Inside the Imperial Meeting Chamber, the atmosphere felt heavy.
The tall windows allowed narrow beams of sunlight to fall across the polished floor, while the air itself seemed unusually quiet. Sitting beside the Emperor was Grand Secretariat Quenric, who had already arrived earlier and was waiting patiently.
After greeting the Emperor, the three visitors took their seats.
The Emperor leaned slightly forward.
His expression had grown serious.
"Tell me everything that happened," he said slowly.
"Do not leave out any detail."
His voice was calm, but inside his mind a storm of calculations had already begun. Whatever answer he heard today could determine the future relationship between the Nexus Store and the Imperial Palace.
Everson Drake began speaking.
He described everything from the beginning.
