The Capital's Shadows

The halls of the imperial palace were as busy as ever.

With servants, ministers, and couriers running all around, one could feel just how much of a heavy task it was to keep a country running.

Those busy halls, however, would suddenly grow still and silent once a certain figure appeared, with everyone stopping whatever it was that they were doing to respectfully bow down, waiting for the man to pass.

"Prime Minister…"

Only the select few, men who climbed nearly as far as it was possible to in the political ranks of the kingdom, had the privilege of addressing the man as he passed by, only to receive a slight nod or a smile in return, an acknowledgment of their greeting.

'This really feels good,' Julian thought, intentionally slowing down his stroll to bask in this air of respect and reverence for as long as he could, the consequences of being late to his meeting be damned.