The emperor raised a hand and gave a slight wave. Guards immediately stepped forward, carrying a chair carved with golden patterns from the corner of the hall and placing it slightly off-center in the middle of the chamber.
"Marquis Ang, please sit." The emperor's tone was mild, yet carried an authority that allowed no refusal.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Ang cupped his fists in salute, then sat down without the slightest restraint. His movements were casual, as though he had not realized he was in the empire's most central hall.
The other veteran Legends in the hall frowned slightly, yet not one of them spoke.
The emperor looked at his demeanor and smiled faintly. "I summoned you here today not only because I wished to see you in person, but also because I wanted to hear your views on the empire."
"My views?" Ang raised a brow, a hint of surprise appearing on his face.
"Yes." The emperor nodded, his expression serious.
After a brief moment of thought, Ang spoke. "I have no grand theories about the empire. I only hope the empire can contribute more on the God-Demon Battlefield and push the front line forward as far as possible, preferably beyond the first line of defense. Only then can the empire truly have room to breathe."
The great hall fell silent for an instant. Everyone turned to look at the emperor, each harboring different thoughts.
"Marquis Ang truly has ideas of his own." A trace of approval flashed through the emperor's eyes.
"I only hope Your Majesty does not blame me for speaking rashly." Ang added with a smile. His manner was humble, but the carefree ease in his eyes remained.
The emperor shook his head without reproach, merely waving a hand.
Yet that brief silence made the atmosphere