Chapter 307 — The Upheaval of Typhon

The study door opened, and the old steward who had served the family faithfully for many years appeared before Pei Yi: "My lord, what are your commands?"

"Ready the carriage for me. I am going to see His Imperial Majesty!"

The carriage bearing the Wendell family crest and its escort enjoyed the highest noble privilege; the palace of Emperor Luo Yan Augustus opened its gates to Duke Pei Yi. Watching the towering palace walls swell larger and larger in his sight, Pei Yi's heart was already firm as steel.

No matter how far His Imperial Majesty's mental state had deteriorated, no matter how much influence his words could still exert upon this vast empire, he had to change the course of Typhon's war machine today. If it were delayed until three days from now, His Imperial Majesty would convene the final noble council—and by then, if he still wished to do anything, he would have no choice but to resort to the method he least wished to use...

Pei Yi glanced down at his own hands—hands long accustomed to blade and sword, still full of strength—and slowly clenched them into fists.

Unless it came to the very last step, he would never willingly take that worst of roads.

He entered the palace, entered the hall where Emperor Luo Yan Augustus resided, and with the attendants' help removed his heavy ducal cloak—though a ceremonial sword still hung at his waist, a privilege he enjoyed as the empire's first duke. He had already been granted an audience; led and accompanied by the chamberlain, the duke strode toward where the Typhon emperor currently was.

Halfway there, Duke Pei Yi noticed that the chamberlain was leading him to the reception hall rather than the study where the emperor ordinarily received him. Curious, he asked, "His Majesty is in the reception hall? Is he receiving some guest?"

The chamberlain answered with full courtesy: "Yes. His Majesty is receiving two elven physicians."

"Elven physicians?" Duke Pei Yi's brow furrowed slightly. "Is there something wrong with His Majesty's health?"

"Rest assured, Your Majesty remains in good health," the chamberlain said. "Only his spirits have been somewhat diminished of late."

Diminished spirits?

Pei Yi was taken aback for a moment; some instinct told him something was off. But before he could voice a question, two silver elves—clad in white gowns, near-identical in features, dignified in bearing, and lovely of countenance—emerged from around the corner of the corridor ahead and came into his view.

The chamberlain remarked at his side, "It appears the two physicians have finished their work."

Pei Yi Wendell watched the two elven physicians, whom he had never met, approach him. He smoothed every trace of unnecessary doubt from his expression and waited with the indifferent composure befitting a duke.

There was only one corridor, so the two elven physicians could not help but come before Duke Pei Yi. With impeccable, courteous smiles, they lifted their long gowns and bowed. "Good afternoon, my lord. His Majesty is waiting for you."

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