The maids moved away, clearing the dashing black clad youth’s path towards the golden castle. Adrian had an indifferent countenance as he walked over the read carpet in the noblest way possible- with graceful, steady and equidistant steps.

The guards did their best to not bring shame to their country by kneeling to a noble of another country. In the end, they barely prevailed. The young maids, on the other hand, were staring at the otherworldly handsomeness of the youth with utmost attention, embedding the scene into their minds. Drools trickled down their chins. The slightly older ones who were able to maintain a degree of control brought their dazed comrades out of their fantasies.

Adrian stepped past the glittering palace gates, into the gigantic and extravagant hall.

Unlike Northguard’s, the hall of the Royal palace itself was the courtroom. There was a high pedestal at the end of the room, upon it was a throne- an empty throne. But the rest of the hall was not unoccupied at all. It was the exact opposite of the scene back at the castle at Highfort.

It was rather lively, contrary to the empty courtroom back in Highfort. Rich nobles and merchants from all over the Kingdom had come just to take a look at the new ‘infamous’ Royal Advisor of the kingdom of Nemphis. Or just to show their wealth off to the ‘poor’ Nemphian.

But Adrian, who was completely aware of their intentions, was as nonchalant and carefree as always.

He looked around. The exterior was extravagant, but the interior- even more so. Everything inside were shades of gold- be it pure gold, rose gold, yellow gold, honey gold or any other exotic golds. The floor itself was made from shining gold, checkered with two different colours of gold. It was reflecting everything, as if there was a parallel world below- a world only for the ultra-Rich.

The chandeliers above shone golden light across the hall, making the expensive jewellery worn by the men and women glint. But gold was not all there was- something even more expensive stole attention from almost every eyes- diamonds and other rare gems.

The golden pillars, the frames of exquisite paintings hanging on the wall, the Royal throne just ahead, the chandeliers above, or even the centre of all the round tables were embedded with exorbitant and exceptional jewels.

But it was still lacklustre compared to the hall at Nemphis. The hall here was just extravagant. But the one back at ‘his own’ palace was simply magical with the light magic circle below, the orbiting chandeliers above and that majestic tree ahead.

He shook his head. ‘MY Nemphis is the best.’ He smirked.

Soon, two female attendees who looked not any older than twenty two approached him.

“Greetings.” Both of the young and gorgeous women, one wearing pink and the other wearing purple curtsied. Both of them had completely identical faces.

“Greetings.” Adrian returned a gentleman’s bow. “You two must be the beautiful twin princesses of Aurgoth. It has always been a wish of mine to meet you two charming ladies for years.” His tone was charming as always.

The purple clad lady answered, “And it has been ours to meet the exceedingly talented young Royal Advisor of mighty Nemphis. And looks like the rumours of him being blessed with otherworldly looks is not false at all.” Her voice was filled with confidence.

“Oh. Who did you want to meet?” He smiled. “The talented me? Or the handsome me?”

“Both.” She chuckled. “Oh, silly me. We have yet to introduce ourselves. I am Resha De Auras.” She curtsied again.

The pink clothed girl followed. “I am Rena De Auras.” Her voice was the same as that of her sister, albeit a bit softer.

“And I am Adrian Darkheart.” He bowed yet again.

“I believe you should take a bit of rest. You have been journeying for more than a day now, if I am not wrong. We will keep the guests here entertained in the meantime.” The purple clothed Resha was clearly the one who spoke more amongst the girls. Rena, on the other hand, was more timid.

“Indeed. But it’s not necessary, I am quite confident when it comes to my stamina.” He smiled, prompting both of the ladies’ cheeks to be tinted pink. “Rather, I should be the one to apologise for the delay.”

“It’s nothing.” Resha composed herself as she shook her head. “Royal Father anticipated the delay when it started to rain in torrents last night. Besides, the party was scheduled to begin at noon today anyways.”

“Where’s his majesty? I have yet to spot him.” He asked as he scanned through the court cum hall once again.

“Please don’t take offence.” Resha smiled. “Royal Father takes time to get ready. But I am quite sure he is prepared by now. He will present amidst us soon enough.”

Rena beside her also nodded.

“Oh, it’s fine.” He shook his head. “I was just curious. That’s all.”

Resha smiled as she gestured. “Please follow me, I will introduce some of our special guests- the pillars of our prosperous Kingdom to you.” Rena moved to the side, giving him way.

“Sure, I would love to.” He smiled.

Though the princess had said that the king would arrive ‘soon enough’, thirty minutes passed and there were still no signs of arrival of the ruler of Aurgoth. In the meantime, Adrian met some of the bigshots from the upper echelons of the country. He tolerated their shameless bragging since he was constantly receiving new and vital information every second.

Of course he did not shy away from throwing a few shots himself. Why wouldn’t he?

He bragged about his sky high salary and the ‘pocket money’ he constantly received from his house back at Darkshore, silencing everyone on the way.

An hour passed since his arrival. But there were still no signs of the King. But he did not mind as he was being accompanied by two of the king’s beautiful daughters while he processed the information he just received.

Finally, after five more minutes, an announcement resounded through the humongous courtroom.

“His Majesty, King Leopold De Auras, has arrived!”