Chapter 020: Unexpectedly

Seeing Du Fan’s surprised expression, Redcliffe didn’t explain anything. Instead, he smiled slightly and said, “Lord Du Fan, please don’t mind. Anyone who comes to see the Emperor must not bring a sword… This is your first time here, so you don’t know the rules. The Emperor won’t blame you. Now, please come on!”
Du Fan said nothing and merely nodded.
Duke Green quickly pulled Du Fan along and headed toward the steps in front of the grand hall.
After seeing the two leave, Redcliffe bowed deeply in the direction of the grand hall before retreating swiftly.
There were ninety-nine steps, and it would take some time to climb them all. After climbing about a dozen steps, Duke Green finally let go of Du Fan’s hand. He glanced around and said calmly, “Du Fan, don’t you find it strange that there isn’t even a single guard inside the palace?”
Du Fan nodded. “Yes.”
Duke Green laughed. “One guard every three steps and another every five—that’s the behavior of nouveau riche. True power should be hidden in the shadows. I think you can figure out the reasoning behind this with your intelligence.”
Du Fan frowned. “Then who are those people…”
Duke Green replied, “That person who appeared just now was just an ordinary member of the imperial guard. Though he’s somewhat skilled, he’s only good enough to guard the palace gates… The most powerful ones here aren’t them… but the court magicians!”
Du Fan had seen court magicians before and knew well of their power, so he nodded immediately.
By then, the father and son had reached the entrance of the grand hall. From there, they could see the bright lights inside.
Du Fan frowned as he looked. The spacious hall was adorned with golden curtains everywhere, hiding it in mystery and making it impossible to see through.
At that moment, two servants, kneeling, approached the door and whispered, “My lord… the Emperor is waiting for you!”
Duke Green nodded. “Thank you both.”
Then he gave a gesture, and together with Du Fan, they stepped inside.
Under the light from all around, their figures appeared as clear as in daylight. But almost immediately, Du Fan felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were being stared at by some fierce animal.

Du Fan had felt something similar before and knew it was most likely court magicians or top-tier figures from the inner court or secret guards observing him. He didn’t pay much mind to it, as the observation only lasted for a short while before disappearing. On the other hand, Duke Green beside him showed no reaction at all, as if the chill from earlier had had no effect on him. Du Fan naturally knew that his father was highly skilled in combat energy, even beyond his own understanding. It seemed his strength far exceeded Du Fan’s imagination! With these thoughts, Du Fan looked around again and immediately sensed faint magical fluctuations. He realized it was probably magic crystal lamps or something similar lighting up the grand hall. The white marble floor beneath his feet emitted a constant “creaking” sound that echoed throughout the hall. After taking a few steps, Du Fan couldn’t help but mutter, “As expected… This hall is like a giant cage!” Duke Green glared at Du Fan and snapped, “Du Fan, this is no place to talk carelessly!” Du Fan nodded, understanding that if his words reached the emperor’s ears, it would cause serious trouble. The father and son fell silent and continued walking. Fortunately, Duke Green was very familiar with the hall, and after turning a few times behind the curtains, they soon arrived at a side chamber. The door to the side chamber was open, and the light inside was brighter, but there were no curtains everywhere like in the main hall. Duke Green explained in a low voice, “This side chamber is where the emperor usually meets with his subjects. It’s different from the main hall… If it’s a formal assembly, it takes place in the main hall, where the throne is also located. The emperor summoning us here tonight is likely for an informal meeting… If he summoned us directly in the main hall, it would be troublesome!” With that, Duke Green pulled Du Fan along as they entered the side chamber. There were no extra decorations inside, only a bright red carpet on the floor. Chairs were placed on both sides of the chamber, and at the end, there was a large desk. In front of the desk stood a slender figure, head bowed in deep thought.

He was clad in a robe woven from gold and silver threads, his hair like withered grass casually styled. His gaunt face lacked any trace of color, resembling that of a zombie. Yet in his hand, he held something—Du Fan could tell at a glance that it was almost certainly a crown.
It seemed this old man, who appeared on the verge of death at any moment, was none other than Emperor Austin III.
At that moment, the emperor seemed to hear some noise. He turned and cast a casual glance at Du Fan and Duke Green. In that instant, Du Fan sensed an invisible pressure!
Though it was just a glance, it filled one with utmost reverence!
Du Fan’s heart surged, and he felt an urge to cry—this was the so-called “kingship aura”! The legendary kingship aura!
But before he could fully react, Duke Green pulled him along, and both of them knelt down simultaneously, declaring in unison,
“The Green family—Bromhilda Green, pays respects to His Majesty the Emperor.”
“The Green family—Du Fan Green, pays respects to His Majesty the Emperor!”
The golden robes in the distance remained motionless. The old emperor seemed to be examining Du Fan closely, but he showed no intention of asking Du Fan to stand up. Naturally, Duke Green also dared not rise on his own.
They knelt for an unknown length of time. By the time Du Fan’s knees went numb and his back was drenched in cold sweat, the old emperor finally coughed, uttering in a hoarse voice, like a broken bellows, “Old Green… you’ve come at just the right time. I’ve heard your son is talented at a young age… Perfect. I have a task I hope he can help me with!”
Duke Green quickly replied respectfully, “If His Majesty gives an order, how could the Green family dare not obey?”
“Very good! Very good!” the old emperor said indifferently. “You may lift your heads now.”
Du Fan slowly raised his head, his gaze falling on the old emperor’s weathered face. He met the emperor’s eyes directly. For some reason, being stared at by this emperor filled Du Fan with a chilling sense of fear!
After all, he was a traveler from another world, considered half a strongman. Yet this old emperor, who seemed on the verge of death, could still exert such pressure on him—this royal presence was truly extraordinary!
“Old Green… you may stand up now,” the old emperor said indifferently.
Duke Green quickly replied, “Thank you, Your Majesty…”
Then he pulled Du Fan to his feet slowly, though they still kept their heads bowed.

Du Fan sighed inwardly as he watched. The Green family had always been loyal to the royal family, so it was expected that his formidable father would show such an expression. At the old emperor’s gesture, Du Fan and Duke Green stepped forward a few more steps. The man before them was Austin III! The father of Prince Fischer!? Du Fan took a close look and couldn’t help but sigh. From this angle, the old emperor seemed nothing but tired and aged… Though he exuded an impressive aura, it couldn’t conceal the darkness in his complexion or the fatigue in his eyes… The old emperor was truly too old—so old that it seemed he might collapse at any moment! Standing ten steps away from the old emperor, Du Fan dared not move closer or speak; there was nothing else he could do in this situation. Austin III finally took his gaze off Du Fan, glanced at Duke Green, and said calmly, “Old Green… If I remember correctly… you have three sons, right?” Duke Green nodded and replied, “Yes, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. However, you have already met my two older sons… Only the youngest has been serving in the Holy Church, so he hasn’t had the chance to pay his respects to you yet.” Austin III nodded and said, “A believer? What a fine boy… Old Green, you should have brought him to see me long ago… Such an outstanding young man still doesn’t have any title, does he? How about this… I’ll grant him the title of baron right now… What do you think, Old Green?” Duke Green frowned slightly but still replied respectfully, “Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!” Austin III smiled and said, “Well… Your son’s name is Du Fan, right? Du Fan… I heard you’re a good friend of Fischer… Is that true?” Du Fan was momentarily stunned but still bowed and said, “It’s all thanks to Prince Fischer’s kindness!” Austin III nodded without comment, seemingly growing more fond of Du Fan. After a moment, he smiled again and asked, “Old Green, how old is your son this year?” Duke Green hurriedly replied, “He’s sixteen, Your Majesty!” Austin III nodded and said calmly, “Sixteen… That seems just right… Well then, Old Green, I happen to have a younger daughter who is fourteen this year, as you know… I really like your son. How about… I match him with my daughter?” Duke Green was stunned, and Du Fan was also shocked…

This… this is… could it be the legendary… proposal!?
Volume 22: Courtly Upheaval