The tone of Emperor Keilusa was incomparably softer than when they had first met. Setting aside the formal language that he had to employ as an Emperor, his voice seemed surprisingly similar to Kishiar's.

"To meet the hero of the Great Sarain Forest in such an informal setting might not be appropriate, but I assume you didn’t anticipate the nature of this occasion when you accepted the invitation. This is merely a meal with my one and only younger brother, so feel free not to worry too much."

Interpreting his words, it seemed as if he was saying that he understood Yuder Aile hadn't come here willingly. Even if Yuder didn’t adhere to the complex protocols of the imperial palace, he would be lenient.

'So, family really is family. Seeing how he guesses Kishiar's actions without a single explanation...'

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Yuder murmured appreciatively, prompting Kishiar to make a faintly displeased face as he grumbled,

"Your Majesty, that’s a bit much. I distinctly remember properly explaining the nature of this meeting to both you and my assistant."

"I’m sure you explained. Your subordinate, who always looks so troubled when he comes here, would have heard your explanation as well. Is it not the same now as it was then, making things difficult even when you know the people around you?"

"Ha, if you say that, my assistant might get the wrong idea."

"Calling a misunderstanding what one thinks upon hearing the truth seems inappropriate."

Kishiar, who stood in front of the Emperor, felt genuinely like a younger sibling in the presence of his older brother. Observing Emperor Keilusa, who wore glasses and had a scholarly, delicate face that displayed articulate mastery over language, Yuder quietly revised his evaluation of the man upwards.

He had already suspected that Emperor Keilusa had considerable skill in manipulating his environment through written and spoken words. But seeing him interact with Kishiar, this was clearly not merely 'considerable.'

Kishiar, who was not easily bested in verbal engagements, seemed in no way inferior to his blood relative.

As the seemingly similar yet different brothers conversed, the door at the rear opened, and trays of food were gradually placed on the table. Seeing the simple yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients, Yuder was reminded of the imperial cuisine he had experienced under Emperor Katchian.

The food he had seen then had been uniformly large, flashy, and seasoned lavishly with expensive spices. Despite the increasing scarcity of ingredients due to ongoing climatic anomalies and disasters, Emperor Katchian had never cut corners. His extravagant imperial cuisine had quickly become symbolic of both him and the then Orr Empire.

It was astonishing how the same dish could be so different depending on who the Emperor ordering it was.

The food before him seemed to symbolize Emperor Keilusa himself, reinforcing Yuder's resolve concerning his treatment and choices. Coming here to see the Emperor’s private side first was clearly a wise decision.

"Now, let us begin the meal. As this is Sir Aile's first meal here, let me call for a servant to assist you…"

Even the Emperor's meals, however simple, were bound by a set of rather intricate protocols. Anticipating that Yuder might not be familiar with these, the Emperor was about to call one of the attendants standing behind him.

It was considerate of him, but the problem was that Yuder had already internalized most of the palace etiquette.

'How much should I pretend not to know in order to appear adequately normal without being off-putting?'

Before coming here, he hadn't given it much thought, but now he realized it was a surprisingly difficult task.

As Yuder was mentally calculating, his eyebrows subtly knit together. At that moment, Kishiar raised his hand.

"That's taken care of. Since he came with me, I'll instruct him. Your Majesty, please eat at ease."

Unexpectedly, both Emperor Keilusa and Yuder turned their gaze towards Kishiar at the same time.

"…Wouldn't that make Sir Aile even more uncomfortable?"

"What are you talking about? From the perspective of someone who is here for the first time, isn't it more comfortable to be guided by someone you see every day? Right, Yuder?"

Before Kishiar's radiant smile, Yuder fell silent. It was clear that Kishiar had quickly picked up on his discomfort.

"...I'm fine either way."

"Very well."

Upon hearing his younger brother's audacious answer, the Emperor momentarily adjusted his glasses, as if pressing on his forehead. "Do as you please," he finally said, lifting his spoon. His ability to discern what could be discussed further and what couldn’t was a testament to his profound wisdom. He clearly knew Kishiar La Orr well.

With a mischievous smile, Kishiar unfolded the neatly folded white cloths in front of him. Commoners often don't use any cloth when eating, but nobles always use one. It served to protect their clothes from food stains, or to wipe their mouths after eating.

However, in the Emperor's dining setting, three cloths were used.

The first cloth went on his lap, the second was tucked between the neck of his top to cover his chest, and the last was placed on the side most frequently used by his hand. This was to wipe his hand intermittently or serve as a backup in case the other two cloths got dirty.

Without needing explanation, Kishiar moved precisely so that his actions were evident. Yuder discreetly followed his lead but a tad slower.

Between the appetizers and the main course, there was a rule to dampen a cloth with water to wipe one's hands. The posture and sequence when using forks, spoons, and knives were also carried out in almost the same manner.

Initially, the Emperor watched Yuder carefully a few times, but when he saw that Yuder was adeptly following Kishiar's lead, he stopped looking and focused on his meal. Yuder noticed that the food placed in front of the Emperor was significantly less in quantity and made from softer ingredients compared to his own. Even though he spoke as if he wasn't that ill, it was apparent that he was in a condition where even eating was burdensome.

"Do you have any idea why I summoned you today?"

During the meal, the Emperor directed his words to Kishiar. It seemed like the real conversation was about to begin.

"Well, I understand it's not to revoke the palace entry prohibition. You were going to conclude the matter of last night's incident with a letter, weren't you?"

"Yes, that's right. Despite the surprising news that one more imperial sword mark has appeared, the likes of Duke Diarca and the Crown Prince have been unusually quiet. Whenever they are this quiet, noisy events usually follow. That's what worries me, and that's why I wish to borrow your perspective."

"So, you've changed your mind about me not getting involved, it seems."

Despite the snide and cunning reply, suggesting that the Emperor had changed his mind based on last night's events, the Emperor showed no particular reaction. Setting down the knife and fork he was holding, he calmly wiped his lips and responded.

"To be precise, it's not really a job. With the upcoming Cavalry award ceremony at the palace, many people are busy preparing, tailoring new outfits and buying jewels. I'm merely asking you to take a look around while you prepare as well."

"It seems the ones actually receiving the awards are rather quiet, while those who won't are even busier."

"Very busy, indeed. So much so that proper reports aren't coming in, despite unidentified tailors and jewel merchants flocking to the palace where the Crown Prince resides."

At that, Kishiar momentarily paused in cutting his meat.

"I see. The palace has been unusually quiet for a while now."

A sharp smile flickered in the eyes gazing at the Emperor. Yuder caught on that Kishiar likely had some idea about this roundabout information the Emperor had revealed.

"Among the rumors I've heard from outside, there's talk that these new tailors and jewel merchants are not what they seem. They are said to have been gaining a reputation for effectively treating troublesome ailments like migraines, ailments that even divine powers can't cure."

"If that's true, Duke Diarca would be extremely interested in such people. Is the Crown Prince also attending the party?"

"Yes, he sent word yesterday that he would attend."