Carter chuckled quietly to himself as the echoes of Leina's dramatic yelling faded in his ears. Just then, a tall, statuesque butler stepped into view. He looked to be in his mid-sixties, standing perfectly straight with short snow-white hair slicked back neatly. He wore a pristine black tailcoat with gold trim and spotless white gloves.
"Welcome home, Your Highnesses," he said with calm precision. "How did the mission go?"
Leina huffed. "Tch. Should've shattered it in one blow. The damn thing wouldn't die!"
Liora sighed, brushing invisible dust off her sleeve. "We succeeded, Reginald. Minimal injuries. We'll go to the guild later to file the report. But we brought proof."
She opened her magic bag and held out the gleaming core of the crystal golem.
Reginald's eyes flicked to the core with mild interest—until he caught sight of Carter standing quietly behind them.
"Pardon, Your Highnesses," he said, adjusting his gloves. "Who is the young man behind you?"
The sisters turned and looked back at Carter.
"He's the reason we're still standing," Leina said bluntly.
"He saved us," Liora added. "He shattered the crystal golem in one punch."
Reginald raised a single brow. "In one punch, you say?"
Carter stepped forward and gave a relaxed wave. "Hey. I'm Carter Brooks. Just a traveler."
Reginald stared at him for several moments, quiet and calculating. This boy... there's power in his aura. Like standing beside an ancient weapon wrapped in a smile.
Carter tilted his head. "Something on my face?"
Reginald coughed softly and composed himself. "Not at all. Thank you, Mr. Brooks, for saving our royal princesses."
Carter shrugged. "No problem. Glad I was nearby."
Reginald gave a courteous nod. "Welcome to the Astravale Royal Estate, Mr. Brooks."
"Glad to be here."
Liora stepped forward. "Reginald, where are Father and Mother?"
"In the royal family room, Your Highness."
"Perfect," she said. "Take us to them. We need to report everything."
"Of course. Follow me."
The group walked through the gleaming palace halls. Marble floors reflected the flicker of enchanted chandeliers, and grand tapestries lined the walls, depicting the royal family's long and storied history.
After a few minutes, they stopped in front of a pair of ornately crafted doors.
Reginald knocked.
A deep voice answered from within. "Enter."
Reginald opened the doors and stepped aside. The princesses and Carter walked in behind him.
Carter's eyes widened. Sitting in a high-backed chair was a tall, imposing man with short, silver-streaked black hair. He wore a crown and regal navy-and-crimson robes embroidered with sunbursts, a gold-trimmed cape flowing behind him. This was King Alveron Astravale.
Across from him sat a graceful woman with long pale silver hair and pale lavender eyes. Dressed in enchanted ivory and starlight blue robes, she radiated serene power. This was Queen Seraphine Astravale.
Carter blinked. So these are the twins' parents... and they're exactly how I pictured royalty. Tall, commanding, and definitely powerful.
The queen smiled warmly. "Girls, you're back."
The king nodded. "Welcome home. How did the mission go?"
Then the queen's eyes found Carter. "And... who is this young man behind you?"
Liora stepped forward. "This is Carter Brooks. A traveler who happened to be in the forest."
Leina chimed in, "He saved us from the crystal golem. Took it down with one punch."
The king and queen exchanged a glance.
Alveron rose from his seat, setting down his teacup. "Thank you, Carter, for saving my daughters. I am King Alveron Astravale."
The queen stood gracefully. "And I am Queen Seraphine Astravale. Please accept our gratitude."
Carter smiled and bowed slightly. "I'm Carter Brooks. Just a wanderer passing through."
Alveron's gaze sharpened. "Defeating a crystal golem in one blow is no simple feat."
"Wasn't a big deal," Carter replied casually. "I'm just glad I was there so they didn't get hurt."
The twins glanced away, a faint blush coloring their cheeks.
Seraphine smiled softly, noticing. Interesting... they're already taken with him.
The king crossed his arms. "For your service to the kingdom and its royal family, you shall be rewarded."
"How about at the royal banquet?" Seraphine suggested.
Carter raised a brow. "Royal banquet?"
"It's a celebration held every season," Liora explained. "Nobles, adventurers, scholars all come."
"And the food is amazing!" Leina added.
"Sounds fun," Carter said.
Alveron nodded. "Two days from now. It will be a fitting stage for your recognition."
Then he looked to Reginald. "See that our guest is taken care of."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The king turned back to his daughters. "Liora. Leina. Stay. We need to speak further."
"Yes, Father," they said together. They turned to Carter. "See you later."
"Looking forward to it," he said, and followed Reginald out.
As the doors closed, Alveron looked at his wife and daughters. "Tell me—what do you think of this Carter Brooks?"
The girls exchanged looks.
Liora said, "He's powerful... but humble. Mysterious, but kind. I trust him."
Leina added, "He's annoying—but in a weirdly charming way. And ridiculously strong. He saved us."
The king looked to his wife. "And you, my love?"
Seraphine's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "When I first saw him... I felt it. His aura is golden. Radiant. He's cloaked in divinity and holding back more than he lets on."
The king's brows furrowed. "Golden... interesting."
Meanwhile, Carter walked silently beside Reginald through the palace.
Man... what a day. I died by lightning, met eight goddesses, got reincarnated with cheat powers, saved princesses, punched a monster, and now I've had tea with a king and queen. Wild.
They stopped at a large door. Reginald opened it with a respectful nod.
"Your room, Mr. Brooks."
The guest room was massive—velvet sheets, gold-framed mirrors, and a window view overlooking the courtyard.
"Thanks," Carter said.
"If you need anything, let me or the staff know."
"Will do."
"Rest well."
The door closed behind him. Carter dropped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.
This world's crazy... and I think I love it already.
Meanwhile, back in the royal family room, King Alveron stood at the window, gazing into the moonlit garden beyond. Queen Seraphine sat on a velvet chaise nearby, gently swirling a glass of enchanted tea.
The twins had just left.
"You two should go rest," Alveron had said.
Liora and Leina both nodded. "Goodnight, Father. Goodnight, Mother."
"Goodnight, my stars," Seraphine replied softly.
"Rest well," the king added.
As the doors shut behind them, silence settled over the royal chamber.
Seraphine looked up from her tea, watching her husband's profile in the pale moonlight. His brows were furrowed in thought.
"What's wrong, my husband?"
Alveron sighed deeply. "I'm pondering what reward would be appropriate for that young man... Carter."
Seraphine nodded. "Yes, he did save our daughters—and possibly several villages. His intervention turned what could have been a tragedy into a miracle."
The king's voice was heavy with thought. "He destroyed a D-rank crystal golem in a single punch. That kind of strength... it's not common. We owe him, but more than that—we must respect what he represents."
Seraphine sipped her tea slowly. "A public reward would show the people that the crown honors bravery. We could offer him land, perhaps? A noble title?"
Alveron nodded. "That was one idea. A knighthood, or maybe a golden token of gratitude forged by the royal artisans."
"You could offer him command of a small company, or access to the royal vault's armory," Seraphine suggested. "Though... something tells me he might prefer freedom over responsibility."
The king gave a dry chuckle. "Yes, he does seem more the wandering type."
"What about granting him magical artifacts? Or a writ of royal favor—he could use it anywhere in the kingdom."
Alveron crossed his arms. "I'll need to review the treasury and discuss with the council. But something grand. Something fitting."
The queen smiled knowingly. "You like him, don't you?"
Alveron raised a brow. "I don't dislike him. He's powerful, but respectful. And most importantly, he saved our daughters. That alone means he's earned my consideration."
Seraphine nodded, setting her glass down. "Then let's prepare a reward that says more than gold or glory. Let it say... Astravale remembers its debts."
Alveron looked at her and nodded solemnly.
"Agreed."
The next morning, sunlight spilled across Carter's face, nudging him awake as it streamed through the tall window in his guest room. Groaning, Carter rolled over and pulled a pillow over his head.
"Ugh… still tired. Let me sleep another century..." he muttered, voice muffled.
But his stomach rumbled loudly in protest.
"Okay, okay... food wins," he grumbled.
He sat up lazily, rubbing his eyes, his messy half-white, half-black hair glinting softly in the morning light. Still half-asleep, Carter shuffled to his clothes, threw them on without much care, and stumbled out of his room, yawning.
Wandering the halls half-conscious, Carter suddenly heard the sound of metal clashing and distant shouting.
"What the... Is there a battle going on already?" he mumbled.
Curious, he followed the sound and stepped to the nearest open window. Below, in the palace training grounds, Princess Leina was engaged in a heated sparring match against a fully armored knight.
Carter blinked. "Huh. She's actually good."
Leina's movements were fierce and swift, her silver-blonde hair whipping behind her as she drove her opponent back with relentless sword strikes.
Carter smirked. "Guess the temper princess has some bite to her bark."
He said, "Godspeed Step," and vanished from his spot, reappearing in a blur at the edge of the training field. A gust of wind followed his arrival, surprising several nearby knights.
"Whoa!"
"Is that...?!"
"It's him! The one who saved the princesses yesterday!"
Several of the knights Carter had healed the previous day nodded in recognition, watching him with awe.
Meanwhile, the mock battle continued. Leina twisted and ducked, parried a blow, and with a fierce swing, knocked the knight's sword flying.
"Winner: Princess Leina!" the referee announced.
Applause echoed through the training yard. Leina turned to acknowledge it—only to spot Carter waving casually at her.
"Hey, temper princess. Nice performance."
Leina's eye twitched. "You again?! Shut up, you smug idiot!"
"Still mad this early in the morning? You should see someone about that," Carter teased.
"Maybe I should knock the smirk off your face instead!"
The knights looked between the two, blinking in confusion as the banter escalated.
"Uh... are they always like this?"
"Is this flirting or fighting?"
"...Both?"
Leina stomped toward Carter. "How about you and me? Sparring match. Right here, right now."
Carter blinked. "A duel before breakfast? Sounds fun. I need the workout."
"Jerk," she muttered.
They took opposite sides of the field.
"Where's your sword, Carter?" Leina called.
"Oh, right. One sec." He raised his hand. "Come to me—Ashendawn."
A sleek steel-gray blade, 90cm long with celestial etchings, shimmered into existence. The leather-wrapped grip glowed faintly with a navy sun sigil.
Leina narrowed her eyes. "Not bad."
"Cool looking sword," one knight murmured.
"He didn't have that yesterday," another whispered.
Carter grinned. "Let's dance, temper princess."
She blushed faintly. "Tch. Fine. Your funeral, jerk."
The referee raised his hand. "Ready... duel!"
Leina charged. Her blade flashed like lightning. Carter, however, dodged every swing with minimal movement, weaving between strikes with casual grace.
She followed up with low strikes, angled feints, and spinning slices—each one met with a sidestep, lean, or perfectly timed lean-back dodge.
The knights watched, stunned.
"He's dodging everything."
"It's like he knows what she's going to do before she does it."
"This is the princess's best form too!"
"He's dancing around her like it's choreographed!"
Carter's thoughts were focused. She's fast. Her form's solid. But she still has a rhythm. Once you catch that... everything slows down.
Leina, meanwhile, was gritting her teeth. Why can't I land even one hit on this smug, cocky jerk?!
"Not bad for a temper princess," Carter chuckled.
"Shut up, jerk!"
"Careful," Carter teased. "All this swinging might crack that royal manicure."
Red in the face, Leina roared. "That's it! Time to end this!"
She stepped back and lifted her sword high. The air around her began to shimmer.
"Sacred Flame of Valor... lend me your strength! Ignite the Crest of Crimson Glory! Burn away all who stand before me!"
A spiral of flame surged around her, forming a blazing vortex as her blade lit ablaze. Her aura flared like a bonfire.
"She's activating her ultimate technique!"
"This is bad! That move can slice through steel!"
"Is he seriously just standing there?!"
Carter tilted his head. Let's see what you've got, princess.
"FLAMECUTTER ARC SLASH!!"
A massive arc of blazing energy surged forward, slicing the ground with molten fury as it raced toward Carter.
Carter calmly raised Ashendawn. With a casual flick of his wrist, he slashed once.
The fiery wave split in half—two halves veering past him and erupting in twin explosions behind him, sending shockwaves across the training field.
Gasps filled the air.
"He cut it... he CUT IT?!"
"That was her ultimate skill!!"
Leina was frozen in place, sword trembling. He... just cut through it... like it was nothing...
Carter smiled. "My turn."
He vanished.
A wind gust kicked up dust where he stood.
"Where'd he go?!"
"Did anyone see him move?!"
"I blinked and he disappeared!"
Leina's heart pounded. Her eyes scanned wildly.
Where is he?!
Then, cold steel kissed the side of her neck.
A whisper. "Do you give up, mrs. temper?"
Leina flinched, eyes wide. Carter stood behind her, not a single bead of sweat on his brow.
She sighed and lowered her blade. "I... I give up."
"Winner: Carter Brooks!" the referee declared.
Cheers and murmurs of awe rippled across the field.
"He's unbelievable..."
"What kind of monster is he?!"
"He defeated her without breaking a sweat..."
Carter let his blade vanish and grinned. "That was fun."
Leina, breathing heavily, looked up at him. Her lips curled into a reluctant smile. "Yeah... not bad for a jerk."
Carter was just about to say something to Leina when a familiar voice rang out from behind them.
"Hey, you guys! What was that explosion I heard?!"
Both turned to see Liora approaching the training field, concern and curiosity on her face.
"Sis, it's you!" Leina called.
Carter waved. "Hey, Liora. Nothing much—me and Leina were just having a mock battle before breakfast. I won."
Leina crossed her arms, cheeks puffed in annoyance. "You were lucky. I wasn't even using my full strength."
Carter gave her a sly grin. "Didn't those knights over there say you used your ultimate move? You know, the one I split into two."
Leina's face turned bright red. "SHUT UP, YOU JERK!"
She stormed up to Carter and began punching him in the chest, each hit punctuated by a new insult.
"You smug-faced scarecrow!" thud
"You oversized toddler!" thwack
"Walking ego parade!" smack
"Flame-snuffing, sword-swinging show-off!" bap
"Dumb, dazzling... dork!" thud
Though the punches didn't hurt in the slightest, Carter was doubled over laughing, holding his sides.
"Ow! Ow! Stop—you're killing me with these names!"
"You deserve it!" Leina shouted, her face glowing with embarrassment and anger. "I can't believe I used my ultimate move and you just... cut through it like it was paper!"
Carter wiped a tear from his eye. "I swear, if you ever become queen, I'm calling you Her Royal Temper."
"ARGH!" Leina howled and gave one final punch before Liora stepped in.
"Ow! Stop—your little fists—they tickle!"
Leina growled, muttering a barrage of mocking names at him under her breath. Nearby, the knights whispered among themselves, both amused and awkward.
Liora stood a few steps back, watching the chaos unfold with a knowing smile. They bicker like an old married couple, she thought.
Carter's laughter finally faded, and Liora raised her voice. "Come on, you two. Breakfast is ready. Mother and Father are waiting."
Carter stretched. "Oh, alright. I'm hungry after defeating the temper princess."
"JERK!" Leina yelled one more time before turning on her heel and storming off toward the palace.
Carter chuckled as she ran. Liora shook her head with a smile. "Ready to go?"
"Let's do it."
They walked together through the grand palace halls. On the way, Liora glanced at Carter.
"How are you feeling today? Did you sleep well?"
Carter grinned. "Like a king. That bed? Might as well be heaven stuffed with clouds."
Liora giggled. "I'm glad."
Soon, they arrived at the royal dining hall. The grand double doors opened to reveal King Alveron and Queen Seraphine seated at the long table. Leina was already seated, arms folded, eyes averted, still pouting.
When she noticed Carter, she immediately looked away.
Carter let out a quiet laugh. Leina heard it.
"Jerk," she muttered.
The king looked up. "Ah, Liora. Carter. Welcome. Come, sit down."
They nodded. Carter took a seat beside Leina, who continued ignoring him, and Liora sat to his other side.
Queen Seraphine smiled warmly. "How did you sleep, Carter?"
"Very well, Your Majesty. Thank you."
King Alveron raised an eyebrow. "Now, about that explosion I heard this morning..."
A voice chimed in from behind them. "If I may, Your Majesty..."
Everyone turned to see Reginald standing silently behind them, hands clasped behind his back as always.
"Reginald!" the twins said in unison.
Carter smirked. "You're silent but deadly, aren't you, Reginald?"
Reginald gave a subtle smile. "Only your imagination, Mr. Brooks."
He continued, "The explosion came from the training yard. Princess Leina and Mr. Brooks engaged in a mock battle. Mr. Brooks won handily."
The king raised an eyebrow. "Mock battle, you say?"
The queen tilted her head, intrigued. "Leina used her ultimate move, didn't she?"
Carter rubbed the back of his neck. "Ehh, no big deal. She's got serious talent with the sword. That flame attack? Very flashy."
Leina looked down at her plate, blushing. Queen Seraphine caught it and giggled softly.
Just then, servants began bringing out trays of food. Golden rolls, fruit platters, roasted meats, and delicately spiced eggs filled the table.
Queen Seraphine set down her fork delicately and glanced at Carter with a playful glint in her eye. "Leina's always had a tendency to rush headfirst into things. Even as a child, she once declared war on a flock of geese in the palace garden."
Leina's eyes widened in horror. "MOTHER!"
Carter laughed, clearly entertained. "Wait—what? That's amazing. Your Highness, do you have any more embarrassing stories about Leina?"
Leina stood up, pointing at Carter. "Carter Brooks, you better shut your mouth right now!"
Seraphine chuckled gently, eyes twinkling. "Oh, I have plenty. Like the time she tried to bake cookies and accidentally used salt instead of sugar. Or when she tried to ride a royal warhorse in her nightgown."
"MOTHER!!" Leina screamed again, red-faced and mortified.
Carter leaned back in his chair, grinning wickedly. "Please, Your Majesty, don't stop. This is the best breakfast entertainment ever."
Leina buried her face in her hands, mumbling, "Why is this happening to me..."
Liora gently patted her sister's shoulder. "It's alright, Leina. Everyone has embarrassing moments."
Carter's eyes slid toward Liora now, lips curling into a mock-innocent smile. "So, Your Majesty... any stories about Liora, by chance?"
Liora's eyes widened slightly as she turned to her mother. "Wait, no—Mother, you don't need to—"
Queen Seraphine chuckled again. "Oh, but of course. Liora once tried to lecture the royal chef on boiling eggs properly... when she was four. And she used to read bedtime stories to her dolls—voicing all the characters differently."
Liora flushed, hands tightening around her utensils. "M-Mother..."
Carter beamed. "I knew there was a story in there somewhere."
Liora smiled stiffly. "You're going to regret that later, Carter."
The table filled with light laughter and the clinking of plates as breakfast continued on in good humor.
As the scent filled the room, the banter gave way to the sounds of clinking silverware and lively chatter.
To be continued...