Lady Madrid managed to answer after the hot tea had spilled on her.

Arriving at the palace, Kasus walked proudly with his back straight on the red carpet.
The nobles murmured.

Though they usually dismissed the term ‘Northern Barbarians,’ no one could deny their striking appearance.

His exceptional looks could easily rival Prince Owen, known as the Empire’s most handsome man.

Even the nobles who had seen Duke Kasus several times before were taken aback by how much more masculine he had become in a few years.

At the end of the red carpet, Emperor Deluman and Prince Owen were seated.

Kasus approached them, bowing his head slightly.

“I greet Your Imperial Majesty.”

His low-pitched voice resonated through the palace, commanding attention from everyone.

The nobles exchanged glances before redirecting their gazes toward Kasus.

Emperor Deluman’s finger gestured subtly.

“Well, why has Your Highness traveled this far? It must have taken quite some time coming from the North.”

In a few years, Deluman’s hair had turned even whiter, and wrinkles had noticeably increased.

Kasus spoke without a change in expression.

“I have come to reciprocate the courtesy since Prince Owen graciously attended a recent dukedom ceremony.”

Seated next to Deluman, Owen chuckled satisfactorily, looking down at Kasus.

“Indeed, I was planning to send an invitation, but it’s truly delightful that you took the initiative.”

Owen’s golden eyes gleamed sharply.

He scrutinized Kasus, dressed in a deep blue uniform, pulling up an eyebrow.

“But… I think there might be more than just that reason. How about a show of respect?”

It was a question with a clear intention.

Kasus, anticipating the reason for his visit and curious about the response, spoke with eyes that revealed no emotions.

“If you’re asking for another reason, I came to discuss the Lady system.”

“Lady system?”

“Yes.”

One of Owen’s eyebrows twitched.

“That matter has already been discussed and concluded.”

“If I may, there are aspects that I find unacceptable. It seems a thorough discussion is needed.”

“Reconsideration, is it?”

“That’s correct.”

When Deluman, who had been sitting silently, opened his mouth instead of Owen.

“What’s the reason?”

“There is no reason for the Keracian Empire to dedicate Ladies. The Felren Empire’s strength is not so weak that we should rely on their influence.”

As Deluman narrowed his thin forehead, Owen responded mockingly in his stead.

“It seems this will take a while. Let’s discuss this matter later. We have plenty of time.”

“Are you asking for reconsideration?”

Owen was about to conclude the conversation about the Lady system, but Kasus held onto the conversation thread.
Deluman’s eyes, observing from the side, subtly trembled.

“Let’s reconsider.”

Owen chuckled, lips sealed with a smirk.

“Very well. You’ve traveled this far, I should entertain you a bit. Don’t you think so?”

When Owen glanced around, the nobles simultaneously lowered their heads, acknowledging the implied agreement.

“Indeed, the grace of Prince Owen is profound.”

In response to the nobles’ words, Owen raised his hand with a satisfied smile.

“It seems you’ll be staying in the capital for quite a while. I’ll arrange a good residence in the palace for you. Take a long rest.”

To Owen’s suggestion to rest for a long time, Kasus nodded slightly in affirmative.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

After a brief farewell, Kasus left the audience chamber.

Owen watched Kasus’s retreating figure, lost in thought.

“He’s quite audacious.”

He couldn’t forget that someone had attempted to poison him during the Festival of the Twelve just a while ago.

Even though he might suspect this side regarding the whereabouts of the spy.

Nevertheless, the fact that the Duke of the North voluntarily came this far was impressive.

This was undeniably the land of the imperial family.

No matter how well-known the Wellington Duke of the North might be, his influence here was significantly diminished.

Whatever happens here, it’s disadvantageous for the Duke of Wellington.

Even if they kill him?

As long as the imperial side skillfully covers Kasus’s death, that would be the end of it.

The only problem is that, if they suddenly kill him, it might tilt the noble public opinion in an unfavorable direction.

The palace is undoubtedly the most watchful place in the Felren Empire.

Therefore, Owen, thinking it would be better to plan slowly and leave a lasting humiliation rather than killing him, was considering.

“Better to bring a great disgrace than to kill him.”

Anyway, the imperial goal was to break Kasus’s spirit.

The Duke of Wellington wanted nothing more than to no longer threaten the imperial family and quietly bow down like a slave.

If only that foolish man understood that from the beginning, this situation wouldn’t have become so complicated.

“Tsk.”

The imperial decision regarding Kasus’s case had always been met with petitions from Duke Kasus.

But this was the first time he had come here in person.

Since he came here on his own, there was no better fortune from the imperial side.

“Hmm…”

Even so.

The Duke of Wellington from the North wouldn’t have come without any plans.

Certainly, there must be some thorough plan.

“I’m quite curious about what kind of move he’s brought.”

Seated in a chair, Owen uncrossed his legs, chuckling.