Chapter 591

At the same time, in the imperial palace of the Eternal Day Empire, Emperor Charles was discussing important matters with several trusted ministers in the council hall.

The gilded candelabra cast flickering halos in the center of the long table, and dossiers and maps covered the entire black sandalwood table.

The Minister of Finance was reporting on the allocation of military pay for the border, while the Chief of Internal Affairs whispered a report on the recent abnormal movements among the nobles.

A gloom that could not be dispelled hung between Charles's brows; the matter they were planning must absolutely not leak out in the slightest.

Just then, the heavy carved wooden door of the council hall was knocked, and without waiting for a response, the Commander of the Imperial Guard, Layton, strode in, his silver armor shimmering with a cold luster under the candlelight.

He walked straight to Charles's side and leaned down to whisper; although his voice was soft, it made everyone in the silent hall prick up their ears.

"Your Majesty, the Pope's personal guard requests an audience."

Charles stopped abruptly and looked up at Layton, a trace of imperceptible shock and suspicion flashing in his eyes: "The Pope's personal guard? Is it the one who just wiped out the Blood Demon Society a few days ago?"

"It is indeed him," Layton's voice lowered even further, "He came alone and is currently outside the palace gate."

The hall became so silent that a pin drop could be heard.

Several ministers exchanged glances, and the air suddenly became thick and tense.

The Pope's personal guard visiting suddenly at this sensitive moment—was it a coincidence, or had that Majesty who lived deep in the Pope's palace already sensed something?

Wiping out the Blood Demon Society demonstrated the Holy See's unrivaled martial power; coming here now, was it a warning, a reprimand, or a deeper probe?

Countless dark speculations surged in everyone's hearts, as if they could see the shadow of the Holy See silently enveloping them.

Charles was silent for a moment, the emotions in his eyes shifting several times before finally returning to calm, even carrying a hint of unfathomable meaning: "Bring him in."

Layton went to carry out the order, and no one in the council hall spoke again; a feeling of oppression, as if a storm were coming, permeated the air.

The ministers stood with their heads bowed, but their hearts were beating like drums, secretly speculating about the intentions of this mysterious personal guard and what kind of variables he would bring to the already delicate relationship between the imperial family and the Holy See.

Footsteps approached from afar, the door opened again, and a tall, straight figure walked in against the light.

He was wearing the standard robes of the Holy See, yet he possessed an aura of standing like a mountain, as if he were not stepping into the core of imperial power, but into his own courtyard.

His gaze swept over everyone in the hall and finally landed on Charles in the main seat, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, his tone as casual as if he were greeting an old friend:

"Charles, long time no see."

Once these words were spoken, the whole hall was shocked!

Several old ministers suddenly looked up, their faces filled with unbelievable horror and anger.

Arrogant! Rude! In this Eternal Day Empire, besides the Pope himself, who dared to call His Majesty the Emperor by his name without adding an honorific?

This was simply naked blasphemy! The Minister of Finance was so angry that his beard trembled, and he was about to shout a reprimand immediately.

However, a scene that left them even more dumbfounded occurred.

Not only did Charles not get angry, but he suddenly stood up from his seat, a truly sincere, even slightly pleasantly surprised smile blooming on his face, and he strode around from behind the table to welcome the visitor.