The gardens of the Briar manor stretched out in meticulous splendor, their carefully tended beds of night-blooming flowers releasing delicate fragrances into the evening air. Amidst this botanical masterpiece, seated in an ornately carved chair beneath a towering silver maple, was none other than Emperor Curtis himself.
"Really? Curtis! What is it now?" Lloyd's voice carried a mix of exasperation and familiarity as he claimed the seat opposite his cousin, the cushioned chair creaking softly beneath him.
Curtis's laughter boomed through the garden, startling a pair of songbirds from their perch. "Bwah hah hah... what do you mean 'what is it now?' I heard my favorite cousin was back and naturally came to check on you. Besides," his eyes twinkled with mischief, "you'll be returning to your domain tomorrow."
"Haaa!" Lloyd's exhale carried years of dealing with his cousin's antics. "Such a pain. Very well, I'll tell you everything that happened in the eastern forest."
As twilight painted the sky in deepening shades of purple and gold, Lloyd recounted his journey. His voice grew particularly animated when describing the ancient Yggdrasil, its massive branches seeming to pierce the very heavens themselves. Curtis leaned forward, completely engrossed, as Lloyd detailed his negotiations with Queen Freya.
"Really? She would give a word to the council on Zen's behalf?" Curtis's surprise was genuine, his imperial facade momentarily forgotten. The implications weren't lost on him – a recommendation to Farcus Academy from the Elven Queen herself was unprecedented.
"If the elven technology is as advanced as you claim," Curtis mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully, "Zen's admission might introduce us to some new strengths." The statement hung heavy in the air, prompting a stern look from Lloyd that spoke volumes about the delicate nature of such possibilities.
The garden's lanterns flickered to life one by one, their soft golden glow creating dancing shadows among the foliage. A guard approached, his armor gleaming in the lamplight as he bowed deeply.
"My lord! You have another visitor!"
Lloyd and Curtis exchanged knowing glances before Lloyd responded, "And who might that be?"
"It is Baron Reiner, my lord."
A smile tugged at Lloyd's lips as he instructed the guard to escort Reiner to them. Moments later, the baron's footsteps could be heard on the garden path. As he drew closer and recognized the emperor's presence, Reiner's posture straightened visibly.
"Reiner of the Rowena Barony greets his imperial highness," he announced formally, dropping into a precise bow. Curtis's demeanor shifted subtly, his casual air replaced by the refined dignity expected of an emperor. After greeting Lloyd as well, Reiner accepted their invitation to join them.
"Thank you, Baron Reiner," Lloyd's voice carried genuine warmth. "If not for you, handling the people in my domain would have been an overwhelming task."
Reiner's reply came quickly, his tone respectful yet earnest. "Not at all, my lord! It is you who shows true grace. The security detail you provided was invaluable – something my barony's numbers alone could never have managed."
Lloyd's slight discomfort at the formal exchange was visible only to those who knew him well. "So," he said, his expression growing more serious, "why did you want to see me?"
Reiner's face darkened as he delivered his report. "My Lord! The borderlands have seen increased monster activity. During our journey here, we encountered and defeated seven ogres." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "While we were fortunate to avoid an ogre lord, several were uncommonly strong. Given the positioning – the borderlands, then Rowena Barony, and finally the Briar Marquisate – we cannot afford such incursions, especially with preparations for the northern campaign underway."
Lloyd stroked his chin contemplatively, his mind working through various scenarios. "Hmmm... We'll address this properly once we're back in the domain. The unit under Carac's command should be more than capable of handling any remaining monsters."
"Indeed," Curtis interjected, his earlier joviality replaced by imperial authority. "We cannot afford to divide our forces, not with the northern front demanding our attention."
Reiner shifted slightly, glancing between the two men before speaking again. "My lord, regarding those who accompanied me..." He cast a quick look at Curtis before continuing. "Master Armin has already arranged everything in the city. He's secured lodging near the merchant district, close to the temple."
Lloyd's face brightened at the mention of Armin. "That man continues to exceed expectations. To think he'd have everything prepared before our return!" He turned to Curtis, pride evident in his voice. "You remember Armin, don't you? The one who revolutionized our border defense systems last year."
"Ah yes, the old strategist, you have a hack for talent people" Curtis nodded approvingly. "His proposals have significantly reduced our resource expenditure. I've been considering offering him a position at court."
As night settled fully over the garden, the air grew thick with the sweet scent of evening jasmine. Curtis leaned forward, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "Now, Lloyd, tell me more about your conversation with Freya. She's not known for offering such considerations lightly."
Lloyd took a measured sip from his goblet, gathering his thoughts. "She was... different this time, Curtis. Not in any dramatic way, but her response to my request wasn't what I expected." He paused, setting down his drink. "You know how she usually maintains that air of detached amusement? She actually gave my request serious consideration."
Curtis's eyebrows rose slightly. "The academy? That's quite ambitious, even for you, cousin."
"I know," Lloyd acknowledged, his fingers drumming thoughtfully on the armrest. "She was remarkably candid about the political complexities involved. Laid out the entire situation with the council."
"Oh?" Curtis's voice carried genuine interest. "Do tell."
"She explained how delicate the balance is between the council members. The Dragons, led by Helga, hold a slight military advantage over Orophin's Whales. The elves maintain their position through careful diplomacy." Lloyd's expression grew thoughtful. "She was surprisingly forthcoming about how difficult it would be to get all parties to agree."
"And yet she offered to help?" Curtis leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "That's... unusual."
"Not without conditions," Lloyd clarified. "She proposed a test of strength. Zen must face a challenger chosen by the council itself. The test will be held in a month's time."
Curtis whistled low. "A council-chosen opponent? That's no small matter, Lloyd. They could send anyone – perhaps even a northern prodigy."
"I'm aware," Lloyd's voice carried a mix of pride and concern. "But she was clear – if Zen can prove himself in this test, it would be difficult for even Helga or Orophin to object to his admission."
Curtis's eyes narrowed. "What exactly convinced her to offer even this much?"
"Honestly? I think it was the political elegance of the solution," Lloyd replied. "A public test of strength provides perfect cover – if Zen succeeds, his admission is justified on merit alone. If he fails, no political capital is lost."
"Interesting," Curtis mused, absently swirling the wine in his goblet. "The timing of all this... with the northern tensions and the monster incursions. Have you considered the implications?"
Lloyd nodded gravely. "Having a Briar at Farcus Academy during these times could be valuable. The academy's neutrality makes it an ideal place for... understanding our potential opponents."
"And our potential allies," Curtis added meaningfully. "Do you trust her in this?"
Lloyd was quiet for a moment, considering. "I trust that her interests align with maintaining the academy's neutrality. A fair test serves that purpose."
"And if he passes?" Curtis pressed.
"Then my son enters an institution where the North, the Dragons, and the Whales all have stakes," Lloyd answered carefully. "An institution that, need I remind you, has produced some of the most influential figures in our history."
Curtis nodded slowly. "And if he fails?"
"He won't," Lloyd's voice carried absolute conviction. "You haven't seen him lately, Curtis. His progress has been... remarkable."
The emperor studied his cousin's face carefully. "Very well," he said finally. "You have my support in this, Lloyd. But be careful. The academy's neutrality makes it the perfect breeding ground for both allies and enemies." He paused, then added, "A month isn't much time for preparation."
"No," Lloyd agreed, "but it will have to be enough. The real question is who they'll choose as his opponent."
"Indeed," Curtis replied thoughtfully.
Reiner cleared his throat respectfully. "My lord, perhaps we should increase patrols along the western route? The road back to the marquisate?"
"Agreed," Lloyd nodded, already planning the next day's journey. "Curtis, can you spare some imperial guards for our return journey? Especially with Tess and Zen accompanying us."
"Consider it done," Curtis rose, his figure commanding in the lantern light. "They'll be ready by dawn."
The night deepened as servants began preparing for the following day's departure. The manor hummed with activity: trunks being packed, horses being readied, and guards receiving their instructions.
Dawn arrived with gentle golden rays piercing through the morning mist. The manor's courtyard buzzed with preparation as the Briar family readied for their journey home. Zen stood quietly by the carriage, his composed exterior masking any anticipation about his potential Farcus Academy admission. Beside him, Tess adjusted her travel cloak repeatedly, her eyes scanning the gathering crowd with the intense awareness she'd developed since her awakening.
Lloyd emerged from the manor, his travel attire bearing subtle marks of his station. From the top of the steps, he surveyed the scene: morning light glinting off imperial guard armor, servants handling final preparations, and his children awaiting the journey ahead.
"Are we prepared?" his voice carried across the courtyard.
Arthur who would remain to finish up his time at the imperial academy said his goodbyes to his siblings before heading out, Leonhardt also who had promised to come see Zen and Tess before their departure had come and was having his final conversations with the twins.
Carac materialized from the shadows, efficient as ever. "Yes, my lord. The escort is positioned, and the road has been scouted. Maintaining a steady pace should see us reach the marquisate before nightfall, we should also regroup with the baron Reiner along the way."
As the family settled into their carriages, the morning mist began to lift, revealing the imperial city sprawling below. The temple's golden spires caught the early light, casting brilliant reflections across the awakening metropolis. The sight seemed to emphasize the weight of their circumstances – the delicate balance between noble obligations, the northern threat, and the mysterious future awaiting Zen.
The caravan began to move, hooves clattering against cobblestones in the quiet morning streets. Lloyd cast a final glance at the imperial palace, knowing Curtis would be watching their departure. The combined weight of their recent discussions, the monster threats, and promises made in the elven forest pressed upon him as they began their journey home.