In the distance, stood the Emperor and Empress dowager.
The Empress dowager was still in the process of wiping tears from her eyes.
But there was only one person in Damian’s sight.
‘Lize.’
Charlize looked at Damian with an anxious gaze.
Feeling his heart pounding, Damian swallowed his breath.
Eight years had passed.
Still, she was instantly recognizable.
Her elegant silver hair glimmered like moonlight and those lustrous lilac-colored eyes.
The last time we parted, she was definitely a small tearful kid….
‘…..when did she grow up to be so dazzlingly beautiful?’
He felt choked up as his heart began pounding.
Damian was convinced.
He had never been so excited about anyone before.
And….there will never be another.
‘I want to hold Charlize in my arms right away.’
His heart was beating so wildly, that he wondered if he would collapse at any moment.
Damian jumped off his horse and smiled vibrantly at Charlize.
He hoped that his ardent feelings would reach her even just a bit.
But unexpectedly.
Charlize paused, stiffening her shoulders, and quickly averted her gaze.
Damian’s face hardened.
‘What? Just now, Lize…’
She seemed to avoid me.
As soon as he thought that, his heart sank.
And at the most inconvenient timing, the Emperor spoke.
It was a shrill voice that couldn’t hide its displeasure.
“I commend the crown prince for his outstanding accomplishments in cleansing the beasts of the North.”
“It’s all thanks to the Emperor’s trust and support.”
Damian who came to his senses bowed humbly before his Majesty.
AAAAHHH!
Applause, cheers, and more cheers came pouring in.
The Emperor who witnessed such a warm welcome, felt his stomach twist.
Glancing at Sienna, the Emperor was unable to recover for even a slight moment and furrowed his brow.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Antes, who has been at the forefront, heroically fighting the beasts for so long.
“Thank you, it’s all due to the grace of his Majesty.”
Sienna, who dismounted from her horse, placed her fists to her chest and bowed her head in respect.
A subtle expression crossed his Majesty’s face for a split second.
The reason being, her greeting was one not of a lady’s but rather one of a vassal’s.
She had no reason to conduct such a greeting unless she was next in line for the title of Marquess.
‘…..despite the appearance of a girl, she’s as arrogant as her father.’
The gall this child has, assuming she’ll inherit the title of Marquess.
The Emperor’s eyes narrowed.
However, no matter what the Emperor may have desired, the succession of said title was a right that belongs entirely to the head of a family and the chosen heir.
It was a matter that not even the Emperor could recklessly intervene in.