It was finally night.
I took a shower and got myself ready. I searched through the closet, looking for something nice to wear for the dinner with the Royals. I know humans care a lot about appearance, so I pulled off a sharp, elegant suit.
I went out and closed my room behind me.
The dinner hall—I didn't go there often. The only reason I was going to this royal dinner was to gather information about this family, how they think, and of course, to see the King and Queen… or well, my grandfather and grandmother.
While walking down the stairs toward the big hall—
"Heyyy! Kagen, wait for me!"
I turned around.
It was Seraphina.
"H-hi, Kagen," she said, gasping for breath.
"Hello, sister. Why are you in such a hurry?"
"N-no, it's nothing. Come on, let's hurry—we can't be late," she said.
We continued our way to the hall.
Outside the hall doors, my brother Cassian was standing.
"Listen, Kagen, I want to speak to you," he said.
"Alright. Seraphina, can you leave us alone?"
"Y-yes, of course."
He waited for her to go inside, then turned back to me.
"Hey, listen, Kagen… I had the wrong idea about you, apparently. It seems you're actually way stronger than me—even though I'm the oldest.
I also stabbed you, and you somehow survived that.
I know an apology isn't enough, but I just don't—"
"Stop, Cassian. I forgive you, if that's what you want to hear."
"Wait—you're being serious, Kagen? You forgive me after all I've done?"
He looked me in the eyes, disbelief written all over his face.
"Yes. I forgive you," I said, then ignored him and went inside the hall.
I may have forgiven him… but I wonder if the real Kagen would have done the same.
---
This hall is huge.
And so many royals… lights everywhere.
"Hey, Kagen."
I heard a familiar voice. It was my mother, waving from far away.
I walked toward her. My father and Seraphina were standing next to her, all gathered in front of the dinner table. Not just them—all the royals were standing. It looked like they were waiting for something.
I stood next to my family. Cassian didn't come—he must've left.
"Everyone, silence."
An old man in a suit full of medals spoke out loud with a deep, commanding voice. The entire hall went quiet.
The massive doors opened, and two old people appeared, walking in.
Alright… I see. These must be the King and Queen.
We were all facing the long dinner table as they walked in. Everyone was silent, and I could sense the fear in the room.
It was an epic moment.
It reminded me of my old days.
The King sat at one end of the table, the Queen at the opposite end.
Ten silent seconds passed.
All the royals were staring at the King, waiting for him.
With an elegant voice, the King spoke:
"Let's eat."
He sat down.
After him, the Queen sat down.
And then finally, the rest of us.
I pulled out my chair and sat down.
It looked like every royal family had their own designated seats at the table—my name was even written on mine. My family sat beside me.
Everyone started eating and chatting.
I looked at the King.
He didn't notice me at all.
After about twenty minutes, the food was finished, and the royals started leaving one by one. The King stayed behind, speaking with a few men—probably my uncles.
The Queen was surrounded by a few women—clearly my aunts and my uncles' wives. My mother joined them and they all started chatting.
Alright, I guess I've seen the King and Queen.
Nothing left for me to do here now.
---
I went back to my room, washed my hands, and brushed my teeth.
Well, that wasn't bad. I learned a few things from that royal dinner…
How they behave, how they move, how they talk.
I changed into something comfortable and got ready to sleep.
Before laying down…
"Hello, my king. Can you hear me?"
It was Ichoru's voice—telepathy.
"Yes, Ichoru, I can hear you."
"I have bad news, my king. Very bad news," he said with a stammer.
"What is it, Ichoru? Tell me."
"One of my demons attacked five horse carriages… He thought it was an enemy. He killed the people inside."
"What?! Go on…"
"Well… the people inside were royals. From another kingdom.
They were on their way to visit King Aldric—your grandfather.
They were diplomats, my king."
"Wait—you're telling me your demon killed those diplomats?!"
"Y-yes, my king… I killed that demon immediately."
"Ichoru, I don't care about the demon. But you do understand what this means, right?
A WAR WILL START, ICHORU.
A WAR!"