Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world Chapter 522: New idea?

The Cene Empire’s capital bustled with midday life. Golden rooftops and towering stone spires caught the brilliant sun, as banners displaying the empire’s eagle symbol danced in the wind.

A constant stream of people filled the streets – nobles in opulent cloaks, commoners with laden baskets, and imperial soldiers in polished uniforms.

The unhurried progress of a sturdy brown horse drew little attention as it ambled down the broad thoroughfare.

Brandon, cloaked and hooded to obscure his features, steered the horse from the front. Rheanne sat behind him, her arms encircling his waist, her head resting softly against his shoulder.

Her own hood was pulled up, concealing her signature long white hair and distinguished features. To any observer, they appeared merely as a couple traveling quietly through the city.

---

The Imperial Castle of the Cene Empire loomed ahead, its imperial eagle emblem gleaming vibrantly.

As their horse neared the imposing iron gates, two lines of elite guards stepped forward, halberds raised to halt their advance.

"Halt," commanded a senior guard, his hand raised. "Declare your purpose. Entry to the imperial grounds is restricted to those with prior invitation or an official seal."

Brandon gently tightened his grip on the reins, bringing the horse to a standstill.

He reached up, pulling back his hood to reveal his face.

Recognition flashed across the guards' faces instantly upon seeing him.

His sharp blue eyes and black hair, tied back neatly, were coupled with a composed demeanor.

The senior guard who had spoken immediately fell to one knee, head bowed.

The other guards followed suit, a synchronized display of respect.

"Lord Kael!" the senior guard exclaimed. "Our apologies! We failed to recognize you. Please, proceed."

Brandon offered a slight nod. "There is no need for apologies. We intended to arrive discreetly."

He nudged the horse forward once more. The guards quickly moved aside, their strength evident as they pulled open the massive gates.

As the horse passed through, Rheanne lifted her head slightly from his shoulder, casting a glance at the bowed guards.

Once they were a short distance inside the castle grounds, amidst the elegantly maintained courtyards, Rheanne released a quiet sigh.

"They recognized you immediately; your fame is growing," she murmured near his ear, a playful tone in her hushed voice.

Brandon let out a soft chuckle, keeping his voice low as they continued deeper into the castle complex.

The horse maintained a slow, unhurried gait along the inner pathway.

Servants and officials who noticed them quickly moved out of the way, murmuring amongst themselves.

Some offered deep bows even without a clear view of their faces.

Before long, a contingent of castle attendants, clad in fine uniforms, hurried forward to formally welcome them.

One stepped to the forefront. "Lord Kael and Goddess Rheanne, welcome to the Imperial Castle of Cene. His Majesty has been apprised of your arrival. Shall we prepare accommodations for you?"

"Yes," Brandon responded. "And kindly maintain a low profile. We are not here for official audiences or festivities."

The steward bowed once more. "As you command, my lord."

---

Brandon and Rheanne proceeded side-by-side through the castle's expansive corridors.

The sound of hasty footsteps approached, and Brandon turned his gaze toward a middle-aged man hurrying toward him.

The Emperor beamed, his arms opening in a welcoming embrace.

"Lord Kael! And the esteemed Goddess Rheanne herself!" he declared with hearty laughter.

"It is a profound honor to again host such distinguished guests within my castle."

Brandon inclined his head. "It is good to see you once more, Emperor Aldric."

The Emperor waved a hand dismissively, still chuckling as he closed the distance between them. "Let us dispense with the stiff formality, please!"

He then turned to Rheanne, his eyes filled with deep respect, and bowed more formally. "Lady Rheanne, your presence illuminates my humble empire. I cannot adequately express my relief that you have chosen to visit us again. Your joint presence here is a true blessing."

Rheanne offered a slight nod, remaining silent.

The Emperor gently clasped Brandon's shoulder. "I have already received reports from Nacirfa and Eurasania. Your arrival was anticipated."

Brandon nodded. "We can discuss those matters privately at a later time."

Emperor Aldric clapped his hands once, and attendants materialized almost instantly. "Prepare the finest guest wing for Lord Kael and Lady Rheanne."

Turning back to them, he gestured for them to accompany him down the hall.

"Come, walk with me. Tell me, Lord Kael, is it true you single-handedly defeated an entire squad of Nacirfa's elite while bound?"

"The accounts I received sounded almost like legendary ballads."

Brandon offered a wry smile. "They may have embellished slightly."

With a chuckle, Aldric remarked, "If Scylla were to learn you are present, she would be overjoyed."

Brandon: -_- That wretched woman.

---

Brandon reclined comfortably on a plush couch. Opposite him, Emperor Aldric Vossel sat with a furrowed brow, meticulously processing the information Brandon had just imparted.

Aldric lifted a glass of chilled juice, pondering, "I grasp it now. So, this entire scheme was orchestrated by Nubines? They intended to utilize Nacirfa as a mere expendable tool to ignite conflict between the foremost powers."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and emitted a weary sigh.

"Furthermore, Nacirfa is now without a sovereign leader... You are aware that both Eurasania and I have vied for dominance over that realm for years. A precarious truce was only established a few short years ago, aimed at averting outright warfare. And now, this."

The Emperor massaged his temple, a clear expression of his vexation. "What course of action should we pursue now?" he inquired, his gaze fixed upon Brandon.

"The Eurasania Empire has yet to make any overt aggressive moves, thus we are maintaining a cautious silence for the present. However, the power vacuum within Nacirfa will not persist indefinitely."

"Ambitious nobles on their soil will inevitably clash amongst themselves, and neighboring territories will sense weakness. Should we act prematurely, the truce would be shattered. Conversely, if we delay too long, another entity might seize control of the entire kingdom."

Brandon slowly savored his juice, remarking, "Precisely the outcome Nubines desired."

"Their hope was that Rheanne, in a fit of fury after they attempted to leverage me, would decimate Nacirfa's ruling structure. Subsequently, both you and Eurasania would hasten to claim the territory, thereby rekindling ancient animosities."

Emperor Aldric nodded with measured consideration, "Indeed. And now the pivotal question rests with us. Do we uphold the truce and permit Nacirfa to navigate its own succession crisis? Or do we intervene?"

He turned his attention to Brandon, "Lord Kael... Your wisdom is exceptionally vital in this juncture. You thwarted their machinations in Nacirfa. What strategy do you advocate? I harbor no inclination for protracted warfare... yet, I cannot permit Nubines to establish a foothold directly upon my borders."

Taking another sip of his juice, Brandon stated calmly, "We shall transform the kingdom, rebranding it from the Nacirfa Kingdom to The Holy Land of Rheanne."

"A holy... land?" Aldric's eyes widened in bewilderment.