Published: August 15, 2025
While Ryoma was going about his leisurely activities in Gimul Town... in the heart of the nation and the symbol of the king’s authority—the Royal Palace—stood Duke Reinhardt, Duchess Elise, and their daughter Eliaria.
The three were led by a guide through the palace’s elaborately decorated, intricate corridors, passing through numerous doors befitting the grandeur of the Royal Palace.
Soon, they came upon an especially large and heavy door. Flanking it were four knights clad in elegantly decorated armor. After the guide announced their purpose, two of the knights carefully checked for prior notice and thoroughly inspected the three guests’ bodies, confirming there were no issues.
Once permission to proceed was granted, the door, untouched by anyone, mechanically creaked open on its own to alert those nearby.
“This door is a magic tool, isn’t it?”
“Oh, Eliaria, you’ve seen it before, but don’t you remember?”
“Yes, mother. I have visited the Royal Palace a few times, but I don’t recall seeing such a door.”
“This door is called the ‘Royal Family’s Gate,’ a venerable door that has stood here for hundreds of years, long before you were born. It separates the ‘private quarters of the royal family,’ a particularly important section within the palace, from the rest. As you can see, it features strict security and inspection of belongings. Opening and closing the door requires knights to use another magic tool to signal a separate room, where the responsible person activates the magic tool to operate the door—it won’t open otherwise.”
“I didn’t know such magic tools existed.”
“Well, it’s a security device, so there’s no need to explain it to every visitor. Besides, when you came here before, you were much younger, so it’s understandable if you don’t remember.”
“Eliaria, as Elise just said, from here on is the royal family’s private space. You never know who you might meet. You must be even more careful than before—not to be rude or disrespectful. Stay alert.”
“Yes, Father.”
Eliaria straightened her posture with a tense yet dignified expression.
Seeing that, Reinhardt nodded and fixed his gaze beyond the now fully opened door.
The three resumed their advance, led once again by the guide.
And then,
“Excuse us. Your Majesty, visitors from Duke Jamill’s household have arrived.”
“Let them in.”
When the guide spoke through the door, a short, stern voice replied.
The guide quickly stepped aside as Reinhardt stood before the door, Elise beside him, and Eliaria following behind. The three slowly entered through the opened door. Following etiquette, Eliaria fully entered the room before they took three steps forward to kneel and lower their heads.
Just as Reinhardt was about to speak,
“Hurry up and stand, come sit here, fool!”
An abrupt, rude outburst shattered the solemn atmosphere in the royal family’s private room.
Reinhardt lifted his lowered face and gave the speaker a mild glare.
Rather than anger, his expression clearly showed deep exasperation.
“Elias, you really are something else…”
“Hmph! I don’t need such stiff greetings. They’re long, tedious, and annoying. Besides, between us, it’s unnecessary. I’m quite the king in public settings; at least let me relax a bit in my private room.”
“Still, there’s minimum decorum to observe, especially when you’ve brought your daughter along—”
“That’s right! Eliaria, good to see you. You’ve grown so much.”
The man called Elias eagerly addressed Eliaria as soon as Reinhardt mentioned his daughter.
“Y-yes, Your Majesty—”
“Hey, what’s with that? You were calling me ‘Uncle’ just recently!”
“T-that was when I was very young. I’m already twelve now. It’s not quite the same anymore.”
“I don’t mind! There’s no one else here! You can call me ‘Uncle’ if you like.”
“But—”
“Now, first, sit on this sofa. Come on, stop kneeling. If you want, you can even sit on my lap like before.”