— The First Step
Nahil continued cultivating for a long time.
The surrounding spiritual qi gathered around him steadily, flowing into his body with far greater ease than before. Every breath he took felt more refined, and the circulation of qi within his meridians became smoother with each passing moment.
He could clearly feel the difference.
His cultivation speed had increased significantly.
This was not something that could be achieved through normal talent.
This must be because of the Yang Constitution…
The thought appeared naturally in his mind.
—
As time passed, the weakness in his body gradually disappeared.
Strength returned to his limbs, and the faint heaviness he had felt earlier was no longer present.
Instead, his body felt lighter.
More stable.
More complete.
—
After cultivating for several hours, Nahil slowly opened his eyes.
The sky outside had already darkened.
He had unknowingly cultivated for nearly the entire day.
—
He clenched his fist slightly, feeling the strength within his body.
"My cultivation…"
He paused briefly.
"It has improved again."
Although he had not broken through to the next stage yet, his foundation had become much stronger.
—
Nahil exhaled slowly and stood up from the bed.
I cannot stay here doing nothing.
—
At that moment, the door opened.
Clory entered the room and looked at him.
"You are awake and moving already," she said, her tone carrying a hint of surprise. "Your recovery speed is quite impressive."
Nahil gave a faint smile.
"I feel much better now."
Clory observed him carefully for a moment, then nodded.
"The Princess is waiting for you."
—
Nahil's expression turned slightly serious.
So it begins…
—
He followed Clory through the manor.
The environment around him was calm and elegant, far beyond anything he had experienced before. The architecture, the atmosphere, and even the faint spiritual energy in the air all indicated that this place belonged to a powerful force.
This is not a place for ordinary people…
—
After some time, they arrived at a quiet hall.
Imaria was already there.
She stood near the window, her figure calm and composed, as if she had been waiting for a while.
When Nahil entered, she turned slightly.
—
Her gaze fell on him.
For a brief moment, that strange feeling returned.
That faint warmth.
That quiet connection.
It was still there.
—
"You have recovered well," she said.
Nahil nodded.
"Thanks to you."
Imaria did not respond to that.
Instead, she moved directly to the matter.
"The marriage will be arranged soon."
Nahil remained calm.
"I understand."
—
Imaria looked at him carefully.
"You should also understand one thing."
"This is only a temporary arrangement."
"There will be rules."
—
Nahil raised his gaze slightly.
"What kind of rules?"
—
Imaria spoke in a steady tone.
"You will act as my husband in public."
"But in private, we have no relation."
"You are not allowed to interfere in my matters."
"And you are not allowed to reveal anything about this arrangement."
—
Her words were clear and precise.
Nahil listened without interrupting.
—
After she finished, he nodded slightly.
"That is acceptable."
—
Imaria observed him for a moment.
His response was too straightforward.
No hesitation.
No unnecessary reaction.
—
"…You seem very calm," she said.
—
Nahil smiled faintly.
"I am in no position to complain."
—
For a brief moment, silence filled the room.
—
Then Imaria spoke again.
"The announcement will be made soon."
"After that, your identity will change."
—
Nahil's eyes narrowed slightly.
Identity…
That word carried weight.
—
"I understand," he replied.
—
Imaria turned slightly toward the window.
"Prepare yourself."
"The palace is not a peaceful place."
—
Nahil followed her gaze.
The night sky stretched endlessly outside.
Calm on the surface—
but hiding countless unknown dangers.
—
"I already expected that," he said.
—
Imaria did not respond.
But inwardly—
she felt something shift again.
That connection between them…
was becoming clearer.
—
After a moment, she spoke calmly,
"You may leave."
—
Nahil nodded and turned to leave the hall.
—
As he walked through the manor once again, his thoughts began to settle.
Fake marriage… royal palace… hidden dangers…
This path was not simple.
—
But instead of fear—
a faint determination appeared in his eyes.
—
If this is the path in front of me…
then I will walk it.
—
Back inside the hall, Imaria remained standing alone.
Her gaze slowly lowered.
That faint warmth still lingered.
Unfamiliar.
Unavoidable.
—
This connection… what exactly is it…
—
Far away, deep within the palace—
the ancient ancestor sat in silence.
Although his eyes were closed—
his presence remained aware.
—
Let us see…
—
how far this boy can go.
—
And just like that—
the first step into the palace had already begun.