The Lord Commander's brow furrowed as he spoke. "Your Highness, we have no knowledge of this man's background."
Her eyes blazed with fury as she stared him down, an almost tangible warning in her gaze.
The Crown Prince's voice rang with joy and pride. "As the princess has spoken, do you accept her proposal? And Noel, Mary, I honor your parents' bravery in the 1949 war. For years, we sought the descendants of those heroic captains to bestow upon them the recognition they deserve."
"I, Rasik Vyrn, Crown Prince of the Vyrnhardt Empire, hereby honor you and the late great captain of our empire. From now on, all your living expenses and education shall be fully funded by the Empire."
Noel, tears of joy in his eyes, knelt before the Crown Prince. "Thank you, Your Royal Highness."
Princess Iyra inclined her head with a smile. "It is most fitting, Kaelor. They have been moved into the royal quarters.What do you think—would you like to serve as the assistant head researcher?"
Kaelor bowed low. "It is my honor, Your Highness." Now, asking the princess about his great-grandfather would be simpler; maybe he too had served in the royal research team. And at last, he could stop worrying about this siblings.
The Crown Prince spoke with authority and joy. "It's finalized. Tomorrow, the ceremony will take place. Lord Commander, ensure the soldiers accompany Noel to retrieve his belongings and bring his sister, along with Kaelor. Henceforth, Kaelor, you shall serve as assistant head of the Royal Science and Technology Research Team and personal secretary to Princess Iyra, as she requested."
The Lord Commander stood firm, his silver-streaked black hair tied neatly behind him. Piercing steel-grey eyes watched everything with unwavering focus. His scarred, battle-hardened face and broad frame radiated authority. Clad in a dark military cloak, he embodied the empire's unbreakable strength and disciplined power.
The Lord Commander stepped toward Noel with authority. "It's time to go. We will escort you to your new residence for the relocation."
Princess Iyra's voice was firm yet gentle. "Handmaiden Aire, escort Kaelor to the royal chambers and ensure he has all that he requires."
Handmaiden Aire, at twenty-five, carried a quiet grace that suited her place beside the princess. Her soft chestnut-brown hair was always neatly braided, and her warm hazel eyes held calm intelligence. Slim and poised, she moved with practiced elegance, her presence gentle yet reliably attentive—trusted by the royal family above all others.
With a warm smile, Noel said, "Kaelor, thank you. You saved our lives. I'll go tell my sister and bring her here. See you soon, brother Kaelor."
Kaelor's lips curved into a faint, bittersweet smile. "Why are you thanking me? It was your parents' courage and sacrifice that made this," he murmured, sorrow hidden behind his joy.
With a final glance at Kaelor, Noel followed the Lord Commander as they departed.
Handmaiden Aire approached Kaelor gracefully. "This way, Sir, Kaelor. I will show you to the royal rooms."
In the Royal Room.
Kaelor stepped into the royal room, awed by its grandeur. The space was adorned with lavish, priceless decorations. A magnificent bed and a polished desk for reading completed the elegant setting.
With a gentle smile, Handmaiden Aire said, "Sir, your water and breakfast have been brought. The clothes you see were chosen by Her Highness. If you need anything, please ask freely."
Kaelor glanced around. "Where is the shower room?"
Handmaiden Aire pointed politely. "Right over there, sir."
Kaelor nodded. "Alright."
Handmaiden Aire bowed lightly. "Master, may I take my leave now, if it pleases you?"
Kaelor: "Yes, you may."
After finishing his breakfast, Kaelor took a refreshing shower and changed into the royal clothes provided for him.
Just as he adjusted his collar, a sudden knock echoed at the door—
Dong! Dong!
"Sir Kaelor, may I come in? I bring a message."
Kaelor called out, "Yes."
A soldier entered with a respectful bow. "Sir Kaelor, Her Highness requests your presence in the Royal Science and Technology Research Lab. I have been sent to escort you."
Kaelor, a bit curious as to why she needed him now, nodded.
"Okay… let's go."
Kaelor followed the soldier into the Royal Science and Technology Research Lab.
Kaelor bowed at the doorway.
"Your Highness, may I enter? I, Kaelor, have arrived."
"You may enter," a soft, graceful voice echoed from inside, carrying the beauty of a gentle breeze.
In the Lab.
The room was vast, bright, and alive with invention—machines humming softly, tools neatly arranged, and research papers scattered like a storm of ideas.
Kaelor pushed open the large wooden door and stepped inside.
The lab was simpler than he expected—filled with normal tools and equipment, nothing too advanced or magical.
Only a few people were present.
Princess Iyra stood at the center, graceful as always, and beside her were three others—young nobles, judging by their elegant attire and confident posture. They looked like close friends of the princess.
"Oh, Princess Iyra, is he the one you were talking about? He looks the same age as us."
"Hey, you're the one Princess Iyra mentioned? Hmph. I doubt it. What's your real background? Are you just a commoner… or a spy from another land?"
Princess Iyra's expression hardened, anger flashing in her eyes.
"Arenn! I will not tolerate this any further. Show him the same respect you show us. Speak properly."
She turned away from the stunned noble and faced Kaelor, her voice softening.
"Kaelor,"
Kaelor went still, stunned into silence. He had no words to offer.
Princess Iyra stepped forward, her tone calm but authoritative.
"They are my friends. This is Seraphine Arlowe, and this is Liora Ravenshade. They are Imperial Researchers of our team."
Seraphine Arlowe, at nineteen, carried an ethereal beauty that set her apart from everyone around her. Her white hair flowed like fresh snow under sunlight, framing a face both delicate and striking. Her crystalline blue eyes glimmered with quiet resolve, sharp enough to read a person's truth in a single glance. Graceful in every step, Seraphine moved with the calm poise of someone born to shape destiny rather than follow it.
She then gestured toward the young man who had spoken rudely earlier.
"And he is Aren Rennford—our assistant researcher and Seraphine's secretary."
Aren Rennford stood out instantly, his fiery red hair falling untamed over his brow and sharp black eyes carrying a constant spark of irritation. His posture was confident, almost challenging, and his blunt, rude manner kept most people at a distance. Yet beneath that harsh exterior, a restless, unspoken intensity lingered.
Princess Iyra continued,
"And I am the head of this team. This is Sylvie Yahr—my former secretary. She now serves as Liora's personal secretary and assistant researcher."
Sylvie Yahr, just seventeen, possessed a quiet radiance that lingered long after she passed. Her silver hair shimmered like moonlit strands, falling softly to her waist. Cool, pale violet eyes held an unsettling depth, as if she carried secrets older than her years. Petite yet poised, Sylvie moved with a calm, graceful confidence that drew every gaze without trying.
"And you," the princess said firmly, "are our team's Assistant Head Imperial Researcher—and my personal secretary. Understood, Kaelor?"
Feeling slightly awkward, Kaelor dipped his head. "Y-Yes, Your Highness."
Princess Iyra smiled gently.
"No need to be so formal here. You may call me Princess Iyra, Miss Iyra, or Head Miss—whichever you prefer."
The room fell silent. Every researcher froze, stunned—Princess Iyra never let a stranger call her by name.
Arenn's eye twitched. Who is this guy? A magician? It took me two whole years to get permission, even a little casual with her…
Liora whispered to Seraphine,
"This isn't good. I was planning to get close to him before the princess made her move."
Seraphine nodded slowly. "I think she knows something. He might be a noble… otherwise why would the princess approach him like this? Or…"
Her lips curved into a smirk.
"…maybe she's actually falling for him."
They both blushed lightly.
Liora Ravenshade, eighteen, possessed a quiet, shadowed elegance that made her presence impossible to ignore. Her jet-black hair fell in soft waves down her back, contrasting beautifully with her light brown eyes, warm yet guarded. Slender and deliberate in every movement, Liora carried an air of mystery—graceful, composed, and always watching more than she spoke.
Kaelor blinked in confusion. "As you say, Your Highness."
Princess Iyra's face flushed—not with embarrassment, but sharp irritation.
Realizing his mistake, Kaelor quickly corrected himself.
"Oh—sorry! Princess Iyra."
Princess Iyra smiled softly.
"Mhm, keep that in mind—do not address me like that during royal events or official matters. Also, there are more members you haven't met yet. Come, we should begin our work."
Afterward, Kaelor began explaining countless concepts from the future—knowledge capable of reshaping their entire era. The others listened in stunned silence, eyes wide, as though he were a divine being revealing secrets beyond imagination.
Princess Iyra and the others exchanged amazed looks.
"Incredible… you've actually worked on all of this? It's beyond belief. Kaelor,You're truly a genius, Kaelor."
Princess Iyra beamed with excitement.
"Your work will help our empire grow even faster—perhaps we may even surpass the entire world. I will tell my father about this. You will surely be granted high honors and praised by the king."
She looked genuinely happy.
Princess Iyra turned to her team.
"Alright, I will go speak with my father. In the meantime, all of you help Kaelor with his work. I'll request that he organize an event where we can present your inventions."
Kaelor stiffened, worry flickering across his face.
"But, Princess… I've only ever done the paperwork. I've never actually built these gadgets in real life."
His voice trembled with tension.
Princess Iyra stepped closer, her expression softening into a gentle, reassuring smile.
"I know, Kaelor. But you can do it. Believe in yourself."
Her confidence warmed him like sunlight.
Kaelor's face brightened with genuine happiness.
"Thank you, Princess Iyra. I promise I'll give it everything I have."
Several days went by, each one busier than the last.
Princess Iyra, Kaelor, and the research team worked tirelessly—day and night—striving to finish their preparations.
The Royal Demonstration was only ten days away.
Ten days passed.
The long-awaited Royal Demonstration finally began.
Princess Iyra, Kaelor, and the entire research team stood proudly on the grand stage, ready to present their work. The princess opened the event with a graceful introduction, and then Kaelor stepped forward to explain each gadget in detail.
They unveiled inventions meant for daily life—tools that made common tasks easier—and devices designed to strengthen the kingdom, support its borders, and improve the lives of its people.
Every item they presented drew murmurs of awe and excitement.
As they showcased the final innovations, the grand hall erupted in applause.
At the center sat the King, the Queen, the Crown Prince, and the Second Prince, surrounded by nobles and dignitaries from across the empire.
All of them watched the presentation with deep interest—and when Kaelor finished, they clapped loudly, acknowledging the team's remarkable success.
The demonstration had been a triumph.
The King rose from his throne, his expression filled with pride as he looked upon the gathered researchers.
With a booming voice, he declared,
"For your extraordinary achievements, I hereby honor the Royal Science and Technology Research Team!"
Applause thundered through the hall.
He continued,
"From this day forward, your team shall be recognized as the number one research division in the entire empire."
Servants stepped forward, carrying chests of gold and velvet-lined boxes.
One by one, the King rewarded every member of the team with generous amounts of gold, acknowledging their tireless effort and brilliance.
Then came the highest honor.
"To the researchers," the King announced, "I bestow the title of Court Researchers—along with the royal medals of excellence."
Medals gleamed as they were placed around their necks, symbolizing their new status in the empire's highest ranks.
The hall erupted into cheers, nobles rising to applaud the newly crowned geniuses of the empire.
Then the King stepped forward, his gaze settling on Kaelor.
The hall fell silent.
"And finally," the King proclaimed, his voice carrying through the grand chamber,
"for the greatest contribution to the advancement of our empire—Kaelor."
Whispers rippled across the crowd.
"From this day forth, you shall be honored as the First Citizen of the Vyrnhardt Empire, and bear the title of Royal Researcher."
Gasps erupted throughout the hall. The title was one reserved for legends.
The King continued,
"You are granted gold, royal medals, and a personal guard unit to protect you at all times."
Royal soldiers stepped forward, kneeling before Kaelor as a sign of loyalty.
A chest of gold and a velvet box containing the highest medal of the empire were presented to him. The crowd bowed their heads in respect—Kaelor was no longer just a researcher. He was one of the most valued individuals in the entire kingdom.
Applause roared like thunder.
Princess Iyra smiled with unmistakable pride.
As Kaelor glanced at Princess Iyra, she quickly broke eye contact, her cheeks blooming with a shy red flush.
As the Royal Demonstration concluded, the crowd slowly dispersed, nobles and citizens alike making their way out of the grand hall.
After the months.
Everyone worked tirelessly during this period, and together they carried the Vyrnhardt Empire to new heights.
Soon, the empire's success echoed across the world—rumors of its rapid rise spreading through every kingdom and continent.
03/09/1958
5.00P.M.
In the Royal Garden.
In the quiet garden, Princess Iyra watered the blossoms, Kaelor assisting her as they talked peacefully. Mary moved gracefully among the plants, helping wherever she could.
Mary and Noel had begun their schooling, focusing on their studies each day. Afterward, Noel dedicated himself to intense training and spent his remaining time helping in the Imperial Archives.
Kaelor cleared his throat. "Princess, may I ask you something?"
Princess Iyra looked at him with calm eyes. "Ask, Kaelor."
Kaelor sighed softly.
"I came here hoping to find someone important to me… but I haven't found any trace of him."
Kaelor took a slow breath.
"By any chance… do you know of a man named Kaelor Vyrn?"
Princess Iyra blinked in shock—and then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! You must be joking. Why would you add our family title to your name? Nice joke, Kaelor."
She waved her hand lightly, still smiling.
"And besides… I only know one Kaelor in the entire empire—and that's you."
But as the seconds passed, her smile slowly froze.
A faint redness crept up her cheeks as realization struck her.
He wasn't joking.
He… he was indirectly proposing.
Princess Iyra's face turned bright red, her heart skipping a beat.
Kaelor tilted his head, genuinely puzzled.
"Princess… your face is really red. Are you unwell? Should I call the doctor for you?"
Princess with more embarrassed she hit him " nothing happened idiot," she trying to hide her face by her hand.
Flustered beyond control, the princess hit him lightly.
She buried her face in her hands, desperately trying to hide her blush.
Princess Iyra "you've never spoken about your family. Where are they… and what is your family name?"
Kaelor scratched his head.
"Oh… you mean the surname. It's… Kaelor Vy—"
Before he could finish the name, the universe around him seemed to shatter.
Darkness swallowed everything.
Kaelor's vision blurred, his body weakening as he collapsed, eyes closing against his will.
He remained unconscious.
After nine long minutes.
"Waaahhh… waaaahhhh…!"
A child's cry echoed through the darkness.
"Father… Mother… you've become a grandfather and grandmother… and I… I have become a father."
"Look… this is your grandson."
A eyelids fluttered open, vision blurry at first—until the shape of an old man came into focus before him.
"He… he looks exactly like my father. My heart feels so full… I'm truly happy."
A figure with a blurred, indistinct face lifted the child, tears of joy glistening as he smiled.
"Father… please name him."
"Me?" he asked softly.
"Yes," the figure replied, smiling with gentle pride.
With trembling hands and a proud smile, Grandfather Jain whispered,
"I name you after my own father—You Know as,
Kaelor Vyrn."