bookcurios Chapter 550 - 550
Chapter 550 - 550
The royal palace was built against the mountainside within the capital, separated from the city by a moat.Eiji, along with Yamada and the others, departed from the snowy plains, entered through the capital's main gate, crossed the moat, walked over the drawbridge, and stepped into the true heart of the nation.
The palace was grand, filled with towering structures and vibrant flowers of every color. A massive barrier covered the sky, constantly safeguarding the palace.
The decor was exquisite and beautiful, befitting the royal family's status at first glance. Yet, nothing overly extravagant was immediately visible, and the palace itself wasn't particularly spacious.
Compared to the Demon King's Castle—a colossal fortress spanning several kilometers—it still fell short by a tier.
"Axel has become like this now?"
"Damn, I really want to go there too!"
"I'd love to see what the Demon King is like!"
Led by the guards, the four of them chatted and laughed as they walked.
Upon learning about Axel's current lively state, the three of them wore expressions of bitter disappointment.
"If you want to go, just go?"
Eiji looked at them, puzzled.
"But the capital needs guards too. We can't all leave. Like this time—if the three of us weren't here, the knights would've collapsed at the first strike."
Yamada shook his head, his tone brimming with pride.
"The way we decide who guards the capital is by playing rock-paper-scissors."
"And the three of us lost."
"Nangou, have you ever seen the Demon King? Is he really as strong as the legends say?"
"He's seriously no joke. I might not even be able to take him!"
Eiji sighed with admiration, praising him endlessly.
"That strong?"
The three of them grew even more intrigued.
As confident reincarnators, their love for excitement was maxed out.
"Please rest here for now. Maids will arrive shortly to assist you with bathing and changing."
The guards led them to a large room resembling a conference hall before bowing and taking their leave.
"I wonder if the witch has entered the city. I hope she doesn't cause any trouble."
Eiji stood before a massive floor-to-ceiling window.
The sun gradually set in the west, casting golden-orange hues over the capital, painting the land in breathtaking beauty.
...
Night soon arrived.
In one of the palace halls, despite the late hour, the lights blazed brightly.
Nobles clad in expensive robes and gowns mingled, toasting and chatting, while servers weaved through the crowd with trays of wine glasses. The air was filled with restrained laughter.
"Please enter."
After the guards granted permission, Eiji stepped into the banquet hall.
The moment the doors opened, all conversation in the hall ceased instantly—so quiet that the drop of a pin could be heard.
Every eye, male or female, locked onto the entrance.
"Damn pretty boys!"
"You stole all the spotlight!"
"I can feel the distance between us now!"
The three of them, hair slicked back and dressed like dapper young men, shot Eiji looks of envy and resentment.
Since it was a formal banquet, the maids had dressed him in a tailored suit, accentuating his long legs and well-built physique.
"Don't lose heart. You should take a good look at yourselves."
"And then we'll become handsome?"
The trio's eyes lit up as they rubbed their hands in excitement.
"And then you'll realize just how vast the gap is between us!"
Eiji pointed at the three of them, then at himself, wearing an expression of smug victory.
Even though their outfits were nearly identical, all eyes in the room were drawn solely to Eiji.
The difference between losers and heartthrobs couldn't be measured in miles!
"Suddenly I feel like you're not friend material."
"Exactly! Let's ignore him!"
"Let's go chat up some young, beautiful noble ladies instead!"
The three grumbled angrily before scattering like startled birds.
Can't vibe with the handsome dude.JPG
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Nangou? I heard about your achievements today—truly admirable! Might I inquire if you're married? I happen to have a daughter of marriageable age..."
A middle-aged noble approached with a beaming smile, while a girl of about thirteen or fourteen watched shyly from nearby.
"Get lost! Everyone knows how spoiled and willful your daughter is! To be frank, Mr. Nangou, I have two daughters—the elder gentle and sweet, the younger charming and adorable..."
"Sisters? How shameless!"
"Hmph. I have a concubine who bore me a daughter, aged sixteen and thirteen..."
"Have some decency!"
Before long, Eiji was surrounded by a crowd of nobles.
To be honest, I'm kinda into the mother-daughter thing.
But on second thought, nah. Messing around with married mothers and daughters is too immoral.
I, Eiji, may be a lecherous old perv who loves 'big fate,' pressures Wiz with debt collection tactics, has demon beauties serve me at night, and engages in love polygons and secret affairs—but I know I'm a good guy!
"Would you all kindly rein in your revolting stench?"
Just as Eiji was about to leave, an icy voice cut through the chatter.
"What?"
"How rude!"
"Who dares speak like that in my presence?"
"I do. Got a problem?"
A girl in a white suit appeared before the nobles, her face radiating chilling hostility.
"The Sefonia heiress?"
The nobles paled at the sight of her.
Their anger vanished in an instant, replaced by the cowering fear of mice before a cat.
"Let's go, let's go!"
The glamorous nobles scattered in awkward haste.
"My apologies for exposing you to the nobles' unsightly behavior.Claire bowed slightly to Eiji, her face a picture of helpless wry smile.
"Doesn't bother me."
Eiji waved it off.
What can I say?
Classic medieval Europe—noble privilege is no joke.
And damn, they really know how to party!
But between you and me, I've had my share of wild times in the Demon King's Castle too.
An entire shop's worth of succubi all coming to serve me at night—bet this girl's never seen anything like that.
"Thank you for your understanding... Her Highness requests your presence. This way, please."
Claire turned and gestured forward.
"Me?"
"Yes."
"Just me?"
"Yes. Her Highness wishes to see you alone."
Hoh.
I really am a man of too many sins!
Eiji lamented inwardly.
Under Claire's guidance, the two arrived at a corner of the main hall and opened the door leading to the annex.
Compared to the grand hall, this place was relatively cramped, with much dimmer lighting.
A long table stood at the center of the room, laden with food even more exquisite than what was served outside. One could even see live bamboo shoots on the table, thrusting like spears as if ready to attack.
Princess Iris sat at one end of the long table. In the dim light, her eyes seemed to gleam.