The grand dining hall of the imperial palace was an impressive sight, a testament to the power and wealth of the Breles Empire. Gleaming chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceilings, casting a warm golden glow over the lavish feast spread across the long table. Plates of roasted meats, golden loaves of bread, and exotic fruits from far-off lands were laid out in abundance. But despite the splendor, Adrian's thoughts were far from the feast before him.
At the head of the table sat Maximus von Dunberry, Emperor of the Breles Empire. His presence commanded attention. With his neatly groomed blonde hair, sharp blue eyes that missed nothing, and a muscular build that belied his years, the Emperor radiated authority and strength. His wife, Jasmin von Dunberry, the Empress, sat gracefully beside him, her quiet composure adding a gentle balance to the Emperor's more imposing demeanor.
"Ah, at last, you've brought your friends!" Maximus's voice boomed with warmth and authority as he stood to greet his guests. His gaze flickered to Adrian, Lucas, and Captain Mohan. "Come, join us for this feast!"
Mohan, ever the seasoned warrior, met the Emperor's outstretched hand with a firm grip, their shared history apparent in the strength of their handshake. There was a sense of mutual respect between them, forged through years of battle and loyalty to the empire.
"It's always an honor, Your Majesty," Mohan replied, a rare warmth in his voice. He had fought alongside the Emperor many times before, and the bond between them ran deep.
Adrian, meanwhile, was still reeling from the grandeur of the palace and the gravity of the situation. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined dining with the Emperor himself. His mind raced as he followed Fiona to his seat, trying to calm his nerves. The reality of where he was and who he was sitting with hit him like a wave.
"Hey," Fiona nudged him gently as they took their seats, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't look so stiff. It's just dinner."
Adrian managed a small, nervous smile. "Right… just dinner."
The butlers moved swiftly, placing additional dishes on the table at the Emperor's command. "Bring more for our guests!" Maximus called, his voice effortlessly carrying through the hall. Within moments, the feast grew even more extravagant, the scents of rich spices and roasted meats wafting through the room.
As the meal began, Adrian couldn't shake the feeling that the Emperor's sharp blue eyes kept landing on him. Every time he looked up from his plate, he found the Emperor studying him, as if weighing something in his mind.
And then, the moment came.
"What do you do for a living, Adrian?" Maximus asked, his tone casual but carrying the weight of a man used to receiving answers.
Adrian's heart skipped a beat. He swallowed hard before answering, his voice steadier than he expected. "I'm a knight, Your Majesty. I serve under Captain Mohan in Arvendale."
Maximus leaned back slightly, nodding as though the answer had been expected. But there was something in the Emperor's eyes—curiosity, perhaps. Or something deeper.
"Captain Mohan speaks highly of you," the Emperor continued, his gaze unwavering. "From what I hear, you've shown great promise on the battlefield."
Adrian felt his cheeks warm under the Emperor's praise. "I'm just doing my best to serve, Your Majesty."
Maximus studied him for a moment longer before he spoke again, his voice calm but with a sense of purpose. "Tell me, Adrian, have you ever considered joining the Royal Guards? There's a place for you, if you're interested."
The offer hung in the air, heavy with implication. Adrian felt his breath catch in his throat. The Royal Guards? It was a position of great prestige, one that came with privileges and responsibilities that could elevate him beyond anything he had ever imagined. A place at the Emperor's side. The path of nobility.
But even as the offer sank in, Adrian's thoughts turned immediately to Captain Mohan. The man who had taken him in, who had trained him and stood by his side since his arrival in this strange world. How could he abandon that loyalty?
With a deep breath, Adrian looked the Emperor in the eye, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment. "Your Majesty, I am deeply honored by your offer. Truly. But my loyalty lies with Captain Mohan. I cannot leave his side."
A brief silence fell over the table. For a moment, Adrian feared he had made a terrible mistake. But then, to his surprise, Maximus smiled—a small, approving smile.
"Loyalty like that is rare," the Emperor said, his voice soft but filled with respect. "You've earned my admiration, Adrian. If you ever change your mind, the offer stands."
Adrian bowed his head. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will always remember your generosity."
Mohan, who had been silent during the exchange, chuckled softly, his gruff voice breaking the tension. "Looks like you've got yourself an honorary son, Your Majesty."
The Emperor's laughter rang out, filling the hall with warmth. "Indeed, old friend. You've raised him well."
As the evening wore on, the conversation flowed more freely. The tension that had initially filled the room melted away, replaced by light-hearted stories and laughter. Adrian, Lucas, and Mohan shared tales from their time in Arvendale, while Fiona and Karl recounted some of their own experiences from the battlefield.
But as the night grew late, it was time to take their leave. Standing at the gates of the imperial palace, Fiona smiled brightly at Adrian, her eyes gleaming in the moonlight.
"You better come back soon," she teased, her tone playful.
Adrian smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. "I will. Thank you for everything."
Karl, standing beside his sister, nodded in approval. "Ulcea's gates will always be open to you."
As they made their way through the city streets, escorted by the elite knights, Lucas nudged Adrian with a grin. "Looks like the princess has taken a liking to you."
Adrian rolled his eyes, but a small blush crept into his cheeks. "It's not like that."
Lucas chuckled, his grin widening. "Sure it's not. But hey, can you blame her?"
Mohan, ever the voice of reason, cut in. "Let the lad be. If it's meant to be, it'll happen in its own time."
As they reached the grand portal, Adrian took one last look at the capital, the towering spires of the imperial palace gleaming in the distance. The Emperor's offer still lingered in his mind, the path of nobility laid out before him. But for now, his place was with Mohan, Lucas, and the unit in Arvendale.
With a final glance at the city of Ulcea, they stepped through the portal, returning to the familiar streets of Arvendale. Yet as they arrived, Adrian couldn't shake the feeling that his journey was only just beginning.
As the others departed for the night, Adrian began walking home. But something caught his eye—a shadow near his house. His heart quickened, and he approached cautiously, ready for anything.
From the darkness, a figure stepped forward, their face twisted with malice. A voice, cold and familiar, echoed in the night.
"You're here. I've been waiting for you… you bastard."
Adrian's blood ran cold.