Cate-Galeazzo gave the vampire a withering look. Agrafena understood the message behind that simple, cold gaze immediately: Do as you are told, and you will have your brother returned.
As the ship moved over the ocean, Cate watched the vessels traveling the waters below. They looked ancient, similar to the wooden ships humans in the mortal world had used centuries ago. The people aboard wore clothing that appeared to be from a bygone era. From what Cate could observe, they were primarily fishermen and travelers.
"This world must be larger than I initially thought," she mused.
Cate possessed all of Galeazzo's memories, and though the man had lived in this world for several decades, he had unfortunately seen very little of the Seamless Realm. He had spent his life confined to the Reign Palace, where his father taught him magic and the art of ruling. He had only truly begun to enjoy his life once he gained the opportunity to escape into the mortal world.
After a few minutes, the ship reached land, and Cate saw even more people. There were sprawling towns and cities; some looked like relics of humanity's past, while others were so grand their glow was intoxicating. As the ship flew over these hubs, the people below bowed deeply until the vessel disappeared over the horizon.
Cate was impressed by what the Staranse clan had built. The Seamless Realm did not appear to be just a home, but an empire larger than any humanity had ever created. After passing over seven massive cities, the ship finally reached the greatest metropolis of all. From Galeazzo's memories, Cate knew this was Reign Capital City, the center of power for the Staranse Clan and the heart of the Seamless Empire.
The city was ten times larger than any city in the human world. It boasted tall buildings that pierced the clouds, all appearing to have been crafted from single, massive pieces of gold. They shimmered in the light, creating a scene that felt like a dream. The streets were wide, paved, and pristine. Cate saw thousands of people going about their work; some flew through the sky on the backs of mighty beasts, while others used brooms. Some possessed their own wings, and others simply drifted as though gravity were a mere suggestion. In the streets below, carriages were pulled by creatures of legend; Cate even spotted pegasi moving among the crowds.
The ship flew to the center of the city, where Cate beheld a magnificent palace unlike any she had ever seen. Having lived for a very long time, she found the Reign Palace to be the most majestic structure in existence, with the sole exception of Set's temple.
The ship docked at the tallest tower of the palace, and Cate disembarked with the others. They were received in a grand room at the tower's peak. Using Galeazzo's memories to navigate the social nuances, Cate managed to pass without suspicion. She was led to her quarters by a beautiful young maid who looked at her with barely concealed desire.
In her rooms, Cate took a bath. She was shaken by the experience; after all, she was now physically a man. The anatomy was far more different than she had expected.
"It is different when the things you are looking at are on your own body," she thought as she washed.
After changing her clothes, she was led to a grand hall to meet Galeazzo's father. A middle-aged man with graying hair and a firm build sat behind a desk, radiating a regal aura that made him appear to be the ruler of all creation. This was Grand Prince Finius Staranse, brother to the current leader of the Staranse Clan and Emperor of the Seamless Empire.
"Tell me what happened," Finius demanded.
Most people would have shivered at that commanding voice. From Galeazzo's memories, Cate knew the boy had always cowered in his father's presence. Finius was taken aback when his son did not flinch. Before he could dwell on it, Cate began her explanation of the past year's events.
"From this day forth, you shall stay by my side," Finius declared after listening. "There is much to correct in this empire. You running off to the human world will not help anyone. You have had your fun."
Cate simply nodded in agreement. She had expected this, and it was exactly what she wanted. The Key was in this city, and she had no intention of leaving without it. Galeazzo belonged to the royal family; while the Staranse clan was vast, it was this core lineage that ruled everything. Galeazzo and Catherine Staranse were cousins.
According to Finius, Cate-Galeazzo was to be given a title and official responsibilities within the empire. Cate accepted, knowing that the more power she wielded, the easier it would be to spirit the Key away.
The following day, Cate was woken early. The first person she saw was Jules, her personal maid. Jules helped Cate into a large bath, cleaning his body from head to toe with a professional, straight face that indicated this was a routine task. Cate could sense the woman's underlying excitement, but Jules never crossed the line.
Once finished, Cate was dressed in elaborate royal garments. She was then led toward the Imperial Grand Hall, where she was to officially meet the emperor to receive her new title and duties.
By the time she reached the hall, it was already crowded. The doors were opened by two guards and she entered.
All eyes were on her at this moment.
She did not show any fear as she moved towards the front of this elaborately decorated hall.
She saw the vampire Agrafena among the crowd and a few other faces she recognised from Galeazzo's memories. She walked with her head held high.
When she saw Jordan at the front of the hall, standing next to the Seamless Emperor, Cate's calmness finally faltered.
"What is she doing here." Cate thought.
Cate had already known that Jordan was from the Staranse clan but for , she had not thought of running into the woman in this place.