CHAPTER 177: 177. MEETING THE EMPEROR

As he stood next to Lucian, whose sharp green jacket gleamed, Leo smoothed his sleek blue noble tunic, its silver trim catching the waning sunlight.

Too much in the Valenwood Kingdom didn’t make sense, and Leo’s mind was full of questions. Large-scale human trafficking and secret prisons. How could officials in the kingdom have failed to notice such things?

The scale of it all suggested larger players, even if local nobles were involved. Leo’s pieces didn’t add up, and his red eyes narrowed. Meeting the king was an opportunity to learn more about the kingdom’s secrets, not just to make a formal visit.

At the Royal Family’s camp, Leo, Lucian, and Duke Alric stood before a huge pavilion that towered over the noble tents scattered across the Deltou Colossale Forest’s clearing.

Strict security was in place, with Royal Guards inspecting all guests, including the heirs of a dukedom. Leo and Lucian carefully examined everything, scanning mana signatures and checking weapons.

Each was given a thin bracelet adorned with glowing runes by a guard, and Leo put it on while feeling the slight buzz of the runes.

With a frown, Leo turned the bracelet. "What is this?"

Alric leaned in and spoke quietly. "It prevents soul resonance weapons from summoun. Standard for royal gatherings."

Leo smirked sharply and teased lightly. "What? Do they not even have faith in the dukedom?That stings."

Alric’s voice was rough but amused, and his lips quirked. "The king is too cautious."

As Leo put the bracelet on, its runes chilling against his skin, his thoughts grew gloomy. Cautious? My ass, a king who ignored—or allowed—prisons and trafficking wasn’t cautious; he was either involved or blind. Leo planned to find out which.

With his armor clanking and his yellow eyes sharp under his helm, a Royal Knight came toward them. With a formal yet firm tone, he said, "His Majesty will see you now."

Alric looked at his sons and nodded, his presence commanding. Just for them, he whispered, "Let’s go, boys." The Royal Family’s pavilion, a magnificent fusion of opulence and military discipline, was revealed when the knight pulled back the bulky silk flaps of the tent.

Dragon-patterned tapestries hung on the walls, a polished oak table held maps and glowing artifacts, and mana-lamps spread a warm golden light. Leo’s crimson eyes scanned the space.

Emperor Regulus Varian Duskbane sat in the middle on a plush velvet chair, his dark hair streaked with gray and his silver crown gleaming. His piercing blue eyes looked at the trio of Caulems, his presence regal but strangely young.

His first wife, Prince Cassain’s mother, Empress Lysara Evadne Duskbane, sat next to him, her eyes serene and reserved, her golden gown glittering.

Leo was taken aback by the king’s appearance, which was robust and nearly timeless, in stark contrast to the frail and elderly man Leonhardt remembered from the king’s birthday feast a year ago.

Regulus was viewed by the kingdom as weak and ill, but here he was, bursting with vitality that defied both rumors and Leo’s inherited memories.

The commanding, smooth voice of Regulus broke. "Is it Leonhardt Caulem? I was interested in the Caulem Dukedoms future."

Leo smiled politely, his mind already piecing together what he had missed, of course.

Together, he and Lucian bowed, their voices steady, their movements clean. "It is a privilege to be called by you, Your Majesty, Your Highness."

Speaking to the Caulem brothers, the emperor’s voice boomed with authority. "You might get up." Lucian and Leo stood straight.

Leo was the focus of the Emperor’s piercing blue eyes, and Empress Lysara, in her golden gown, silently observed him as well.

Leaning forward, Regulus spoke in a skeptical, curious tone. "I learned that you saved your sister by yourself, destroyed a Dark Guild branch, and defeated a demon commander. I brushed them off as fanciful tales, but now that I see you, I’m starting to think they might be true."

Lysara’s voice was calm and smooth, and her lips formed a tiny, approving smile. "You’re not at all what the rumors painted you to be."

Leo raised his head, his crimson eyes steady, his voice firm but calm. "Your Majesty, thank you for your kind words. Naturally, months ago I was like those rumors, but I made the decision to permanently change."

As he turned to Lucian, the emperor’s smile broadened and a glimmer of approval appeared in his blue eyes. "Your achievements have also been acknowledged: battling a demon commander by yourself and earning the second-highest score in the Academy’s entrance exam history is an accomplishment in and of itself. Incredible.

Lucian bowed, his tone sincere, his gray eyes gleaming with pride. "Your Majesty, I am honored to receive your praise."

Regulus’s gaze shifted to Duke Alric, his voice thoughtful, heavy with meaning. "I had my doubts, Alric, when you named your firstborn as the next Duke of Caulem. Now I see your wisdom. You’ve raised two sons of extraordinary promise."

Alric lowered his head, his deep green cloak rustling, a rare smile softening his stern face. After a short exchange of polite words and light talk about the Royal Hunting Event, Alric’s voice cut through, strong but warm. "You two may take your leave. I have matters to discuss with His Majesty."

Leo and Lucian nodded, giving a final bow to the emperor and empress before heading out of the pavilion. The heavy silk flaps closed behind them, muffling the voices inside. At the entrance, they handed the rune-carved bracelets back to the Royal Guards, the faint mana buzz fading as they were returned.

Leo’s brow furrowed as he walked alongside Lucian into the bustling clearing, his voice a low murmur. "In just one year, how has the emperor changed so drastically? He doesn’t even resemble the sickly man who was supposedly dying."

Lucian gave him a quick glance, his tone cautious, his gray eyes thoughtful. I’ve heard that a new elixir was created by an imperial physician. For it, the king lavishly rewarded him."

Leo’s red eyes narrowed as his thoughts raced. An elixir of miracles for a dying monarch? It didn’t just heal him; it also changed his appearance and even made him appear younger. It sounded too ideal and simple.

His thoughts were cut off by a voice. "Sir Leonhardt."

The brothers turned to see a Royal Knight approaching, his voice was formal but brisk. "You’ve been summoned. Queen Yvana Duskbane requests your presence."

Leo’s smirk faded, a flash of surprise crossing his face as he glanced at Lucian. His connection to his aunt, Queen Yvana, was distant at best—Leonhardt’s memories held only brief moments of her, formal and reserved, at court events.

Why call for him now? Leo’s curiosity grew. He nodded, his voice steady, hiding his unease. "Lead the way."