On the third day after the battle at the Martial Arena, an envoy from the Imperial Palace arrived at Wharton's Earl's Mansion.
The morning sunlight had just fallen across the mansion's bluestone steps when orderly hoofbeats sounded outside. Eight Imperial Palace guards rode snow-white warhorses, arranged in two rows, with a pitch-black carriage in the center. A golden royal emblem was embedded on its carriage door—a two-headed dragon spreading its wings.
The envoy stepped down from the carriage. Dressed in a deep purple robe and wearing a golden belt, he was Hadley, the chief attendant serving at Emperor Joanne's side. This old eunuch, who had served in the imperial court for more than forty years, wore an exceptionally respectful expression at this moment.
"Lord Linley, Earl Wharton, His Majesty invites the two of you to the palace for a discussion." Hadley bowed slightly. His gaze lingered on Linley for a moment longer, his eyes filled with undisguised respect.
Who in the entire Imperial Capital did not know that Wharton's older brother, Linley, was a Saint-level expert? A Saint-level expert was the sort of existence even an emperor had to show some respect toward. Forget the emperor—even members of the War God Sect had to be polite when meeting a Saint-level expert.
Linley and Wharton exchanged a glance and nodded. Linley naturally understood the purpose of the emperor's summons—there needed to be a conclusion regarding Wharton and Princess Nina's marriage. Though Wharton had appeared composed these past few days, Linley could see the anxiety in his younger brother's heart. After all, Nina was an imperial princess and the disciple of the War God Sect's leader. Too much was tied to this marriage.
"Delia, wait for us at the mansion." Linley turned and instructed Delia, who stood before the hall entrance.
Delia