The son of the God-Emperor in Warhammer Fantasy

Old World, Bretonnia, Glamorgan County, Jean Town, in the winery.

After attending the banquet, Ryan sat at the head of the table, with Elspeth and Theodore seated below. Ryan treated the two Holy Domain powerhouses from Nuln with due respect, as these nobles were indeed worthy of admiration.

"So, you've come specifically for Emilia," Ryan asked Elspeth quietly, his face showing some confusion.

It wasn't Emilia's identity that puzzled him, as Emperor Karl-Franz had hinted at it before. He was perplexed by the Empire's attitude.

Frankly, if the Empire intended to take Emilia back, they wouldn't have sent just a few dozen soldiers. An Elector's personal guard would at least number in the thousands, not to mention that Nuln had at least a dozen knight orders and twenty thousand troops.

"We came for Amelior, and we have now confirmed her identity," Elspeth said. "Since that's the case, we will return soon."

"Wait, you're not planning to take Emilia?" Ryan was surprised. He said solemnly, "I respect Emilia's wishes. Whether she chooses to leave with you is her decision. So does your departure mean she doesn't want to leave with you?"

His thoughts drifted back to a few days ago.

After meeting in Bordereau's court, Ryan's little maid Emilia had calmed down. Realizing she could no longer avoid the situation, she decided to face it and talk with Elspeth and Theodore.

The two Holy Domain powerhouses before her were Emilia's staunch supporters. Knowing they came for her, she knew she couldn't escape and needed to communicate.

The three of them found a private room for a detailed discussion. Out of respect for Emilia, Ryan did not join. He told her he respected her choice—if she wanted to leave, she could do so freely. If she didn't want to leave, he would protect her, even with force.

Emilia had thanked him softly and then entered the private room. No one knew what they discussed inside.

"We came to confirm Amelior's survival and her true identity. That's enough. We need to prepare for her return to Nuln. Until then, she will stay with you," Elspeth said, her voice cold as a cemetery wind, chilling the winery's warm atmosphere.

"I don't recall agreeing to let Emilia leave," Ryan retorted.

"Lord Ryan, we do not seek enmity with you, but you must understand, Amelior—or as you call her, Emilia—is not your possession. She carries Markus's blood, the last direct descendant of Marcus, the first Elector of Brescia and Grand Duke of Wissenland. The people of Wissenland need her, the soldiers of Wissenland need her," Theodore tried to soften his tone, wary of Ryan's prowess. "She also carries the blood of Ludwig the Savior. She is the sole legitimate claimant to the Duchy of Nuln. Everyone must fulfill their duty in these dark times. By Charlemagne, I believe you understand."

Ryan's face darkened, but he had to admit the guests from Nuln had a point. Emilia didn't belong to anyone. She had served him as a maid for six years, long repaying any debts. Her decision to return to Nuln wasn't up to Ryan but to Emilia.

Since Elspeth and Theodore had decided to return, they must have received a commitment from Emilia, indicating her decision to return.

It was her duty and mission; Ryan had no right to stop her.

"How can I be sure you truly support Emilia and aren't just trying to deceive her back?" Ryan asked.

"Time will prove everything. We have always been Amelior's staunchest supporters. Only she can command us. Amelior can attest to this. We've spent nearly a decade searching for her," Elspeth, unaccustomed to speaking so much, explained. "The Ironclad Regiment and the engineers of Nuln's Gunnery School await her return. The nobles need Amelior. Emperor Karl-Franz supports our efforts. If we bring Amelior back, he will support her reclaiming the Elector title."

"Hmm." Ryan leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

Elspeth and Theodore Bruckner left the winery to pack for their return to Nuln, preparing the court and political landscape for Amelior's return.

After the guests left, Ryan sat silently for a long time, trying to speak but finding his wife, Sulia, standing behind him. "Sulia?"

"Ryan, my dear husband," the lady knight, dressed in her marquess gown, gently sat on his lap and hugged him. "You must be reluctant to part with Emilia, right?"

"I am a man, after all." Ryan held his warm, soft wife, sighing. "But the Cemetery Rose and the High Judge are right. Everyone has their responsibilities. Emilia's duty is not to serve as a maid but to return to Nuln and fulfill her role as the Elector's heir."

Sulia held her husband, hesitating before speaking softly, "Actually, Emilia becoming Elector is entirely beneficial for you. You'll gain a steadfast ally. You can borrow the engineers from Nuln's munitions factory who build powerful war machines. Most importantly, Ryan, because of Emilia, the alliance between Bretonnia and the Empire may become even closer."

"Even closer?" Ryan pondered. "Indeed, rescuing and returning Emilia to the Empire would strengthen ties, especially since Nuln, as the hometown of Ludwig the Savior and an industrial hub, is one of the Empire's most important cities."

"Emilia told me she would try to establish a military alliance with you if she returned," Sulia revealed, her tone somewhat odd. "Be content, my husband. Emilia wants to return not just for herself but also for you!"

"Her future is hers to decide. This time is Nuln's last opportunity for her to choose." Ryan thought for a moment and shook his head. "I won't see Emilia for now. Her future is her choice, a right she's born with."

Since returning to Jean Castle, Emilia had secluded herself in her room, making her final decision.

"Go rest, Ryan. Take a couple of days off. Don't worry about your territory; I'll handle it," Sulia said, guiding Ryan's head to her ample bosom. "Rest now."

"Thank you, Sulia. It's good to have you," Ryan said, feeling his wife's warmth and gentleness easing his troubled mind. He hugged her. "Sulia, don't worry. I'm fine."

They kissed, tenderly entwining for several minutes. Sulia, blushing, pushed her husband away, signaling him to rest, as she too was getting overwhelmed.

Following her suggestion, Ryan returned to his bedroom, where the bed was ready. Olica, the dark elf, dressed in a black and white lace maid outfit, black high heels, and white stockings, stood by the bed. "Master, everything is ready. Let me serve you."

Olica's amber eyes gleamed. Her long black hair flowed down as she helped Ryan close the curtains and windows, blowing out the candles. Once Ryan was in bed, she removed her high heels and slid in beside him. "Master~"

In the dim room, the outside light blocked by curtains, silence filled the space, broken only by the faint rustling of sheets.

"Olica, will you also leave me? Return to Naggaroth?" Ryan asked, holding his dark elf pillow, feeling anxious.

"No, Master," Olica shook her head, lying on Ryan's chest, hugging his neck. "To the Druchii, Naggaroth is not our home. Our ultimate goal is to reclaim Ulthuan. That's our true homeland. But for me, Olica Kolindis, home is wherever you are."

"I feel like you're lying to me," Ryan joked, his hand wandering over her silky legs. "I asked Teclis, and he told me otherwise. He said you dark elves have... peculiar hobbies."

Ryan relayed what Teclis had said to Olica.

"Master~ that's Morathi and her witch coven's thing! Or perhaps the brides of Khaine led by Hellebron, those crazy hag executioners!" Olica pouted, kissing Ryan. After several kisses, she continued, "The Witch Queen Morathi is often suspected of ties with Slaanesh. She knows too much about the enemy and uses her riches to hire northern Chaos tribes to supplement her forces. Hellebron seeks to fulfill Khaine's endless thirst for blood and warfare. They lead the main forces against the High Elves. Teclis only knows part of it. He's slandering me!"

"I don't quite understand you elves..." Chatting with Olica lightened Ryan's mood. He teased, "My maids are extraordinary. Emilia is an Elector heir, and Olica, don't tell me you were a Dreadlord in Naggaroth?"

Olica's expression changed slightly. She quickly replied, "Master, don't overthink it. The Druchii have no such claims. Dreadlords rise through blood

, duels, and intrigue. I am your maid now and forever."

She shyly and indignantly added, "I bear your mark. Did you think I didn't know what the rune you inscribed on my abdomen meant? Really! You'd rather believe that... Lileath's chosen one than me? I won't talk to you anymore!"

She pouted and turned away.

"I was just asking. No other meaning," Ryan quickly appeased, hugging her waist, feeling her smooth skin.

"Master~ then show your sincerity with action."

"Alright, alright~"

Updated! This is the second update today! Please vote!

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