Welcome.

She immediately bowed her head before him.

Hail His Majesty the Emperor. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire.

Ho ho, such a formal greeting between us.

Sullivan spoke in an easygoing manner and gestured to a seat opposite of him. He looked more ill than he did at the ball, but his eyes were soft and his gentle aura was unchanged.

You must be tired from your journey, so please, have a seat.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Elena quietly seated herself where he indicated.

The landscape architecture of the annex gave the impression of a building floating on a pond, and the table before her was weighted down with a variety of food, steam rising as if it had just been freshly prepared. She didnt know how far away the kitchens where from here, but she knew it was not easy to set this enormous quantity of dishes in such a short time. This would be unthinkable in a typical noble familys home. This only served to make Elena feel a little uneasy, as Sullivan seemed to paying a great deal of attention to her.

I asked the chef to prepare a variety of dishes, but Im not sure what will suit your taste. I dont have much, but please eat.

Thank you. I dont even know where to start because all of it looks so delicious, Your Majesty.

What, this? This is nothing to a member of the Imperial Family.

There was an implication to his words, but Elena smiled innocently.

And so the uncomfortable meal began. There were all kinds of rare and exotic dishes, but her mind was so preoccupied with other things that she could not concentrate on their taste. Sullivan, on the other hand, was having a pleasant time.

I hear youve been seeing Carlisle, is that right?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I was curious what kind of lady my son was seeing. So? Is my son good?

Sullivans questions were more ordinary than she expected, but that only made her even more nervous. He wouldnt send an invitation to ask about trivial things.

Yes, he is very generous to me and Im very happy.

Thats good to hear.

He took a slow sip of water, then fixed her with a more serious expression.

I hear that Carlisle is considering marriage with you, is that right?

Yes. It would be my honor to be his first wife, with your permission.

By your answer I assume you know about the prophecy, and that your father is in favor of the marriage as well?

Yes, thats right.

Elena immediately nodded. However, despite the confidence of her answer, Sullivans expression turned dark. Unlike the friendliness of his appearance when he first welcomed her, his features gradually morphed into that of a ruthless emperors, as if to reveal his true intent.

I understand. I must commend you for your trust in Carlisle. But there is another family bargaining for a match with my son.

Elenas eyes widened in surprise. She remembered what Carlisle said. He had already told his father that he intended to marry her and that she neednt worry. Did Carlisle know about this? She wondered which family offered the match, but what was more concerning now was that Sullivan didnt seem to favor her side.

You neednt worry. Ill talk to your father Lord Blaise again. As you know, the crown princes marriage cannot be rushed.

Of course.

I have called you here not only because I was curious about the woman that my son was meeting, but because Id like to ask you something else.

Sullivans tone was gentle, but there was a blade beneath his words. So far, he wanted to ally Carlisle with a powerful family. Although House Blaise was not lacking, their name couldnt be depended on. The emperor was not openly opposing her, but she could pick up the subtle suggestion that she withdraw. She understood a little why Carlisle called his father a sly old fox.

I have a question. Have youhave you received anything from Carlisle?

Elena remembered the blue bead ring she had received as a child from Carlisle. She wouldnt tell Sullivan that however, as she knew she had to say the words Carlisle gave her. She slowly tucked her hair behind her ear with her left hand, deliberately showing off the ring.

Well, Your Majesty. Im not sure what you mean.

Elena remembered the blue bead ring Carlisle had given her as a child, but she knew the words she had to say to Sullivan. She slowly tucked her hair behind her ear with her left hand, deliberately displaying the jewel.

As expected, Sullivans eyes started to tremble when his eyes fell on that plain piece of jewelry.

The ring

Oh, this one. It was a present for me as a token of his proposal.

Is that so.

Sullivans expression changed as he spied the ring. She couldnt help but notice that his eyes looked just like Carlisles fierce ones.

Did Carlisle say anything when he gave the ring to you?

He gave me the ring, then a word of blessing that the one who married me would become the emperor of the Ruford Empire and bring about a great revival.

Sullivans pale face suddenly flushed with excitement, and Elena knew that her words had the desired effect.

Does the emperor really believe in such a myth?

She still had more questions, but she had to focus on arranging her marriage with Carlisle first of all.

Is that what he said

In truth Carlisle had already made a wish with the Dragons Orb to protect Elena from death, but when Sullivan heard Elenas story, he couldnt help but think that the man who would marry her would become emperor. In addition, this man would bring about a revival of the empire. It was a perfect reflection of Sullivans ideals.

Sullivan suddenly looked at Elena with a very sweet expression. The shade of doubt in him seemed to have been completely swept away.

You must be quite the noblewoman for Carlisle to suddenly declare that he wants to get married. Ive been wondering where he had been keeping the ring too, and he had used it quite precociously. Haha.

Your Majesty, does this ring have any meaning? When he gave it to me, it seemed like it was very precious.

Elena slowly started acting on her own personal curiosity. From now own, she would be straying from Carlisles instructions.

Of course. It is so precious that you must care for it like you care for your own life.

Is it really that valuable?

You may not believe it, but the ring allows Carlisle to make one wish.

Although his words sounded like nonsense, his gaze was intensely serious.