Lionel and Cassian smiled at each other. However, beneath their friendly gazes was an invisible tension slowly spreading throughout the dining hall.

The Emperor quietly observed the two for a moment before finally speaking.

"Since you are already here, Cassian, sit down and eat with us."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Cassian immediately lowered his head respectfully. He didn’t even bat an eye at the offer.

The servants quickly prepared another seat beside Lionel afterward.

"You may sit."

Unlike Lionel earlier, Cassian waited properly for permission before sitting down at the table. Soon enough, Cassian finally joined them for the meal, and, strangely enough, the atmosphere of the place became different at that

Earlier, they only looked like a noble family having lunch together. But when Cassian arrived, they became more formal.

Cassian sat properly with perfect posture while speaking elegantly whenever the Emperor addressed him.

"How has your recovery been?" the Emperor asked calmly.

"It has improved greatly thanks to Your Majesty’s concern," Cassian answered respectfully.

"Mm."

Cassian carefully waited for the Emperor to continue before touching his utensils again. Meanwhile, Lionel didn’t even bother doing all that.

"Grandfather."

The Emperor immediately turned toward Lionel beside him.

"What is it now?" The emperor raised his brow at Lionel.

The corner of Lionel’s lips rose at that. The emperor may sound stoic with him, but he could see their bond progressing.

[Current Progress: 26%]

"This soup tastes good."

"It’s just soup."

"But it’s still good," Lionel argued back.

The Emperor stared at him for a moment before quietly pushing another dish toward him.

"Try this one too."

"Alright," Lionel quickly obliged to it. The dish looked like it was made from vegetables, so it was not that hard to try. He took a small amount and put it on his plate. Afterward, he took a small bite of it.

"This one tastes pretty nice too." It was actually just a regular cook for vegetables.

"..." On the side, Cassian could only hold onto his utensils tightly. He was just quietly watching everything from the side.

From what he knew, the Emperor hated poor table manners. Everyone in the imperial palace knew that. But now?

Not only was the Emperor tolerating Lionel’s behavior, but he was even letting him get away with speaking so casually.

"Grandfather, did you really eat here alone earlier?"

"Most of the time."

"That sounds lonely."

Everyone held their breath at the comment. Even the Emperor himself looked slightly caught off guard by how Lionel could speak directly like that.

"Hmph." The Emperor let out a quiet scoff. "You speak too much, young man."

[Current Progress: 30%]

Cassian’s jaw clenched at that. Lionel was not even trying to act carefully around the emperor. Meanwhile, he had spent years learning proper etiquette, proper speech, proper conduct, and proper behavior befitting a prince.

A bitter feeling slowly rose inside Cassian’s chest.

"..." For some reason, that sight irritated him far more than it should have.

"By the way, why are you here, Cousin?" Cassian turned to the side and smiled at Lionel.

Lionel slowly lifted his gaze toward him, and Cassian maintained the same gentle smile on his face as always.

"It has been a long time since you last visited the palace," he continued politely.

Lionel quietly stared at him for a brief moment before smiling lightly.

"Mother and Father insisted that we visit the palace after so many years," Lionel answered naturally.

Elara smiled softly after hearing that. "It really has been too long," she admitted.

Lionel then continued speaking while casually eating afterward.

"And I also came here to personally give my answer regarding Grandfather’s offer to me."

The moment those words came out, Cassian’s brows furrowed slightly.

"What offer?"

Lionel paused for a second after hearing that response.

Don’t tell me he doesn’t know? For a brief moment, Lionel looked confused.

Considering Cassian practically lived inside the palace, Lionel assumed that he would already know about it. However, before Lionel could answer, Elara gently spoke first.

"Lionel has been offered a position within the Imperial Knights, Cassian," she explained warmly.

"I hope you will take care of your cousin once he joins." Her eyes softened afterward.

"H-Huh?" Cassian froze completely.

For the first time since entering the dining hall, his composure visibly cracked.

The Imperial Knights?

Lionel?

Cassian immediately turned toward the Emperor as though silently asking for confirmation.

"It was my decision." The Emperor calmly continued drinking his tea before answering flatly.

"..." Cassian’s expression stiffened.

The Imperial Knights were not simply a normal military unit. They were the Empire’s greatest pride. The training inside was harsh, and entry standards were unbelievably strict. Even nobles struggled to enter that place.

And now, Lionel was just personally invited?

Cassian slowly looked back toward Lionel.

"I accepted it earlier," Lionel added casually.

"I see." Cassian forced a smile back onto his face with difficulty. "That is... wonderful news, Cousin."

But inside, his thoughts had already become chaotic.

Why? Why would the Emperor personally invite Lionel into the Imperial Knights?

And more importantly....

Why was he never informed about this?

Underneath the table, Cassian’s fist slowly clenched tightly that his nails dug deeply into his palm.

This must be because of my father. The thought suddenly surfaced inside his mind like poison.

Cassian lowered his gaze slightly to hide the emotions flashing through his eyes.

Is my Father really wishing for my downfall? Why else would this happen without him knowing?

The Emperor personally inviting Lionel into the Imperial Knights was not a small matter at all. It was something significant enough to shake the balance inside the empire.

No... this can’t continue.

I need to tell Mother about this immediately.

Cassian silently pressed his lips together.

"Cousin." Cassian suddenly smiled gently once more.

"Yes?" Lionel turned toward him.

"When your admission to the Imperial Knights is finalized..." Cassian paused briefly before continuing in a warm voice. "I hope we can spend more time together."

"..." An uncertain smile appeared on Lionel’s face.

"Sure, Cassian."