A look into the future

In the palace of Gloryland, 

 

"Crash!" 

The emperor angrily tossed the teacup in front of him onto the floor, thinking about Nicholas, who left his presence without being excused. 

"Hmph! That wild seed is becoming more unruly by the day; he walked out just like that," he mumbled under his breath.

"Father Emperor, did you ask for me?" David, who had just arrived, slightly bowed and asked. The emperor saw his black eye and asked. 

"What happened to your face?" 

"Nothing important; I just ran into the door. Is something the matter? I just saw the eldest prince speeding away on a horse. Did something happen?" David asked even though he had an inkling of what was happening. 

The emperor ignored his question about Nicholas and angrily pointed his finger at David's face. 

"You—what are you hiding in the Southern region? Tell me this instant!" he demanded. 

David's eyes flashed perceptibly, but he kept his composure.