While eating the food, Rheanne was sitting beside Brandon, occasionally sipping from her cup.

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

He was eating quietly, chewing his food as he stared at nothing in particular.

She frowned slightly, "Kael, is there anything concerning you?"

Hm?

Brandon turned his head to look at her, forcing a small, casual smile as he shook his head.

"No, I am fine."

Rheanne’s gaze condensed "...Kael."

The way she said his name softly made him sigh.

He set down the piece of bread he was holding and leaned back slightly in his chair.

"It’s just... seems like Amelia is getting married."

Rheanne’s gaze lowered as she continued eating her food.

She didn’t look surprised, but something in her expression shifted ’Did he...’

She took another small bite, chewing thoughtfully, before speaking again "I see. The Emperor has been looking for suitable alliances for some time now. It’s not unexpected for a princess of her status."

Brandon nodded, staring at the table rather than at her.

"Mhm... I know. Political marriages. But, she’s still so young. And after seeing how excited she was when we took her out into the city that night... it feels wrong to lock her into something like that."

Rheanne glanced at him "She has grown fond of you. The letters you sent... they meant more to her than you probably realize."

Brandon let out a soft breath, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I didn’t mean for that to happen. I just wanted to give her something to look forward to. A way to see the world through someone else’s eyes, since she can’t leave the castle freely. I didn’t expect her to... get attached."

Upon hearing this, she asked gently "And you? Have you grown fond of her as well?"

Brandon hesitated, but then a soft sigh escaped his lips "That seems to be the case..."

Rheanne was surprised because she didn’t expect him to accept it so easily.

"Do you want me to talk to the Emperor?"

With a shake of his head, he replied "No... not yet. First I need to know what Amelia wants."

---

Brandon stepped onto the private balcony overlooking the inner courtyard as the cool evening air brushed against his skin.

The Emperor, Valerian Bleaufort, was already seated at a small table.

"Haha, Sir Kael, I am pleased to share a tea with you on this splendid evening," the emperor said warmly as Brandon entered.

A maid quietly poured tea into a second porcelain cup for Brandon, then bowed deeply and left the balcony, closing the doors behind her with a soft click.

Brandon sat down across from the emperor, and Valerian looked at him for a moment before bowing his head with sincere gratitude. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"Thanks to Goddess Rheanne’s and your efforts, the region is peaceful. I am always grateful for that."

Brandon waved his hand casually with a small smile, "It was nothing. We just did what needed to be done."

The Emperor lifted his cup, taking a slow sip before setting it down again."You are too modest, Sir Kael. The reports from the western mountains were dire. The tower had grown unstable, and the creatures spilling out were unlike anything my scouts had seen before."

"Many believed it would take months to stabilize. Yet you and the Goddess cleared it in a matter of weeks. My people are singing songs of her deeds already."

Brandon took a sip of the tea, "Rheanne did most of the heavy lifting. I just provided support."

Valerian chuckled softly, "Even so, your strength has become legendary among my guards. One man defeating a hundred of my elite soldiers in the training yard without breaking a sweat... the story stands even after two years.’"

Brandon let out a short, dry laugh, "I was just showing off a little. Didn’t mean to start rumors."

The Emperor leaned forward slightly, "Rumors or not, your presence here has brought stability. The eastern region is safe again. The villagers have begun returning to their homes. Trade routes are reopening. For that, you have my deepest thanks."

He paused, then spoke again "And because of that gratitude... I have a request."

Taking a sip of his tea, Brandon asked "What kind of request?"

Valerian’s gaze condensed "The Goddess has already agreed to help with the remaining unstable rifts in my territory. But I would like you to remain here for a while longer as my guest. I believe you could help train my elite forces and advise on matters concerning the towers."

"Of course, you would be rewarded handsomely. Lands, titles, gold, whatever you desire. And... I would be honored if you considered staying as a permanent ally to the crown."

Brandon was silent for a moment, processing the offer.

"I appreciate the offer. But my path is tied to Rheanne’s. Where she goes, I go. We still have many rifts and towers to clear across the continent. I can’t promise to stay here indefinitely."

Valerian nodded slowly, though a hint of disappointment flickered in his eyes.

"I understand. The Goddess’s duty is greater than any single kingdom. But... while you are here, I hope you will consider helping train my guards. And perhaps... spending some time with my daughter, Amelia. She speaks very highly of you."

Brandon’s expression remained neutral, but the mention of Amelia brought back the conversation with her maid earlier that day.

"I’ll do what I can,"

The Emperor let out a warm, genuine laugh and nodded his head "I keep talking about my thoughts... Sir Kael, you must have something in mind since you wanted to meet me."

With a soft exhale, Brandon muttered "Indeed. I wanted to meet you to discuss a very important thing."

Seeing the seriousness in his tone, Valerian’s focus sharpened "Whatever it is, I will do my very best to assist, Sir Kael... so don’t hesitate."

With a nod, he replied "I want to build churches for Rheanne in the Empire."