It had been a week since we arrived at Re-Estize.
The days passed quietly — or as quietly as they could when Clementine was around. Between training sessions, trips to the marketplace, and occasionally dealing with drunk nobles who couldn't handle seeing someone "beneath them" at the fancier parts of the city, it was surprisingly peaceful.
I figured it wouldn't last, of course. And I was right.
This morning, an official letter arrived — sealed with the royal crest.
An invitation. No, a summons.
They hadn't written much, only stating that my presence was "requested" at the castle immediately. No details about the request itself. But I wasn't surprised. I had been expecting something like this, even if I didn't know the exact timing.
After all, Renner had seen me that day when we first arrived. That look in her eyes — part curiosity, part calculation—wasn't something I could easily forget.
And I hadn't missed the way the nobles and merchants in the city had been whispering about me either. My sudden rise to Orichalcum rank, my looks, my companions. News spread fast, and people noticed.
Pulling on my long coat over a simple but sharp outfit — black with silver trim, something fitting for an audience without looking like I was trying too hard — I left my room.
Solution and Clementine were already waiting for me in the lobby.
Solution, as always, looked flawless. She wore a formal maid uniform tailored for travel: elegant, neat, and oddly intimidating if you looked closely at her.
Clementine, on the other hand, wore a fitted leather jacket and tight pants, her twin short swords strapped to her back. She looked like trouble — beautiful, dangerous trouble.
I gave them a nod. "Let's go."
The three of us made our way through the bustling streets, attracting attention wherever we went. Some adventurers recognized the Orichalcum plate hanging from my neck and stepped aside respectfully. Others simply stared at our strange group — a handsome adventurer with two beautiful but very different women flanking him.
It didn't take long to reach the castle gates.
The guards there stiffened when they saw me, then quickly composed themselves. One of them — a man with a neatly trimmed beard — stepped forward.
"Adventurer Alex," he said, bowing slightly. "We have been expecting you. Please follow me."
The formality was amusing, but I said nothing. I simply followed him through the towering gates and into the grand halls of the royal castle.
Solution and Clementine walked a step behind me, keeping their expressions neutral.
The castle was luxurious but also practical. Not like Nazarick — nothing could compare to Nazarick—but for this world, it wasn't bad.
We were led through a few winding corridors before the guard finally stopped before a pair of large, ornate doors.
"Your audience will take place here," he said, bowing again before pushing the doors open.
I stepped inside.
The room wasn't massive — not a throne room or anything — but it was finely decorated, with golden chandeliers and polished marble floors. Paintings of past kings lined the walls.
And there, sitting gracefully on a cushioned chair, was the reason I had come.
Princess Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself.
The Golden Princess.
She was even more beautiful up close than I remembered. Golden hair that shimmered under the light, soft features, deep blue eyes that seemed to look right through you.
She was wearing a simple but elegant blue dress, and a faint smile played on her lips.
When she saw me, her smile widened just slightly—almost imperceptibly.
"Welcome, Sir Alex," she said, her voice melodic. "And your companions as well."
I nodded lightly. "An honor, Your Highness."
Clementine followed suit, although Clementine's bow was a little... casual.
Solution didn't even bother.
Renner didn't seem to mind. If anything, her smile deepened.
"I apologize for summoning you so suddenly," she continued. "But when I heard of your... remarkable achievements and rise to Orichalcum rank, I couldn't help but be curious."
I said nothing, simply waiting for her to get to the point.
Renner tilted her head slightly, studying me the way a scientist might study a fascinating new species.
"I have a task that requires the abilities of a highly skilled individual," she said. "One who is discreet, capable... and trustworthy."
I raised an eyebrow slightly. "That's a rare combination to ask for."
Renner laughed softly. "Indeed. But from what I have heard, you might just be the person I seek."
She leaned forward a little, resting her chin on her hand. Her eyes locked onto mine.
"Tell me, Sir Alex," she said, her tone playful but with an undercurrent of seriousness. "Are you interested in... special work for the Royal Family?"
I gave a small, knowing smile.
"I might be," I said casually. "Depending on the nature of the work—and the rewards."
Renner's eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Of course," she said sweetly. "We would not expect you to work for free. If you accept, you will be well compensated. In gold... and other ways."
There was a subtle pause before she said those last words, and I caught the faintest flicker of something darker in her gaze.
Behind me, Clementine snickered quietly. Solution remained impassive.
I inclined my head slightly. "I'm listening."
Renner's smile turned secretive.
"I cannot reveal everything here," she said. "But if you accept, I will arrange for a private meeting. There, you will be given the details."
She rose gracefully to her feet, and for a moment, her golden hair shimmered like a halo around her.
"I hope you will consider it, Alex."
I met her gaze without flinching.
Oh, I would consider it.
After all, getting close to Renner was exactly what I wanted. Even if it wasn't for politics or ambition like most would assume. No, I had a far simpler goal:
I just wanted to see how far the "Golden Princess" would fall.
~~~
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