Good to See You Again, Your Majesty

The group followed the Palace Guard for less than twenty minutes, passed through two grand halls, and arrived at another broad square.

Many people were already waiting in the square. At their head stood someone they had met once before: Carol I, the king himself.

Seeing that the king had been waiting for them, Alex hurried forward with all the Vela Nobles and dropped to one knee before him.

"Your Majesty, you came to welcome us in person. We are deeply humbled!"

"Duke Alex, everyone from Vela, there's no need for ceremony. You'll be coming here often from now on.

"And those around you will be your future colleagues. Everyone hopes to work alongside you and contribute more to the kingdom."

As soon as he finished speaking, the waiting crowd erupted in a chorus of cheers that echoed across the square.

The Palace Guard soldiers lined up around the square stamped their feet and waved their weapons in salute. Their powerful voices made the cheers deafening.

The Vela Nobles were swept up in the excitement, their faces flushed. Even Alex was no exception. Being welcomed by the king himself, with the nobles of the Raine Kingdom in attendance, was an extraordinary honor.

In that moment, the Vela Nobles felt a much stronger sense of belonging to the kingdom.

Victor, however, sensed several unsettling stares. He gave no sign of it and began studying the nobles in the crowd.

But the square was too chaotic. Everyone was clapping and cheering, and even after looking around, Victor found no clues.

At last, Carol I raised a hand for silence. The nobles soon quieted, and the Palace Guard stopped cheering. Victor felt the hostile gazes disappear as well.

Carol I then personally introduced the nobles present to Alex and the Vela Nobles. "This