~
The golden doors of the palace opened wide, revealing the grandeur within. A symphony played softly in the background, the air rich with the scent of blooming roses and sweet wine. Crystal chandeliers bathed the hall in warm light, and nobles in silken robes mingled with forced smiles and veiled intentions.
Nalaeom stepped forward, bowing low, his voice smooth and reverent.
Nalaeom: "Lord Yalos, we have prepared a grand banquet to honor your great victory. The best wines have been brought from the East, and musicians from the royal conservatory await your presence. The maids will assist you shortly to freshen up. My lord, whenever you are ready, please join us in the great hall."
Yalos gave a slow nod, his eyes calm yet sharp. "Very well." He turned toward me, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder with that familiar warmth. "Come, grandson. We should prepare ourselves. Appearances matter at gatherings like this."
I nodded, swallowing a nervous breath. "Okay, Grandpa."
---
The preparation itself felt surreal. Attendants swarmed around us like bees to honey—brushing our coats, combing our hair, fitting us into outfits so fine they felt unreal. I ended up in a deep navy tunic with silver embroidery across the sleeves, a crest I didn't recognize pinned to my chest. I looked... important. Regal, even.
But inside, I still felt like the same awkward soul from my previous life.
Just go along with it, I told myself.
---
The hall was full by the time we entered. Nobles, military commanders, foreign diplomats—even royalty from neighboring kingdoms were present. But what struck me the most wasn't the opulence or the grandeur. It was the way people kept approaching Grandpa.
One after another, they came—each with practiced smiles, flowing compliments, and beautiful granddaughters in tow.
Lady Serya, Lady Elira, Lady Juneth. They came in waves, all fluttering fans and gentle laughter. And always, a subtle nudge from their elders toward me.
Even as a self-proclaimed virgin in my past life, I wasn't dense. They were introducing me to eligible girls. No doubt hoping to forge a bond, a marriage, or a future alliance.
It's political, I thought. All of this is.
And yet... I couldn't help but be intrigued. This kind of attention? It was completely foreign to me.
I tried to stay polite, smiling when I had to, speaking when I needed to. But eventually, I leaned in toward Grandpa.
"Grandpa, I'm getting tired. Can I rest over there for a bit?"
Grandpa looked down at me with a fond smile. "Of course, my sweet grandson. You've done well."
---
I slipped away from the crowd, retreating to a quiet alcove beneath a tall arched window. The gardens outside were lit by glowing lanterns that hovered like fireflies, swaying in rhythm with the breeze. The air here was cooler, calmer.
I leaned against the pillar and sighed. This is boring... Where is Carolina? I haven't seen her all night.
Just then, I felt a sudden touch on my arm.
I jolted.
"Ugh! Carolina! You scared me!"
Standing there with an amused smile was the girl I'd been looking for. Carolina—the one person here who made me feel grounded.
Carolina: "Sorry, I didn't mean to do that," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "By the way... how do I look?"
I blinked.
And then I stared.
She was... stunning.
Carolina was wearing a silky smooth, sky-blue gown that shimmered in the candlelight. The dress hugged her figure elegantly, flowing like water around her ankles. Tiny crystals lined the neckline, catching the light and casting stars across her collarbones. Her dark hair was pinned with a single sapphire comb, and a soft blush graced her cheeks.
I'd never seen anything more beautiful.
"You... you look beautiful, Carolina. You look like an angel."
For a moment, she looked stunned. Her eyes widened slightly, then she looked down, hiding her smile. A deep blush painted her face.
Was she... blushing?
I smiled, heart thumping a little harder in my chest.
---
We sat together in the quiet corner, away from the noise and the plotting.
"You're not really into these parties, are you?" Carolina asked, her voice gentle.
"Not really. Everyone's pretending. I can feel it. Every smile feels like it's hiding a motive."
She nodded. "That's how it usually is. But you were great. You handled all the introductions like a proper emperor."
I scoffed. "Barely. I'm just following Grandpa's lead."
"You're more like him than you know."
That made me pause.
More like him? I glanced toward the center of the hall, where Grandpa was laughing with a glass of wine in hand—surrounded by admirers and dignitaries alike.
"...I hope I can live up to that."
"You will," Carolina said with quiet certainty. "You already are."
I looked at her again, struck not just by her beauty, but by her presence. Her honesty. In a world full of politics and power plays, she was real.
And maybe... that's why I kept looking for her.
---
We sat in silence for a while, just watching the lights and listening to the distant music. I didn't feel tired anymore. Not with her beside me.
"I'm glad you scared me earlier," I murmured.
She looked confused for a moment, then laughed softly. "Why?"
"Because I got to see you like this."
She blushed again, eyes flicking away.
Neither of us spoke for a while after that—but words weren't needed.
The party roared on behind us, full of noise, wine, and endless games of power. But here, beneath the soft glow of lantern light, it was just me and her.
And for once, that was more than enough.
—