Chương 115: Chapter 108-A Chosen Dinner

Elegance. Richness. A hint of pretentiousness. That's what this room exudes. What with its mahogany chairs that have flowers etched into them and the Hopper-sized paintings of mountains. The room itself is also large and built with a scarlet color scheme in mind. Not to mention the cutlery and plates, they look like they'd fetch a pretty high price on the streets. Based on the gold coins in Kats eyes, she's thinking the same thing. On the other hand, Mateo looks relatively calm, odd.

"Hello there, Carlos, correct?" a silky voice says from the head of the table. Turning my attention away from the room, I finally pay attention to the people in it. An Elven woman with long red hair, golden eyes, and a youthful look, Elves are always hard to pin down age-wise, sits at the head of the table. Based on the simple, but elegant crown on her head and the resemblance to Penelope, I assume this is the Empress. To her right is the First Prince, Valerian, who saved my life from Gryn.

By the way, he's also wearing a crown. To the right of Valerian is an empty seat, and then the Second Prince, Heath. He already looks like he's ready to spar with me. Oh, and he's also wearing a crown. To the right of him is… who is that? A Half-Elf child with black hair and gold eyes sits regally in her slightly oversized chair. She's probably around Mateo's age… Ah, she must be Penelope's younger sister. If my research is correct, she's Second Princess, Marigold. She's also wearing a crown.

"I believe my mother asked you a question, Char- Chosen One," Penelope says. Sitting to the left of the Empress is Penelope in… a very beautiful blue dress. The way the red of her hair clashes with the blue of her dress is almost breathtaking… Uh, anyway, it's odd to see her out of uniform. Shook me for a second, that's all. She's also wearing a crown. They all are. Should we have brought crowns?

"Apologies, Empress. I was admiring the room. Whoever organized it did a fine job," I say with a bow. Mateo and Kat follow my lead and also bow.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, but it is appreciated. Please take a seat and let us become acquainted," the Empress says as she gestures to the empty seats. Sitting next to Penelope, I give her a quick smile. She returns it with a noticeable amount of annoyance.

"I am going to assume this is your family, Carlos?" Empress Calliope asks with a gleam in her golden eyes.

"Yes, they are. This is my younger brother Mateo and my older sister Kat," I say with a soft smile. Valerian cocks his head.

"You have a very colorful family. How exactly are you related?"

"Valerian, that is quite rude," the Empress says.

"That's okay. We get that question a lot. Isn't that right, brother?" Kat asks with her newfound elegance.

"Yes. Kat and I have different mothers. While Mateo and I have different fathers," I say, not technically [Lying]. Penelope gives me some side eye as she gently taps my foot with hers. Ignoring her, I keep myself focused on the conversation in front of me. What's got her all pissed off?

"How peculiar. So, that would mean that Mateo and Kat here don't share blood?" Valerian asks. Kat smiles as she ruffles Mateo's hair.

"That's right, but that doesn't make us any less family, isn't that right, Kiddo?"

"That's right. We're thick as thieves," Mateo says without missing a beat.

"How lovely. Rowan would be so happy to hear that," the Empress says.

"You mean the Emperor? Will he be joining us tonight?" I ask, hoping that he won't. Heath lets out a sigh.

"Sadly, no. He had to go deal with some last-minute situation in the-""Well, we probably shouldn't talk about those matters during dinner. I hope you don't have any dietary restrictions in your family… Do the three of you have a shared family name?" the Empress tactfully cuts him off.

"Juárez."

"Gaitán," Kat says.

"Cuervos," Mateo says. The Empress gives a long blink.

"I see. So, no. Well, the food should be served soon, but I was hoping we could talk."

"Yes, I was curious about what exactly this dinner was about," I say as Penelope nudges me with her foot.

"As the letter stated, I hope to deepen the bonds between our families. Given the situation we find ourselves in," the Empress says.

"What situation would that be?" I ask as my eyes linger over to Penelope. Penelope subtly tries to warn me about something, but I'm not exactly sure what she's trying to tell me. Why do I suddenly feel danger? Oh, no. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

"Well, I've heard that you are currently involved with my daughter." Mateo silently chokes on his water. Kat's smile never drops, but her eyes are drilling into the back of my head. I can tell without looking. An acquired trait.

"I-""Mother, I thought we already cleared this up. The Chosen One and I are not in that kind of relationship. We're just friends," Penelope speaks up.

"That's not how it looks like at school," Heath says.

"Heath, I'm so glad you joined the conversation," Penelope says, dripping with sarcasm.

"I mean, he's not wrong. I've heard the rumors," Valerian says as he flicks some lint from his cuff. This suddenly feels like a conversation that I'm not supposed to be a part of. Any chance I can escape? As I subtly look around, Kat taps my hand and gestures for me to get close." Did ya break Rule 4?" she asks in the language of the Sands." No," I [Lie]. Kat's stare becomes harder as the conversation continues.

"Nonetheless. If that is truly not the case," the Empress says.

"It isn't," Penelope says a little too quickly.

"Either way, I thought it would be a good idea to speak to you in person. We've been meaning to," she says with a calculating tone. This is what I was expecting. I had been waiting to be summoned to the Palace, but it almost seemed like the Imperial family had been putting it off. I guess the incident with Tyranus finally pushed them into acting. I need to play this carefully. Just because Penelope is nice doesn't mean her mother is going to be friendly.

"I've been hoping to meet as well," I say as multiple butlers and maids bring in the food.

"What do you know about the Sylvian family?" Empress Calliope asks.

"I'm sad to say, not much. I know they're the Imperial family and that The First Chosen One is their ancestor," I say with a hint of caution.

"Correct. What you don't know is that the Sylvian family has always had a policy of helping The Chosen One," she says.

"It goes back all the way to The First Chosen One. Florian Sylvian, our direct ancestor and brother of Amara Sylvian, was her greatest supporter," Valerian explains as the staff reveals our plates. Slightly distracted by the delicious steak, I ask, "What exactly does that mean for me?"

"I'm glad you asked. Florian Sylvian was devastated by the loss of his sister, and he vowed to help in any way possible to battle the forces of evil. A vow that our family upholds to this day. If there is anything that you need, big or small, we will help," Empress Calliope says as she studies me. The first thought that comes to mind is gold, a lot of gold. The second is more gold. The third is a mountain of gold. With the fourth, I realize that this is a test. A blank check usually is.

Now, what's the correct answer? I can't ask for nothing. It would be too modest, bringing suspicion onto myself. Too much is obviously a trap. So, what's the middle ground? Meeting the Empress's eyes, I give a devilish smile.

"I thank your family for the offer and your continued support against the forces of evil. The only thing I ask is for your continued support. I expect that Tyranus will not be the last threat that I face in my fight against the forces of evil. There may come a time when I will be unable to exert my authority as The Chosen One. After all, I know that due to my 'lineage,' most are skeptical of my allegiances, and to be honest, outside of the church, I have no real political power.

Which is why I'm hoping that your support will legitimize my position in the eyes of the government and will help me save lives in turn," I say, conveniently leaving out whose life I'm hoping to save. The Empress carefully cuts her steak.

"It seems the rumors are true. You really do have a way with words."

"Thank you, Empress." Silence hangs in the room as she stares me down. The green gems encrusted in the crown shine as a stray beam of light passes over it. At the same time, the hammering of my heart rips through my head.

"I find that saving lives is always in the best interest of a ruler. As the Empress of the Nova Empire, I will assure you that we will give you the support that you desire. We will take care of the politics, you focus on defeating the forces of evil," she says with a satisfied smile. With an invisible weight lifted off my chest, I smile. Seems like I cleared whatever hurdle that was. At the very least, I hope I did. Marigold looks around with a regal expression. Huh, now that I think about it…

Has she said anything?

"Thank you, Empress."

"I would also like to personally extend an invitation to the Spring Ball. It will be the perfect opportunity to show the nobility and ambassadors that we support you," the Empress says as she takes a bite out of her steak.

"A Ball? I haven't been to one before. I'm sure it will be fun," I [Lie]. Marigold suddenly shifts and says, "Are you going to be taking Penelope to the Ball? Penelope was excited that you-""Yes, I will go with him. How better to show our support? Isn't that right, mother?" Penelope abruptly says as red dyes her ears.

"A wonderful idea. What do you say, Carlos? Will you do me the favor of taking my daughter to the Spring Ball?" she asks with a wide smile.

"It would be my honor. It would seem we will be partners, Penelope," I say in a teasing tone.

"I look forward to it," Penelope says with a sweet smile. Penelope and I stare each other down. What exactly was Marigold about to say there, and why was Penelope so focused on not letting me hear it? Odd, what's she scheming? Heath clears his throat.

"Let's eat before it gets cold." Breaking eye contact, I focus on my delicious meal. Ah, the joys of being rich. Don't focus on the fact that you don't know how to dance, or that Mateo is speaking to Marigold, or the fact that Kat is staring daggers into me. That's a tomorrow problem. All that matters is this beautiful steak and the taste. Gods does it taste good!!