The mention of Commander Eloria Camer reminded Emperor Namus of what he heard from Hemeri last time.
The Commander-in-question was someone who had a special place in the heart of his youngest son and... she was here?
"It was not my intention to hide that she is here, Father," Hemeri Van Hale explained after a moment of silence. "You already know how I feel about her and if you know that she is here, I was afraid that..." He paused, debating how to continue. Then he decided to be honest and finally concluded, "I was afraid that you would ask for her and make her uncomfortable."
The Emperor was giving his son an observing gaze all the time, even making the latter nervous to some extent.
"Be honest with me, Hemeri," Namus Van Hale suddenly said after a short yet torturous silence. "How does Eloria Camer feel about you?" He deliberately paused and added, "Last time, you talked about winning her heart. Does that mean she does not feel the same as you?"