Noel: "Kaelor, we've been wandering for hours now. It's nearly afternoon. Where exactly are we going? Everyone you asked said the same thing."
"So you're certain this person lives here—and if you know him, then why don't you know his address?"
Kaelor lifted his gaze to the sky. Hmm… I honestly don't know where he lives in this era. I know almost nothing about my great-grandfather's past. We live in the western capital, Willow Creek, but he only moved there after the king rewarded him .So there's a high chance he's somewhere around here.
Maybe he's in the royal castle.
Kaelor turned to him. "Hey, Noel… do you know any Vyrn households besides the royal one?"
Noel tensed, a flicker of confusion and fear crossing his face. Why inquire about the royals? Was the one he sought tied to the crown?
"What are you saying about the Vyrn household?" Noel replied. "There's only the royal family that carries Vyrn. No others."
Noel swallowed hard. What's his motive? Why is he searching for someone—and who? Am I really in trouble?
Noel: "Kaelor, this path leads to the royal castle. Where are you going… and what are you trying to do?"
Kaelor: "Just follow me, Noel."
In the front of the Royal Castle...
The Royal Castle loomed before him, its weathered stone front rising with quiet authority. A wide stairway led to the massive oak doors, bound in iron and carved with the faded royal crest. Two soldiers stood on either side, uniforms crisp, rifles held firmly at their shoulders. Their steady, unreadable gaze followed him as he approached, the silence thick with restrained power.
"Hey, you two! Where are you headed?"
Noel: "We just… lost our way. Sorry."
Kaelor's eyes narrowed, uninterested in Noel's word. "I'm looking for a boy… someone our age, someone who's supposed to be here… somewhere."
A horse-drawn carriage approached at a steady pace, its guards marching beside it in perfect rhythm. Someone waited behind the curtained interior.
The door guard shouted, urgency in his voice. "You two! Move aside immediately—the princess is approaches!"
The guards shoved them aside, and the carriage slowed, coming to a halt just beside Kaelor.
The princess "Guards, who are these two—and what are they doing here?"
"Greetings, Your Highness. They say they are searching… for someone."
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Noel, trembling, grabbed Kaelor and pushed him to his knees before the princess.
The princess stood at the top of the marble stairs, radiating a presence that seemed to command the very air around her. At eighteen, she had already become the talk of the empire for her unmatched beauty—long, flowing hair the color of pale sky, and eyes like deep royal sapphires that seemed to see through every secret. Her delicate features were framed by a flawless, porcelain complexion, and even in stillness, she carried the elegance and grace of a queen-in-waiting, captivating all who dared to look.
The princess leaned forward. "Tell me—what is your name?"
"N-Noel… and Kaelor, Y-Your Highness," Noel stammered, shaking with fear.
Princess: "Oh, you are Noel… and he is Kaelor, correct? Kaelor, from your appearance, you hardly look like a commoner. Who are you? And why are you walking beside one? What purpose brings you here?"
The soldiers shifted instantly, forming a tight defensive formation around the princess.
Kaelor bowed. "Your Highness…"
If I admit to being a commoner, I'm finished. And then I'll never uncover the reason I came here.
"I am your faithful servant—a great inventor I've crafted many creations and a traveler by necessity. I've crossed many empires; a few praised my work, others sought to capture me, and some couldn't comprehend it at all."
Princess: "Oh? So you, too, have come to present your inventions. Very well—show me. Lord Commander, prepare the grounds.
Sir Kaelor, do entertain us with his creations."
The Lord Commander snapped, "Choose your damn words carefully kids. One wrong move, and you're ..."
The princess's glare silenced him instantly. "Lord Commander, They are our guests. Don't be rude."
Lord Commander: "As you command. You two, with me. Soldiers, ensure the Princess is well protected. Let's proceed."
Noel clenched his fists, fear curling in his stomach.
This is bad. How did things spiral into this? Gods… help us through. Kaelor must be planning something—he wouldn't speak like that without a reason… right?
"'Kaelorrr…' Noel called, voice trembling as he turned his face toward him."
Kaelor's face drained of color. Shit… what have I done? His head fell as fear crawled up his spine. Should I run? Or try to make an excuse? I'm trapped…
Noel checked the situation and burst into a helpless laugh.
Hahaha! Why did I come with this idiot?!
Dear sister, I love you. Never forget your unlucky, about-to-die brother.
The soldier's gaze sharpened, madness flickering in his eyes.
"What are you whispering over there? Are you plotting something?"
In the Royal Training Ground...
The princess remained at the center, while the royal guards tightened their formation around her. The Lord Commander stepped to her side, protective and alert.
A figure approached them from across the courtyard.
"Sist.e..— hw, P-Princess Iyra, what is happening here? Why is everyone assembled? And who are these two? They appear to be commoners."
His tone sharpened. "Are they causing some kind of disturbance?"
"Our greetings, Your Royal Highness."
The Crown Prince stood with a quiet, commanding presence, every inch the heir to the empire. At twenty-two, his striking light-blue hair shimmered like morning frost, contrasting sharply with his deep sapphire eyes that seemed to see everything at once. His features were sharp and noble—high cheekbones, a firm jawline, and a straight nose—yet softened by a calm, almost gentle expression. Clad in the royal blue and gold of his house, he moved with effortless grace, a perfect blend of authority and elegance.
Princess "Greetings, Crown Prince. These two have arrived to present their inventions and contraptions. He's claim to be travelers and an inventors."
"Hm… how interesting. I shall join. Guards, make the necessary preparations for the event."
Kaelor's gaze fixed on Princess Iyra. She seemed so familiar. Of course—she's my great-grandmother. That means my great-grandfather must also be present. I must keep close to her and find the chance to question her carefully.
With the preparations complete.
Kaelor's hands trembled slightly. What do I present first? How will they react?
Kaelor lowered himself into a deep bow. "Princess, Crown Prince, may I have your permission to begin?"
"You may proceed."
Kaelor straightened, presenting his invention. "Your Highness, I bring you a flashlight. It will aid you and your soldiers in seeing far distances at night. I require a darkened area to show its full effect."
The Lord Commander's presence loomed over the courtyard, his eyes narrowing suspiciously at Kaelor.
Permission granted by the Crown Prince, the demonstration was set to take place in the royal underground storage.
The Lord Commander, ever vigilant, inspected the device for danger before escorting Kaelor and Noel into the storage beneath the palace.
In the underground storage.
The royal underground storage was vast, every corner crammed with supplies. Straight ahead, a prison-like section of iron bars stood, cold and unwelcoming.
Noel and Kaelor exchanged nervous glances, hearts pounding at the thought of what could happen if they failed.
Kaelor crouched over the unlit flashlight, fingers trembling on the switch. Come on… just work… please… A wave of panic rolled over him.
Crown prince "What is the matter? Why are you just standing there?"
Kaelor shook the flashlight, trying again, but it still wouldn't turn on. Maybe it's because of the portal… He adjusted the battery, and suddenly—a spark of hope. The flashlight flickered to life, flooding the area with light wherever he pointed it.
Shock rippled through the crowd. Every face reflected awe—they had never witnessed anything like it.
The princess applauded, a bright smile lighting her face.
"Marvelous! Kaelor, your invention will serve the empire well."
Kaelor lowered himself in a deep bow. "My gratitude, Your Highness. I have prepared a gift for you as well."
Kaelor bowed slightly as he presented a chocolate and a delicate flower to the princess.
Princess Iyra's cheeks warmed to a soft red as she examined the gift. "What is this, Kaelor?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Kaelor presented it carefully. "Your Highness, this is called chocolate. It is a delicacy that tastes richer than common sweets."
The Lord Commander stepped forward, suspicious, but Princess Iyra waved him back.
"Oh!" she murmured, carefully unwrapping the chocolate and taking a delicate bite.
Princess Iyra's cheeks flushed with pleasure as she bit into the chocolate. "Yummy!" she exclaimed. The taste was unlike anything she had ever known—rich, sweet, and utterly delightful.
Kaelor pulled out his smartphone. "Your Highness, there are more things I wish to show you. May we proceed to the garden?"
Surrounded by the vibrant colors of the garden, Kaelor gestured toward a spot and asked the princess to stand before the flowers.
Kaelor snapped a photo and held it up for the princess to see. Her eyes widened with amazement.
"Wow… this is incredible! Brother, come see what he's made!"
The Crown Prince froze, eyes wide with shock.
Princess Iyra's voice was soft but inquisitive. "Kaelor, may I ask where you stay in the capital?"
Kaelor smiled faintly. "Your Highness, I live with Noel and his sister in the commoner area. I met Noel, and they welcomed me to stay with them."
The butler spoke quietly into the Crown Prince's ear. "Your Highness, Noel and Mary were born to soldiers who played key roles in the war of 1949. We never located them and believed they had perished. As for Kaelor, there is no trace of him in any imperial records."
Princess Iyra inclined her head with a smile. "Kaelor, I am impressed by your work. I invite you to live in the castle and serve in the Science and Technology division as my assistant and secretary. Your inventions are extraordinary, truly unparalleled, and your contributions will greatly aid our empire."