Within the resplendent royal palace, a congregation of bureaucrats and nobles, absent for a considerable duration, were assembled.

The throne, which had been vacant for some time, its back and armrests ablaze with roaring blood flames, finally welcomed its sovereign.

Ephesande Flamefeast, after a month-long political hiatus, convened a long-awaited court meeting.

This monarch, so parsimonious with her power that she was unwilling to squander it on maintaining her youthful appearance, was striving to drain every iota of ether to combat the chaos eroding her self and soul. From the commencement of the court meeting until now, she had remained silent, expressionless, perched high on her throne, overlooking the nobles and ministers below.

Her countenance, no matter how aged, still exuded an irresistible air of supremacy.

As long as she wore the crown for another day, as long as she could sit on the throne for another day, the entire empire, the entire continent, would have to bow to her.

“During this period…”

The empress’s decaying, hoarse voice echoed in the hall. She finally spoke, posing an inexplicably cryptic question, “Has anything interesting happened in the capital?”

The nobles and ministers dared not utter a word, unable to fathom the empress’s intentions, they could only maintain their silence.

However, in this increasingly unsettling silence, a crisp, pleasant, elegant, and noble voice shattered the solemnity.

“Mother, I think… the most interesting event, of course, would be the arrival of Lord Ansel.”

Suellen, standing at the end of the royal bloodline, bowed slightly to Ephesande, “He will surely make the dull capital interesting in your eyes.”

“Hehehe… you’re right, little Suellen.”

Upon hearing the name “Ansel”, a vivid color burst forth in Ephesande’s slightly dim eyes. The aged monarch let out a laugh that was clearly joyful, yet somewhat chilling, “Ansel’s arrival in the capital is indeed an interesting and delightful event. Speaking of which… he seems to have never come to see me.”

The empress sighed, “It’s a bit displeasing.”

Every noble and minister knew very well that this was just a joke from the empress who had a special fondness for Ansel. She might want to use this to get Ansel to visit her sooner, but she would never truly be displeased.

If anyone really thought so and jumped out to say something like “Although Ansel is the next Hydral, such disrespect to the empress is indeed inappropriate”, they would undoubtedly be incinerated by Ephesande on the spot, leaving not even ashes behind.

So they had to remain silent again, and this silence didn’t last long before it was once again broken by the royal bloodline.

Evora, standing at the forefront, with her hands behind her back, her dress as magnificent and noble as Ephesande’s flame dress, made her look like a roaring fire.

The woman looked up at the weak person on the throne whom she despised immensely and said with a sneer, “Because Ansel doesn’t have time to waste on meaningless things.”

She slightly raised her chin, her red lips outlining a provocative curve, “Because he is a man of action, mother.”

After saying this, Evora also turned her head to look at Suellen, who had already retreated to the end of the royal bloodline, and said contemptuously, “And not a clown who has no ability and can only gain value by pleasing others.” fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

The audacious, arrogant, and rampant Elder Princess made most of the nobles and ministers present think the same thing — why did I come today?

The confrontation between the emperor and the Elder Princess had been going on for more than a day or two. It’s just that the long-unopened court meeting made everyone forget how intense the conflict between this “mother and daughter” was, or rather… they didn’t know how much their conflict had intensified during this period.

Ephesande looked down at her daughter expressionlessly, and the latter also fearlessly met her gaze. The aggressive flames in her eyes contrasted sharply with Ephesande’s almost lightless dim eyes.

“You really… haven’t grown up at all, Evora.”

The aged empress suddenly laughed, as if looking at a ridiculous, unreasonable child, “Do you know, your attempt to provoke me is as ridiculous as your presumptuous game of house?”

Evora retorted without hesitation, “If I’m playing house, then who would be the boring host of this boring game?”

No one knew why the empress and the Elder Princess were so confrontational from the start. Most of the nobles silently prayed in their hearts for the court meeting to end as soon as possible, and not to have any terrifying incidents that would… stop their hearts in this long torment.

Most of the people who had the qualifications and courage to stand here knew very well what the essence of the empire was.

In a sense, it was really just a game of house for the emperor, but the lives and civilization involved, well… it was a bit heavy.

The hall was silent, but everyone felt the temperature rising. The fire that was about to extinguish but could burn everything, and the surging but lacking foundation of the great flame were confronting each other here.

There was no mother and daughter here, no empress and princess, only two “divine species” revered by the world, who were fundamentally different from ordinary people and even extraordinary beings… monsters.

And to prevent monsters from fighting each other…

Of course, it could only be a monster.

Thud, thud, thud.

In the silent hall, the sound of a scepter lightly touching the ground echoed.

Everyone cast their eyes, openly or secretly, on the young man bathed in sunlight. His radiant golden hair shone in the light, highlighting his handsome face, like a divine masterpiece.

…No, he himself was a god who would walk on the earth in the future.

“Um… it seems I’ve come at a… not so good time?”

Ansel, standing at the entrance of the hall, tilted his head slightly and said in a light tone.

No… no no no! Your timing couldn’t be better, Lord Ansel!

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