Carol I

Marquis Gelorge walked up to the Imperial Guard, and several officers soon stepped out of the ranks to salute him.

The officers were respectful, as though they were learning some information from Marquis Gelorge.

Just as Victor and Alex had finished calming the delegation, the army suddenly changed formation. They stopped marching and lined up along both sides of the road, as if guarding something.

Alex and Victor were both somewhat uncertain. They exchanged glances and realized they seemed to share the same thought.

Marquis Gelorge returned with several officers clad in golden helmets and armor. Beaming, he said, "Duke Alex, and everyone from the Vela Three Provinces, I have good news for you. His Majesty the King has come to welcome you!"

Hearing this, Victor and Alex knew they had guessed correctly.

Soon, a carriage appeared before them, rolling out from between the two ranks of soldiers. The carriage was entirely golden, and even the horses pulling it wore golden barding. Yet it did not seem gaudy, for the carriage was exquisitely designed and radiated luxury.

The moment Marquis Gelorge saw the carriage, he led the officers beside him to kneel on one knee toward it, keeping their heads bowed.

There was no time to say anything. Alex hurriedly ordered the other Vela nobles to kneel on one knee as well, copying the posture of Marquis Gelorge and the others.

Long before arriving at the royal capital, Marquis Gelorge had taught them the etiquette for meeting the king, but none of them had expected to use it so soon.

The carriage soon stopped before them. Without raising his head, Victor saw someone step down from it, wearing purple leather boots and walking toward them.

"Rise, my lords. You have traveled all the way from the Vela Three Provinces to