Hello, everyone. My new novel, Jester On The Throne, is a rewritten version of my previously published novel, The New World Player.
I hope you enjoy the revised version.
White steam rose tangibly, filling the station as the train approached with a thunderous roar, prompting the waiting passengers to stir. The sharp, rhythmic clatter of pistons echoed through every corner, leaving a crisp, invigorating resonance.
Those waiting for the next journey began moving toward the train, retrieving their luggage one by one.
From the crowd, a young man emerged, naturally drawing the attention of those around him.
He wore a long coat over a black turtleneck, pants, and boots, resembling a dark knight stepping out from a shadowy night. A small black gas lamp hung from his belt, a striking detail glinting against the darkness.
His navy hair, tipped with white, framed golden eyes that were as sharp and cold as the winter sun. Broad shoulders and the hint of muscle beneath his clothing marked him not only as aesthetically imposing but also as a dangerous fighter.
Strapped to his back was a long black staff, thick enough for a young man to wield, adorned with spiral patterns and mystical carvings, as if plucked straight from a cosmic forge.
He paused, his indifferent gaze sweeping over the passengers. Taking a deep breath, he filled his lungs with the cold, refreshing air.
Snow began falling softly from the cotton-like clouds above. Despite the winter chill, the gentle snow made the air crisp and livable.
As the train bound for the Crystal City through the northern Seplika Mountains approached departure, Felix boarded alongside the other passengers, carrying a small black suitcase.
As soon as he stepped onto the train, a conductor approached: "Let me check your ticket."
Felix retrieved it from his coat pocket and handed it over. The conductor verified his name and compartment number before returning the ticket. "Confirmed. Have a pleasant journey, Mr. Felix."
Felix took back the ticket and proceeded, confirming his compartment once more: 507—the seventh cabin of the fifth compartment. Narrow corridors ran past him, windows on the right, cabins on the left.
504
505
506
507
Upon entering his cabin, he immediately noticed a man seated by the window.
His long white coat featured a sea-green collar and navy cloud patterns on the sleeves, reminiscent of an ancient Chinese painting. Beneath it, he wore a colorful marbled-patterned shirt, loosely tied with a white sash.
Under the shirt, a black blouse with a silver zipper at the collar peeked through, a deliberate clash signaling the man's disdain for the ordinary.
He sat half-reclined, stretching his legs out onto the seat opposite. His arms were crossed over his chest, and his fingers, adorned with black rings, caught the eye.
The hood hid his face, but his long hair cascaded down his body in dark greenish-black waves. The red strands woven into the braid on the left side of his hair shone defiantly.
Felix's brows involuntarily furrowed. He was someone who could command attention without making a sound… annoying.
He forced himself to ignore it, scanning the cabin. The seats were comfortable. There was space for luggage above, and a signal bell to call the staff hung on the wall.
Not bad.
He placed his suitcase on the overhead rack with ease, then deliberately kicked the man's outstretched feet. The sound of the impact echoed.
The man glanced around, surprised, then pulled his feet back and rested his head against the window, going back to sleep as if nothing had happened.
Felix observed this indifference briefly. His eyes were sharp and unreadable. Then he sat back in his seat. The chairs were as soft as one would expect from a luxury train.
Outside the window, the endless range of northern mountains stretched before him. Jagged peaks rose sharply, capped in snow like towering giants wearing conical hats.
Soon, the train would slide through the fissures of the mountains. Felix pressed the button beside his seat, bringing up the screen window in front of him.
He began scrolling through news sites as the train moved, the loud blast of the horn signaling its departure.
The initial jolt settled into a smooth rhythm as the train gained speed. Outside, the scenery blurred past: thick snow, resilient needle-like trees standing firm, and a breathtaking white expanse that naturally drew his attention.
After ten to twenty minutes, however, the view grew monotonous, and he looked back at the screen.
As he immersed himself in reading, the cabin door opened, and a well-dressed young man, seemingly around his age, entered.
His clothing marked him as high-ranking nobility: a black shirt, white pants, and knee-high black leather boots.
A long white coat fitted perfectly over his trained body, adorned with gold and blue embroidery that emphasized he was no ordinary man.