After breakfast, I made sure to visit Emmerich and Gerolf. The two of them were in one of Kaltbrand Manor’s many guest rooms, being watched over by a healer. Both were still unconscious. According to the healer, they were just resting after pushing themselves too far. They would wake up when they recovered. I stayed with them for a bit, before I thanked the healer and left.
Afterwards, I visited the Coldsteel Knights to thank them for their part in rescuing me. Like Sir Kane, they were upset with me for my carelessness in getting kidnapped. However, they were more upset with themselves. As Knights of the Order of the Coldsteel Blade, it was their duty to serve and protect House Kaltbrand. They considered my abduction at the hands of Tower Master Katarina a source of great shame, despite my words to the contrary. No matter what I said, they refused to change their minds. In the end, I gave up.
I spent the rest of the day resting after that, though not by choice. I tried to work on the various tasks that I needed to do, such as preparing for Mom and Dad’s arrival, as well as the engagement party. However, my loved ones insisted otherwise and refused to let me work. This included House Kaltbrand’s servants, such as Maria and Baron Kurz. To be fair, they had a point. I was still recovering after pushing myself yesterday, when we fought Tower Master Katarina.
In the end, I acquiesced to their demands and rested all day. It was… odd. For as long as I could remember, I was always busy with one thing or another. Even during my time as Wulfram Guld, I was busy training and learning everything needed to be a proper scion of House Guld. I spent some time on leisure, but never for more than a few hours. I didn’t remember the last time I spent an entire day relaxing. In fact, I don’t think I ever had.
Mika stayed by my side almost the entire time. She didn’t cling to me, as she had during breakfast, but she never strayed too far from my side. Not that I minded. I loved my little sister and enjoyed spending time with her. However, I also knew that she needed this. My disappearance had scared her. Perhaps because it reminded her of the time when I ran away from House Guld.
Lina spent the day helping Baron Kurz and the servants at Kaltbrand Manor finish with the tasks that had been mine. I thought they would have balked, since she was an outsider who was acting as the lady of the house, but my fears were unfounded. Then again, they had gotten used to her over the past few weeks, so it wasn’t that surprising.
The rest of my adopted family, except for Emmerich, returned to the House Guld townhouse. They had their own duties to attend to and couldn’t put them off for long. After some discussion, they decided to leave Emmerich behind, since Lina and I could watch over him.
When the time grew late and neither Emmerich nor Gerolf woke up, I grew worried about their condition. However, the healer who watched over them assured me that this was normal for magicians who had pushed themselves too hard, especially magicians who specialized in mental magic. Despite this, I remained worried. So much so, that I ended up keeping an eye on the two well into the night. Mika, of course, joined me. The two of us only left when Lina arrived and dragged us away.
After night passed and morning arrived, it was time for the meeting with the Emperor.
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Father and I arrived at the imperial palace in two separate carriages, which we had discussed the previous day. While the conflict with the Tower of Magic mostly involved House Guld, we thought it was best if I came as a representative of House Kaltbrand. This would hammer in the seriousness of the situation, and the depths of Tower Master Katarina’s sins.
Sir Kane accompanied me, not that I could have stopped him if I tried. After what happened, he insisted on keeping an eye on me whenever I left Kaltbrand Manor. I no longer had a choice in the matter. Well, I could have forced him to stay if I wanted to. However, doing so would only destroy our friendship, which I didn’t want. So, I remained silent on the matter.
When Father and I arrived at the imperial palace, we found Knight Commander Bennett waiting for us. He told us that the Emperor had commanded him to escort us to His Imperial Majesty’s study. I wondered if there was any hidden meaning behind this, since Knight Commander Bennett was the leader of the Imperial Guard. Either the Emperor wanted to show that he took this situation seriously, or he was warning us not to cause trouble. Perhaps it was both.
Except for the palace servants, the three of us didn’t encounter anyone on the way to the Emperor’s study, for which I was thankful. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with nobles or members of the imperial family.
When we arrived at the study, I took a moment to look around. The Emperor’s study was large, with tall windows that let in plenty of sunlight. However, it was sparsely furnished. It had the bare minimum, but little beyond that. This gave the study a rather spartan atmosphere. This surprised me. As the ruler of the Reichwald Empire, I thought that the Emperor would have furnished his study with all sorts of rare and expensive decorations.
The Emperor himself waited for us from behind his desk, a wooden monstrosity that occupied a good portion of the study. He was as imposing as ever. Unlike my previous meeting with him, where he seemed almost warm and friendly, his demeanor was much colder now. It reminded me that he was the ruler of an empire that spanned a good portion of the continent. His divine power roiled beneath the surface, contained but ready to burst out into the open when necessary.
After Knight Commander Bennett left, Father and I bowed to the Emperor and gave him the appropriate greetings. However, he didn’t respond right away. Instead, he studied us through narrowed eyes. I resisted the urge to fidget. The seconds stretched on, until the Emperor opened his mouth and finally spoke.
“I see that you’ve caused another mess that I have to clean up, Duke Guld.” He said, before glancing at me. “Not only that, but you managed to drag the heir to House Kaltbrand into this nonsense.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Your Imperial Majesty.” Father said, putting on a meek facade. “My family and I are the victims in this situation. If you want to blame anyone, blame Tower Master Katarina for attempting to kidnap my son in order to further her political agenda.”
The Emperor looked unamused. He reached into his desk, pulled out a stack of papers, and began reading them out loud.
“Destruction of imperial property,” the Emperor said. “Hosting a fake auction, with the intent to kidnap Tower Master Katarina’s disciple. Attacking Blackhold, the prison where the Tower of Magic holds some of its most heinous criminals.” He glared at Father. “Need I go on, Duke Guld?”
Father’s meed facade faded away, replaced by something cold and harsh.
“In that case, let me list off some of the Tower of Magic’s crimes.” He said. “Attacking House Guld and its employees on several occasions, attempting to kidnap me in broad daylight…” He paused for dramatic effect. “… kidnapping one of my other sons and holding him in Blackhold.” He let out a derisive snort. “If we compare the two, it’s clear that the Tower of Magic is the biggest sinner here.”
“Be that as it may,” the Emperor said, “Both House Guld and the Tower of Magic have caused enough trouble in my empire. I intend to put a stop to it all, before the matter escalates.”
That was my cue to speak.
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Your Imperial Majesty.” I said.
The Emperor turned his eyes towards me. It took a great deal of my self control not to flinch.
“And why is that, Lord Wulfe?” He asked.
“This is no longer just a matter between House Guld and the Tower of Magic.” I said. “Tower Master Katarina kidnapped me and held me in Blackhold, with the intent to use me as leverage. I am the heir to House Kaltbrand. My family cannot, will not, let this stand.”
The Emperor leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers.
“It was my understanding that you acted as a member of House Guld when you aided them in their spat against the Tower of Magic.” He said.
“That doesn’t matter.” I said. “What matters is what my parents will think when I tell them of this matter. I’m sure they won’t be happy if it ends on a less than satisfactory note.”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
The Emperor’s divine power flared up and pressed down on me, similar to how Aura users and magicians could use pressure. It affected me, even though I was an Aura Master and I had my own divine power. I remained on my feet, but only just. Father remained unaffected.
“Are you threatening me, Lord Wulfe?” the Emperor asked, an edge to his voice.
“I wouldn’t dare, Your Imperial Majesty.” I said, through clenched teeth. “I am merely pointing out the obvious. You know how my father is.”
“I should point out,” Father interjected. “That House Guld will not stand idly by either. Wulfram is the heir to House Kaltbrand, yes. However, he is also my son. I do not easily forgive those who target my family.”
The Emperor glared at the both of us. He opened his mouth to say something, but then someone knocked on the door to the study.
“Enter.” the Emperor called out.
The door opened, revealing Knight Commander Bennett, who wore an odd expression on his face. He was alone.
“What is it?” The Emperor asked.
“We have a… situation, Your Imperial Majesty.” Knight Commander Bennett said. “Tower Master Katarina is here.”
The Emperor frowned.
“Where is she, then?” He asked. “I told you to escort her here when she arrived. Why isn’t she with you?”
Knight Commander Bennett glanced at me before answering.
“Your Imperial Majesty,” he said, “She can’t fit through the doors.”
We all blinked at him in surprise.
“Excuse me?” The Emperor asked.
“She can’t fit through the doors.” Knight Commander Bennett repeated. “She… It would be better if you saw for yourself, Your Imperial Majesty.”
The Emperor studied him for several seconds, before he sighed and stood up.
“Very well,” he said. “I’ll trust your word on this.” He narrowed his eyes. “However, you will suffer the consequences if this turns out to be a waste of time, Werther.”
Knight Commander Bennett nodded.
“You two may as well come along.” The Emperor said, gesturing to Father and I.
The three of us followed Knight Commander Bennett as he led us to the front entrance of the imperial palace. Due to my enhanced senses, I heard the commotion long before I saw it. Tower Master Katarina was yelling, while another woman cackled, like a witch from a fairy tale.
When we arrived, we found a scene that could have come from a comedic play. The first thing I noticed was Tower Master Katarina. She was inside a hollow sphere made of ice; the magic barrier that I froze when we fought one another near Blackhold. There were holes in the sphere, but it otherwise remained intact. It was large enough that Tower Master Katarina couldn’t fit through even the largest doors of the imperial palace. However, its size also made it possible for her to use it as a method of transportation.
At the moment, Tower Master Katarina wasn’t doing much moving around. She glared up at Duchess Galdur, who hovered several feet in the air. The latter held a recording crystal in her hands, pointing it at the former. She was also the one cackling like a witch. A small crowd of servants and nobles had gathered around to watch.
“Ingrid!” Tower Master Katarina said. “Stop recording me this instant and hand me that recording crystal! Otherwise, I swear to the gods that I will make you pay!”
Duchess Galdur laughed.
“You may try, Little Sister,” she said, her voice filled with malicious glee, “However, I don’t think you’re capable of doing much in your current condition. You never listened to me whenever I warned you not to underestimate divine power. Look at you now. You reap what you sow, Katarina.”
I glanced at the Emperor, who wore a pained expression on his face. After a few moments, he let out a soft, almost imperceptible, sigh. I felt something for him that I never expected: sympathy. He ruled one of the largest empires on the continent, but that also meant he bore a proportionally amount of responsibility. This included dealing with the nobles of the Reichwald Empire. I imagined it was like herding cats, except far more exhausting.
After his sigh, the Emperor straightened his shoulders and cleared his expression, before striding forward. Knight Commander Bennett followed him, while Father and I remained behind. The servants and nobles who had gathered to watch the spectacle started when they saw the Emperor, before bowing and giving him their greetings. Tower Master Katarina and Duchess Galdur were too busy with each other to notice.
“What is the meaning of this?” The Emperor barked out.
Tower Master Katarina and Duchess Galdur turned towards him. The former’s expression fell, her face turning red with shame. The latter blanched, looking like a child who had been caught doing something naughty.
“The two of you are supposed to be examples to others.” The Emperor scolded. “You’re supposed to comport yourself with dignity and virtue. Instead, I find the two of you squabbling like children; in front of the imperial palace no less. You should be ashamed of yourselves.”
Duchess Galdur floated down to the ground and, alongside Tower Master Katarina, bowed to the Emperor.
“I apologize, Your Imperial Majesty.” Duchess Galdur said in a contrite voice. “I let my feelings towards my younger sister get the better of me.”
“I apologize as well, Your Imperial Majesty.” Tower Master Katarina said. “I did not intend to cause a commotion.”
The Emperor let out a derisive snort.
“And yet the both of you caused one, regardless of your intentions.” He said. “I will decide on your punishment at a later time. Right now, I have something more urgent to attend to.” He glanced at Tower Master Katarina. “Speaking of which, let me get you out of there.”
The Emperor raised his hand and a mote of golden fire, which resembled concentrated sunlight, emerged from his palm. It burned with such intensity that I felt the heat from my current position. The mote floated over to Tower Master Katarina. The moment it came into contact with the ice sphere, the mote of golden fire melted and burned it away. To my surprise, there wasn’t any sound. I expected there to be hissing, similar to when a blacksmith dunked a red hot blade into water, but there wasn’t. The mote of golden fire burned the ice sphere, until it was as if the latter never existed in the first place.
“Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.” Tower Master Katarina said, standing up from her bow. She wore a relieved expression on her face. “The last few days have been… trying.”
“Of that I have no doubt,” the Emperor said in a dry voice. “Come along, Tower Master Katarina. Let us get this matter over and done with.” He looked at Duchess Galdur. “You may go now.” He paused. “Actually, what are you doing at the imperial palace?”
Duchess Galdur stood up from her bow and gave the Emperor a polite smile.
“I am here to meet with Prince Dirk,” she said, “In order to discuss the marriage between his son and my daughter.”
The Emperor’s expression frosted over.
“I see.” He said in a neutral tone. “Give my brother my regards, Duchess Galdur.”
The duchess nodded.
“I will, Your Imperial Majesty.”
She started walking in the direction of Prince Dirk’s palace. The Emperor turned towards the crowd of servants and nobles.
“Leave.” He growled, which had them scrambling away.
Afterwards, the Emperor walked in the direction of Father and I. Tower Master Katarina trailed behind him, glaring at me.
“Thank you for the show, Tower Master Katarina.” Father said in an amused voice. “It was quite entertaining.”
Tower Master Katarina’s nostrils flared and she opened her mouth to retort, but the Emperor cut her off with a gesture.
“Don’t test me further, Duke Guld.” He said to Father. “My patient is running thin.”
Father studied him for a moment, before nodding in acquiescence.
“Let us return to my study and get this over with.” The Emperor said.
However, as we all turned to enter the imperial palace once more, the sound of running footsteps came from within. Knight Commander Bennett placed himself between the Emperor and the doors to the imperial palace. A few seconds later, Prince Jeremias emerged. He looked disheveled, as if he had run all the way here from his palace.
“I apologize for being late, Father.” He said, bowing to the Emperor. “I would have arrived sooner, but Leopold kept me busy with… Well, never mind. It doesn’t matter.”
The Emperor raised an eyebrow at him.
“What are you doing here, Jeremias?” He asked. “I didn’t summon you.”
Prince Jeremias smiled at him.
“Does a son need a reason to visit his father?”
The Emperor scoffed.
“The only one of my children who ever visits me for my company is your sister.” He said in a disgruntled voice. “You and your brother only come to see me when you want something. So, what is it this time?”
Prince Jeremias’ expression turned awkward.
“Well,” he said after a few seconds, “I’m here to offer my support to the Tower of Magic in its conflict with House Guld.”
Ah, so that’s how it was. Now that things had come to this, Prince Jeremias and the Tower of Magic weren’t bothering to hide their alliance anymore. Hmm, I wonder if Duchess Galdur knew about that. I doubted it was a coincidence that she arrived at the imperial palace on the same day that the Emperor summoned Tower Master Katarina, Father, and myself. Also, Prince Jeremias mentioned that Leopold had occupied him, making him late for the meeting. I wondered if that was also planned. It wouldn’t surprise me.
“I didn’t realize that you were so interested in the Tower of Magic’s affairs, Jeremias,” the Emperor said in a somewhat sardonic tone.
“Of course I am, Father.” Prince Jeremias said. “The Tower of Magic is an important institution within the Reichwald Empire, and I am a magician myself.”
The Emperor studied him for several moments, before sighing. I noticed that he had done that a lot today.
“Very well.” He said. “You can come along.”
Prince Jeremias flashed a triumphant grin towards Tower Master Katarina, and joined us as we returned to the Emperor’s study.