"Grandfather..."
Lionel froze for a brief second when he heard that word suddenly slip in his mouth. He cleared his throat and immediately straightened up.
"I apologize," he muttered, "my respects to His Majesty," Lionel said as he lowered his head properly.
The emperor's eyes flew to Lionel. Softness flickered in his eyes before it disappeared.
"It's good to see you, Lionel." He muttered; his voice was now hoarse with his old age.
"It's good to see you too, your majesty," Lionel answered genuinely.
He and his grandfather might not be very close, but they still share a history and a relationship. Lionel cared for him wholeheartedly.
The memory of his grandfather, which was in a casket, suddenly flashed in his mind. During that time, the whole empire mourned for the emperor's death, even him. It was so sudden and so unfortunate.
