The morning light filtered through the elegant curtains of Solace's room, casting soft rays across the polished stone floor. His sleep had been peaceful, but his rest was soon disturbed by the soft knocking at his door, followed by a gentle voice.
"Sir Solace, it's time to wake up."
Solace opened his eyes, groggy but alert. Before he could even sit up, the door to his room opened, and two identical maids walked in, their steps in perfect unison.
They were young, no older than 18, with long, glossy black hair that cascaded down to their backs. Their faces were symmetrical to the point of uncanny, both with piercing green eyes that sparkled in the sunlight. They wore matching maid outfits—ivory white dresses with black lace trim, knee-high stockings, and black shoes that clicked elegantly against the floor. Their appearance was so perfectly synchronized, they almost looked like mirrors of each other.
"Good morning, sir," one of them said with a soft smile, her voice sweet but mechanical. "We're here to help you prepare for the day."
The other maid nodded, her movements as synchronized as her twin's. "We'll help you get dressed and make sure you're ready to meet the royal family."
Solace stared at the twins for a moment, not bothering to hide his gaze. He wasn't interested in pleasantries, but these two were… something else. Their identical features and synchronized movements made them feel unnervingly perfect, and their subtle smiles were almost predatory.
[Lila Veris]
Race: Human
Age: 18 years old
Cultivation: Level 40
[Lina Veris]
Race: Human
Age: 18 years old
Cultivation: Level 40
Both maids' info boxes appeared in Solace's mind as he glanced them over. Lila and Lina Veris, the twin maids, both Level 40, though he could tell their true potential went far beyond their current levels. Their movements, too synchronized for comfort, made it clear they had been trained as perfect servants. Their cultivation felt restrained, their power held in check, as if waiting to be unleashed.
Despite their beauty, Solace couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that they were more than they appeared.
"Alright, let's get started," Solace muttered, not bothering to make eye contact. The twins began their work without a word. Lila began by arranging his clothes, while Lina prepared a bath for him. The way they moved in perfect tandem made him feel like he was just another task to them—nothing more, nothing less.
Once Solace was dressed in his royal attire—simple yet elegant, a dark robe with gold embroidery—he was led down the long, marble hallway toward the throne room. The maiden twins walked beside him, maintaining the same distance between them. Their presence, while helpful, was almost too perfectly coordinated, creating a constant whispering sound as they moved in perfect sync.
Finally, they arrived at the throne room, where the entire royal family waited for him.
At the head of the room, King Leonhart sat upon his imposing throne. He was a tall, muscular man with a well-trimmed beard and deep blue eyes that seemed to pierce through anyone he gazed upon. His aura was overwhelming, the weight of his presence almost tangible.
Beside him sat Queen Alina, a woman whose beauty rivaled that of the most graceful creatures of nature. She had long auburn hair and golden eyes, her expression soft but authoritative, and her voice was one of poise and command. Her gaze softened as she looked at Solace, but there was no mistaking the sharp intellect behind her gaze.
On the far side of the room, the three princes stood, each one representing a different aspect of the kingdom's power.
[Prince Dorian Sunbelt]
Age: 400
Cultivation: Level 380
Personality: Assertive, ambitious, and keen for power.
Appearance: Tall with dark hair, sharp features, and an air of confidence.
[Prince Leander Sunbelt]
Age: 350
Cultivation: Level 300
Personality: Quiet and reserved, but fiercely loyal.
Appearance: Medium height, with platinum blonde hair, and sharp blue eyes that glint with intelligence.
[Prince Eirik Sunbelt]
Age: 100
Cultivation: Level 250
Personality: Adventurous and playful, always seeking excitement.
Appearance: Youngest of the brothers, with tousled brown hair and a mischievous grin.
Finally, beside the three princes stood Princess Seraphine Sunbelt. She was, as always, elegant and dignified. Her long golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her emerald green eyes fixed themselves on Solace as he entered. The mysterious distance between them was palpable, though her gaze was curious, as if still sizing him up.
"Solace," the King began, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "you've shown exceptional skill, both in the trials and your knowledge. But now you meet the family—this is where you will prove your worth. I trust you'll do just that."
Solace nodded, his gaze moving from the King to the Queen and then to the princes. He kept his voice low and respectful, but the fire in his eyes was unmistakable. "I'm here for the challenge, Your Majesty."
With that, he was dismissed by the royal family and led back out of the throne room.
After the meeting, the twins guided Solace through the royal palace and kingdom. The landscape was breathtaking—towering spires and lush gardens filled with rare flora, marketplaces bustling with activity, and wide-open fields where the people of the kingdom practiced their cultivation. The city was a perfect blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, powered by mana that flowed through every building, every street.
As they walked, Lila spoke in her usual calm tone. "The kingdom's structure is built on both mana mastery and technology, Sir Solace. We pride ourselves on our ability to balance both. You'll find that the people here value discipline, but also innovation."
Lina, walking beside her sister, added, "This kingdom is ruled by strength, but also by wisdom. You'll see more during your stay."
Solace took it all in, but his mind was elsewhere. He was already thinking about his next move, the real reason he was here. The marriage was a formality, and his objective wasn't to please anyone—it was to gain power and learn what he needed to move forward.
Meanwhile, in a secluded chamber, the King and Queen were having a private discussion.
"The Dragon Clan heir," the Queen began, her voice low and serious, "is not a simple issue. The marriage is a means to an end. Solace is simply a pawn in this game."
The King nodded. "We can't afford to turn away the Dragon Clan. Their power would shift the balance of power in the entire continent. Solace will act as our scapegoat, drawing their attention and hopefully preventing them from taking any further action against us."
The Queen's eyes flashed with concern. "But what if he grows too powerful for us to control?"
The King's voice was steady. "He's just a boy. Let him fight for the princess's hand. Once he's in, we can manipulate him as needed."