The Invincible Young Master

Could he be a powerful figure in disguise? she speculated silently.

Just then, her masked attendant, who had maintained a silent watch beside her, leaned in and whispered into her ear. His sudden movement was uncharacteristic, indicating that even he was taken aback by the youth's presence.

As his whispered words reached her, Princess Ling Yan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She turned her gaze back to the golden-haired youth approaching them, her curiosity now mixed with a measure of realization.

"So, it's him," she murmured softly to herself, quickly regaining her regal composure. The masked man's revelation had given her a critical piece of information that she had not expected.

Duke Red, ever the consummate host, took this moment to formally introduce the two distinguished figures.

He turned towards the princess with a gracious gesture. "Princess Ling, may I present Lord Spark, the Holy Scion, and his companions."

Spark, with his vibrant golden hair and an aura of effortless confidence, approached with a smile that seemed to light up the room. His presence was undeniably magnetic, drawing the attention of everyone around.

"It is an honor to meet you, Princess," Spark said warmly, extending his hand toward her.

However, this gesture did not go unnoticed by the princess's masked guard. His brows furrowed, and he glared at Spark, a silent but clear warning not to overstep boundaries.

Sensing the tension and perhaps the cultural nuances he had overlooked, Spark quickly retracted his hand.

"Oh, I guess it would be rude to kiss a maiden's hand in your custom," he remarked with a playful smile, giving a slight bow of his neck instead.

Princess Ling Yan's expression softened slightly at his quick understanding and respectful gesture.

"The honor is mine, Lord Spark," she replied with a graceful nod. "Your reputation precedes you, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

Spark sat comfortably with his companions standing behind him, seeming entirely at ease in the grand hall. He took a sip from his wine glass, his demeanor radiating confidence and nonchalance.

"I've heard a lot about you, Lord Spark," Princess Ling Yan remarked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Your unparalleled merits on the frontlines, your invincible might."

"You flatter me, Princess," Spark replied with a laugh, casually rubbing his nose as if brushing off the praise. His informal manner seemed to irk the masked man beside her, whose frown deepened.

As the conversation flowed, Princess Ling Yan skillfully steered it toward the ancient tale of Julius, the human emperor.

Her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "If those dark beings emerged from the depths of the earth once again, who would rise to become the next Emperor Julius?"

"Julius? Oh, that story." Spark waved a hand dismissively as he reached for another glass of wine. "Those dark things are just weak remnants that escaped here from a different realm."

Her curiosity piqued, she asked. "What does Lord Spark know about those dark beings?"

Spark shrugged nonchalantly. "Just some weak remnants, nothing big."

"Weak?" Princess Ling Yan pressed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Is Lord Spark confident in defeating those dark beings?"

Spark waved his hand as if swatting away an annoying insect. "I could squash them like a fly."

His casual dismissal of such formidable entities, that once roamed the land uncontested, made the princess raise an eyebrow in surprise.

Everyone at the table, including Duke Red and William, could see that Spark had indulged in quite a bit of wine. His carefree responses, while impressive, seemed more like the bravado of a man who had drank too much.

"Oh, then Lord Spark must have entered one of the places where those beings were sealed?" she probed, hoping for more of his intriguing remarks.

Spark shook his muddled head. "I've never been to the ruins."

"Why is that?"

"I don't like those dark places," Spark muttered, taking another mouthful from his glass. His words, though delivered with casual indifference, held a surprising honesty.

The princess couldn't help but giggle at the thought. "Even the mightiest of men have fears."

Spark looked at her, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "Fears? Nah, it's just... well, they're dark, damp, and full of old, creepy stuff. Not my style."