Wes stood beside the scorched remains of the Verdant Fang Serpent, revolver still warm in his hand. He smirked and muttered, "Defeated a D-rank, level 25 monster... not bad for someone who's only been in this world for a few hours."
As he turned to say something else, a violet screen flashed in front of him.
LEVEL UP!
Current Level: 3 → 7
Wes blinked. "Whoa... What the—?!"
He read the screen, stunned. "Four levels?! Just from that fight?!"
Scarlett noticed the screen over his shoulder. "You leveled up that much? Figures. You were the one who dealt the finishing blow."
Wes scratched the back of his head, smirking. "Guess this world rewards style."
Leveling up this quickly... This world's system is way more intense than I thought, Wes thought. And I just reincarnated... this is insane.
The clinking of armor drew their attention.
Captain Durnhal approached. "Your Highness, we must return to Elaria. The king will want to hear what happened."
Amara nodded. "You're right. We need to report this attack... and let my father know I'm safe."
Durnhal bowed. "We should depart before nightfall."
Amara turned to Wes and Scarlett.
"Would you two... come with us?" she asked.
Wes and Scarlett exchanged a glance.
"The king will want to meet you—and reward you for saving me and my knights."
Wes grinned. "Well, how can we say no to meeting a king?"
Scarlett nodded. "We'll go."
Amara smiled brightly. "Wonderful. Then let's leave at once."
The knights mounted up. Amara climbed into the carriage, then looked back.
"Come on, you two."
Wes and Scarlett climbed in, the door shutting behind them. The carriage rolled through the forest path, wheels humming quietly.
Wes leaned back with a smug grin. "So this is what it feels like to ride in a royal carriage... Luxury!"
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "Idiot."
Amara giggled. They're so different... yet they work together so well.
"Sorry for his dumb comment," Scarlett muttered.
"No need to apologize," Amara smiled. "It's refreshing."
Wes leaned forward. "So, Princess—how long till we reach the city?"
"From here... around three more hours," Amara answered. "We're still deep in the forest."
"And what's the name of your city?" Scarlett asked.
"Elaria," Amara said with pride. "The shining heart of the kingdom. It's a place of peace... and home to many races—elves, beastkin, dwarves, and more."
Wes's eyes sparkled. "So cool! I've always wanted to meet other fantasy races."
Amara laughed softly. He gets excited so easily... it's kind of adorable.
Scarlett glanced at her. "Tell me more about your city. Your history... and your family."
Amara nodded. "Of course. Elaria was founded over 400 years ago by the first King Lyselle, a visionary ruler who united warring tribes. My father—King Arcturus Lyselle—is the 7th king. He leads with strength... and heart."
Wes listened carefully. "Sounds like your father is a real king. Not just by title, but by spirit."
Scarlett nodded. "A kingdom of peace and diversity... Sounds like a place worth seeing."
Wes leaned in again, curious. "What about the rest of your family? Your mother? Any siblings?"
Amara smiled warmly. "My mother, Queen Elenys Lyselle, was once a battle priestess. Fierce and wise. She gave up the battlefield for the crown, but her spirit is still as strong as ever."
"A battle priestess turned queen?" Wes said, clearly impressed. "That's so badass."
Scarlett chuckled. "She sounds amazing."
"And my younger brother, Prince Rhal..." Amara's expression softened. "He's mischievous. Always pulling pranks. But he's clever and full of life."
Wes laughed. "A royal troublemaker, huh? Bet the castle never has a dull moment."
"He once put itching powder in my ceremonial gloves," Amara said with a sigh. "During a diplomatic summit."
Scarlett snorted with laughter. "Okay, now I want to meet him."
Wes leaned back. "Your family sounds... like a real family. Not just royalty. That's rare."
—
A few hours later, the carriage finally neared the outer walls of the city. Wes stuck his head out the window. "We made it! Awesome!!"
Amara giggled.
Scarlett pulled him back inside by the collar. "Stop being an idiot and sit down."
The carriage approached the gate, where two guards stood at attention. The moment they recognized the royal crest, they saluted and opened the gate.
As the carriage rolled through the city, Wes and Scarlett looked out the windows in awe.
Elves walked beside beastkin merchants, dwarves manned forge stalls, and humans bustled through the marketplace. Colorful signs swung in the breeze. Vendors called out about fresh bread, grilled meats, and magical trinkets.
Wes's eyes widened. "So many races! And is that roast boar? I'm starving!"
Scarlett smiled slightly. "It's lively."
Children ran through the streets, kicking a leather ball. One little boy looked up at the carriage and waved.
Wes smiled and waved back.
Amara watched the interaction and smiled. "How do you like it so far?"
"It's amazing," Wes and Scarlett said at once.
"Told you you'd love it," Amara beamed.
Minutes later, the carriage slowed before a massive, ornate gate made of silver steel and engraved with royal runes.
Wes tilted his head. "Another huge gate? Why are we stopping?"
Amara smiled knowingly. "Just wait and see."
As the gate slowly creaked open, the view beyond made both Wes and Scarlett sit forward in shock.
A stunning palace stood beyond the gate. White marble, gold accents, high towers that sparkled in the sunlight, and gardens bursting with color surrounded the estate.
"Welcome to my home," Amara said softly, turning to look at them.
Wes and Scarlett's jaws dropped.
"Whoa..." Wes whispered.
"This is... incredible," Scarlett murmured.
The royal carriage passed through the towering palace gates. Wes and Scarlett peered from the windows, marveling at what they saw.
"This place is unreal," Wes whispered. "There's even a garden with fountains!"
Scarlett nodded slowly. "Yeah... it's beautiful."
They passed a row of hedges trimmed into majestic beasts, shimmering water fountains casting rainbowed mist in the golden afternoon light. Knights lined the path to the palace doors in perfect formation, armor gleaming. A tall, silver-haired butler and a sharp-eyed maid stood beside the grand entrance.
The carriage slowed to a stop.
Amara rose gracefully and stepped out. The knights saluted with ceremonial precision, fists to hearts.
"Princess Amara Lyselle, welcome home!"
Wes stepped out next, blinking at the formality. "Whoa... she really is royalty."
Scarlett joined him. "Told you she wasn't joking."
The three ascended the stairs.
The butler gave a slight bow. "Princess Amara. It's good to see you again."
"Cedric," Amara greeted warmly. "And Serina. It's good to be home."
The maid, Serina, eyed the two strangers behind Amara.
"Princess... may I ask who these two are?"
Amara turned and smiled. "This is Wes Walker and Scarlett Hayes. They saved me and my knights from a D-rank Verdant Fang Serpent."
Cedric's expression darkened slightly. "You were attacked? Are you unharmed?"
"I'm fine," Amara said cheerfully. "Thanks to them."
Both Cedric and Serina bowed low to Wes and Scarlett.
"We owe you a great debt," Cedric said. "Thank you for protecting our princess."
"It was nothing," Wes said with a grin. "Just glad we were there in time."
"Pleasure to meet you both," Cedric added. "I am Head Butler Cedric Granveil."
"And I am Head Maid Serina Eldewyn," she said, her tone graceful yet watchful.
Scarlett nodded. "Scarlett Hayes. This is Wes. Thank you for the welcome."
"The king and queen await in the throne room," Cedric said. "Shall we?"
Amara nodded. "Lead the way."
They entered the palace. Wes and Scarlett followed behind, whispering.
"They're nice," Wes said. "But I get this... weird vibe. Like they're not just staff."
"Yeah," Scarlett muttered. "They're calm, but they've definitely seen battle."
The palace interior was majestic—gilded walls, chandeliers, tapestries of old wars and gods. Each step echoed against the polished floors. Wes looked around, soaking in the royal presence.
This place feels like a living relic, he thought. Like history is watching us.
They arrived before a towering double door. Cedric knocked. A deep voice from inside answered: "Enter."
The door opened into the throne room—vast, luminous, regal.
At its heart sat a broad-shouldered man in his early fifties, jet-black hair streaked with gray, storm-gray eyes piercing from beneath his golden crown. A ceremonial sword hung at his side.
Standing next to him was a radiant woman with platinum blonde hair braided into a crown atop her head, wrapped in white and gold robes.
Amara stepped forward. "Mother. Father. I've returned."
The queen smiled, voice warm. "Welcome home, darling."
The king nodded. "Welcome home, daughter."
He then turned his powerful gaze on Wes and Scarlett.
"And these... are?"
Wes suddenly stiffened. That stare could turn monsters to stone...
Scarlett swallowed. No doubt... this is a king forged by war.
The princess smiled and said, "These two saved me from a monster ambush—a giant snake."
Her parents, the King and Queen, were shocked. Both asked with concern, "Are you alright?"
Amara giggled. "Yes, I'm alright. If it wasn't for Wes and Scarlett, I probably wouldn't be here right now."
The King and Queen turned their gaze toward Wes and Scarlett, who both grew nervous under the royal stare. Suddenly, to their complete surprise, the King and Queen bowed to them.
Wes, stunned, thought, Did the rulers of an entire kingdom just bow to us? That doesn't happen in anime without a flag triggering it...
Even Amara looked surprised. "Mother, Father..."
Head Butler Cedric interjected sharply, "Your Highness, Lady Elenys, what are you doing? Royalty shouldn't bow so easily!"
The Queen smiled and giggled. "It's alright, Cedric. We're simply thanking the ones who saved our daughter."
She turned to Wes and Scarlett again. "Thank you, truly."
Scarlett and Wes began stuttering.
"N-no problem!" said Scarlett.
"A-anyone would have done the same!" Wes added.
The King shook his head. "No, they wouldn't. Some might have taken advantage. But you chose to protect. For that, you have our thanks."
Wes grinned and jokingly said, "No problem! It was easy!"
Scarlett sighed, then smacked the back of his head hard. "Behave! You idiot, we're in front of a KING!"
Wes clutched his head. "Ow! That hurt! You didn't have to hit me so hard!"
"You deserved it. Act serious."
The royal couple blinked at the unexpected banter, while Amara giggled softly, used to their antics.
The King coughed to regain attention. Wes and Scarlett immediately straightened up.
"S-sorry, Your Majesty!" they said in unison.
The Queen and Amara giggled again. The King smiled faintly.
"There will be a banquet tomorrow to celebrate our daughter's return," the King said. "You two are invited."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," they both replied.
Amara looked over at them, mostly at Wes, and smiled. "That's nice. Thank you, Father."
The King nodded. "Serina, take them to the guest quarters."
"As you wish, My King," Serina replied.
She turned to Wes and Scarlett. "Please, follow me."
As they were about to leave, the King called, "Hold on."
They turned back.
"I almost forgot," the King said. "You will be rewarded for saving my daughter's life."
Wes and Scarlett exchanged a glance, then smiled. Wes replied, "It's no problem, King Therion. We're just glad we were there to protect Amara. That's all that matters."
Amara blushed and mumbled, "Wes..."
The Queen smiled knowingly. The King nodded. "You may go."
Wes and Scarlett nodded and followed Serina out.
Back in the throne room, the King looked to his wife. "What do you think of them?"
The Queen smiled. "I feel they have the potential to become something amazing—something the world hasn't seen before."
He nodded in agreement, then looked at Amara. "Tell me about them, daughter."
Amara nodded. "They're both really skilled. Wes especially... he has this strange weapon and class I've never seen before. And they make a great team. They argue constantly, but it's kind of endearing..."
She smiled to herself, remembering the two bickering.
"Thank you, Amara. You may go."
She nodded and left with Cedric.
Now alone, the Queen turned to her husband. "What shall we do with them, darling?"
The King thought for a moment. "For saving our daughter, they deserve more than a mere gesture. They shall be rewarded with an official rank and title, land and property, and gold."
The Queen smiled. "I agree. Such a gesture ties them to us and shows we value their aid."
"Exactly. Let's see how they handle themselves at the banquet."
Then the Queen smirked. "Or we could just marry Wes to Amara. They seem fond of each other."
The King narrowed his eyes. "Absolutely not. I don't trust outsiders—especially not that Wes."
The Queen giggled. "Oh my, is someone being a daddy's girl protector?"
"The only man in her life should be her father," the King grumbled.
"Very well, my darling husband," the Queen said, laughing as she kissed his cheek.
Wes and Scarlett walked side by side through the palace's grand marble halls, trailing just behind Serina, the head maid. Gilded lanterns lit their path with a warm, golden glow, while tapestries of ancient battles and royal lineage lined the walls. Their footsteps echoed softly as they exchanged glances.
"So..." Wes said, breaking the silence with a smirk. "We met a king and queen today, got invited to a royal banquet, and apparently, we're now VIPs. Not bad for day one in another world, huh?"
Scarlett crossed her arms, shooting him a glare. "You made a fool of yourself in front of the king. Try not to run your mouth tomorrow, alright?"
Wes laughed dramatically, throwing a hand to his chest. "Hey, come on! We didn't get executed, right? I'd say that's a win."
Scarlett sighed. "Idiot. Just try not to embarrass me again."
A few more minutes of walking brought them to a quiet corridor adorned with elegant vases and a lush red carpet. Serina stopped in front of two ornate wooden doors.
"This room is for Master Wes," she said, motioning to the left, then turned slightly. "And the one next door is for Miss Scarlett. Rest well."
They both nodded. Wes gave Serina a polite nod before opening his door. "Goodnight, Scarlett. Try not to miss me."
"In your dreams, moron," she muttered, walking into her own room.
Wes stepped into his room and whistled. It was stunning: a spacious chamber with high ceilings, dark oak furniture polished to a shine, and walls painted in a calming royal blue. A large bed with fluffy pillows and a balcony view of the city skyline awaited him.
"Now this is what I'm talking about," he said, grinning. He tossed himself onto the bed, arms spread wide, and sank into the softness. "This bed is a blessing from the gods."
His eyes wandered to the glass balcony doors, catching the sunset fading into twilight. The stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky.
He stared up at the ceiling, his smile softening. "What a day... Died, met a literal goddess, got reincarnated, fought killer bugs, saved a princess from a monster snake, and now I'm in a royal palace. Wild."
Sleepiness crept into his limbs. His eyelids grew heavy, and with one final yawn, Wes mumbled, "Hope tomorrow isn't too crazy..."
Moments later, he drifted off to sleep, his breathing steady and peaceful.
Wes and Scarlett stood across from each other, eyes locked, their audience of knights watching in tense silence. The referee raised his hand, then dropped it with a sharp, "Duel!"
Scarlett was off like a streak of flame. She dashed forward with a sharp burst of speed, her blade flashing in the morning sun. Wes's amber eyes tracked her with a grin. "Come on, Blade Babe," he muttered, "let's dance."
She slashed in a flurry — high, then low, then a spinning arc. Wes ducked beneath the first, twisted away from the second, and leapt back from the third, his coat flaring as he moved. His boots skidded across the polished stone of the training yard.
"Dodge this!" Scarlett yelled, her eyes burning with focus. She closed the distance again, her sword blurring in a feint, then a thrust.
Wes leaned back, narrowly avoiding the tip, then used his acrobatics skill to flip over her, landing behind her and skidding a few feet. "You're fast, but I've got rhythm!" he joked, firing a quick Mana Shot. Scarlett twisted, the bullet grazing her side with a spark.
She gritted her teeth. "Stop smiling and fight me seriously!"
Wes raised his revolver with a cocky grin. "Oh, I am."
They clashed again. Scarlett managed to swipe Wes's coat, sending him spinning. He retaliated with a low-aimed burst, forcing her to jump. The knights watching flinched as the battle escalated.
"Not bad," Wes admitted, his stance firming. "But how about this?"
He fired a Flashbang Shot. Scarlett saw the glow and tried to slice through it—too late. The light exploded, blinding her.
"I can't see!" she gasped.
Wes seized the moment. "Magic Shot: Fire!" he called, the bullet streaking toward her in a spiral of heat.
Scarlett, relying on instinct, shouted, "Arc Slash!" Her blade glowed crimson as she sliced through the flaming bullet mid-air. The explosion erupted behind her in a shockwave of fire and heat, throwing embers across the field.
The knights gasped. "She cut through it!?" one murmured.
"She's insane," another added.
Scarlett landed on one knee, panting. "That all you got?"
"You're just warming up," Wes chuckled, brushing ash off his coat.
Scarlett dashed again, her speed greater this time. Wes fired a rapid volley of Mana Shots, but she dodged most, letting one graze her arm to get in close. She swung—
Clang! Wes blocked with the barrel of Reveria. The force sent him skidding backward, his boots scraping grooves into the earth.
"That's it," Scarlett muttered, stepping back, breathing deeply. "You want serious?"
She raised her sword to the sky. Flame circled the blade. She began her ritual.
"Oh great fire that scorches heavens, lend me your inferno... Blade of my soul, ignite my wrath! Purge my enemy in your righteous blaze!"
The knights stepped back, shielding their eyes. Wes grinned, "Well that's new."
Scarlett's sword flared, a brilliant blaze dancing around the edge. "Flame Ritual Art: Phoenix Fang Slash!"
She launched forward, blade aimed straight for Wes.
Wes held out Reveria, smirking. "Let's see who burns brighter. Charged Bullet!"
Energy swirled into the revolver, overloading the barrel. He fired.
Scarlett's flaming slash met Wes's blazing bullet.
BOOM!
The explosion tore across the training yard. The collision ignited in a sphere of light and fire, sending a shockwave that rocked the ground and sent knights tumbling. Dust, smoke, and heat rolled outward like a thunderclap.
Scarlett shielded her eyes, feeling the heat scrape across her skin. "Wes!?" she shouted.
The knights coughed, staggered. "What was that!? Did one of them go too far!?"
"Are they alive?" someone asked.
The smoke slowly began to settle.
Scarlett squinted. "Where is he?"
The area where Wes had stood was empty. No sign of movement. No sound.
"Wes!?" she called again.
Suddenly — click.
A cold pressure on the back of her head.
"I win," came the voice.
Scarlett's eyes widened. She turned slowly to see Wes behind her, Revolver pressed gently to the back of her head, smiling smugly.
"How… when…?" she muttered.
"Acrobatics. Smoke. Surprise," he said with a wink. "Do you yield?"
Scarlett sighed, cheeks flushed red with frustration and embarrassment. "I give up."
"Winner: Wes!" the referee shouted.
The knights erupted in amazed chatter.
"Did you see that move!?"
"How the hell did he vanish like that?"
"That revolver… that's no ordinary weapon."
Wes let Reveria vanish into light and stretched. "Now that was a good workout."
Scarlett walked over, arms crossed. "You got lucky."
Wes shrugged. "I got skill."
She rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Tch… it was fun, idiot."
Wes laughed. "Best kind of morning exercise."
The two stood amidst the cheering knights, the smoke still curling into the sky.
Wes and Scarlett stood across from each other, eyes locked, their audience of knights watching in tense silence. The referee raised his hand, then dropped it with a sharp, "Duel!"
Scarlett was off like a streak of flame. She dashed forward with a sharp burst of speed, her blade flashing in the morning sun. Wes's amber eyes tracked her with a grin. "Come on, Blade Babe," he muttered, "let's dance."
She slashed in a flurry — high, then low, then a spinning arc. Wes ducked beneath the first, twisted away from the second, and leapt back from the third, his coat flaring as he moved. His boots skidded across the polished stone of the training yard.
"Dodge this!" Scarlett yelled, her eyes burning with focus. She closed the distance again, her sword blurring in a feint, then a thrust.
Wes leaned back, narrowly avoiding the tip, then used his acrobatics skill to flip over her, landing behind her and skidding a few feet. "You're fast, but I've got rhythm!" he joked, firing a quick Mana Shot. Scarlett twisted, the bullet grazing her side with a spark.
She gritted her teeth. "Stop smiling and fight me seriously!"
Wes raised his revolver with a cocky grin. "Oh, I am."
They clashed again. Scarlett managed to swipe Wes's coat, sending him spinning. He retaliated with a low-aimed burst, forcing her to jump. The knights watching flinched as the battle escalated.
"Not bad," Wes admitted, his stance firming. "But how about this?"
He fired a Flashbang Shot. Scarlett saw the glow and tried to slice through it—too late. The light exploded, blinding her.
"I can't see!" she gasped.
Wes seized the moment. "Magic Shot: Fire!" he called, the bullet streaking toward her in a spiral of heat.
Scarlett, relying on instinct, shouted, "Arc Slash!" Her blade glowed crimson as she sliced through the flaming bullet mid-air. The explosion erupted behind her in a shockwave of fire and heat, throwing embers across the field.
The knights gasped. "She cut through it!?" one murmured.
"She's insane," another added.
Scarlett landed on one knee, panting. "That all you got?"
"You're just warming up," Wes chuckled, brushing ash off his coat.
Scarlett dashed again, her speed greater this time. Wes fired a rapid volley of Mana Shots, but she dodged most, letting one graze her arm to get in close. She swung—
Clang! Wes blocked with the barrel of Reveria. The force sent him skidding backward, his boots scraping grooves into the earth.
"That's it," Scarlett muttered, stepping back, breathing deeply. "You want serious?"
She raised her sword to the sky. Flame circled the blade. She began her ritual.
"Oh great fire that scorches heavens, lend me your inferno... Blade of my soul, ignite my wrath! Purge my enemy in your righteous blaze!"
The knights stepped back, shielding their eyes. Wes grinned, "Well that's new."
Scarlett's sword flared, a brilliant blaze dancing around the edge. "Flame Ritual Art: Phoenix Fang Slash!"
She launched forward, blade aimed straight for Wes.
Wes held out Reveria, smirking. "Let's see who burns brighter. Charged Bullet!"
Energy swirled into the revolver, overloading the barrel. He fired.
Scarlett's flaming slash met Wes's blazing bullet.
BOOM!
The explosion tore across the training yard. The collision ignited in a sphere of light and fire, sending a shockwave that rocked the ground and sent knights tumbling. Dust, smoke, and heat rolled outward like a thunderclap.
Scarlett shielded her eyes, feeling the heat scrape across her skin. "Wes!?" she shouted.
The knights coughed, staggered. "What was that!? Did one of them go too far!?"
"Are they alive?" someone asked.
The smoke slowly began to settle.
Scarlett squinted. "Where is he?"
The area where Wes had stood was empty. No sign of movement. No sound.
"Wes!?" she called again.
Suddenly — click.
A cold pressure on the back of her head.
"I win," came the voice.
Scarlett's eyes widened. She turned slowly to see Wes behind her, Revolver pressed gently to the back of her head, smiling smugly.
"How… when…?" she muttered.
"Acrobatics. Smoke. Surprise," he said with a wink. "Do you yield?"
Scarlett sighed, cheeks flushed red with frustration and embarrassment. "I give up."
"Winner: Wes!" the referee shouted.
The knights erupted in amazed chatter.
"Did you see that move!?"
"How the hell did he vanish like that?"
"That revolver… that's no ordinary weapon."
Wes let Reveria vanish into light and stretched. "Now that was a good workout."
Scarlett walked over, arms crossed. "You got lucky."
Wes shrugged. "I got skill."
She rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Tch… it was fun, idiot."
Wes laughed. "Best kind of morning exercise."
The two stood amidst the cheering knights, the smoke still curling into the sky.
Wes was about to say something to Scarlett, but they heard a voice behind them.
"Hey, you guys! What was that explosion I heard?"
They turned around to see Amara approaching them.
"Amara!!" Scarlett said with a slight smile.
"Hey, Amara," Wes said. "Nothing much. Me and Scarlett were having a mock battle before breakfast. I won."
Scarlett, annoyed, said with a scowl, "You were lucky I wasn't putting all my strength into it."
She sneered with a sneaky smile, mocking him. Wes opened his mouth to respond, but Scarlett's face turned bright red with embarrassment.
"Shut up, you idiot!!!!" she screamed, and immediately started pounding Wes on the head with her fists.
"Ow! Ow! That hurts! Stop hitting me!" Wes yelled, shielding his head.
With every hit, Scarlett spat out a mocking name: "Loudmouth!" whack "Clown-face!" whack "Annoying pest!" whack "Walking disaster!" whack "Royal pain!" whack "Otaku freak!" whack "Flirting fool!" whack
Wes winced and danced around as she pummeled him, flailing his arms.
Amara watched with a hand covering her mouth, giggling softly.
Amara's Thoughts:They're always like this... like an old married couple. It's chaotic, but kind of cute.
"Come on, guys! Breakfast is ready," Amara said. "Mother and Father are waiting for us."
Wes, rubbing his head, smiled. "Oh, alright. I'm starving after defeating Blade Babe."
"Shut up, you annoying idiot!" Scarlett huffed, walking away toward the palace.
Wes laughed, and Amara sighed.
"Ready to go?" she asked.
"Let's go," Wes said, nodding.
They walked through the palace halls. As they moved toward the dining room, Amara glanced over at Wes.
"So," she said warmly. "How are you feeling? Did you sleep well last night?"
"Yeah, I feel great. Slept like a baby. That bed was like heaven," Wes replied with a grin.
Amara giggled. "I'm glad."
A few minutes later, they entered the grand dining hall. The king and queen were already seated. Scarlett was also seated, arms crossed, pouting. She turned away dramatically the moment she saw Wes.
Wes chuckled. "Still mad, huh?"
"Idiot," she muttered under her breath.
"Ah, Amara, Wes! Welcome. Come, sit down for breakfast," the king said.
They nodded and moved to their seats. Wes sat next to Scarlett—who was ignoring him—and Amara sat on his other side.
"How did you sleep, Wes?" the queen asked.
"Slept great, Your Majesty."
The king raised an eyebrow. "And what was that explosion earlier this morning? I heard it from outside."
A voice answered before anyone else could.
"It was a mock battle between Wes and Lady Scarlett," said Cedric as he appeared behind them.
Scarlett jumped slightly. "Cedric!"
Wes blinked in surprise. "Where did he come from?!"
Scarlett's Thoughts:He moves like a ghost. Silent but... definitely deadly.
Wes's Thoughts:No way he's just a butler... That man's probably a retired assassin or something.
Cedric stood tall with his usual composed demeanor. "Master Wes emerged victorious."
The king rubbed his chin. "A duel, huh? I see..."
The queen chuckled. "Sounds like quite the show."
Wes laughed nervously. "Wasn't anything major, really. Scarlett's got some serious sword talent. She even used a special move on me."
Scarlett blushed and looked away.
The queen and Amara exchanged knowing glances, giggling softly.
Just then, a line of maids entered with trays of food. The breakfast began.
To be continued...