Chapter 158 - 157: Grand Celebration

Axelius landed and walked straight to his room. Just as he was about to close the door, it suddenly flew open.

"Hey!" a voice shouted.

It was Cyruz, standing there with an annoyed look. "Why are you taking so long?!"

Axel stretched his arms and yawned. "I fell asleep."

Cyruz stomped his foot. "Damn it! We’ve been waiting! Hurry up and do your job!"

Without waiting for a reply, Cyruz grabbed Axel’s arm and shoved him toward Millie. "Hurry up!" he barked, then slammed the door shut.

Millie gave a polite bow. "Your bath is ready, young master."

"Thanks, Millie," Axel said and walked to the bathroom.

Axel walked out of the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel. Millie stood beside the bed, her hands politely folded in front of her. Laid out neatly on the clean sheets were the clothes she had prepared.

"Your clothes are ready, young master," she said with a small smile.

Axel looked at the outfit and gave a small nod of approval.

The clothes were elegant and clearly expensive. A long black coat with silver linings rested on top, the fabric smooth and thick, almost like velvet. The shoulders had sharp cuts, giving it a noble and strong look, and silver embroidery shaped like wings ran down the sleeves.

Under it was a dark gray shirt made of silk, soft to the touch and slightly shiny under the light. It had a high collar with a silver button shaped like a crown.

His pants were fitted and made from a strong black material, smooth and clean with no wrinkles. A leather belt with a silver buckle wrapped around the waist. His boots were polished and reached halfway up his legs, laced tightly and shining like they were new.

On the side was a black glove with the family crest stitched in silver thread. The crest showed a crow with wings spread wide and a star above its head.

Axel smiled to himself. "Nice."

Millie bowed again. "Should I help you dress, young master?"

"No need," Axel said as he grabbed the shirt. "I got it."

Axel, now fully dressed, walked toward the window and pulled the curtain aside. The full moon hung in the sky, bright and calm, casting a silvery glow over the land.

He stared at it for a moment and muttered, "What a beautiful night."

He turned away, stepped out of his room, and headed down the stairs. The mansion’s grand hall was quiet, only the sound of his footsteps echoing against the marble floor.

As he stepped outside, the cool night air brushed against his face and was greeted by the sight of sleek black vehicles lined up in front of the mansion.

They weren’t like ordinary cars—these had a sharp, futuristic design with smooth metal bodies and glowing blue lines running along their sides. The doors opened upward like wings, and the dark glass windows reflected the moonlight.

As Axel walked down the steps, one of the car doors opened for him automatically.

Before getting in, he noticed Cyruz standing by one of the cars, arms crossed, glaring at him

"Tch," Axel muttered under his breath.

Then, in the second pink car, a hand waved from the small window. It was Ellory, smiling brightly at him. Her cheerful energy could be felt even from a distance.

Axel smiled softly in return and nodded.

Without saying a word, Hestepped into his own. The footman opened the door for him and bowed as Axel climbed in.

Once inside, he leaned back and let out a breath, Owen slithered out of his clothes and went to Axel shoulder.

Meanwhile, in the Royal Palace of Archantia...

The palace stood tall and proud, its white walls glowing under the light of the full moon. Golden flags waved gently in the wind, showing the royal symbol.

Guards in shining armor stood straight by the gates, holding long spears and wearing serious faces.

Inside, the halls were filled with warm lights from floating orbs that looked like little stars. Music echoed through the grand ballroom soft strings and gentle drums.

The floors were polished marble, so clean they reflected the chandeliers above. Servants moved quietly, carrying trays of sweets and drinks.

There was a grand celebration happening. Today was a special day—it was the 18th birthday of one of the king’s daughters.

The ballroom was full of nobles wearing beautiful clothes. Long dresses flowed like water, and jewels sparkled like stars. Men wore dark coats with silver or gold buttons, and some had capes hanging behind them.

At the far end of the room stood a wide staircase, and at the top, the King and Queen of Archantia sat on their thrones, smiling proudly.

Between them stood a princess, wearing a white gown that shimmered with every step she took. Her long violet hair was tied up with small pearls, and a silver crown rested on her head.

The people clapped and cheered as she waved gently, her smile kind but reserved.

Whispers rose from the crowd.

"That’s Princess Athena, right?" one nobleman murmured.

"She’s grown so beautiful... just like her late mother," another whispered.

"A wise and strong girl. The king must be proud," someone else added.

"Athena... she’s the true gem of Archantia," an older lady in a velvet cloak said, her fan covering her smile.

All eyes were on the princess. She walked down the stairs slowly, every step graceful. The nobles moved aside as she passed, bowing or nodding with respect.

Some young noblemen stared too long, their faces turning red.

Princess Athena gave small polite smiles as she moved through the crowd, her expression calm.

Princess Tiana stood at the side of the hall, arms crossed and eyes watching her sister with a flat expression and her silver gown shimmered softly under the warm lights of the palace.

Beside her, Sylfia stood quietly, hands folded in front of her.

Tiana leaned slightly toward her and muttered, just loud enough for Sylfia to hear, "Look at her... acting like some kind of saint. If only those people knew her true colors."

Sylfia blinked and glanced around the crowd before whispering back, "Princess... please be careful. Someone might hear you."

Tiana didn’t answer right away. Her eyes were still on Athena, who was now smiling sweetly as nobles bowed and complimented her.

"Tch," Tiana finally said under her breath, "they’re all fools."

Tiana’s gaze lingered on her sister for a moment longer before she finally tore her eyes away.

She scanned the hall, her brows knitting together as she surveyed the gathered nobles.

"Where are the Dravenharts? They’re never late to celebration like this."

Sylfia turned her head slightly, following the princess’s gaze toward the still-closed doors at the far end of the grand ballroom.

"I don’t know, Your Highness," she said respectfully. "It’s unlike them to miss the opening ceremony."