Empress Mia's stunning appearance truly made Soren's eyes light up. It was the first time Soren had ever seen her with such extraordinary grace.
However, he was also aware that Empress Mia had an extraordinary background. Her father was a veteran Saint-level powerhouse of the empire, holding a pivotal position and influence within the empire.
Therefore, both emotionally and rationally, the necessary respect and courtesy were indispensable.
After a moment's thought, Soren slightly bowed, offering a salute with a fitting smile on his face, and asked with a humble and polite tone, "Empress Mia, may I ask what brings you to seek me, the Crown Prince?"
His gaze was honest and focused on Empress Mia, trying to capture some clues from her expression and reaction to unravel the doubts in his heart about this summons.
Empress Mia's eyes were fixed on Soren as she softly asked, "Your Highness, Crown Prince, it is said that many new Saint-level powerhouses have recently emerged in the capital. Surely you have heard of this matter. Yet, among them, the Klein family is conspicuously absent. I wonder what the reason for this is?"
Upon hearing these words, the corner of Soren's mouth twitched slightly, and he secretly muttered in his heart: You know it yourselves, so why do you have to ask so bluntly?
He knew that the Klein family, as a veteran magical family of the empire, naturally possessed a certain foundation. Besides Rhine Hallen, there were also many old fellows in the family who had been stuck at the peak of the Eighth Order for many years.
Previously, with Rhine Hallen's full support, they had barely managed to exchange for two precious potential-breaking potions after spending a lot of resources, which helped one of the old fellows in the family break through to the Saint level.
But this ordeal had greatly depleted the Klein family's vitality. Now, wanting to cultivate another Saint-level powerhouse was undoubtedly as difficult as ascending to heaven.
And Empress Mia's inquiry now was clearly aimed at him, attempting to obtain more resources or opportunities from him to enhance the Klein family's competitiveness in the number of Saint-level powerhouses.
Soren's mind raced, but his face remained calm. He slightly bowed and said in a gentle tone, "Empress Mia, you are also aware of the current situation in the capital. All forces are sharpening their swords to improve their strength. Although there are many newly promoted Saint-level powerhouses, which of them hasn't paid a huge price behind the scenes?"
He paused, looking sincerely at Empress Mia, as if confiding in her, "Just like the Klein family's assistance in the last breakthrough of that senior, it has already exhausted many accumulations. How could I, the Crown Prince, turn a blind eye to such determination and dedication?"
Empress Mia pursed her lips slightly, a hint of imperceptible eagerness flashing in her eyes, and softly replied, "Your Highness, Crown Prince, what you say is true, but the difficulties the family is currently facing are also very real. Those rising stars are gaining momentum rapidly. If the Klein family stagnates here, how will we gain a foothold in this capital in the future? I hope that Your Highness can consider the family's years of dedication to the empire and offer a helping hand."
Soren sighed softly, putting on a troubled look, and slowly paced a few steps, as if weighing his words: "Empress, how could I not want to agree to your request? It's just that the allocation of resources is really tricky at the moment. Every potion, every bit of assistance, is related to the balance of the entire capital. As the Crown Prince, I need to consider the overall situation. A slight carelessness could trigger a chain reaction that neither you nor I can bear."
He looked up at the dome of the main hall, as if gazing at the invisible source of pressure.
Seeing Soren's evasiveness, Empress Mia felt a little displeased, but she still suppressed her emotions and changed her tone, saying, "Your Highness, the family does not want to sit back and enjoy the benefits. If Your Highness is willing to help this time, the Klein family will definitely fully support all of Your Highness's decisions in the future, regardless of wind or rain. This kind of mutually beneficial and win-win situation, Your Highness might as well think about it again."
Soren thought to himself, although the Klein family's promise was tempting, readily agreeing would inevitably lead to more trouble.
He pondered for a moment, his gaze returning to Empress Mia, his expression solemn: "Empress, this matter is of great importance. Allow me to go back and discuss it in detail with my advisors. Rest assured, I will remember the Klein family's contributions to the empire, and I will definitely give you a satisfactory answer within my capabilities."
After speaking, he bowed again to show his respect.
Empress Mia knew that it would be difficult to force the issue today, so she could only nod slightly: "In that case, I will have to trouble Your Highness, Crown Prince, to put in the effort. The family awaits good news." Although she maintained a dignified demeanor, a hint of disappointment still showed in her eyes.
After Soren took his leave, Empress Mia slowly sat back in her chair, her gaze gradually turning cold as she secretly pondered subsequent countermeasures. At this moment, Empress Mia's head maid, Mary, slowly emerged from the side hall like a ghost, silently coming to the Empress's side.
"Empress, I have been monitoring the movements of the palace recently and discovered an interesting thing," Mary said, bowing slightly and lowering her voice, a hint of mystery in her eyes.
Empress Mia leaned back in her chair, looking weak and tired. The previous dealings with Soren had already left her somewhat mentally exhausted. She casually asked, "What is it? What did you find interesting?"
"It's about His Highness, the Crown Prince," Mary deliberately paused, her voice becoming even lower.
"Oh!" Empress Mia's originally lazy expression instantly disappeared. She sat up straight again, a gleam of light flashing in her eyes, and eagerly asked, "What is it?"
"This subordinate has discovered that His Highness, the Crown Prince, often spends the night at Head Maid Emily's place," Mary said, word by word, seemingly wanting this news to create a bigger splash in Empress Mia's heart.
Hearing this news, Empress Mia immediately lost interest. She leaned back in her chair again and waved her hand lightly.
Because such things are really commonplace in the palace.
There are so many maids, how could she remember who Emily is when she is usually worried about family matters?
In this palace, there are many concubines and maids. Occasionally, there are some romantic affairs between the princes and them, just like the weeds in the corners of the palace walls. No one cares and it doesn't cause any waves.
Seeing the Empress's reaction, Mary felt a little unwilling. She took a step forward and added, "Empress, this Emily is no ordinary person. I heard that she is quite favored by His Highness, the Crown Prince, and moreover—" Mary paused slightly, observing Empress Mia's expression, "Her daughter is Mina."
Empress Mia frowned slightly, only then realizing that things might not be that simple.
A head maid who can have the Crown Prince frequently stay overnight and also have children may have unknown forces behind her, or harbor ambitions to influence the situation in the court.
She straightened her body, her eyes becoming sharp again, and looked at Mary and asked, "Tell me in detail, what else is special about this Emily?"
