Following the servant through the piloti guarded by imperial guards, a massive door that looked like it would take half a day just to open greeted visitors. Though similar in size to the 'Gate that sees the sun' at the western gate of the Agrizendro territory, the door here was located indoors rather than in a castle wall.
The enormous entrance of purification, said to be made entirely of gold, did not permit the passage of impurities.
Here, impurities meant various metals and tools that could be used as weapons, people who lacked proper formality, and mana.
Mana control zone 4. Once one set foot inside, magic use became impossible no matter how powerful one's mana was. It meant that only those who laid down everything - status, ability, assets - before the Empire's sun and returned to the most primitive human state to prostrate themselves at his feet could enter and exit.
Officially, it was said to be to prevent unsavory incidents in advance, but Hugo knew the real reason. Of course, he had never revealed it. He was able to enter wearing his watch after only undergoing a simple belongings check, receiving the privilege of being a duke.
"Duke Agrizendro, entering–!"
As he entered to the guards' announcement, light from the glass ceiling shone dazzlingly on the marble floor covered with carpet. The interior was surprisingly bright. This was because the palace's owners had loved the sun for generations. There were many curved glass windows in the walls to allow natural light to penetrate.
Among them, the empty central garden, giving off the smell of earth and miserably dug up, greeted him from the entrance. Just months ago it had been full of green vegetation, and as he fixed his gaze on the somewhat discordant sight, the servant spoke:
"Landscaping work is in progress by His Majesty's order. I apologize for showing you such an untidy appearance."
"It's fine."
"This way, please."
The servant quickly led Hugo. He finally tore his eyes away from the garden that had been 'overturned,' as would be an appropriate description.
After walking for 5 minutes through an arched passage with ceiling murals, a classical hall appeared where quite a few people had gathered.
"Who do we have here, if it isn't His Grace the Duke–"
"It's been a while, Lord Duncan."
"Congratulations on your safe return."
"Congratulations on your return, Your Grace."
"Thank you. Raymond, Lord Felton."
At a glance, the key figures for the banquet scheduled for 6 PM today were gathered in one place. The servant bowed politely before leaving, asking them to wait for a moment.
Hugo showed the Duke's smile as usual while shaking hands one by one with the familiar figures. The old man called Duncan readjusted his wig before pushing through the gathered crowd to secure the spot next to Hugo.
"I am beyond honored that the meritorious subject of the subjugation has accepted my invitation."
"I am more grateful that you always step forward first."
"What brings you to the imperial palace? Dear me, with so many ahead in line... Did you also come to meet His Majesty?"
Though most present were title holders, Duncan had officially lost his title after inheriting his property and status to his son who had been his heir. However, showing respect to such a person was a long-standing custom among pro-emperor nobles.
From another perspective, it meant this titleless old man's influence was greater than that of the young Duke of Agrizendro who should be the main pillar.
"Yes, that's right."
Apart from status, one cannot ignore the pillar of years that individuals have built up. Hugo intended to give proper respect to that point. However, Duncan sometimes overstepped by forgetting his position. Looking carefully at the psychology in his remarks, sometimes he wielded more power than the Emperor.
From what Hugo had seen, such people usually didn't live out their natural lifespan. The reason he showed his face even in this troublesome place was to solidify the hierarchy since they were meeting after a long time.
"I came because His Majesty summoned me. But it seems he is still in his inner chambers."
In noble society, people usually compared each other's formality through the artwork filling gallery walls. In contrast, in the imperial palace, though amusing, naturally the degree of closeness to the Emperor became the standard for comparing others' power.
Hugo felt the other's fingertips twitch in their handshake as he patted Duncan's shoulder a couple of times with a gentle smile. The expressions of some figures including Duncan became subtle before quickly donning masks again.
"You say His Majesty summoned you personally? He must be planning to bestow a great reward for the peninsula subjugation."
"Such a joyous occasion... How about Your Grace hosting the next banquet? It would greatly help spread word of the glory and honor bestowed by His Majesty, and strengthen our unity as well."
"But Your Grace still has no lady of the house...?"
When one person tactlessly blurted this out before closing their mouth, the others cleared their throats and sent glances. Hugo smoothly relaxed his lips, not missing the opening.
"It seems difficult for now as the lady's position is vacant. However, I will consider it positively."
A long tail formed following the Duke in the hall where heavy chandeliers hung low. Before he knew it, ladies and gentlemen who had removed their hats flocked around Hugo. The group led by Duncan gradually withdrew from the crowd. Most people blinded by the Duke's splendor with raised feathers failed to notice this fact.
Just as an untimely venue for conversation was blooming, the door with delicate relief carvings in the inner part of the gallery slowly opened with a sound. At that moment, silence fell over the whispering hall interior. Hugo stiffened his relaxed expression and raised his head.
All those around him scattered uniformly to both sides, creating a wide path to welcome the sun.
Checking his watch showed 11:45 AM. It was not yet noon.
The silence that came so strangely suddenly created a suffocating tension amid the stagnant air.
Soon, only two sets of footsteps were heard beyond the door guarded by imperial guards. One person who appeared under the chandelier was Lord Chaud whom he had met earlier, and the other was the head servant of the imperial palace whom Hugo knew well.
They stopped precisely inside the door's boundary line and stared at the target on the very first page among the thick stack of audience cards they were holding.
"Duke Agrizendro, we will escort you inside."
Multiple pairs of eyes that had been waiting focused on one person. Hugo answered with a light nod and walked toward the head servant along the path meant for the sun.
After he entered, Chaud asked the nobles to return, saying His Majesty did not wish for any more audiences today.
Though they said they had come to pay respects ahead of their faction's banquet, these were people who had submitted their name cards with audience request letters enclosed two days before the audience date. Yet to be turned away at the door like this - for proud nobles, it was a greatly insulting matter.
However, not one among them showed a distorted expression. They quietly withdrew with muffled footsteps, praying for the Emperor's eternal life.
Hugo, who had entered the inner palace alone, felt his neck and shoulders grow stiff as if rocks had been placed on them. It felt even more so as he passed straight by the audience chamber where he usually met the Emperor. He silently passed beside the straight pillars while feeling the air grow notably warmer.
Carseil Palace had very high ceilings, and its complex patterns and delicate carvings not only inspired awe but made one's eyes dizzy. However, the most important decorative elements in this palace were gold, light, and plants. Light entering diagonally like rays reflected off gold and mirrors to create a mysterious atmosphere.
The indoor gardens open throughout made one feel as if they were in a forest rather than inside a building. Hugo always thought this must be what it would feel like when the harmony between nature and civilization reached its peak.
Even the numerous great cathedrals that had flourished and disappeared in the old era could not have been more sacred than this.
Just as he felt the light shining down from above was particularly intense, the head servant walking ahead stopped. Hugo also stopped accordingly.
"Your Majesty, Duke Agrizendro has arrived."
The head servant announced loudly at the door. It had been about 15 minutes since entering the inner palace and moving busily.
The Imperial Knights guarding the front all turned toward the visitor at once. Their posture of gripping swords with both hands and planting the tips on the floor gave subtle pressure to observers, indicating they were on guard.
Hugo inwardly gauged whether any who had been swept away at the dam's waterway existed among them. But unfortunately, none would meet his eyes.
After about 1-2 minutes passed like that, just as it was becoming strange with no word from inside.
The firmly closed door of 'Aurasion' began to open eerily.
Rumble–
Perhaps because the door was so heavy, the joints that were replaced yearly groaned laboriously. Hugo naturally lowered his eyes in time with it.
Not only because the light pouring from inside was dazzling, but because one could not raise their head until the sun permitted it.
The Emperor's servants and dozens of knights lined up on either side of him all knelt down while bowing their heads in unison.
The sound of metal knee guards hitting the floor simultaneously was heard. Even that was very quiet and careful, as if afraid to disturb His mood.
Among them, Hugo placed his hand on his left chest and politely bowed at the waist.
"I come before His Majesty the almighty and great Emperor. Glory to Raina Logia."
His low voice echoed in front of the line that could not be crossed without permission. Hugo meaninglessly stared at the short shadow cast at his feet.
He only wished for this time to pass quickly and for the shadow to lengthen.
However, what was heard next was not the voice of the august sovereign, but the frivolous sound of someone giggling.
'...?'
Hugo, doubting his ears for a moment, unconsciously half-raised his head. As he rolled his eyes containing doubt, he saw lavender curtains fluttering at the end of the straight space stretching before him.
The thin curtains filled various parts of the interior to an eerie degree, wrapped around each pillar and hanging down in drapes. Light entering from multiple directions crossed between the pieces of fabric, making it feel like looking into a bright and sacred labyrinth.
At its center, beside the noble silhouette whose form was hidden, young boys could be seen brightly laughing and tangled together.
At present, there were no children of royal blood in the imperial family. And they couldn't all be servants, as they wouldn't be able to approach His august presence so casually.
As he stared blankly at them, a thunderous voice echoing through the magnificent private chamber struck his ears.
「Enter.」
Hugo straightened his waist and entered the private chamber where light was streaming in.
By the time he realized why his attention had been drawn to Chaud, the door of Aurasion was already firmly closed.
* * *
Leonardo stood in the bathroom where light didn't enter well, keeping the faucet running with the sink stopped with a plug. After blankly staring at the bubbles created by the water's friction, when the surface rippled at the sink's boundary, he plunged his face and head straight in.
Swoosh–
The water splash making a refreshing sound completely soaked his feet and trouser hems. Nevertheless, Leonardo remained unconcerned and stayed submerged in the sink dyed golden with his eyes closed for a while.
A moment later, when his breathing reached its limit, his mind cleared as gasping breaths burst forth.
"Ha–"
When he raised his head, spraying water in all directions, the droplets flowing from his hair had completely soaked his front to the point where it was painfully cold near his heart.
Looking in the mirror, a young boy with drooping golden hair was grinning as if pleased about something. But he knew that face was actually to hide fear. He was a boy who often steadied his heart with such eccentric behavior right before going to the battlefield.
The boy back then had worn a helmet, but today's Leonardo dried his hair and clothes in one breath and put on an air of composure. Though he would have to borrow others' hands a bit, his heart pounded when executing what he had always prepared for. Before leaving the bathroom, he briefly stared at the calendar hanging inside the door.
'D-DAY♡'
Judy's playful handwriting somewhat relieved the pressure. He chuckled at the heart and brushed back his hair before grabbing and pulling the door handle.
Creak–
"Leo's out!"
As soon as he came out, the owner of the handwriting greeted him first. Several familiar faces were gathered in front of the huge wooden table. Today, Mikhail, Beatrice, and Gillian, who had been wandering outside for a long time, were also present.
They too were partners sharing the same purpose. And everyone gathered here was from 'Bermuda.'
Leonardo scanned the gathering with a relaxed smile and deliberately asked in a comfortable tone:
"Are you ready, everyone?"
The seven gathered around him nodded with shining eyes. Though the atmosphere was solemn, their expressions were quite bright.