- 114 years after the apocalypse -

"Big brother, wake up! Big brother, wake up!"

Jonan Westrian's little sister, Luna, shook him vigorously. "We're going to be late for the princess's banquet! At this rate, Father will be angry with you!"

Jonan groaned, barely opening his eyes. "I'm awake, I'm awake, Luna. Calm down, there's still time," he murmured.

Luna puffed out her cheeks in frustration. "What are you talking about? We're leaving right now! Get up quickly before Father finds out you're not ready. You don't want to sleep in the dungeon again, do you?!"

Jonan sighed, sitting up in bed. He gently patted Luna's head. "I'm getting up, don't worry. Wait for me with Father—I'll be there in a moment, okay…?"

Luna nodded and dashed out of the room.

Jonan rubbed his temples, shaking off the remnants of sleep.

Alright, I need to hurry. Just like Luna said, I have no interest in going back to the dungeon.

He quickly got dressed and made his way to the carriage.

The Carriage Ride

As Jonan arrived, his father, Duke Darius Westrian, turned to him with an icy glare.

"Jonan, you're late. Why is that? Do you want to sleep in the dungeon again? Was the last time not enough for you?! Huh, Jonan?!"

A cold shiver crept down Jonan's spine.

The last time…

It had been four years since his father first threw him into that dungeon.

Jonan sat stiffly inside the rocking carriage, staring blankly at the passing landscape.

I've been locked in there more times than I can count. But honestly? I've gotten used to it.

His gaze flickered to the man sitting across from him—his father. The same cold expression. The same distant eyes.

He's changed since then. I don't even think he sees me as his son anymore.

Beside him, Luna sat quietly, her small hands resting on her lap. Unlike their father, she still looked at him with warmth, though a hint of worry lingered in her green eyes.

Their destination? The princess's banquet.

The Grand Entrance

"Big brother, wake up… big brother!"

Jonan blinked as Luna nudged him impatiently.

"I'm up… everything's fine, Luna."

The carriage rolled to a stop, and the doors swung open. Jonan, the Duke, and Luna stepped out, their eyes drawn to the grand estate before them.

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As they entered, the voice of an announcer boomed through the hall.

"Presenting the arrival of Duke Darius Westrian and his family!"

Applause filled the air as they walked through the massive banquet hall. The walls were lined with intricate gold embellishments, and a magnificent staircase stood at the center, its golden railing gleaming under the chandelier's light.

Jonan's eyes narrowed at the extravagant display.

How can they afford to waste so much gold while the kingdom is falling apart?

His gaze swept across the gilded railings, the excessive luxury surrounding them.

It's hard to believe we're on the verge of civil war when looking at a place like this.

Letting out a quiet sigh, he forced himself to look ahead.

The Duke wordlessly left his children behind, making his way toward a group of nobles.

The Buffet & An Unexpected Arrival

Luna tugged at Jonan's hand.

"Jonan, I'm hungry! Come taste all these dishes with me," she said eagerly. "I think I saw seafood on the table!"

Jonan chuckled at her enthusiasm.

"Alright, alright," he said, allowing himself to be pulled along.

As they reached the buffet, a loud announcement echoed through the hall.

"Presenting the royal family—His Majesty, King Alan Vestia, Her Majesty, Queen Sierra Vestia, and their only daughter, Princess Naora Vestia!"

The hall fell into synchronized applause. Nobles and servants alike bowed as the royal family made their entrance.

Jonan turned his gaze toward them.

King Alan Vestia was a short, rotund man with emerald-green eyes. His long, thick beard covered most of his plump face. Though his movements were slow, his presence alone commanded authority.

Beside him was Queen Sierra Vestia—an elegant and breathtaking woman, her large blue eyes resembling polished lapis, her golden hair flowing smoothly down her back. She moved with effortless grace, her long legs carrying her like a figure sculpted from royalty itself.

Then, there was Princess Naora Vestia.

Her green eyes, unlike her father's, did not shine—instead, they held a shadowed depth, a quiet intensity. Her golden hair, soft and well-kept, framed her flawless face.

She was slender yet well-proportioned, a delicate balance between fragility and strength.

Jonan felt his breath catch for a moment.

She is… the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.

Princess Naora noticed Jonan's reaction from afar—his slightly widened eyes, the faint blush creeping onto his face.

It intrigued her.

With slow, elegant steps, she began walking toward him and Luna.

Jonan stiffened, his mind racing.

Why is she coming toward me?

The princess turned to Jonan and Luna and asked, "May I join your conversation?"

A Conversation with the Princess

"Of course, Your Highness," Jonan replied respectfully.

Naora let out a soft sigh, smiling. "Ah, I'd also appreciate it if you spoke more casually. It would make things more comfortable for me."

Jonan hesitated before giving a small nod.

"Now," Naora continued, her voice emphasizing his name, "tell me a little about yourself, Jonan."

"Me?" Jonan hesitated. "Hmm… I like to read."

"Read?" The princess echoed with curiosity. "And what do you like to read about?"

Jonan's stiffness faded slightly. "I enjoy history books. Mostly about the world before the apocalypse."

Without realizing it, he had started speaking more casually.

"I just love their stories so much," he continued, a spark of enthusiasm creeping into his voice. "It all sounds like a fantasy tale—machines that could fly people across the world, devices that let you talk to someone across the seas… It's fascinating, isn't it?"

Naora chuckled, watching him with amusement.

"You're a very interesting person, Jonan."

She smiled, her eyes gleaming.

"Perhaps one day, we should sit and read about them together."

Jonan felt heat rise to his face.

"If that is Your Highness's wish, I would not refuse…" he stammered.

Gathering himself, he hesitated before asking, "If I may… what do you enjoy doing in your free time, Your Highness?"

The princess's eyes sparkled.

"I love hunting."

Jonan's eyes widened. "Alone?"

Naora chuckled. "Of course not! I always have guards with me, but I'm the one who hunts."

Her lips curled into a pleased smile.

"But my favorite part?" she added, voice filled with passion. "Eating what I've hunted with my own hands. There's nothing quite like it."

Jonan couldn't help but think—

Wow… she's so beautiful…

A New Beginning?

"I hope to see you again, Jonan."

As Naora walked away, Jonan couldn't shake the thought running through his mind.

I hope to talk to her like this again someday…

I hope to see you again, Princess Naora…

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