But instead of discussing an important security problem, I was currently sitting in a serious council meeting and watching the Emperor completely lose his mind.

"Yes, yes. My daughter loves me very much," Kevin proudly said to the room full of nobles. "She can't spend even one minute without her Papa."

"Oh my, the youngest princess truly loves His Majesty," one minister said with a smile.

"I'm jealous. My own children don't spend that much time with me," another noble sighed.

This is so embarrassing! I screamed inside my head, covering my face with my hands.

Why did I come here?!

Everyone in this empire was crazy.

Still, I had no choice.

I needed information about a certain future villain.

.

.

.

 A Few Minutes Earlier...

Kevin clicked his tongue while looking at a pile of documents.

"What a bother."

"Papa, I want to go to the meeting with you," I said while gently pulling his sleeve.

"But, Princess, this is an official council meeting," Ravy explained politely. "It's very boring. You won't enjoy it."

No! I have to go!

If this meeting was about the forbidden magic user, it might be my only chance to learn about Leon.

I had to use my strongest weapon.

I puffed my cheeks and looked up at Kevin with big eyes.

"But... Bella just wants to spend more time with Papa."

Kevin's eyes widened instantly.

He turned toward Ravy and glared at him.

"Who are you to stop her? My daughter can go wherever she wants! Any place in this palace!"

Your Majesty, you were the one complaining about the meeting a moment ago! Ravy cried silently inside his head.

And that was how I got a seat in the council hall.

Unfortunately, Kevin spent the first fifteen minutes bragging about me to all the nobles.

Please... let's talk about the real topic already.

I gently patted Kevin's arm.

"Papa, shouldn't you work? I want to see how cool Papa looks when he's working."

Kevin immediately sat up straighter.

"Ahem! Of course. Let us begin the meeting."

Finally...

I almost cried from relief.

Back to the Present

One of the ministers stepped forward and started his report.

"Your Majesty, regarding the incident in the town square... the person who used forbidden magic was actually a young boy."

The moment the word magic was spoken, Kevin's smile disappeared.

The room suddenly felt much colder.

I shivered.

Does he really hate magic that much?

"A child?" Kevin asked coldly. "Where is he now?"

"W-We have captured him, Your Majesty. He is currently locked inside the Imperial underground prison."

What?! They already caught him?!

My heart sank.

Cold sweat covered my hands.

Leon was already in prison.

That means his life was in serious danger.

"But there is something strange, Your Majesty," the minister continued. "The boy refuses to cooperate. He keeps demanding to be released because he wants to find a friend."

Emily tilted her head.

"A friend? Does that friend also use forbidden magic?"

"Perhaps, Your Highness. We are still investigating."

Kevin waved his hand.

"Move on to the next topic."

The meeting continued.

The nobles talked about taxes, borders, and politics.

But I couldn't hear any of it.

Only one word echoed in my mind.

Friend.

He was looking for me.