady with divine favor before achieving these feats, not the other way around. When I was in a dire situation, it was the Lady who helped me." Laine thought to himself, are you really trying to poach me?

"Indeed." Carl Franz knew Laine had made up his mind, and somewhat awkwardly continued, "That's why I have great faith in you, Lord Laine." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"I have faith in myself too, my Majesty."

"No, you don't understand the faith I have in you. My faith in you is like your maid's faith in you," the Emperor continued laughing, with a playful glint in the eyes of the Empire's ruler, "I foresee you becoming a king, the King of Brittania."

"..." Laine's expression changed slightly.

"I know many things, Lord Laine. I know everything."

...…

After leaving the courtyard, Laine shook his head with a bitter smile, "This Emperor of the Empire is truly extraordinary. Compared to him, Richard is merely a tinker. He understands human nature so well—knows when to advance and retreat, when to persist and when to compromise."

Surya held her husband's arm, and the lady knight's blue eyes flickered as she suddenly spoke, "I actually feel that this trip to the Empire will yield considerable returns for you."

"Why do you think that?"

"Because you need each other," Surya continued, "Tygris needs you because you are the hero of humanity, known throughout the Old World as Laine Macado. With you mediating, the High Elves' suggestions and ideas are more easily understood and accepted by humans. With Tygris taking you along, you're essentially acting as the 'guide,' breaking open the entryway."

"You need Tygris because his high prestige and status in the Old World will enable you to accomplish many things easily. With Tygris as your banner, my husband, this benefits your future plans."

"Emperor Carl Franz needs you both; your presence adds two shining diamonds to his imperial throne, and by introducing you to the Prince-Electors, he strengthens his imperial council decisions, solidifying his own authority and position. You and Tygris will be subconsciously seen by the Prince-Electors as allies of Carl Franz."

Surya summarized slightly, "Thus, a firm iron triangle is formed; you all need each other, help each other, with both emotions and benefits—a perfect alliance."

Laine laughed heartily, tears coming from his eyes, "Surya, being able to marry you... is truly my fortune. I believe I'm already incapable of being without you."

"Me too, my husband."