7. Family

Someone suddenly knocks. It was Dylan.

"I apologize for interrupting you, your majesty. But we received a call from the Sky Imperial family's attendant. They said that the Imperial family wants to pay a visit to also give their gift for the Empress Dowager." Dylan said.

"The Sky Imperial family?! I didn't know that our empire..." Seth paused.

"Okay, tell everyone to prepare." Taehyung said.

"The Sky Imperial family? But I heard that they didn't want to get involved with the royals or other Imperial families..."

"This isn't just about giving gifts..."

*Garden*

"The Sky Imperial family? Your father does know the Holy Emperor, but I never met him before. But I heard that he has 9 children. There is 8 princes and the youngest is the only princess. Him and your father are still meeting each other secretly until the youngest princess went missing... well, that's what your father said to me." The Empress Dowager said.

"Missing? When?" Taehyung asked.

"When you were only 5 years old, I heard the Holy Emperor went to our empire to ask for help."

"What's wrong with their family? We can't find enough information about them. Father is now gone, so why did they suddenly decided to reveal themselves and give you a birthday gift? This isn't a simple matter. If the neighboring empires and kingdoms knew about this..."

He sighed.

"Son, even though we don't know them, I'm sure they're not planning to harm us. Your father's comrades... are unique and strong... but they're as close as a family."

"Hmm?" Taehyung raised an eyebrow.

'Family... I heard stories about father's comrades when I was younger, but... I never saw any of them. If the Holy Emperor is one of them... which one is he? He never mentioned their real identities, only their nicknames.' Taehyung thought.

The day of the visit finally arrived and the whole empire were prepared to see them. Taehyung wanted this visit to be a secret but the maids and knights already spread the news.

And they finally came with hundreds of knights.

"Wow... their horses have wings?!"

"And their carriage looks like it was made from ice!"

"Their knights looks so strong and cool~"

Everyone even kids were mesmerized because of how beautiful and unique they are from what they normally see. Horses... knights... carriages... even their form and clothing...

"The Holy Emperor and the Sky's Imperial family have arrived!"

All knights and palace maids of the Palace lined up and patiently waits for the Imperial family to come out of their carriages.

They are all nervous, especially Taehyung.

One of the carriages' door opens and the first one to come out was the Holy Emperor, Julius. Everyone including Taehyung and the Empress Dowager was shocked to see the Holy Emperor.

'He... he looks young!' Taehyung thought.

Julius helped his wife, Empress Maria. And all the 8 princes from the other carriages also came out, following their parents.

'T-they look so young, elegant and perfect... if I need to choose which family is the exact definition of a perfect Imperial family... it is the Vortigerns (the sky's Imperial family name).' Taehyung thought.

"It's nice to finally meet you, little Emperor and Empress Dowager. I apologize for not visiting on the late emperor's funeral." Julius said.

"N-no need to apologize, your highness! It's fine... I understand why you can't come. Please... allow me to guide you inside the palace." Taehyung said, politely.

Julius and the Empress, Maria, smiled and they all followed Taehyung.

Right after the family went inside, everyone continued complimenting them.

"They all look so beautiful! Not to mention the Holy Emperor and his wife! They both look as young as their children! I wonder how they did that."

"All of the 8 princes also look awesome!"

*Dining room*

"Your palace is big and wonderful, little Emperor." Julius said.

"Thank you, your highness-"

"Your knights looks so weak." Marc, the 7th prince, said.

"Agreed, and the palace looks old." Marco, the 8th prince and Marc's twin, said.

"Shut your mouth and behave... or you want me to do it for the two of you?" Janus, the 1st and eldest prince, said and gave the twins a cold look.

Taehyung and the Empress Dowager got intimidated by him.

'I knew this family isn't normal and simple as I thought.'

"What do you mean by not normal and simple, your highness?" June, the 5th prince, asked Taehyung.

Taehyung got shocked.

"W-what do you mean, your highness?" Taehyung nervously asked.

"I have mind-reading powers, you see... I can't help but to listen to your thoughts. Do you have any problem with us?" June asked.

"W-what-"

"June, didn't I told you to don't use your powers carelessly?! I'm so sorry, Taehyung. June is a stubborn child." Maria said.

"I-I understand, your highness." Taehyung said.

"Then how about we get to know each other? I failed to meet any of his comrades and their families before he died. This is the first time and I'm very curious about the Sky and your family. May I know what are your names?" The Empress Dowager asked the 8 princes.

The eldest stood up and bowed.

"My name is Janus Vortigern, the 1st prince and the eldest. I apologize for the rude attitude of my younger brothers, your highness." Janus said.

"It's okay, Janus. We are all family here. There's no need to be so formal and call me aunt instead."

"Y-yes... aunt." Janus replied politely that made Julius and Marie smile.

The next one stood up and bowed.

"My name is Martin Vortigern. I am the second prince and it's nice to meet you, your highnesses." Martin said.

"My name is Mou Vortigern. I am the third prince. It's nice to meet everyone."

"I am Jan Vortigern, the fourth prince. I'm happy to finally meet you, your highnesses."

"My name is June Vortigern, the fifth prince. I apologize for startling and being rude to you earlier, your highness. I was just curious because you were acting wierd-"

"JUNE!" Maria yelled.

"I apologize again." June quickly answered and sat down.

"Maru Vortigern, the sixth prince. I'm glad to meet you both healthy and safe, your highnesses."

"And we're the twins. I'm Marc, the seventh prince."

"And I'm Marco, the eight prince."

After the twins introduced themselves, the rest of the Vortigern family sighed because of their behavior.

"Umm... we also have a princess... she's 2 years younger than you, little Emperor. And her name... is July Vortigern. Our ninth child and our only princess." Julius said.

Both Taehyung's and the Empress Dowager's eyes widened.

"W-what did you say, your highness?"