Published: August 10, 2026
Dilz Royal Palace. As everyone knew, it was the palace where the royal family lived.
Unlike Granado Castle, which had originally been built as a military fortress, the buildings meant for the royal family's residence and social functions were nothing but elegant and luxurious. Looking at the delicate relief carvings adorning the pillars, I involuntarily let out a small sigh.
It felt less like I was walking on a hard stone floor and more like I was walking on clouds. My heart felt light and fluttery, and I couldn't quite calm down.
Perhaps noticing my state, Lord Cyrus, who had been walking beside me, stopped. Leaning slightly to look into my face, he asked,
"Are you nervous, Marie?"
"Y-yes... a little."
"This isn't your first time coming to the royal palace, is it? I'm sure when you returned to the country, you greeted His Majesty."
"Y-yes. And I've also been a few times during the memorial ceremony. But this is the first time I've come this deep inside."
I answered. The royal palace had, in the front, a massive hall for ceremonies and royal family council meetings, followed by several salons, guest rooms, and offices. For visitors like us, business could be handled in those rooms alone.
Beyond that was the royal family's private quarters, their everyday living space, so to speak. Only the dedicated attendants and those specially permitted were allowed in there. For example, a close friend from student days.
Lord Cyrus's pace showed no hesitation. It felt like he was walking a little slower than usual, but I was sure he was matching my speed. When he was alone, he must surely move much brisker.
"You're very used to coming here, Lord Cyrus."
"Only Ruifeng's room."
After saying that, Lord Cyrus shook his head.
"So the place we're going now is new to me too. I'm nervous as well, to be honest... just like you."
He said it with a wry smile, almost like a murmur. Just as his words said, I could sense a faint tension in his voice.
We continued straight down the stone-floored corridor until we came upon a large door. A gentleman in armor stood beside it. He was probably the royal family's chief attendant. As we approached, he bowed silently and opened the door for us.
It was a large room. Still, it might have been a little too small for this group to gather in.
Everyone except us was already seated. In front of them, Lord Cyrus bowed more deeply than I had ever seen him bow before.
And toward the smallest of the men seated at the very back.
"Duke Cyrus Granado, and my wife Marie, have arrived. We deeply apologize for keeping you waiting, Your Majesty..."
"Ho-hoh. It is fine, it is fine. There is no need to be so formal."
The most noble person in the Dilz Kingdom said that while waving his rounded hand lightly.
"And besides, the one with business today is not me, but my son, is it not?"
With that, he gestured toward the young man seated beside him.
Named by the king, the young man's gaze wavered in confusion.
He was an unremarkable young man in appearance. Medium build, medium height, with slightly dull silver hair that hung down to near his shoulders.
Richard Nielsen Dilz—the second prince of this Dilz Kingdom, and currently seated here as the first in line to inherit the throne.
He let out a small sigh, then slowly raised his eyes. His blue gaze looked straight at us.
"...Then I will take command of this meeting. First, both of you, please relax and take a seat."
We sat in the chairs prepared for us and bowed deeply once more.
Without exchanging any ceremonial greetings, Lord Richard slapped the stack of papers in his hand once, then spread them out one by one before us.
"I've gone through all the letters that were delivered to me the other day. Of course, that includes this map too."
Saying that, he tapped one sheet with his fingertip.
It was a small piece of paper. A simple drawing that could have been a child's scribble or some sort of diagram. There were also a few words written in black ink. I asked,
"Um... so this really was a map...?"
"Yes, it was. I imagine it's hard to believe. There isn't anywhere like this in the Dilz Kingdom."