Chapter 10: Valorian Palace

Knock.

Knock.

Ray, in the middle of decline push-ups, barely glanced up.

"Yeah, come in."

The door swung open, revealing Yana holding a spatula like a weapon.

"You're attending the banquet."

She ordered. Ray groaned.

"Nu-uh."

Yana tapped the spatula against her palm.

"I'll spank you with this."

Ray sat up, raising an eyebrow.

"Dude, chill. Fine, I'll go. But why is it sooooo important?"

Yana rolled her eyes.

"You think I'm saying this for fun? Empress Evyon ordered you to attend."

"Blah blah blah When is the banquet again?"

"Today. Evening. Now get ready."

"...."

Ray stared at her silently. Yana crossed her arms.

"What?"

Ray scratched his head.

"What am I supposed to wear?"

Without another word, Yana tossed a black suit at his face and shut the door behind her. Ray groaned, picking up the suit.

"No choice, huh?"

As he changed, he caught sight of a scar on his left hand after removing his glove. He stared at it for a moment.

"I wonder how I got this…"

he muttered.

Finally, he stepped out—wearing the black waistcoat over a crisp white shirt and black trousers. A dark red tie dangled from his hand.

"How do I even wear this?"

Yana snatched it from him

"Give that to me, moron."

She expertly tied the tie around his neck. Ray adjusted the sleeves.

"Whose suit is this, anyway?"

Yana paused.

"It was Dad's favorite suit."

Ray blinked.

"Ehhh… Ew, this thing's like twenty years

old—"

WHACK.

The spatula landed on his head.

"Don't say it like that, you idiot!"

Ray rubbed his head.

"I was just—"

WHACK.

"Okay, okay, I get it! It's great!"

"Now leave. Right now."

Ray headed for the door. Just as he stepped outside—

"You forgot the freaking invitation!"

Yana shouted. Ray rushed back, grabbed the invitation, and dashed out again. Yana sighed.

"How irresponsible are you…?"

Ray took the teleportal, knowing full well he had no idea where the banquet was being held. The device scanned his invitation, and in a flash of light, he appeared at the gates of the Valorian Royal Palace.

The sheer scale of the place stunned him. The castle alone was the size of an entire state. Around him, nobles and high-ranking guests lined up, presenting their invitations to the guards before entering.

Ray sighed and glanced around.

"Where's a damn map?"

Just beside the entrance, a large map displayed the layout of the palace. The banquet hall was, unsurprisingly, in the very center. However, Ray still had some time before evening. Instead of heading straight to the hall, he decided to explore.

His eyes caught sight of an archtower overlooking the entire kingdom. The guards stationed there allowed him through without question. Ray began his climb, ascending the spiraling staircase. After a few minutes, he finally reached the top.

The view was breathtaking—rolling landscapes, shimmering rooftops, and a sky painted in hues of orange and gold as the sun began to set. Ray leaned against the railing, soaking in the beauty.

But then—

Something caught his eye. Far in the distance, beyond the borders of the kingdom, a figure moved through the sky. Ray's pupils sharpened, shifting into the shape of cat-like slits as he focused.

A skeleton.

Not just any skeleton—a winged one. Its massive bone wings flapped slowly against the wind. Though it seemed to be flying toward Litric, it wasn't approaching Valorian.

Ray exhaled, relaxing his gaze. He made his way back down the tower stairs and headed toward the main hall. As he reached the entrance, the guards scanned his invitation and gave him a badge.

"Wear this, Now you may enter."

With a deep breath, Ray stepped inside.

The interior was stunning. The golden chandeliers cast a warm glow, reflecting off the polished marble floors. Nobles, scholars, royal soldiers, and professors from every academy in Valoria filled the hall, each adorned in elegant attire.

Ray wandered through the crowd, feeling a little out of place.

Tap.

Tap.

A hand lightly tapped his shoulder.

Turning around, he found Professor Waikatsu, dressed in a white, tailored jacket with gold trim, styled in an Ouji-Aristocrat fashion, complete with Victorian style pants.

"You seem very lost, Ray,"

Waikatsu said with a small smile.

Ray smirked.

"You look very fancy today, Professor Who."

Waikatsu chuckled.

"Ahh… It's because of my fashion, I believe. But don't worry, follow me. The rest of your class is this way."

Ray followed him across the hall, where his classmates were gathered. Everyone wore white. Except for Ray—who stood out in black pants and a waistcoat over his white shirt.

A quiet murmur spread through the group. Eyes turned toward him, some filled with curiosity, others with judgment.

"Stop giving him side-eyes,"

Aeon stepped forward.

"It's not like he knew."

A girl with short, coily pink hair crossed her arms.

"Yeah, but wearing white is an important tradition in this event."

She sighed before adding,

"This banquet is a celebration of how the Judge found his soulmate. He wore pure white with gold trims. How could you wear something different?"

Before Ray could respond, a deep voice broke the tension.

"Hahaha… Who told you that?"

The students turned to see Principal Kenshinton, an amused look on his face. The pink-haired girl frowned.

"The royals wear this dress code during the event. That means the Judge must have worn it too, right?"

Kenshinton let out a hearty laugh.

"You would have been correct—if that were true."

The room fell silent. The principal turned to Ray with a knowing expression.

"Actually, Ray didn't break the dress code at all. In fact…"

He let his words linger before continuing,

"He's the only one here wearing the same attire as the Judge himself."

A hush spread through the students.

"In this same event, during this same ceremony, the Judge met the Princess of Evyon. They became the pillars of our present era. Both fought for the peace we have today."

A moment of understanding dawned on some faces, while others exchanged uncertain glances. Before anyone could react further, a voice interrupted.

"Principal, the royals are about to arrive."

The students turned to see Professor Archwood standing at the entrance. Kenshinton leaned in and whispered something to Archwood before giving him a nod and stepping away. Finally, he addressed the students once more.

"Dear students, the royals are arriving. Everyone must be disciplined."

The room grew still. A moment later, the grand doors began to open.