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The warmth of the Coral Empire's sun kissed my skin as we approached the city, and I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty around me. The streets were lined with vibrant coral structures, each building shimmering with the colors of the ocean. Every building, every piece of architecture, seemed to tell a story of a kingdom that had endured the test of time. The city felt alive, pulsing with the energy of the sea, the sound of the waves crashing gently against the cliffs in the distance, and the vibrant colors that radiated from every corner.
I had heard of the Coral Empire's beauty, but seeing it in person was another matter entirely. It was more than just a place—it was a living masterpiece. As I walked through the streets, the people moved with a quiet grace that seemed to echo the empire's dignity. There was a calm, yet undeniable sense of power in their every gesture.
As we neared the palace, my attention was drawn to the grand doors, each adorned with intricately designed coral patterns, carved by skilled artisans over many years. They opened slowly, revealing a sight that took my breath away. Inside the palace, the interior was even more beautiful than I could have imagined. The floors were polished so well that they reflected the light like a mirror, and the walls were lined with delicate coral sculptures.
And there, standing in the center of the grand hall, was Lord Nalaeom. His regal presence commanded respect, his attire made of royal fabrics woven with golden threads glimmering under the palace lights. The emperor of the Coral Empire had an air of nobility about him—his posture was perfect, his eyes sharp, and his gaze unwavering as he regarded me with deep respect.
"My lord," Lord Nalaeom said. "Welcome to the Coral Empire, the City of Beauty. We are truly grateful for your presence and for your willingness to offer us your help." His voice was smooth, with the kind of reverence one might reserve for a great king or divine being.
My grandfather smiled, grateful for his warm reception and said. "Don't worry, it is my duty to assist those in need," he replied. I was trying to look calm, even though I was inwardly taken aback by the magnitude of the situation.
Lord Nalaeom's eyes twinkled, and he nodded thoughtfully. "Your words are generous, My Lord. But we know well the weight of your lineage, and we are deeply honored by your presence."
The moment felt like it stretched on forever.There was a silent understanding that the meeting was no mere coincidence—it had been a long time coming. My mind raced as I thought about the many legends surrounding my family, especially my grandfather, Yalos. I could feel the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on my shoulders.
I shifted my gaze, momentarily distracted by the beauty of the Coral Empire. The sea breeze, the soft chatter of the people, and the sound of waves crashing against the distant cliffs all combined to create an atmosphere of tranquility. The empire truly was a city of beauty, both in its people and its surroundings.
But as I stood there, I realized that something was different in Lord Nalaeom's demeanor. His sharp gaze had softened, and his posture seemed to change, as if a new realization had dawned upon him. He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing slightly as they locked onto me.
"My lord," he said, his voice laced with a hint of disbelief. "May I ask... who is this young lord by your side?" His tone held a mixture of curiosity and awe, as if he were trying to piece together a puzzle he had never expected to solve.
Before I could respond, my grandfather, Yalos, stepped in with a proud smile on his face. "Ah, this is my sweet grandson. You've heard of him. No doubt. A young lad of extraordinary promise." His words were full of warmth, but they carried a weight that only those who truly knew the story of our family could understand.
I felt the air around us shift. The crowd, which had been respectfully waiting for the emperor's words, now became eerily silent. Whispers began to spread through the room, each one barely audible but filled with awe and disbelief.
"Could it be? Is he truly the grandson of the Above the Heavens and the Dragon God Artemis?"
The murmurs rippled through the gathered people like an ocean current, and I felt the heat rise to my cheeks. I was suddenly aware of how many eyes were on me—how every person in the room was waiting for a reaction.
Then, in an unexpected show of respect, Lord Nalaeom said. "It is an honor to meet you, Young Lord," he said, his voice sincere and respectful.
I was stunned.The feeling was foreign, and it left me speechless. My body froze for a moment, unsure of how to react. I had been in many important meetings before, but nothing had ever prepared me for this.
"Nice to meet you,yoy.Lord Nalaeom," I finally managed to say, my voice betraying my shock. My throat felt dry, and I couldn't help but feel embarrassed. I was not accustomed to such displays of respect.
Lord Nalaeom stood upright, his expression never wavering. "Young lord, I've heard so much about you. The rumors surrounding you are... incredible. They speak of your genius, how you surpass even your father's legendary intellect and talent. But to see you here, so young and already an Intermediate Swordsman... it's beyond belief." His eyes seemed to shimmer with admiration. "You are more than a genius. You are a prodigy, a future that will surely redefine this world."
His words washed over me like a tidal wave. To be praised so openly by someone of his stature was overwhelming. I had expected to be treated with respect, but this... this was different. I felt as though I had been thrust into the spotlight, forced to confront a reality I wasn't sure I was ready for. I wanted to say something, but I was flustered. "Th-thank you, Mr. Nalaeom, for your kind words," I stammered, unsure of what to say.
My grandfather's laugh boomed from beside me, filling the room with warmth. "Haha, my grandson is still young. You don't need to be so embarrassed. You really are a genius. When I was your age, I couldn't even lift a sword properly," he teased, his voice full of pride.
"Grandpa, please, stop!" I hissed, mortified. My face burned with embarrassment. The last thing I wanted was for my grandfather to start making a spectacle of me in front of everyone.
But before he could continue, I noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Someone else had entered my line of sight—a figure standing off to the side, watching me intently. My gaze was drawn to her, and for a moment, everything else faded into the background.
She stood with an air of quiet grace, her elegant dress shimmering like the surface of the ocean under the sunlight. Her silky black hair cascaded down her back in perfect waves, and her long eyelashes framed eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the sea itself. She was undeniably beautiful, the kind of beauty that made everything else seem dull in comparison.
Lord Nalaeom, noticing my distracted gaze, gave a small, knowing smirk. "Ah, I see you've spotted her," he said, his voice filled with amusement. "Young lord, I would like you to meet my daughter, Carolina." He gestured toward the young girl, who stepped forward with the grace of a queen. "Carolina, come here and meet the young lord."
She smiled at me, her expression soft and kind. "Nice to meet you, my lord," she said, her voice like music, gentle and melodic. "I am Carolina, and I am nine years old this year. It is an honor to meet you." She curtsied elegantly, as though she had been trained in the finest manners from birth.
I felt my heart skip a beat. I was completely caught off guard by her beauty, and I suddenly found myself unable to speak. My mind went blank, and I was left staring at her in silence, unsure of how to respond.
Grandpa chuckled beside me. "Haha, it seems my grandson has become speechless. Is she so beautiful that you cannot speak, my boy?"
I wanted to disappear. The entire room was laughing now, and I could feel my face growing hotter by the second. I had never been in a situation like this before. Sure, I had lived a life full of challenges, but this... this was a different kind of challenge. The girl in front of me was so beautiful that I was completely frozen in place.
Trying to recover, I stammered, "Uh... uh... my... my name is Har... Harlez…"
Why was I stuttering? I had never been this awkward in my entire life.
The laughter around me grew louder, and even Carolina couldn't hide her own smile, which only made my embarrassment worse. "It's nice to meet you, Young Lord Harlez," she said softly, her words carrying an air of kindness and understanding.
At that moment, I wished I could crawl into a hole and never come out. But there was nothing I could do but endure the laughter and the teasing from my grandfather.
Lord Nalaeom, seeing the growing tension in the room, decided to shift the conversation. "Hahaha, my lord, should we talk about the matter at hand?" he suggested, his voice light and filled with understanding.
"Yes, we should," grandfather said, finally finding my voice. "We should get down to business."
As we moved to discuss the important matters that had brought us to the Coral Empire, I couldn't help but think about the girl, Carolina, and the overwhelming sensation of being in the presence of someone so elegant. There was something about her that intrigued me, but I couldn't focus on that now. My path was clear, and I had to stay focused.
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