CHAPTER 178: 178. MEETING RELATIVE

Leo followed the Royal Knight through the busy Royal camp as they made their way to a smaller tent, away from the king’s heavily guarded pavilion, his boots sinking into the soft grass.

This area had less security than the main camp, with only one guard nodding quickly to pull aside the entrance curtain. "You may enter now," the guard said in a flat voice.

Leo stepped into the roomy and comfortable tent, With mana-lamps hanging from the ceiling. In the center was a polished wooden table with padded chairs surrounding it. A familiar voice called out to him, "Hello, my nephew."

Princess Thalia Varian Duskbane and Queen Yvana Duskbane were seated at the table when Leo turned around.

The sight of Yvana brought back memories of Leonhardt’s early years. It was almost uncanny how much she resembled Leonhardt’s mother, Seraphina: platinum blonde hair falling in soft waves, pale gold eyes, and a face so similar that it made Leo’s chest tight.

Her gold eyes softened as she noticed his lingering gaze, and she smiled warmly. "Come sit down, Leonhardt."

Leo went to the table and sat across from them, nodding while concealing his discomfort. His red eyes examined the tent, spotting hints of mana—guards listening in the shadows, their presence silent but obvious to his instincts.

His voice was cautious but courteous as he raised his head. "Good afternoon, Queen Yvana Duskbane. I’m honored yet surprised that you called me."

With a light yet perceptive tone, Yvana laughed and looked at Thalia. "Thalia, you were correct. He has changed so much that he is no longer the scared little boy I remember."

Thalia smiled mischievously, her blue eyes glimmering with laughter. "Mother, I told you. He is now full of surprises."

Leo leaned back in his chair and laughed softly, his voice dry but courteous. "Come on, Your Majesty. Mother died when I was seven years old. It’s difficult to compare me to that child—We’ve barely crossed paths since."

Yvana raised a hand, and a maid stepped forward with a tray of drinks, her movements smooth. "Not barely, Leonhardt—never," Yvana corrected, a hint of regret in her voice. The maid set a steaming cup of coffee in front of Leo, its rich smell calming him as he met Yvana’s gaze.

His voice was straightforward but respectful as he took a sip and set the cup down. "So why call me now, Queen Yvana?"

The Official title by him made Yvana frown, and her gold eyes grew softer. I like it when you call me Aunt Yvana. You know, my sister had wished for us get closer."

A slight smirk flickered across Leo’s lips, but he pressed down gently. "All right, Aunt Yvana, but tell me the true purpose of this meeting."

Yvana’s lighthearted tone changed to one that was slightly purposeful. "After all these years, can’t an aunt just want to see her nephew?"

Leo’s red eyes narrowed slightly as he laughed doubtfully. "Oh, please, Aunt Yvana, you don’t usually pay me a visit."

Thalia leaned forward and laughed, her blue eyes gleaming. "He’s got you the moment you summoned him, Mother. You’re not particularly nuanced."

Yvana’s smile persisted, but her expression darkened and her voice fell silently determined. "All right, you win, Leonhardt. Let’s get right to the point."

"I’ve heard that you’re backing Thalia’s campaign in the election tournament. What drives you to support her?"

Leo’s fingers tapped lightly on the polished table, a subtle signal. Thalia noticed as she tapped her foot, casting a noise-cancellation spell with a faint pulse of mana. The invisible guards couldn’t hear what they had to say because of a gentle, invisible dome that shimmered around the table. Leo leaned forward. "Do you know why, despite your strong bond, my mother limited contact with you after marrying Father?"

Yvana’s voice was firm but gentle, and her smile dimmed a little. "Indeed. My husband holds a strong animosity toward House Caulem. For generations, our families have been at odds."

Leo turned to look at Thalia. "And why was I the target of the prince’s indirect bullying at the Academy?"

Thalia’s voice was honest and low as her face tensed. "Cassain is resents House Caulem. He used you to vent his anger as you were an easy target."

Yvana narrowed her eyes and spoke in a curious tone. "Are those your only motivations for backing Thalia’s campaign?"

With a slight, self-assured grin, Leo crossed his arms and shook his head. "Not at all. They are merely parts of it. I’m working on projects all over the kingdom right now—projects that require assistance, not some annoying, insane fool. The best ally for that is Thalia."

Thalia’s blue eyes gleamed with curiosity as she raised a brow. "Projects? Are they... questionable?

"More like clearing out questionable things."

Yvana’s gold eyes were sharp as she leaned closer. "Will you support Thalia for the next Monarch position once you are Duke of Caulem?"

"Yes, if our goals still coincide by then." His eyes narrowed slightly as he paused. "But the emperor looks far from stepping down, with his newfound vigor. I thought Cassain or you would succeed to the throne right after the Academy.

Thalia’s face grew serious, her voice quiet. "Eight months ago, Father was frail, as you said. Our doctors gave him only a few years."

"What changed?"

Yvana sighed, her fingers brushing the edge of her teacup. "We don’t know."

Leo’s eyes narrowed. "Not even the queen and princess know?"

Thalia shook her head, her silver eyes sincere. "Even the empress, his closest confidante, seems in the dark about his secret."

Leo leaned back, wrestling with the mystery of the king’s sudden energy. He stood, his smirk returning as he met Yvana’s gaze. "It’s nice to meet you, Aunt Yvana."

He moved toward the tent’s exit, pausing to add, "Hope Mother would love our alliance, Aunty Yvana."

Yvana’s smile was warm, touched with respect for his bold confidence and the clever alliance he’d built, unafraid of the prince or emperor’s power.

"I’m sure she would," she said softly, her gold eyes following him as he stepped out, the tent’s silk flaps closing behind him.