MIGHT AS WELL BE OP Chapter 1044: Von Bryan-5

When the door swung open, Bryan entered with a composed look on his face. The instant he crossed the threshold, he sensed the sheer magnitude of his father’s aura. Even though the Emperor wasn’t deliberately releasing his pressure, his simple existence instilled in everyone the profound disparity between him and them—a chasm impossible to cross without great effort.

A lengthy crimson carpet ran from the entrance, leading up to an imposing throne raised on a short set of steps, where the Emperor reclined with casual poise and tranquility, his bearing projecting unchallenged power.

The walls were adorned to reflect the occupant within; they featured artworks and priceless jewels of boundless worth. Yet Bryan paid none of it any mind, striding ahead before dropping into a respectful bow as he addressed the throne.

"I greet His Royal Majesty," he declared in a deferential voice.

"You may rise," Iserios Von Deathwrath commanded, his golden eyes locked on his second son, the stare intense but restrained.

At Iserios’ permission, Bryan straightened up a bit, his gaze flicking to his brother standing relaxed nearby. The First Prince, Von Heinz. He served as President of the student council at Omni Peak Academy; back then, he had extended an invitation to Anthony for the council, though Anthony turned it down, unwilling to dive into the political intrigues of the elite students.

The two brothers exchanged mere nods without words, holding their positions before the Emperor in proper etiquette.

Typically, anyone approaching the Emperor during an audience had to wait until the current guest finished, but since Bryan outranked Heinz in authority, no such delay applied; he could enter directly as he had, facing no repercussions.

"What matter brings you here, Bryan, enough to interrupt my discussion with your brother?" Iserios inquired in a steady, even voice that resounded softly through the expansive Throne Room.

Bryan responded without pause to the query, "Pardon the interruption, but I carry critical intelligence to relay, Your Majesty," he affirmed.

"Out with it, then," Iserios responded, face impassive, fingers laid upon the throne’s armrest.

"Roughly five minutes past, Null Anthony sent me a message," Bryan announced, holding his father’s golden gaze steadily.

As Anthony’s name rang out, the whole Throne Room plunged into frozen quiet, a hush so deep that any hasty word felt like sacrilege.

Heinz and Iserios both recognized Anthony well, Iserios holding the deepest insight. Their thoughts whirled momentarily, pondering the reason for his outreach to Bryan now, its potential ramifications vast.

"Null Anthony mentioned in the message that he’ll arrive at the Dragon Domain in around an hour—fifty-five minutes from this point," Bryan continued, deepening the already thick silence.

Bryan and Heinz held their tongues, awaiting the Emperor’s reaction, wise enough not to interject.

'If the Dragon Domain was his goal, he could’ve reached out to me directly, but he chose my second son instead,' Iserios pondered inwardly, his fingers tapping faintly on the throne’s armrest, betraying mild reflection.

'Does he scheme or seek aid?' he mused to himself before giving a faint head shake. Turning to Bryan, he questioned,

"What reason did he give for coming?"

Bryan replied promptly, "He said he felt bored and chose to drop by since we were classmates five years back."

These words left both Heinz and Iserios briefly speechless, utterly unprepared for such a revelation.

Iserios stayed mute for a beat. He too grappled with ennui at times. While other top-tier experts quelled it by venturing into the Galaxy, he could not; imperial responsibilities chained him. Not until Bryan matured to shoulder the realm’s burdens would he find release from his persistent tedium.

"I see," Iserios uttered at last. He never pegged Anthony as a plotter. Though unfamiliar on a personal level, a few observations had given him some grasp of the youth’s nature.

"Right," Iserios summoned into the chamber.

In the blink of an eye, the butler Right materialized at the Emperor’s side, positioned as if he’d lingered there eternally.

"At your service, Your Majesty," Right intoned with composed steadiness.

"Prepare for Anthony’s arrival," Iserios Von Deathwrath directed tonelessly, expression unaltered, his decree irrevocable.

"As you command, Your Majesty," Right acknowledged, then blinked out of sight as if he’d never occupied the space seconds before, leaving no hint of his passage.

With Right departed, Iserios regarded Bryan once more, remarking, "Evidently, you forged a solid enough bond with the boy for him to recall you after all this time."

Bryan kept quiet, aware that Anthony’s visit stemmed from caprice rather than their past tie. Iserios understood this too, yet voiced it anyway, for without a worthwhile connection from five years prior, such a spontaneous trip wouldn’t occur.

"Your efforts earn you a reward," Iserios declared evenly, his ruling absolute.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Bryan bowed low, a radiant grin flashing across his face toward the scarlet carpet, certain his father’s gifts were never meager.

"You may withdraw," Iserios permitted. Though Bryan’s feat wasn’t extraordinary, alliances and influence drove the realm, so he honored Bryan’s link to Anthony. Moreover, this boon would motivate Bryan to nurture that "friendship" ongoing.

After all, the Dragon Domain might one day require aid, and Anthony could prove the ideal ally then.

If only Anthony realized how his casual hangout with an old classmate had escalated to near-royal pomp. Truly, it qualified as such, though he’d hardly anticipate the lavish reception awaiting him.

Thereupon, Bryan stood, nodded to his older brother, and departed, allowing the Emperor and First Prince to resume their talk undisturbed.