A Noble's Favor

"How did you figure out he isn't the real prince?" the man asked Noah with curious eyes.

Noah's voice remained calm as he responded, "A true prince wouldn't need to defend his dignity before his soldiers.And tell me, have you ever seen royalty declaring, 'I am the prince, show some respect?'"

The man chuckled, a glimmer of amusement in his gaze. "Ah, so his poor acting gave him away," he mused, his eyes fixed on Noah's as if searching for deeper insight.

"We are here to inquire," The men began, his voice as even as ever, "why so many wagons and carriages are heading toward the capital of Synax.

"If young men is willing to share we can solve some of your problems, It doesn't look like you're in good condition"

Noah remained silent, so the men continued, "We've been away from the kingdom for a time. We are... unaware of recent events."

Noah raised a brow, measuring the men's words before answering. "Ah, so that's what brings you here," he said thoughtfully.

Noah's expression remained serene, but his mind was racing. He knew the reason behind the migration, and it wasn't just a simple matter of people seeking refuge.

Noah's sharp mind already pieced the truth together before the man spoke the next sentence.

"The nation of Thalorion," Noah said, his voice trembling, "was destroyed in a single night."

"The people around the city and nearby towns are fleeing in fear, seeking safety in the capital."

The men's faces paled and his body trembled. "You're telling me that Thalorion Country, the largest hub of traders and sorcerers in the northren region, fell overnight?"

"The traders, the sorcerers… all of them… gone?" the man stammered, a quiver of disbelief rippling through his calm exterior.

Noah's gaze swept across the men, and the noticed their reactions. The soldiers remained calm, but the men's expression betrayed a hint of surprise. Noah's mind whirred with possibilities."Could the men be connected to the capital, perhaps even a member of a Nobel family?"

The angel boy, still invisible to mortal eyes, observed the scene with interest. Noah sensed his presence, but the others remained oblivious.

"Let's not waste this opportunity," the Angel boy said, his voice low and urgent. "We can turn the situation to our advantage, Noah. And I think you know exactly how."

"May I have the honor of knowing my benefactor's name?" the man inquired. "If you are comfortable sharing it, of course."

Noah's calm demeanor remained unchanged, but an opportunity had presented itself, and he would not let it pass.

"My name is Noah, and I also have business in the capital. I'd be grateful for the ride."

The soldiers exchanged disapproving glances, their faces twisted in disdain. They resented Noah's audacity, perceiving him as a beggar who had manipulated their master's kindness.

"It's settled, then," the man declared. "My name is Alice. You'll accompany us to the capital. Perhaps along the way, you can share more of what you know about Thalorion's fall."

With a snap of his fingers, Alex's ordinary appearance melted away, revealing his true form one of striking elegance and undeniable nobility.

The young man appeared to be between 20 to 25 years old, with striking features.

His nose was straight and proportionate to his face, while his chin was delicate, lending an air of vulnerability to his otherwise majestic presence.

His Long flowing hair strands were a mesmerizing blend of silver, gold, and black tones, evoking the celestial ballet of stars and moon.

Intricate golden and silver embellishments were woven into his hair, or perhaps they were part of an exquisite headgear, hinting at a noble lineage, a divine heritage, or the possession of extraordinary magical abilities.

Noah remained unfazed by the transformation. Instead, he nodded approvingly, impressed by the man's hidden refinement.

This world, layered with secrets and illusions, demanded constant vigilance, he reminded himself.

The angel boy beside him was a reminder of that truth, his presence a mystery even Noah had yet to unravel.

As they approached the carriage, Noah's keen eyes took in every intricate detail.

The craftsmanship spoke of wealth and power, polished wood, precious metals, and glowing patterns that danced like living light.

"He's no common noble," Noah mused. "Investing in his favor might solved some of my own problems…"

"Mr Noah," Alex called, snapping him from his thoughts, a faint smirk tugging his lips. He offered a bundle of fine clothing. "Would you do me the honor of wearing something more… fitting?"

Noah accepted the garments without hesitation. "Then I won't stand on ceremony," he replied, his straightforward manner earning another smile from Alex.

Alice's gaze lingered on Noah, his eyes crinkling at the corners as a hint of a smile played on his lips. "How refreshingly straightforward he is,"

Alice thought to himself, impressed by Noah's unpretentious nature. "Every reaction, every gesture, is so genuine, so unburdened by artifice. It's truly a pleasure to behold."

The guard, however, seethed with resentment. They had served their master for years, yet Noah, a stranger, had received such good treatment.

Some of them wondered if Noah's luck would continue, while others speculated about his potential usefulness.

The soldiers watched with scorn, their jealousy simmering just beneath the surface.

Years of loyalty, yet no special privilege while this stranger, a mere beggar in their eyes, had gained favor so easily.

Some believed Noah should have refused out of humility, but others saw the advantage.

If they could extract the secrets of Thalorion from his lips in exchange for a few garments, the price would be worth it.

Unaware of their silent judgment, Alex's gaze remained on the direction where Noah had gone. His thoughts lingered.

A while later, a majestic figure emerged from the spot where Noah had vanished, as if conjured from the very air itself.

The man's presence was magestic, his stature tall and commanding, with an aura of quiet power that seemed to reverberate through the atmosphere.

His face is a masterpiece of sharp, finely chiseled features, with high cheekbones that exude an aura of nobility and refinement.

His eyes are narrow and intense, with a slightly hooded shape that shrouds them in mystery.

The calm, piercing gaze seems to conceal unspoken thoughts, hinting at a turbulent past or hidden depths.

His raven-black hair cascades freely past his shoulders, an untamed yet elegant torrent of silky strands.

His expression remains calm and composed, a mask of emotionless serenity.

"How can a man of such heaven-defying beauty walk the earth in beggar's clothes? Truly, this boy is… interesting."

A soft whisper escaped Alice's lips: "This world… far more captivating than the spirit realm. Perhaps I'll find my entertainment here."

When Noah returned, now adorned in elegant attire, Alex stepped forward with a welcoming gesture. "Please, join me in the carriage," he said, his tone respectful and warm.

The soldiers who had looked upon Noah with disdain now found themselves stunned into silence. Their contempt dissolved into a gnawing unease.

His eyes, calm yet commanding, seemed to pierce their very souls.

Powerless beneath his gaze, they felt the truth: beggar or king, his eyes cared not for titles. All men were equal before him.

Just like that, Noah and Alex settled into the carriage, and it began its smooth journey forward.

The man who had arrogantly played the role of a fake prince was now reduced to walking alongside the carriage. Shame burned in his chest, and envy gnawed at his pride.

He clenched his fists, his mind racing with bitter thoughts.

He was his master's loyal subordinate, carefully orchestrating the deception, yet he had no privilege to ride inside the luxurious carriage.

Meanwhile, the beggar-like stranger, who had dared to act so boldly, now sat comfortably within.

Fury boiled in his veins if he could, he would have torn Noah apart piece by piece. But reality shackled him in place.

Noah was now his master's honored guest, and no amount of resentment could change that fact.

Inside the carriage, Noah sat in composed silence.

The angel boy lay sprawled beside him, invisible to all but his companion. His feet rested on Noah's legs, a gesture of careless comfort.

The carriage itself was as grand within as it was without spacious and luxurious, with ample room for four to sit in ease.

Alex's eyes remained fixed on Noah, studying every movement, every expression.

Yet Noah's face, carved of calm and resolve, was as unreadable as stone. A figure refined by the world's tempests, unshaken by its storms.

"If he stands with you, you will feel the world's steadiness. But if he stands against you… pray that you never meet his eyes."

Their journey had only just begun, and Alex was in no hurry. The road to the capital was long, and time would grant him many chances to peel back the layers of the boy seated before him.

For now, the carriage rolled on, its wheels carrying secrets, ambitions, and destinies intertwined toward a kingdom steeped in mystery.