Athan stood there, stunned by his mother's unexpected decree to leave the palace. Confusion mixed with wonder adorned his features, giving his countenance an air of bewilderment.

"Mother, what do you mean? Could you please provide me with more details?" he implored, his voice tinged with curiosity.

The Lady of the Palace looked upon her son with a pained expression, her gaze filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination.

"Athan, your sixteenth birthday has recently passed. As a member of the Imperial family of the illustrious Shenron Empire, it is customary for you to undergo a two-year immolation outside the borders of our realm. Have you forgotten, my dear?"

There was a momentary pause as Athan realized he had indeed forgotten about this tradition amidst the chaos of the capital and the whirlwind of his early years.

The Lady's voice quivered as she continued, tears welling in her eyes.

"Athan, please, don't go. I will handle your father. I will not allow him to send you away."

Athan was taken aback by the depth of his mother's love, her willingness to defy his father's wishes. Yet, what surprised him even more was how his mother, known for her wisdom as the Empress, could act so irrationally when it came to him. Knowing well the inflexibility of Shenron Empire's rules, Athan feigned grief.

"You need not worry, Mother."

Athan understood the futility of challenging his mother's resolve. Instead, he decided to awaken the Empress within her.

Maintaining a firm expression, he continued, "As the prince of the Shenron Empire and as your son, it is imperative that I adhere to our traditions, Mother. Failing to do so would undermine the importance of these age-old rules within the Royal Family and among our subjects."

In the midst of this conversation, Athan's excitement began to grow. The prospect of venturing beyond the confines of the Shenron Empire and fulfilling his long-held dreams ignited a fire within him, fueling his determination.

The Lady's melancholy deepened, her concern evident in her voice.

"After what happened to your older brother, I am reluctant to let you go."

It seemed that Athan's attempt to awaken the Empress within his mother had fallen short. Undeterred, he pressed on.

"Fear not, Mother. I am not my brother. By fulfilling this rite, I shall prove myself worthy of the title of prince. Furthermore, failing to complete the immolation would strip me of the privilege of being called the Empress's son within this Empire."

A melodramatic statement, perhaps, but one that seemed to satisfy the Empress.

Her eyes shimmered with a mix of contentment and sadness as she smiled softly.

"Very well, I shall not beseech your father to postpone the immolation."

Athan couldn't help but find irony in the term "beseech." It was less a request and more a form of blackmail. How amusing it would be if the people knew that the Emperor of Shenron was being coerced by his own wife!

Just then, Uncle Gerald, the trusted advisor, made his presence known.

"Your Majesty, the Empress, His Royal Majesty, the Emperor, requires your immediate presence at the Royal Palace."

The Empress turned to the head butler, issuing instructions with regal grace.

"Gerald, kindly explain the intricacies of the immolation to Athan and address any queries he may have regarding this matter."

Butler Gerald responded with utmost refinement and poise.

"Of course, Your Majesty."

The Empress rose from her seat, her majestic yet fierce aura emanating from her being.

"Then, I shall make my way to the Royal Palace and ascertain the cause of my dear husband's distress."

With that, the Empress departed from the Novalie Palace, her carriage befitting her regal stature, en route to the Royal Palace.