The way to the palace. Leaning against the coach window, I organized my thoughts.
First off, there’s no way the Imperial Family doesn’t know when I returned to my house.
Their eyes and ears are everywhere. They’re not called the rulers of this great empire for nothing.
If they’ve calculated the time, they already know I’m just about here, yet they’re sending an order.
So, is all of this just a loyalty test?
Are they checking how I react to this bothersome command?
‘Nah. That can’t be it. The Imperial Family isn’t some backstreet office.’
Above all, the Emperor’s decree is absolute. Before it, every noble is merely a subject.
Bothered or not doesn’t even enter the equation.
I shouldn’t be showing such reactions in the first place, let alone even thinking these thoughts.
“…Then, the conclusion is one.”
Some event must’ve occurred that required my recall.
I’ve heard about this person. Normally, someone in such a position would slowly observe me, gauge who I am.
But something must’ve come up, and they judged this as the best opportunity to assess me.
And so, here I am, summoned to the palace under rather ambiguous timing.
“Master Kael!”
And my theory was only reinforced once I met the Second Princess.
“Duke Kael Klauwitz of Berthier Empire greets the Second Princess.”
“A… Yes, yes! Nice to see you again, Master Kael.”
After how long? And you’re already on casual terms? What nonsense.
I’m a noble, a subject, and she’s a princess, the center of this empire.
The gap between us can’t be bridged, even if the two classes were married.
“Ah, first off, I’m sorry about this. We’ve only just returned to our house, and you’re calling us so urgently.”
“But, how can you say that, Your Highness? As a servant of the Empire, I respond to the royal summons without the slightest doubt.”
Flaunting devotion is key in moments like this. Show it at the wrong time, though, and it’ll work against you.
Thinking this, I even added an apology for being late.
The princess waived her hand, saying there was no need for such formality. Clearly, she has a pure heart.
“Are you all prepared? We’re about to enter the palace.”
“Yes, Your Highness, but might I ask why I’ve been summoned?”
I already know it’s not her. Not a matter of guessing—it’s a certainty.
Still, I play dumb and ask. Maybe I’ll gain some info this way.
“Ah, well…”
The princess hesitated momentarily but then continued, saying I’d find out soon enough anyway.
“In truth, it’s not me who summoned you.”
“Not Your Highness? But the letter I received clearly…”
“It’s a long story. Anyway, it wasn’t me. And to add, I don’t even know why you were summoned.”
Well, that’s a surprise. I thought at least she’d know the reason.
So, it’s not even a “loaned name” situation here. More like… someone just straight-up borrowed her title to summon me.
“Wow. Thinking about that makes me even more nervous.”
At first, I figured it’d be the Crown Princess, or even the Emperor themselves in the worst case scenario.
But now I realize it was all pointless worry. Whoever’s waiting for me—be it for whatever reason—the event itself is out of the ordinary!
The central hub of the Empire. The Capital.
And within that place, the most crucial location: The Palace.
Right now, I’m walking into it.
I figured I’d visit only when I inherit the title of Duke—or perhaps never in my entire life.
And here I am, still in my mid-20s, walking right into this place!
“…Phew.”
“Princess?”
“Ah, sorry, Master Kael. I just wasn’t expecting you to look so nervous.”
Me? Nervous? I have no idea what they mean.
While waiting for her next words, the princess elaborates.
“It makes me remember the time we were confronting Nobogorod. When the meteor fell, and the army’s morale collapsed. Everyone else was worried, but you? Nothing seemed to faze you.”
“Well… Maybe I just had a moment of cleverness, that’s all.”
“Because of that, I unknowingly assumed you’d be someone who doesn’t easily get startled or flustered.”
Your Highness, that’s one thing, but this is the palace—we’re talking entirely different leagues.
I thought this was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event!
By the time I was done chatting with the princess, we’d arrived.
The defenses were tight as ever. Impenetrable security.
Only after thorough inspection could the princess and I finally disembark from the coach.
‘This… is the space where the Imperial Family governs the Empire.’
Even searching my past-life memories couldn’t do justice to how impressive this place is.
Its sheer majesty overwhelms me in ways I never imagined.
“Master Kael.”
I shook my head clear and followed the princess, flanked by knights.
Who awaits us? The Crown Princess? Or the Emperor Himself?
Frankly, either would be taxing. But if I had to choose… the princess is more palatable.
Even with the memories of my past life, facing the Emperor—the pinnacle of the Empire—would be excruciating.
“Here we are.”
On the other side of a pillar was an impeccably beautiful garden courtyard.
As our group reached the entrance, the knights stopped and surrounded the area.
Walking in with the princess, I caught sight of someone off to the side.
‘…Wow.’
There’s a phrase for when just one glance leaves you lost for words. Someone so naturally charismatic, born to lead.
To me—who always doubted such figures existed—this person was the perfect example.
“Did you arrive?”
That was it. That’s all they said to me.
Yet, their voice radiated an elegance and nobility that hit like a brick.
Even sitting casually, their aura was anything but ordinary.
“Prince Kael Klauwitz, heir of the Berthier Empire.”
I regained focus quickly, knelt, and paid my respects.
“Your Highness Crown Princess.”
When the soldiers’ morale dropped from that meteor incident, instead of rallying them, I simply put it back in the sky—whether as a kite or a scarecrow was irrelevant.
The point was identifying the problem and inspiring people, not brute force.
If the enemy had broken our camp, it could’ve been disastrous, yes. But my confidence had other ideas.
Next, the egg-standing incident. Oh, yes. They’ve already been calling it “Kael’s Egg” in social circles, apparently.
One of the so-called “pro-Empire faction’s” smart guys ended up embarrassed by a young noble, so they said.
I was impressed—not just at the cleverness but at how gracefully he turned boasting about his achievements into a subtle insult.
‘And when they tried pushing taxation reforms through on pro-empire lines, he played into the pride of those who’d served in the military and flipped the situation.’
Each move was a masterpiece, and I can see why my little sister was so excited about this guy.
I’ve observed from afar enough. Time for a direct confrontation.
I planned to take my time, but is God Himself guiding him?
“Belle, bring him in immediately.”
And then the opportunity—no, the need, arose.
Perfect timing. A chance to judge him.
My usually clever sister, Princess Isabel, tilted her head but followed through without questioning.
She knows better than to cross that line.
My smart little sister couldn’t stop praising him. Was it all just good luck? Or is there something more to it?
Sitting in the garden, Crown Princess Aria Heldenberg finally met the famous prodigy statesman.
“Prince Kael Klauwitz meets the Crown Princess of the Empire.”
The famed genius statesman finally arrived.
“Sit.”
Following the princess’s orders, I settled into a seat.
“Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?”
I politely replied that I’d be grateful for whatever was given.
In truth, whether it’s coffee or tea, I doubt I’ll taste it.
‘Good thing it’s not the Emperor… wait, does it even matter? Princess or Emperor, there’s no difference.’
Don’t forget. The woman in front of you is no ordinary woman.
She sits in a position higher than even the Second Princess beside her.
She is the Crown Princess, the next Emperor of the Empire, the eventual ruler of this land.
“From your expression, you don’t seem tense. That’s a relief.”
Not tense? What are you talking about? My heart is pounding so loud I worry the entire room can hear.
The Second Princess stares at me, wide-eyed. Her look screams ‘was that all an act earlier?’
Could it be? When you’re so nervous, it somehow looks like you’re not?
“Great. Master Kael, now I can dive straight into the subject without worrying.”
No, Your Highness, a little slow would’ve been…
“Recently, talks between the Three Eastern Nations about forming an alliance reached an agreement.”
…Huh?
“Their goal, obviously, is to unite against our Empire.”
