Vesper said nothing more and returned to eating, Aurora and Catherine looked at Anna with a suspicious gaze meanwhile Adolfus gaze moved from Vesper to his mother and then landed on Marcus.
Although, Anna had maliciously aimed for Vesper, his disregard towards he was not what the Emperor would sit on.
He released his pressure and everyone quaked and focused it on Vesper who fell from the chair and crouched on the ground.
After a few seconds he took back the pressure and said, "Apologize to the Empress."
Vesper stood up with a calm gaze and bowed, "Apologies Empress, I spoke out of turn."
Anna looked at him said nothing and started with their meal. Marcus said nothing and continued with his, everyone followed while Vesper remained bowed.
Almost an hour later Anna's voice said, "Sit."
Then Marcus wiped his mouth while clapping twice, a row of maids entered and cleared all the plates and Marcus said.
"Tomorrow night I would be holding a banquet, and every single one of you are to be present, the eunuchs and maids will bring your dresses to your rooms tomorrow, for now, do not cause trouble, and remember, all of the empire's dignitaries would be present." He said while looking at Vesper.
"You are all dismissed." He said and all the children left.
As they left Vesper walked ahead and paid heed to no one and headed straight for the training ground. Then he sat and closed his eyes meditating, internally Vesper was raged, if only his adopted mother were alive would he have suffered humiliation, even in his past life he did not suffer wanton humiliation because of his person.
Aurora, Catherine, Damian and Benjamin came to the training ground. Aurora was aggrieved, after seeing Vesper humiliated by their imperial mother, Catherine on the other hand didn't show any emotion, but her presence here stated that she in a way cared for Vesper, Damian just was not happy with the treatment Vesper got even after serving well for years, while Benjamin who had loathed Vesper all his life understood that Vesper hadn't done anything but care for him all these years.
As Vesper meditated his mana blasted out of him and the space around him trembled.
Meanwhile, in the royal dining, Marcus looked at Anna, "I thought we agreed that you would not do anything to him?" He asked.
"I did nothing but enlighten him on some certain topics, and you are chastising me for a commoner, how painful I feel husband." Anna said.
"Anna, while our husband my accommodate you and allow you do your things wantonly, I must tell you, that boy has done nothing but serve this family, if we can not treat him with fairness, how would our children treat other with respect?" Chloe the second Empress asked.
"Chloe is right, and Marcus, that boy did not deserve that humiliation and you know it, were Amara here you know that would never have happened." Diane cut in.
On hearing the name of his late Empress Marcus' gaze grew lost, with a sigh, he said, "What has been done has been done, now Anna what exactly did you enlighten him on?" He asked.
Back in the training ground.
The space around Vesper trembled as if connecting to his anger, then the unthinkable happened, Vesper sucked in his mana and the space warp reduced until it affected only the area around him, then his mana surged.
A loud sound just like a thunderclap echoed and Vesper floated above the ground, his face containing the same unconcerned expression, only now his eyes seemed more vacant.
The sound attracted everyone in the Imperial Palace and when they came to the open ground, Vesper stood with a transparent film encasing him, pulsing with every breath he took.
Marcus who just arrived peered his eyes and was surprised when he realised that Vesper had broken through to the Adept realm.
As soon as Vesper saw Marcus he bowed, "Your Majesty."
Marcus sighed as he noticed the formalities that Vesper put against himself now.
"Congratulations Vesper, you are now at the Adept rank, this would be a wonderful surprise to the visitors." He said and turned and left.
Vesper said nothing and walked, as soon as he saw Aurora and her worried face he sighed and walk towards her.
As soon as he got to her, he hugged and said, "I am sorry but for your reputation and you and Benjamin's safety I have to be distant from you, don't worry, I would always protect you and be you big brother."
With that he walked away, leaving Aurora to stand comprehending what he said but as soon as she turned she did not see him again.
Vesper entered his room and inscribed a seal and placed it on the door, the seal repelled anyone from the door. Then he sat and closed his eyes, as soon as he broke into the Adept rank a flood of information flowed into his mind.
Confused as to why the only answer he could guess was that this was all related to his father, Erebus.
Meanwhile
Marcus appeared before a room and knocked, "Imperial Guardian, I seek an audience."
The doors opened and he stepped in, looking at the man who was dressed in a golden robe he bowed, "Greetings father."
"Marcus, what do you think of that boy?" The man asked.
"He is talented, I believe after the fortuitous encounter, he has gained many benefits." Marcus replied
"I think so too, I just advise you, make sure you do not make a mistake with him."
In another end of the Castle
Aurora sat on a chair and Benjamin stood beside her, "Sister, forgive me, I have been unruly."
Aurora's gaze remained glued to the window and she said nothing.
In another part of the Castle
"Mother, I know you wouldn't call me for no reason, and considering the last few incidents I can only guess it is related to Vesper, so what do you have to tell me mother?" Catherine asked her mother who stood with her sword.
As all this went on, a youth with purple hair, holding a fox walked through the corridors of the palace.