Chapter 857
Nasubi gave a subtle nod toward the middle-aged man standing beside him.
"Go see him in person," he said. "And remember—extend an invitation. Don't be like Camilla's people, trying to act clever and ending up looking foolish. You can't treat Ron the same way you would treat an ordinary human."
The S-rank Nen user from the United States of Sahelta had made it very clear already—people like them no longer saw ordinary humans as their own kind.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The man stepped out and made his way to the cafeteria. But he didn't interrupt—he simply stood quietly outside the door, waiting until Ron and his group had finished their meal and stepped out.
Then, he approached.
"Mr. Ron."
"You are?"
"Mr. Ron, I'm a retainer of His Majesty the King. He sent me to invite you to meet with him. When would you be available?"
Ron's eyes flickered.
"The King's invitation?"
He paused a moment, then said, "Now is fine. Lead the way."
"Understood. Please follow me, Mr. Ron."
The man walked ahead to guide him.
Ron had a good idea of what Nasubi was thinking.
Clearly, the King was worried that if Camilla went any further in provoking him, he might retaliate—and at that point, even as King of Kakin, Nasubi might not be able to protect her.
If Ron hadn't known the rules of the Succession War, he might have assumed this was a father trying to protect his daughter.
But knowing how the ceremony worked, Ron understood that couldn't be the reason.
Nasubi never cared about the princes' lives to begin with.
Then maybe it was about something else—perhaps the princes weren't supposed to die at the hands of outsiders. If one did, it might disrupt the ritual somehow.
Based on his past experiences, Ron was beginning to form a new theory about the Succession War.
"Return to the room for now," he told Machi and the others.
"Yes, Captain."
Given the strength of Machi's team, Ron wasn't concerned. Even if this was a distraction coordinated by Nasubi and Camilla, Camilla posed no threat to them.
Besides, the moment they boarded the Black Whale, Ponzu had already dispersed her bees.
They were hidden in corners all over the place. If anything suspicious happened, they would alert the team immediately.
Ron followed behind the man.
On the way, they passed many people who glanced at them but quickly looked away again.
No one on the second floor recognized them, nor did they care much. Most were busy socializing.
They didn't seem to realize the danger that was looming.
To them, this was just one giant gathering—a social event to expand their networks, meet new faces, and discuss future partnerships after returning to the human world.
New ventures emerged with every conversation.
Famous people traded resources—bodies, money, services, creative works. Everything was up for exchange.
For certain second-generation elites, this was the ultimate playground.
All the celebrities who looked glamorous in public—here, they were just part of the menu.
Every taste was catered to. It felt like an amusement park—an adult one.
Soon, a massive door came into view.
It connected the second floor to the first.
It was enormous, cast in metal, etched with intricate designs.
Next to it was a smaller entryway, similar in style to the one at the Zoldyck estate.
The man gave the order, and the main door was slowly opened.
A heavy grinding noise followed.
Ron noticed the door was at least several meters thick. Even modern weapons like rocket launchers might not break it down.
Only high-level Nen users would be capable of forcing it open.
"Please, Mr. Ron."
Ron nodded.
Beyond the door was a long staircase—but to the side stood a wide platform equipped with an elevator.
The man led Ron to the elevator.
Though it was said that the first and second floors were only one level apart, in reality, the distance between them was far more substantial than a single floor in a building.
Inside the elevator, the man stood near the control panel, subtly glancing at Ron in the reflection of the polished wall.
He didn't know much about Ron.
But for Nasubi to show this level of courtesy—something rarely seen since he became king—meant this young man had to be extraordinary.
"Just how special is he?"
The elevator began to slow.
Ding.
It stopped.
The man held the door open with one hand and gestured with the other.
Ron stepped out.
A group of maids was already waiting at the elevator. They were stunning, dressed in elaborate attire, radiating an almost seductive charm.
"Welcome, Mr. Ron."
"Please follow us. His Majesty has prepared a banquet and is waiting for you."
Ron gave a nod and said nothing.
The whole welcome was needlessly flashy, but he'd seen far grander events before. This was nothing he couldn't handle.
They entered the palace.
Yes—Nasubi had built a palace aboard the Black Whale.
It was a luxury cruise ship perched atop the vessel.
The Black Whale itself looked like a massive whale, and the royal cruise ship sat squarely on its back—a ship on a ship.
As Ron entered the lavish banquet hall, Nasubi immediately stood up with a smile and walked over to greet him.
"Ron."
"Your majesty, Nasubi."
"Come, have a seat. Eat something. I didn't have much time to prepare, but the food should be decent. What do you like to drink—wine, or something else?"
He gestured toward a table filled with various bottles.
At that moment, Nasubi looked like a friendly neighbor, not a monarch.
The maids standing nearby were visibly shocked.
This wasn't the Nasubi they knew. He had never acted this way toward anyone—not even the queens or princes.
Who exactly was this young man?
Ron nodded and took a seat across from him.
"Just water is fine."