Each with Their Own Plans I

"With the emotional reunion held in front of everyone, Adall certainly won't come to Astraveth alone. So, how are we going to handle his uncle Merlin, who officially became the youngest 10th-circle magician in history a few months ago, and the dragon that serves as his guardian knight?"

… !

The problem raised by Grand Duke Nostras's question was pertinent.

Very pertinent, in fact, because several of the advisors present had already thought about it, but none of them could afford to voice their concern. Their eyes, already focused on Nostras as he spoke, widened in astonishment and admiration upon hearing him.

The emperor, meanwhile, maintained an Olympian calm, even though deep inside, he was literally boiling with rage. After all, this question cast doubt on the perfection of the plan he had just presented to everyone, but he was an experienced monarch.