As the evening deepened, the golden hues of the sun cast long shadows across the royal capital.
Lester, seated by the window of his temporary residence, observed the approaching figures with interest.
He recognized the graceful young woman at the forefront immediately—Alia Stoneheart, the princess of the Stoneheart Empire.
Her golden hair cascaded down her back like a river of sunlight, and even with the veil obscuring her delicate features, her noble bearing was unmistakable.
A step behind her was a young man with dark hair, his sharp eyes carrying the weight of hardship and determination.
His posture was rigid, his aura strong but restrained.
Lester didn't need confirmation to know this was Alistair—the chosen one, as he had surmised.
Following closely were two attendants, Erin and Kai, who were dressed in the official garb of the royal household.
Their roles were clear: protect and serve the princess.
They moved with disciplined grace, their gazes scanning the surroundings as they accompanied their mistress.
Lester smirked to himself before pushing away from the window.
Without hesitation, he descended the stairs and stepped out to greet the group.
As he approached Alia, he performed a refined bow, taking her hand gently and placing a light kiss on the back of it.
"How are you, Princess Alia?" His voice carried a teasing lilt, but there was a touch of sincerity beneath it.
Alia froze at the unexpected yet intimate gesture.
A blush bloomed beneath her veil, coloring her ears and the exposed portion of her cheeks.
For a moment, she was caught off guard.
Before she could compose herself, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"It is rude to display such behavior in front of a royal princess."
Lester turned his gaze toward Alistair, who stood stiffly beside Alia, his dark eyes narrowed with disapproval.
Alia, however, quickly recovered, raising a hand to stop the escalating tension.
"It's alright, Alistair. Lester and I are close friends."
Alistair hesitated for a moment before stepping back, though his rigid posture revealed his dissatisfaction.
Alia finally responded, her voice steady. "I am well, Lester. And you?"
Lester's lips curved into a roguish smile. "You are as beautiful as ever, Princess."
Alia's eyes flickered with something unreadable, but she simply nodded.
"My days have been... productive," Lester continued.
"Hunting monsters in the Dark Forest has its thrills, but I must admit—it has been lonely without you."
Alia's fingers curled slightly at her sides, but she said nothing, merely shifting her gaze away.
Lester then turned to the two attendants. "Erin, Kai—how have you both been?"
The two straightened their posture, speaking in unison.
"We are well, in service of her royal princess."
Finally, Lester let his gaze settle on Alistair.
He studied him for a moment, taking in his rigid stance and unreadable expression.
"How have you been faring in the royal city?" Lester asked, his tone neutral.
Alistair's response was curt. "I am fine."
He left it at that, making it clear he had no interest in further conversation.
Alia's lips pressed together in displeasure, but before she could speak, Lester lifted a hand in a calming gesture.
"It's alright," he said smoothly. "Time will allow us to understand each other better."
Alia sighed but nodded.
Lester, however, had already assessed Alistair's progress.
In the past six months, the young man had grown stronger, reaching the 3rd Layer of the Energy Accumulation Realm in physical cultivation.
If he had fully mastered the nameless body cultivation manual Lester had given him, he would likely be capable of challenging opponents at the mid Energy Accumulation Realm.
Alia, on the other hand, had achieved something even more remarkable.
At just twenty years old, she had reached the 1st Layer of the Energy Accumulation Realm, shattering the previous records of the Stoneheart Empire.
Unlike the super empires where reaching this realm before twenty was common among their elite royalty, the Stoneheart Empire had never seen such rapid progress from one of its own.
It was a testament to Alia's determination and talent.
Meanwhile, Erin and Kai remained at the 4th Layer of Energy Accumulation Realm—formidable, but not extraordinary compared to their mistress.
Lester smiled inwardly.
The princess had been working hard, and it showed.
He gestured toward his residence.
"Why don't we continue this conversation inside?"
Alia nodded, and the group followed him upstairs.
Upon reaching the chamber, Alia took a seat by the window, her gaze drifting over the sprawling view of the capital.
The last rays of sunlight illuminated her silhouette, casting a serene aura around her.
Lester and Alistair sat across from her, while Erin and Kai stood behind their mistress as they always did.
The silence lingered for a moment before Alia spoke.
"Lester, I assume you are aware of the Cave Heaven expedition?"
Lester leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other.
"Of course. It's too significant of an event to ignore."
Alia nodded.
"The expedition will set off in one month. The royal team, along with the two ducal factions—Maxwell and Daemon—will travel together to the eastern borders, where the entrance will appear."
Lester tapped his fingers against the armrest.
"I assume the quotas are limited?"
"They are," Alia confirmed.
"The Stoneheart Empire has fifty slots—thirty for the royal family, ten for Maxwell Duchy, and ten for Daemon Duchy. Only those under thirty and at least in the Peak of mortal transformation Realm are eligible to enter."
Lester's eyes darkened slightly.
"That means the real battle begins before we even step into the cave."
Alistair scoffed.
"Obviously. Every faction will bring their best. If you're not prepared, you'll be left behind."
Lester chuckled. "I should say the same to you."
Alistair stiffened, his expression souring.
Alia sighed.
"Enough. We will be working together in Cave Heaven. There is no need for hostility."
Lester smirked but said nothing.
Erin spoke next. "The greater threat lies within the cave. It is said to contain ancient remnants, trials, and possibly lost inheritances."
Lester's interest piqued.
"Lost inheritances?"
Alia nodded.
"Yes. That's why every empire sends their elites. The treasures within could change the fate of entire factions."
Lester grinned.
This was exactly what he had hoped for.
Alia then added, "However, we must also be cautious of the other empires. The Sun and Star Empires will be sending their own representatives. Prince Reynard of the Moon Empire and the Golden Saintess of the Sun Empire are among them."
Lester chuckled.
"A prince and a saintess. How exciting."
Alia's gaze turned serious.
"Lester, I invited you because I trust your strength. But I must ask—are you truly ready for what's to come?"
Lester met her eyes, his crimson gaze gleaming.
"Princess, I never step into a battlefield unprepared."
Alia studied him for a long moment before nodding.
"Then I look forward to seeing what you can do."
Lester smirked.
"Likewise."
With that, the tension in the room eased.