Bab 81: Meeting The Empress again

"Welcome, Duke Frostblade," A maid wearing glasses bowed her head respectfully as she welcomed Velc and his family.

"Hmmm..." Velc nodded in acknowledgement as he stepped out of the carriage, his gaze sweeping the surroundings.

However, Velc's expression soon soured as he noticed the lack of grand decorations or any elaborate arrangements for the engagement party. It was not what he had expected for such an important occasion.

Kai, too, frowned but for a different reason... He couldn't help feeling a sense of unease that the Empress herself hadn't come to welcome them.

'Shouldn't she at least welcome the guest?' Kai thought. 

There was nothing wrong with his thoughts... except the other party was the Empress.

"Where is the Empress?" Velc's inquiry was direct, reflecting his disappointment.

Kai's annoyance mirrored his father's sentiments as he added, "Shouldn't the Empress at least welcome her future son-in-law?"

"..."