They stared. Of course they did.
Even in a city like Asmaphaeri City, where beauty was common and elegance walked every street, the woman leaning against the black iron lamp post on a boulevard turned heads.
She was dressed simply yet the simplicity only made her allure more impossible. A white crop top hugged her form with some effort because of her bust, contrasted by a loose blue jacket draped casually over her shoulders, one side slipping down slightly as if in defiance of structure. Black shorts emphasized the length of her legs while sheer tights caught a lot of people's eyes.
But it wasn't just her looks.
It was the way she stood, leaning on one leg, her head slightly tilted back, staring at the morning sky like it owed her something. Her arms were crossed.
And that was Narisva Starisnova.
Her obsidian-black irises with faint stars swirling in them scanned the passing crowds but her expression remained neutral, as if all time itself would eventually deliver what she was waiting for. She didn't tap her foot or sigh or pace.
She just waited.
Even now, few recognized her. Narisva had stepped away from the affairs of Starisnova politics the moment she turned eighteen. She had traveled the world since then but never for long. Her name might have echoed in her home continent, Xypelia, but here in Anqerise? Here, she was simply a mystery. And that made her all the more magnetic. Naturally, it didn't take long.
Three handsome, confident men dressed enough to suggest minor nobility or high-level academicians, approached with too much swagger and too little tact.
"Hey there. You look like you're waiting for someone. How about we keep you company till they get here?"
Narisva's gaze slid to him slowly. There was no change in her expression. Her eyes looked more like black holes than pupils.
"I appreciate the offer but I'm waiting for someone already."
The second one chuckled, stepping forward.
"They're really gonna keep someone like you waiting? Must be a fool."
She tilted her head at that, and for just the briefest of moments, her smile appeared. It was polite and absolutely terrifying for anyone who could sense intent.
"They're not a fool. They're late. But they'll arrive. And I don't kill fools unless they keep pestering."
The third man blinked. "Kill—wait, are you joking?"
Narisva's smile disappeared. She tilted her chin slightly, the void stars in her eyes shimmering ominously.
"I don't like repeating myself."
That was enough. Whether they understood consciously or not, some primal instinct told them this woman was wrong to mess with. The men mumbled excuses and quickly walked off, one muttering something about how weird women were in Anqerise.
She returned to silence.
She wasn't angry. It was beneath her to start a scene in public, especially over something so trivial. If she truly cared to, they wouldn't be walking right now. But she had waited too long for today to let anything get in the way of it.
Then, just faintly, she felt it. Her lips curled into the smallest smile once more.
"He's close. Finally."
The streets fell quiet as if the wind itself chose silence the moment he turned the corner.
A man walked.
And not even his simple clothes—white turtleneck, black sweatpants and open sandals—could mask what he was.
Children tugged their parents' sleeves. Merchants paused mid-haggle. A street performer stopped playing their lyre. No one bowed, not out here in the casual corners of Asmaphaeri. But they all watched.
Because how could they not?
Golden and sapphire eyes with long curly hair tied up in a lazy, slightly chaotic ponytail that made him seem almost too casual for his title but there was no mistaking him. No matter how he dressed down, no matter the way he kept his shoulders loose and his pace relaxed.
Vastarael Richinaria, the Dynasty Monarch of Richinaria was here.
To the people of Anqerise, the Richinaria bloodline wasn't just a ruling family. It was a symbol of protection, stability, and a rare kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted to be felt. Dynasties, by unspoken truth, were the guardians of the continents. Though they only protected a few cities and Boroughs, their influence stretched like divine veins across the land. Richinaria protects Amaniya, the most advanced technological kingdom in Spheraphase. But here, in Asmaphaeri, a city within the continent of Anqerise, they were regarded with almost spiritual reverence.
Dynasties didn't demand worship. They didn't need it. Their power was known. And so, as Vastarael strolled down the boulevard, no one bowed but every pair of eyes followed.
He stopped in front of her. Narisva turned her head, already smiling before he even spoke.
"Sorry I'm late."
Narisva tilted her head, shoulder brushing the lamp post behind her.
"You're not that late. What held you up?"
"Dynasty business. Had to clear a few matters so I could have the day off. It's more annoying than it sounds."
"Right, you're the Monarch now. Big responsibilities. Are your siblings managing things okay?"
"More than okay. They're practically running it. I just sign things and show up in meetings that make me want to scream. But today, that's already done. There will be no interruptions."
She nodded and pushed off the post, walking beside him as their pace matched instinctively.
"So, where are we going?"
"I... was thinking you could choose. You know this city better than I do."
"You're the Monarch of the most advanced kingdom in the world. You're dating a woman who's technically a Princess of Space. And you still don't plan dates?"
"I do. I've been on a few. My first was with Elyonari. Since I came back, Asenane and Adelasta... they've all taken me on dates."
Narisva's smile faded just a little.
"Ah. Asenane."
Vastarael glanced at her, his expression softer now.
"She chose that name herself. Said she wanted to bury the name Erna. It reminded her too much of the Krepsuna she used to be. She's... different now. I made a wish to the Primordials, and she became a new race."
"I figured," Narisva muttered, brushing a hair behind her ear. "I always had a feeling she was one of your lovers. The way she looked at you... it was obvious."
He stopped for a moment.
"Does that... bother you?"
She looked up at him.
"No. It doesn't. It would, if you neglected any of us. But you don't. You treat each of us like we're the only one in your world when we're with you. And I know you didn't ask to love so many... or for so many to love you. But I understand."
Vastarael looked down at her, genuinely moved. "You're amazing."
"I'm cocky, remember?"
They continued walking as she casually linked her arm with his like she'd done it a thousand times before.
He didn't pull away.