Jerome sat in an expansive tub resembling a miniature pool, generously filled with water. Having been meticulously cleaned by the Palace maids only moments ago, he luxuriated in the comfort of the steaming warmth enveloping his body. It was a novel experience for Jerome, who had not had the privilege of indulging in a full-body bath, let alone one with pleasantly heated water since he found himself in this world.

In-door plumbing, he chuckled. Rihal had talked about it like it was some discovery that could revolutionize the kingdom. Perhaps, he had muttered. In the orphanage, they get a little water once or twice every ten days to wash their face, mouth, and hands.

“I wonder how the orphanage is doing now," Jerome muttered to himself in thought. Apparently, it had been nine days since he left but it felt like not even a day had gone by.

He examined his body and found out his flesh had filled out. He no longer looked like skin and bones. He got out of the bathtub after a while, wiped himself clean, and put on the robes left for him by the maids. The robes fit like a second skin and the boots were just the right size.

He noticed his hair was longer, reaching past his shoulders to his back. He reached his right hand to hold up a few strands in front of his face and found that his hair was jet black and shiny.

“Shweet,” he said. Ash usually used words like that. Jerome chuckled. His hair was a lot healthier now, a stark contrast to the dull scratchy mop of tangled strands that once crowned his head. He left the washroom and met one of the young maids at the door.

“Please come with me, young master.” She said and began guiding him through the corridors of the Palace.

Puzzled by the way she addressed him, he followed but said nothing. They made their way through the palace, walking through long, winding corridors that seemed to stretch on endlessly. The interior of the palace was a sight to behold, every bit as stunning as the grand exterior that had first caught his eye. It was clear that the architect had poured their heart and soul into every detail of its design.

Tall, majestic columns lined the walls of the corridors, each one glistening with glowing crystals that sparkled and shone like precious jewels. The walls themselves were a marvel, inlaid with intricate designs that caught the light in just the right way, filling the corridors with a warm, golden glow that seemed to envelop them.

As they walked, Jerome couldn't help but marvel at the floor beneath his feet. Every step he took was cushioned by plush, luxurious red rugs that seemed to cradle the sole of his boots like soft pillows. With each stride he took, he felt as though he was walking on clouds.

The rugs themselves were a work of art, each one more vibrant and colorful than the last. Rich hues of red, gold, and green wove together in intricate patterns that seemed to dance beneath his feet, adding a sense of glamor and royalty to the already regal air of the palace. It was clear that no expense had been spared in creating this breathtaking masterpiece of architecture and design.

Exactly how much is all this worth? he mused, trying not to look around and seem like a country bumpkin.

They came into a large hall with a huge rectangular table filled with delicacies. That was when hunger hit him like a running bull. Jerome almost lost his composure. He walked up to the table and bowed deeply at a well-dressed middle-aged man that seemed to be in his early thirties.

The man smiled at him, his demeanor, very much like royalty. “Have a seat,” he said with a slight hand gesture.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

~~~

“Are you enjoying the meal, Jerome?” Jerome’s host asked.

“Hmm,” he said, trying to restrain himself but couldn’t. Every bite of the feast before him was a marvel of incredible flavors that danced across his taste buds. It was easily the most delicious meal he had ever experienced.

The roasted birds were succulent and perfectly seasoned, their tender meat practically melting in his mouth. The beef was just as delectable, each mouthful bursting with a rich, savory flavor that left him wanting more.

“Do have some more. Don’t be shy, there’s a lot for you to eat,” his host said and kept heaping food on the plates in front of him, moving cutlery around with almost blinding speed.

Jerome made sure to sample each and every delicacy on the table, from the crisp, golden potatoes to the fresh, crunchy vegetables. Every dish was a masterpiece in its own right, each one expertly crafted and bursting with flavor.

By the time he finished his meal, Jerome felt as though he had experienced a culinary journey unlike any other, and he couldn’t wait to taste what other delights the Royals had to offer.

Once the meal was finished, Jerome and his host made their way to a grand study, the walls lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls.

“My name is Kilian Vorthe, a relative of the current Sovereign of Vorthe, and welcome to the Vorthe household,”

Jerome bowed deeply before sitting down. “If I may, kind sir. How may I address you?”

Kilian smiled, “Call me Lord Kilian.”

“As you command, Lord Kilian.”

“You don’t have to be overly formal with me,” Kilian Vorthe waved him off. He reached down below his desk for something Jerome couldn’t make out as he said, “As a disciple of Vorthe, there are expectations that are placed on you. Your duties would include representing the Royal family in various teenage gatherings.

“You’ll also make sure to train constantly so as not to lag behind your mates. Strength is one of the ways the Royal family keeps the other families and clans in check. You’d do well not to forget that,” Kilian continued.

Jerome nodded, “Yes, Lord Kilian.”

Kilian continued, “You’d also be undertaking missions in the Essence-Forming Realm. As a Blank, you are the future of the kingdom of Vorthe. Establishing yourself early on is the best advice I can give you.

“But make sure to keep a straight head on your shoulders, and don’t let power make your ego outgrow your ability. This is not to mean you should let others step all over you — remember, you represent the Royal family.”

Jerome nodded enthusiastically. It was clear that the Vorthe family took their leadership role seriously. And by the looks of it, they had the strength for the position. Kilian — like Rihal — had a very strong aura to him that he could almost feel it pushing against him.

“Gratitude, for the insights and encouragement, Lord Kilian,” Jerome said with a slight bow.

“Hmm. You may leave. A maid awaits you to lead you to your quarters,” Kilian stated.

Jerome stood up, bowed deeply, and left. As he walked down the ornate hallways, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead.

~~~

“What’s your assessment of him?” Rihal said as he appeared behind Kilian Vorthe.

“He’s an interesting fellow. I can see that there’s a longing for power in his eyes. And he’s a lot more intelligent than you estimated. He’s the true definition of a precocious child.” Kilian said, with excitement of his own.

“Hmm,” Rihal responded. “You think he’d be able to contain it?” Rihal asked once again, concern hidden in his voice. Jerome’s life was about to get a lot more complicated and they both knew it.

“There’s no telling until we test him. It all depends on his willpower...and his luck.” Kilian responded. “But I guess if he could jump straight to Blank, he may very well surprise us once again.” He said with undisguised anticipation. He couldn’t wait to see what the kid was capable of.

There was complete silence in the study for a few breaths of time.

“Take him to Pilgrims’ Keep after the new moon,” Kilian said at last. “We should be able to estimate his aptitude and willpower better in Pilgrims’ Keep.” He stood up and walked out of the study at which point Rihal had already disappeared.