Chapter 803

Chapter 803: The Storm-Tossed Empire

In Dragon-View Port, Lolan Hill and Aitexi shared a carriage, heading towards the residence of the Red Kite Earl, who was the administrator of this city.

The wheels of the carriage rolled over the white and slightly greenish stone slabs, producing a faint sound. Pedestrians and scenery appeared through the faintly fluttering curtains.

Through the light blue curtains, sunlight fragmented and fell upon a blonde girl sitting inside. She wore a delicate red dress, looking around seventeen years old. Her gentle face, veiled by the curtain, had a fragmented yet hazy beauty.

“Who exactly is the Red Kite Earl?” Lolan Hill’s light blue eyes turned from the outside scenery to the dignified-looking elven princess in front of her.

“He is probably the epitome of a classical noble,” Aitexi replied today dressed in a princess gown with white and gold embroidery, her golden hair adorned with pearl nets, giving her a rare princess-like aura.

“His ancestors were scholars from the Eastern Region who were invited to serve as tutors for the emperor’s family. Later, when the emperor came of age, he bestowed upon them a peerage, allowing the Red Kite family to thrive.”

“When I left the Western Continent for the East, I had some dealings with him. He seemed like a decent person, and he has a good reputation locally. His family has always maintained peace, wisdom, and poetic qualities, which are almost a portrayal of their lineage. Occasionally, he might do something out of the ordinary for romantic reasons, but overall, he is a decent person.”

“I have been away from the Western Continent for too long; many things are unfamiliar to me now. Instead of gathering dubious gossip at the taverns, it would be better to ask him directly.”

“Moreover, this is under the jurisdiction of the Unicorn Duke, who has always maintained good relations with our elves. There is no need to worry about safety.”

“Is that so?” Lolan Hill nodded. After arriving at Dragon-View Port, she had kept her blonde hair to avoid revealing her true identity.

Silver hair was still quite uncommon in the Ivar World, and she wasn’t sure if her appearance would be recognized by someone in the empire, leading to unnecessary complications involving the sage of Clancia.

“Let Lacy accompany us to meet this earl. Just say she is a friend I met in the East, and he won’t mind.”

Aitexi briefly explained, and soon the carriage slowed to a stop.

“Miss, we’ve arrived,” the driver called out ahead.

“Hmm.” Then, Aitexi took Lolan Hill’s hand and they stepped down from the elegant metal and wooden carriage.

“Welcome, Princess Aitexi.” The butler at the entrance immediately recognized the familiar elven girl.

“Please follow me,” he bowed and led the way.

“It’s been a while, Fidel. You’re still as robust as ever,” Aitexi nodded briefly and followed slowly, accompanied by four maids from the residence.

“Princess, you flatter me,” the fifty-year-old butler said modestly, then guided them into a refined hall.

Sunlight filtered through colored glass, casting light on the sofa and tea table. The porcelain tea set, rimmed with enamel, was already set out. A young man in his thirties sat on the sofa, standing up to greet them when he saw the two girls enter.

“It’s been a long time, Princess Aitexi. It must be delightful news that you have returned safely. The Emerald Forest will surely be pleased.”

“It’s been a while, Lin.” Aitexi blinked and sized up the Red Kite Earl.

“You seem much more mature than before.”

“Does that mean I’m getting older?” Lin joked, quickly stopping himself.

“Haha, please sit and have some tea.” He invited them to sit and began chatting.

“It seems your journey was fraught with difficulties, Princess Aitexi. This beautiful lady, is she a companion you met during your travels?”

“Yes, her name is Lacy, the daughter of a merchant. We both encountered similar situations and stayed in the East for a long time.”

“I see. Miss Lacy, I am Lin, the acting administrator of this city and the inheritor of the Red Kite peerage.”

“My greetings, Earl Lin,” Lolan Hill bowed slightly, then looked up to examine the man.

This Red Kite Earl wore a well-fitted black formal suit with a white shirt and scarf. On one side of his collar, golden-red silk threads embroidered a phoenix, creating a peculiarly beautiful blend.

After some brief pleasantries, Aitexi started asking about the current situation.

“While Dragon-View Port appears tranquil, the empire is actually in turmoil, teetering on the brink of collapse,” the Red Kite Earl introduced after blowing gently on the surface of his tea.

“When the emperor held power, the empire operated efficiently and powerfully under a single voice.”

“But after the sudden departure of the emperor, a significant power vacuum was left among the upper echelons.”

“Now, who should be listened to? The petite and innocent empress, the emperor’s twin brother, or the descendants of the previous emperor?”

“In terms of bloodline and stability, Edren taking the throne would be the optimal choice.”

“But the empress has given birth to a boy. Can Edren, even without personal ambitions, restrain himself and become a regent? Even if he does, those below him won’t think so.”

“Traditionally, regents have not fared well. Moreover, Edren should ascend the throne together with his brother, which is a longstanding tradition of the empire.”

Lin slowly recounted the roots of the empire’s turmoil, centered around the golden-red imperial throne.

“At the end of the war, Edren, as chancellor and ambassador, signed the surrender agreement with Clancia. While this may not be a grave error if only considered as the actions of a chancellor and official, it becomes a significant stain if he aims for the throne, leading to the suppression of Edren by many nobles in the court.”

“The emperor deprived many nobles of their rights and interests. When he passed away, these suppressed voices rebounded forcefully, and some even blamed the late emperor, demanding the direct descendants of the former emperor to take the throne to restore order.”

“Furthermore, don’t assume they are just talk. With the declining prestige of the royal family, they have begun large-scale conscription in their territories, preparing to support the descendants of the former emperor.”

“Then who is currently overseeing the palace?” Aitexi asked the crucial question.

“Red Queen, Lily Aisote.”

(End of Chapter)