A NEW AUDIENCE WITH THE KING

[The Next Day]

Soft morning light streamed through the tall, arched windows, casting golden reflections on the polished wooden floor. The air carried a faint scent of jasmine blossoms and old paper—a familiar comfort amidst the tension of the day ahead.

Luna stood gracefully before a full-length mirror, her white gown draping her form perfectly, revealing the silhouette of an elegant yet strong woman. The silk enveloping her body shimmered like starlight, while the gold embellishments across her bodice and waist formed magical patterns resembling ancient seals—symbols of sorcery and nobility.

A royal blue sash cascaded from her shoulders, flowing softly like night water, lending majesty to her every movement. Her silver hair was neatly swept back in a half-updo, revealing the distinctive pointed ears of the elf race—an ancient lineage from magical lands.

Around her neck hung a large crescent-shaped sapphire necklace that glowed as if harboring hidden power, encircled by intricate yet elegant jewelry. Long crescent earrings dangled, swaying gently with her movements, reflecting light like morning dew.

Her blue eyes gazed with firm serenity—like one who had witnessed a thousand seasons, seen the world transform, and now stood ready to write a new chapter in history.

Behind her, Lusserina fastened the last embroidered bracelet onto her wrist, her fingers deft and practiced.

"Done," she said with a small smile, stepping back to inspect her handiwork. "You look like a true noble fairy and sorceress."

Being a woman sure is complicated, Luna thought. After an hour of sitting still for dressing and preparation, it was finally over.

Luna sighed softly, brushing aside a stray lock of hair that had fallen across her cheek. "I feel like a ceremonial doll."

"You're nervous," Lusserina corrected, her tone gentle yet firm. "And that's natural. This isn't just an audience—it's a statement. You represent more than just yourself."

Luna gazed at her reflection—a woman with wisdom in her eyes, magic at her fingertips, and determination in her heart—and smiled faintly.

Suddenly, the doorbell chimed, accompanied by the sound of elegant yet purposeful footsteps. Moments later, the door opened, and a young woman with long silver hair and a resolute gaze entered.

Rania—Luna's daughter—had grown into a graceful, dignified woman. She wore a long gown of white and deep blue, specially designed to reflect her power. The blue midsection blended with gold accents at the neck, waist, and sleeves, giving her a commanding yet enchanting presence. A crystal-cut sapphire pendant hung from her neck, matching the long earrings that dangled from her ears. Her silver hair was partially braided, the rest cascading over her shoulders, emphasizing her serene features. She looked like the embodiment of the future: intelligent, strong, and ready to claim her place in the world.

"Are you ready, Mom?" she asked with a wide smile, her voice brimming with excitement—like a child eager to play with her mother.

"Of course," Luna replied with a faint smile. "Did you come here wearing that?"

"Yeah, what choice do I have? I can't use flight or teleportation magic like you," Rania grumbled.

"Then let's use teleportation magic to get there quickly."

"Really? Awesome!" Rania exclaimed.

"Lu, are you ready?" Luna called out.

Soon, Lusserina appeared after locking up the house.

"Ready?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Ready, Mistress."

With everyone prepared, Luna snapped her fingers. A magic circle pulsed beneath their feet, enveloping them in a silvery-blue light. In an instant, their bodies vanished, swept away by the surge of magical energy.

---

At the entrance to the Noble District, two guards in deep red uniforms stood alert, spears in hand. A magic circle suddenly appeared before them, causing both to instinctively raise their weapons.

Three female figures emerged from the circle: Rania, Luna, and Lusserina.

"Where... are we?" Rania asked, glancing around.

"Not sure, but this should be the gate near the Noble District," Luna replied.

One guard recognized them.

"Miss Rania!"

"Oh, hi... sorry for startling you," Rania responded.

"No worries, we were just a bit surprised," said the other guard.

Their posture relaxed.

"Is this the way to the Noble District?" Rania inquired.

"Yes, Miss Rania."

"Thank you. Come on, Mom, this way."

Luna and her group entered the Hero District.

"Who's with Miss Rania...?" whispered the first guard.

"Her face resembles Miss Rima's... but her aura is different," replied the second.

Shortly after, they passed through the palace gates. Everything went smoothly. Everyone seemed to recognize Rania and treated her with deep respect.

I held my breath. The palace walls towered high, adorned with magical carvings that glittered in the sunlight. This wasn't just the king's residence—it was a symbol of power.

This was my first time seeing the palace in person. Lusserina was right; I was nervous. I'd never met nobility face-to-face, let alone learned etiquette.

We were led to a courtyard where a small, luxurious pavilion stood amid meticulously manicured gardens. From afar, several important figures were visible, including Radhimar and the Kingdom Knight Commander who had visited my home.

As we approached, everyone rose.

"Welcome, Miss Rania. And welcome to the Kingdom of Nuzantra, Miss Lunaria," greeted a man.

"Thank you, Prime Minister Allan," Rania replied.

"Thank you for accepting our invitation, Miss Lunaria," said the King.

"I appreciate the invitation as well. Please call me Luna," I responded, shaking his hand.

"Teacher!" "Ana!" Rania greeted a woman who turned out to be the Queen.

"Mom, let me introduce Queen Anastasia von Rhams of Nuzantra. She's my former student at the Nuzantra Magic Academy."

"It's an honor to meet you, Miss Luna. Teacher—I mean, Miss Rania—often speaks of you," Queen Anastasia said warmly.

"I hope it's all good things," I replied.

"Of course, Miss Luna."

"Yo, Miss Luna!" Chief Zetya of the Adventurers' Guild waved.

Radhimar watched me with sparkling eyes and a slight tremor in his body. Was he holding something back...?

"For everyone's comfort, let us be seated," Prime Minister Allan announced.

We sat around a circular table.

"First, Miss Rania, may I ask a favor?" said Prime Minister Allan.

Rania stood.

"Certainly. Everyone, this is my biological mother—Lunaria Oberyth."

After introducing me, Rania presented the other important guests, starting from her right: a woman with purple braided hair wearing a red gown adorned with gold ornaments—Queen Anastasia von Rhams.

Beside her sat a red-haired man in robes and a crown—King Siegfried von Rhams. Next were Prime Minister Allan Montrose, Adventurer's Guild Chief Zetya, and finally, beside me: Elf High Priest Radhimar Oberyth, dressed similarly to Rania and me.

"Thank you for the introductions, Miss Rania. Once again, welcome to the Kingdom of Nuzantra," said King Siegfried.

"I appreciate the warm welcome."

"Then, ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy the refreshments."

For several minutes, we sampled the dishes that were served. Perhaps because I'd been eating Lusserina's cooking lately, the food here tasted rather ordinary.

"How do you find the refreshments, Miss Luna? I hope they please you," King Siegfried inquired.

"Yes, I enjoyed them," I answered politely.

"Splendid," the King replied with a satisfied smile.

Rania leaned toward me and whispered, "Mom, the samples."

I’d almost forgotten. I whispered back, "Then please assist me."

Rania stood. "Everyone, may I have your attention? My mother has something to share."

Heads turned. The atmosphere grew quiet.

"Your Majesty, may the table be cleared briefly?" Rania requested.

The King gestured, and several servants promptly cleared the table.

"Go ahead, Mom," Rania said, making space.

I stood. "After discussing with my children, I've decided to reopen the Moonshine Shop. One of the products to be sold there is this. Lusserina."

Lusserina stepped forward gracefully and placed three small bottles on the table: one red, one blue, and one green.

"Red potion for healing wounds. Blue for restoring lost mana. Green for neutralizing basic-level toxins."

The bottles emitted a crystalline mist. Everyone stared at them with intense curiosity. Murmurs arose.

"May I test it?" asked Guild Chief Zetya.

"Test it?"

"Yes. I want to see how effective it is."

Without waiting for a reply, he borrowed a knife from a servant and slit his palm. Fresh blood dripped. He then grabbed the red potion and drank it.

Seconds later, his wound began to close. Before the third count, his skin was smooth again, as if nothing had happened. Eyes widened in astonishment.

"Incredible..." someone whispered.

"These are just samples. As a gesture of respect, I wish to present them to His Majesty," I said.

"This could save countless lives," Prime Minister Allan remarked with admiration.

"Does the Adventurer's Guild get a share?" Zetya asked with a chuckle.

Others laughed lightly.

"Unfortunately, these are all I have. If you wish for more, you may purchase them later at the shop. But I'm currently short on ingredients. I plan to submit ingredient-gathering requests to the Adventurers' and Merchant Guilds. The recipes will also be officially registered."

"Might the royal family request a copy of the recipes now?" Prime Minister Allan asked cautiously.

I glanced at Rania and Radhimar. Both nodded.

"Very well. Since you've cared for my children so well, I'll make an exception."

I retrieved paper and a pen from my inventory, wrote down the three recipes, and handed them over.

Discussions resumed among the nobles and guild representatives. Meanwhile, Rania sat with Queen Anastasia, chatting casually. I glanced at Radhimar, calm beside me.

"Radhimar, aren't you joining the discussion?"

"Don’t worry, Mother. We’ll discuss it later. I also wish to teach this potion’s creation to monks and priests who can’t use holy magic. So they may aid in healing, too."

I smiled proudly. Unconsciously, my hand stroked his head. Everyone who noticed turned to look. We reflexively straightened up, and the room filled with suppressed laughter. Only Rania shook her head faintly.

"Rania, do you still wish to stay?"

"No. I must return to the academy."

"Then let’s go."

Rania stood. "Everyone, as we have other matters to attend to, my mother and I will take our leave."

All rose to their feet.

"Miss Luna, thank you for gracing us with your presence. We hope you’ll visit again," said King Siegfried.

"Certainly, time permitting."

We exchanged farewells. I, Rania, and Lusserina walked away from the garden.

Unaware of Luna, the Knight Commander’s gaze lingered on her from afar—from the moment the potions appeared until her figure vanished from sight.