234 The Questions

Ingrid blinked in surprise as she listened to the Emperor's unexpected request. "I didn't know the Emperor liked jesting," she thought. Before she could fully process, the Emperor spoke again, addressing Caym directly.

"The Imperial New Year is approaching, and with it, a multitude of merchants and entertainers will flock to the capital," the Emperor explained. "Grand Commander, why don't you inspect the city and take your fiancé with you?"

Ingrid felt her cheeks warming. "Fi...ancé?" she silently echoed. She glanced at Caym and it seemed like she was not the only one left speechless.

Seeing their hesitation, the Emperor sighed softly. He turned to Nikolaus, his trusted aide, who sat in front of him. "Give them a pass," he instructed.