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Chapter 14: The Waiting Hall
The wooden wheels of the carriage clattered over the magically paved stones of the royal road. In Zico Valenhard's hands, the taut reins mirrored the tension in both the horse's mouth and the hearts of those within the carriage. Beside him sat his daughter, Sora Valenhard, her head bowed, eyes silently observing the grand gate shimmering in the distance.
The entrance to the royal castle stood like a monument to divine power. Spinning golden runes glowed on its surface, each one whispering of a century-old secret. Towers adorned with silver and gold climbed toward the heavens, while enchanted banners fluttered gracefully in the wind. It wasn't a palace—it was the dwelling of gods.
Zico's voice broke through Sora's thoughts.
> "Are you ready?"
Sora didn't answer immediately. She wasn't ready. She never had been. But all she could do was lower her head and quietly say,
> "Yes."
As the carriage passed through the colossal gate, rows of royal guards struck their spears on the ground in salute. The insignias etched into their armor bore the name of Valenhard—her name. But in Sora's chest, a quiet voice whispered:
> "You don't deserve it."
Once they entered the palace courtyard, two officials dressed in ceremonial uniforms approached and bowed respectfully.
> "Honored Zico Valenhard and Lady Sora Valenhard… Your presence graces us. Welcome."
Zico replied without hesitation, his voice deep and laced with subtle mockery:
> "Is your king not present? After all, I'm entrusting my daughter to this place. One would expect at least the semblance of presence from royalty."
One of the officials lowered his head with diplomatic calm:
> "His Majesty is currently occupied with an urgent and significant development. We appreciate your understanding."
Zico narrowed his eyes. The words echoed in his mind:
> "What development could possibly be more important than receiving the Valenhard family?"
The question remained unanswered, lingering in the silence. For a man built of pride, this was no small insult. But he swallowed his anger. Slowly, he nodded.
> "I see…"
The official, hoping to soften the moment, gestured toward the interior.
> "Please, allow us to show you to the waiting hall. You may rest there in the meantime."
Zico stepped forward with a firm stride. Behind him, Sora followed with heavy feet and a heart full of conflict. Though prideful by nature, the circumstances were beyond her control. She was here not by desire, but by a love for her father she could never quite deny.
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[The Waiting Hall]
As they entered the waiting hall, Sora felt as though she had stepped into another realm. The room was decorated with gemstones embedded in everything—from the golden-trimmed tables to the enchanted orbs that floated above them, casting a soft glow.
It was a world built for royalty.
And yet, inside her, a deep dissonance swelled.
> "I don't belong here," she thought.
Her eyes traced the shimmering lines of magic running across the marble walls. The enchantments weren't just for defense—they were meant to separate the "pure" from the outside world. Sora, despite being a Valenhard, felt like she was on the wrong side of that magic.
> "I'm one of them, aren't I? A Valenhard by blood…
But why does it feel like I'm an imposter in my own story?"
Her thoughts were interrupted as servants entered, balancing trays filled with steaming teas, fresh fruit, and elegant sweets. One of them bowed slightly.
> "Would you care for anything, my lady?"
Sora didn't answer. Her throat tightened with unspoken emotions. Zico, meanwhile, leaned back in his seat, eyes fixed on the enchanted ceiling above, his expression carved in stone.
> "All this luxury... for what?" Sora wondered.
> "I'm here because my father asked me to be. Because I have a duty to the family name. But what if I never wanted this? What if the part of me that belongs to the village—to the people who smile without etiquette, who cry without permission—is the real me?"
> "Maybe that's why they call me the 'middle daughter.'
Not the eldest, not the youngest…
Not noble enough. Not rebellious enough.
Just… something in between."
As her thoughts spiraled, a sound interrupted the room: the slow groan of enchanted doors unlocking. A low hum filled the air.
And then, through the open doorway, stepped a tall figure cloaked in royal black.
The King had entered.
He walked forward with measured grace, his eyes calm and unreadable as they rested on Zico and Sora.
His voice rang through the room—soft, but carrying unmistakable weight:
> "Have I kept you waiting long…
Valenhard family?"
The air froze.
Zico slowly raised his head. Sora's heart pounded like war drums in her chest.
And the curtain fell.
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[End of Chapter]