"Let's just say that the request to stay at the Palace is not counted. You can ask for more than that," smiled Grand Sultan.
Even though he said that, how dare Ophelia and the others ask for more. Naeva herself was also not interested in anything other than that. Treasures? She had plenty in her Inventory, Naeva just didn't show it off. Throne? Come on, she who hides power could possibly want a throne. Power? No need, as an Ice Princess, Naeva can make people bow to her whenever she wants. Male or female? It's a bit...
How to explain it, huh? Naeva had never really fallen in love with anyone so far. But that doesn't mean she's never had a relationship either. There's no way that Naeva who has lived 30,000+ years has never been in a relationship or anything like that. Naeva has, and she's had a lot of lovers from the past to the present, from different races, ages and even genders. Maybe that's why she's not interested in being in a relationship anymore. After all, none of her lovers have ever lived longer than 10 years.
"Really, no? You can ask for anything," teased Sultan Agung.
Ophelia moved a little further forward than her friends.
"Sire, there is nothing more we can ask for."
"We did not befriend and party with Princess Berenice for any reward. Just letting us stay until the time of the ascension exam is more than enough for us," Ophelia said politely.
"You guys really have no greed, huh?" replied the Sultan.
"Or maybe because--"
Sultan gave Ophelia a sharp glance.
"--any gift from us is inappropriate for Lady Calliope?"
"!!"
Ophelia did not expect the Sultan to bring up her family in this manner.
"Damn... Is this guy testing me?"
"How could I dare to think that, Sire." Ophelia denied, trying to remain calm.
"No matter what my identity or anyone else's is, the highest authority here is still you, Sire Grand Sultan. We will not do anything against you. Right?"
Hamer nodded politely, "Right, Miss Calliope. How could a common Conqueror like us dare to go against your will, Sire."
"We deserve death if we do. On the other hand, we do not deserve to receive His Majesty's gifts either. As Miss Calliope said, allowing us to stay would be more than enough," Ruka continued just as politely.
"Hoo..." grinned the Sultan.
"Their adaptability is good. They are good at assessing situations and sorting out words. That Lady Calliope too. Most Grand Families exalt themselves too much to bow to the ruler of the floor because they feel their Family has higher authority in the Tower. Yes, that was true. No one would dare blame them for being disrespectful. But this girl was different. She didn't hesitate to bow and give face to the floor lord. This child knows which one is more important than her pride," thought Grand Sultan.
"Then Rokka is there. He has potential. He said he was the one who helped Berenice pass the exam smoothly thanks to his information. If developed properly, the information he can get will definitely be much more valuable."
"And the other guy... Hamer, right? He's... There isn't anything above average so far. There's nothing that stands out about him either. Well, at least he's not lacking in anything. Really a standard guy."
"The mysterious girl who has Cleopatra's backing, the young lady of the Calliope Family who is polite unlike her family, the young Rokka with potential and an ordinary man. If you include Berenice there. Hmm... Balanced."
"Berenice."
Bere gasped, "Y-Yes, Chichiue!"
"It was indeed a short meeting. But thanks to that, I was able to see for myself what your new friends are like, Berenice.
The Sultan changed his grin to a satisfied smile at his daughter.
"You have interesting friends."
"T-Thank you, Sire."
Grand Sultan stood up from the throne, then extended his hand to help the Empress.
"I was worried that my daughter could not make good friends. Such worries were in vain."
With the help of Grand Sultan, Empress Thea also got up from her chair.
"I told you, you are too much, Sire."
"Berenice is indeed immature. But that does not mean she does not have a good eye for judging others. Especially--"
Glancing at Cleopatra.
The empress smiled gently.
"Fufu... There's no way the children who can pass Cleopatra's judgment are bad children."
"That's right," laughed the Sultan.
At this moment, it was clear how much trust Grand Sultan and Empress had in the Second Princess, Cleopatra. Apart from being able to see the future, Cleopatra's intelligence also played an important role in this. Cleopatra and Ophelia are similar people in terms of character. They are intelligent, friendly, gentle, brave, assertive and not naive. They are the type that can easily win the hearts of others.
"Since we have nothing more to talk about. I will end our meeting here. After this, you are free to do whatever you want until lunchtime. Lastly, get some rest because tonight, you have to attend Debutante Berenice's party as well."
"Yes, Great Sultan!"
The Empress looked at them with soothing eyes.
"In order for you to be free to go anywhere other than the Main Palace, I have made permission slips for you. It will be sent to the Princess Palace soon."
"Thank you, Your Majesty Empress!"
The Empress nodded with a gentle smile.
The Sultan and Empress began to walk out of the throne room together followed by their personal guards. After a few steps, the Sun Priest, the princes and princesses also got up from the throne seats and walked behind them.
When their steps began to pass Naeva and the others, the Sultan stopped for a moment.
"What are you waiting for, Berenice? You're coming too."
"Ehh????"
"Me too!? Isn't our conversation over?" Bere was shocked.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
"We haven't met for a long time, shouldn't there be a family talk?" smiled the Sultan forcefully.
"Berenice, don't you miss your family?" asked the Empress sadly.
"I-It's--"
Bere's face looked very unwilling. She was 100% sure that she was just going to be scolded. Quickly, her face looked at Naeva and the others with a pitiable expression, asking to be saved. But Ophelia, Hamer and Ruka just shook their heads.
"Sorry, Bere. We can't go against the Sultan's will," Hamer smiled mockingly.
"Just give up, Bere Nee-san."
"Bere, it's been a while since you've seen your family, hasn't it? Enjoy your time," Ophelia smiled.
Naeva remained with her flat expression, "Mind your own business."
"Be-Betrayer!!!" screamed Bere inwardly.
And so, while waiting for lunch time, Bere was dragged away by her family to face a long scolding and a little reunion. Leaving Naeva and the others who were given the freedom to do whatever they wanted after picking up their tokens at the Princess Palace.
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****OOO****
Characters Information
Name: Naeva WinterNova: X PlatinumRace: Ice PrincessAge: 30 [https://img.wattpad.com/19451227360c416e32de1357fa2ba551d9edda76/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6371665a676b586e43576a6c72773d3d2d313333353637373635312e313739306134373431333235343261653238383934353234383437342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Naeva Winter
Nova: X Platinum
Race: Ice Princess
Age: 30.000+
Status: Irregular
Affiliation: None
-------------------------------------------------
Name: Ophelia CalliopeNova: II OrangeRace: UnknownAge: 17Status: Lady of Calliope FamilyAffiliation: Calliope Familiy [https://img.wattpad.com/0a1798922cae1fedda33c7b6a553cd508335fbe4/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f764637635f454d66394b445669513d3d2d313333353637373635312e313739306235323337353264623064373439303032323532333430392e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Ophelia Calliope
Nova: II Orange
Race: Unknown
Age: 17
Status: Lady of Calliope Family
Affiliation: Calliope Familiy
-------------------------------------------------
Name: Berenice Ptolemaios Auletes Nova: VII RedRace: Anubis Age: 16Status: First PrincessAffiliation: Ptolemaios Sultanate [https://img.wattpad.com/ecebbd15bd9e5bc9b5420788c59e02458759d4d8/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f49387058724246726366574d31673d3d2d313333353637373635312e313739306134356364346336343266633733303333353739363836312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Berenice Ptolemaios Auletes
Nova: VII Red
Race: Anubis
Age: 16
Status: First Princess
Affiliation: Ptolemaios Sultanate
-------------------------------------------------
Name: Cleopatra Ptolemaios AuletesNova: Unable to Access Nova Race: Anubis Age: 16Status: Second PrincessSun PriestessAffiliation: Ptolemaios Sultanate [https://img.wattpad.com/d685396486dbe2ad8bafb6355edea1727da9d512/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4c646639664c2d4d4c335a3746413d3d2d313333353637373635312e313739306134353162643636343064643338323037393537333530332e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Cleopatra Ptolemaios Auletes
Nova: Unable to Access Nova
Race: Anubis
Age: 16
Status: Second Princess
Sun Priestess
Affiliation: Ptolemaios Sultanate
-------------------------------------------------
Name: HamerNova: V RedRace: UnknownAge: 20Status: UnknownAffiliation: Unknown [https://img.wattpad.com/f3af2d2a50cfb9e2804e5f5d23dfccf2408e2a55/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4d614a37696466725a36477949413d3d2d313333353637373635312e313739306134346662343165656436663237343038363636393038342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Hamer
Nova: V Red
Race: Unknown
Age: 20
Status: Unknown
Affiliation: Unknown
-------------------------------------------------
Name: RukaNova: II RedRace: RokkaAge: UnknownStatus: UnknownAffiliation: Unknown [https://img.wattpad.com/e346c288c6e8d743fb66fba18c19223820b0e157/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f7570424c6c5835486a5935736f673d3d2d313333353637373635312e313739306134346535356664336131643133353533373233313531352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Ruka
Nova: II Red
Race: Rokka
Age: Unknown
Status: Unknown
Affiliation: Unknown
****OOO****
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What happens afterward is not that important.
Ophelia spent her time touring the Palace with Cleopatra. They discuss things they find enjoyable such as history and ancient relics. Hamer visited the blacksmith to repair his weapons and saw a typical Sultanate forging. Ruka slept in his room. And Naeva alone looked around the Sultanate as a whole. Since she was alone, there was no need for her to hide some skills such as super-fast movement, flying, etc.
Naeva quite enjoyed her trip. She hadn't seen the desert since the days of the Ice Queen. So this was something new in her eyes.
Once the time was up, they had lunch with the Sultanate Family. The conversation was more relaxed than they expected. In fact, Grand Sultan was not as scary as rumored and the Empress was always kind and gentle. The princes chose to be unconcerned without lowering their decorum.
The break between lunch and the Debutante party in the evening was used for rest. They had enough energy for the evening.
Princess Berenice's Debutante ball was held with the grandeur and splendor of a Sultanate. All the nobles had arrived in the capital since the beginning of Berenice's 2nd floor ascension exam so it didn't take long for Princess Berenice's Debutante to get underway. At the party, Sultan Agung formally introduced Princess Berenice to the nobles and put the name Ptolemaios on her. The nobles cheered the maturity of the First Princess of the Ptolemaios Sultanate.
But perhaps because we are talking about Bere. The party didn't last too long. Bere did everything she could to shorten the time. From a full 8 hours to only 5 hours. She was fed up with all the nobles looking down on her. Or the many marriage proposals coming her way.
Neither the Sultan, Empress nor Crown Prince had any intention to stop Bere from shortening the party time. Because if they did, Bere would have exploded. The only reason Bere managed to survive without showing her true colors was because Cleopatra was always by her side during the party.
Naeva, Ophelia, Hamer and Ruka who had come with Bere, decided to stay in the VIP room and watch the party from a distance. Not only because they didn't know anyone there. They also didn't want their identities to be exposed too much. Especially Ophelia who was being watched for her movements.
Besides the nobles from the Sultanate, the Sultan also invited various important people from outside the 2nd Floor. Of course, there were members of the Grand Families among the guests. That's why Ophelia was even more unwilling to show herself.
The party ended peacefully (?). There was no major conflict other than a small fight between drunk people.
The next day, Bere's debut to the people began. Princess Berenice was officially introduced to the people through a grand parade around the capital. Especially for that day, Princess Berenice had to spend the whole day for her people. And this parade will last for a whole week.
After a week had passed, the people were still holding various celebrations to welcome their Princess. Ophelia and the others were happy, because there was a lot to sell in the capital. Various booths were set up like a carnival and many performances were held as well. Bere, on the other hand, had run out of energy and chose to stay in the Princess Palace until the 3rd floor exam.