The announcement of the engagement between Solace and Princess Seraphine rippled through the world, spreading like wildfire across the human kingdoms and beyond. Whispers filled every corner of the realm, and the name Solace was soon on the lips of everyone—from the highest lords to the lowest peasants. The marriage was being hailed as a strategic alliance; yet, there was something much more significant behind it—a mystery that seemed to captivate not just the humans, but even the non-human races.
Among those paying close attention, perhaps the most attentive were the Dragons—particularly the Fire Dragons. Dragons, while scattered across the land in separate clans, held a strange unified allegiance, and the Fire Dragons, with their prideful nature, were not taking this announcement lightly.
Deep in the Fire Dragon Lands, the Fire Dragon King, an ancient and powerful beast, roared in fury. His massive form towered over his advisors, his wings creating gusts of wind as he paced restlessly. Beside him, his eldest son, one of the Fire Dragon princes, stood with his arms crossed, his face a mask of fury and disbelief.
"This human," the Fire Dragon King growled, his voice like rumbling thunder, "dares to take the princess's hand in marriage? A mere mortal? The nerve!"
The prince, equally enraged, clenched his fists, his claws digging into his palms. "We cannot let this go unanswered, Father. The humiliation we've suffered—our honor has been stained by this inconceivable act. We must show the world that no mortal can hold such sway over one of our own."
The King's golden eyes flared with rage. "Send word to our allies. I will declare this marriage an affront to the Fire Dragon Clan. If this 'Solace' dares to cross us, we will make him regret ever stepping foot in this world."
Meanwhile, Solace, the man at the heart of this growing storm, had just exited the library. The walls of knowledge had offered him insight into the workings of the world, but it was now time for him to step away from the books and experience life outside the palace.
As he walked through the palace grounds, a familiar notification flashed before him.
[Ding!]
[Task - Learning about the World. Completed]
[Reward - 10,000 Mana Stones]
Solace flashed a small smile upon seeing the notification. It wasn't a massive reward, but it was a nice little bonus. The real value, however, was the information he had gained about the various kingdoms, races, and the factions that ruled them. His mind was sharper, more attuned to the world around him.
But he didn't dwell on it for long. His thoughts shifted back to the present. As he turned to look at the twin maids, Lila and Lina, walking behind him, he decided it was time for a bit of freedom.
"You two can give me a few hours to myself," Solace said, his voice steady. "Go and prepare my room or something."
Without a word, the twins nodded and left him to his thoughts. Although Solace couldn't deny that he found them appealing in a strange way, he didn't trust them. Not yet. He had no allies here, and the royal family's games were still unclear to him. He needed to figure out what was truly going on.
"System, what do you think I should do next?" Solace asked as he walked through the bustling streets of the kingdom, the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and the laughter of children ringing in his ears.
[Well, increasing your strength is always the most optimum thing to do. However, I suggest you stick around here for a while longer. You'll soon find some entertainment.]
"Hmm?" Solace raised an eyebrow, confused by the system's cryptic response. He shrugged it off, figuring he'd find out soon enough.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Solace decided to stop by an inn for a meal. The warmth of the wooden walls and the smell of roasting meats welcomed him as he entered. He sat down at an empty table, his hands clasped together in front of him as he waited for his food. His mind, however, was still active, calculating the next steps he should take.
As he sat, the murmurs around him caught his attention. He overheard several locals discussing the recent news.
"Have you heard?" one of them whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the clinking mugs. "The Fire Dragon King has declared the princess's husband as an enemy to the Fire Dragons. They even placed a bounty on his head. They're looking for any information, whether it's his full name, or his appearance."
The other patron nodded, shaking his head in disbelief. "A mortal? The Fire Dragons are not to be trifled with. If this Solace guy isn't careful, he could end up with his head on a spike."
"The fuck?" Solace muttered inwardly, his brow furrowing as the conversation hit his ears. "System, what did I do to these damn Dragons? Hell, I learned of them!"
[Well, maybe you should go ask your soon-to-be wife?] the system teased, its voice laced with amusement.
Solace couldn't help but smirk at the response. He had no intention of dealing with the Fire Dragons just yet, but the news of a bounty on his head was certainly intriguing.
He finished his meal in silence, his mind turning over the implications of the Fire Dragon's rage. The last thing he wanted was to get dragged into dragon politics, but it seemed he had no choice in the matter.
After a few hours, Solace returned to the palace. The twin maids had prepared his room, as expected. He didn't mind their efficiency, but he couldn't shake the feeling that the royal family was watching him closely. He'd need to be careful. His role as the prince consort was likely part of a much bigger game, and he had to make sure he stayed ahead.