Chapter 3: The Princes and Princesses Gather

At that moment, in the throne room of the palace, a middle-aged man sat firmly upon his throne. His face, handsome yet weathered by time, bore faint wrinkles along the sides. Despite this, the sternness and intensity in his eyes remained undiminished. If anything, it only grew sharper, compelling anyone who met his gaze to lower their head in reverence. Clad in a black robe, his large, muscular frame was impossible to conceal. His defined muscles were evident, exuding an aura of strength and majesty. His eyes were a deep red, like blood, while his short white hair contrasted sharply with the golden crown resting atop his head. The crown was adorned with seven crystals—red, blue, purple, black, green, yellow, and gold—each emitting a soft glow that reflected the sunlight streaming through the large windows on either side of the throne room. This man was Ragan Lorian, the 99th Emperor of the Great Empire of Velmora, also known as the Lion of the East. He had expanded his empire's territory to encompass the entire central region of the continent, solidifying his place as the most successful and formidable emperor in the history of the thousand-year-old empire. Ragan let out a long sigh as he turned toward the tall man standing to his right. "Roswell, have you relayed my orders for the princes and princesses to come to the throne room immediately?" he asked in an indifferent tone. Roswell was a tall man with slanted eyes and a faint, ever-present smile on his lips. To the unacquainted, he seemed like a kind person, but those who truly knew him understood how cunning he could be. He placed his right hand over his chest and gave a slight bow toward Ragan. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I've already conveyed your orders to the princes and princesses. They should be here in a few minutes." Moments later, a loud voice rang out from the guard at the entrance. "First Prince, Aldric Lorian, entering the throne room!" A prince with a burly frame stepped in with a regal gait. His face, though not conventionally handsome, bore the unmistakable marks of firmness and courage. Standing around two meters tall, his massive physique was impossible to conceal beneath the golden robe he wore. His short hair was blonde, and his red eyes, though in stark contrast to his features, gave off a unique and striking impression. With each step, he radiated a powerful aura that seemed to command the very air around him. Aldric stopped two meters from the throne stairs and lifted his gaze to meet his father's eyes. "Apologies for my tardiness, Father," Aldric greeted respectfully, clasping his hands together and bowing slightly. Ragan nodded in acknowledgment. "No need to worry. You're not too late. Your siblings haven't arrived yet. You're the first." His tone was cold, though anyone paying close attention could sense the annoyance beneath it. Aldric raised an eyebrow and glanced around, noting the empty room, save for himself. "Then let us wait for my siblings, Father," he said respectfully. "Of course." Ragan gave a small nod. With no other choice, they would wait for the others to arrive. Moments later, the voice of the throne room guard echoed again. "Second Prince, Cedric Lorian, entering the throne room!" From the direction of the gates, a tall, slender man entered, walking with deliberate steps. He had a handsome face, framed by glasses. His green hair was slightly long, reaching his ears, and his blue eyes, with elongated tails, gave him a sly, enigmatic appearance. Dressed in a green robe adorned with white cloud-like patterns, his attire suited him perfectly. He stopped two meters from Aldric, turned toward him, and offered a slight smile. "I didn't expect you to arrive first, first brother." Aldric chuckled softly, folding his arms across his chest. "Of course, Cedric. This time, you lost to me," he replied with a teasing tone. Cedric kept his smile, saying nothing further. He then turned to Ragan, seated on the throne, and respectfully cupped his hands. "Apologies for my delay, Father. I hope my tardiness hasn't caused any offense," he said politely. Ragan waved his right hand dismissively. "Don't worry. Aldric has just arrived, and the rest of your siblings haven't arrived yet." Cedric frowned but remained silent. One by one, the princes and princesses entered the throne room. The third prince, Adalen Lorian, was the next to arrive. He was extraordinarily handsome, exuding a calm yet authoritative aura. His gaze was serene, yet any woman who met it would undoubtedly fall in love at first sight. After Adalen, the first princess followed. Her beauty was striking, with delicate features and pink hair flowing down to her waist. Her graceful curves, including her ample chest and hips, could captivate any man. When she looked at Ragan, a soft smile bloomed on Seira's lips. She lifted the edges of her dress and bowed respectfully. "I apologize for my tardiness, Father," she said, her voice as soft as cotton and as sweet as honey. Ragan's usually indifferent and cold expression softened at the sight of his daughter. "It's fine, Seira. Your siblings have just arrived, and you're not late," he replied casually. Seira raised her head and gave a small nod. Soon after, the fourth, fifth, and seventh princes, followed by the second and third princesses and the rest, began to arrive in the throne room. Once everyone had gathered, Ragan nodded in satisfaction. However, his brow furrowed slightly when he noticed two people were missing. "Wait a moment. Where are Nolan and Elina? Are they here yet?" He asked, his tone growing heavier. The princes and princesses exchanged glances, noticing the absence of Nolan and Elina. "Father, would you like me to go to them?" Seira asked gently. Ragan was about to reply when the throne room guard's voice rang out. "Sixth Prince, Nolan Lorian, and Sixth Princess, Elina Lorian, entering the throne room!"