To the surprise of both Princess Adela and Duke Osmar, no invitations to meet were sent over the next weeks. Their next meeting would be for the wedding between Imperial Prince Landen and soon-to-be Princess Emelina. The duke arrived at the palace a day early. The emperor had invited him early so that he could meet Adela’s family under informal circumstances. There was an invitation, of course, but that was simply the best way to seek his attendance. It was an open invitation to meet at any point during the week prior to the wedding and that just so happened to be the best time to accept it.

The duke was wearing blue formal clothes and his black hair was styled neatly. He was accompanied by his aide, Veit, who was wearing similar clothes that were more subdued to demonstrate the difference in status.

As some palace servants offered him refreshments, the imperial family arrived, one at a time. First came Princess Adela, eyes sparkling as she restrained herself from jumping forward and grabbing his hands in excitement. Next came her brothers, Prince Hendrick, Prince Rhett, and Prince Albin, who appeared slightly curious but overall disinterested for the most part. The duke seemed to notice a bit more attention from Albin though. After the other three princes, Prince Linden and Lady Emelina arrived together. Lady Emelina appeared rather excited, perhaps because both she and Osmar were engaged to members of the imperial family. Prince Linden appeared to have a bit more interest than his brothers, but not by much.

Finally, Emperor Leon and Empress Laurenzia arrived together. The emperor appeared strong and wise, and the empress was elegant and bright.

“Greetings to the imperial family.” Duke Citriver placed his hand across his chest and bowed slightly.

“Greetings to you as well, Duke Citriver. Under these circumstances though, perhaps we do not need to speak so formally. While in private company, I would like you to address us by name, and I would like to do the same for you.” The emperor spoke warmly as everyone took a seat.

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“If you insist, Emperor Leon,” the duke spoke, his tone still rather polite and withdrawn.

“I am so happy that our daughter has finally made a match, Lord Osmar,” Empress Laurenzia gushed. “You are such a fine gentleman too. Anyone would be proud to have you as your son-in-law.”

“He is great, isn’t he, Mama?” The princess could no longer resist and grabbed hold of the duke’s arm to show him off.

“Adela, I believe you’re making the duke uncomfortable,” Prince Rhett commented.

“Adela, do not forget your manners. I have already expressed how I feel about him.” The empress lightly scolded.

The princess let go of the duke’s arm, but not without pouting just a bit. For a while, the imperial family continued to speak casually among one another, showing their pleasant relationship. Nothing truly important was said, as one might expect from an informal family meeting. The duke found himself feeling a bit alienated even though he was supposedly able to speak at any time. People who spoke with each other often tended to have a certain rhythm and he felt as though he was disrupting it every time he spoke.

At a certain point, though, the imperial family began asking the duke questions directly.

“Did you attend the academy or were you taught by tutors at your estate?” Emperor Leon asked.

“I spent a year at the academy before I left for the war. Prior to that, I was taught by tutors at the estate. My aide, Veit, served as one of my tutors while I was away as well. Without them, I do not know where I would be. I owe Veit my life many times over for the insight he provided while strategizing.”

“What kinds of monsters did you face? Did you kill them all?” Prince Albin inquired.

“The monsters I faced were… strong. They were weak individually, but the power they gained by gathering was truly frightening. I killed what I could. I killed enough so that we could end our battles. To say that they are no longer a threat at all would be to deny the strength they can gain. Fortunately, they do not breed quickly, but the day will come when I once again must place my life in the hands of fate and fight them to extinction. As long as any of the monsters remain, their threat remains as well.” The duke’s hands trembled slightly as he recalled what he had seen.

The imperial family recognized the duke’s tense atmosphere, and were silent for a moment, not knowing what to say or how to respond.