Talking with Emperor Ermir

While everyone danced, socialized, and ate, the Emperor and Duke Alnhart were having a serious and private conversation in the Emperor’s private backroom connected to the ballroom.

Earlier when the dance first started…

Emperor Ermir ordered his closest personal servant to bring them some tea and snacks, while Duke Everet sat on the opposite sofa, waiting for the Emperor to start the conversation.

The room had decorations similar to those in the ballroom, but there were fewer decorations to accommodate for the size and distractions. There were only two sofas and a coffee table in this room. There were four paintings, one on each wall, and a window that looked over one of the many gardens around the palace.

On the ceiling, there was a crystal chandelier hanging above the coffee table.

Once all the snacks and drinks were on the table, the Emperor commanded everyone to leave the room so it was just Everet and Emperor Ermir.

“Duke Alnhart, I really thought we were close enough as friends, but it seems I was the only one who thought so.” There was a bit of playful teasing in his voice. “Why did you keep such a big secret from me? You know I wouldn’t tell anyone.”

Everet knew that the Emperor was playing with him, so he didn’t take anything he said to heart.

“I consider us friends, but it’s just as much as our statuses will allow us to. Plus, would you not have forced Atlas into a marriage with your son? You already sent your son to befriend my sons, I wouldn’t have been surprised if you tried to get them engaged. I was doing everything I could to protect my sons, especially from the Holy Kingdom. You understand the love and protection for your children, right?”

“Well, I won’t deny I would have tried to get Atlas and Ronan engaged but are you saying that information will be leaked from my side to the Holy Kingdom which is why you did not want to notify me?”

“Yes, especially since there are assassins from the Holy Kingdom targeting members of the Imperial family and other prominent noble families. Not only that, there are a lot of spies coming in and out of the country. I can control who can and cannot come to my estate, but once Atlas’s and Cyrus’ information leaves the estate, it’s out of my control.”

Everet sighed. “As a father, I have to do everything in my power to protect my children until they are old enough to protect themselves. I wanted Atlas and Cyrus to have a carefree childhood, one where they did not have to worry about the Holy Kingdom trying to kidnap them and the Dragon’s Temple and Imperial family trying to tie them down.

“Also, I received information about the energy crisis going on in the Holy Kingdom. They are now able to extract mana from children and adults without killing them, but it’s an extremely painful process. They tried to do that with Atlas and then discarded him in the Great Dragon Forest when it didn’t work. I was not going to allow that for a second time.”

Emperor Emrir listened to his friend’s reasonings and then sighed. “You are right, and I do not blame you. Also, where did you find that information from the Holy Kingdom? I was unable to get that information with the spies I’ve sent over…”

Everet took a sip out of his tea. “I won’t go into too many details, but the spy I have is a very high-ranking member of the church in the Holy Kingdom. We get a lot of our information from her.”

“Ah, I can see what you mean.” It wasn’t surprising that the Alnhart family was able to get someone onto their side. Emperor Emrir had a feeling that Cyrus was the one who commissioned this high-ranking member using his identity as someone blessed by the God of Light.

“Everet, could you tell me the current circumstances of the Holy Kingdom? I promise to not force a marriage between our two families. I want to do what I can to protect not only the Empire, but also Atlas and Cyrus, and for that, I need to know what you know about the Holy Kingdom.”

Everet paused and took some time to process everything Emperor Emrir said and felt what he said made sense. There was no need for him and his family to go about this alone now that the cat was out of the bag. He did his best to protect Cyrus’ and Atlas’ childhood. Now he needed help to protect them while they were at the Academy or at the Dragon’s temple.

“I understand, this will take some time, so let’s set up a date for us to discuss this information. As for where, it would be safest to discuss it at my estate. The when, I will leave up to you.”

“I will have this meeting arranged as soon as possible. What are your plans for dealing with the Dragon’s Temple?”

“I have already discussed this with my children. They will arrange to go to the Dragon’s temple a couple of times of month to do charity events. They will be heavily guarded, especially Atlas who will be bringing his tamed beasts with him.”

Emperor Emrir couldn’t help but appreciate how prepared Everet was. Still, this was a good opportunity to help as well. “Then I will be sure to increase the security as well. The Holy Kingdom will use the time when Cyrus and Atlas are not at home or at the Academy to try to kidnap them. Better to have more security than be sorry.”

“I agree. I was going to ask you about this, but it is good to know that we are on the same page.”

The two couldn’t help but sigh. There was still a lot more work to do when it came to ensuring the safety of Cyrus and Atlas, especially Cyrus who was blessed by the God of Light.

Even though their conversation was serious, Emperor Emrir wanted to lighten up the mood a bit. “Should I ask Ronan to assist with the safety of Cyrus and Atlas?”

Everet glared but then closed his eyes. If he didn’t look at the Emperor, he wouldn’t get angry. “That would have to be up to Cyrus and Atlas.”

“It seems if you do not want to make a decision, you will pass it on to them.”

“Well, it does pertain to them, so I value their opinions and respect it.”

“Okay, I will stop teasing you so open your eyes already. It is weird to talk with someone who just keeps their eyes closed.”

The two, like old friends, bickered a little longer before finally leaving the exclusive parlor room.

The two decided not to go back to the ballroom for the time being and made their way to Emperor Ermir’s study. The study was in a different part of the palace, but they didn’t seem to mind going there because the night was long and by the time they came back to the ballroom, everyone would still be there.

The two entered the study and drafted some contracts to keep both families safe. From how many guards the Imperial family should lend out, to the sharing of information. There were even mentions of how they would let the relationship between Atlas and Ronan occur naturally and there were no hard feelings if they did not end up together. Not only that, even if they didn’t end up together, Atlas would still be able to help the Imperial family out occasionally like he would with the Dragon’s Temple.

Of course, everything needs to be discussed with Atlas and Cyrus, so they didn’t finalize anything.

Once the drafts for each contract were completed, Emperor Ermir and Duke Everet went back to the ballroom. Many people noticed them arriving, but Emperor Ermir made sure it didn’t take away from the debutant dancing and socializing.

Duke Everet met up with Mirabelle and asked her about the kids and how they were doing. He also wanted to know what other people thought about them seeing as how they were blessed by the Gods.

Many people came up to her during his absence and asked about Atlas’ current engagement status. Knowing that he wasn’t engaged to anyone, many people introduced their children in hopes of one of them catching the Duchess’ eyes. Thankfully, she was able to hold off these ambitious parents and said that she didn’t feel it was right for her to take control of Atlas’ marriage because he was adopted and she wanted him to have the freedom to love whoever he wanted.

Many took this as a sign to get their children to meet up with Atlas, leaving Mirabelle flabbergasted and annoyed. Luckily, Atlas didn’t mind getting to know people and making new friends…

This was very different from Cyrus and Sirius who were more introverted.

Mirabelle and Everet sighed after she explained everything and then nodded together. Yup, Cyrus and Sirius were definitely their biological children because they, the parents, were also introverted.

Only Atlas was the extrovert social butterfly of the family…

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Grandpa Marky: Hey everyone! I'm back with another update. I got addicted to playing this video game though... Almost forgot to update haha. My friend bought me the game Palworld, so I've been playing that. XD It's pretty fun. I love crafting and exploring.

Anyway, that's it from me. I will see you all next week :D have a lovely day/night my beautiful grandchildren. <3