They seemed somewhat nervous. Or rather the adults were. Well, I can't exactly blame them since I was staring at them with a dagger in my hand just in case they plan on coming near me closer than 1.5 meters.

“Greetings to the Imperial Emperor, Aurelia Helena Asterias. I greet the Imperial Princes, Aeson Alistair Dilon and Ian Calix Boman.” the family bowed.

I was rather impressed that they remembered our full names.

Ian whispered in my ear. “It’s Marquess Achio. They aren't bad people.” he whispered.

“Rise.” I said.

The son of Achio caught my eye. His black hair shining, reminded me of someone….

“I greet the Imperial highness-” he said.

“It's fine,” I waved my hand as if to swat away a fly. “Just introduce yourselves.” I intervened. I knew it was exactly ladylike or polite but I was starting to get a bit impatient with our long names.

“Well, if i may. I am Arye Achio, currently an Imperial knight in group A.” he bowed.

Cool. he was in one of the top classes of the knights. His black eyes seemed to be sparkling. Who was he in my past life?

“Your purpose?” I asked as I sheathed my dagger.

The Marquess looked relieved as he took out a box.

“It is a congratulatory gift. I hope your Imperial Highness will like it. Then I will take my leave.”

I looked as disbelief to Aeson, as they left the tent. Was that all? They came just to greet us and give us a gift?

Aeson carefully took the box.

Sir Lamri, twin brother of Sir Liam personal knight of Aeson, tried to warn him that it was dangerous but Aeson just opened the box. I peeked inside.

“Wow, that's pretty.” exclaimed Ian.

It was a red colored gemmed necklace. It was shining and sparkling that I saw small dots dancing in my eyes.

“The next guest is your highness.”

We hastily took our positions and we greeted them.

Most of the gifts were jewelry or diamonds, which I thought would be extremely useful when making armour or weapons but they only brought it in as small sets of stones, not enough to make them into something.

Finally the last guest came.

“I greet the Imperial Highnesses.”

Surprisingly he didn't say our full names which was a relief---because we were nearly one hour behind our schedule with just those greetings. I noticed he didn't have any person holding whatever gift he had for us which was also relieving since our carriage for the presents were already full. Or if today was our unlucky day, the gift he had for us couldn't be carried or couldn't fit in the tent, that is a different dark story, which i didn't want to think about. That made me want to sigh but I managed to keep my poker face.

I noticed there were no women. Only three men. Maybe his wife died.

“They are the Halio Royal Family. The one just next to us and they have a strong navy port and they are rich in trading businesses.” Ian sounded so tired.

“You may rise. What is your purpose here?'' I asked silently, fiddling with my dagger. Since I was touching my dagger so much I feared my hand would get some sort of metal allergy reaction. But I guess I'll just wait and see.

“I came to offer my second son to be Your Highness’s consort.”

I nearly lightly stabbed myself. What? Consort? Out of the blue?

I don't remember myself signing something like that…… actually nevermind. I vaguely remember signing a piece of paper in a rush which had the word consort, before going conquering the neighbouring countries.

I glared daggers at my brothers who stood uncomfortably.

“I am in no need for consorts.” I declined. I thought of throwing my dagger at the King’s foot just to emphasize my point but decided to stay put since i didn’t know the King’s personality, which that might cause a small war.

Aeson stepped up. “Sis, I know you don't like these kinds of things but you have to have more power. And in order to do so you have to make an alliance with some sort of a powerful kingdom! Dont forget they have the biggest port in our continent so it is quite good for trading deals.” he whispered.

“Actually, nevermind. I will think of it.”

I felt slightly embarrassed but reminded myself that I was an emotionless ruler. I glanced at his companions.

One had a white uniform with amber hair nearly red and the other had a knights’ uniform with amber hair as well. Perhaps the one with the white uniform was the known handsome Crown Prince from the Halio Kingdom. And the dude with the knight’s uniform was his knight.

“I’ll even throw in a deal which only the Zarin Empire can use.” the king said, making me look back at him.

At first I was about to ask who the Zarin Empire was but then I remembered that I named it like that. Or rather quickly named it since my brothers were insisting the name should be Aurelia or Helena or Asterias. I thought of Asterias but in the end I chose the Zarin Empire.

The king looked somewhat desperate and I understood him. I mean since our empire was big it would be bad if we were enemies, plus we will have a lot of clients. And he probably came to make a deal before we could make our own port and make it hella big, overtaking their only business. I didn't see anything major which we would lose.

“Send me the contract and I'll sign it later.” I concluded as I waved them off.

I realized I forgot to ask the second son’s name but I will just ask my brother later.

Ian patted me on the back. “Dang Aurelia. If you made the deal then our citizens would live somewhat with a little less taxes.”

“But wasn't that a bit too easy?” I frowned.

Ian pushed my arched eyebrows back. “That is going to ruin your pretty face sis.”

“Shut up.” I grumbled.

“Well,” Aeson shrugged. “That's how stuff works.”

“Mmm. okay.”