Lilia's Tale

Chapter 65: Emperor

"...I'm sorry what?" I asked after an awkward silence.

"The Emperor requires to see you right now. We don't have much time, you really need to come."

"But I..."

The guard grabbed my hand and started running towards the entrance, surprisingly not rushing me too fast.

"I'm sorry for whatever you wanted to do, but we absolutely have to go."

I hadn't forgotten about my appointment with the Emperor. However, this was way too sudden for me. I thought I would have some form of official date a few days prior so I could prepare myself and plan accordingly. I started feeling anxious, knowing I would have to meet the Emperor without any preparation.

We arrived at the entrance where five knights in shiny armor were present. One of them struck me as familiar, especially since he stood out, being the only one without a helmet.

"Thank you for finding her," he told the guard before turning towards me. "Lilia, the Emperor has required your presence in the reception hall at the earliest opportunity. We have been informed that you were stationed here, as a student, so we came to take you. Please follow us to the castle."

Before I could even say anything, the other knights surrounded me in a square formation and started moving forward, pushing me from behind. I figured trying to argue would only make my position worse. I wondered how they knew I was in the academy, but figured the same person that had been surveying me had told them.

As we were walking through the streets, I could see and hear the other passers-by being worried and gossipy. I could make out some of their comments, such as 'I wonder what she did...' or 'Is she a criminal?'.

We arrived at the castle and entered without any checks, likely due to the presence of the knights. To my surprise, before heading into the main castle, we headed to the barracks. Only the helmet-less man followed me into one of the interrogation rooms.

"Sorry Lilia, but as per security requirements, as a Yokai, you are to have your hands and feet cuffed together, alongside being blindfolded and ear-cuffed."

"I can understand. Though, I do have a few questions."

"Now is your chance."

"Is there anything I need to keep in mind while being in front of the Emperor?"

"Be respectful, and don't move from your designated spot. Besides that, ask before being able to talk, unless questioned."

"So, something like meeting royalty?"

"You could see it that way, yes."

"Alright. The next question is, do I know you?"

"I was the one to tell you about the appointment with the Emperor. I am disappointed you don't remember."

"Well, a lot of things happened meanwhile. Sorry."

As I apologized, a knock on the door was heard. The knight, that I remembered to be the general of the Imperial Guards, let them in. One of the escorts from earlier, or so I assumed, brought in two metallic chains with an abnormal white glow to them, a black blindfold, and two large cottons.

"Now then. Please don't move."

The general first put the blindfold on my eyes. To my surprise, I could see through it, although only very slightly. He then tightly chained my hands behind my back and chained my feet together with some level of freedom. The chain was tightly attached to each ankle, but I had a certain freedom of movement.