Kyran felt his head throb at Zeniff's reminder of the Regis Clan's current status in the empire.
It was truly frightening how one rumor could sway the mass. The war was not even large, and most confrontations happened within the territories of involved factions. Because of this, the majority of the citizens were not affected.
Nevertheless, those with relatives in places that had not been affected by the war heard what happened from them, fueling the rumors that hold half truth and half exaggeration.
Sensing Kyran's apprehension, the three people with him exchanged glances and shared wry smiles.
They could not blame the majority for heeding those rumors because they had been in seclusion for a very long time. The people that truly believed in the Regis Clan's moral standards were already old or dead. Their voices were too soft compared to the current generation comprising most of the empire's citizens.
"There is no point in dwelling on what the rumors say about us," Abe began, trying to lighten the mood. "Just as the ancients had once said, 'Actions speak louder than words.' We'll just have to prove that the morality of the Regis Clan remains the same."
Kyran did not respond. However, he thought of another saying that went like this: 'Change is the only constant thing in the world.'
"Putting the matter of the clan's reputation aside, you haven't told us how you plan to go about this trip," Abe continued when Kyran did not respond.
Kyran's silence did not offend Abe because he and the rest of the Regis Family were already used to his behavior.
Whenever Kyran was deep in thought or interested in something, he forgot everything around him. He even forgot to eat for days because he was so absorbed in his studies.
Stella had bore witness to this back when Kyran was absorbed in reading books about the empire's history, magic, and more.
"That's because there is no plan," Kyran replied with a shrug. Then he leaned on his seat before looking out the window.
"No plan?" Abe could not help but frown at this. As the elder who was in-charged of planning for the Regis Clan when emergencies, public relations, and even war happened, Kyran's words were like a huge stake piercing his head.
"We'll just talk," Kyran replied.
"Err," Pheobe stammered. "I know my task this time is to accompany you three and introduce you to Empress Iulia because I had the opportunity to meet her while I was still an apprentice mage. But... I don't think she will talk to us."
She paused before rephrasing, "I don't mean she will ignore us, but that those people around her will probably not agree to have her entertain our visit."
Those people Pheobe spoke of were the ministers of the Royal Court. Every minister of the court represents a noble family.
Zeniff frowned slightly, "Why not? We are considered the Regis Clan's envoys. Master Cade had met with the empress previously. And as far as we are concerned, we are under a partnership because he is leading the team that would look for the emperor and the others. Why would the ministers not allow us to talk to her?"
"Well..." Pheobe hesitated. But the truth, when she met the empress before, the ministers around her had been strict. Pheobe even sensed that Empress Iulia's every word was being monitored.
"As I said, she is not a Winfrey nor an Arthall," Kyran was the one who answered. "Those who are truly in charge right now are those ministers. Empress Iulia only had a say in the matter of Emperor Euan because of her position.
"But think of it, did the Empress say the Royal Family will only focus on searching for the Emperor?"
"No," Abe and Pheobe replied with a slight shake of their heads.
Zeniff also shook his head in response.
"They said they would do everything to find the emperor and all the missing people because of the war."
"Though they did not say anything outright, they hinted that the Crown Princess is also included in those 'missing people.' They did this to appease the public's concern regarding the rumor that the conflict between the Crown Princess and the Emperor was due to him wanting to change successor."
Abe nodded, agreeing with what Kyran had said.
Zeniff could not help but frown. He also knew about this, but he found the motive of the empire's ministers in searching for the Crown Princess very suspicious.
"I thought so, too," Kyran agreed, seeing Zeniff's disbelieving expression. "The Crown Princess might have left, and her loyal supporters detained, but there might still be others hiding in the Royal Court."
What Kyran had said was true. There were also ministers detained because their families had supported the Crown Princess. Because of this, only a few ministers were left in the court.
Nevertheless, that did not mean the remaining ministers were clean. Who knew if there were still a few secretly supporting the Crown Princess? What would be their real motive for having Iulia appear 'familial' toward the 'villain' of the recent war?
Then again, the reason behind the coup had not been revealed. And the ministers were likely building up a good story to ensure the Royal Family would remain a 'perfect family' in the eyes of its people.
How would they do that? Obviously, they would use the excuse that the Crown Princess was 'manipulated against her will.' Regardless of what they came up with, the fact they were keen on searching for the Crown Princess as well was suspicious enough.
"In any case, I don't care what those ministers say or do. We'll meet the empress, and I'll talk to her."
"You sound confident, although you said there is no plan. But I can't help but think you do have a plan."
Kyran shook his head, "I really don't. I just know Iulia will not ignore me."
"If there are still people of the Crown Princess among the ministers. They will know about you," Pheobe reminded him.
Kyran chuckled after recalling something and said, "When Haylee saw me, she did not even recognize me. Why would her people be any different?"
"Not recognize you?"
"Apparently I look very different from my picture circulating in the empire."
This reminder instantly made them laugh.
True. Kyran was unrecognizable from the one on his bounty poster.
"In any case, they will not know who I am. They will not let down their guard, but at least they will not be alarmed."
"Fair enough."
"But that did not answer why you sounded confident Empress Iulia would meet with us."
"You probably don't know, but Iulia is not that 'weak,'" Kyran answered Pheobe. He turned his attention back to the window before adding, "When she needs to act in control, those ministers will not be able to stop her."
Understanding the hidden truth behind Kyran's words, the three were shocked.
"Is it true?" Abe asked in amazement.
"Yeah," Kyran replied with a smile. "Even I failed to sense what her true level is."
Kyran hinted that Iulia's mage level was far higher than the ministers.
"Even you 'failed to sense' her level....?" Pheobe repeated, looking incredulously at Kyran. "Have you met the Empress before?"
Before Kyran could respond, the town outside the Royal Palace had already appeared in view.
"We're here," he said.
Pheobe sighed inwardly. It was obvious Kyran did not want to tell them.
As for Abe and Zeniff, they remembered a few things they had heard from the Lord of the Tower and shook their head inwardly.
They felt Kyran wanted to avoid talking about how he met the empress and 'who' he had been at the time. His identity was a little special. After all, he made a lot of noise in Starhorn during that time.
In any case, few knew that Kyran had been Disciple Tyr, even among the Regis Clan.
They did not want this to be made public after the Courtenay Family revealed that 'Tyr' looked very similar to the missing young ruler of a neighboring nation. Who knew what it would entail if 'Tyr's' photo was leaked? Not to mention all the things he had done, especially those puppets!
After a few minutes, the carriage finally arrived in front of the palace.
There was a Royal Guard who announced their arrival before the head servant led them inside.
"Apologies for the lack of greeting. Currently, the Empress is in a meeting with the Royal Court."
"It is fine," Abe replied with a smile. "We did express our intention to meet the Empress at such short notice."
"We thought you would prefer to go straight to the site where Master Cade is currently working. We are surprised you wanted to go straight to the palace. This is why the Empress proceeded in meeting the rest of the Royal Court."
"It is okay," Abe kept on assuring the head servant.
Inwardly, however, he and the rest with him knew the ministers likely did not tell the empress of their arrival.
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