One by one, the nobles lowered their heads and left the palace in a daze.
The sun shone brightly outside the golden palace, but it was as if an invisible gloom hung over the heads of these ministers, reflecting the darkness and confusion in their hearts.
Their steps were heavy as they scattered and boarded their respective carriages.
Even the usual greetings and small talk were gone. Only silence and the distant sound of wheels echoed through the air.
Every minister's mind was filled with unimaginable confusion.
Everything that had happened today had been far beyond their expectations, leaving them unsettled and bewildered.
When everyone had thought that Leopold's return to the capital would stir up a frenzy throughout the city, reality turned out quite differently.
They had believed that the head of House Rayser would at least be able to persuade Emperor Aubrey to revoke Aurelian's designation as heir.
They had even considered what would happen if Viktor suddenly entered the palace halfway through the discussion.
The ministers had thought through every possible unexpected situation.
They had anticipated all kinds of twists and turns.
But from beginning to end, Viktor never appeared.
Every noble knew that the head of House Rayser had returned to the capital.
Viktor's information network was so extensive that there was no way he didn't know.
Yet he hadn't even come today.
It was as if, from the very beginning, he had never taken House Rayser seriously at all.
Only his younger sister, Liya Clavenna, had come to the palace in his place.
Even worse, by herself alone, she had turned the Empire's ministers into a group of short-sighted antique clowns.
Because House Clavenna had gained the friendship of the elves.
When hundreds of elves appeared before these nobles, their minds went blank.
As the freest race, elves had no need to concern themselves with the schemes and intrigues of the human world.
Their long lifespans made the rise and fall of human dynasties and struggles for power seem like brief flashes in their eyes.
Because of this, the elves originally had no need to establish diplomatic relations with any nation.
Yet now, in the name of nature, they had extended the precious friendship of the elves to the Calencia Empire.
As for that so-called name of nature?
That was simply the pleasant way of putting it.
Nobody present was stupid. Who couldn't see that these elves were doing it for Viktor's sake?
The ministers sat in their carriages, sighing heavily, looking gloomy, their brows nearly twisted together.
Then suddenly, their attention was drawn to a black figure at the palace gates.
Leopold walked slowly through the morning light with graceful and steady steps.
Some nobles from the First Prince's faction immediately waved enthusiastically when they saw him and rushed to greet him.
"Mr. Leopold, would you care to travel with us?"
"Mr. Leopold, there are some things I'd like to discuss with you."
The nobles present were shrouded in confusion.
They desperately hoped that someone like Leopold, who possessed both wisdom and status, could answer the questions in their hearts.
Starting today, how should the nobles supporting the First Prince proceed?
Although the issue of the imperial heir had not been discussed during today's court meeting, whether it was mentioned or not no longer seemed important.
After all, House Clavenna had personally brought the Elf Queen to establish diplomatic relations with the Empire.
All the countless strategies they had carefully prepared for the meeting became powerless the moment the elves stepped into the palace.
Every nation hoped to gain the friendship of the Forest of Elves.
The elves' special status in human hearts needed no explanation.
From the perspective of the nation, the thousand-year-silent elven race taking the initiative to establish diplomatic relations with the Empire... was it good or bad?
Of course it was an unprecedented blessing, practically a milestone worthy of being recorded in the Empire's history.
To possess the friendship of the elves was equivalent to receiving nature's favor.
However, for these nobles, it was not necessarily a good thing.
Because the family that had brought the elves was House Clavenna.
If the elves were establishing relations with the Empire because of House Clavenna, then the consequences would be unimaginable.
Don't forget who House Clavenna supported.
More importantly, the friendship of the elves was something that could only be encountered, not sought.
If Emperor Aubrey truly intended to establish relations with the elves, then the position of heir would likely belong to no one except Aurelian.
Besides, Aubrey himself clearly had that intention.
At this point, many ministers finally understood.
Although Viktor had not personally appeared, the understanding between him and Emperor Aubrey seemed to transcend distance itself.
Together, they had effectively established Aurelian's position as heir.
To the ministers present, this was undoubtedly a clear signal.
Whether you agree or not doesn't matter.
The elves had been brought in by House Clavenna, and that fact carried tremendous weight in this political game.
If Viktor was dissatisfied with the ministers' response, he could easily have the elves return to their forest.
And then use that as a reason to declare that the elves were disappointed in the Empire.
Without saying much, he could create the enormous loss of failed diplomatic relations between the Empire and the Forest of Elves.
No nation could afford to miss such an opportunity to befriend the elves.
If the Empire lost the chance to establish relations with a foreign power because of the nobles' obstruction, they could never bear such a charge.
The nobles sat in their carriages, sighing as they realized the situation had reached a dead end.
Aurelian becoming the heir seemed all but certain.
At that moment, Leopold slowly raised his head and looked at the noble who had just greeted him.
He smiled elegantly and declined the noble's offer.
"No need. My carriage will arrive shortly."
The noble could only sigh and say, "Very well."
"Goodbye, Mr. Leopold."
"Goodbye."
Leopold still wore the same calm smile.
Servants flicked their reins, and the nobles gradually departed from the palace gates.
The carriages rolled away one after another, their wheels and horses fading into the distance.
Leopold watched them leave, then lifted his head and looked toward the dazzling golden sun.
His golden eyes sparkled beneath the sunlight, as if a golden river flowed deep within them.
Those shining golden eyes seemed capable of swallowing all the sunlight in the world.
Mysterious and noble.
Soon, another sound of hoofbeats rang out.
Orderly and rhythmic.
A carriage covered in golden patterns appeared around the corner.
He narrowed his eyes and looked at the emblem on it.
The Cassidra Chamber of Commerce.
The carriage slowly came to a stop outside the palace grounds.
The coachman halted the horses, climbed down, and opened the carriage door.
Zora stepped out.
She had come today to visit Emperor Aubrey.
The moment her feet touched the ground and she looked up, she saw Leopold standing there, gazing at the sun.
For a moment, Zora froze, as if wanting to say something but stopping herself.
Feeling her gaze, Leopold turned around and saw her.
He smiled slightly, "Today isn't a good time for a visit. His Majesty is receiving very important guests."
"Let's go."
Zora nodded and watched Leopold board her family's carriage.
She followed him inside.
The two sat facing each other in the carriage. Leopold looked out the window at the scenery outside.
Zora looked at him respectfully and spoke with proper composure.
"Father."
"You seem to be in a good mood."
Hearing her words, Leopold slowly turned his head.
"To be honest, he's truly extraordinary."
"Although I didn't meet him today, I'm already looking forward to what he'll do next."
Golden light flickered in his eyes.
It was as if a shining stream of golden liquid flowed deep within them, revealing a complicated emotion that mixed appreciation and anticipation.
"Elves. Nature."
"It seems he has discovered something as well."
Zora sat quietly without speaking.
Leopold leaned back against the carriage seat and closed his bright eyes.
As if casually bringing it up, he asked Zora lightly, "Have things been settled with House Clavenna?"
"Yes, Father."
Zora nodded in response.
"Then continue maintaining business relations with them."
The corners of Leopold's mouth lifted slightly into a faint smile.
"Come. It's time to visit my old friend Levi."
The carriage rolled slowly across the stone-paved streets and headed toward the bustling capital's city gates.
———
Inside a room bathed in golden light, a warm fire burned in the fireplace, dancing happily among the stones.
Luxurious gemstone-studded chairs were arranged throughout the room.
In front of them stood a shining golden tea table.
A servant stood beside the table, pouring tea for the three people seated there.
Liya sat upright on a sofa, with Cocotte and Vinia seated on either side of her.
After pouring the tea, the servant bowed respectfully.
"Please wait a moment. His Majesty will arrive shortly."
The servant then turned and left, gently closing the door behind them.
The moment the outsider left, Cocotte's palms immediately became sweaty from nervousness.
She hadn't felt much while they were in the palace earlier.
But now that they were actually about to discuss serious matters, she became flustered.
'Where's Viktor?'
'Damn Viktor, why isn't he here yet?'
Liya turned to look at the restless Cocotte and let out a sigh.
The room was so quiet that even Cocotte's breathing could be heard clearly.
Soon, the door opened again.
An elderly man dressed in extremely luxurious silk and velvet entered the room, his presence steady.
Leaning on an ornate cane set with a red gemstone, he slowly walked into the room with firm yet unsteady steps.
Despite his luxurious clothing, his stooped figure allowed the three women to recognize him immediately.
It was Emperor Aubrey.
Supporting him was Princess Aurelian.
The princess wore a silver-gray dress decorated with countless tiny silver stars.
The fitted dress highlighted Aurelian's graceful figure, while the thin veil draped from her shoulders added even more charm.
She held one of Aubrey's arms, supporting the arm not holding the cane, as she guided him toward the three women.
The red firelight illuminated both of them, dyeing one side of their figures crimson, while their stretched shadows swayed across the walls.
Just as Liya and the others were about to stand, the Emperor waved a hand and spoke.
"No need. There are no outsiders here."
He took the lead and sat down amicably.
His cloudy eyes swept across the group before resting on Liya for a long moment.
His expression carried a hint of seriousness.
"Let's talk about the important matter."
"My time is running short."
[🎉 Shoutout to Justin for joining p@treon. Thank you very much.🤗]