It happened the day after the emperor Julius birthday after he had a short discussion with Alex.
~ Emperor's Room.
There was an enormous painting on the wall, and there were furnishings collected from all around the world adorning it.
They ate all works of art, no matter what you chose. It can be said that a luxurious and extravagant room is a symbol of power.
In that room was Prime Minister Kyle, and sitting before him, was 12th Emperor Julius Von Havens.
"Is there something you want to say?"
With wine in hand, the emperor looked at Prime Minister Kyle with eyes as sharp as a hawk's.
"Was it all right to tied the Third Princess hand in marriage so unexpectedly? If you are going, Mister Alexander, I believe there exists a better method.. Such giving him territory and-"
"That would create an obstacle for future plans."
"As you know, the boy didn't like politics. I must think of my daughter. Those all foxes think I have gone blind. They are trying to make Artemia race for the throne as they think she can be easily controlled because she always stayed indoors and has a gentle, they think they ride on her overwhelming popularity to turn her into the First Empress, their perfect puppet, only if they knew."
"What?"
The prime minister wanted to know what the emperor meant by saying these words; unfortunately, the emperor had no desire to answer him.
''Nothing, Tell me, Kyle, what is your evaluation of Alexander?"
Seeing the emperor switching subject, not wanting to answer him, Kyle could only sigh and answer the emperor's question. Kyle's first impression when he saw the boy nicknamed Black Prince after he engaged with Artemia is the boy had an unusual amount of mana, that's all. Say he had king presence, he is too intelligent; Kyle could only shake his head as he not seen any of those traits in the boy. Although shocked by what he had done for his sister, for Kyle, a desperate man can accomplish anything; therefore, when being asked a question about the said boy, Kyle's answer was simple.
''He has a lot of mana, and he is a bit unusual.''
''An answer typically like you.'' Julius was not surprised by Kyle's evaluation of Alex as he knew better than anybody how his right-hand man thinks; if you don't have the ambition to rule, to do marvelous things, you're not worthy of Kyle's attention.
The emperor sniffed the scent of the wine, then took a sip of the exquisite wine before saying.
''Although not the smartest, he is smart enough to know where his priorities lie. Men like him are destined to do great things, things you and I can accomplish because we only see the narrow view before us, not what is after. Only a man like him deserves my daughter; I don't mind tying her to this type of man as I'm well aware of what she desires; Drexia is too small for it; no Mysthia in its whole is too small for her. Mark my word, that boy will keep shocking the world. Do you know what is goal is?"
Kyle shook his head, curious about what a boy like Alex would desire apart from reigning as emperor.
Julius chuckled and said, ''Becoming the strongest. Not just the strongest of this world but the strongest of all. This might sound childish to you, but I believe if it's him, he can do it. Have you seen his progress in just a few months? From a nobody to the strongest of the younger generation, not even our Princes and princesses with unlimited resources couldn't hold a candle to her. So, you should understand why I have to tie such man to my family, even if I can control him, I must have him somehow, everything is for the empire, for the sake of the future.''
Putting it like that, Kyle couldn't be dissatisfied anymore. He could only sigh that his son, who wanted to ask for Artemia's hand in marriage after coming back from abroad, could only dream and forget his plan.
''Sorry, I know your son's feelings, but to you than anybody, you should know that he didn't stand a chance since the beginning as he was nothing that childhood playmate in Artemia's eyes, as painful this may sound, it's the strict truth. Time will heal his injuries; we should focus on what is about to come. Time is fast changing; a storm is coming; war is looming. We should be prepared and use everything we can.''
''I understand, your majesty.'' The prime minister Kyle nodded and bowed.
Fews days later, Alex indeed was once again shocked as the emperor had expected; thanks to him, the empire was able to deal a blow to Chaos's Eye. From that day onwards, Kyle never underestimated the boy known as the Black Prince; he started paying attention to everything related to him; he even thought of befriending him; it was because he was on alert that he learned of the elves plan.
''So, the reason the Elves have become a little bit active recently was due to Gracier, Alex's adopted sister possessed the purest bloodline like that monster Typhania?" Julius asked as he sat on his bed.
''Yes, indeed, they wished to retrieve Gracier and make her the future emperor,'' Kyle responded.
''I see, those idiots. Don't they know what would happen if they kidnapped the girl? Because of the internal situation on their side, they can only resort to this method, and knowing the Black Prince's temper, only hell awaits them if they ever touch his sister, especially now that he was away on a mission, everyone knows that Gracier is his reverse scale. Sigh! I will deal with it somehow.'' Julius promised before clapping his hands.
As the emperor claps his hands, a man dressed in man kimono appears from behind him. It was Kamishiro.
''Your Majesty.'' Kamishiro kneeled.
''Orochi, you will secretly protect Gracier in the shadow, kill the first two individuals that will try to kidnap her. That's all you can leave.'' Julius ordered, and Kamishiro bowed before disappearing as if becoming one with the shadows.
Kyle looked questioningly at Julius, wondering what he was up to; the emperor smiled.
''I will let the boy own me. The reason I gave that kind of order is to let the girl experienced another setback to see if she grew, to see if she could defend herself. What would her decision be? Is she soft-hearted or ruthless one like her brother?"
''I see, the emperor is sure wise.''
''Stop it, just a child play. Let's wait and see.''
Unknown to him, the Black Prince had his special squad.