//------------------------------//
// Old Imperial love 
// Story: Dogs of the Military's Moon or Defenders of Harmony's Sun 
// by karmathewriter 
//------------------------------//

It'd been almost three weeks of preparation and organizations from both the administrators and the Bronzetails before everything was ready for this event. Many of the Bronzehill citizens waited anxiously for the movement to see their hard work on the new imperial railway system to pay off.

When they saw the imperial train started to come into view the crowd started to cheer and a celebration of both their hard work and the honor to welcome the emperor himself to their humble nation.

Many was still cheering before the train even made a full stop. Once it did, the private kart of the emperor door opened to show the griffon emperor, Grover the fifth fully insight for the public to witness.

Count Bronzetail and his two children personally greeted him before kneeling in front of him. The emperor acknowledged the three and personally helped out the count to stand.

Both embraced each other, happy to see each other again not as emperor and subject, but as mutual friends. "It has been a long time my friend." The emperor said with a low commanding yet caring tone. "And I see your children have grown since the last time I saw them. You must be so proud of them."

"Believe me, sir, there's nothing more proudful than to see your kids grow into strong adults." The count replied as many citizens started to sing the oath of loyalty, one that has been passed down since the empire gave the hounds their new home. "Please allow us to escort you to the palace, your highness."

The emperor nodded with a sincere smile as he both waved to the many citizens cheering for him and accepted the Bronzetails offer for an escort towards the palace. As the royal family walked with the emperor to the palace, Barnaby was very concerned about the well being of the emperor. Even though he was walking fine and showing a calm presence, there was something off about him, but he couldn't place his finger on it. He ignores it since he thought if he brought it up, it might ruin the celebration.

"I think you'll be surprised to hear that we're creating an industry park that will bear your name sir. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised about the future of both the empire and our nation." Ignatius said, trying to keep any kind of unfortunate business being brought up during this time of joy and happiness.

"It's alright Ignatius, I know the many problems my subjects are dealing with. This isn't just a formal visit, after all, I want to help out as much as I can. Tell me all about your issues when we get to the palace, deal?" Grover said after place a paw on his friend's shoulder.

After the celebration ended and everyone got back to their usual daily tasks while the emperor rests in the palace for the rest of his imperial trip across the empire.

In the palace; however, the emperor was talking with the Bronzetail's about their issues they've been dealing with. "I see, so due to the fact that the demands of crystals keep growing, you had no choice but to industrialized in a fast past. Thankfully with the advancements of technology, it's easier to do so. though due to that it places mass productions over handcrafted items gets shoved into the sideline. Something you diamond dogs have always been known for."

"Exactly Grover, I want to increase the working conditions of many of my people. But due to the low amount of money we received from these businesses, it's making things difficult to improve on them if we don't own any of these businesses."

The emperor takes a deep breath as he tries to relax and enjoy the company of his trusted friend. "All I can say my friend is doing what's right for your people. Heh, you know I'm grateful for what my great-great-grandfather has done by accepting your ancestor into our wings."

The count chuckled as he smirked while looking at the emperor's wings. "I hope that pun was intentional my friend." When the emperor realized that unintentional pun, both started to laugh as the count poured them both a drink of wine.

"But in all seriousness my friend it's good to see you again, and I appreciate your advice." The count picks up his glass of wine and nods a simple toast to him. "To you my friend and to the empire."

Grover gives him a toast back at him. "To you as well my friend, and to the country of Bronzehill."

Both drinks their wine and continued to talk for an extended amount of time, but both knew that Grover will be leaving soon. He does need to visit the other vassals during his imperial tour. When the time came for him to leave, both embraced one another and walked together to the station. Every citizen return to see the emperor off and wish him a safe journey around the empire, before he left he looked back to see all the diamonds dogs yet seemed sad about something. Before the count asked him, he changed his attitude and waved to everyone with a smile. Thanking them for a lovely welcome from the citizens of Bronzehill.

Barnaby looked at his father, thinking that maybe he should tell him now. But since he was the emperor's best friend, it might make him concerned and worried about him. He placed his hand on his father's shoulder and smiled for him. Perhaps it would be better if he leaves it be, so his father would focus on his duties. "Come father, we still have much to do."

The count takes a deep breath, looked at his son in the eyes, and smiled. "You're right son, and as long as I have you and your sister with me. I think we can change things for the better."