The chamber fell into silence once more, the air thick with unspoken tension. The Emperor's gaze lingered on Nielson, weighing his words as though trying to uncover the hidden motives behind them. After a long pause, he spoke, his voice quieter almost gentle.
"Do you resent me… us?"
Nielson was startled by the words.
"Do you blame us for losing your son?"
"My son loved this Empire," Neilson replied, "he sacrificed his and his men's lives to save not just the Empire but the galaxy too. He chose to go out that way try as I did to stop him…"
His voice cracked, the pain from losing his son was still there.
The Emperor having calmed down spoke. "You know, we nobles… are the closest things to living gods, even our enemies know and understand this fact. Being a noble is more than just being human or any alien species, the blood in our veins is different from the rest. Because of that there are certain objectives we must accomplish that normal people can't, do you think that mortal worthy?"
"I do, your Majesty" Nielson replied with no hesitation.
"This has not happened in millennia. If your successor fails to uphold the honour of your house, your family's reputation will be tarnished forever along with the Empire's."
Nielson remained silent.
The Emperor watched him while contemplating the request.
House Voss was a notable family even within the Empire's grand history despite it being a Barony. The only successor of the house was lost during the war, the Baron was in grief and unable to sire a new successor.
The Emperor was aware that Neilson would soon depart from the living, and his territories would be without a ruler. He was, in fact, waiting for that since he knew Neilson never desired to continue living without his family. Without a successor, House Voss's territory would return to the Imperial family.
But this change of plan was a thorn in his side, Neilson found a successor and to add to that the successor was a commoner. Within the Empire, commoners and nobles were treated very differently, mostly because nobles had divine blood running in them. This gave them divine authorities and because of that they were viewed and treated as superior to the commoners for eons.
Sure, that treatment came with obligations that commoners would not have been able to bear but it was what elevated them. And the Emperor much like most nobles with a superior mindset did not like nor respect commoners.
Nielson's decision of his successor not only meant he would fail to acquire the lands of House Voss which he greatly desired but also, he would have to accept a commoner as the new owner.
Not only that, knowing Nielson, he was aware that Nielson's request like the first one would render him unable to do anything about it.
This was a consequence of having given Nielson power, though it was small, and limited Wein would gain the power to oppose Imperial family just as Nielson had.
****
The Emperor stood in a hallway staring through a transparent overlooking the magnificent bustling city. On his hand was a glass of wine while the other was in his pocket as he slipped slowly.
Next to him was Neilson leaning on his cane, doing his best not to falter.
"You have managed to achieve your desired outcome once again Nielson" the Emperor spoke. "Your request will benefit you greatly, I suppose that is why you turned down all chances to expand and be promoted for your house's contribution."
"I asked only what was within the realm of possibility, as you once instructed your Majesty"?
The Emperor smirked. He took another sip of wine, his gaze still fixed on the city below. Aurion's endless spires shimmered under the planetary shield's glow in what was a grand display of the Empire's grandeur.
"You have always been a peculiar man, Nielson," he uttered, his tone almost reflective. "In a court that thrives on ambition, on grasping for more power, you have chosen restraint. Not out of weakness but for a purpose, that is very rare."
"Expanding without purpose is reckless. I have a duty to lead my House to the best of my ability. And if I can use the privileges, you have granted me for my house, then I will."
"Yes, I did offer you those privileges. Of cause, then… I offered your house a dukedom for all your contributions to the Empire over the years, as a Barony no less. Who knew you would rather simplify that for the three requests"?
Neilson steadied himself on his cane, his expression unreadable but he felt anxious.
"Your first request was Independence," the Emperor continued. "Not wanting to be involved with the matters of the Empire you requested to distance yourself, a smart move. You got yourself a great bargain in the process. You have the privilege of being choosing to adherent to the Imperial laws while still being a member. Yes, it was only possible because of your low title granting you loopholes."
Nielson didn't refute it because it was the truth, he had a level of freedom that many Houses in the Empire envied.
"And now this, naming a commoner as your successor. You know I cannot do anything to him, how can I when I was the one who gave you this power? Still, the one-year limit might not be enough for him to adjust."
"Then you'll have to wait and see," replied Nielson as he turned back to leave.
"Your grandfather…," the Emperor began, his tone now somber, "was one of the few who understood the weight of this crown. He was one of my closest friends and his counsel was one I often sought in times of crisis."
He paused.
"And yet, I could not do anything when House Voss lost its territory during the Frontier Wars."
Nielson turned slightly, leaning heavily on his cane.
"My grandfather understood that the Empire though vast could not shield us from the forces within. He understood that the Empire would have to go on and that survival was for the strongest. My House has survived because it understood when to fight and when to step aside."
The Emperor chuckled lightly, though it carried a tint of sadness.
"And step aside you have. Independence wrapped in loyalty, requests with influence enough to challenge even me. You have danced on the edge of treason without ever stepping over the line, remarkable."
"It is not treasonous to act under Imperial law," Nielson replied firmly. "House Voss has always operated within the rights given to us by your Majesty and it will continue to do so."
The Emperor's smirk returned as he approached Nielson.
"Always the strategist. You have played the game well, Nielson, and avenged your family's honour against the Empire. I wonder if your successor—this commoner—will have the same clarity and mindset as you. A baron without noble blood? This news will unsettle the other houses."
"Let them be unsettled, there is nothing they can do about it."
"Farewell Nielson, may we meet again in the afterlife."
Nielson responded with a nod.
As the doors closed behind him, the Emperor turned back to the window, lifting the glass of wine to his lips. Memories rushed into his head as they were reflected on the window for him to face.
He saw a young Nielson and his father who was the then new leader of House Voss after his grandfather died. He could see his friend in the young Nielson who was young and did not have any hatred. Still, he could sense it from his father.
The Emperor had lived a long time and Nielson's grandfather was one of the few friends he had made in his long life. So, Nielson was his last reminder of that friend, and he was going to die soon… pity.
He sighed to himself, being a ruler came with many challenges and being emperor even more.
"Goodbye… old friend."
…
"It was an honour to see you again Baron" said Luthor as he sent the convoy back. Nielson did not want to stay longer in the Capital, he couldn't because he had to prepare Wein before it was too late.
So, after he got permission and the required objects he set forth for his return to his territory.
The Voltron lay still in the middle as crates were reloaded inside by Nielson's attendants while he and Eric watched. Luthor was by his side as if to see if he went off without any issues.
"Thank you," Neilson said quietly.
He began his slow walk up the ramp, followed by Eric and a few guards. Luthor could only stand and wave as the figures disappeared from view.
As soon as Nielson was safely inside the Voltron, hidden from view, he stubbled and before he knew it, he was coughing up piles of blood. The attendants were alerted from this development dropping everything to care for him.
"My lord!"
Nielson's vision blurred and his body lost all strength, luckily Eric was there to catch him.
"Get ready for take-off, secure the items" he issued out orders while holding the frail body of the Baron. He picked him up with both his arms and carried him to the med bay in the ship.
The Voltron's engine began to hum. Slowly, it rose from the landing platform, and slowly hovered in the sky, followed by the escort ships. The convoy vanished into the sky departing from the palace for what was the last time for Neilson.