My father didn’t tell me the exact reason until the very end.
He had expectations, and I was simply told to live up to them.
The more I pursued those expectation, the heavier the burden became.
I wasn’t truly the “Ike” they knew, and at the moment, the current me couldn’t meet those expectations at all.
… Still, I had to do it.
Regardless, I was now a nobleman.
The family’s reputation had to be upheld.
“Haa…”
I couldn’t help but sigh as the pressure grew stronger the closer we got to the capital.
“Just more one day, Commander.”
“Ron. I told you yesterday, it’s already been more than ten years. What if the current Commander hears you?”
“But even Commander Chris says that the only Central Knight Commander in his heart is still Lord Addos.”
“…we are here.”
Before entering the imperial palace, my father spoke with the members of the Central Knights, the elite guard that protected the imperial family.
Even as a duke, one still had to undergo various checks before entering the main palace.
During this process, we engaged in conversation, rekindling old friendships.
“And, are you perhaps Young Master Ike?”
“Yes. I hope that one day, I will have the honor to join the Central Knights.”
“I see. Young Master, do you remember me?”
A knight named Ron, who had been standing beside me, suddenly spoke.
“My apologies.”
I bowed my head in response.
Ron simply laughed and waved his hand dismissively.
“It’s alright. It has been more than ten years since I last saw you, Young Master.”
That wasn’t exactly the issue I meant to address, but thankfully, the conversation moved past it.
“Oh, um… I think you can enter now.”
Perhaps they had received word that the screening was complete, as all the knights, including Ron, straightened their postures.
“The sword that protects the empire! Salute to Duke Ados, the 31st head of the Axus, and Young Master Ike!”
“Salute!”
At Ron’s command, every knight stood at attention, executing their salute with perfect precision.
Their movements were so sharp that I felt overwhelmed by the sheer discipline in the air.
“That is the path you must walk from now on.”
“Yes, Father.”
At my father’s words, urging me to take in the sight of the knights before me, I silently nodded.
This was my first time entering the main palace, but thanks to my father, I was able to walk forward without hesitation.
As I quietly observed my surroundings, I found the imperial palace to be simpler than I had expected.
Compared to the extravagant ballroom outside, the stark contrast was almost jarring.
“Ike, ready yourself.”
Before I realized it, we had arrived in front of the audience chamber.
At my father’s command, I took a deep breath, straightened my back, and looked ahead.
Two knights stood on either side of the massive doors leading to the throne room.
They silently bowed to my father and me before speaking.
“The sword that protects the empire. Duke Addos, the 31st head of the Axus, and Ike, the second son of the family, request an audience with His Majesty.”
“Eternal glory to the Empire!”
“Eternal glory to the Empire.”
With a light tap of their spears against the floor, the massive doors slowly swung open on their own, revealing the grandeur within.
Once the entrance was fully open, my father stepped forward without hesitation, and I followed behind him at a measured pace.
***
The thought I had earlier—that the imperial palace was too simple—vanished the moment I stepped into the audience chamber.
The space was adorned with countless radiant gemstones, as if gazing upon a field of stars scattered across the night sky.
At the center of the chamber sat a colossal throne, raised to such heights of grandeur that it seemed to push the limits of human craftsmanship.
And there, upon the throne, sat the emperor—Raphael Aegis Astraia—radiating an undeniable sense of dignity.
“Addos.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As the emperor spoke, my father and I knelt simultaneously, lowering our heads in respect.
“Ike Axus, second son of the Duke of Axus.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I have heard much about you. I summoned you because I wished to speak with you.”
“It is an honor.”
Who could have possibly told him about me?
The question burned in my mind, but I dared not ask aloud.
“Shall we move? There are people waiting for you.”
“Understood.”
At the emperor’s words, my father and I rose and took our positions.
But as I shifted my seat, his words lingered in my mind.
There were still people waiting for me?
What did that mean?
I assumed it had something to do with the upcoming “event” in Heros next week.
With questions swirling in my mind, I followed behind the emperor and my father as they proceeded forward.
***
“Long time no see, Ike.”
“…Your Highness.”
Our destination was a drawing room inside the imperial palace’s throne room.
And waiting inside was the Prince, seated in a chair, greeting me with a warm smile.
“Sit comfortably. It’s just us here.”
The Emperor gave a light smile before casually taking his seat at the head of the table.
My father and I sat across from him and the Crown Prince.
“I heard you’ll be participating in the Knight Competition in Heros soon. My father and I are looking forward to it.”
The Prince was the first to bring up the topic.
At that moment, my thoughts came to a grinding halt.
“…Excuse me? What was that?”
“Hmm? The special Knight Competition being held in the Duchy of Roselia. Didn’t you hear? When Duke Addos came three days ago, he said you would be participating as well.”
“… “
‘What!!?’
I let out a silent scream in my heart.