To The Eternal Knight (2 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 193

The iron fortress-like main gate slid open smoothly at Baron Zenax’s single word. To be precise, it was due to Count Esteban’s command from inside.

Watching the carriage depart into the estate, Count Illautzer finally breathed a sigh of relief. Then he checked the Emperor’s expression.

“I pleaded so earnestly for Your Majesty not to come out…”

Yet, facing the Emperor’s inscrutable face, Count Illautzer couldn’t utter another word.

He merely stared out the window, mulling over the Emperor’s earlier declaration during the noble assembly—that he would personally appoint Count Esteban as the vanguard.

But it seemed that hadn’t been a wise decision after all.

Beyond the window, he keenly felt the gazes of the servants stationed throughout the garden. Their forced attempt to merely glance rather than glare outright was unpleasant, yet he decided it wasn’t worth personal concern.

However, upon arriving at the front entrance, Count Illautzer realized those sharp stares didn’t come solely from the servants.

The assembled nobles and household staff awaiting the Emperor’s visit looked at him with eyes no different—indeed, even more piercing.

He’d thought merely passing through the main gate and enduring the garden’s prickly gazes was the worst hurdle. He hadn’t anticipated the interior of the estate would be even more trying.

Count Rosa’s residence was completely filled with people loyal to Nerea Esteban.

“Hail the Sun of Castarti. We greet Your Imperial Majesty.”

Observing the servants rise after offering their neatly performed bows, the Emperor nodded with dignified grace. He then scanned the sea of unfamiliar faces for any he recognized.

“But where are Count Esteban and Count Rosa?”

“My deepest apologies, but they have not yet emerged. As I mentioned, Count Esteban’s health is poor, and we kindly ask for Your Majesty’s understanding as he moves slowly.”

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