— Royal Court
The next morning arrived quietly, yet the atmosphere within the Princess Manor felt completely different from before.
Soft golden sunlight filtered through the delicate silk curtains, casting gentle patterns across the room. The air carried a faint fragrance of fresh herbs and incense, creating a calm and refined environment that was far removed from the simplicity of Nahil's past life.
Nahil slowly opened his eyes.
For a brief moment, he remained still, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling above him, as if his mind was adjusting to the reality he now lived in.
This was no longer the small house in Lamul City.
This was the royal palace.
—
Before he could gather his thoughts completely, a soft knock came from the door.
Without waiting for a response, it opened gently.
Several maids entered in an orderly manner, their movements quiet and well-coordinated, as if they had practiced this routine countless times before.
Nahil instinctively sat up slightly, his expression turning cautious.
"What is this?" he asked.
—
One of the maids stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Young Master, we have been ordered to assist you with your preparations," she said in a calm and polite tone.
"Your bath has been prepared, and your attire for the day has already been arranged."
—
Nahil blinked once, clearly not expecting this.
"Assist… me?" he repeated.
—
The maids did not seem surprised by his reaction.
"Yes, Young Master," the same maid replied, maintaining her composure. "From today onward, your daily routine will be handled according to palace standards."
—
For a moment, Nahil did not know how to respond.
Back in Lamul City, he had always taken care of everything himself.
Bathing, dressing, daily chores—everything was simple and direct.
This level of attention felt… excessive.
—
"I can manage on my own," he said after a brief pause.
—
The maids exchanged quick glances, but the one in front maintained her polite expression.
"We understand, Young Master," she said, "but these are the Princess's instructions."
—
Nahil fell silent.
—
So this is how things are here…
—
He let out a quiet breath and stood up.
"Fine," he said. "I will follow your arrangements."
—
The maids nodded slightly, as if expecting this outcome.
Without wasting time, they began their work.
—
Nahil was led to a separate bathing area connected to the room.
The moment he stepped inside, he paused again.
The space was spacious and elegantly designed, with smooth stone flooring and a large bath filled with steaming water. The surface of the water reflected soft light, and a faint aroma of medicinal herbs rose from it.
Even without touching it, Nahil could feel the richness of spiritual qi within the water.
—
This is not just a normal bath…
—
"Please enter, Young Master," one of the maids said gently.
—
Nahil hesitated for a brief moment before stepping forward.
As he entered the water, a warm sensation spread through his body almost instantly.
The fatigue that had built up over the past few days began to fade, and even the circulation of qi within his body felt smoother.
—
His expression changed slightly.
"This…"
—
The maid spoke calmly from the side.
"The water has been prepared with spiritual herbs to assist recovery and stabilize your condition."
—
Nahil leaned back slightly, allowing his body to relax.
Even bathing here helps cultivation…
—
For a moment, he closed his eyes.
The warmth, the quiet, and the steady flow of energy created a sense of comfort he had not experienced in a long time.
—
After some time, the maids signaled that the preparations were complete.
Nahil stepped out of the bath.
—
Immediately, they moved with practiced efficiency, offering him clean robes.
The fabric was smooth and refined, far superior to anything he had worn before.
—
As he changed, Nahil glanced at himself briefly.
The reflection staring back at him felt slightly unfamiliar.
—
Not because of his appearance—
but because of what it represented.
—
From a boy of a small family…
to someone standing within the royal palace.
—
The change had happened too quickly.
—
After he finished dressing, the maids stepped back respectfully.
"Young Master is ready," one of them said.
—
Nahil adjusted his sleeves slightly.
His movements were calm, but his thoughts were steady.
—
At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed from outside.
A palace attendant quickly arrived and bowed deeply.
"Young Master Nahil," he said with urgency, "His Majesty will announce your marriage in the royal court today, and your presence is required, so please proceed immediately."
—
Nahil's gaze sharpened slightly.
"So it begins…" he thought inwardly.
—
Without wasting time, he nodded.
"I understand."
—
He stepped forward, following the attendant as they moved through the long palace corridors, where the atmosphere gradually became heavier and more formal with every step they took.
—
Soon, they arrived before the grand royal court.
The massive doors opened slowly.
—
Inside, the court was already filled with ministers, nobles, and officials, all standing in their designated places, dressed in formal attire that reflected their rank and authority.
However, despite the disciplined arrangement, quiet whispers spread among them.
—
"What is going on today?"
"This sudden assembly… it feels unusual."
—
One official leaned slightly closer to another.
"Do you have any idea?"
—
The other shook his head.
"Perhaps it is related to the boy the Princess brought with her."
—
"The boy?" the first one frowned.
"Who is he?"
—
"No one knows," came the reply. "He appeared out of nowhere."
—
"Yet the Princess personally brought him into the palace…"
—
Their voices remained low, but the curiosity was evident.
—
At the center of the court, Emperor Smaguel Klowen sat upon his throne, his expression calm and unreadable as he waited for the assembly to fully settle.
—
Then—
a deep and powerful voice echoed throughout the hall.
—
"Silence."
—
The royal announcer stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate obedience as all whispers vanished instantly.
—
"Her Highness, Princess Imaria Klowen… arrives."
—
At that moment—
the atmosphere shifted completely.
—
The grand doors opened slowly, and a faint cold aura spread across the hall, subtle yet overwhelming enough to be felt by everyone present.
—
Princess Imaria stepped inside.
—
Her appearance was nothing short of breathtaking, as if she carried the essence of winter itself. Her robes flowed like frozen silk, shimmering with a faint glow, while her presence radiated a calm and untouchable elegance that made it difficult for others to even raise their eyes toward her.
Each step she took seemed to slow the world around her, as if time itself hesitated in her presence.
—
The entire court fell into absolute silence.
—
Some officials lowered their heads instinctively.
Others stared in awe.
—
"This aura…"
"It has grown stronger…"
—
Imaria walked forward with steady, graceful steps, her expression completely calm, showing neither pride nor emotion.
—
She reached her position and stood quietly.
—
Moments later—
the announcer's voice rang out once more.
—
"His Majesty will now speak."
—
All attention shifted toward the throne.
—
The Emperor slowly opened his eyes, and the entire court seemed to fall under his control in that instant.
—
He looked across the hall before speaking in a calm yet absolute tone.
—
"Today, I have called this assembly to announce a matter concerning the future of the empire."
—
The court listened in complete silence.
—
After a brief pause, he continued.
—
"To ensure stability and prevent conflict, a decision has been made."
—
The tension rose.
—
Then—
his voice echoed clearly.
—
"My daughter, Princess Imaria Klowen…"
—
"…will be engaged."
—
A ripple passed through the court, but no one dared to speak.
—
Then came the final words.
—
"To Nahil Dragsen."
—
Silence.
—
A deep, stunned silence spread throughout the hall as all eyes turned toward Nahil, who stood calmly among them.
—
Shock filled the expressions of many officials.
Confusion followed.
—
A boy with no background.
No status.
—
Nahil stood still, his posture steady, his expression calm despite the countless gazes directed at him.
—
Inside, his thoughts remained clear.
—