The palace was like a city unto itself.
William walked through sprawling gardens, grand residences belonging to royal entourages, and estates of the various branches of the Drake Clan.
'The Drake Clan is already enormous,' he thought calmly. 'Over five hundred thousand members spread across five different bloodline branches.'
His gaze sharpened.
"And my family represents the king—the central authority of the entire kingdom."
As he passed through the different quarters, he encountered many familiar faces. People who, according to the memories of this body, had known him for years.
None greeted him.
Some openly mocked him.
Others whispered behind his back, laughing without restraint.
William found it almost amusing.
'This world isn't much different from my previous one,' he thought. 'Humans are still humans—no matter where they are.'
After hours of walking, he finally arrived before the king's residence.
Carved into a massive crimson stone were the words:
Red Dragon Palace
The atmosphere changed instantly.
An invisible pressure hung in the air, heavy and oppressive. Before him stood an enormous golden gate, engraved with four majestic golden dragons coiled in guarding poses.
The gates slowly opened.
A eunuch stepped out.
It was Frankie.
He clasped his hands in perfect royal etiquette and smiled politely.
"It's good to see you again, Your Highness."
If this were the William of yesterday, he would have seen nothing more than a courteous palace servant.
But William felt it immediately.
Disgust.
Something familiar—a sensation he had only felt after slaughtering countless people in his previous life.
A hidden predator.
William ignored the smile and spoke coldly. "I was summoned. Take me to His Majesty."
For a brief instant, Frankie's eyes glinted.
A trace of killing intent leaked out—then vanished just as quickly.
William noticed it all.
So this dickless bastard is a snake, he thought. A black cobra hiding in human skin.
Ignore him. He's far more dangerous than he looks.
Frankie laughed lightly and gestured with his hand. "This way, Your Highness."
He led William deeper into the palace.
Along the way, William saw many more familiar faces—relatives, elders, distant cousins.
Their expressions varied, but the emotions were the same.
Disdain.
Disgust.
Contempt.
Mockery.
William remained calm.
He walked forward without hesitation.
Soon, he arrived before the king's courtroom.
Frankie stopped and gestured politely. "You're here, Your Highness. This is where we part ways."
With a thin smile, the eunuch turned and left.
The moment he was gone, the suffocating, repulsive sensation faded.
William let out a slow breath.
"This place is dangerous," he thought. "Full of vipers and backstabbers."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"How did the naïve William survive here for fifteen years?"
A pause.
"…Probably because of Elder Sister."
The king had many sons and daughters, born of different consorts. Favor was a luxury no one truly possessed.
William stepped forward and entered the courtroom.
The moment he crossed the threshold, a refreshing fragrance washed over him.
Floral incense.
Warm and invigorating.
The lingering exhaustion from the long walk, the crushing auras of his two uncles, and even the weakness of his body eased noticeably. His mind cleared, as though he had just awakened from a deep, restful sleep.
Both physical and mental fatigue faded.
He lifted his gaze.
The scene before him was nothing short of grand.
A vast hall filled with opulence—golden pillars, carved jade ornaments, silk banners fluttering softly. It felt like stepping into an imperial court from ancient legends.
Rows of ministers sat upon luxurious seats, their robes ornate and dignified, each befitting their rank and status.
William's first thought was sharp and instinctive.
I've entered a political jungle.
Here, there are no true friends or enemies.
Given the chance, anyone would bite if it benefited them.
His gaze shifted.
On the western side of the hall stood a group of young princes and princesses—members of the younger generation.
From the fragmented memories he inherited, William understood immediately.
The Bloodline Awakening Ceremony.
That's why they're all here.
He frowned slightly.
Most of them were between nine and twelve years old.
I'm the only one here who's fifteen.
William walked over and quietly took his place at the end of the line.
The moment he arrived, laughter erupted.
Mockery followed.
The young princes and princesses whispered openly, pointing in his direction.
Among them, he noticed familiar faces—his three younger brothers and two younger sisters, born of different mothers. Their expressions were filled with pride, ridicule, and barely concealed contempt.
Then—
A small, chubby girl stepped forward.
"Seventh Brother," she called softly.
She reached into her pocket, pulled out a lollipop, and held it toward him.
"This is for you."
William paused.
Something about her felt… different.
Her eyes were clear and sincere. There was no mockery—only concern, as if she didn't want him to feel hurt by the others' jeers.
William accepted the sweet, gently patted her head, and smiled faintly.
"Thank you, Little Silver."
"Silver Drake!" a sharp voice rang out.
A young princess glared at the girl.
"Don't stand near him," she snapped. "You'll be looked down upon along with that weakling. Come back here at once!"
Silver Drake puffed out her cheeks, stuck out her tongue, and shouted back, "No! I like being near Seventh Brother!"
William's eyes softened slightly.
Then—
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
Three thunderous drumbeats echoed through the hall.
A eunuch's voice rang out loudly:
"His Majesty is entering the courtroom! Everyone—stand!"
In an instant, the entire hall rose to its feet.
Silence fell—so complete it felt suffocating. Ministers straightened their robes, nobles adjusted their posture, and even the air itself seemed to still.
William lifted his gaze, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
So this is the man they fear…
The king. My father.
The massive doors slowly opened.
A tall man walked in.
He appeared no older than his early twenties—handsome, calm, and unhurried. There was no crown upon his head. No silk robes or golden ornaments.
Instead, he wore a simple, plain outfit, layered with a thick jacket woven from white wolf bristles. On his feet were nothing more than simple sandals.
Yet—
The moment he stepped inside, it felt as though the sun itself had descended upon the earth.
An invisible pressure spread across the hall, vast and overwhelming—not oppressive, yet impossible to ignore.
Everyone clasped their hands and bowed deeply, their backs bent at a perfect ninety degrees.
William followed suit.
The king was accompanied by two men.
One was tall and powerfully built, his presence as solid as a mountain.
The other was lean and sharp, his aura restrained but no less dangerous.
Despite their differences, both bore a striking resemblance to the king.
His brothers, William realized. And his most loyal ones.
The king ascended the throne and sat down calmly.
His two brothers took the highest seats among the ministers.
The king's gaze swept across the hall—quiet, unreadable.
Then he spoke.
"Relax," he said casually.
"You may all be at ease."