Published: July 4, 2025
Ryo, mounted on Andalusia, and Abel, riding on Feiwan, are being escorted by the white flame army from both the front and rear.
It wasn't that they were forced to accompany; both Ryo and Abel had consented to go.
Their destination is the imperial palace.
"Captain Li Chuu."
"What is it, your grace?"
"Today is the wedding ceremony of Prince Lyun and Princess Shio Fen, right? Isn't his majesty the emperor quite busy?"
"Indeed. His schedule must be packed down to the minute."
In response to Ryo's inquiry, Captain Li Chuu of the white flame army nodded.
"Yet, you still want me to come?"
"Yes... The wedding ceremony actually began early in the morning, or rather, before dawn. While Prince Lyun and Princess Shio Fen are the center of attention, the ceremony is held in the name of his majesty, so he will accompany them for most of it. Therefore, he is extremely busy."
"Do you mean you want to meet me in between the ceremonies?"
"That's likely. If everything goes according to plan, the first half will end before noon, and in the afternoon, the prince and princess will seclude themselves in the Spirit Palace within the imperial palace until evening."
"Then, are you suggesting we have lunch together?"
"No, his majesty will not be having lunch today. Neither will the prince or the princess."
"What!?"
It seems the prince's wedding is quite austere.
"So... to be honest, I'm not sure when we might meet."
Captain Li Chuu paused his words.
Then, as if having made a decision, he raised his face and continued speaking.
"It might be tomorrow."
"What!?"
The shocking forecast was announced.
"In that case, what about our lunch and dinner...?"
"Huh? No, I believe that will be prepared..."
Captain Li Chuu answered, seemingly taken aback by Ryo's expression filled with despair.
"Ah, that's a relief."
"Um..."
Ryo expressed genuine relief, while Captain Li Chuu seemed confused about many things.
Only Abel, who seemed to understand everything, simply shook his head slightly.
The two, escorted by the white flame army, entered the imperial palace for the first time.
The location known as the "imperial palace" in Darwei is vast.
Within it, there are numerous "castles" and "villas."
The Forbidden City is where the emperor resides and serves as the political center.
If we were to compare it to 21st-century Japan, the imperial palace would be Nagatacho, while the Forbidden City would be the Prime Minister's Official Residence.
Nagatacho is surrounded by high walls, and there is a highly advanced security system established through alchemy... Considering this, we can say that Darwei's economic power and technological level are quite high.
The entire Forbidden City, where the wedding ceremony takes place, is almost completely off-limits.
However, the two have been specially allowed to enter through the West Flower Gate and are guided to a nearby building called "Western White Hall."
As expected, the security inside the Forbidden City is even stricter than before.
That said, when the white flame army passes, all the soldiers bow their heads in salute.
"The white flame army certainly holds a high position."
Ryo expressed an honest opinion.
"I-Iām honored. We are the 'imperial tomb guardians,' directly under his majesty the emperor. While the number of imperial tomb guardians is quite small, just two hundred men across four armies, our status is very high."
While feeling bashful, Captain Li Chuu answered proudly.
Indeed, judging by their earlier actions when they surrounded the two without Ryo noticing, and their current flawless vigilance, one could say they are indeed an elite military force.
"Is that why his majesty ordered the white flame army to bring me here?"
"That may also be the case. Even if we are tasked with guiding someone as esteemed as your grace the duke, it would never be deemed disrespectful for us. Beyond that, we were the ones who reported that 'Duke Rondo of the Naitorei Kingdom' bowed in Feiwan..."
"I see."
If the first duke of a foreign country visits the imperial tombs as a representative of the king, it would surely be reported to the imperial capital.