The Herb King

57 Meeting the Emperor

Emperor Ragnar smiled when heard Dimitri’s words. This man was one of his sources of confidence.

Dimitri had protected his life numerous times and he had already lost count of how many enemies he had killed for him.

“You will come with me in Dominion District, but this time, you will come with me as my aide. It would also be a nice change of pace for you.” Emperor Ragnar stood up from his throne and walked out of the palace. Dimitri has already changed into a new set of clothes. He now looked like a typical assistant.

Outside, they saw Prince Calvin checking a carriage.

As if noticing their presence, the second prince turned his head and immediately bowed his head at the emperor. “Your Majesty, the carriage has been prepared. I’ve also checked it already.”

“Alright. Let’s go!” Emperor Ragnar nodded his head and entered the carriage.

Dimitri jumped into the coachman’s seat, while the second prince also went inside. He was a bit nervous since he was alone with the emperor. Luckily, the emperor didn’t ask him a lot of questions along the way and they mostly talked about the incoming battle event.

“I heard that the Ward Household will be sending their young lord to join the competition. Alec Ward is only eighteen this year and he is already a peak Level 1 Esper. He is one of the strongest contenders to win the championship award.” The emperor suddenly said.

Prince Calvin nodded in agreement. “Indeed. Alec Ward is strong for someone his age and there are only a few participants who can fight against him. The one I’ve been looking into is Grace Urgel of the Urgel Household. She is only twelve, but is already a mid Level 1 Esper! Although she has a lower chance to win in the competition, she will certainly gain fame throughout the empire!”

.....

Note: (Urgel is read as Er-hel)

Emperor Ragnar has also heard of this young girl. The young miss of the Urgel Household. An obscure talent that the Urgel Household has kept for many years. It was said that her talent was only second to the crown prince, Prince Christopher Leone.

The Urgel Household was a family with diverse businesses. They were in the weapon industry and also in the Alchemy industry. Their current family head is the older sister of Grace, Julie Urgel. She was only twenty-four and her power was kept under wraps and no one knew how strong she was.

“It seems like they haven’t given up on the headmaster position. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t allow them to have it.” Emperor Ragnar muttered silently, but Prince Calvin heard his words clearly.

The Urgel Household is among the strongest in the noble faction. Their old family head, Marquis Raven Urgel, is a mid Level 4 Esper, but what made this old guy even more amazing was the beast companion that he owns. It is a Blazing Crimson Lion that has a late Level 4 Esper power!

Even the Imperial Family has to be careful about them.

The two remained silent during the rest of the journey and after an hour, they arrived in Dominion District. The carriage they were using was an ordinary one so no one was able to tell their identity.

Soon, they reached the mansion of the Reynolds Household.

***

“Sir Aethelwolf, are you going to watch the first day of the battle event?” Anna asked as she looked at Leric. Her grandfather will bring her to the competition to observe the young talents of the empire. It would be nice if Leric and the others would come to join them.

“Of course! How could I miss such an event?” Leric answered, but in truth, he actually didn’t want to come. He only decided to go and see since Samira has been pestering him to come with them.

Anna’s eyes flashed with joy upon hearing that. “How about we go with you guys? Since the venue is your territory, the second prince should have given you some special treatment, a VIP room for instance.”

Johann flicked a finger on her granddaughter’s forehead. “How can you be so rude?”

“Ow!” Anna grabbed her forehead in pain, but she still looked at Leric and Samira with pleading eyes.

Samira could only stare at her father to ask for his opinion.

“Of course! You guys can come with us!” Lord Harold then stared at Chris and Enrique Maynard and said. “You two can come with us as well. The VIP room is wide anyway and it should be enough to accommodate us.”

“In that case, I won’t decline your offer!” Enrique Maynard smiled widely.

“Great! Thank you so much, Sir Harold!” Anna grinned.

Suddenly, a guard came rushing to the guest hall with beads of sweat on his forehead. He then bowed at them and said. “H-His Majesty the emperor is here! He came with His Highness, Prince Calvin!”

Everyone’s eyes widened upon hearing his words.

The emperor is here?

Lord Julius abruptly rose to his feet and he immediately pulled Lord Harold with him to the entrance. “Let’s go quickly! We shouldn’t let the emperor wait for us!”

“Yes! Yes! Let’s go!” The others followed after him, feeling a bit nervous and confused in their hearts. They wondered why the emperor has come to Dominion District earlier than what he told them.

Leric felt a sense of foreboding, but he kept it at the back of his mind.

Outside the mansion, the emperor stepped out of an ordinary carriage, carrying with him a regal grace befitting someone of high status. Following behind him were Prince Calvin and another person who looked to be an assistant.

“Greetings, Your Majesty!” Johann, Harold, and Julius bowed at the emperor. They were Level 4 Espers so there was no need for them to kneel.

The others kneeled as they solemnly greeted the emperor.

Meanwhile, Leric also bowed his head as he secretly observed the emperor.

Emperor Ragnar has a long wavy golden hair. He has thick sideburns that match well with his manly mustache. His profile was intimidating and full of power, like a ferocious lion!

‘So this is the emperor...’ Leric muttered in his heart. His vision then moved to the person who seemed to be an assistant and his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Leric furrowed his eyebrows and his [Danger Perception] skill was sending him signals that this guy was dangerous!