Today is the day when everyone in the general house of Walkers is in the mood for partying. The maids and butlers are running here and there, helping their young masters and mistresses dress properly. The gentlemen are wearing formal clothing, while the ladies are adorned in beautiful dresses.
The maids are assisting the ladies with their accessories—fixing their hair, helping them into elegant shoes, and applying makeup to enhance their beauty. Meanwhile, the butlers are helping the gentlemen by fixing their hair and assisting them with their footwear.
Ray is currently in his mother's room, where a maid is fixing her hair. Ray complains to his mother, saying, "Mother, do I have to wear these tacky clothes? All of a sudden, I don't feel like going. Can I stay at home?"
Diana, without taking her eyes off the mirror, replies with a single word, "No." The maids chuckle quietly upon hearing Diana's curt response.
Ray sighs and can only wait by the side with an annoyed expression. Diana, enjoying his irritation, walks over to him and begins fixing his clothes. She then says, "Be a good boy and do not cause any trouble."
"Wouldn't I be better if I didn't go?" Ray says, trying to make a cute face.
Hearing this, Diana lightly knocks him on the head and says, "Oh, you are going. And you better behave."
Ray places both hands over his head and lets out a "grr" noise in protest.
Diana ignores his tantrum and takes his hand. They begin walking toward the hallway, where everyone else is waiting.
"Sister Diana, you're here. We're all almost ready. Come join us with little Ray," says Selene, the third wife of Robert.
Diana smiles and goes to greet Selene with Ray in tow. That's when Barbara, the second wife, remarks, "Fourth sister, you are late."
Ray shoots her a sharp look, while Diana replies calmly, "Not really. I'm on time."
Barbara scoffs, "Look, everyone's here waiting for you. So of course, you're late."
Diana responds with a smile, "If I'm late, then are you saying our husband, who hasn't arrived yet, is also late?"
Barbara finds herself at a loss for words, but then Roxanne, the first wife, steps in and says, "You're correct; you're on time. The second sister must have just been joking. Husband will be arriving soon."
Just then, Robert enters in a white formal suit with white shoes. He is a handsome man with blonde hair and golden eyes. He looks like a warrior who could slay with his looks alone. While he appears gentle in person, everyone knows how strong and brutal he truly is. He has an imposing physique—it's said that he can destroy a mountain with a single punch.
Rumor has it that Robert has the strength to defeat an entire army by himself. With his army, he once stopped the northern beast stampede. Since then, his name has become legendary.
He was once the strongest general in the army. After defeating the beast stampede, he was granted a new title—Duke. In the hierarchy of nobility, a duke ranks just below royalty.
When Robert arrives, his four wives go to greet him, followed by his children. Only then does Robert speak: "I've heard that all the nobles have already gathered at the king's palace. It's time for us to make our appearance before the king and his daughter arrive. Since everyone is ready, let's go."
….
At the king's palace, every noble has arrived an hour or more early. The Barons came first, followed by the Viscounts. After some time, the Counts arrived, and finally, the Marquesses made their appearance. It's as if the timing was set for nobles to arrive in order from lowest to highest rank.
Now, everyone is waiting for the Dukes. There are currently four Dukes, including Robert. Of these, two have already arrived—Duke Alexander Ravenscroft and Duke Edward Ashford. They're now waiting for Duke Robert Walker and Duke Leonardo Montclair.
An announcement echoes from outside: "Duke Robert Walker is entering with four duchesses."
As the doors to the great hall of the king's palace open, Robert enters with his four beautiful wives at his sides and his children following closely behind.
Before entering, Ray is stunned by the grandeur of the king's palace. It's an enormous, magnificent building that reminds him of palaces that he watched on Television—brought to life. He is completely mind-blown by the sight. Diana, observing from the corner of her eye, giggles at her son's reaction.
The entrance doors are massive. The lifelike statues flanking the entrance add to the majestic atmosphere. The footpath is styled like something from the 1950s—elegant and unique. On both sides of the path are large fields, and nearby stands a great fountain.
As they follow Robert, Ray notices the announcer calling out names and two guards ceremoniously opening the doors.
Upon entering, they see the great hall—brilliantly illuminated, with chandeliers hanging from above. The hall is vast, almost three stories high. The decorations are of the finest quality, with numerous banners and statues. Towering pillars, decorated with intricate designs—like lion patterns—line the hall.
As Robert walks in, the two other dukes greet him, and the three begin chatting. Robert introduces his wives and some of his eldest children.
While Robert is conversing and sharing a few jokes with the other Dukes, another announcement comes: the final Duke, the eldest of the four—Duke Leonardo Montclair—arrives with his family. Upon seeing where the other three dukes are gathered, he approaches them, and introductions are exchanged.
Diana quietly steps beside Ray and whispers, "Be careful of that man and his family. The Montclairs have a history of conflict with your father. Ever since your father surpassed Duke Leonardo in strength, they've looked for opportunities to cause trouble."
Ray nods and starts mentally noting the faces of all Montclair family members. The other three wives of Robert are also warning their own children to stay cautious around the Montclairs. On the other side, members of the Montclair family are doing the same. Silent tension brews between both households as the children exchange sharp glances.
Barons, viscounts, counts, and marquesses observe this silent clash from the sidelines, discreetly advising their children about whom to support and whom to avoid.
The momentary standoff is broken by a loud announcement: "His Highness, the Royal King, is making his entry with Her Highness, the Royal Queen."
The grand golden doorway opens. The king enters, followed by the queen. Behind them are the king's six concubines, and after them, the 35 royal children make their entrance. The king's name is Daymond Richard, and the queen is Elizabeth Montclair.
The king exudes dignity and elegance. His majestic aura can be felt from a distance. He wears a full set of golden armor, leaving only his face visible. A golden crown adorned with gems rests upon his head. With long white hair and piercing blue eyes, he is strikingly handsome. His robust stature speaks of a seasoned warrior who has fought in many battles. A regal white cape with a bluish-red interior drapes behind him. A sword hangs at his side.
The queen is stunning and graceful. With golden hair and green eyes, her beauty is undeniable. She wears an opulent golden gown, a massive gem-studded necklace, a smaller but elegant crown, and golden shoes. A dazzling diamond ring sits upon her finger, enhancing her refined charm.
The king and queen take their seats at the head. Below them, the six concubines take their designated positions. Below them, the royal children settle into their seats.
Once the king and queen are seated, the main attraction of the event is announced. The announcer calls out, "It is time for the event's main character to enter. Please welcome our 7th Princess, Alice Richard!"
Alice descends from the top of the stairs. She has a cute, bubbly face, white hair, and blue eyes—just like her father. She wears a magnificent white dress. As she descends, court magicians cast light magic to make her entrance dazzling. Violinists and pianists provide a melodious background to enhance the grandeur.
Alice gracefully walks down the stairs and makes her way to her father, where she is given a special seat beside the king. Among all the children, she is the only one with this honor. The queen is seated on the king's right, and the princess now sits on his left.