Chapter 13: Show And Tell
Like before, the same regal figure sitting on the throne awaited the three of them with a distant smile.
Raelis already knew this was going to be a difficult conversation. But the most difficult part was how unusually close Zeri was acting.
"You were out for a while. We were worried about you, you know?" Zeri whispered. "But I’m glad you’re back. There’s a lot I want us to catch up on."
Raelis gave her a side glance and nodded. "Likewise."
They finally arrived in front of the emperor, and of course, all of them bent the knee.
"Your Majesty, we—"
"Today is a day without formalities. Stand," Emperor Kaelith cut them off.
Silence ensued for a few moments, yet it was soon broken by Zeri.
"Grandpa, why did you call me today?" she asked. "I was a bit busy forming the third ring of my flame core."
"Oh? Good job, Zeri," Emperor Kaelith replied as he softly patted her head. "But if you don’t mind, let’s have the chat later."
Zeri’s brows twitched. "B-But Grandpa... I thought you were going to talk with me first..."
Emperor Kaelith didn’t even entertain her comment as he lifted his hand off her head and approached Raelis.