[i]Indeed, the King was watching...[/i]

Before Azuria's speech in the Guild Hall, a number of Fenix Tear's members had been called for attendance in the Crèmisi Empire's Royal Castle: a massive pagoda that seemed to defy both the laws of physics and magic in the height it reached, and the sprawling maze-like settlement that extended its way for miles around the space. The buildings in the settlement, depending on the proximity to the pagoda, were either for the residence of either nobles, visiting courtiers, or people of otherwise higher status to spend their nights in, or for the army of servants, scribes and key officials needed to keep a ship as mighty as the Le Lendard's Imperial Castle afloat.

The members of Fenix Tear present were as thus: Dolores, Ifrit, Zeire, Kotaro, and Conq. The former four had been chosen listen to the particulars of whatever request the Sorcerer King herself had deigned to make of the guild. The unranked mage of no particular value, the old hand Conq, was only present because he was the only member of the guild actually familiar with the western continent-influenced courtesies of a court like Le Lendard.

"Do it as I do, one leg extended behind the other while bowing as deep as you can. I'm the first one speaking, so only I need to do it right. Though, Dolores, I expect you'd know, given... well, y'know..." The elderly guild member wisely decided to shut up before the grand twin doors to the throne room. The throne room was decidedly empty of both guards and petitioners, save for a red-headed young woman clad in armor standing in position by the foot of the stairs leading to the throne.

[i]Tap... tap... tap...[/i] A rhythmic tapping of metal of stone. Then from behind a curtain [i]she[/i] appeared. Long, crimson hair woven into intricate weaves and braids, clad in resplendent armor shined to dazzling, a circlet of golden and studded gems representing immeasurable wealth on her head, a flowing cape of the same hue as her hair emblazoned with the coat of her arms of her kingdom, and a mighty staff that tapped against the marble floors with each of her steps.

But for all the splendor that was Empress Craïstine Le Lendard's appearance and posture, the sheer weight of her presence seemed the most pressing and overwhelming. All mages could sense magic, ambient or personal. And the Empress seemed to have amassed a wealth of magic like a dragon hoards gold. It was beyond what felt feasible, or even possible for mortals...

Yet, Conq held his ground. He swallowed and performed the perfectly dignified bow for the Empress while indicating the others to follow suit as best as they can. "Your Imperial Majesty, you are as radiant as you were a hundred years ago."

The Sorcerer King raised her brows just the tiniest fraction before she asked: "Have we met before, Sir?"

"No. I've only seen Your Royal Highness at parades back then."