The soft hum of the teleportation array echoed across the grand marble chamber. Arcane runes pulsed in rhythmic blue patterns on the floor, like a sleeping beast breathing slowly. Crystalline conduits ran along the pillars, channeling mana into the great circular platform at the center.
The Teleportation Hall of House Darknorth wasn't just a room — it was a statement. A blend of arcane brilliance and magitech engineering. Floating runic lamps lit the space with gentle golden light, while a faint scent of ether-infused incense drifted through the air.
I stood at the edge of the array, wearing my freshly chosen black coat — one that made me look exactly like what I was: a dangerously good-looking man who was late for politics.
Beside me, Lira stood in her usual calm stance — white blouse, black skirt, and that eternal poker face that not even the apocalypse could shake.
Across the room, I spotted my little sister, Lilia, running towards me, her golden-brown curls bouncing like sunlight in motion.
"Brother!" she shouted, waving her tiny hands.
I turned, smirking. "And here comes my sunshine with legs."
She didn't slow down — she tackled me like a tiny missile. I staggered back half a step, pretending to lose balance just to humor her.
"You're going to the palace again?" she pouted, her big eyes shimmering with complaint.
"Yes," I said solemnly, patting her head. "To meet important people, pretend to smile, and survive endless noble gossip. Truly, the stuff of nightmares."
Serenya walked in next, graceful as ever — her silver hair tied neatly, her poise effortlessly regal. Even without trying, she carried herself like royalty. Her calm, moonlit eyes landed on me, and she smiled faintly.
"Still dramatic as always, Cousin," she said.
"Please, drama is the only thing keeping me alive in this house full of old foxes," I replied, gesturing at the runic hall around us.
Serenya shook her head, but I saw that faint twitch at the corner of her lips — victory. She was amused.
The Duke and Duchess entered next, their presence enough to silence even the hum of the runes. The Duke, tall and broad-shouldered, with hair black as midnight and eyes like frozen steel, gave me a measured look. The Duchess, elegant and warm, smiled gently — her warmth balancing her husband's intensity.
"Rishi," the Duke said, voice deep and authoritative, "you're late."
I cleared my throat. "Fashionably late, Uncle. There's a difference. One implies chaos; the other implies confidence."
He exhaled slowly — the way a man does when he's trying to suppress disappointment and laughter at the same time. "You're walking a dangerous line between wit and disrespect, boy."
"Ah, that's where I perform best."
The Duchess chuckled lightly. "Let him be, dear. It's good to see some youth in this hall that isn't stiff with formality."
Lilia giggled, hiding behind her mother. "He's always stiff, Aunty — except his mouth. That never stops moving!"
I gasped in mock offense. "Lilia, how could you betray your beloved brother like this?"
"Because you ate my pudding yesterday!"
"That was Lira!" I pointed dramatically.
Lira didn't even blink. "I was in the armory the entire evening, young master."
"…You traitor," I muttered under my breath.
The Duke rubbed his temple. "By the gods… You're about to meet royalty. Do try to act like a noble for at least five minutes."
"No promises, Uncle. Nobility and I have a complicated relationship."
Serenya folded her arms. "Meaning you insult half the nobles you meet, and charm the other half accidentally."
"Accidentally?" I grinned. "Please, Serenya, my charm is a carefully calibrated weapon of mass destruction."
The Duchess smiled. "At least he inherited his mother's humor."
That made me pause — just a fraction of a second. My smirk softened, the laughter fading at the edges. I bowed my head slightly. "Yeah… I guess I did."
The Duke noticed the brief change in tone, but he didn't comment. Instead, he stepped closer and placed a heavy hand on my shoulder.
"Remember, Rishi," he said, voice low but firm, "the royal court is not like our halls. It's full of whispers and blades you can't see. Speak less. Observe more."
"Understood," I said — for once, sincerely.
"Good." He stepped back. "Now, try not to start a war or a scandal."
"No guarantees," I replied instantly, earning an exasperated groan from Lira.
The teleportation circle flared to life, humming louder as energy gathered. Blue light shimmered beneath my feet, and I turned to face them one last time.
Lilia waved frantically. "Bring me something shiny!"
"I'll bring you an entire palace if I can steal it without getting caught!" I called back.
Serenya sighed. "Don't give him ideas, Lilia."
The Duchess laughed softly. "Safe travels, Rishi and Serenya."
The Duke just muttered, "Gods have mercy on whoever he meets next."
I smirked as the runes brightened, light swirling around me like ribbons of sapphire flames.
And just before the teleportation fully activated, I gave a lazy salute and said,
"Worry not, dear family. I'll represent House Darknorth with the dignity and grace of—"
ZAP!
The light engulfed me mid-sentence.
"…devastatingly handsome god," my unfinished words echoed faintly as the teleportation beam shot upward, leaving behind only laughter, sighs, and relieved maids who were mesmerized by Rishi's looks.