As the tension subsided following the King's decision, the atmosphere in the throne room slowly shifted into something more relaxed, though traces of Kazien's intimidating aura still lingered.
King Nalvon sat upright once more, but this time his eyes were not fixed on the stack of documents or Kazien's cold countenance. His attention was entirely drawn to the figure of the purple-haired boy standing awkwardly by Kazien's left side.
From the moment they entered, King Nalvon felt something nagging at his memory every time he looked at the young man's face. His jawline, the shape of his eyes... it all felt familiar, as if he had seen a cast of that face in the past, only in a different version.
The King's curiosity could no longer be contained.
"What is your name?" King Nalvon asked suddenly, breaking the silence that had briefly settled.
Allen, who had been trying to hide his nervousness by looking down, jolted in surprise. He hadn't expected the King to speak directly to him. Stuttering slightly from nerves, he answered.
"M-My name is Allenzi Altavis, Your Majesty!"
King Nalvon's eyebrows shot up. He truly hadn't expected that answer. Altavis? Again?
"What are your parents' names?" King Nalvon probed deeper, leaning forward with enthusiasm. "I was unaware that there were any other members of the Altavis family in this capital besides Duke Elgard's household."
Allen swallowed hard, trying to calm his racing heart before answering politely, "My father's name is Lordius, and my mother's name is Elisalva Altavis, Your Majesty."
Silence hung for a moment. Then, King Nalvon's laughter exploded, echoing throughout the vast hall.
"Hahaha!" The King's laughter was uninhibited, wiping away the fearsome impression he had projected while discussing the execution. "So, you are Elisalva's son? It makes perfect sense!"
King Nalvon shook his head, smiling broadly. "I never imagined that Duke Elgard Altavis's younger sister had a son as handsome as you! No wonder your face felt so familiar to me. Aside from inheriting your mother's eyes, you are the spitting image of her!"
Allen's face flushed faintly at the direct praise from the kingdom's ruler. He bowed respectfully once more. "Thank you very much for your praise, Your Majesty. I am honored."
Satisfied with his curiosity regarding Allen, King Nalvon's gaze now shifted to Kazien's right. There stood the figure who had caused a stir throughout the palace from the very beginning: Alvin.
"Prince Alvin..." the King greeted in a friendly yet respectful tone. "Do you find yourself comfortable living in this human capital?"
Alvin gave a faint smile, one so elegant that it made all people in the room hold their breath. "I am very pleased, Your Majesty. Although... I must admit, there is a slight discomfort."
"Oh? What is that?"
"There are so many people trying to approach, and even attempting to possess me." Alvin answered honestly, his eyes glancing briefly at the crowd of nobles who were still staring hungrily.
King Nalvon chuckled softly. "Hahaha. That is only natural, Prince Alvin. It is because there are no High Elves other than yourself in this kingdom. Your existence is a rare miracle to us."
The King then glanced toward Kazien. "But rest assured. I am certain Kazien will be able to protect you from any danger. He is not the type to let what is his be touched by others."
King Nalvon's words struck the audience in the throne room like a bolt of lightning in broad daylight. The words "High Elf" slipping from the King's mouth triggered a new wave of commotion.
They had all assumed Alvin was merely an elf. But the fact, he is a high elf. That was an entirely different level. The highest caste of the pointy-eared race.
The whispers that had subsided now returned, louder and more chaotic than before.
"I thought he was just an ordinary elf..." whispered a captain of the guard to his comrade, his eyes wide as he stared at Alvin. "But I never imagined he was a high elf."
"I thought the same as you!" replied his comrade in a tone of mixed awe and horror. "His magical power must be far stronger and purer than typical elves. No wonder his aura feels so different."
King Nalvon allowed his subjects to gossip for a moment, but he didn't have all day to listen to rumors. He had a duty to fulfill. Ignoring the uproar, King Nalvon descended from his throne and approached Kazien.
"Come, Kazien, we had better head to the academy immediately!" said King Nalvon with renewed spirit. "I must witness the arrest of that woman named Marina with my own eyes!"
"As you wish, Your Majesty. Let us depart at once." Kazien replied calmly.
The small group began to move. King Nalvon gave a hand signal, and seven elite palace soldiers in gleaming silver armor immediately broke from the formation to escort the King. They walked out of the throne room, traversing the grand palace corridors toward the front courtyard.
As they arrived at the spacious palace grounds, the morning sunlight greeted them. However, there was no royal carriage waiting there.
Kazien stepped forward into the empty clearing. He raised his hand slightly, and the air before him vibrated. A spatial distortion appeared, and from within his dimensional storage, a massive object slowly emerged.
Bang!
King Nalvon and his seven elite soldiers took a step back in shock. Their eyes widened at what Kazien had just summoned.
A simple black carriage. However, it was not only the carriage that astonished them, but also the horse pulling it. The horse was black, and its body did not breathe, though it looked incredibly lifelike.
"What carriage is that?" King Nalvon asked, his voice choked. He approached slowly, staring at the strange steed. "Is this carriage your creation? The horse looks alive yet... not alive! There is no breath of life... Is that horse a golem?"
Kazien nodded politely. "You are correct, Your Majesty! That horse is indeed a golem of my creation. They never tire and can run faster than any horse on this continent."
Kazien opened the carriage door. "Please enter, Your Majesty. Let us go inside."
Still overcome with amazement and a hint of hesitation, King Nalvon and his seven elite soldiers followed Kazien, Alvin, and Allen into the carriage cabin.
However, the real surprise was just beginning.
The moment King Nalvon's foot stepped through the carriage door, he stopped dead in his tracks, causing the soldiers behind him to nearly crash into his back. The King's jaw dropped.
The laws of physics seemed not to apply here. From the outside, the carriage appeared to be of normal size, just like any typical noble's carriage. But the inside was a completely different story.
The room was vast. incredibly vast. The floor was lined with gleaming marble, the ceiling was high with crystal chandeliers emitting a warm glow. There were plush sofas made of the finest leather, a banquet table complete with snacks, and even bookshelves lined up neatly.
This was no carriage cabin. This was a luxurious private lounge!
"Kazien!" King Nalvon exclaimed, spinning around to look at the young man with disbelief. "What kind of carriage have you created? This isn't a carriage like any other... this is a mansion on wheels!"
The elite soldiers who had entered could only gawk, awkwardly gripping the hilts of their swords, terrified of bumping into the luxurious furniture that looked incredibly expensive.
Amidst his awe, King Nalvon's eyes were suddenly distracted by something displayed on one of the carriage walls. Several photo frames stood out among the other decorations.
Curiosity once again guided his steps. He walked closer to the photos and examined them up close, squinting to observe the details within the images.