The streets of the Cene Empire’s capital were alive with the vibrant energy of midday.

Tall stone spires and gilded rooftops gleamed in the bright sun, while colorful banners bearing the empire’s eagle emblem fluttered in the breeze.

People moved in a steady flow with nobles in rich cloaks, commoners carrying baskets, and imperial soldiers patrolling in crisp uniforms.

No one paid much attention to the sturdy brown horse making its way slowly down the wide avenue.

Brandon sat at the front, guiding the horse, wearing a hooded cloak that concealed most of his features.

Behind him, Rheanne sat close with her arms wrapped around his waist as she rested her head gently on his shoulder.

Her own hood was drawn up, hiding her distinctive long white hair and elegant features.

To any passerby, they appeared as nothing more than a quiet couple traveling through the city.

---

The Cene Empire’s Imperial Castle stood ahead, and the imperial eagle emblem gleamed proudly in the sunlight. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

As their horse approached the iron gates, two rows of elite guards stepped forward, crossing their halberds to block the way.

"Halt," one of the senior guards commanded, raising his hand. "State your business. Only those with a prior invitation or official seal may enter the imperial grounds."

Brandon gently pulled on the reins, bringing the horse to a stop.

He reached up with one hand and lowered his hood, revealing his face.

The moment the guards saw his face, they quickly recognized him.

Sharp blue eyes and black hair tied back with a calm expression.

The senior guard who had spoken earlier immediately dropped to one knee, lowering his head.

The rest of the guards followed suit in perfect unison.

"Lord Kael!" the senior guard exclaimed. "Forgive us! We did not recognize you. Please, enter freely."

Brandon gave a small nod, "No need for apologies. We came quietly on purpose."

He gently urged the horse forward again. The guards swiftly parted, pulling open the heavy gates.

As the horse walked through, Rheanne lifted her head slightly from his shoulder, glancing at the bowed guards.

Once they were a short distance inside the castle grounds, in the beautiful courtyards, Rheanne let out a soft breath.

"They recognized you instantly, you are getting a lot popular." she murmured against his ear with a hint of teasing in her quiet voice.

Brandon chuckled lightly, keeping his voice low as they continued riding deeper into the castle complex.

The horse continued at a slow, leisurely pace along the inner path.

Servants and officials who spotted them quickly stepped aside, whispering among themselves.

Some bowed deeply even without seeing their faces clearly.

Soon, a group of castle attendants in fine uniforms hurried forward to properly receive them.

One of them stepped forward "Lord Kael and Goddess Rheanne, welcome to the Imperial Castle of Cene. His Majesty has been informed of your arrival. Shall we prepare rooms for you?"

"Yes," Brandon replied. "And keep our presence as quiet as possible. We’re not here for formal audiences or celebrations."

The steward bowed again "As you wish, my lord."

---

Brandon and Rheanne walked side by side through the wide corridors of the imperial castle.

They heard hurried footsteps, and Brandon glanced at the middle-aged man rushing toward him.

The Emperor smiled as he opened his arms in a welcoming gesture.

"Lord Kael! And the illustrious Goddess Rheanne herself!" He laughed heartily.

"What an honor to receive such esteemed guests again in my castle."

With a nod, Brandon replied "It’s good to meet you again, Emperor Aldric."

The Emperor waved a hand dismissively, still chuckling as he closed the distance "None of that stiff formality again, please!"

He turned to Rheanne with deep respect in his eyes and bowed his head more formally. "Lady Rheanne, your presence graces my humble empire. I cannot express how relieved I am that you chose to visit us again. Having both of you here is a blessing."

Rheanne nodded her head and stayed silent.

The Emperor gently patted Brandon’s shoulder "I already heard reports from Nacirfa and Eurasania. I was expecting you."

With a nod, Brandon replied "We can speak about that privately later."

Emperor Aldric clapped his hands once, and several attendants appeared almost instantly. "Prepare the best guest wing for Lord Kael and Lady Rheanne."

Turning back to them, he gestured for them to walk with him down the hall.

"Come, walk with me. Tell me, Lord Kael, is it true you dismantled an entire squad of Nacirfa’s elite by yourself while chained?"

"The reports I received sounded almost like bard tales."

Brandon smiled wryly "They exaggerated a little."

With a chuckle, Aldric spoke "Oh... if Scylla knew you are here, she would be very excited."

Brandon: -_- That cunt.

---

Brandon sat comfortably on one couch, leaning back slightly.

Emperor Aldric Vossel sat across from him with a thoughtful frown as he processed everything Brandon had just explained.

Aldric picked up a glass of chilled juice, "I see. So this is all Nubines’ plan, huh. Using Nacirfa as a disposable pawn to provoke chaos between the major powers."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and let out a heavy sigh.

"Also, Nacirfa is without a ruler now... You know both Eurasania and I have been fighting for influence over that kingdom for years. We finally agreed on a fragile truce just a few years ago to prevent all-out war. And now this happens."

The Emperor rubbed his temple, clearly frustrated "What to do now?" he asked, looking directly at Brandon.

"The Eurasania Empire hasn’t taken any aggressive actions yet, so we are also staying silent for the moment. But the power vacuum in Nacirfa won’t last long."

"Ambitious nobles there will start fighting among themselves, and neighboring powers will smell blood in the water. If we move too fast, it breaks the truce. If we move too slow, someone else might swallow the entire kingdom."

Brandon took a slow sip of his juice, "That’s exactly what Nubines want."

"They hoped Rheanne would wipe out Nacirfa’s leadership in rage after they tried to use me as leverage. Then both you and Eurasania would rush in to claim the territory, reigniting old conflicts."

Emperor Aldric nodded slowly, "Indeed. And now the question falls on us. Do we honor the truce and let Nacirfa sort out its own succession crisis? Or do we step in?"

He looked at Brandon "Lord Kael... Your counsel would be invaluable here. You destroyed their plan in Nacirfa. What path do you suggest we take? I have no desire for another long war... but I also cannot allow Nubines to gain a foothold right on my border."

Taking a sip of his juice, Brandon muttered "We are going to reform the kingdom from the Nacirfa Kingdom to The Holy Land of Rheanne."

Huh? Aldric blinked his eyes in confusion "Holy... land?"