Chapter 26:

The Royals [NOEL]

Echoes of Dream

The King – A Ruler Who Embodied Power

He was a figure in the finest royal attire, robes woven from deep crimson and adorned with threads of pure gold. Jewels of untold value encrusted his mantle and atop his head was a crown of immeasurable worth.

He had a long blonde hair and thick beard but well-groomed. He was a man in his early sixties, yet not a trace of frailty was upon him. His hands, one resting upon the arm of his throne, the other gripping a royal scepter of authority.

Noel stood her ground. Her posture remained impeccable despite the weight of the royal gazes upon her.

Seated beside the king, the Queen mirrored his authority, though her expression was far more enigmatic. Unlike her husband’s commanding presence, hers was the embodiment of quiet regality.

She wore a flowing crimson gown woven from the finest fabrics. A heavy mantle of pure white fur draped over her shoulders. Her jewelry was no less resplendent than the king’s.

Noel inhaled deeply, maintaining her composure as the king’s voice resounded through the court.

"You may stand up."

Noel rose with practiced grace.

"Young lady of the Redlaw family, what is the purpose of your sudden visit to the capital?"

Noel bowed her head slightly before speaking.

"Your Majesty, it is nothing of great importance. Just a trivial matter that led me to visit the capital. I wished to visit the royal library.""

A moment of silence followed.

"The library?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The king leaned back slightly.

"The royal court shall now disperse."

The weight of his words carried through the hall.

At once, the ministers, nobles, and knights bowed before quietly taking their leave. Noel, too, turned to leave, but the king’s voice rang out again.

"Young Lady Noel, wait a moment."

She paused.

The room, once filled with the murmurs of nobles and officials, had emptied.

Now, there were only Noel, the King, the Queen, and a handful of guards standing at their posts.

As she turned back, the king and queen both rose from their thrones.

They stepped down from their lofty seats, approaching her with deliberate steps.

The king placed both hands upon her shoulders. His touch was firm, yet strangely familiar.

Then, he let out a long, weary sigh,

"Ah, hard… hard. It is truly difficult to maintain composure as a king. I could not even properly welcome my friend’s daughter."

The king… soft? This was not the same monarch who had just commanded the entire court with an iron presence. This was someone different.

A friend? No, a guardian. Marquis Redlaw and the King were acquaintances.

"My dear Noel, please forgive this old fool."

Noel hesitated.

“No—I…” She fumbled.

A soft chuckle drifted through the room.

The Queen, allowed a rare smile to grace her lips.

"He was so troubled because he had to act so strict in front of you," she said, amusement lacing her voice. "You should have seen how restless he was before your arrival."

The king huffed.

"It would not do for a ruler to show favoritism in the presence of his court."

"How is your father these days?"

Noel straightened.

"Father is well, Your Majesty."

"Good, good. I heard you came with your uncle. Where is he?"

"Uncle had something to attend to elsewhere. He said he would visit later."

The king nodded in understanding.

"I see, I see… then please rest for today. You can visit the library tomorrow."

Noel dipped her head.

"I understand, Your Majesty. Is the prince and princess not present?"

The king exhaled,

"Ah, the prince? That brat went on an adventure. Probably won’t return for a few months. The princess is away as well, but she will return day after tomorrow. You can meet her then."

Noel offered another polite bow,

"Understood."

And just like that, the illusion of an untouchable king was broken.

In private, he was simply a man, an old friend of her father’s, someone who laughed and sighed just as any other.

She left the chamber.

Though the king had suggested she rest, the day was still young.

Noel decided to visit the market.

The capital’s marketplace was unlike anything in her estate. It was far more crowded, far more alive.

People moved about with purpose, merchants calling out their wares and customers haggling over prices.

Children laughed and played, weaving through the streets with boundless energy.

She wandered through the lively streets, accompanied by a handful of knights escorting her at a respectful distance.

Then, amidst the endless hum of voices, her attention was drawn to a group of children.

A young boy, barely ten years old, stood before his friends, a wooden sword in hand, a short cape billowing behind him.

He raised his sword high, his voice brimming with innocent determination.

"I am going to become the strongest warrior! Just like the Great Hero!"

The Great Hero.

A name that carried the weight of legend.

A savior who fought against the demonkin, pushing back the tide of darkness that threatened humanity.

He had been revered, respected, honored.

Yet one day, he diappeared.

The story told was simple. After fulfilling his mission, the Hero ascended, returning to the heavens.

But some whispers spoke otherwise.

Noel stood in silence, watching the boy swing his wooden sword with unshakable resolve.

A hero, was it?

The thought lingered in her mind, even as she continued onward.

The day had come to an end before she knew it.

The king, who had hidden his favoritism towards the Redlaw family in the presence of others, had no such need for restraint behind closed doors. Even though her family had secured a luxurious inn for their stay in the capital, the king had personally insisted that Noel remain in the palace.

Amidst the day’s events, her uncle had also met with the king, and thus, he and the knights stayed at the arranged inn while Noel was invited to dine with the royal family.

The dinner was lively and had a familial atmosphere.

The king was the heart of the conversation, laughing heartily and joking freely. The queen, though more refined, did not seem to mind his antics.

"Noel, what do you think about marrying the prince?"

Noel choked on her drink. Cough! Cough! She barely managed to keep from spilling wine across the table.

The queen sighed, giving the king a pointed look.

"Why would you bring up something like this out of nowhere?" she admonished. "Especially during dinner?"

The king, unbothered by his wife’s disapproval, simply shrugged.

"What better time to ask?" he said, "Both of them are at a good age. We’re having a casual meeting. And honestly, wouldn’t you want Noel as a daughter-in-law?"

The queen opened her mouth to object, but hesitated.

"Besides, think about it. If we get a daughter-in-law like Noel, our happiness is guaranteed." He gestured towards her with his fork. "She excels in everything. The manners, intelligence, combat, strategy. Even you know that."

The queen, seemingly reluctant to admit it, glanced at Noel before nodding slightly.

"That… is not incorrect."

Noel quickly waved her hands in protest.

"Your Majesties, please stop joking." Her voice was slightly higher-pitched than usual, betraying her panic. "I am not fit for such a position. Besides, the prince and I haven’t even interacted properly yet."

She added hastily, "And I have no desire to be a queen!"

The king scoffed,

"Hah? Interaction isn’t a problem." He leaned forward slightly. "It starts as a political marriage, then gradually, you’ll develop feelings for each other. Just like the queen and me."

The queen’s face turned slightly pink at his words.

"Stop saying such things so casually," she muttered, looking away.

The king waved a hand dismissively.

"Of course, we won’t pressure you if you’re not interested," he added with a chuckle. "So don’t feel burdened, alright?"

Noel let out a long exhale of relief.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

With that, the topic finally shifted, and dinner continued with ease.

When the meal concluded, Noel was escorted to a grand chamber and left alone to finally rest for the night.

Back to the Other World

The moment her eyes closed, the world around her shifted.

When she opened her eyes again, she was there.

And so was he.

"Welcome, Noel."

Noel stretched her arms with a light yawn.

"Yeah, I’m back."

The two began walking through the familiar scenery, their conversation flowing as naturally as always.

Until…

"Noel," Leon said suddenly, "would you like to accompany me somewhere today?"

She glanced at him curiously.

"Huh? Why are you asking me so suddenly?" A small smirk played on her lips. "Of course I will."

Leon rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes briefly flickering with hesitation.

"Ah… it’s not anywhere particularly interesting," he admitted. "I was thinking of visiting my home village for a while. I wanted to bring you along."

Noel’s interest immediately piqued.

"Oh?" She tilted her head. "A village in this world? And you call that uninteresting?" She let out a small huff of amusement. "How could I refuse? Exploring a new place is interesting in itself."

Leon chuckled, relief evident in his expression.

"Then it’s settled."

Just as she was about to ask when they would leave, Leon turned on his heel.

"Let’s go now."

Noel blinked.

"Right away?"

Leon nodded, a slight grin tugging at his lips.

Something about the way he said it made her narrow her eyes suspiciously.

"Wait a second… Did you already prepare everything?"

Leon averted his gaze ever so slightly,

"Well… I figured you wouldn’t refuse, so… yes."

Noel pouted, crossing her arms.