Ch.120120. Imperial Palace

“There are so many people.”

Rex opened his eyes wide as he spoke. People dressed in luxurious attire were engaged in conversation, each wearing a smile. All of them were nobles formally invited to the coming-of-age ceremony.

“It’s the Imperial Princess’s coming-of-age ceremony—a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Charlotte replied in a disinterested tone. On the day of the ceremony, the group had left the mansion early in the morning and headed to the Imperial Palace. Not the inner palace where the imperial family resided. Even for the Imperial Princess’s ceremony, the inner palace would not be opened to outsiders.

This was the outermost area of the vast Imperial Palace. It was separated from the inner palace by high walls and strict security. Still, it was spacious enough to accommodate several dozen people.

Except for a select few nobles of particularly high status, most weren’t even invited to the ceremony, but Elysium had been bustling since morning.

The Argentian Empire was an all-powerful empire ruling the entire continent, and the protagonist of today’s ceremony was the only daughter of the most noble bloodline—the imperial family. Today, everyone enjoyed the festival regardless of social status.

Bright flower petals were scattered on the streets, and bread and wine were distributed for free. The Princess’s name was called throughout the streets, and people united in wishing her a future filled with happiness.

‘A coming-of-age ceremony, huh.’

It was incomparable to the coming-of-age ceremonies in his hometown, Oakbrook Village. It would be more accurate to say they lived in completely different worlds. It had been nearly four years since he left his hometown, but the memories of that day remained vivid.

Carrying rocks, competing with other boys in races, throwing spears. And finally, wrestling. Would his younger self have known he would come this far? Probably not. Even if someone had told him this would happen, he wouldn’t have believed it.

Back then, he had been too preoccupied with day-to-day survival to worry about the distant future, but now he found himself living a life far removed from what he had once dreamed of.

‘I wonder how everyone is doing. Johan, is he still fawning over Anna? Mother and Anna… I hope they’re doing well.’

The last time he had sent a message was a year ago. He never received a reply. While his family always stayed in the village, Rex moved around frequently, so he had written not to send replies. Tom, the village chief’s deputy, would have read the letter’s contents to them.

‘I should visit my hometown sometime.’

Later. When everything was settled and he had some free time, it wouldn’t be bad to make a brief visit. Rex smiled faintly and spoke to Charlotte.

“When does the ceremony begin?”

“Noon.”

“That’s quite a while away. Do we have to stand here until then?”

“No. There’s no need for that.”

Charlotte said with an expressionless face, her lips twitching slightly.

“Who am I?”

“Pardon?”

“The pillar supporting the Empire, the Margrave of Edenhar. The Apostle of the Sword. I don’t need to wait like the others until the Princess walks out on her own. Such troublesome matters are unnecessary. Follow me.”

Charlotte strode forward without waiting for a response.

“Lady Edenhar.”

The knights guarding the palace entrance did not stop Charlotte. As she had said, she was the Margrave who had protected the Empire for a long time and the Apostle of the Sword. She was a noble person specially treated even by the imperial family, and naturally, all the palace knights recognized Charlotte.

“Others are waiting inside. But may I ask who the three behind you are?”

“They’re my children. I vouch for their identities. Let them pass.”

“Understood. But regarding weapons…”

“What do you take me for? Of course, I haven’t brought anything that could be used as a weapon. Or should I swear on my honor that we won’t cause any trouble?”

At her curt words, the knight closed his mouth and stepped aside. Charlotte clicked her tongue softly as she passed him, while Rex and Chloe awkwardly bowed their heads.

“We’re heading to the innermost part of the Imperial Palace.”

Charlotte blurted out as they walked down a corridor covered with a red carpet.

“This is where the Emperor and his family live—those who hold real power, not the imperial family members who have been pushed out of the power struggle. As you might guess, you should refrain from rash actions and just quietly follow behind me. To put it bluntly, never leave my side.”

The coming-of-age ceremony brings more foot traffic and confusion than usual. To prevent unexpected incidents, knights stood at regular intervals along the corridor, and patrolling groups were also visible. There was also a sense of unseen eyes observing from hidden places. All of them were Sanctifiers who had reached the mature stage of Luminescence.

“Especially you.”

Charlotte looked at Elin with a displeased expression.

“Don’t do anything strange.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I’m not worried about the other children, but you concern me the most. I brought you along out of pity, so please don’t cause any trouble.”

“…I’m always well-behaved.”

“Don’t wander around babbling about looking for flowers or puppies.”

Elin blinked and nodded. Charlotte heaved a deep sigh.

“I’m not sure if I can trust this one.”

“I’ll take good care of Lady Elin.”

“I’m not a child. I’m older than Rex.”

Elin rarely showed irritation, but now she pouted with a sullen face. Rex smiled bitterly and changed the subject.

“So, where are we going now?”

“I told you. The innermost part of the Imperial Palace.”

“I was just curious about who we’re meeting…”

“You’ll see for yourself soon enough, so just keep quiet and follow me. I might… introduce you, but until then, don’t say anything unnecessary. Just keep your mouth shut. I’ll handle everything.”

Charlotte snapped back in a disinterested tone and stopped in front of a room.

“Quite the awkward bunch.”

Rex kept his mouth shut and stared at the large door. It wasn’t because of Charlotte’s words. From the moment the door came into view, Rex’s attention had been completely focused on what lay beyond. Cold sweat began to seep from his palms and spread throughout his body.

A familiar sensation.

His skin tingled, his heart pounded, and his senses frantically signaled danger.

Like when facing an Apostle.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m here, aren’t I?”

Charlotte pushed the door handle with a chuckle.

“You’ve arrived.”

A cold, elderly voice echoed. Gray, faded hair and pitch-black pupils. One eye was clouded, as if empty. The old man twisted his lips into a smirk as he met Charlotte’s gaze.

“You still have a flair for unnecessary dramatics, Albar.”

“As one who maintains the Empire’s order, I cannot afford to appear frivolous. Please understand with your generous heart.”

The old man shrugged and shifted his gaze.

“Is that young man the one you favor so much?”

The pressure.

Just from his gaze alone, a pressure that tightly gripped Rex’s heart surged forth. Nothing more happened. His complexion didn’t turn pale, nor did his voice tremble with fear. He swallowed a short breath and shook off even that pressure.

“Greetings. I am Rex von Calibrant.”

The old man silently looked at Rex, then suddenly burst into laughter.

“Indeed, it’s no wonder Charlotte favors you. Are you really eighteen? I’ve heard stories, but it’s truly astonishing.”

“Don’t covet him. I have no intention whatsoever of handing him over to you.”

“I know. Though I’m tempted by that child, the disadvantages of opposing you outweigh the benefits. Besides, I’ve already heard from Vivienne how much you cherish that child. She said you coldly rejected her even when she clung to your trouser leg.”

His casual way of addressing Charlotte and Vivienne. The presence he had felt before entering the room. A name flashed through Rex’s mind. Could it be? Rex stared at the old man with surprised eyes. The old man chuckled and extended his hand.

“Albar von Drachenfelt.”

Of the three Apostles the Empire possessed, the Apostle of the Sword and the Apostle of Gold lived more for their own desires than for the “Empire” itself. But the remaining one was different.

The Apostle of Judgment.

He moves solely for the Empire’s order. The Apostle of Judgment is traditionally the head of the Drachenfelt ducal family, which maintains the Empire’s laws and order, and simultaneously the Regent who wields the second strongest power in the continent after the Emperor.

“I thought my grandson was quite impressive for his age, but compared to you, he’s lacking in many ways.”

Albar’s grandson must be referring to Klein. Rex had already met Klein at the ball. They had even become close enough to address each other as brothers, but he chose not to mention that fact. It was obvious that doing so would only complicate matters.

“Enjoying your private conversation?”

“Lady Vivienne.”

“Excuse me, but I’m here too? When did I become invisible? If not, there’s no way I wouldn’t have received a greeting by now. I drove you to Elysium, sent you to the ball, and even gave you the emblem of the Wealth Order. Surely our Rex doesn’t have such a poor memory to forget his big sister so quickly, so I must have become invisible.”

“…It’s been a while.”

Rex scratched his cheek with a sour expression. Vivienne, who had been sitting in a chair with her arms crossed and a sullen face, glanced at Rex and turned her head sharply.

“I’m hurt. Isn’t your greeting a bit late?”

“Act your age. Aren’t you ashamed to whine to a child decades younger than you? Considering the age difference, you’re closer to being his grandmother. If it were me, I would have committed suicide out of shame long ago.”

“You, I told you not to tease me about my age!”

“No, the premise is wrong. I wouldn’t have whined like that in the first place.”

As Charlotte sneered, Vivienne’s expression contorted. She clenched her fist tightly and gritted her teeth. Placing her trembling fist on the table, Vivienne finally suppressed her irritation and waved her hand.

“Fine, I was wrong. It’s all my fault.”

“So you do know. If you had continued with such childishness, not only your dignity but mine would have been compromised. How fortunate.”

“It’s been a while. Chloe and Elin are here too.”

Vivienne greeted them, ignoring Charlotte’s mockery. Chloe awkwardly bowed her head, and Elin just nodded curtly.

“Lady Charlotte.”

“What is it?”

Rex carefully looked around. The reception room was excessively spacious. He had inwardly expected high-ranking nobles to be present, but there were only six people in this space. Among them, excluding himself, Chloe, and Elin who had come with Charlotte, the rest were all Apostles.

Throughout the entire continent, there are only ten Apostles, and befitting an empire that unified that continent, the Empire possesses the most Apostles. The Apostle of the Sword, the Apostle of Gold, the Apostle of Judgment. All three had gathered here.

“Is it really alright for us to be here?”

While Elin maintained her usual indifferent expression, Chloe couldn’t fix her gaze on one spot and kept darting her eyes around. Though not to the same extent, Rex also found the current situation quite burdensome.

“Such weak words. I didn’t raise you to be so soft.”

Charlotte narrowed her brow and waved her hand.

“Just sit quietly.”

“Haven’t the introductions been completed? We could go outside to look around and then return on our own…”

“No. Not everyone has arrived yet. There’s one last person.”

“Pardon?”

As Rex tilted his head with a puzzled expression, Charlotte snorted and sat down in a chair.

“If it were just to meet those two, there would have been many other opportunities, not necessarily today. Don’t you truly understand why I specifically chose the Imperial Princess’s coming-of-age ceremony?”

“The Imperial Princess, he says.”

Albar interjected with a curious smile. He stroked his neatly grown beard and added:

“Although we serve under the imperial family, we hold a position distinct from other nobles. For instance, Charlotte’s title is merely that of a marquise, but her status in the Empire is higher than the kings who rule the four kingdoms under the Empire. The same applies to us. Therefore, this place was arranged for confidential meetings that others cannot access.”

“Of course, we’ll also congratulate the Imperial Princess. To think that child is already an adult. Time flies so fast.”

Vivienne added with a bright smile.

Though he had heard the explanation, his questions weren’t completely resolved. Rex stammered:

“Are you introducing me to the Imperial Princess?”

“No.”

Charlotte shook her head. Albar recited with a solemn face:

“The Imperial Princess.”

And the Emperor. The words that followed were drowned out by the sound of the door opening.

The Emperor is coming.