I was kind of on the fence of this series until this chapter, it was okay but wasn't super drawn in, but I really like how this went down. Usually its a "when will the mc be caught" type of thing but here its:
"I know this is a trick I am not fooled what are you really here for?"
"Yeah, screw my dad he sucks and is planning to trick you all but I don't want that. Can I stay here?"
"...Yeah okay I guess why not."
Kind of refreshing to see not only the empire be competent in realizing instantly how weird this situation was but also being cool in accepting a young person who wants out.