The audience chamber was already filled when Alexis arrived.
Silks, furs, polished armor—colors and crests from allied nations gathered beneath Ro's vaulted ceilings. Conversations hushed the moment he stepped in.
Alexis walked forward with steady composure.
Then as he sat down, discussions began swiftly.
Diplomatic words, carefully chosen—but beneath them, tension coiled.
"The transition of power in Ro has been… abrupt," one delegate began.
"Such change brings instability," another added.
"And instability," a third continued smoothly, "affects not only your kingdom—but all of ours."
They spoke of concern.
Of alliances.
Of "mutual benefit."
But as the conversation unfolded—
Their suggestions began to shift.
Borders to be reconsidered.
Trade routes to be adjusted.
Privileges to be granted.
All, of course—
'For the sake of stability.'
'For the good of all.'
Alexis listened.
Patiently.
Magnanimously.
Even when the requests edged into the absurd.
Even when it became clear that some spoke not for concern—
But for opportunity.
When the last of them finished, the room settled into a quiet anticipation.
Alexis' lips curved upward but his eyes looked down coldly.
Some flinched as Alexis glanced at them.
"Perhaps," he began calmly, "you have forgotten something."
A pause.
His gaze swept across them—sharp, unyielding.
"Before I was the king-to-be…"
His voice lowered slightly.
"I was the general who secured this kingdom's victories."
Silence deepened.
"And not only through conquest," he continued, "but through economic dominance as well."
A subtle shift rippled through the delegates.
Some straightened.
Others avoided his gaze.
"I appreciate," Alexis said, the word carrying just enough edge to lose its warmth, "your… suggestions."
Another pause.
"But proposals that lean so heavily toward personal gain—under the guise of alliance—require proper consideration."
He leaned forward slightly.
Unblinking, Alexis stared at each diplomat with a cold expression .
Great pressure was felt as Alexis demeanour shifted to the formidable general he was exalted for.
"We will reconvene in a few days."
His tone left no room for objection.
"Bring me data that supports your claims."
A faint smile returned.
"And I will present mine."
The finality of that statement was so obvious that several delegates bowed quickly—too swiftly.
Confidence shaken, their intentions exposed.
One by one, they excused themselves.
Retreating.
Surprisingly, a brave few souls remained.
Their expressions, earnest.
Respectful.
"Your Highness," one said, bowing deeply, "we offer our sincere congratulations."
"Ro stands strong under your leadership," another added.
"We look forward to a future of genuine cooperation."
The difference was clear.
No hidden edge.
No grasping ambition.
Just… intent to genuinely build a lasting partnership.
Alexis's expression softened.
Not fully.
"To those who seek true partnership," he said, "Ro will respond in kind."
He inclined his head slightly.
"You are welcome to stay within the palace as honored guests."
A small gesture—
But one that carried weight.
Gratitude.
Recognition.
Soon, the chamber emptied.
Alexis exhaled quietly once he was alone.
Only for a moment.
Then his posture straightened once more.
Because the next meeting—
He wasn't sure what to truly expect.
He adjusted his sleeve.
His fingers brushing lightly over the handkerchief tucked into his chest pocket.
A quiet reminder.
A steadying presence.
"…Hiral."
Then he turned.
And made his way toward the royal guest chambers.
Where Princess Koreleva awaited.
As Alexis walked towards the room, Alexis found himself hoping the matter was truly urgent.
Because if it wasn't—
He already knew—
This meeting would not be simple.
Subtly rolling his shoulders and a deep breath, Alexis entered.
The royal guest room was steeped in quiet luxury.
Frost-patterned silks draped the walls, their pale hues catching the light like frozen dawn. A low table of carved ivory stood at the center, steam curling gently from a porcelain teapot.
And there—
Seated with perfect poise—
Was Princess Koreleva.
She lifted her teacup with effortless grace, her movements refined, controlled—every gesture full of elegance and grace, as if the world itself bent to her rhythm.
Even as time passed, her whole presence still commanded attention.
If anything, time had actually made it sharper.
More formidable.
More unyielding than Alexis remembered.
******
At his entrance, Princess Koreleva set her cup down.
Smoothly.
Silently.
"Your Highness," she greeted, her voice like winter wind—soft, but carrying a quiet bite.
Alexis inclined his head.
"Princess."
They took their seats across from one another.
No wasted time.
No unnecessary pleasantries.
Getting straight to the point,
"There are remnants," Koreleva began, fingers lightly resting against the rim of her cup, "of nobles loyal to your previous king."
Her gaze lifted to meet his.
"They sought refuge within my nation."
A pause.
"They also sought power."
Alexis said nothing.
Yet he leaned in, listening attentively.
The Princess Koreleva smiled knowing she had Alexis' full attention now.
"They have been making… dangerous arrangements," she continued, her tone unchanging. "Beyond the continent."
'Beyond the continent?'
Alexis crossed his arms.
"And," she added, almost idly, "there are whispers of an illegitimate son of the former king."
Silence deepened.
"Backed by those same nobles."
Alexis's gaze sharpened slightly.
But he did not interrupt.
Princess Koreleva leaned back ever so slightly.
"Of course," she added, almost dismissively, "I have already dismantled their influence within my borders."
A faint smile touched her lips.
"Swiftly."
"As expected," Alexis replied.
Her eyes flickered with brief amusement.
"I came," she continued, "to give respect to your achievement in ending a war that is foolish and to let you know that you that I was right to call it back then that you fit the crown more than your wasteful uncle."
Alexis chuckled as he recalled that indeed, Princess Koreleva had stated her desire to put him on the throne before.
"Besides, it's only right to speak about the matter I just talked about personally."
Alexis knew that such matter was truly confidential and was grateful for Princess Koreleva's grace.
"Thank you."
Alexis sincerely voiced out.
Princess Koreleva only smiled and stated,
"Well, let's just say it was a future investment for a future favor from you."
Alexis took a sip of his own tea and replied, "Is that so."
Amused.
A quiet understanding passed between them.
Then—
Alexis inclined his head.
"With such trust, I will ensure to grant that favor to the best of my abilities. But just to let you know, if the 'favor' calls for a certain someone I hold dear then without a second thought I would decline. For now accept my humble compensation for your troubles."
Compensation was necessary in order for Alexis to have a leeway just in case in the future, Princess Koreleva really does call for Hiral.
Her brow lifted slightly.
"Engineers," he continued. "Experts to aid in developing new tools for your northeastern territories."
"A focus on reducing reliance on imported coal."
Koreleva did not react.
She just took another sip of her tea.
So Alexis added—
"And diplomats."
"To establish direct trade routes with southern nations."
"Independent of Ro."
This time—
She smiled.
Slow.
Approving.
"I see," she murmured. "Still a man with great insight and discernment."
Her gaze lingered on him.
"I admire that."
Then—
Casually.
"As I did years ago."
A beat.
"And so…"
Her tone shifted—just slightly.
"I still believe marriage remains the most efficient path for strong lasting alliance."
Alexis didn't even pause.
"I must decline."
Immediate.
Polite.
Final.
With resoluteness and an expression of straight forwardness on Alexis' face, it caught Princess Koreleva's attention.
Her eyes sharpened, interest blooming beneath the surface.
"Oh?"
A faint tilt of her head.
"How interesting. Six years ago, you would have at least entertained the discussion."
Her gaze swept over him—observing, dissecting.
"What changed?"
Alexis unconsciously shifted in his seat and his eyes not meeting hers.
Uneasy.
So different from the composed and assured princeling years ago.
She didn't wait for an answer.
Instead, a knowing glint appeared in her eyes.
"…Someone."
A soft, almost teasing note entered her voice.
"Someone has captured your affection."
Alexis said nothing.
But—
He smiled.
Small.
Unguarded.
And that—
Was answer enough.
Koreleva leaned forward slightly.
Then her gaze was ensnared,—
Something on his chest.
A handkerchief.
Delicate.
Intricate.
Snowdrop and hawthorn woven with quiet mastery.
"Where," she asked smoothly, "did you acquire such craftsmanship?"
Her eyes lifted again.
She saw the adoration in Alexis' eyes as Alexis' gaze also drifted to the handkerchief.
"Or should I ask…"
"…who gave it to you?"
Alexis exhaled softly.
There was no hiding it now.
"It was a gift," he said.
A hint—
Of pride.
"From someone… quite talented."
Koreleva's lips curved.
"Your beloved, then."
Not a question.
A conclusion.
She leaned back again, adjusting her sleeve.
"Then I retract my proposal."
Casual.
Decisive.
"But…"
A pause.
Her eyes gleamed with genuine interest now.
"I would very much like to meet this person."
"For such craftsmanship…" she added, glancing once more at the handkerchief, "…is not common."
"And I would commission a piece myself."
Alexis chuckled lightly.
"I will try."
A small pause.
"But no promises."
Koreleva scoffed softly.
Amused.
"Are you trying to hide such a talented person just for yourself?"
Alexis remained quiet, and acted as if he didn't hear her inquiry.
Her gaze sharpened again.
"From the way you act…"
A slight tilt of her head.
"…it wouldn't be a surprise if you had them locked in a room somewhere you can only access."
Alexis laughed.
Low.
Unbothered.
"Perhaps."
That earned him a sigh.
"You're that kind of lover huh. Trying to monopolize your lover…You're more troublesome than I expected," she said, though there was no real irritation in her tone.
Alexis only smiled.
Then, more pointedly Princess Koreleva added—
"I did not realize you were capable of such… obsession."
"I wasn't aware either until now."
"My, oh my. Now you're making me more interested in meeting your beloved."
The word 'beloved' kept echoing in Alexis's mind.
"As I said, I can't make no promises."
Alexis stated firmly yet his thoughts were in disarray.
"Right. Of course, I'm sure such a lovely person would be undoubtedly as smitten as you that their whole attention is passionately devoted only to you. I completely understand."
Princess Koreleva stated with mirth as she saw Alexis' flushed face as she mentioned the word 'beloved'.
Alexis in truth barely registered the princess' words as his mind was now fully occupied with the word 'beloved' which truly fit Hiral's role in his life.