The two guards who were outside the hall standing on each side of the double doors saluted upon seeing Nathaniel. They then opened the door for him so he could enter and closed it after him. Inside the spacious study, three other people had been waiting for his arrival.

The Emperor was sitting on the north side of the table, looking regal in his royal robes, while Ezekiel had taken the spot on one of the couches on the left. Lukas was in front of Ezekiel, being cozy as usual, with both of his feet planted atop the table without a care in the world. The two royals weren't fazed by his crass attitude because they are already used to it but not Nathaniel.

Plenty of times, he had questioned himself why Lukas could do things that are known as taboo and disrespectful. He had pestered Ezekiel about this and the latter just laughed it off, saying it's fine.

How is that fine?

Anyway, as long as the two themselves don't make a big deal out of it then he'll just turn a blind eye for now. Well, even if he wanted to berate him for his behavior, just looking at the culprit gives him a complicated feeling. His presence alone screams danger whether he appears lazy or not. Nathan had an intuition that if he offended this guy, he will be at the disadvantage, which is weird. He's a master swordsman for heaven's sake!

Both father and son had glanced at him when he walked in, waiting for him to join them. Lukas had stared, boldly scrutinizing him as if he's judging his very soul. It irked Nathan but he can do nothing about it.

But why does he always look at him like that?

"Sorry, I was late. My sister's migraine had acted up again. I had to make sure she's fine before I left," he muttered in an apologetic tone, all the while approaching the table they are in– "My father also stayed at home to look after her and said to tell you he can't come today," Nathan added.

He was about to leave the mansion at that time and Nadia was seeing him off when she suddenly doubled over as she got dizzy. It was so sudden that he almost didn't catch her in time. Naturally, Nathan got worried because it was the first instance that she had her migraine during an active hour. Usually, she had headaches after waking up but this day was an exception.

His father who was also going with him to the palace decided to stay instead. He himself also wanted to stay at home and make sure his sister recovered but because this meeting was very important, he had no choice but to go.

"Migraine?" The Emperor repeated the word, seemingly curious.

Ezekiel looked surprised, staring at him in wonder.

"Ah, she still has it until now? That's been going on for years, isn't it?" He pointed out.

Nathan took a seat beside him as he sighed.

"Yeah."

Lukas heard what he said and was now gazing at Nathaniel with a thoughtful expression on his face. His brows were slightly furrowed as he pondered about something but he didn't utter a word out loud and just remained silent.

"I'll ask the palace physician to check up on her," The Emperor stated. He then rang a small handbell to notify the people outside. One of the guards immediately answered his summons– "Tell the royal doctor to visit the Herman residence."

The guard went away after that to heed his order. Nathan wanted to voice out his opinion but shut his lips instead. After all, he's very worried for his sister and any help they could get is welcome, as long as Nadia gets treated.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," he uttered in gratitude.

"Mmm. Let's discuss the matter during the night of the Founding Ball," he said with a wave of his hand.

The atmosphere got serious after that and the room was filled with different voices, bringing out their own assumptions. It was mainly Ezekiel who had recounted the battle time and time again. Even though they had heard the story a lot of times, it still didn't sit well with them. The reason why Nathan kept going to the palace these past few days was that they were trying to investigate the case about the appearance of artificial mages.

Lukas and Ezekiel had fought these mages and Lukas was the one who confirmed it. Both their perspectives are needed in being able to understand the gravity of the situation. The four of them had expected an attack during the ball and they all prepared for it.

Before the event started, they were tasked with scouting the surroundings for hidden enemies. Lukas had to go around the palace, while Ezekiel and Nathan would mingle in the hall. Nathan had been inside the hall when the battle happened so he didn't get to join them in battle.

They had foreseen it coming but it was still unexpected. More so when the enemies themselves are abnormal.

"And Lord Janus was there from the start, you say?" The Emperor affirmed again.

"He was. He saw the whole exchange, yes." Ezekiel answered.

The magician was present during the fight but didn't meddle. It was already given since the tower has no responsibilities for the empire. Even so, the Emperor wanted his opinion but because they can't just call the Lord of the tower out just like that, they are only left to their own devices.

"It would be great if Lord Janus helped us out as well but..." The Emperor hummed.

They were all thinking the same, well, except for one guy.

"Cheh." He didn't say anything but just scoffed.

These people are clinging to the man's legs and almost worship him. Lukas doesn't understand why. It was clear as day that Janus does not care about anything but his own self-interest. Yet all of them put him in such a high place and revered him almost like a deity.

They are all putting their faith in him but Lukas won't be deceived. He believed that the magician is not entirely innocent. Whether it's direct or not, he should be involved in some way. His gut feeling never failed him once.

Also, it was clear that Janus hates him for some reason. The first time they met, he already expressed his dislike. His tone also sounded as if he knew him from way before though he is pretty sure he never met him but he could feel it.

That man is not simple. Not because he is the so-called greatest magician but because of other reasons.

Lukas found him hella suspicious and that won't ever change.