The Imperial Palace...
One of the most heavily guarded places in the Eternal Heaven Realm.
Yet today...
Its atmosphere was unusually peaceful.
Soft petals drifted through the air as servants respectfully escorted the guests through the palace gardens.
The Third Elder looked around with admiration.
"As expected of the Noctis Eternal Empire."
"The spiritual energy here is almost twice that of our Sacred Land."
Lucien smiled politely.
"You flatter us, Elder."
Walking a few steps behind them...
Sylvia quietly observed the palace.
Everything was grand.
Yet strangely...
It didn't feel cold.
At least...
Not when Lucien was nearby.
She stole a glance at him.
He was discussing cultivation with the Third Elder, answering every question calmly.
There wasn't even a hint of arrogance.
"The rumors..."
"They really were wrong."
Soon, they arrived at the Moon Orchid Garden.
It was one of the most beautiful places in the palace.
Thousands of glowing flowers bloomed around a crystal-clear lake.
Moon butterflies danced gently above the water.
The Third Elder smiled.
"I haven't seen such beautiful moon orchids in centuries."
Lucien nodded.
"My mother planted them."
Sylvia looked at him in surprise.
"You come here often?"
Lucien gazed at the lake for a moment.
"When I need to think."
His answer was simple.
Yet...
For some reason...
Sylvia felt that this lonely place suited him.
The Third Elder suddenly stood.
"I've remembered something."
"I need to discuss a matter with His Majesty."
She looked toward Sylvia with a teasing smile.
"You stay here."
"I won't be long."
Before Sylvia could protest...
The Elder had already left with a palace servant.
The garden suddenly became quiet.
Only Lucien and Sylvia remained.
For a few moments...
Neither spoke.
The gentle sound of flowing water filled the silence.
Finally...
Sylvia smiled softly.
"Thank you."
Lucien looked at her.
"For what?"
"For the Seven-Star Soul Orchid."
"I successfully broke through."
Lucien nodded.
"I heard."
"I also received your letter."
Sylvia lowered her head slightly.
"I wasn't sure if you would read it."
Lucien chuckled.
"I read every letter addressed to me."
"...Especially sincere ones."
Sylvia's cheeks turned faintly pink.
She slowly walked toward the lake.
"The Imperial Palace is beautiful."
"But..."
"It feels lonely."
Lucien joined her by the water.
"It is."
Sylvia looked at him.
"You admit it so easily?"
Lucien smiled faintly.
"When everyone fears you..."
"They stop speaking honestly."
"They only tell you what they think you want to hear."
His voice remained calm.
But Sylvia sensed a trace of loneliness beneath those words.
For the first time...
She realized that being the Crown Prince wasn't only glory.
It was also isolation.
Without thinking...
She gently picked up a smooth white stone.
Plop.
It skipped across the lake three times.
Lucien looked at her in mild surprise.
"You know how to skip stones?"
She laughed softly.
"When I was little..."
"My Master often scolded me for playing instead of cultivating."
Lucien picked up another stone.
"Let's see if you're still good."
He threw it.
Plop... Plop... Plop... Plop... Plop...
Five skips.
Sylvia blinked.
"You cheated."
Lucien raised an eyebrow.
"How?"
"You used spiritual energy."
"I didn't."
"I don't believe you."
A rare smile spread across Lucien's face.
"I'll teach you next time."
"Next time?"
The words slipped out before Sylvia realized it.
Their eyes met.
For a brief moment...
Neither looked away.
A cool breeze passed between them.
Moon orchid petals drifted gently through the air.
Sylvia quickly looked toward the lake.
"...I'll hold you to that promise."
Lucien nodded.
"I don't break promises."
From a nearby corridor...
Elena quietly watched the scene.
She had come to report on the Black Raven Guard's investigation.
Instead...
She found herself watching Lucien laugh.
A genuine laugh.
One she had heard only a handful of times in twelve years.
She lowered her gaze.
A strange feeling settled in her chest.
Not jealousy.
Not resentment.
Simply...
The realization that someone else could make him smile that way.
After a moment, she took a silent step back.
"His happiness..."
"That's all that matters."
She turned and left without disturbing them.
Meanwhile...
High above the palace...
A black raven landed on the roof.
Its crimson eyes observed the garden below.
Then...
It spread its wings and disappeared into the sky.
Far away...
Inside a dark underground chamber...
A masked man slowly opened his eyes.
"So..."
"The Moon Saintess has entered the Imperial Palace."
He smiled beneath his mask.
"Perhaps..."
"We can use her."
The candlelight flickered.
A new conspiracy had quietly begun.