Chương 12: Kindness

By the time Noa and the others returned to the staging area, the sun had begun to fall off the edge of the world. Night slowly took possession of the sky like dark ink spilling into clear water.

"Numael and Isla," Vionette turned toward the two.

"Stay here in the carriage with Auntie and Lina." She jerked a thumb toward Noa with a smirk.

"We're going to meet King Roswell." Isla and the knight—Numael—froze instantly, exchanging a look of shock and confusion.

"Will you be okay, my lady?" Isla asked, worry visibly threading through her voice.

"I cannot let Your Majesty venture alone into a foreign palace," Numael declared, straightening his posture as though bracing himself before a battlefield. His hand instinctively hovered near the hilt of his sword at his waist—not out of aggression, but sheer habit. Protection was stitched directly into his soul like embroidery on a knight's crest. Seeing their rigid concern, Vionette shook her head gently with a soft, fond sigh.

She stepped closer to Noa, placing her hands firmly on his shoulder and leaning her weight onto him.

"Don't worry, this guy is with me." She winked playfully at them.

"I doubt you two could compare to him." She has more confidence in my power than I do, Noa thought, shifting his weight awkwardly under her touch. Numael and Isla both looked at Noa, their expressions identical pictures of profound skepticism, as though they were measuring a blade that appeared far too simple to actually cut. Well, it's understandable, Noa reasoned internally, silently acknowledging their perspective.

Numael was one of the finest knights of Crimvane, which was precisely why Vionette had selected him for this low-profile visit. And Isla was perfectly capable of healing her at a moment's notice. Then there was him—a guy who had just materialized out of nowhere. Unsure of how to break the heavy silence, Noa just offered a small, easy smile. It's not like I can just say 'trust me, I punch hard,' or beat them both up just to prove my strength, can I?

Numael lowered his head briefly before looking back up, his resolve shifting.

"Well… if the Princess believes in him, I have no objections."

"Then I won't object either." Turning toward Vionette, Isla nodded softly.

"But, my lady, please be cautious. This is a foreign land, and our influence is desperately thin." They probably trust me more than they believe in Noa's strength, Vionette thought to herself as she walked over to Lina.

"Lina, stay here until we get back, okay?" She gently patted the girl's head before turning toward Mara, her pale cheeks suddenly flushing a bright crimson.

"Umm… A-Auntie, I take Noa now...?" Fuck, why am I still so nervous talking to her? I even fucked my grammar up! Vionette cringed in utter embarrassment behind her facade.

"Okay, okay~ You can take Noa," Mara laughed softly, her eyes gleaming as she openly teased the young queen.

"Enjoy your 'alone time' to the fullest~" Grab.

"Let's get going, or she's never going to let it go," Noa muttered, grabbing Vionette's arm and dragging her toward the towering castle silhouette in the distance. Behind them, Mara and Lina waved their hands cheerfully. … Even though night had officially fallen, the capital remained as bright as day. Lanterns and brilliant Aether lights burned along every avenue, casting a golden, pristine reflection across the polished stone streets and lively storefronts.

Laughter spilled effortlessly from crowded taverns, and festive music drifted out of open windows. This capital did not sleep—it merely changed its masks. Noa turned his gaze toward Vionette. She was walking next to him with a light, playful rhythm, clearly enjoying the quiet stroll.

"Hey, Vionette, why are we going to see the king?" Noa leaned down toward her, dropping his voice to a whisper.

"Mmmm~" She looked up at him, her crimson eyes dancing with amusement.

"We're going to plant a little seed." A seed... Is she talking about that mind-manipulation skill of hers? Noa guessed, studying her face. You know what, I want to be surprised when the time comes. Let's just keep guessing without asking for now.

The royal castle rose majestically above the capital city in a display of radiant gold, its polished walls catching the last gasping breath of sunlight as though the heavens themselves were crowning the structure. Crisp white and golden banners topped its towering spires, fluttering like proud declarations against the darkening sky. Miles away from the main keep, the massive silver castle gate stood cold and imposing.

Forged from dense steel and deeply engraved with the royal sigil, its towering doors reflected the ambient light like a freshly drawn blade. Four guards stood in rigid formation before it, clad in highly polished armor trimmed with gold, their spears held perfectly upright as they watched the road in silence. Mmm...? One of the guards narrowed his eyes as two figures approached the perimeter. One possessed shimmering white hair and piercing crimson eyes that looked like winter frost touched by fresh blood.

The other was her complete opposite—pitch-black hair and intense eyes with distinct black sclera and striking purple irises, resembling a dark star swallowed by the night. Yet, despite their striking appearances, the duo seemed entirely too relaxed, chatting casually as if they were strolling through a common marketplace rather than approaching a royal castle. The moment the two stepped within range, the lead guard extended a heavily armored hand, abruptly blocking their path.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Stop! State your business here. This is the royal castle."

"Pardon me, I am Vionette Crimvane, the Princess of Crimvane," Vionette answered smoothly, offering a soft, polite smile.

"I wish to request an audience with your ruler." Crimvane? The guard's head flinched back slightly. That Crimvane from the north-central territories? The Cursed Kingdom? As the guard's mind raced, he shot a quick glance at his companions. None of the other three spoke, their tense postures confirming they had arrived at the exact same conclusion. Yes, no matter how one looks at it, these two do not resemble royalty at all. Their garments are high-quality, sure, but not ones royals would wear.

The guard meticulously scanned Vionette and Noa. And this 'princess' has only a single escort who looks more like a close friend than a guard. Normally, those prideful nobles or royals would arrive with an advance appointment, a massive entourage, and a reinforced carriage overflowing with armored proof.

"Do not attempt to impersonate royalty! Put up no resistance and leave this place at once!" another guard, noticeably younger and short-tempered, stepped forward with his spear leveled. The hell is this idiot talking about? Am I not beautiful enough to look like a royal? Vionette's left eyebrow twitched with irritation. [You do, host, but your dressing and actions dictate otherwise.] I know that already, you dumbass! You don't need to lecture me! she snapped back internally at the interface.

"Do you possess an appointment?" the first guard asked, cold anxiety beginning to pool beneath his heavy helmet. I really don't want to get executed over a misunderstanding, a cold sweat forming over his cheek. What if she actually is royalty?

"Uhh… no?" Noa tilted his head.

"Hey! This is your last warning! Clear out, or be executed for your crimes!" the short-tempered guard barked.

"Huuuuh?" Vionette tilted her head to the side, a sneer pulling at her lips as she grew visibly irritate. Then, ignoring the young duo, the guards systematically returned to their rigid positions, reassuming their previous stances—spears held skyward, bodies frozen straight—as if the entire conversation had officially concluded.

"..."

"..." Vionette and Noa looked at each other, their eyes twitching in perfect synchronization.

"Hey, baldy! I'm serious! I want to talk to the king!" Vionette shouted at the lead guard, her royal pride deeply stung.

"You're going to ignore me, huh? Noa, kill these—""Please calm your anger, Your Majesty, Queen Vionette. I deeply apologize for the ignorance of these fools." A highly refined, calm voice resonated from right beyond the silver gate, heavily edged with quiet, absolute authority. Everyone present snapped their heads toward the source. An elderly butler stood tall and slender, his posture perfectly straight inside a meticulously tailored black tailcoat.

A neatly groomed white mustache framed his stern expression, and his silver hair was combed flawlessly back from his face. His white-gloved hands rested against each other with deliberate, practiced elegance.

"Cornelius! How have you been, old man?" Vionette waved a carefree hand toward the butler, a bright smile breaking across her face.

"And by the way, call me princess." She's actually so cute and energetic today... Noa observed, watching her switch moods instantly as the conversation continued. BUT! I definitely like her mommy-vibe even more!

"I am pleased to see you again, Your Majesty. And I see that you have grown well," Cornelius replied with a warm smile, executing a flawless, deep bow before his gaze drifted toward the young man standing beside her.

"…and this gentleman is?"

"Oh, him?" She proudly extended both hands toward Noa, presenting him like a grand prize.

"This is my partner, Bla—I mean, Noa."

"Yo!" Noa greeted with an easy, informal wave. For a brief fraction of a second, something cracked behind Cornelius' perfectly composed exterior—a flash of surprise, perhaps. The princess I remember was never this open, let alone this relaxed and carefree. He thought, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Now then, please follow me to the royal garden while I personally notify His Majesty of your arrival," Cornelius invited smoothly, gesturing for them to enter before turning a sharp gaze to the gatekeepers.

"Open the gates!" The guards heard the command, but they were far too paralyzed to move efficiently.

"Q-queen?"

"But she just said she's a princess—""…we're done for." I never imagined addressing royalty so casually, let alone threatening one! The first guard hurriedly unlatched the heavy mechanism alone, cold sweat plastering his face beneath his visor. The duo casually crossed the threshold of the castle gates. But before they ventured deeper into the courtyard, Vionette paused in her tracks. She turned back around, a remarkably soft smile gracing her lips.

"Don't look so terrified like you're going to get executed." She reached out and softly tapped the shoulder of the short-tempered knight.

"It's perfectly fine. It was an unannounced visit, after all. Well, don't let it happen again." You guys are lucky that I don't want to ruin the amazing day I spent with Noa and his family, she thought, turning back on her heel to catch up with Noa and Cornelius. As their figures vanished up the paved path toward the inner grounds, the guards exchanged utterly stunned looks.

"She... she is incredibly kind for royalty..."

"This is a first..."

"That man beside her is so incredibly lucky—""Shhh! Shut up! He must be a royal too!" They stood there whispering their sudden, glowing impressions of the Princess of Crimvane, completely oblivious to the fact that kindness, sometimes, was merely convenience dressed up nicely.

"Please wait here while I inform His Majesty of your presence," Cornelius said, gesturing gracefully toward a brilliant structure nestled within the heart of the royal garden.

"Ohhh~ Now this is a nice place," Noa complimented, casting his eyes over the luxurious scenery. The pavilion Cornelius pointed out was a stunning white marble structure entirely open on all sides, crowned by a magnificent domed roof trimmed meticulously in gold. Slender, elegant pillars framed the elevated space, while sheer silk curtains swayed gently in the cool night breeze.

Meticulously trimmed hedges, pristine blooming roses, and quiet stone fountains—whose soft, rhythmic trickling filled the air like polite, restrained applause—ruled the serene surroundings. After Cornelius departed with another crisp, polite bow, Vionette and Noa stepped up into the pavilion and took their seats on the chairs. Three ornate marble chairs were arranged perfectly evenly around a circular table—a silent, intentional declaration of equality between Vionette, King Roswell, and Noa. Heheh!

The old man must have assumed I was some sort of royal too, Noa thought to himself, a wave of small, smug satisfaction washing over his chest. The circular table was dressed in the finest white linen, fully set with polished porcelain plates and crystal glasses that caught the ambient lantern light. Tiered silver trays held beautifully sliced fresh fruits, delicate pastries, and sweet, honey-glazed tarts, while a heavy silver teapot released soft, fragrant steam into the cool night air.

Vionette crossed her left leg elegantly, adopting a flawless, unassailable noble posture as if flipping an internal switch. Princess mode: activated. She picked up a delicate pastry and took a small, careful bite. The crust gave a faint, satisfying crisp sound before the rich sweetness melted completely across her tongue.

"Mmm~ This is so good!" She placed a manicured hand against her cheek, her crimson eyes closing briefly in blissful delight.

"Noa, you have to try one right now!"

"I know, right?" Noa replied immediately, his voice muffled. He was already halfway through devouring a pastry. [Warning: The food may contain poison.] Oh, don't worry about it~ I know how the king here moves, she thought, dismissing the blue system window floating in her peripheral vision as she continued digging into the treats. After the two of them finished sampling the pastries, a slow, unnatural cold breeze swept heavily through the open garden.

The silk curtains stirred violently, the fountain's steady rhythm faltered for half a breath, and the ambient sounds of the local nocturnal animals ceased. As the unnatural wind faded into a heavy stillness, a sinister, razor-sharp smile touched Vionette's lips. It was as if she had already planted the seed. And now, she was simply waiting for it to bloom.

"Let's get started then."