As dawn broke, the dining table was alive with the sounds of laughter and clinking cutlery. Kai, Hiro, Sakura, and Elysia were enjoying their breakfast when Ainz approached them. “My Lord,” he said, presenting a letter to Hiro. Hiro’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the seal, “From the Palace?”

“A letter in the early morning?” Sakura asked, her eyes filled with confusion. Kai continued to enjoy his breakfast, his mind calm amidst the sudden development. Hiro abruptly stood up, “Sakura, I need to speak with you,” he said, leading her away from the table.

“The Palace, huh…” Kai mused, watching Hiro and Sakura talk and return. Sakura addressed the group, her face beaming, “Everyone, we need to get ready.” Elysia looked at her mother, puzzled, “Why, Mom?” Sakura simply smiled, picking her up and heading towards her room, “I’ll explain on the way.”

Hiro turned to Kai, “You should prepare as well, Kai. We’re going to the Palace.” Kai nodded, wheeling himself to his room, his mind filled with thoughts, “They’re definitely up to something…”

Once everyone was ready, they gathered outside where a carriage awaited them. Sakura turned to Kai, her eyes soft, “Are you nervous, Kai?” she asked. Kai nodded, his bangs falling over his eyes. Sakura knelt beside him, her hand warm against his cheek, “Don’t worry,” she reassured him, “I’ll be there with you.” Kai managed a small smile in return.

On their journey, Kai struck up a conversation with Eva. “What do you think will happen at the Palace, Eva?” Eva speculated, “Perhaps a meeting with all the nobles?” Kai looked at the street market through the window, “If that were the case, only the head of the household would be summoned. Also, we aren’t sure if all the noble families are involved.” He gazed out of the carriage, his eyes lost in thought, “Let’s wait and see…”

As they arrived, they were viewed with a majestic Palace. The Palace was in the heart of the capital city, serving as a political and administrative hub. This location allowed the monarch easy access to the Kingdom’s affairs and its people. At the Palace, they were greeted by the imperial knights, their armor gleaming under the morning sun. Hiro led the way, pushing Kai’s wheelchair through the grand hall, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors.

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Soon, they were in front of the Emperor’s office. They entered the Emperor’s workplace, a room filled with the scent of parchment and the quiet rustle of quills. “The room has a good environment,” Kai thought to himself, when he noticed a person seated behind a massive oak desk, turned to them as he looked up. His crimson hair contrasted sharply against his royal attire, and his blue eyes held a serious gaze.

“So, you finally found some time for me, huh?” It was the Emperor, his voice echoed throughout the room. Hiro responded with a carefree tone, “Well, I thought of visiting after a few more weeks, but your summons left me with no other choice.”

The Emperor stood up and strode towards Hiro. He was tall, similar in height to Hiro. They stood face to face, their presence commanding the room. Suddenly, the Emperor put his arm around Hiro’s neck, pulling him closer, “You…! How could you take so long to visit me!?” He stated. “I waited for you, but you didn’t come. So, I had no choice but to summon you.”

Hiro chuckled, “Sorry, sorry, I’ve been too busy these days.” Their banter filled the room, lightening the tense atmosphere. Sakura and Elysia joined in, their laughter echoing in the grand room.

Kai observed the situation calmly. He recalled Eva’s words about the Archduke being the hero of the empire and thought, “Back then, when the Archduke just started his journey, the party he was in was led by the current Emperor. Also, the Archduke and the Emperor are best friends.”

Watching the two, he thought to himself, “They were trying to surprise me, I guess.” Sakura came up behind Kai, her hands gently resting on his shoulders. “Were you taken aback?” she asked. Kai turned to look at her, his face a picture of surprise, and nodded. Sakura chuckled at his reaction, “They’ve always been like this, ever since they became best friends!” Kai, still wearing a surprised expression, nodded in understanding. Internally, he mused, “Acting skills can come in handy at times like these.”