*Clop* *Clop*

The steady footsteps on the expensive marble reached everyone’s ears. The interval between each steps were equal, without even a millisecond of deviancy.

Black shoes fell on the golden floor, sending a small wave of light with every step. Adrian, wearing his jet black coat and pants, was walking through the hall, through the crowd, to where he was beckoned.

Adrian did not falter even a bit from all those envious gazes from the young men present among the crowd. But the emotion betrayed from the eyes of the young women were the exact opposite. Some of them almost drooled at the sight of his otherworldly looks and dashing demeanour.

But Adrian was carefree and indifferent as always. The confidence he was emanating was worthy of a king. Many were already imagining him with a crown on top of his head, and that scene- was picturesque.

Soon, he reached his destination. He stood between the High King and High Queen and turned around, facing the crowd.

Everyone looked at the devilishly handsome young man before moving their eyes to the High King, awaiting in anticipation for his declaration.

The green eyed old man opened his mouth. “Since the beginning of time, rulers- be it kings, queens, or even emperors- had to depend on their aides to govern the nation, defend the people, defeat the enemies. And everyone had at least one such aide whom could be depended upon with their very lives.

“Adrian Darkheart- the son of Duke Elton Darkheart and Duchess Emilia Darkheart, from here on, will be the Royal Advisor to Queen Evelyn Greatwoods.”

Almost everyone gasped in chorus. The office of the Royal Advisor was not easily bestowed upon anyone. Tens of highly experienced and extremely talented individuals had tried to fill the spot, but the position remained empty for years. It was the most highly paid job in the Confederation for a reason.

The previous King had to depend on the Crimson house and the Bradley house in governing the country.

But now, the High King himself, known for his wisdom and competence, had bestowed the title to a youth who was not even twenty years old.

Was it a plot to smoothen his road to being a King?

That was a legitimate scenario. After all, acting as the Royal Advisor would serve as a practice for him. And if he got any major achievements during his time at the office, the general people would accept him as their new King much faster.

Everyone closed their mouths, reaching the same conclusion.

Evelyn and Maria, on the other hand, were not surprised at all. It was already decided on that fateful day- the day where for the first time ever, someone rejected a proposal to be the king of mighty Nemphis.

That shameless mother**er also ‘scammed’ last three months’ salary out of the Royal treasury, despite not getting the post officially.

“You know what to do, right?” The High King asked.

Adrian nodded and turned towards Evelyn who was sitting on the throne with that same confident demeanour.

“Kneel!” The High King declared.

“WHAT?!” The queen blurted, losing all of her previous demeanour.

Everyone turned to the new Queen.

The High King frowned. “What ‘WHAT?!’? It’s customary for a new Royal Advisor to kneel to his liege.”

“I…” Sweat suddenly began to trickle down her smooth skin. “I mean… I will work with him till the end. He… he will be my most trusted aide. It’s not necessary to kneel. Standing beside me is enough.”

The crowd gasped again. ‘How benevolent!’ They thought.

“Customs are customs. Rules are rules.” The high king shook his head. “He will have to follow through it.”

‘Please nooooooo!’ Evelyn screamed inside her head.

The High Queen chimed in with a giggle. “I know what you are thinking, dear.”

She proceeded to move her lips, without making a sound. Both Maria and Evelyn who were facing her blushed momentarily but composed themselves in a moment.

‘But you can always return the favour in the bedroom.’ The high queen winked.

Evelyn’s face twitched as she forced a wry smile on her face.

‘That’s what I fear, grandma, that’s what I fear. I don’t mind returning the favour. But the problem is the interest. And the interest he demands is TOO DAMN HIGH!’ A tear almost escaped her eye.

“Relax, ‘my Queen’.” Adrian said in his charming voice, sending shivers down her spine. “Rules are rules indeed.”

Adrian got down on his right knee, and bowed his head down.

Evelyn subconsciously moved both of her feet off the ground, not daring to touch the same floor he knelt on.

Though she could not see his face, she could clearly visualise the evil smile he had on his face.

‘I am dead.’ She nodded at him with an ultra-wry smile.

A few seconds later, Adrian stood up.

“We look forward to your ‘years of service’.” The high king patted his back.

Adrian smiled in return.

The High King then looked back at the crowd. “We will leave, everyone can enjoy to their hearts’ content.”

He gave the crowned Evelyn one last nod before walking towards the gate. His wife also gave a smile to her before following him.

The moment the two left. The court musicians began to play classical music. This sounds of lutes, and violins, and harps and other string instruments fluttered through the air.

The servants and maids brought in delicious snacks, extravagant dinners and wondrous wines. The nobles prepared themselves to congratulate the new Queen one by one. It was customary, and common sense that the higher nobles would go before the lower ones.

But none dared to go before the commoners of the Academy.

“Congratulations, your Majesty.” Vice principal Braveheart congratulated.

“Thank you.” Evelyn stood up.

He then turned to Adrian. “Congratulations to you too.”

“Well, they are paying me enough.”

The ladies, both young and old stared in awe at the scene between the two. These two were probably the most dashing men in the Confederation.

The feminine looking man laughed. “We have already sent your graduation certificate to your House. It has been years since someone graduated early, let alone by two years.”

“Congratulate Isabella, she was the one who did the hard work.”

“Of course I will.” Brave heart nodded before leaving.

Adrian looked at Evelyn. She gulped.

“Enjoy the party.” He smiled. “I will be waiting for you in your room.”