In the Drexia Imperial Palace's majestic throne hall, huge braziers encircling each of the twelve obsidian columns light up every part of the throne hall and cover the hall in warm oranges and dancing shadows. The unadorned stones on the domed ceiling dance in the flickering light while sculptures look down upon the limestone floor of this royal hall.
A golden rug splits part of the room in half from the throne to midway down the hall while burgee banners with adorned lacery droop from the walls. Between each banner stands a large candlestick, none but a few have been lit and in turn illuminate the artistic portrayals of folk heroes and legends below them.
Huge windows were enclosed by veils colored the same gold as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with jewels and gold leaves.
A grandiose throne of sapphire sits in front of a giant painting of the previous ruler and was adjoined by two almost identical seats for esteemed guests.
The throne was covered in textured and layered emblems and fixed on the wide backside was a lavish lantern. The comfortable pillows were a dark golden and these too have been adorned with gilded edges.
Those expecting an audience with their royal highness can do so on the few impressively carved mahogany benches, all of which are facing the throne. Those of higher standing can instead take a seat in the humble-looking balustrades overlooking the entire hall.
And sitting on such a grand throne was the emperor of the Drexia empire, Julius Von Havens.
He wore a gentle smile on his face, from his expression you could see that he was expecting someone's arrival, someone dear to him.
Soon enough, a gentle voice filled with respect traveled to Julius's ears, "Royal father, you asked for me?''
Julius slowly moved his eyes towards the large door and saw Artemia coming in with a smile and respectfully bowing before him.
''Come closer my daughter, come give daddy a kiss,'' Julius said with wide-open arms.
''Ugh!.''
Even though she grunted she still hugged her father.
''Tch! I thought I asked for a kiss?"
Like a child that was throwing a tantrum, the emperor said.
Artemia rolled her eyes at her father. Taking sit not too far from her father, she asked.
''Father, why did you call me? Surely not because you want a kiss?"
''Ugh! Well, not entirely. Sigh! You have grown up and started to behave as if I'm a bother.'' Julius couldn't help but lament.
'Not as if but you are a bother.' Artemia inwardly, she didn't dare to voice out this thought or else her father would start weeping like a child, he was capable of doing it. He loves her too much, much than his others children.
Surely because she resembles her deceased mother whom the emperor loves more than anything. She couldn't even remember who her, not even her face.
Artemia couldn't help but sigh.
''What is it?" The emperor asked seeing his daughter sigh.
''No, it's nothing. Tell me father why did you call me?'' She asked once again.
Julius's expression changed, becoming serious he asked.
''You have heard about the disappearances don't you?"
''Yeah! I have my subordinates look into it, unfortunately, nothing was found.'' Artemia responded with a serious expression.
Sighing Julius said, ''Indeed, the investigation teams didn't found any useful information.''
Artemia's eyes widened, to think that the joint teams of the strongest empire and Elseria couldn't find anything. She wondered how resourceful those behind the kidnapping are.
'Another headache to think about. We already have that thing to deal with. But now another troublesome thing just popped out. Sigh! How tiring. We lack men, hope we will be prepared before that beast woke up. I must quickly complete the awakening.'
As she was thinking about the incoming dungeon's exploration, she lost track of time.
''I was thinking about postponing dungeon's exploration for you and other students,'' Julius announced.
Breaking free from her formulating thoughts, Artemia frowned.
''And why would you do that? Because of fear that some of us being captured? No, I bet you have decided to do this because of me.''
Julius couldn't only sigh at how fast she found out the reason for this decision. However, his surprise did not end up there, Artemia next words shocked him.
''This must be that Bro-con of mine's doing. He must be jealous of Alex to have suggested this.''
While saying this Artemia looked toward her father, the latter refused to look at her, he started whistling.
''I know it's dangerous but life is dangerous, only coward will stay hidden just because there's a little bit of danger. You know that I need to go in that dungeon. I can delay it any longer. While only three-person are going, none of us is weakling, you know my knight, you know my strength and more importantly, you know how strong Alex is. So there is no need to worry. Nothing will happen to us.''
When Artemia was talking about Alex, how strong he is there was a smile on her face this startled Julius, he misinterpreted Artemia's smile as a sign of her beginning to fall for Alex's devious scheme.
If Alex was here he would have fallen face-first while claiming his innocence, Artemia is indeed beautiful, more beautiful than Maria and others, however, he has never had a design on her, never thought of courting her must less plan for her to fall for him.
Unaware that her father had labeled Alex as dangerous, that he had already put Alex on the 'mustn't approach my daughter's list', Artemia would have facepalmed.
''I do understand your point but I still think it's dangerous you should wait-"
''Enough, father my decision is already taken. Like brother you don't fear me being kidnapped but you fear Alex making move on me.'' Artemia cut her father off and said.
''Ugh!" Julius grunted as Artemia had hit the bullseye.
''Don't worry nothing will happen,'' Artemia announced before standing up and said,
''I shall take my leave. See you soon father''
Before leaving the throne hall she stopped and said, ''Better not send someone to monitor us. I will know.''
''Ugh!"
''And better stop that little game of yours, now that it was still not late. Your children will commit the irreparable if you keep up.''
Leaving these words behind she left the throne hall, Julius couldn't help but sigh while thinking 'You talk as if you are not one of them. While you are not interested in the throne, the others are, and succession war is not a game.'
''Sorry Adler, your little scheme did not work. She still refused even if I suggested not going. Sigh!"