The evening after the tour, Lucian found himself seated at a long dining table in the town hall, opposite Lord Hadrian Vale. The noble’s expression remained unreadable as servants set down plates of carefully prepared local dishes.

  Dorian sat to Lucian’s left, still tense, while Elaine lounged to his right, clearly enjoying the chaos. The townspeople had outdone themselves in an effort to impress their imperial guest, though Lucian suspected half of them had no idea what an envoy was supposed to do.

  Hadrian took a sip of tea and set the teaset down delicately. "I must admit, Lord Veilwood, I am… intrigued by what I have seen."

  Lucian nodded as if he had expected this. "Yes, Duskwatch is quite remarkable, isn’t it?"

  Dorian’s eye twitched. You don’t even know how half of it works!

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  Hadrian tapped his fingers together. "Your governance is highly unorthodox, yet it produces results. Tell me, do you intend to expand them elsewhere?"

  Lucian kept eating absentmindedly. "Expand What?"

  "Your policies," Hadrian continued, watching him carefully. "Many struggling territories could benefit from your… leadership. Perhaps even regions under direct imperial control."

  Lucian nearly choked. "Oh, well… that’s a big responsibility."

  Hadrian smiled thinly. "Surely a leader of your caliber is prepared for such things."

  Lucian forced a laugh. "Ahaha… of course! It’s all about timing, you see."

  Elaine elbowed him. "You’re making it worse."

  Dorian whispered, "You’re about to be recruited into empire-wide reform! Do something!"

  Lucian panicked. "Well, expansion requires careful consideration. A delicate balance between—uh—local traditions and economic sustainability."

  Hadrian nodded slowly. "A wise answer. The Emperor will be most interested to hear your thoughts in person."

  Lucian’s stomach dropped. "Wait, in person?"

  Hadrian’s gaze didn’t waver. "Yes. His Majesty has requested you visit the capital."

  Lucian stared blankly. "Oh. Fantastic."

  Elaine smirked. "Guess you’ll need a new outfit."

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