Adeline had the same gentle and beautiful smile that Lucas had known since he was a child.

“Lucas, I believe in your strong will and resilience. Having a son like you is my pride.”

“I, too… am proud of you, Mother.”

It couldn’t have been easy for a woman who had lived her entire life in nobility to deal with her son’s rebellious phase. Yet Adeline had never raised her voice at Lucas, nor had she shown any tears during his departure ceremony.

“The reason I could journey without incident for six years is also thanks to you, Mother, for persuading Father so well.”

With a slight smile, Adeline just smiled.

“His Majesty wasn’t displeased with you; he had his own concerns.”

“I understand.”

The Thern Empire had an unusually peculiar custom. In ordinary kingdoms or noble families, a son could only inherit his father’s position upon his death. However, in the imperial family, most emperors would abdicate while still alive, allowing their sons to ascend the throne.

“That’s why I had no choice but to stay away from the imperial palace.”

Upon hearing Lucas’s meaningful words, Adeline nodded with a somber expression.

“Because the closer I am, the weaker the power of the Emperor will become.”

The consecutive abdications in the Thern Imperial family were due to a deep secret carried within their lineage. And that secret was passed down only through the mouths of the direct imperial family.

“It’s not that. It’s not your fault.”

“No, I was afraid. If the power of the Emperor weakens, I didn’t have the confidence to take on that responsibility.”

The young man who had returned, now unrecognizable due to his growth, was just as candid and affectionate as before.

“But after meeting Serena again, everything changed. I realized that I must return rightfully to rightfully greet her.”

“I understand what she means to you. And I am always on your side.”

Lucas wore a quiet smile.

“Your support has always been my strength, but still, I can’t replace Father yet.”

In the Thern Imperial family, only one star could shine. It was a blessing and a curse, and a fate that Lucas had to accept from the moment of his birth.

“His Majesty is well. There’s no need to worry in advance. You just need to fulfill your duties as the Crown Prince.”

Lucas nodded once again.

“Also, the Crown Princess has refurbished a pavilion for you to stay in. Take some time to check it out later. I sent a ring to your chamberlain earlier; make sure to check that too.”

“Yes.”

Lucas, who had shown no interest in his own accommodations, answered energetically. Perhaps the realization that Serena was now his had finally sunk in.

“Then, let’s meet at the dinner banquet later.”

Lucas stood up, gave a simple bow to his mother, and left the room with heavy steps. Just then, the Emperor emerged from behind the curtain.

“Why are you suddenly hiding? I was startled.”

“You seemed calm enough.”

Richard sat down beside her, blatantly responding. He had initially come to the Empress’s chamber to watch their daughter Luana nap, not expecting Lucas to arrive suddenly.

“I know what he’s worried about. So it would be even more awkward for me to show myself.”

Though both parents loved their son, they expressed it differently.

“Your Majesty is well. What’s there to worry about?”

“Adeline.”

Richard took her delicate hand.

“You know as well.”

No emperor of the Thern Empire had ever died. Not once in its long history, whether on the battlefield or in the palace.

Yet, no one questioned this fact. They just believed that fortune favored the Thern Imperial family.

“The sun can only be one.”

The Emperor who had once tried to defy his fate had suddenly lost all his strength and even consciousness, leaving him with no choice but to abdicate. Several times, such examples existed, so the Thern Imperial family was following an unspoken rule.
“When a son comes of age, the power in his bloodline naturally passes on… It should not be refused.”

As Adeline couldn’t hide her sorrowful gaze, Richard stroked the back of her hand and wore a smile.

“I received it from the Emperor as well, so it’s right to pass it to Lucas.”

Long ago, in a distant past where there were no records or writings, it was said that the ancestors of Thern picked up a star from the desert.

Whether it was a metaphor or legend, that power was strong enough to establish the Thern Empire in the chaotic continent.

“We still have plenty of time.”

“Yes, we must watch our Luana grow.”

The birth of an unexpected daughter allowed the couple to experience unparalleled joy. The warmth of the child was a different kind of happiness than what the fully grown Lucas could provide.

“Fortunately, it seems that Lucas also agrees, so succession will happen much later.”

Even Adeline didn’t know what that succession precisely entailed. It was something the Emperor would pass on to the next Emperor, and Lucas would remain ignorant of its contents until the time was right.

“I only hope that the Astel Lady can handle it all.”

“She will. She’s the Crown Princess you chose, after all. Lucas also insists that it has to be her.”