Theo felt dizzy.
Right after he finished his breakfast, the maids worked in hushed coordination, smoothing every crease, aligning every fold until the garments fell exactly as they should.
He stood like a vision carved from moonlight, draped in layers of pristine white that flowed with quiet authority. The ceremonial robe fell from his shoulders in rich, luminous folds, its fabric embroidered with delicate silver patterns that caught the light like whispered prayers. Fine detailing traced the edges of his mantle, each stitch deliberate, regal, and steeped in tradition.
Beneath the outer robe, his attire was structured yet graceful—tailored lines giving him a composed, almost sacred presence. Pearlescent buttons and subtle ornamentation accented his form, lending him an air of nobility without excess.
His dark hair spilled loosely around his face, softening the severity of the formal wear. Strands framed pale features that were calm and distant, eyes lowered as if carrying the weight of duty rather than seeking attention. There was a quiet melancholy in his expression—beautiful and dignified.
Jeweled accents rested lightly at his collar and along his chest, their cool tones contrasting with the warmth of his skin. They did not overpower him; instead, they seemed chosen to honor his role, not adorn vanity.
Altogether, he looked less like someone attending a royal visit—and more like someone the court itself must rise to greet.
By the time the maids stepped back, hands folded and breath held, the result spoke for itself. All their labor, all their quiet diligence, had shaped him into a flawless figure of courtly dignity—one worthy of standing before royalty without a single detail amiss.
"Your Eminence, your robe sits perfectly," one of the maids praised.
"Thank you."
Theo's lips curved into a radiant smile, making the maids squeal in unison.
"May I be left alone for a moment? I'm kind of nervous, as this is my first royal visit."
Theo made a pitiful face, which struck straight at their hearts, and the maids quickly rushed out to give him space.
"Hah…"
Theo groaned, hunching forward.
"Nervous my ass—I'm exhausted."
[Loading…]
[Synchronizing… 90%]
"Now what is this?"
Theo stared at the red screen suspiciously before turning away and walking toward the door.
'Never mind. I'll check it later.'
—
—
[Synchronizingcomplete.]
The system flashed again, but Theo chose to dismiss it for now.
What mattered was the giant door before him.
He was finally at the Royal Palace.
"Entering—His Eminence, Cardinal Theo Valemont, heir of House Valemont."
The herald's voice echoed as Theo entered the Grand Hall.
He walked straight toward the Emperor and bowed on one knee—showing respect and honor.
"Your Majesty."
Theo inclined his head.
"I greet you in the name of the Holy See."
"Rise, His Eminence. The Empire receives you in peace."
Theo rose at the Emperor's command, the fall of his robes settling into perfect stillness as he faced the throne.
'What the heck is that?'
Theo's gaze flicked briefly to the side of the throne.
A golden glow pulsed there—almost as if it had made eye contact with him.
He decided to ignore it.
"I hear you played a great part in the raid's success?"
"No, Your Majesty. If not for Sir Eryx, we would not have succeeded."
The Emperor appeared intimidating at first, but soon let out a hearty laugh.
"Leave the humility aside. Tell me—what do you want as your reward?"
"Your Majesty, I am simply honored to receive such praise by the grace of God. I do not wish for a reward for something that should have been done."
"Then how about marrying my daughter? She has recently come of age."
A chill ran down Theo's spine.
The Emperor's daughter—Princess Genevieve de Viremont.
And also… the villainess who tormented the female lead in the novel.
'No way in hell am I getting married to her.'
"Your Majesty, I am honored. Yet my vows to the Holy See do not permit marriage. I ask for your understanding."
The Emperor laughed again.
"I expected no less from one of the Holy See," he said.
"Let it be as you say."
Theo quietly released a breath of relief.
"If that is the case, then do accept this reward the Empire prepared for you. Surely, you will not refuse this?"
One of the servants brought in the reward.
It was the Imperial Relic—the Reliquary of Covenant.
A sealed relic once used when the Empire and the Holy See first allied.
'Finally… something useful.'
"This relic was sealed after the Covenant was sworn. I now place it in your care."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
—
—
It hadn't even been an hour since Theo returned from the royal visit, yet he was already planning to sneak out.
He wore simple clothes and a black cloak for his outing.
"Oh, by the way—do you know what that golden glow at the palace was?"
[Mana.]
"Mana…? I'm able to see mana?"
[Yes. Synchronizing is complete.]
[With Father's spiritual power running through your soul, you are able to see the mana of those who possess it.]
"…So that thing earlier was a ghost with mana?"
[No. -_- ]
Theo pondered deeply, then his eyes suddenly widened.
"Golden mana… it's the Crown Prince."
Crown Prince Lucien de Viremont.
There was no doubt about it.
The magic of invisibility was exactly the sort of thing a scheming character like the Crown Prince would use.
"I wonder why I created so many twisted characters…"
He muttered and shook his head.
A knock sounded.
"Come in," Theo said.
It was Owen—his personal attendant.
"Your Eminence—" Owen froze. "Are you planning to go somewhere?"
"Yes. Please tell anyone who asks for me that I'm resting and wish to be left alone."
Owen's forehead immediately began to sweat at the thought of His Eminence sneaking out without the Head's knowledge.
"Yes, Your Eminence."
Though timid, Owen was quick to read the room and carried out his duties diligently.
"Thank you, Owen."
Theo smiled as Owen bowed respectfully.
"Please return safely."
—
—
Theo pushed open the creaking door of the dimly lit bar. The faint scent of smoke and aged wood filled the air, masking whatever secrets hid within.
He slid onto a stool, scanning the room.
Most patrons looked ordinary—or so it seemed.
He wasn't here for them.
He was here for the master of the information guild.
"I'd like a… Golden Ember," he said smoothly, as if ordering the simplest drink in the world.
The bartender froze mid-polish. A flicker of recognition crossed his sharp eyes before he smirked and leaned closer.
"We don't serve that here," he said calmly, almost teasing.
Theo arched a brow slightly, his expression perfectly composed.
"Really? Funny. I could've sworn I heard it mentioned somewhere."
His gaze flicked subtly around the room—shadows, faint mana traces, cloaked figures watching in silence.
The bartender studied him.
"Maybe you misheard," he said. "Or maybe… you just know how to ask."
Theo allowed himself a small, knowing smile.
'So this is how they test newcomers…'
"Follow me."
Without breaking eye contact, the bartender gestured with the edge of a glass toward the far wall.
Theo followed.
A hidden stairwell lay concealed behind a row of shelves. A faint glow seeped from beneath the door at the bottom.
The stairwell led to a chamber lined with glowing maps, mysterious artifacts, and cloaked figures.
Mana glimmered faintly around each of them.
But one presence outshone the rest.
A blinding golden glow pulsed quietly—unmistakable.
Someone here isn't just powerful… they're extraordinary.
"What brings you here, dear customer?"
A smooth voice cut through the shadows.
The Guild Master stepped forward.
Crimson hair fell in soft, unruly waves around his face, glowing like embers in the dark. Thin glasses rested on his nose, barely hiding eyes sharp with intelligence and quiet mischief. His smile was slow and knowing—dangerously charming.
Theo's skin prickled.
'That golden mana…'
There was no doubt.
It was the Crown Prince—wearing a disguise.
Back when Theo created the mysterious information guild, he had never decided who stood at its center.
He hadn't imagined the story would choose for him.
He needed to leave.
Immediately.
"My apologies," Theo said quickly. "I'll come back another time."
He turned.
Just as his fingers brushed the doorknob—
THUD.
A hand slammed against the door beside his head, trapping him in place.
The Guild Master's presence loomed behind him—too close.
Theo didn't dare turn around.
"…Are you always this perceptive?"
The whisper brushed his ear, warm and deliberate.
A low chuckle followed.
"You know my identity," the man murmured.
"Don't you?"
—
TO BE CONTINUED