I had no idea how long I had been out, but when I opened my eyes, the shadow of the Genesis Volcano loomed through a giant round window, standing there like a silent guardian.

I blinked, trying to shake off the dizziness, and scanned the familiar surroundings. This was my room. The tapestries showing battles against demons seemed to shift slightly, as if alive. Even the portraits of past crown princes seemed to be moving, each one with the same red hair and confident smiles, like nothing in this world could shake them. The only one missing was my father’s. I had taken it down during my first year of training. I did not need that grin haunting me in my sleep.

Rubbing my eyes, I frowned as the realization hit me. “Wait… did the trials end? How did I get back here?” My heart raced, and I jumped out of bed, grabbing the sword that had always sat next to it. The one my father gave me when I started training.

There was no way I could let my guard down. This could still be part of the trials. I scanned the room carefully, ready to defend myself at a moment's notice. The sword felt lighter in my hand, which struck me as odd, but I had no time to worry about that.

The door creaked open. I immediately spun around, sword raised, ready for whatever was about to come through. Then, a figure stepped in, a maid with long black hair and sharp green eyes that gleamed behind a pair of glasses.

“She is standing right in front of me... but I cannot hear her steps or even feel her presence.” I gripped my sword tighter. However, she was a lot weaker than Vulcan, at least I could see her and keep standing.

The woman’s movements were too precise, each step measured like a predator in disguise. Her hands stayed close to her body, as if ready to draw a weapon at any moment. This was no ordinary maid. Definitely trained for more than just cleaning up messes and tidying up rooms.

“Who are you?” I demanded, my voice firm, the sword raised at her. I was not going to take any chances. This could easily be another awakening trial or one of my family’s twisted tests.

The maid did not flinch. She bowed deeply, her posture eerily perfect, like she was performing a programmed sequence. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you face to face, Crown Prince.” Her voice was cold and formal, not a hint of warmth or life in it. “My name is Lilia. I have been assigned as your personal maid for the past six years.”

Six years? My eyes narrowed. “Six years? How have I never seen you?” I waved my sword slightly, motioning for her to explain herself.

“The Empress and Emperor issued orders that no one was to come within twenty feet of the Crown Prince during his training,” Lilia replied, still as robotic as before. “I was to remain unseen, quietly ensuring all your needs were met.”

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“So she is the one who prepared the baths and changed the sheets.” I studied her closely, trying to read her expression, but there was nothing. She felt more like a statue than a human.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, still not convinced.

Instead of answering, Lilia reached for something in her maid’s pouch, and my instincts kicked in. I took a step closer, enough for my sword to reach her within an instant. However, she kept searching her clothes.

“Stop,” I ordered sharply, taking another step forward, my sword now inches away from her throat.

Again, she didn’t flinch.

“What the fuck is wrong with her?” I asked myself, but I didn’t kill her, feeling no ill intention from her movements.

A few second later, she pulled out a small leather pouch from a hidden pocket. She reached inside it, Lilia magically pulled out a neatly folded set of clothes. A long black cloak with a red dragon embroidered on it, a black tunic with crimson patterns on the edge, and matching trousers. It was like a formal military attire, like something pulled straight from a war film.

"The Empress instructed me to deliver these clothes to the Crown Prince," Lilia said, her voice as emotionless as ever. "You are to be properly dressed for your first public appearance before the nobles, citizens and allies of the Aestum Empire.”

I narrowed my eyes, her words making me pause. The presentation ceremony. My parents had mentioned it during dinner, before the whole awakening ceremony. That part was real. Slowly, I lowered my sword, but I was still cautious. I approached her warily, watching her expressions and body’s reactions.

I reached for the clothes, but before I could grab them, Lilia raised them just out of my reach. My six-year-old body could not reach them without jumping. I shot her an annoyed look.

“The Empress also instructed me to assist you in dressing, since this is your first time in formal attire,” Lilia explained, her tone perfectly calm “Many important people will be present, so the Aestum Crown Prince cannot be seen looking wild and barbaric. I am here to assist.”

Absolutely not. I was not about to let anyone, especially not this robotic maid, dress me like a helpless child. I had already been humiliated enough in this tiny body. I could dress myself. I was an adult!

“Thanks, but I can—” Before I could finish, she lifted me off the ground like I was nothing more than a toddler, her hand gripping the back of my clothes.

I struggled, grabbing her wrist, trying to break free, but it was pointless. She might as well have been made of stone. No matter how hard I pulled, her grip did not budge. For a brief second, I considered using the sword, but… it did not feel like she meant any harm. Just a maid doing her job. Unfortunately, a bit too well. She wasn’t an enemy.

I had to go for another plan. Yes, let’s go with plan B, the authority one. “Hey, what are you doing to your Crown Prince? I will have you fired!” - I threateningly said, but no response, again.

“The Empress anticipated your resistance,” Lilia explained, but I could see a smile on her lips as if she found my attitude funny “She gave me permission to be… forceful. I apologize, Prince.”

“At least sound a bit sorry,” I thought bitterly, but there was no point arguing.

A few minutes later, I found myself walking down the corridor, head hanging low in defeat. The formal cloak and tunic clung awkwardly to me, and my pride felt even heavier. I could not look her in the eyes. Instead, I focused on the floor, counting my steps, each one a reminder of my utter humiliation.

“This way, Prince,” Lilia said, leading the way through the palace. Her voice was as cold and mechanical as before. Ahead, I could hear the faint hum of music and the distant murmur of voices, completely unaware of the indignity I had just suffered.