historical

Meanwhile, Kale and Farah had reached the Gale Empire and received a message from the court eunuch that the emperor had summoned them.

Kale felt a cold sweat sliding over his back, thinking about what he was going to tell his father, and dreaded the look of contempt he might see on his face.

Most of all, he was afraid about the announcement his father might make about giving him the position of the crown prince.

However, Farah held his hand and smiled, making him feel a bit better, and inwardly thought that he was lucky to have such a supportive wife.

Farah still needed Kale to be in his right mind since he was not only her husband but still held some authority over certain things.

Soon, the two entered the throne room where the Gale Emperor was sitting on his throne with a stern expression on his face, making Kale look down in nervousness. Just from the emperor's expression, he could guess what was going on in his mind.

"I have already got the news," The Gale Emperor said as he looked at Kale's slumped figure.

Kale felt as if the air around him was suddenly feeling heavier than a mountain and stammered, "R-Royal father, I did try my best, but the rules of the competition were only mentioned at the last minute, and I didn't get enough time to prepare myself. I also—"

The Gale Emperor fisted his armrest, "Enough! Only a trash would cry about losing after everything is over instead of admitting their mistakes. If you didn't get time, then how did Tristen get enough time to win the first prize? Kale, I never thought you would be this pathetic. Even Tristen, who never dabbled much in alchemy, has outshone you. Now tell me, do you still feel worthy enough to receive the status of crown prince?"

Kale gritted his teeth as he remembered Tristen smiling at Yuria proudly after winning the first prize, making him feel even angrier and frustrated since he wouldn't be in this position if not for Tristen.

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He felt that if Tristen never participated, then even if he had lost the competition, he would still have a good fighting chance to become the crown prince. But now, it seemed as if the Gale Emperor had already decided on who should be the crown prince.

"Your Majesty, forgive my rudeness, but Kale had given his all to make you feel proud and worked very hard even before the day of the competition to make sure that he could win. It was only that the circumstances were not favorable for him, leading to what happened. I kindly request Your Majesty to give him another chance so that he could prove his mettle and not disappoint you," Farah asked with a respectful bow.

Kale almost teared up seeing how his wife was standing up for him despite being in the presence of his intimidating father.

Not even he could speak up for himself like this and inwardly appreciated what a brave woman he had as his wife.

The Gale Emperor squinted his eyes and said in a flat tone, "Do you want me to go back on my words? I had clearly told Tristen as well that whoever wins the competition and wins the hand of the princess would become the crown prince. And as the emperor, the last thing I would do is break my promises to my own son."

Farah immediately said with her back still bent, "Of course, Your Majesty. I don't want you to break your promises. But what I am trying to say is that you could give Tristen another offer where he could stand to gain more if and only if he accepts to let Kale back in the race for the crown prince seat."

Kale raised his brows, seeing how intelligent and clever his wife was to think of such an idea, and inwardly shouted her thanks in excitement.

The Gale Emperor stroked his chin and slowly nodded, "Hmmm, not a bad idea. I will think about it. You may leave now."

Kale clenched his fists in exhilaration and said in a tone filled with vigor and gratitude as he bowed, "Thank you, Royal father. I promise not to fail you the next time."

Kale then turned around to leave along with Farah when the Gale Emperor suddenly said, "Not you, Farah. I still have some things to discuss with you."

Kale was surprised, but then he thought excitedly that his father was going to discuss the matter of him getting another chance for the seat of the crown prince with his wife.

"Kale, I will see you later," Farah said with a smile, to which Kale replied happily, "No rush, honey. Take all the time you need. I will be in my cultivation chamber. It's time I put more effort into everything."

Kale left the throne hall with a relieved mind, no longer feeling despair as before since he knew Tristen was the kind who would do anything for more benefits. And if his father offered Tristen more benefits, how could he possibly refuse?

Farah stayed behind and looked at the Gale Empire with a certain look, who got up from his seat and said, "Follow me."

Farah followed him towards a corner in the hall which had a small teleportation formation. The two stepped inside the formation circle, and within a moment, the two were standing in a grand and luxurious-looking bedroom.

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With just a look, one could guess that this large and extravagant-looking room was the emperor's room.

The Gale Emperor removed his robes till only his white tunic and pants were on his body and sat down on the bed, facing Farah.

Farah bowed as she asked with a knowing smile, "Your Majesty, how may I be of service?"

As she bowed, the Gale Emperor could see her tempting cleavage through the opening of her dress.

The Gale Emperor curved his lips as he said, "Oh yes...you know how you can be of service, don't you?"