PLQYM | Chapter 2

“Please, follow me this way.”

The head attendant’s solemn voice echoed through the palace corridor.

‘Wow, does the head attendant for His Majesty get chosen based on their voice? Why is his voice so good?’ Lucian held back his amazement and followed the head attendant down the hall.

The head attendant, well into his middle age, walked with such a dignified and upright stance that Lucian found himself unconsciously straightening his own back.

It was his first day in the Imperial Palace. He’d made it here by defeating incredible odds—5,000 to 1—to be chosen as the aide to His Majesty, Emperor Heraith. Just remembering the moment he had received the news felt like the peak of happiness in his life.

And not only that, but who was the Emperor Heraith he was now serving? He was praised as the perfect emperor of the Great Empire of Pranas, skilled in both military and civil affairs. Not only was he highly skilled as a knight, but he was also exceptional at managing the empire. Some people even called him a “workaholic” because of his unwavering dedication to his nation.

To be the aide of such a man—Lucian’s heart raced in excitement just at the thought of working beside him for the empire.

As he followed the head attendant, Lucian suddenly grew curious.

“Um, sir, what kind of person is His Majesty?”

“He’s much as you might have heard,” the head attendant answered calmly, but that was all he said.

Lucian, brimming with excitement, wanted to ask more, but held his tongue. Something told him it was probably better not to dig further.

‘Sometimes you’ve got to trust your gut.’

Maybe the head attendant appreciated Lucian’s restraint because, after a moment, he spoke up on his own, “He’s someone who excels in every aspect without leaning too heavily in any one direction.”

“…….”

“He may seem to be doing nothing, yet he accomplishes everything.”

“……Oh.”

“Just know that much.”

“……Yes.”

He did nothing but accomplish everything? What kind of riddle was that?

No matter how he’d ask or phrase it, Lucian doubted he’d get the answer he wanted, so he decided to change the topic.

“What sort of tasks will I be doing?”

“That hasn’t been decided yet. Once you meet His Majesty, he’ll make the decision.”

Silence fell once more.

The head attendant was tight-lipped, as if his stern appearance wasn’t only for show. He seemed as rigid as Lucian’s own father.

“It’s best to experience it yourself, so don’t carry any preconceptions and just work hard. I believe you might…”

The head attendant trailed unusually off, as if he was debating saying something. Lucian thought he might have heard something like, “You might last quite a while,” but the other man’s words had faded before he could be sure.

And that was the end of their conversation.

Only the sound of their footsteps echoed across the palace’s endless hallway..

After what felt like ages of walking, the head attendant finally stopped and turned to Lucian. They stood before a grand, elaborately crafted door, guarded by an imposing sentry with a hardened expression.

After a brief pause, an attendant appeared from within.

“The new aide for His Majesty has come to pay his respects,” the head attendant said.

“Yes, but…”

As the other attendant hesitated, the head attendant sighed deeply. “Fine, just hurry along now. The aide will be by His Majesty’s side for 24 hours, so it’s better to get acquainted.”

“Understood.” The attendant nodded and disappeared into the Emperor’s quarters.

After a short time, he returned and respectfully relayed his message, “Please, enter.”

“Hmm.”

The head attendant moved forward, and Lucian followed closely behind.

The Emperor’s quarters had a corridor similar to the one outside, though here, guards were stationed at regular intervals.

They continued deeper until they reached an area that, while still grand, felt more subdued than the entrance doors. Here, the head attendant turned to Lucian.

“Until His Majesty speaks to you first, you must remain silent. Bow your head the moment you enter and do not lift it until His Majesty gives permission. Understood?”

“Understood,” Lucian responded, his face tense from nerves.

This was the moment he’d finally meet His Majesty.

The final door opened, and Lucian stepped inside the Emperor’s private quarters, his heart pounding.

Reflecting its occupant’s character, the room was luxurious yet somber. In the center stood a massive canopy bed with its curtains drawn fully closed. The layers of sheer fabric hid any detail of the person lying within.

With a soft voice, the head attendant bowed towards the bed and said, “Your Majesty, I’ve brought the new aide.”

“…Oh, the aide.”

At last, a deep, drowsy, and lethargic voice drifted from within the bed.

A chill ran down Lucian’s spine. There was something inexplicably thrilling about that voice, a sensation that seemed to vibrate within his very bones.

‘Whoa, what a voice.’

As Lucian marveled, he heard a rustle from within the bed; it seemed the Emperor was finally stirring. A moment later, the canopy curtains fluttered, and someone stepped out.

Lucian struggled to keep his head bowed, remembering the head attendant’s warning. He couldn’t lift his head until permitted by His Majesty.

Just then—

“Hmmm.”

The deep voice came again.

In a flash, Lucian realized there was a bare foot in front of him. He briefly wondered why the Emperor was barefoot but quickly dismissed the thought, focused on not looking up.

“What is your name?”

“Lucian Astro, second son of the Count of Astro,” answered the head attendant in Lucian’s stead.

The Emperor murmured with mild surprise, “The son of Count Astro?”

“Indeed, Your Majesty. He graduated just recently from the Royal Academy, this year’s top graduate in fact.”

“Is that so? Good thing he doesn’t take after his father. Seems he’s got a decent head on his shoulders.” The Emperor’s words held a hint of sarcasm, making Lucian’s eyebrow twitch despite himself. “Why so silent… Ah.” The Emperor, grumbling from above, seemed to realize something. “Cliff must have lectured you. ‘Bow your head, don’t respond until permitted,’ right?”

“…….”

“Answer.”

The Emperor’s tone, though brief, held an undeniable authority. Lucian flinched instinctively but quickly regained his composure.

“Oh-ho.” The Emperor’s response was one of clear amusement. “So, your name is Lucian, is it? You may raise your head now and answer.”

With the Emperor’s command, the head attendant leaned in and whispered to Lucian, “Obey His Majesty’s order.”

Lucian slowly lifted his head.

As his gaze rose, he took in the figure standing before him. Powerful calves devoid of any excess flesh, thighs sculpted like art—each muscle blended together, forming a physique that could only be called perfection.

Then he stopped, his eyes caught onto something entirely unexpected.

‘Ahhh!’

Suppressing an internal scream, Lucian jerked his head up.

‘What did I just see? This man… no, His Majesty is actually… completely naked…?’

He tried to remain composed, but it wasn’t easy. Lucian blinked furiously to rid his mind of the sight he’d just glimpsed. Then—

“Ice blue, huh. It’s a pretty rare color.”

Right in front of him, a strikingly handsome man with golden hair suddenly appeared. His hazel eyes, a blend of gold and green, observed Lucian leisurely.

The eye contact lasted only a moment, but Lucian felt himself instinctively trying to step back. The Emperor, however, was faster.

The Emperor wrapped an arm around Lucian’s waist and pulled him close.

And in the next instant—

“……!”

Something soft and warm covered Lucian’s lips.