Chapter 1266: Hunting

The Fourth Prince's palace, study.

Keweinuosi looked at the report in his hand, his four eyes narrowing slightly.

"Seven days. He has been in the palace for seven days without stepping out once."

The Adjutant nodded.

"Yes, Your Highness. He stays in the study every day, occasionally goes for a walk in the garden, and never leaves."

Keweinuosi put down the report.

"He wasn't this patient before."

The Adjutant thought for a moment.

"Perhaps he was truly struck by the setback?"

Keweinuosi frowned slightly.

"People who are struck by setbacks either drown their sorrows in alcohol or vent wildly. Him? He did nothing but read. This isn't like him, though it's possible he suffered quite a bit at the hands of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance."

"Then this subordinate will continue to keep an eye on him."

"Mm, go ahead."

One month later, Keluo Ke Imperial City.

The morning sunlight spilled in through the palace's floor-to-ceiling windows, casting mottled light and shadows on the floor.

Kesi stood before the window, looking at the magnificent black city outside.

The door was knocked on gently.

"Come in."

The butler pushed the door open and entered, bowing slightly.

"Your Highness, His Majesty summons you."

Kesi's eyebrows raised slightly.

One month.

Keluoke Ershisi Shi had finally remembered this son who was under house arrest.

"Do you know what it is about?"

The butler shook his head.

"I do not know. But the messenger said to have Your Highness prepare, as it may take a few days."

Kesi nodded.

"Understood. I will go now."

She turned and looked at the three attendants standing in the room.

Over the past month, these three Kalidusi assassins had completely integrated into this palace, becoming her most trusted "confidants."

They had figured out the background of every servant, distinguished which were the Emperor's eyes and ears and which were spies for other princes, and even found several passages to secretly leave the palace.

But now, it was time to walk out of this palace.

"You three, come with me."

Kesi said.

The three assassins nodded in unison.

Kesi changed into her formal prince's attire.

It was a gorgeous black robe with gold trim, and a badge symbolizing her royal status was pinned to her chest.

She looked in the mirror, adjusted her expression, and let Kesi's signature arrogance reappear in those four eyes.

Conference Hall.

Keluoke Ershisi Shi sat on the massive obsidian throne, his four eyes staring at the "son" who walked in.

Kesi walked to a spot ten meters in front of the throne and knelt on one knee.

"Father Emperor, you summoned me?"

"Rise."

Kesi stood up and stood with her hands at her sides.

Keluoke Ershisi Shi looked at her.

"How has your reflection been this past month?"

Kesi lowered her head slightly.

"This child has deeply realized my mistakes. I should not have provoked others publicly on Eris, I should not have rashly fled when leaving, and I should not have let the dignity of the Keluo Ke Imperium be damaged. I have failed Father Emperor's expectations; please punish me, Father Emperor."

After hearing this, Keluoke Ershisi Shi's mouth curled up slightly.

"It seems you haven't wasted this month. Moreover, after being captured by the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, your temperament has improved quite a bit. It seems it wasn't all bad."

Kesi did not speak.

Keluoke Ershisi Shi stood up and walked down from the throne.

"I called you here today not to continue punishing you. The day after tomorrow, I am going to Suoerka Xing for a hunt. You will come along."

Kesi was stunned for a moment.

A hunt?

Keluoke Ershisi Shi looked at her.

"What? You don't want to go?"

Kesi hurriedly shook her head.

"No, of course I want to go, Father Emperor. It is just... I have only just been released from house arrest, and to be able to hunt with Father Emperor, I am flattered."

Keluoke Ershisi Shi snorted.

"Do not rejoice too early. Hunting is not a game; it is a test. I want to see if you have truly reflected on anything this past month."

He walked back to the throne and sat down.

"Go back and prepare. We depart early the day after tomorrow."

Kesi bowed.

"Yes, Father Emperor."

He turned and left.

Walking out of the Conference Hall, Kesi's brows furrowed slightly.

Hunting? A test?

A trace of vigilance rose in her heart.

Keluoke Ershisi Shi was not a father who would take his son hunting on a whim.

This hunt must have a deeper purpose.

Returning to the palace, Kesi called the three assassins into the secret chamber.

"The day after tomorrow, the Emperor is taking us to Suoerka Xing to hunt."

The lead assassin frowned.

"Suoerka Xing? What kind of place is that?"

Another assassin quickly pulled up the information from their memory.

"Suoerka Xing, a primitive planet on the border of the Keluoke Imperium, famous for its ferocious beasts. It is said to be the Hunting Ground for members of the royal family; only the Emperor and the princes may enter."

Kesi nodded.

"It seems to be a royal tradition. The three of you, come with me when the time comes."

"What do we need to prepare?"

Kesi thought for a moment.

"Weapons. Equipment. Also, the Alien Emperor said this hunt is a 'test'; I fear it will not be peaceful."

"What do you think the Alien Emperor will do?"

Kesi shook her head.

"I don't know. But no matter what he does, we must be prepared."

She looked out the window.

"Go and look up information on Suoerka Xing, the more detailed, the better."

The three assassins nodded.

"Understood."