Chapter 836 Celebration

Chapter 836 Celebration

Peaceful months passed, in which Khan hardly left Baoway. His rare trips only involved destinations inside the Empire's domain. Otherwise, guests, visitors, and aspiring business partners always came to him.

A prolonged stay on the planet usually involved long training sessions and proper seclusion. However, Khan rarely found the time to focus on himself.

Deals involving magic items stole much of Khan's time. The field was purely experimental, so failures were common. He steadily improved, but the process remained time-consuming.

Prince Thomas' addition to Khan's belt also brought an endless sea of meetings. Khan lost count of the number of dinners, lunches, breakfasts, and other political events he attended to secure his Uncle's businesses. As profitable as the process was, Khan saw it as his personal hell.

The political meetings didn't end with Prince Thomas' allies. Khan had his own associates to handle, and they required special attention due to their relevance to the planet. Khan couldn't ignore them or give the impression that he was ignoring his domain.

The problems didn't end there. Accepting Prince Thomas into the fold turned out to be a demanding endeavor. The man was strict and relentless, hosting private lessons, briefings, and more whenever he caught Khan looking for a break. To make things worse, Monica even agreed with that behavior.

A grunt escaped Khan's mouth when knocking noises resounded on his bedroom door, awakening him. The person on the other side seemed ready to take the wall down with his bare hands, but the sound eventually stopped, and messages followed.

"I swear," Khan muttered. "I'm this close to killing him."

A chuckle resounded on Khan's shoulder, and a yawn followed. Monica slowly woke up, rubbing her face on Khan's neck before bringing it to his chest. That wasn't the first time the couple had faced a similar situation. It had become routine, and Monica had grown used to it.

"He only wants the best for you," Monica said in a sleepy tone. "You know your political persona has never been better."

Khan grunted again but didn't reply. As much as he hated the situation, Monica was right. Prince Thomas' presence significantly improved his political reliability and quelled many doubts about his character. His teachings also surpassed Monica's, making him a perfect addition to his inner circle.

"I need to spend more time training," Khan changed the topic. "I'm close to mastering the foundation form, and I must resume advancing toward the fifth level."

"Didn't you train last night before coming to bed?" Monica asked.

"I could have trained all night," Khan pointed out.

"And leave your stunning fiancée all alone?" Monica teased, forcing herself up to take Khan's face into her hands. "Happy birthday, dear."

"Right," Khan whispered, savoring the short kiss that fell on his lips. "I almost forgot."

The last period had been so busy that Khan didn't have the time to think about trivial things. His birthday was one of them, but Monica was right. He turned twenty-three that day.

"Don't worry," Monica giggled. "Your amazing soon-to-be-wife will always remind you."

"Only remind?" Khan joked, smiling. His face almost felt stiff due to how rarely he took a break from his cold expression, and Monica couldn't help but appreciate it.

"Alas, you don't want to be the King of rubble, Nephew," Prince Thomas uttered.

"It gets more appealing by the day," Khan stated.

"I have your schedule for today ready," Prince Thomas revealed, changing the topic. "You'll find it in your private bath."

Khan didn't reply. He had already memorized the guest list. It was massive, but most names were friendly or were connected to those friendly faces. The others were business partners or important members of the Global Army, which he had studied in the past.

"May I suggest a more modest attire today?" Prince Thomas asked when the destination appeared in sight.

"No," Khan directly refused, approaching the intended door.

"Perhaps a more human one?" Prince Thomas suggested.

"No," Khan said, opening the door to reveal an immense bathroom. A vast bathtub and luxurious furniture spread everywhere, including a wardrobe only Khan and Monica could access.

"I'll see you in a few minutes then," Prince Thomas stated.

"Uncle," Khan called, entering the bathroom. "I'll take your eyes the next time you intrude into the private time with my fiancée."

"I'll find different ways to claim your attention, Nephew," Prince Thomas promised.

Khan closed the door and ignored the luxurious furniture to opt for a quick shower. He enjoyed the bathtub and other services only when Monica was with him, and time was short that morning anyway.

The following process took slightly longer. Khan was still wet when he reached his personal wardrobe. His genetic signature unlocked it, revealing the thick Thilku cape, pelts, bone armor, and crown. Paint also filled its drawers, providing everything he needed for public appearances.

Khan had long since memorized the process. He stood naked before a mirror, carefully applying warpaint to his face and torso. The pelts and bone armor followed before he placed the red cape on his shoulders. The crown came last, but its effect felt greater. Something in Khan's aura changed as soon as he wore it.

Prince Thomas welcomed Khan outside the bathroom, escorting him to the next destination. A plentiful breakfast filled with directives, briefings, and other information unfolded, seemingly attempting to cause a headache. Still, sadly enough, Khan had grown used to that, too. In many ways, he had become a proper descendant now, if not the best of them.

The breakfast lasted a while on purpose. Prince Thomas didn't only want Khan to be ready beyond reproach. The guests were already arriving, and Khan had to join the celebrations only after everyone took their seats. That demanded a delay, but the moment eventually came.

Prince Thomas and Khan made their way through the building before entering a vast hall. Crowded rows of tables filled it, and every head turned in the two's direction. Prince Thomas bowed his head in respect, but Khan ignored the scene and took flight, walking in the air above the guests to reach his seat.

A longer, more luxurious table stood on a slightly elevated platform near the end of the hall. Its location made it visible to all the guests, and its seats were reserved for Khan's family, inner circle, and closest allies.

Politics also played a part in that layout. Khan spotted George, Luke, Lieutenant Dyester, Abraham, Rebecca, his Cousins, and more friendly faces at his table, but the main, central seat stood between Monica and Lord Exr.

Khan reached his table, stopping mid-air to perform a traditional Thilku bow before landing on his chair. Monica promptly filled his glass, and Lord Exr grinned, grabbing his shoulder to savor the cape resting on it. Meanwhile, Prince Thomas also arrived at his seat and lifted a drink to start a toast everyone joined.