After what could only be described as a reverse Strip Show—where Zephyr had somehow ended up helping his mother wear and arrange her attire rather than the other way around of Striping her of her clothes—the three of them made their way toward the Grand Hall of the Palace of Infinity.
Today was a special day.
Zephyr had officially turned eight years old.
According to the customs of the Supreme Realm of Infinity, this was the age at which a royal heir could choose a Personal Maid and a Shadow from among a group of carefully selected candidates.
Both his mother and grandmother had given him complete freedom in making his choice.
If he disliked every candidate presented today, they could simply arrange another selection in the future.
Though Zephyr doubted that would be necessary.
The candidates gathered today were the finest young talents the realm could offer.
Each had undergone rigorous examinations, countless background checks, and strict evaluations personally overseen by Tiamat herself.
A personal Maid was more than a servant.
They would assist their master in daily life, relieve their Sexual needs, manage countless responsibilities, and handle many of the mundane tasks that might otherwise become a burden.
Over time, they often became one of the most trusted people in their master’s inner circle.
The Shadow’s role was even more important.
A Shadow was a protector, confidant, and guardian who operated from behind the scenes.
They would risk their lives without hesitation to ensure their master’s safety and were entrusted with missions that required absolute loyalty and discretion.
In many ways, a Shadow truly lived up to their title.
They followed their master like a shadow itself.
Zephyr had once asked about his mother and grandmother’s own Maids and Shadows and why he had never seen them in all this Years.
The reactions he received had been…
Overwhelming.
Both Tiamat and Ophis had immediately become possessive and there obsessive tendencies were clear to see at the mere suggestion of allowing other people near him during his early years.
Their responses had made it abundantly clear that they had no intention of sharing his attention with anyone else currently atleast.
After witnessing their expressions, Zephyr had wisely decided not to pursue the topic any further.
Some battles simply weren’t worth fighting.
As they walked through the palace corridors, Tiamat and Ophis discussed the candidates who would soon be presented before him.
Zephyr listened quietly.
His mother explained each candidate’s background, talents, bloodline, and cultivation achievements, while Ophis occasionally added her own observations.
For the most part, Zephyr simply absorbed the information.
After all, the people he would choose today would likely remain by his side for many years to come.
It was not a decision he intended to make lightly.
We soon arrived at the Grand Hall.
As the massive golden doors swung open and the three of us stepped inside, a thunderous chorus echoed throughout the chamber.
“Greetings, Your Eminence, Deity of Infinity!” “Greetings, Your Highness, Empress Tiamat!” “Greetings, Your Highness, Crown Prince!” “Long live the Deity of Infinity!” “Long live Empress Tiamat!” “Long live the Crown Prince!” The synchronized voices reverberated through the hall like rolling thunder.
My gaze swept across the gathered crowd.
Only women were present.
Hundreds of them.
Each possessed extraordinary beauty and grace, enough to make ordinary men lose their composure at first sight.
Yet I remained surprisingly calm.
To be honest, I didn’t find them overwhelmingly beautiful.
Then again, spending eight years being raised by Ophis and Tiamat had completely ruined my sense of beauty.
Compared to my mother and grandmother, even these exceptional women seemed lacking.
I was beginning to realize that my standards had risen to an absurdly unreasonable level.
Every woman in the hall was kneeling respectfully with her head lowered.
“Rise.” Grandmother’s voice rang through the chamber.
Cold.
Dignified.
Authoritative.
It was the voice she used when addressing the world.
The warmth and affection I received every day were privileges reserved exclusively for her family.
At her command, the women rose to their feet in perfect synchronization.
For a brief moment, I wondered whether they had rehearsed this beforehand.
Then I remembered that this was the cultivation world.
People could spend centuries perfecting the art of standing up gracefully if they really wanted to.
With Grandmother leading the way, we advanced through the hall.
Mother walked beside me while I curiously observed the candidates.
Almost immediately, I noticed something.
Their eyes.
All the women’s eyes were glued to me with alarming intensity.
Some looked curious.
Some looked admiring.
And quite a few were already staring at me with blatant infatuation.
I was eight years old.
Eight.
Somewhere in the distance, I could practically hear the FBI preparing a raid.
Though if anyone was getting arrested first, it would definitely be Mother and Grandma.
Those two were far more obsessed with me than any of the women in this hall.
Honestly, I didn’t even know how to classify their behavior anymore.
As for the attention…
Well, I couldn’t entirely blame them.
My appearance was admittedly ridiculous.
Call me narcissistic if you want, but I was objectively handsome.
Like, absurdly handsome.
The kind of handsome that made people question whether the Heavens had accidentally spent too many points on character creation.
And if I were being completely honest?
I was totally my own type.
No homo though.
Well…
Maybe a little homo.
But only for myself.
That didn’t count.
Probably.
The attention followed us as we approached the elevated platform at the end of the hall.
Upon it stood a magnificent throne forged from celestial crystal and divine gold.
Ancient dragons coiled around its armrests, while countless runes glowed faintly across its surface.
It looked incredibly cool.
The inner fantasy nerd inside me immediately approved.
Grandmother took her seat to my left.
Mother sat to my right.
And I settled onto the central of the throne between them.
[IMAGE] As soon as we were seated, Mother rose gracefully.
She explained the purpose of today’s gathering, the duties expected of those chosen, and the opportunities that accompanied serving the heir of the Supreme Realm of Infinity.
Most of the candidates already knew this information.
Yet when she detailed the benefits, many still gasped in shock.
Some of those rewards were valuable enough to make ancient sects wage wars.
When she finally finished, Mother smiled faintly.
“Now, let the selection ceremony begin.” The candidates began approaching one by one.
Each possessed a unique temperament.
Some were proud.
Some were gentle.
Others radiated confidence or elegance.
There were countless races represented among them, many of which I had never encountered before.
“Greetings, Your Highness.
I am from the Azure Dragon Clan…” “Greetings, Your Highness.
I am from the Earth Dragon Clan…” “Greetings, Your Highness.
I am…” One after another, they introduced themselves, explaining their backgrounds, talents, bloodlines, and accomplishments.
I listened attentively at first.
The diversity fascinated me.
These women came from ancient clans and powerful races that had ruled worlds and realms for countless generations.
Most were young mistresses, princesses, or heirs within their respective factions.
Even if they genuinely wished to serve me, adjusting from a position of authority to one of service would inevitably take time.
As the introductions continued, my attention gradually drifted.
I still listened, but only half-heartedly.
Instead, my thoughts wandered toward the years I had spent with my family.
The love they had given me.
The happiness they had brought into my life.
The countless memories we had created together.
Eventually, my mind drifted to one particular memory.
The day I revealed the truth.
The day I confessed that I possessed memories from a previous life.
Even now, I could remember how terrified I had been.
At the time, I had genuinely feared they would see me as an imposter.
A stranger wearing their son’s face.
I had worried they would reject me.
Hate me.
Abandon me.
Looking back now, the fear seemed almost foolish.
But at that moment…
It had been the most frightening thing I had ever done.