The presence of the group of young men and women stepping inside simultaneously succeeded in bringing all activities within the vast room to a halt.
Every pair of eyes turned toward the doors. The armored knights standing guard at the pillars, the ranks of nobles who happened to be holding a state meeting, down to the ruler sitting on his throne, all their focus was now fixed upon the newly arrived group.
However, the gazes of the nobles quickly shifted and locked onto one highly conspicuous anomaly in the midst of the group. There was a very handsome foreign youth with blue hair, walking side by side with the prince.
It was not only his looks that drew attention, but the clothes worn on his body. The attire was the official uniform of the Astoria Kingdom's Magic Academy. The presence of a student from a neighboring kingdom inside the Flamort palace clearly provoked an immense sense of curiosity.
Yet, what made several nobles hold their breath and exchange meaningful glances was the visible fact right in front of them: Prince Kylenciel was walking beside the blue-haired youth with their fingers tightly intertwined, without the slightest intention of hiding it from public view.
Under dozens of probing stares and the invisible intimidation from the nobles, the group continued to step forward calmly until they finally arrived right in front of the throne's steps.
Arvin, Kylen, Vian, Tania, Ziona, and Anna simultaneously placed their right fists over their left chests, then bowed their heads deeply to pay their respects to the King.
On his throne, the King widened his eyes slightly. He was quite surprised by Kylen's behavior; the boy, who had all this time been known for his free-spirited, stubborn nature, and perpetual reluctance to obey formal palace etiquette, was now bowing his head perfectly and respectfully to him. It was something the boy had almost never done before.
"Raise your heads!" the King commanded, his voice deep and echoing with authority, bouncing off the walls of the throne room.
The middle-aged man with a thick aura of dominance was Galeo Carventias Alua Flamort, the 25th king to rule the Flamort Kingdom.
Hearing the command, the six of them immediately raised their heads and straightened their backs again, looking straight at the ruler.
"Welcome back to all of you!" King Galeo said, breaking the silence with his formal greeting. His eyes swept over the four Flamort academy students with a satisfied expression, before that sharp, eagle-like gaze finally fixed and stopped on the blue-haired youth who was still firmly holding his son's hand. "And... what is your name, young man?"
Receiving a direct stare from a king, Arvin did not flinch in the slightest. He stared back at the middle-aged man with his calm, flat expression.
So, is this King Galeo? Arvin analyzed in his mind. His brain worked quickly, recalling fragments of memories regarding the profiles of important NPCs in the game he once played. In my previous life, this king could be said to be one of the characters who successfully made most players incredibly annoyed. He is highly protective of his family and his kingdom. I'm certain he definitely will not just hand his son over to me so easily and will ask me to do something extremely troublesome solely to test my worthiness.
Although his mind was busy thinking, Arvin did not let the pause linger too long, lest his attitude be judged as lacking respect for the ruler of another kingdom. He placed his right hand back on his left chest, then bowed to formally introduce himself in an aristocratic manner before the King.
"I am Arvin Vedegra, the first son of Duke Melvin Vedegra of the Astoria Kingdom, Your Majesty." Arvin replied with a voice that was calm and polite, yet possessed the diction and articulation of a high-class noble that could not be underestimated.
Instantly, that brief introduction created a wave of shock inside the throne room.
Muffled murmurs began to be heard from the ranks of the nobles. The name 'Vedegra' was not a foreign name to their ears. It was the name of the strongest noble family in the Astoria Kingdom.
Knowing that the youth in front of them was the primary heir of that family, the condescending looks from several nobles instantly evaporated, replaced by a sense of reverence and political vigilance.
King Galeo himself also felt the same shock in his heart, although his face remained flat. However, the focus of his eyes did not just stop at the youth's name and status.
The King's gaze was suddenly fixated on the back of Arvin's right hand, which was currently resting on his chest. He saw a white contract symbol engraved very clearly there.
The King shifted his gaze from that white symbol to the blue-haired youth's left hand, whose fingers were still tightly intertwined with his son Kylen's hand.
Is that so? King Galeo murmured in his heart, instantly understanding the true intent and purpose of Arvin's arrival at his palace. It seems my son and this descendant of the Vedegra family have formed an unconventional relationship. Did he come all the way here with them just to ask for my blessing directly? Quite an insane amount of courage for a young man.
King Galeo slowly leaned his back against the throne.
"I have understood the intent and purpose of your arrival here, Young Master Arvin Vedegra." the King said from his throne. "However, we will discuss it privately after I conclude my meeting with the nobles present in this room."
Hearing the King's decision to postpone, Arvin felt relieved and unsettled at the exact same time.
Just as I expected. It seems that the troublesome request, which serves as his absolute condition, will be presented as soon as we speak privately later.
Despite having guessed what King Galeo wanted, Arvin did not show the slightest bit of emotion on his face. Still with his flawless aristocratic etiquette, he bowed his head.
"As you wish, Your Majesty. Thank you very much for your generosity and your time." Arvin answered wisely.
King Galeo nodded. "All of you have just gone through a rather long journey. Rest first, especially since the palace lunchtime will arrive shortly. Prepare yourselves immediately to eat together."
The King then shifted his gaze past Arvin and Kylen, looking straight at the youth who was no stranger to him.
"Delvian Mossard!" King Galeo decreed, calling Vian's full name with a tone full of authority. "You and your fellow academy representatives will also join us for lunch!"
Hearing his name called directly by the ruler, Vian immediately placed his right fist over his left chest, moving in unison with Tania, Ziona, and Anna.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the four of them answered in unison with a loud and respectful voice.
Then, they turned around, walking in a calm formation leaving the magnificent throne room to rest.