Chapter 7

The maids were efficient in their work, moving with practiced precision. Within minutes, I was dressed in fine yet modest attire, my hair neatly arranged, and my appearance as presentable as possible.

Once they were satisfied, one of them stepped forward and opened a large, ornate door, gesturing for me to step outside.

As I exited, I was met by a guard waiting just beyond the doorway. He gave me a quick once-over, his sharp eyes scanning me from head to toe before giving a curt nod. Without a word, he turned on his heel and began walking to his left.

I assumed that was the direction to the dining hall and quickly followed behind.

The walk was silent, save for the soft echoes of our footsteps along the polished stone floors. The castle’s corridors were grand, lined with tapestries and flickering sconces that cast long shadows against the walls.

Before long, we arrived at an imposing set of double doors. The guard raised a gloved fist and knocked once, the sound resonating through the hall.

“Your Majesty,” he announced in a firm voice. “The guest has arrived.”

I opened my mouth to ask how he even knew my name, but before I could voice my question, the doors swung open with a deep, reverberating creak.

The sight before me was nothing short of breathtaking.

The dining hall was enormous, its vaulted ceiling adorned with intricate chandeliers that bathed the room in a golden glow. A long, regal table stretched through the center, set with fine silverware and delicate crystal goblets. The walls bore magnificent paintings, depicting scenes of valor, history, and devotion to the divine.

For a brief moment, I was frozen in awe—until I felt a firm yet gentle push against my back.

Snapping back to my senses, I took a steadying breath and stepped forward.

Following the proper etiquette, I immediately dropped to one knee, bowing my head in respect.

“Long live the king,” I said, my voice steady despite the tension in my chest. “You summoned me, my lord.”

A deep, commanding voice responded.

“Arise, son. You do not need to kneel, for you bear a blessing from the Great Eterna.”

I slowly stood, meeting the gaze of the man who addressed me. He was a commanding figure, his presence alone exuding an air of authority. His regal attire, embroidered with gold and deep crimson, only emphasized his status.

He gestured towards the grand table. “Please, take a seat.”

As I approached, I noticed that seven figures were already seated—Kaelis among them. The king introduced them one by one, his seven children, each bearing distinct features and expressions that spoke of their unique personalities.

When my gaze flickered to the head of the table, I hesitated for a moment before voicing the question lingering in my mind.

“If I may, my lord ... where is the queen?”

A shadow crossed the king’s expression.

“She is unwell,” he admitted with a heavy sigh. “Too ill to join us tonight.”

A brief silence settled over the room, but before it could become uncomfortable, I gathered my thoughts and spoke again.

“My lord,” I began carefully, “along with the blessing of the goddess Eterna, I have received a power as well. It is a form of spatial magic—a small dimensional storage.”

I paused, allowing the weight of my words to settle. I could feel the curiosity in the room sharpen.

“With this ability, I have inherited nine gifts. I believe they may be intended for you and your family.”

I lowered my head slightly in respect.

“If you would allow me to present them, I would be eternally grateful.”

The king’s expression remained unreadable for a moment, then he gave a single nod.

“Please do so.”

That was all the permission I needed.

Taking a deep breath, I reached into the unseen depths of my dimensional storage—and began to unveil the gifts.

The first item I summoned was the Crown of the King. As soon as I removed it from my storage, an air of reverence filled the room. Without hesitation, everyone in attendance rose from their seats and bowed in deep respect. The sight of the crown alone was enough to command such a reaction.

With careful hands, I presented the magnificent artifact to the king. Once he accepted it, I returned to my seat, and only then did the others follow suit.

Instead of donning the crown immediately, the king turned to one of his royal guards and issued a firm command. “Take this to the royal treasury. Ensure it is secured properly. Then, send word to the city—there will be a grand festival. On that day, I shall wear this crown before the people.”

Murmurs of excitement rippled through the hall, but the king silenced them with a raised hand before turning his attention back to me. With a solemn nod, he gestured for me to continue.

The second gift I summoned was the Moon Petal Blossom—a breathtakingly rare silver-plated flower, known to grow only near secluded lakes deep within the most untouched regions of the forest. Its beauty was unparalleled, and its properties were legendary.

The moment I placed the delicate blossom into the king’s hands, his entire demeanor changed. His fingers trembled as they brushed against its petals, his eyes welling with unshed tears. The weight of the moment was heavy, and then, to my astonishment, the mighty ruler of Aldrenor—the king himself—began to cry.