Having a powerful lord as a father figure, what's wrong with just wanting to draw cards?

Halfway there, Carlos suddenly spoke up.

Domi nodded.

"Your grandfather must have told you about the fate and misfortune of dragon slayers. Spending too much time with them could taint you with the blood of dragons and put you in danger."

Carlos was acutely aware of the power of dragons, especially the ancient dragons. If such beings were to target Domi, who was still young, or any of the other children, he was not confident he could protect them.

"Does Father mean for us to stay away from Nats?"

Carlos remained silent, indicating his agreement.

Domi and Shia exchanged a glance, then said firmly, "Even so, we will not easily abandon our companions. Wouldn't that make us no different from mercenaries?"

"Perhaps this is a bit presumptuous."

"But Father, I still want to tell you that although the nobles of today are labeled as bloodsuckers, treacherous, and greedy for wealth and power, the most important characteristic that distinguishes nobles from commoners in the beginning was the integrity, courage, and loyalty of those who became nobles."

“I believe these qualities will not diminish with the progress of time. What do you think?”

Carlos slowly closed his eyes, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips:

"I hope you will remember what you said today from beginning to end."

Because of Carlos, we missed out on some of the entertainment that was usually reserved for young people. However, we heard many strange tales from Carlos, which were like listening to stories and had a unique charm.

The journey of several days passed quietly in this cycle. Pulling back the silk curtains, one could see the towering and majestic city walls of the royal city in the distance.

That was a city wall that had been repaired twice. The original city wall of the old dynasty was not nearly as high or wide. The new dynasty carried out this project in order to consolidate the majesty of the royal court and to prevent the royal city from being breached again.

The continuous city walls stretched to the horizon, until they disappeared into the morning mist.

“What a spectacle!”

This was Domi's first time in the royal city, and he was immediately stunned by the scene before him. In his previous life, it would have been a spectacular sight.

The Grand Duke's carriage bypassed all checkpoints and proceeded straight in, quickly stopping before the long steps leading to the palace gate.

Carlos walked down first, and before leaving completely, he said to Domi, "From now on, follow behind me, watch and learn carefully, and ask the princess beside you if you don't know anything."

"Ah."

We've finally arrived at the royal city!

If this were an RPG game from a previous life, it would be a major achievement in map expansion. However, he also had to face Shia's parents, so he couldn't help but feel a little nervous. This manifested outwardly as his eyes darting away and his legs feeling a bit weak.

At that moment, as if by telepathy, Shia gave him a reassuring look and offered her hand to Domi:

"Help me down, my knight."

The warmth from her hands truly reached Domi, and miraculously, the slight tension in his heart immediately disappeared, and he became shrewd and confident again, actively observing his surroundings.

You can see many well-dressed people standing on the steps next to the carriage; they are there to greet you, but also to find fault.

At this moment, the max-level Lionheart Empire noble etiquette skill that he had drawn long ago came in handy. Under the watchful eyes of the assembled officials, Domi helped Shia down from the carriage with exceptional elegance and precision. His posture was so perfect that there was not a single flaw to be found.

Seemingly noticing the group's praise, Domi secretly felt pleased with himself.

Ah, my eyes are my ruler!

These people were a mixed bag, mostly court officials who were pro-Bloomfield family and some nobles with similar stances, while others were spies sent by various forces. Among them, one group was particularly noteworthy—the people sent by the Queen.

With Domi's extraordinary observation skills, it was discovered that this person was hiding in the crowd, secretly scribbling in a small notebook, probably giving him a score.

As for where this score will ultimately go, the answer is already obvious.

However, Domi believed that he would never lose points in terms of etiquette; if he did, it must be because there was something wrong with his brain or eyes.

Carlos stepped forward, and Mitchell, who lived next door, came out as well; it turned out he had come too.

Indeed, after all, they are all high-ranking nobles. In special circumstances like discussing matters of national importance, how could someone of his level not attend?

"We've been waiting for you, Carlos."

"Long time no see, Mitch. By the way, when did the meeting start? I've kind of forgotten."

"It's better if you remember some things. It's one o'clock this afternoon."

"It's still early."

Mitch smiled helplessly: "I guess only you would be so confident."

Then he saw Domi and the other man following Carlos and went up to greet them.

When facing elders, only the younger generation should bow. Domi and Shia bowed together:

"Uncle Mitchell, it's nice to see you again."

"I feel the same way. Princess Shia looks great too, much healthier than before."

"By the way, I heard Aiwei is in the same class as you? Are you studying hard? Are you eating properly?"

Domi anticipated this conversation the moment she met Mitch, and she responded with remarkable ease, praising Avi's diligence and studiousness to the skies, while also making Mitch feel very comfortable, since praising someone's daughter is equivalent to praising himself.

"Is that so? Haha, I see~ Then I'm relieved." Mitch turned to Carlos and said, "Carlos, you really have a good son. With such a silver tongue, you'll never be at a disadvantage anywhere."

"Alright, don't be shy, let's go in quickly."

"Domi, there are still some people you need to see in person. Before that, let me take you to His Majesty."

At this moment, both Domi and Shia felt uneasy. The emperor was the only person Shia didn't want to see; nothing good had ever happened when she met him.

Only Carlos and Domishia were required to attend the audience again; the others did not need to.

Upon entering the palace, you will pass through magnificent corridors and numerous gardens and fountains of all sizes, where you will see countless maids and guards along the way.

This is the heart of the most powerful empire on the main continent.

When we arrived at the largest door, we had to look up at the top of it. The door looked very heavy, and the two burly men in iron armor standing guard in front of it could easily pull it open by gripping the pure gold doorknob.

"crunch-"

The red carpet stretched from the entrance all the way to the emperor's throne, which was the audience hall, or the 'court hall' in the conventional sense.

All important political affairs were discussed here. Civil officials stood on the right, military officials on the left, and nobles in the middle. At this time, only enchanted armored guards stood on both sides with long axes in their hands.

The king, whose temples were already white, sat solemnly on his throne, his slightly cloudy eyes exuding an imposing aura.

"Lord Carlos, how have you been?"

The emperor's voice was as powerful as a lion's, but now it sounded aged.

Carlos bowed slightly, while Domi and Shia knelt on one knee.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well and I hope Your Majesty is also in good health."

The old emperor chuckled a few times with a forced smile: "Very well, I hope that Minister Carlos will offer as many good suggestions as before in the afternoon meeting."

"It is my duty."

The old emperor nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to what was behind Carlos:

"Oh~ This must be your third son, Lord Carlos. Let me think... His name is Dominic, right?"

Adhering to the principle of saying as little as possible, Domi replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"I seem to recall that you defeated Alger twice?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Hmm, very good! It's a blessing for Shia to be with you, Lord Carlos. It seems the Broadfield family and the royal family are about to rekindle their relationship. Congratulations!"

Carlos replied calmly and confidently, "That's exactly what I'd like to see."

The old emperor seemed quite pleased to be able to reunite with the Bloomfield family through marriage.

Only then did Burton N. Augustus look at his own daughter:

"Sia, how have you been lately?"

"Everything is fine."

"That's good. Alright, I have some matters to discuss with the General Staff later. You may all leave now..."

190. Chapter 187, Section 186: The Unsatisfied Empress Dowager

The emperor could laugh heartily with Carlos, who was not related to him by blood, and even chat with Domi. But with Shia, his own daughter, Domi felt that he was unwilling to even say a word.

Domi was quite indignant after leaving the throne room. Carlos had already gone to the afternoon meeting room, leaving only Domi and Shia on the colonnaded corridor by the small garden outside.

Shia looked completely unconcerned and shrugged.

"It's alright. He always treats me the same way whenever I see my father, so I'm used to it."

Still the same.

Why does she never loudly express her dissatisfaction?

Domi knew that doing this in a place like the palace would be very disadvantageous to him, but at least he should complain to him properly, right?

Why should someone endure this alone?

“I will change this situation someday,” Domi said softly.

"Did you say anything?"

“No,” Domi shook his head: “Right, let’s go see the Queen. A handsome son-in-law should meet his mother-in-law.”

Shia smiled and said, "Stop trying to glorify yourself."

"The Empress lives not far away. I'll take you there, but I must tell you beforehand that I still need to call her Mother here."

"Yeah, I remember!"

"Then I'll go change my clothes first."

"Can I come along? I really want to be the first person to see you wearing a court dress again."

"Hehe~ No way~" Xia put her hands behind her back and twirled around lightly. "Besides, the palace doesn't wear long, fitted court dresses anymore. Those kinds of clothes are so uncomfortable."

"Then what should you wear?"

"You'll know when the time comes~"

Sometimes he really disliked this about Xia, because it always made him feel uneasy.