Lassen carefully placed the VR headset on the coffee table, a satisfied smile creeping across his face as he reclined into his favorite armchair. His eyes sparkled with rare amusement, but the moment didn't last.
"Adrian, why is there a mountain of suits in my living room?" he asked, his tone dripping with boredom.
Adrian, standing near the doorway, remained stoic despite the impressive pile of elegant clothing sprawled before Lassen.
"Master, you are meeting the king. You can't show up in your usual attire. Your reputation is at stake."
Lassen glanced at Adrian with a look of pure disbelief before lazily picking up a black suit.
"Reputation? Since when do I have one?" he muttered, tossing the suit onto the floor.
"And black? Really? Am I attending a funeral?"
[Perhaps add a wreath of flowers to complete the look?] the system chimed in sarcastically.
[It would add a poetic touch to your appearance.]
Lassen chuckled, the corners of his lips twitching with irony.
"You really want me thrown out before I've even said a word? No, seriously, this is ridiculous."
Adrian crouched to retrieve the suit, carefully placing it back on the chair.
"If you don't want to look like someone who just crawled out of bed, I strongly suggest you wear it, Master. You don't have a choice."
Lassen raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning slightly.
"Fine, but no tie. I refuse to wear a ridiculous knot around my neck."
"As you wish," Adrian replied, visibly relieved by this small victory.
---
[We could approach this differently, Host] the system suggested in a tone of false contemplation.
[Why not make a grand entrance? I could arrange a drone to drop you directly in front of the palace. It would be worthy of those science-fiction novels you read.]
Lassen burst into laughter.
"And why not a red carpet too? You want me to arrive like a superhero? No, seriously, do nothing. Just let me go in peace."
[You lack imagination. It's disappointing.]
"And you lack common sense. It balances out."
Adrian, listening to the exchange, shook his head and sighed lightly before stepping in.
"We're taking the car. No drones, no theatrics, just a simple and discreet ride. It's for the best."
Lassen shrugged, slumping back into his armchair.
"Do whatever you want. I'm not driving anyway."
---
The time to leave finally arrived.
Adrian had taken the lead, ensuring everything was ready. Lassen, dressed in the understated suit Adrian had picked—without a tie, of course—stepped into the sleek black car waiting outside. The ride was set to be quiet, but the system had other plans.
[You're about to meet the king himself. Your first encounter with a world leader. You should be honored.]
Lassen stared out the window at the passing scenery, his expression one of profound disinterest.
"Honored? I'm mostly annoyed. What's the point of being a genius if everyone always wants to meet you?"
[Because, Host, the world refuses to accept that you prefer solitude and novels over a life of glory and responsibility.]
Adrian, focused on the road, added calmly:
"Perhaps you should try to appreciate the moment, Master. It's not every day one is summoned by a king."
Lassen crossed his arms, his sarcasm as sharp as ever.
"Yeah, that's what worries me. It feels like a trap to make me work harder. I bet he'll ask for another miracle."
[You've already performed enough miracles for a lifetime] the system mocked. [But admit it—it's amusing to watch them scramble around you.]
"If by 'amusing' you mean 'exhausting,' then yes."
---
The arrival at the palace was as impressive as it was predictable.
The large wrought-iron gates slowly opened, and the car drove through a tree-lined avenue, the rows of perfectly aligned trees giving an air of grandeur. In front of the massive building, a royal guard stood at attention, their faces set in unwavering seriousness.
"Isn't this a bit much?" Lassen murmured, eyeing the soldiers.
"It looks like they're expecting an emperor."
Adrian stepped out of the car and opened Lassen's door.
"They're expecting you, Master."
Lassen stepped out with casual indifference, his hands stuffed into his pockets. He glanced at the soldiers lined up and smirked.
"Seriously, guys, relax. I'm not here to conquer the country. Not today, at least."
[Host, your jokes might not be appropriate here] the system warned with faux concern.
"Who said I wanted to be appropriate?"
Adrian walked discreetly at his side, ensuring everything was in order. A delegation greeted them with a mix of respect and curiosity, leading them toward the palace entrance.
Lassen cast one final glance back, muttering under his breath:
"This promises to be boring…"
[Or fascinating] the system replied.
"Care to bet?" Lassen whispered with a sly grin as he stepped through the grand palace doors.