The carriage passed through the palace gates, rolling slowly along a wide cobblestone path lined with trimmed hedges, tall banners fluttering gently in the breeze. Wes and Scarlett peered out in awe.
"This place is huge... and it just keeps getting better," Wes whispered.
"It's so pristine... it's like the ground itself has been polished," Scarlett added.
As the carriage turned a corner, a breathtaking garden came into view—lush greenery, exotic glowing flowers, and a massive marble fountain at the center, water cascading into crystal-clear basins.
Wes leaned out again. "Okay… that's a top-tier fountain."
The carriage glided up the palace steps. Ahead of them stood rows of elite royal knights lining the path to the entrance. At the base of the steps stood a butler and a maid, standing side by side, perfectly composed.
The carriage came to a stop.
Amara stood gracefully and stepped out. The knights immediately saluted in flawless synchronization, fists to chest.
"Welcome home, Princess Amara!"
Wes and Scarlett stepped out next, blinking in awe at the formal welcome.
Wes whispered, "Okay... she really is royalty."
"No kidding," Scarlett said.
Together, the three climbed the stairs. At the top stood the butler and maid.
The butler appeared to be in his mid-60s—tall and straight-backed like a soldier. His silver hair was combed neatly back, a refined mustache adorning his sharp face. He wore a black tailcoat with white gloves, an ornate cane, and a monocle engraved with the royal crest.
Beside him stood the head maid—statuesque, calm, and composed. Her silvery-gray hair was pulled into a tight braid. Violet-gray eyes scanned them sharply. Her uniform was flawless, and she exuded discipline.
Both bowed slightly.
"Princess Amara, welcome home," the two said in unison.
Amara smiled. "Cedric. Serina. It's wonderful to see you again."
Serina's eyes flicked to Wes and Scarlett.
"If I may ask, Princess… who are your guests?"
Amara turned, her smile gentle. "These are Wes and Scarlett. They saved me during a monster attack."
Both butler and maid's eyes widened ever so slightly.
Cedric stepped forward. "Are you well, Princess?"
"I'm fine, thanks to them."
Cedric and Serina bowed deeply to Wes and Scarlett.
"Thank you for protecting our princess from harm," Cedric said.
Serina added, "We owe you a great debt."
Wes rubbed the back of his neck. "No worries. Just glad we could help."
Scarlett nodded. "It was our pleasure."
Cedric straightened. "Head Butler Cedric Granveil. A pleasure to meet you, Master Wes, Miss Scarlett."
Serina gave a respectful nod. "Head Maid Serina Eldewyn. Thank you again."
Wes and Scarlett introduced themselves formally.
"Thank you for the welcome," Scarlett said.
Cedric turned to Amara. "Your Highness, the King and Queen await you in the throne room."
Amara nodded. "Let's not keep them waiting. Lead the way."
The group entered the palace. Amara walked calmly between Cedric and Serina, while Wes and Scarlett followed closely behind.
Wes leaned toward Scarlett. "Okay, Cedric and Serina… they're polite, but they give off serious 'secretly lethal' vibes."
Scarlett whispered, "Yeah... I feel like they could snap necks between tea services."
The palace halls were grand—gilded arches, vast stained-glass windows, polished floors, and banners flowing from the ceilings. Chandeliers sparkled with enchanted crystal.
Wes looked around, awe on his face. This place... it feels like a fortress and a dream castle combined. The air's so heavy with presence... like history lives in these walls.
They reached two large double doors with golden carvings.
Cedric stepped forward, rapped his cane against the door.
A deep voice inside responded. "Enter."
The doors swung open.
The throne room was vast, with a vaulted ceiling and a long red carpet stretching to the dais. There, on twin thrones, sat the King and Queen of Luminaris.
King Elion Lyselle appeared in his early 50s, tall and broad-shouldered, his regal beard and jet-black hair streaked with gray. His storm-gray eyes held wisdom and command. He wore ceremonial royal blues and golds, a sword resting at his side, a crown gleaming on his head.
Beside him stood Queen Elenys Lyselle—elegant, graceful, and composed. Her platinum hair was woven into braided coils around her head like a crown of light. She wore flowing robes of white and gold etched with celestial runes.
Wes and Scarlett both tensed.
This pressure... this presence... Wes thought. That's definitely the king... He gulped. Yup. That's intimidation turned into an aura.
They walked forward.
Amara smiled. "Mother. Father. I'm home."
The Queen's expression softened. "Welcome home, darling."
The King nodded. "Welcome back, daughter."
Then his eyes turned toward Wes and Scarlett. Their hearts skipped a beat.
"And who are the two standing behind you?"
Wes gulped. Oh crap. He's staring right into my soul.
The princess stepped forward with a smile. "These two saved me from a monster ambush. A giant snake."
Both the King and Queen's eyes widened.
"Are you alright?!" Queen Elenys asked, stepping forward.
"You were attacked by a serpent that size?" King Elion added, sternly.
Amara giggled softly. "Yes, but I'm fine. Thanks to Wes and Scarlett, I probably wouldn't be here right now."
The King and Queen turned to Wes and Scarlett, their stares firm. Wes and Scarlett tensed.
Suddenly, both royals bowed.
Wes blinked, stunned. Wait… did the King and Queen of an entire kingdom just bow to us?!
Even Amara gasped. "Mother? Father?"
Cedric stepped forward, aghast. "Your Highness! Lady Elenys! What are you doing? Royalty should not bow so easily!"
Queen Elenys straightened, smiling serenely. "It's alright, Cedric. We are simply thanking those who saved our daughter from death."
She looked at Wes and Scarlett. "Thank you again."
Wes and Scarlett both fumbled for words.
"I-I-It's no problem! Really! Anyone would've done the same!" Wes stammered.
"Yes, your Majesty," Scarlett nodded quickly. "We just did what we had to do."
King Elion's voice rumbled. "No. Not everyone would. Some would have taken advantage. Thank you for protecting our daughter."
Wes gave a sheepish smile. "No problem. Honestly, it was easy—"
WHACK! Scarlett slapped the back of his head.
"OW!! What was that for?!"
"We're in front of royalty, you idiot! Behave!"
"You didn't have to hit so hard!"
"You earned it."
The King and Queen looked on, slightly surprised. Amara giggled.
King Elion cleared his throat, drawing their attention.
Wes and Scarlett froze.
"Sorry, Your Highness!" they said in unison.
Queen Elenys and Amara chuckled behind gloved hands.
"There will be a banquet in two days," the King said. "To celebrate our daughter's safe return. You are both invited."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Scarlett said sincerely.
Wes grinned. "A royal banquet? Sounds like fun."
Amara smiled at them, then looked at her father. "Thank you, Father."
The King nodded. "Serina, take them to the guest quarters."
Serina bowed. "As you wish, my King."
She turned to Wes and Scarlett. "Please follow me."
As they turned to go, King Elion raised a hand.
"Hold."
They stopped, glancing back.
"I nearly forgot. You will be rewarded properly for saving our daughter's life."
Wes smiled. "It's no problem, King Elion. We're just glad we were there for Amara. That's all that matters."
Amara blushed lightly. "Wes..."
Queen Elenys smiled knowingly. The King gave a nod. "Very well. You may go."
Wes and Scarlett followed Serina out.
Back in the throne room, King Elion turned to his wife and daughter.
"What do you think of them?" he asked.
Queen Elenys placed a hand on her chin. "I feel they hold great potential. The kind this world hasn't seen in ages."
The King nodded thoughtfully. Then he turned to Amara. "Tell me about them."
Amara smiled. "They're strong. Skilled. Wes has a strange weapon and a class I've never heard of. But they're brave… and funny, in their own chaotic way."
She giggled at the memory of their banter.
"Thank you, daughter. You may go."
Amara nodded and left with Cedric.
Alone, Queen Elenys turned to her husband.
"What do you plan to do with them, darling?"
King Elion folded his arms. "They shouldn't receive a simple gesture. They deserve something worthy of saving the Princess."
"What did you have in mind?"
"Official rank and title. Land. Gold. Let them know we are allies."
Queen Elenys smiled. "Exactly what I was thinking. It may also tie them to us in the long term."
The King nodded. "We'll see how they behave at the banquet."
The Queen suddenly smirked. "Why not go further? Wes and Amara seem to like each other. Perhaps a wedding?"
The King frowned. "Absolutely not. I don't trust outsiders, especially ones I've only just met."
The Queen giggled. "Oh, darling. If you keep being such a daddy's girl, she'll never marry."
The King huffed. "The only man in her life should be her father."
Queen Elenys laughed. "Very well, my possessive husband."
Meanwhile, Wes and Scarlett followed Serina through the palace.
Polished floors. Art on every wall. Golden candlelight. The whole place shimmered.
"So… meeting royalty wasn't as terrifying as I thought," Wes whispered.
"Says the guy who got slapped in front of the King," Scarlett muttered.
"We didn't die, did we?"
"Keep your mouth shut next time. Don't embarrass me."
Wes gave a dramatic sigh. "So much for appreciation."
Serina led them to a hallway of grand doors.
"This room is for Master Wes," she said, gesturing. "And this one is for Miss Scarlett."
They nodded politely.
Wes opened his door.
Inside was a room fit for nobility. A massive bed with soft linens, a crystal chandelier, dark oak furniture, and silk drapes swaying from the balcony.
"This is... AWESOME," Wes said, running to the bed and flopping on it.
He stretched out. "So soft... so warm... yep. I could live here."
He turned toward the balcony. The sky was darkening.
His eyes grew heavy.
Today's been insane… Died. Met a goddess. Got reincarnated. Fought monsters. Saved a princess. Rode to a palace. And now… he yawned. I'm here.
He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
The next morning arrived with sunlight spilling through the tall palace windows, casting golden rays across Wes's face.
He groaned and rolled over, burying his face in the pillow.
"Ugh... too early... still tired..." he muttered. "But... I'm starving."
Wes sat up slowly, hair messy, eyes half-closed. He yawned and stretched before lazily pulling on his clothes. Still groggy, he opened his door and wandered down the palace halls, eyes barely open.
As he shuffled past one of the grand windows, a loud metallic clash startled him.
"Huh? What's that?"
He blinked the sleep out of his eyes and stepped over to the window.
Outside, on the royal training grounds, he saw Scarlett locked in a fast-paced mock battle against a knight. Swords clashed, sparks flew.
"Well now… this should be interesting," he grinned. "Let's go take a look, shall we?"
With a spring of energy, he jumped onto the window ledge and leapt out, landing nimbly on the ground.
Moments later, he appeared beside a group of knights watching the duel, startling them.
"Whoa!" one knight gasped. "Where did he come from?!"
"It's him… the guy who saved the princess!"
"Is that the same guy who shot those healing bullets yesterday?"
"He just popped up like smoke!"
Wes kept watching as Scarlett and the knight dueled—each move fast, powerful, calculated.
"Not bad, Red Blaze," he murmured.
With a sharp parry and twist, Scarlett disarmed her opponent.
"Winner: Scarlett Hayes!" the referee announced.
The watching knights clapped, some whistled.
Scarlett turned, surprised to see Wes clapping with a grin.
"Hey! It's the one and only Red Blaze! Nice performance!"
She blushed slightly, then scowled. "Shut up, idiot!"
They started arguing immediately.
"Come on, admit it. That was a cool nickname."
"You're a walking cringe machine."
"A legendary cringe machine."
Scarlett narrowed her eyes. "How about a duel between you and me?"
Wes blinked. "What? Now?"
"Yeah. Let's see what that revolver of yours can really do."
The knights murmured with excitement.
"Did she just challenge him?!"
Wes smirked. "Alright, Red Blaze. I could use a warm-up before breakfast."
"You're gonna regret that, jerk," she mumbled.
They stepped to opposite ends of the training field.
Scarlett grinned. "Where's Reveria?"
"Oh! Right. Come to me, Reveria."
His revolver materialized in a shimmer of light.
"Fancy," she muttered.
"Let's dance."
"Referee, start it."
The referee nodded. "Duel ready… begin!"
Scarlett burst forward.
Her blade came fast—a blur of silver in the morning sun. Wes sidestepped, his footwork light. She followed with a low sweep—he flipped over it. A downward slash—he ducked under, then twisted left to avoid the follow-up.
Her blade sliced through the air beside his ear.
Wes grinned. "Close one!"
Scarlett's eyes narrowed. "Stand still!"
She spun, slicing from the right. Wes leaned back in a near backflip, then rolled across the dirt, narrowly missing her stab.
She's fast. Strong too, he thought. But she's overcommitting on those rushes.
Scarlett grunted, Why can't I hit this idiot?!
She spun again—this time catching his shoulder. Wes stumbled back, skidding on one foot.
"Ow! Okay, that one got through."
"Maybe next time it'll take your head."
Wes chuckled and raised Reveria.
"My turn."
He fired.
Scarlett sidestepped, the bullet grazing her thigh. She lunged.
They moved like lightning—slashing, firing, dodging, feinting.
Scarlett dove under a shot, slashed upward, clipped his side.
Wes rolled left, fired a Mana Bullet that exploded in sparks behind her.
They clashed mid-field—blade to barrel.
Sweat dripped. Grins widened.
"You're not bad, Red Blaze."
"Shut up! I'm not done yet!"
Scarlett jumped back.
Then she raised her sword above her head.
"I CALL UPON THE SPIRIT OF THE BURNING SKY! FURY OF THE FLAME! I BIND THE FIRE TO MY BLADE—RITUAL IGNITION!"
The knights gasped.
"That's her ultimate technique!"
"She's activating the flame sigil!"
Scarlett's sword ignited with glowing red-orange flames. Heat shimmered. Her eyes glowed bright with fiery mana.
She roared. "INFERNO EDGE!!!"
Wes raised his gun. "CHARGED BULLET!"
Energy surged through the chamber, elemental magic coiling tightly.
BOOOOM!!
The two attacks collided.
An enormous shockwave exploded across the field. Smoke. Dust. Wind.
Knights shielded their faces. Some were thrown backward.
"WHAT'S HAPPENING?!"
"CAN'T SEE ANYTHING!"
Scarlett covered her eyes. What was that?! Is he still—?
Smoke lingered. The field was silent. Everyone waited.
But Wes… was nowhere in sight.
"Where did he go?!"
"Did he get blown away?!"
Scarlett scanned the field, chest rising and falling. No… where is he?
A chill ran down her spine.
Click.
She froze.
A revolver barrel tapped gently against the back of her head.
"Do you give up, Red Blaze?"
She spun slowly.
Wes stood there, grinning, Reveria still raised.
Scarlett flushed with a mix of anger and awe. "I give up... you smug jerk."
"Winner: Wes Walker!"
The knights erupted.
"He disappeared into the smoke!"
"He looped around in all that chaos?!"
"Insane… just insane!"
Wes lowered his revolver, letting it vanish.
"Now that was fun."
Scarlett sighed, finally smiling. "Yeah… it was."
Wes turned to say something witty to Scarlett, but before he could, a voice called out behind them.
"Hey you guys, what was that explosion I heard earlier?"
They turned to see Amara jogging over, her long silver-blonde hair catching the sunlight.
"Amara!" Scarlett called.
"Hey, nothing much," Wes said with a lazy grin. "Just a mock battle before breakfast. I won."
Scarlett's brow twitched.
"What was that?"
"You heard me. I won."
"You lucky, sleep-deprived twig—"
THWACK! Scarlett smacked him.
"Ow!"
"Delusional show-off!" SMACK!
"Arrogant peacock!" POW!
"Mouthy raccoon!" THUMP!
"I get it! I get it!" Wes shielded his head, groaning.
Amara giggled behind her hand. They're like a comedy duo that never rehearsed but always performs.
"Alright, you two—enough. Breakfast is ready. Mother and Father are waiting."
Wes brightened. "Oh, thank goodness. I'm starving after surviving Blade Babe."
Scarlett stomped toward the palace. "Shut up, you annoying idiot."
Wes laughed and followed beside Amara.
"You ready to go?" Amara asked with a smile.
"Yeah. Let's eat."
As they walked through the grand halls toward the dining room, Amara looked over at Wes.
"Did you sleep well?"
"I slept like royalty," he said with a grin. "That bed was heaven. Like sinking into a cloud made of magic and good decisions."
Amara laughed softly. I'm glad he's doing well. He always finds a way to joke—even when he's serious.
A few minutes later, they reached the ornate dining hall. The double doors opened to reveal King Elion and Queen Elenys seated at the table. Scarlett sat nearby, arms crossed, pointedly looking away as soon as she noticed Wes enter.
Wes chuckled under his breath. "Heh… still mad."
"Idiot," Scarlett muttered under her breath without turning.
King Elion looked up. "Ah, Amara. Wes. Come, sit down for breakfast."
They both nodded. Wes took the seat beside Scarlett—who continued ignoring him—and Amara sat on his other side.
Queen Elenys smiled. "How did you sleep, Wes?"
"Very well, Your Majesty. Best sleep I've had since waking up in this world."
King Elion leaned back, eyeing them. "What was that explosion I heard this morning? It rattled the windows."
Before anyone could speak, a calm voice answered from behind.
"It was a mock battle. Between Carter and Leina. Carter was victorious."
Everyone turned in their chairs.
"Cedric?!" Amara gasped.
Wes and Scarlett both flinched.
Why does he always appear out of nowhere?! Wes thought.
He's a walking shadow wrapped in etiquette, Scarlett thought.
Wes tried to smile. "It wasn't that big a deal. Just a fun match. Scarlett here has serious sword skills. She even used her ultimate move on me."
Scarlett's face turned bright red. "I did not—!"
Queen Elenys and Amara exchanged a glance, then giggled quietly.
King Elion raised an eyebrow. "So you two were testing your limits before breakfast?"
"In a sense," Wes said with a shrug. "Just wanted to stretch the legs."
"And you won?" the King asked, clearly amused.
"Barely," Wes replied. "I was lucky. She's got real talent."
Scarlett looked away, still pink-faced. Why is he being nice now?!
The Queen chuckled behind her teacup, watching Scarlett's reaction with motherly delight.
Soon, servants arrived with covered trays. The lids lifted to reveal steaming plates of spiced meats, baked fruits, sweet pastries, and bowls of fresh butter and jam.
They began eating.
Between bites, the Queen glanced at them. "Wes, Scarlett. What are your plans for today?"
They exchanged a look.
"We haven't figured that out yet," Wes admitted.
"We might explore the city a little," Scarlett added.
"We could walk around together," Amara offered. "I'd love to show you the sights."
"I think that sounds great," Queen Elenys said. "You should see the heart of the city."
Wes snapped his fingers. "Actually, is there a guild here?"
The King nodded. "The Crimson Star Adventurers' Guild. One of the oldest in the kingdom."
"Sounds perfect," Wes grinned. "I want to check it out. Might even sign up."
Scarlett sighed. "I'll go too. I need to keep an eye on you."
"That's fair," Wes said. "Can't be too careful with a reckless genius like me."
Queen Elenys smiled. "Why not take Amara with you?"
Amara blinked. "Me?"
"Yes. It will be good for you to experience it firsthand."
"Of course, Mother. I'd be happy to."
Wes leaned back. "Awesome. Red Blaze, Princess, and me walking into the guild. What could go wrong?"
Scarlett sighed. "Everything."
—
After finishing breakfast, the three set out into the streets of Luminaris. The air was fresh, the skies clear, and the city vibrant with life.
They chatted as they walked, pointing out shops, fountains, and market plazas.
Wes asked, "So what's the story behind the guild again?"
Amara nodded. "The Crimson Star Guild was established soon after Luminaris was founded. It brought peace and order to early adventuring in the region. Many legendary figures came from its halls."
"Sounds prestigious," Scarlett said.
"Then let's see if we're worthy!" Wes declared.
Minutes later, they stood before the guild's massive doors. Wes read the sign aloud with a grin.
"Crimson Star Adventurers' Guild."
He pushed open the doors.
Inside, the room buzzed with life—adventurers of all races laughing, eating, and sparring. But the moment they walked in, the room fell into a stunned silence.
Eyes locked onto the trio.
"Is that—?"
"It is! That's Princess Amara!"
"And those two with her—who are they?!"
"They must be her guards. Or adventurers. Or… something else?"
Amara walked confidently toward the counter. "Hello. I'm Princess Amara Lyselle. These are my companions, Wes and Scarlett. We're here to join the guild."
The crowd reacted instantly.
"The princess is joining a guild?!"
"What's going on?!"
Behind the counter, Juno Dellmere stared in horror.
The princess… is HERE?! In this guild?! What did I do to deserve this?! I'm not paid enough for this level of stress!
She tried to maintain composure. "W-Welcome, Princess Amara. Wes. Scarlett. I'm Juno Dellmere. Guild receptionist."
Wes nudged Scarlett. She looks like she's dying inside. Should we say something?
Scarlett replied dryly, Probably not. You'll make it worse.
Then a voice boomed across the hall.
"Who the hell's making all this noise and interrupting my nap?!"
A tousled-haired man with amber eyes and a lazy posture stepped out, pipe dangling from his mouth. He looked more like a retired bard than a leader.
Juno gasped. "Guildmaster!"
Wes blinked. And now… we meet the boss. First guild visit and we're already shaking up the place.
Scarlett groaned softly. Of course.
To be continued...