Leo's carriage pulled up to the edge of the city's teleportation circle, a glowing formation etched into the stone with ancient runes and intricate magical patterns. A pulse of light shimmered through the carriage, and in the blink of an eye, they were no longer in the cathedral district—they had arrived in the capital of the Valoria Kingdom.
Lekan blinked rapidly, the sudden change in scenery catching him off guard. The capital stretched before him in dazzling splendor. Wide, clean roads paved with polished stone twisted between elegant, high-arched buildings. The scent of sea breeze drifted in the air, and far in the distance, the vast ocean shimmered under the sun, its waves glinting like silver coins.
"I wasn't expecting something this beautiful..." Lekan muttered, awestruck.
Prince Leo smirked. "Valoria is close to the sea—you can see the ocean from almost every high point in the capital. But before we head to the palace, we need to make a few stops."
The carriage turned off the main boulevard and passed by a stunning storefront with ornate glass windows and gold-trimmed signage. Lekan leaned forward, curious, but the carriage rolled past the front and stopped at a more discreet entrance in the back alley.
"Put these on," Leo said, handing cloaks to both Rowan and Lekan. "Keep your heads down. Move quickly."
Without waiting for questions, the prince led them inside through a side door. The interior of the shop was refined and quiet, a sharp contrast to the buzzing city outside. Tailors immediately greeted them and began taking their measurements with practiced precision. Before either of them could protest, their old clothes were stripped and burned in front of them.
"You'll need to wash thoroughly," one of the attendants instructed. "Completely. Scrub every inch."
"Especially you, Lekan," Leo added, wrinkling his nose.
Lekan paused, lifting his arm for a quick sniff. The smell hit him like a punch. His face twisted in horror.
"Oh gods..." he muttered, remembering that before being summoned to this world, he hadn't bathed. Since arriving, he'd barely had a moment to breathe, let alone clean himself. Embarrassed, he rushed toward the bath.
By the time he emerged, freshly scrubbed and feeling more human, his new clothes were ready. He and Rowan changed into finely tailored outfits—elegant but not ostentatious, appropriate for someone of scholarly or noble background.
"You look presentable," Leo said with a nod of approval.
On the ride to the palace, the prince began briefing them. "Rowan, you'll be posing as an elven researcher. That sounds more practical. Scholarly, but not too high-profile. Lekan, you'll be his assistant."
Lekan raised an eyebrow. "So I just nod and carry books or something?"
"Exactly. You're to speak as little as possible," Leo instructed. "Act like a quiet thinker—serious and reserved."
Rowan chuckled under his breath. "Is that even possible for Lekan? The man never shuts up."
Leo smirked. "If he wants to stay alive and unnoticed, it better be."
He turned to Lekan, his expression stern. "From this point on, do not call me by my name. Not in public. Refer to me only as Your Highness or Prince. If anyone hears you being too casual with me, it could be taken as disrespect. My brothers would use any excuse to have you punished just to get at me."
Lekan rolled his eyes. "Why are you telling me something any normal person could figure out?"
Leo ignored the jab and continued. "Rowan knows this world—its customs, its etiquette. Until you learn the ins and outs, he'll carry the most responsibility. Don't worry, I have a great teacher lined up for you."
There was a glint in Leo's eyes that made Lekan uneasy. Something about the way he said "great" sent a chill up his spine.
He forced a smile. "Th-thank you... I guess?"
The carriage climbed a hill, and soon the Palace of Valoria came into view—an enormous fortress of marble and crystal, its towers reaching into the sky like spears. It looked like something out of a dream or a fantasy movie.
Lekan's jaw nearly dropped, but Rowan elbowed him subtly.
"Remember," Rowan whispered. "We're not playing the part of country bumpkins. You've seen this a thousand times before. Act like it."
Lekan cleared his throat and straightened his posture, putting on the best cold, noble-like face he could muster.
The palace guards spotted the seal of the Third Prince on the carriage and quickly stepped aside, saluting as the gates opened. As they arrived at the front of the estate, a group of finely dressed butlers and maids emerged in formation, bowing deeply.
Lekan froze slightly at the attention. It felt strange—unnatural—to have so many people acknowledge him, but he maintained his composure. On the outside, he looked calm and dignified. On the inside, he was spiraling.
Leo stepped out first, followed by Rowan and Lekan, both dressed to match their new roles.
"These two will be staying in the estate for the foreseeable future," the prince said to the head butler. "Treat them with proper care."
The butler bowed. "As you command, Your Highness. Gentlemen, I'll show you to your rooms."
Leo gave them a final glance. "Rest well. We'll talk more tomorrow."
With that, the prince disappeared into the estate, leaving Rowan and Lekan to follow the butler down a grand hall of gold-etched marble and chandeliers.
Lekan couldn't help but wonder: What the hell have I gotten myself into now?
The butler led Lekan through the grand corridor before stopping at a finely carved double door.
"This will be your room, sir. I hope it's to your liking," the butler said with a slight bow as he pushed the door open.
Lekan stepped inside and blinked in awe. The room was spacious and elegant, with sunlight pouring through tall arched windows. Velvet curtains framed the light, and a plush canopy bed stood at the center like a throne. A polished wooden desk sat beside a fireplace, and the air smelled faintly of lavender and something warm, like oak.
Lekan turned to the butler, gave him a simple thumbs-up, then silently strolled deeper into the room, taking in every inch. He paused, glanced back at the butler, and waved his hand with a casual gesture that clearly meant, You're free to go.
The butler, sensing the desire to be left alone, gave a short bow. "Should you need anything, sir, please ring the bell," he said, then quietly exited, closing the door behind him.
The moment the door clicked shut, Lekan exhaled deeply and collapsed backward onto the bed. The soft, springy mattress seemed to hug him, and he sank into it with a groan of relief.
"Man… this room's half the size of my parents' house," he muttered, eyes scanning the gilded ceiling.
For a moment, he allowed himself to think of them—his parents. Were they worried about him? Were they searching? The idea of his sudden disappearance must've torn them apart. But then, he forced a dry laugh.
"Maybe they're relieved. Maybe they're finally glad their useless son is gone and they can live a peaceful life." He said it like a joke, but the ache in his chest betrayed the truth. It wasn't funny—not even a little.
A knock at the door interrupted the spiral of thoughts. Lekan sat up quickly and moved to answer.
When he opened the door, he found Rowan standing there.
"Oh, hey," Lekan said, stepping aside. "Come in."
Rowan nodded and entered the room, looking around briefly before turning to him. "You settling in alright?"
Lekan gave a small smile. "Yeah. The prince's palace is... really something."
But just as he opened his mouth to ask a question, "Do you know who my—"
Rowan's hand shot out and covered his mouth.
"Shhh," he whispered, raising a finger to his lips.
Then, in a louder voice, Rowan said casually, "I'm glad to hear that you find the place nice." He walked toward the door, opened it slightly, and peeked into the hallway. His eyes scanned both sides slowly.
"Oh, almost forgot to tell you something," he added aloud before gently closing the door again. He returned to Lekan's side and leaned in to whisper.
"Someone was listening to our conversation just now."
Lekan stiffened.
Rowan kept his voice low. "The butler said dinner will be brought to our rooms tonight. Get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."
Without waiting for a response, Rowan gave him a nod and slipped out the door.
Lekan stood frozen for a moment, processing what had just happened. He turned and collapsed onto the bed again, arms spread wide across the silk sheets.
Nobles… spies… magic... I'm really in a whole new world now. I have to watch what I say and where I say it.
His thoughts started spinning again. The pressure, the unfamiliarity, the stakes. But all of it came to a quiet halt when the knock came again—this time, dinner.
The moment the tray was laid out before him—roasted meat, seasoned vegetables, fragrant rice, and warm bread—Lekan forgot about the looming expectations for a brief, delicious moment.
As he finished the meal, a new thought entered his mind.
If living this freely and eating this well means I have to sacrifice comfort and play their games… maybe it's worth it.
Soon after, the weight of the day caught up with him. He slipped under the covers, his mind drifting between fear and determination, wondering what tomorrow would bring.