章節 26: Chapter 26: The Royal Encounter

Emperor Maximus Lunaris, at the age of 38, was a ruler beloved by his people. His reign, which began when he was just 20, was marked by wise decision-making and a deep concern for his subjects. Besides being a respected leader, he was also a formidable warrior, renowned as a master swordsman and the empire's finest archer.

As Hiro and Maximus engaged in a lively discussion, Maximus's gaze was drawn to Kai. He walked over, knelt to Kai's level, and smiled warmly. Gently brushing Kai's hair aside, he observed, "You have your father's features, only your eyes are a different color." Hiro chimed in from behind, "Max, shouldn't you introduce yourself first?"

Maximus stood up, chuckling, "I was just about to do that. As you can see, I am the Emperor. My name is Maximus Lunaris, but you can call me Uncle Max!" He waited for Kai's response with an anticipatory smile. Kai took out his notebook and wrote, "Alright, Uncle Max." Maximus looked at Hiro, a puzzled expression on his face.

"Let's take a seat first," Hiro suggested, and everyone followed suit. Just then, the door to the room opened. Everyone looked at the door, revealing a beautiful and graceful woman with long brown hair and green eyes entered. "Who's she?" Kai thought to himself, when Sakura's face lit up at the sight of her, and she rushed to embrace her, "Celestina! How have you been?" The woman, Celestina, returned the hug warmly, replying, "I am doing just great!"

Kai recognized the name immediately. "That's the Empress," he thought to himself as Maximus introduced her to him. "Kai, meet Celestina. She's my wife and the Empress." Celestina approached Kai and introduced herself with a warm smile, "Hello Kai. I am Celestina Lunaris. The Empress and also your mom's best friend! You can call me Aunt Celestina." Kai smiled and nodded in response. "I heard a lot about you from your Mom's letter," she said, glancing at Sakura who returned her smile. "Let's get seated first," Celestina suggested.

Once everyone was seated, maids brought in tea and snacks. Hiro took the opportunity to inform Maximus and Celestina about Kai's condition and his life before coming here. Celestina looked at Kai with a mixture of worry and sadness, "You must have had a hard time…" Kai just smiled as he wrote in his notebook, "It was hard, but thanks to the Archduke and the Archduchess, I was able to move on." Sakura read his words and fell silent, a sad expression crossing her face. Maximus, Hiro, and Celestina noticed her change in demeanor.

While Kai and Elysia were enjoying their tea, Hiro, Sakura, Maximus, and Celestina moved to another room. Celestina asked Sakura, "Hey… are you alright?" Sakura replied, "Yeah, I am fine. Why do you ask?" Celestina shared a worried glance with Maximus. "It's fine to cry, Sakura…" Hiro reached out to her, and Sakura's eyes welled up with tears, "Wh-what do you mean?" She touched her face, feeling the tears when Hiro hugged her, "It's alright…" Sakura cried in Hiro's arms, "He didn't call me mom…" Hiro, Maximus, and Celestina comforted her while Elysia, oblivious to the situation, enjoyed her tea. Kai, fully aware of what was happening, lowered his head, "I am sorry…" he thought to himself.