The moment the carriage crossed the outer gates, I felt it.
Not pressure—not fear—but order.
The streets of the Royal Capital parted naturally as our carriage advanced. There were no shouted commands, no guards forcing people aside. Citizens simply stepped back on their own. Some bowed their heads respectfully. Others smiled—genuinely, warmly—as if the passing carriage was a familiar sight rather than a reminder of authority.
This isn't fear-driven obedience…They trust their king.
I found myself smiling without realizing it. Seeing their faces—relaxed, content, proud—made something inside my chest loosen. A capital ruled by coercion never looked like this.
Princess Tesselia noticed.
"Heh," she said lightly. "You're smiling."
"I was just thinking," I replied. "This capital feels… alive."
She smiled back, a little softer than usual.
Soon, towering white walls rose before us—the Royal Palace. Elegant rather than oppressive, its spires caught the sunlight like polished silver.
As the carriage stopped, servants and elite soldiers stood in perfect formation. But what caught my eye weren't them.
Two women stood at the palace steps.
One possessed an overwhelming presence—tall, sharp-eyed, her posture straight as a drawn blade. Silver hair fell neatly down her back, and her gaze alone could make an entire hall fall silent.
The other radiated warmth. Softer features, gentle eyes, long chestnut hair adorned simply. Her smile carried kindness rather than authority.
Queens…?
Tesselia glanced at me, caught my expression, and nodded.
"Father's wives. Queen Valeria…"—she gestured subtly toward the intimidating one—"…and Queen Isolde. My mother."
Before I could process that, the carriage door opened.
King Edward stepped down.
His expression was as stern as ever—but the moment the queens saw him, their faces brightened. Whatever fear others felt toward the king clearly didn't exist here.
So this is his real face to them.
When Tesselia and I exited the carriage together, I felt it instantly.
Shock.
Servants froze. Soldiers stiffened. Several gazes snapped to the king—sharp, questioning.
Edward cleared his throat.
"I will explain in the throne room."
That was all it took.
The throne room doors closed behind us, sealing the world outside.
Only the king, the two queens, Tesselia, and I remained.
King Edward spoke first—about the incident, the attack, and finally… the engagement.
Throughout it all, both queens listened silently.
Too silently.
Their faces were blank. Perfectly calm.
When Edward finished and looked at them—
He screamed.
"WHY DO YOU LOOK LIKE THAT—?!"
Queen Valeria moved first.
Her hand clamped onto the king's ear.
"You arranged an engagement," she said coldly, "without informing us."
"A-and—!"
Queen Isolde grabbed his other ear.
"And you let our daughter be placed in danger."
"I EXPLAINED— OW—!"
They dragged him toward the exit like a misbehaving child.
Isolde paused in front of me, bowing deeply.
"Thank you… for saving my daughter."
Valeria glanced back.
"We will properly discuss this later."
The king looked at me desperately.
"Reikotar—help—!"
I turned away.
"I'm sorry," I said calmly. "I don't know this man."
The doors slammed shut.
I was escorted to my assigned room—larger than my entire house back home—and told to rest.
That evening, a maid guided me to the dining hall. Along the way, I couldn't help admiring the palace—ornate pillars, floating magical lights, halls wide enough to fit carriages.
The dining hall itself was absurdly large.
This place could host a battlefield meeting…
King Edward sat at the table, utterly drained.
Both ears were swollen.
Dinner began.
Both queens thanked me again, formally this time, and announced that my bravery would be rewarded the next day.
King Edward nodded stiffly.
"Generously," he added.
Queen Valeria smiled sweetly.
"Of course."
He flinched.
Far beneath the capital—
Inside a silent, forgotten cave—
A massive black stone trembled.
The moment Reikotar entered the Royal Capital, a crack spread across its surface.
The upper half split open.
From within emerged two weapons—
A katana and a talwar—
Still embedded halfway in the stone.
Waiting.