The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 105 : Dinner with Willian Lidwig

They had no option but to drop the plans for both fast food and pasta. Scarlet looked extremely upset so Dusk asked her if she had space to eat an additional snack apart from what was to be had at the emperor's Palace. Seeing the Princess nod, she turned to one of the officer and ask him to run down to the fast food place and get a Burger. She gave him her bank card to pay for the Burger and 3 cans of aerated juices.

She then asked the head of security to call the emperor's security team and confirm with them whether Ms. Susco was also supposed to join the Emperor for dinner. Since the Security Team did not know about it, they had to ask the Emperor's Assistant or his ADC. Quite a few minutes later, the emperor's assistant confirmed that they were supposed to get Ms. Susco along. In the meantime the officer arrived with the Burger and drinks.

Scarlet realised that she will take time to eat the burger and the Emperor would want to know why they were late. So Dusk then asked the Officer to call again and check whether they should pick up Rosemary along the way for the dinner.

The officer came back almost immediately with the reply that the Emperor had asked him to inform them that if they want to eat burgers, he can order it directly from their favourite shop and they do not need to waste his time with useless questions. Dusk's face turn red with embarrassment on realising that the Emperor had seen through her tricks and she quickly got into the Hover-Bus along with Susco. Scarlett immediately followed them munching the burger quickly, hoping that she would finish it before they reach the Palace.

... ...

When they reached the Palace, they were greeted by the Emperor's ADC, who took them into the Emperor's personal dining room. Dusk and Susco were quite used to the Palace Protocols, having come there many times, and walk confidently. Scarlett, however, seem nervous and tried to make herself invisible behind them. Not knowing her history, Dusk was wondering what was wrong with this particular Princess.

Rosemary and Catherine were already sitting at the Dinner Table, grinning knowing that Scarlet and Dusk were earlier reprimanded. Rosemary cheekily struck her hand out asking for her burger. Scarlet's eyes bulged with shock and she mumbled that Dusk got only one and she ate it on the way. Catherine, naturally was angry that they had gone in spite of knowing about her 'Grounding' and also ate Burgers. She give Dusk dirty looks, but not daring to say anything in front of her Grandfather.

The Emperor waved to them to take their places. As they sat, the soup was served with a soft, twisty bread covered with sprinkled herbs. For both Dusk and Susco, this was a new type of bread they did not know existed.

"Welcome to Regis, my dear Scarlet." said the Emperor. "I do not know why my son has kept you away from the Capital, while your younger brother has been a frequent visitor here. Whatever the reason, now it is time for you to break out of your shell."

Scarlet's face and even her neck actually turned almost the colour scarlet as she felt embarrassed. She was an introvert by nature and did not often interact with others outside of her immediate family, her attendants and her personal security team. She was happier in her world of computers, data modelling, design, cybernetics and cryptography. She was one of the brains that contributed to the success of the massive surveillance and analytics exercise that her father ran for the Emperor.

"I am glad to be here, Grandfather." She mumbled.

"Are you really, my dear? I think this is probably the 3rd or 4th time I have met you since you turned adult. Which is not much in the last 11 years. But you cannot continue to hide behind the screen of a computer and communicator all your life. It is time you take your rightful place in the real world."

She nodded. She was very scared of her Grandfather. It was the first time she had heard him speak in a normal voice. Otherwise, she only knew of him booming and shouting at people. The Emperor had not visited the Northern Provinces for a long time as he was busy with his own duties and schedule. Scarlet rarely left the Governor's Residence, so the chance of them meeting was far less. While the other children were comfortable in his presence, she was definitely not.