Side Story: Feather and Poison (9)

An attendant close to Lorenzo came to deliver a message.

His Majesty the emperor had invited Xialike and Chloe to lunch.

"Her Highness Empress Casimir will also be attending the luncheon," the attendant said with his head bowed.

"Has Lorenzo-grown suspicious?" Chloe asked nervously as soon as the attendant left.

"No." Xialike shook his head. "It's most likely about my mother's family. Father is probably preparing to put them in their place."

He rose.

"Let's change into something more formal. I'll explain on the way."

The three changed and made themselves presentable. Meiwu'er also changed into a crisp, smart uniform befitting a personal guard. Then they followed the palace roads toward the main palace where the emperor resided.

As they walked, Xialike explained the situation to Chloe in a low voice.

"After my mother heard we were getting married, she cried, threw a tantrum, and threatened to hang herself."

It was no secret. Her reaction had been predictable.

"What about your great-grandfather? Hasn't he put pressure on you?" Chloe asked.

She meant Casimir's grandfather, the current Grand Duke Flint.

"Grand Duke Flint was more direct." Xialike's lips twitched.

"He said that if I dared marry you, he'd sever all ties with me."

Meiwu'er interjected, "Isn't that a good thing?"

"Of course. I couldn't ask for more." Xialike chuckled.

They talked as they walked and soon reached the main hall.

They had changed and set out immediately after receiving the message, but to their surprise, Emperor Lorenzo had arrived first and was already sitting in the dining room waiting for them.

That was a rare occurrence.

Empress Casimir was seated beside him.

Meiwu'er went to stand attentively by the corner of the wall without being told.

Xialike led Chloe forward, and they greeted the emperor and empress according to protocol.

Casimir's