The journey to the capital took three days, and Min-jun found it to be one of the most enjoyable experiences of his new life. The royal carriage was spacious and comfortable, with soft cushions and large windows that provided excellent views of the countryside. More importantly, it gave him plenty of time to talk with Princess Seraphina and Lady Cecilia.
Princess Seraphina was sweet and curious, asking him endless questions about his travels and his magical creature companions. She was particularly fascinated by Bounce, who had taken to riding on her shoulder and making happy gurgling sounds whenever she laughed.
"He's so adorable!" she exclaimed as Bounce changed colors to match her blue dress. "I've never seen a slime that could do that before!"
"Bounce special!" the evolved slime declared proudly. "Princess pretty! Bounce like princess!"
Lady Cecilia, on the other hand, seemed more interested in Min-jun himself. She asked thoughtful questions about his fighting techniques, his knowledge of magic, and his unusual ability to communicate with so many different types of creatures.
"Your mastery of multiple skill trees is remarkable," she observed during their second day of travel. "Most adventurers specialize in one area - combat, magic, or creature handling. But you seem equally skilled in all three."
"I've always been a fast learner," Min-jun replied, which was technically true.
"Indeed," Cecilia said with a knowing smile. "There's definitely more to you than meets the eye, Lord Min-jun."
The journey wasn't entirely peaceful. On their second day, they encountered a group of Mischief Sprites - tiny winged creatures that liked to play pranks on travelers by tangling their horses' reins and hiding important items. While not dangerous, they were annoying enough that most people avoided the areas where they lived.
Min-jun, however, approached the situation differently. Instead of trying to drive the sprites away, he used his Monster Taming and Animal Communication skills to befriend them.
"Why do you play tricks on people?" he asked the lead sprite, a tiny girl with rainbow wings.
"Boring!" the sprite replied in a voice like tinkling bells. "People always serious! No fun! We make fun!"
"What if I showed you some new games that don't make people upset?" Min-jun suggested.
By the time they continued their journey, Min-jun had taught the sprites several harmless games they could play among themselves, and in return, the sprites had agreed to help other travelers instead of hindering them. Several of the smaller sprites even decided to join his growing menagerie of companions.
[LEVEL UP!]Level 18 → Level 20Monster Taming Level: 40 → 45New Skill: Diplomatic Solution - You can often resolve conflicts without violence
"Incredible," Sir Marcus muttered as they watched the sprites cheerfully waving goodbye. "I've been traveling this road for fifteen years, and those sprites have been a nuisance the entire time. You solved the problem in twenty minutes."
"Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them," Min-jun said. "Even tiny magical people."
Princess Seraphina looked at him with shining eyes. "You're so kind and wise, Lord Min-jun. I've never met anyone quite like you."
Min-jun felt his cheeks warm. Even with his new confidence, compliments from a beautiful princess still made him feel a bit flustered.
On their final day of travel, they encountered something more serious - a family of Giant Pandas had wandered onto the road and refused to move. These weren't ordinary pandas, but magical creatures the size of elephants with the ability to create powerful wind gusts when they sneezed.
The royal guards were hesitant to force the pandas to move, since they were protected creatures in this kingdom. But the pandas seemed quite comfortable where they were and showed no inclination to leave.
Once again, Min-jun stepped forward to resolve the situation. Using his Animal Communication skill, he discovered that the pandas were actually lost. They had been trying to find their way back to their home in the Bamboo Mountains but had gotten confused by recent road construction.
"I can help you get home," Min-jun offered.
The lead panda, a massive female with gentle brown eyes, looked at him hopefully. "You know way to tall bamboo? We hungry. Cubs tired."
Min-jun consulted his map and found a route that would take the pandas safely back to their territory. He even used his Nature's Harmony skill to encourage some roadside plants to grow extra bamboo shoots for the pandas to eat during their journey.
"Thank you, kind human," the panda mother said gratefully. "You friend to all creatures. Forest spirits bless you."
As the panda family departed, Min-jun noticed that his system had gained several new bonuses:
[BLESSING ACQUIRED: Friend of Nature]Duration: PermanentEffects: All natural creatures view you favorably, +25% experience from nature-based activities
"The forest spirits have blessed you?" Lady Cecilia asked, having overheard the panda's words. "That's... extremely rare. Such blessings are usually only given to those who demonstrate exceptional kindness and wisdom."
"What does it mean, exactly?" Min-jun asked.
"It means that all natural creatures will instinctively trust you," Sir Marcus explained. "Rangers and druids spend decades trying to earn such recognition. You accomplished it in a few minutes of conversation."
Princess Seraphina clapped her hands together. "Oh, how wonderful! Father will be so impressed when he hears about this!"
As they finally approached the capital city, Min-jun could see why it was called the Royal City of Lumina. The entire city seemed to glow with a warm, golden light that made every building look like it was made of precious metals and gems.
The walls surrounding the city were tall and white, decorated with intricate carvings and flying banners. Towers and spires rose high into the sky, each one topped with crystal domes that caught and reflected the light from Aetheria's two suns.
"It's beautiful," Min-jun breathed.
"Wait until you see the inside," Princess Seraphina said excitedly. "The Royal Palace has gardens that bloom all year round, and the Great Library has books from every corner of the world!"
As their carriage approached the city gates, Min-jun noticed that crowds of people had gathered along the streets. Word of the princess's rescue had apparently spread ahead of them, and everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the hero who had saved her.
When the gates opened and their carriage rolled into the city, Min-jun was amazed by the reaction of the crowd. People lined the streets, cheering and waving. But he quickly realized that many of them weren't just celebrating the princess's safe return - they were staring directly at him.
"Who is that handsome young man?" he heard a girl whisper to her friend.
"He's so tall and elegant!" another voice called out.
"Look at those eyes! And that perfect smile!"
"Is he a prince from another kingdom?"
"Maybe he's a famous knight!"
Min-jun felt overwhelmed by the attention. In his old life, he had been completely invisible to most people. Now, people were actually stopping their daily activities just to look at him.
"They seem quite taken with you," Lady Cecilia observed with amusement.
"I'm not used to this much attention," Min-jun admitted.
"You'll have to get used to it," Princess Seraphina said with a giggle. "When word spreads about how you saved me, every noble family in the kingdom will want to meet you."
Groups of teenage girls were following the carriage, whispering and giggling among themselves. Min-jun caught fragments of their conversations:
"He's so dreamy!"
"Do you think he's single?"
"I wish I was a princess so he would rescue me too!"
Even some of the young men in the crowd seemed impressed, though in a different way:
"Look how confidently he carries himself!"
"I wonder what kind of training regimen he follows."
"I bet he could teach me how to be that cool."
The carriage ride through the city took almost an hour, as the streets were packed with curious onlookers. Min-jun got to see the various districts - the bustling merchant quarter with its colorful shops and market stalls, the residential areas with their neat houses and flower gardens, and the noble district with its grand mansions and perfectly manicured lawns.
Finally, they reached the Royal Palace, and Min-jun's breath caught in his throat. The building was even more magnificent than he had imagined. It was built of white marble that seemed to glow from within, with towers that spiraled gracefully into the sky. Gardens filled with exotic flowers surrounded the entire structure, and fountains created gentle music as water danced through the air.
"Welcome to my home," Princess Seraphina said proudly.
As they disembarked from the carriage, palace guards in gleaming armor formed neat lines to escort them inside. Min-jun's magical creature companions drew quite a bit of attention from the palace staff, but Princess Seraphina quickly assured everyone that they were welcome guests.
"Don't worry," she told the nervous-looking chamberlain. "They're all very well-behaved, and Lord Min-jun has perfect control over them."
"Of course, Your Highness," the man replied, though he still eyed Huggy the Cuddle Bear with uncertainty.
They were escorted through halls lined with beautiful tapestries and paintings. The floors were made of polished marble that reflected the light from crystal chandeliers hanging overhead. Servants and courtiers paused in their duties to bow respectfully to the princess, but Min-jun noticed that many of them were also stealing glances at him.
"His Majesty is waiting in the throne room," the chamberlain announced. "He wishes to hold an immediate audience with the hero who saved Princess Seraphina."
"An immediate audience?" Lady Cecilia looked surprised. "That's quite unusual. Typically, there would be days of preparation and protocol."
"Father must be very eager to meet Lord Min-jun," Princess Seraphina said with excitement.
The throne room was the most impressive space Min-jun had ever seen. The ceiling was so high it disappeared into shadows, supported by massive columns carved to look like ancient trees. Stained glass windows cast rainbow patterns across the floor, and the walls were decorated with murals depicting the history of the kingdom.
At the far end of the hall sat the throne itself - a magnificent chair carved from what appeared to be a single piece of crystal that glowed with soft, warm light. And sitting on that throne was the King of Lumina.
King Aldwin was a man in his fifties with kind eyes, graying hair, and the sort of presence that commanded respect without being intimidating. He wore elegant robes of deep purple and a crown that seemed to be made of woven light rather than metal.
"Approach," the king called out in a voice that carried easily across the vast hall.
Min-jun walked forward with Princess Seraphina and Lady Cecilia beside him. His magical companions followed at a respectful distance, with Bounce riding on his shoulder and making soft, impressed gurgling sounds at the grandeur around them.
When they reached the base of the throne, Princess Seraphina curtsied deeply while Lady Cecilia performed an elegant bow. Min-jun, uncertain of the proper protocol, settled for a respectful bow as well.
"Father," Princess Seraphina said, "I present Lord Min-jun of the Eastern Kingdoms, the brave adventurer who saved Lady Cecilia and me from the bandits."
King Aldwin studied Min-jun carefully, and Min-jun had the strange feeling that the king was seeing more than just his physical appearance.
"Lord Min-jun," the king said finally, "my daughter has told me remarkable things about you. Not only did you defeat eight armed bandits single-handedly, but you did so while commanding an impressive array of magical creatures. You also resolved conflicts with the Mischief Sprites and helped a family of Giant Pandas find their way home."
"I was simply in the right place at the right time, Your Majesty," Min-jun replied modestly.
"Hmm," the king mused. "And yet, according to Sir Marcus, you handled each situation with wisdom and compassion that would be remarkable in someone twice your age." He leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Lord Min-jun, what brings you to our kingdom?"
Min-jun had prepared for this question during the journey. "I'm a traveling adventurer, Your Majesty. I seek to learn about the world and improve my skills while helping those in need."
"A noble goal," the king agreed. "And what do you know of our kingdom's history? Of the legends surrounding the creation of our peaceful world?"
That was an interesting question. Min-jun wondered if the king knew more about Admin and the true nature of Aetheria than most people.
"I've read some of the ancient texts in the libraries," Min-jun said carefully. "I understand that this world was transformed by a powerful deity who removed all evil and gave people access to the System that allows them to grow and improve themselves."
King Aldwin's eyes sharpened with interest. "Indeed. And what do you make of these legends? Do you believe them to be true?"
Min-jun hesitated. He couldn't exactly explain that he had personally met the god in question.
"I believe there's usually some truth behind every legend, Your Majesty," he said finally.
"Wisely spoken," the king said with approval. "Tell me, have you discovered anything... unusual... about the System during your travels? Any features or abilities that seem different from what most people experience?"
Min-jun felt his heart skip a beat. Did the king somehow know about his hidden abilities?
"I've been fortunate to learn skills quickly," he said cautiously. "And I seem to have a natural affinity for communicating with magical creatures."
"Fortunate indeed," the king said, but his tone suggested he suspected there was more to it than luck.
Before the conversation could continue further, a commotion at the entrance to the throne room drew everyone's attention. A messenger in travel-stained clothes was being escorted in by the palace guards.
"Your Majesty!" the messenger called out urgently. "I bring important news from the Northern Border!"
King Aldwin gestured for the man to approach. "Speak freely."
"The ancient ruins in the Whispering Mountains have begun to glow, Your Majesty! Strange lights have been seen in the sky above them, and the local villagers report that magical creatures in the area have become unusually active!"
The king's expression grew serious. "The Whispering Mountains? Are you certain?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The village elder sent me personally to report it."
Min-jun noticed that both Princess Seraphina and Lady Cecilia looked worried by this news.
"What are the Whispering Mountains?" he asked quietly.
"Ancient ruins from before the Great Transformation," Lady Cecilia whispered back. "They've been dormant for centuries. If they're becoming active again..."
"It could mean something is changing in the fundamental nature of our world," Princess Seraphina finished, looking troubled.
King Aldwin was silent for a long moment, clearly thinking deeply about this development. Finally, he looked directly at Min-jun.
"Lord Min-jun," he said, "it seems that your arrival in our kingdom is even more fortuitous than I initially believed. I have a proposition for you."
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A/N: I published over 6 Chapters today! and this is the first time I ever wrote an slow living type of novel but it doesn't feel like slow living LOL. Thank you for reading and don't forget to give me stones as it motivates me to write more for you all. Don't forget also to comment what you guys want to add to the story.