Chapter 308: A Warm Breakfast 2



When the emperor spoke those words, the room fell into a profound silence.

As the ruler of the most powerful empire in the world, every word he uttered carried immense weight.

His declarations didn’t merely communicate-they defined truths. In his presence, even facts could be reshaped to fit his narrative.

That was the power of his authority.

It was why his words were never taken lightly.

For him to express his gladness at Riley’s return was one thing, but the implications of the final word he used-“son”-were entirely another.

“Son…”

The word wasn’t one to be thrown around carelessly.

It was a term laden with meaning, reserved only for family or those one regarded as such.

But the emperor had no sons, despite his several wives over the years.

The implication of those words sent a ripple through the room, the weight of them hanging heavy in the air.

Luther, the Grand Duke of the Empire, was the first to break the silence.

His voice, though measured, carried a note of irritation as his sharp gaze landed on the emperor.

“Your Majesty, I believe someone of your status should refrain from using words that might lead to unnecessary misunderstandings, don’t you agree?”

The tension in his tone was palpable, a rare challenge to the emperor.

Luther and the emperor had been lifelong allies, friends bound by mutual respect and a shared vision for the empire.

Yet, even their long-standing camaraderie couldn’t excuse what the duke saw as an indiscretion.

The emperor’s words had been too bold, too unrestrained.

To Luther, it felt as though the emperor had spoken his thoughts aloud without regard for the storm they might cause.

But the emperor merely chuckled, a deep, knowing sound that carried both amusement and defiance. “Kuku… Misunderstandings, you say? I fail to see how my words could be misconstrued.”

His gaze shifted meaningfully, landing first on Snow, whose cheeks were tinged with a soft blush, and then on Riley, who looked visibly uncomfortable under the weight of the attention. “After all,” the emperor continued with an almost playful tone, “Riley and my dear Snow are already in a relationship. Isn’t that right?”

Snow’s blush deepened, and she averted her eyes, fidgeting slightly in her seat. Riley, meanwhile, shifted uncomfortably, clearly caught off guard by the emperor’s directness.

The emperor pressed on, his smile widening. “Sooner or later, their love will blossom further. And when the time comes, marriage is inevitable, is it not? Calling him ‘son’ now wouldn’t be wrong, would it?”

“Haha, surely you jest, Your Majesty,” the Grand Duke said with a confident grin, his tone both polite and firm. “Her Highness, Princess Snow, might share a relationship with Riley… but the fact remains unchanged. Riley is betrothed to my daughter, Liyana, his future first wife. He is my future son-in-law. My son.”

The room tensed as the Grand Duke’s declaration echoed, his emphasis on the final words ringing clear.

Their eyes met, and it was as if an invisible clash of lightning sparked between the two powerful figures, igniting a silent battle of wills.

The emperor’s smile remained, though it didn’t reach his eyes.

To most, it would seem like a moment of friendly banter between old comrades.

But beneath the surface, both men’s pride and aspirations for their children swirled in a tempest of unspoken rivalry.

In truth, the emperor was still struggling to accept the idea of Snow being in a relationship with Riley.

To him, Snow was still the little princess who used to cling to his robes and light up the palace halls with her laughter.

The idea of her growing up, of her giving her heart to someone else, was something he’d always hoped to postpone indefinitely.

And yet, even with the stubborn denial lingering in his heart, he couldn’t ignore the reality before him.

Riley had returned from the Trials of Light-a feat that spoke volumes about his character, strength, and determination.

Riley wasn’t just another suitor; he was someone who had already proven his worth beyond measure.

The emperor exhaled softly, his mind conflicted. If ending their relationship would spare Snow from potential heartbreak, he would gladly do so.

But seeing the light in her eyes whenever Riley was near-the unmistakable happiness she exuded-it was clear that she cherished him deeply.

Her happiness mattered more than his own selfish desire to keep her as his little girl forever. Still, compromises had to be made. If Riley were to remain in Snow’s life, it couldn’t be in just any capacity.

It had to be in one that befitted her status and secured her place.

His thoughts turned to the title of the first wife-a position that should, by all rights, belong

to Snow.

The emperor’s eyes flicked toward the Grand Duke, who radiated an air of victory, clearly pleased with his own declaration.

But the emperor wasn’t one to back down easily.

‘This marriage must be perfect…’

His gaze shifted briefly to Snow, who, oblivious to the growing tension, was cheerfully engaging Riley in a quiet conversation.

The emperor’s determination solidified. Snow’s happiness comes first. And if that means ensuring she holds the highest place in Riley’s life, then so be it.

He felt a pang of sympathy for the Duke and Liyana.

They were both good people, and he respected them deeply.

But when it came to his daughter, there was no question-Snow’s position as Riley’s first wife

was non-negotiable.

For the first time, the Duke felt a genuine sense of threat emanating from the Emperor’s

words.

Though their exchange was limited to calm, calculated glances, beneath the surface, the tension between them was palpable.

Both men-fathers who adored their daughters-were more than willing to cross lines to ensure their happiness.

The Duke, renowned as the most powerful swordsman in the world, was a force to be reckoned with.

His strength and influence within the Empire were unmatched by any ordinary noble.

Yet, even with his unparalleled prowess, the Emperor’s authority and power loomed far

greater.

The Emperor wasn’t just a ruler; he was the living embodiment of the Empire itself, and his words held the weight to alter the very fabric of reality within his domain.

Luther understood this all too well.

No matter how close their friendship was, if the Emperor decided that Riley should welcome Snow as his first wife, there was little-even with all his strength-that Luther could do to

oppose it.

Sensing his old friend’s unease, the Emperor softened his approach slightly.

He knew better than to push too hard. Luther was a loyal and trustworthy friend, someone he had relied on countless times in the past.

However, when it came to their daughters, their camaraderie was overshadowed by the fierce determination of two fathers vying for their children’s happiness.

To avoid escalating their silent conflict, the Emperor decided that a compromise was

necessary.

This matter was too delicate, too personal, to let them continue their game of wills.

It wasn’t their decision to make, after all.

“How about,” the Emperor began, his tone calm but purposeful, “we make things fair for

both of our daughters?”

The Duke’s brow raised slightly. “Fair?”

“The title of first wife…” The Emperor paused, his gaze turning toward Riley, who had been

eating in silence but was now frozen under the weight of the conversation. “Shouldn’t the man at the center of all this be the one to decide?”

The Duke’s eyes narrowed. He understood where the Emperor was going with this, and though he didn’t entirely approve, he saw the logic in it.

The Emperor’s calm smile deepened as he addressed Riley directly, his tone carrying the

weight of both authority and challenge.

“Riley Hell, which of our daughters will have the honor of becoming your first wife?”

The room fell silent, the air heavy with anticipation.

Snow’s cheeks turned a shade of pink as she shyly glanced at Riley, her usual confidence

replaced with an endearing nervousness.

Riley, despite clearly listening to every word exchanged, remained silent.

His mind scrambled to find an appropriate response to the pressuring question hanging over

him.

Even with his Mind Acceleration skill active, the influx of thoughts offered no clear path

forward.

He could take the safe route and offer a vague answer, something like, “I don’t know.”

But he was certain that such a response would leave both fathers dissatisfied.

The delicate boundaries between the Emperor and the Duke were not something he wanted to

test, nor did he wish to hurt Snow, who was sitting right there.

In his mind, Liyana and Snow occupied distinctly opposite positions.

Each carried their own significance, but the dynamics surrounding them were far too intricate

for him to resolve in a single moment.

Closing his eyes momentarily, Riley exhaled softly and prepared to speak.

As his mouth opened to form his words-

CLAP!

A resounding clap echoed through the room, the sharp sound amplified by sound magic.

The magical waves disoriented the thoughts of everyone present for a fleeting moment,

drawing all eyes to the source of the noise.

There stood the Empress, her gentle smile as composed as ever, her half-lidded eyes betraying a hint of irritation.

“Now, now,” she began, her voice calm but firm, “there’s no need to burden this young man

with such unnecessary questions, is there? We are here to celebrate his safe return, are we

not?”

Her words lingered for a moment before her gaze, sharp and cutting despite her outward composure, turned toward the Emperor and the Duke.

“And for two grown men to act like complete children at the breakfast table… well, I find that

quite disrespectful.”

Her voice, laced with an undertone of venom, carried a palpable weight that added yet

another layer of tension to the room.

The subtle pressure she exuded commanded immediate attention, forcing even the Emperor

and the Duke to reconsider their actions.

The Emperor, ever the composed figure of authority, chuckled softly, raising his hands in

mock surrender. “Ah, my dear, you’re right as always. I might have gotten a bit carried away.”

The Duke, though less amused, followed suit with a begrudging nod. “I suppose you have a

point, Your Majesty” he said, carefully avoiding her gaze. “It was unbecoming of me to get pressed ion such matters here.”

The Empress let out a light, knowing sigh. “Good. Let’s keep this occasion joyous, as it was meant to be.” She then glanced toward Riley, her smile softening. “Young Riley, please don’t let these two trouble you. You’ve been through enough already, haven’t you?” Riley, who had been on the verge of a nervous breakdown moments earlier, could only nod,

grateful for the timely intervention. “Thank you, Your Majesty….” he said, bowing his head

slightly.

The conversation shifted once more, the atmosphere slightly easing under the Empress’s

watchful eye. But even as laughter and chatter resumed, Riley couldn’t shake the feeling that this moment was merely the prelude to far greater complications ahead.

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