Chapter 108: Chapter: 108 You are the youngest swordmaster in the history.

Vivian’s father’s eyes met his, and he gave a small smile, though it looked a little awkward.

His grandfather, on the other hand, waved his hand with a proud smile, his sharp eyes softening for a brief moment.

Vivian nodded lightly in return before turning his gaze toward the raised platform at the center of the hall.

There, a long red carpet stretched all the way from the large doors of the audience chamber to the highest point of the floor.

At the end of it stood the royal throne.

The throne was huge and truly magnificent.

It was made of gold and decorated with rare jewels that sparkled under the light.

Every part of it looked like it had been made with great care, showing the power and wealth of the Indrath Empire.

On the throne sat two people, a man and a woman.

The man had short blond hair and clear blue eyes.

He looked a little like the Third Prince, but far more handsome and dignified.

His sharp gaze carried a sense of pride and power that made it clear he was no ordinary man.

He was Charlotte’s father, the Emperor of the Indrath Empire, Gray von Indrath.

Beside him sat a woman dressed in a violet gown embroidered with small red flowers.

Her long red hair, much like Charlotte’s, was tied into a graceful knot, decorated with fine ornaments that shimmered softly in the light.

Her features were gentle and elegant, and though she looked similar to Charlotte, there was a warmth in her eyes that set her apart.

While Charlotte’s eyes often held calm pride, her mother’s eyes shone with quiet kindness.

When her gaze fell upon Vivian and Charlotte, her smile grew soft, as if her heart was filled with affection rather than royal pride.

"Haa..." Vivian let out a quiet breath as he stepped forward, Charlotte following close behind him.

Her expression was calm as always, her steps light and steady.

As he entered the center of the grand hall, his eyes turned toward the throne.

He stopped a few steps away, lowering his head slightly.

"I greet the—" he began, about to kneel and pay his respects to the Emperor.

But before he could finish, the Emperor raised his hand gently.

"You don’t need to kneel," he said.

Vivian froze for a moment, then straightened his back.

The Emperor’s expression looked a little awkward as his eyes moved toward his daughter.

There was pride in his gaze, but also a strange hint of nervousness, as if he wasn’t sure how to act before her.

Charlotte met his eyes calmly, then gave a small nod and a faint smile.

Seeing that, the Emperor let out a soft sigh of relief.

"You two must be tired after traveling for so long," he said, his voice warm and steady.

"But you’ll have to wait a bit before you can rest."

There was no pride or arrogance in his tone, only affection,

mixed with a quiet trace of unease, like a father speaking to his children after a long time apart.

Though he was the Emperor, he was also a father, a doting one at that.

In the past, however, he hadn’t been this gentle.

He had been strict, almost harsh, especially toward his children.

He had wanted to raise strong heirs who could one day rule the empire with wisdom and power.

But deep down, he had always regretted being too hard on them.

In truth, he had always wanted a daughter, someone he could love freely without the weight of duty between them.

Then Charlotte was born.

She became his chance to be the kind of father he had secretly wished to be.

From the moment she came into his life, he showered her with affection.

Over the years, his love turned into pure doting, and Charlotte grew up as a spoiled princess.

But after she met Vivian, she began to change.

She became calmer and more thoughtful, though her pride never truly faded.

The reason the Emperor had stopped Vivian from kneeling was also because of her.

Before their return, Charlotte had made it very clear that if Vivian knelt before anyone, even out of formality, she would stop speaking to him entirely.

The Emperor knew his daughter well enough to believe her.

She was stubborn, just like her mother, and he had no wish to test her temper.

Letting out another sigh, the Emperor’s expression softened as he looked at Vivian.

"Congratulations," he said warmly, his eyes glinting with pride.

"I heard you recently reached the Swordmaster stage."

"Yes," Vivian replied politely, his tone calm and respectful.

The Emperor nodded slightly but didn’t say anything at first.

His eyes moved across the hall, and he could see the officials standing there.

Many of them had even forgotten to breathe the moment Vivian had entered.

The rumors about him had started only a few days ago.

Most people hadn’t believed them.

A fifteen-year-old Swordmaster?

It sounded impossible.

But now, as they felt the faint pressure of his aura filling the hall, there was no room for doubt.

"The rumors were true... he really reached the Swordmaster stage,"

one of the officials whispered in disbelief.

"Unbelievable... he’s not even sixteen yet. How can anyone be that monstrous?"

another muttered, his eyes wide.

Soon, quiet whispers spread across the hall as more and more officials began to talk about Vivian’s talent and strength.

Even though they tried to keep their voices low, admiration and shock filled the air.

Vined and Duke Sant stood side by side, watching silently.

Both men had their chins slightly raised, pride shining in their eyes.

’That’s my son.’

’That’s my grandson.’

The same thought echoed in both their minds, and both were deeply pleased.

Especially Duke Sant, his lips curved in satisfaction as he glanced sideways at Vined, thinking,

’Marrying my daughter to this fool turned out to be the right choice after all.’

"Ahem." The Emperor cleared his throat, and the room instantly fell silent once again.

Even the faint murmurs stopped.

He looked around the hall, a small smile playing on his lips.

Truthfully, he was just as pleased as everyone else, perhaps even more so.

After all, this once-in-a-generation genius was not only a Swordmaster at fifteen but was also soon to be his son-in-law.

He had watched Vivian grow up, and seeing his progress filled him with pride that he couldn’t quite hide.

"You are the youngest Swordmaster in the history of the empire,"

the Emperor said with warmth in his voice.

"You are the future of our nation."

His eyes flicked toward Charlotte for a moment.

When he saw that she was smiling faintly, clearly pleased, his tone grew even more enthusiastic.

"Such an achievement deserves recognition. A reward should be given for your contribution."

Vivian blinked in surprise.

He looked a little hesitant, unsure how to respond.

Receiving a reward just for reaching Swordmaster didn’t seem right to him, it was his own path, not something he did for others.

Charlotte noticed his hesitation and gave him a light nudge with her elbow.

"Say it," she whispered quietly, her lips curving into a small smile.

"Yes, don’t be shy," the Emperor added, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Go on, tell me what you want."

Vivian hesitated for a moment longer, caught between politeness and honesty, as both father and daughter looked at him expectantly.

Heaving a quiet breath, Vivian finally spoke, his tone calm and polite.

"Recently, my sword broke... so, if possible, may I receive a new one?"

The Emperor blinked once, then smiled broadly.

"Of course you can," he said at once, his voice filled with approval.

"A Swordmaster without a proper sword cannot display his full strength."

Saying that, he snapped his fingers.

From among the servants standing near the wall, an old man stepped forward.

He was dressed neatly in a butler’s uniform, his back straight and his movements precise.

"You called, my lord?" the man asked respectfully, bowing slightly.

"Yes, Robwin," the Emperor said with a nod.

"Take Vivian to the royal treasury and let him choose any sword he wishes."

"As you command, my lord."

Robwin bowed deeply, then stepped back into position, waiting for the order to depart.

Vivian lowered his head slightly in thanks.

"I am grateful, Your Majesty," he said, his voice steady and sincere.

The Emperor’s smile softened.

"It’s well deserved," he replied warmly.

"I look forward to seeing how far you’ll go from here."

As the matter of the reward came to an end, the Emperor drew in a sharp breath, his expression turning serious.

The warmth in his eyes faded, replaced by the calm authority of a ruler.

"So," he began slowly, his deep voice echoing through the hall.

"Tomorrow’s conference is being held because of you, Vivian."

"I assume whatever reason you have for calling it must be important?"

Vivian met his gaze steadily, his expression calm and composed.

"Yes," he said simply, his voice clear and firm.

"It is extremely important."

The Emperor studied him for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly with curiosity.

Then he leaned back against the throne, resting one hand on the armrest.

"Very well," he said.

"Since not everyone has arrived yet, and the meeting is set for tomorrow, we’ll wait until then to discuss it."

"Yes," Vivian replied with a polite nod.

The Emperor’s gaze lingered on him for a while, as though trying to read the thoughts behind those calm eyes.

But seeing nothing revealed, he let out a soft sigh and said, "You two should get some rest for now."

"Many thanks," Vivian said, bowing respectfully.

Charlotte followed his motion with a graceful nod, and together they turned to leave the hall as the officials quietly stepped aside, watching them go.