In the room lay a man who appeared to be the oldest person in the entire world.
He looked like he was just waiting for death to call him—a mere husk of a person.
His skin was dark and withered, clinging to his bony frame as if all that remained were bones.
He lay on the bed, so frail and fragile that it seemed as though he was on his last breath.
If it weren't for the faint rise and fall of his chest, one might have mistaken him for being already dead.
It was a gruesome sight to behold.
Alice, who had been on the verge of chastising Kaisen, froze in shock as she also caught sight of the man lying on the bed.
She swiftly averted her eyes and grabbed Kaisen by the ear, eliciting a yelp from him.
"Oww!"
Kaisen whispered in protest.
"Come on. We're not supposed to peek."
Alice whispered back urgently.
"I wasn't peeping. I was just curious."
Kaisen defended himself in a hushed tone.
"Peeping Tom, curiosity killed the cat."
Alice whispered reproachfully.
"Whatever. Let's go. The old man looks like he's on his last breath anyway. Must be the Queen's great-great-grandfather or something."
Kaisen whispered back, earning a frown from Alice.
"Let's not gossip, okay?"
She admonished, pulling him along as they followed Maximus.
...
Finally, Sir Maximus stopped in front of the large door.
"Knock thrice, and the Queen will call you in."
He instructed before taking his leave.
Following his instructions, Alice knocked three times on the door, and it swung open from the inside.
The trio entered the room, eager to meet the Queen.
...
Forget about the last room with the dying man; this was true luxury.
The room was extravagantly decorated, leaving Kaisen feeling afraid to even breathe inside.
It boasted a large canopy bed, an expansive sofa, a grand cabinet, luxurious curtains, and more.
Alice's mouth hung wide open in astonishment, while Lloyd audibly gulped at the opulence surrounding them.
The bed alone could easily accommodate 4-5 people and was draped with lavish veils.
As they stepped inside, even the carpet exuded luxury, its fibers gleaming underfoot.
A large chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow throughout the room, while several paintings adorned the walls.
One particular painting caught their attention—a large portrait of the Queen's family.
In the center sat the Queen herself, regal and resplendent in a stunning red gown. A tiara adorned her head, shining with radiance.
To the Queen's left stood a tall man, clad in gleaming silver armor.
His face was stern and imposing, with eyes as cold and calculating as the darkest depths of the ocean.
On her right stood a girl of remarkable beauty, her presence practically sizzling with allure.
There was an uncanny resemblance to the Queen, but in a younger form.
With dark locks cascading around her shoulders and piercing blue eyes inherited from the man, every curve and feature—from her face to her lips, her figure, and her hips—seemed to echo the Queen's own.
Kaisen couldn't help but gulp at the sight, feeling a mix of awe and intimidation in the presence of such regal magnificence.
'This must be the--'
"That's my family portrait. I was a bit younger when we took it. Time sure does catch up with you."
Came a sudden and smooth voice from behind them.
The trio's heads snapped to the side, and there she was—a woman with flowing pink hair and radiant blue eyes.
She wore a black gown with a daring slit that revealed her left thigh and a neckline so low it seemed her breasts were holding on for dear life with every step she took.
Kaisen couldn't help but notice her smooth, creamy thigh and the enticing curve of her breasts, prompting his mind to immediately wander into the gutter.
Alice, on the other hand, couldn't tear her gaze away from the stunning woman before her.
She couldn't help but feel a pang of insecurity, as if she were somehow lacking in comparison.
'Dammit! Why's everyone so beautiful than me in this world?'
As for Lloyd, he was already mesmerized beyond belief.
He felt as though he were in the presence of a goddess and was overcome with the urge to kneel and bow before her.
"Oh, the days before my husband left me to handle this mess on my own. Oh dear, what am I saying? How rude of me. Welcome, adventurers."
Queen's voice was soft, melodic, hypnotic and sensual.
"Your majesty."
They murmured in unison, instinctively bowing their heads before her.
Her presence seemed to command such reverence from them.
Even Kaisen's little brother couldn't help but salute her, his mind already racing with thoughts of getting closer to her.
'Why am I not getting a quest to interact with her? Is it because my level isn't high enough to even approach her? Guess I'll have to rely on charms for now.'
"Please, rise."
She said, coming to a stop near them.
They obediently raised their heads to meet her gaze.
"That's my husband—well, he was my husband, the King Consort, and my dear darling daughter, Princess—"
"Esmeralda!"
Lloyd interrupted, his voice trailing off in a trance-like state.
Alice quickly jabbed him, pulling him away from his current stupor.
"Shit! Forgive this imbecile for intervening, my Queen. If you can't forgive, then kill me yourself."
Lloyd blurted out, quickly dropping to his knees in apology.
The Queen simply giggled, her pearl-like teeth gleaming in the light.
"I'm even more impressed. An adventurer from a faraway land who knows about my daughter. How interesting."
The Queen remarked with a smile.
"Princess Esmeralda is widely respected in our realm, your majesty. She symbolizes hope and peace. Even your late husband was a revered hero to us. It's truly saddening to think he departed from this world so suddenly."
Lloyd added solemnly.
Alice could only shake her head in agreement.
Kaisen on the other hand did not had any idea who this princess was.
The only thing he wants right now was to shag both the mom and daughter and add them to his harem list.
"Well, we can't change the past, can we? If Lady Second were here, then perhaps, but even she has been missing for a millennium. Let's leave behind thoughts of past heroes and focus on the present. Once again welcome... to my palace."
"Your majesty, we're truly honored to be invited to your palace. Thank you."
Alice said.
"Ah, yes, where are my manners? Please, follow me. Let's head to the balcony. You'll surely enjoy the view from there."
With that, the Queen slowly walked towards the balcony, her graceful stride resembling that of a model on stage.
The gown hugged her curves, accentuating every sway of her hips and the mesmerizing jiggle of her ass cheeks.
Unable to resist, Kaisen found himself licking his lips unconsciously.
'This is will surely a night to be remembered.'