Chapter 43 43: Do You Think You're Some Prince?

"From this point, we should leave the Gryphons behind. It'll be too eye-catching if we land like this."

Ye Han brought their ascent to a halt as they arrived above the Capital of Esti Kingdom.

He disembarked from the Gryphon and gracefully hovered mid-air, exhibiting a perception of unrestrained movement akin to walking or even soaring in the air.

He reached out his hand toward Xu Shan who couldn't fly without external help.

As Xu Shan grasped Ye Han's hand, an inexplicable force surged through his body. It was a peculiar sensation that lightened his weight and instilled a feeling of weightlessness. This phenomenon was so intense that he almost felt capable of walking through the air.

"With my aura, you should be able to fly for a couple of minutes. This is enough for us to land." Ye Han retracted his hands.

Xu Shan was quite curious about how Ye Han had managed to help him fly. Yet, it didn't seem to be a mere skill, rather something more profound, like the work of a Celestial Spirit!

He didn't question it and got off the Gryphon as well. He had no idea about what Celestial Spirit Ye Han possessed, but it was quite intriguing for him.

Ye Han produced an Eternal Dynasty token, featuring an intricately carved Gryphon symbol. Despite its modest size, the token boasted a remarkable capability - it could serve as a receptacle for living creatures, essentially functioning as a form of storage.

Both the Gryphons entered the small token, that had a vast space inside which was suitable for the Gryphons.

****

The guards stationed at the entrance of the Royal Palace were engaged in a casual conversation, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings. Their attention was quickly piqued upon the sound of footsteps approaching them, prompting them to stop mid-conversation and cast a quick glance towards the source of the sound.

Not too far from them, they saw two people advancing closer to the palace. The first person to catch their attention was a youthful-looking man who seemed to be no older than twenty. Following closely behind him was another gentleman, who appeared to be in his early thirties.

The guards could not detect any distinct presence from the newcomers. It appeared as if they were ordinary humans. Nevertheless, their attire was far from ordinary. The guards even perceived that their clothing was more opulent than that of the royals from Esti Kingdom who participated in the celebration.

It was peculiar to note that the two individuals did not make their entrance in lavish carriages. In fact, they were spotted traversing on foot as though limited by financial constraints, which appeared to contradict their attire.

"Who are they? To walk here like a peasant? They didn't even bring any gifts either. Are they really some big shots? Doesn't seem like it! But their clothes..." One of the guards frowned.

"Maybe they stole those clothes from somewhere? Whatever, we just need to check if they possess invitations."

The two guards stepped forward, creating something akin to a cross with their spears, blocking the path.

"Halt! Identify yourself and show your invitation!" The guard exclaimed as if he was looking down on the two 'mortals' before his eyes.

"Invitation?" Xu Shan couldn't help but smile. "I didn't know we needed an invitation to meet the King. How about you pass a message to your King from us? He should allow us in."

"Huh? Who the hell do you think you are? Do you think you're some Prince or something?!" The guard scolded. "I don't know where you found those nice clothes from, but that doesn't matter! If you don't have an invitation, then scram back to where you came from!"

"Sigh, it's not the first time some idiots came here to eat free food!" Another guard rolled his eyes in disgust.

Xu Shan was quite amused at the reaction of the guards. Even though he hadn't told them who he was, but to have that condescending attitude right from the start was quite strange.

He couldn't help but take a glance at Ye Han behind him. "It's not often that there are people who call us an idiot right at our faces."

"What a pity that I'm not important enough to receive an invitation from the King." He further added, being somewhat sarcastic.

"It's good that you know your worth! Now leave this place before we break your legs and toss you out. We're already in a bad mood!"

The guards were so frustrated that they weren't in the team that was assigned inside the castle to maintain security!

That team could enjoy and even eat various delicacies secretly. Meanwhile they were here, talking with some poor idiots who thought they could sneak inside.

"Is that so...?" Xu Shan's smile didn't diminish. However, the look in his eyes was slightly different.

****

The King was seated on his throne in the Royal Palace, surrounded by offerings from various influential clans. In celebration of his birthday, these gifts ranged from priceless herbs with a millennium-long history to revered artworks and artifacts from ancient times.

At first, the Royal Palace was filled with the sound of joy and festivities. But soon, the mood shifted and a sense of solemnity descended upon the atmosphere.

No one inside the clan didn't know how it happened but a shabbily dressed young man managed to get inside the Royal Hall without being detected!

Adding to the situation, the man didn't attempt to conceal his identity. Instead, he boldly presented himself to the king while holding a letter in his hand.

The King who was initially in a good mood was stunned as he read the letter! He couldn't help but glance at his daughter before glancing back at the man.

"Preposterous! Who do you think you are?!" The King roared, slamming his fists on the armrest of his chair!

"I do not consider myself anyone of importance. Nevertheless, this letter was entrusted to my grandfather by Your Majesty's father in gratitude for my grandfather saving his life. Within this letter, the previous King had arranged for his eldest granddaughter to be betrothed to me."

The young man appeared disinterested as he spoke. It was as if he had been compelled to be in this location, marrying someone he did not know, and was simply fulfilling the obligation of his engagement.

Upon hearing the contents of the letter and its accompanying details, gasps of shock filled the palace hall. However, this initial shock quickly gave way to a chorus of mocking and insults.

"Engagement with the Eldest Princess? Does this idiot not know how many geniuses want to marry the first beauty of our Dynasty?!"

"He really overestimates himself! To think that a pig wants to marry a swan! Hahaha!"

"Who knows if that letter is even true or not. Maybe he forged it!"

There is no way to verify if the letter was truly authored by the late King, as his passing occurred prior to the letter's emergence.

"He doesn't even have a single trace of celestial aura! What a useless man! He must be dreaming!"

The derisive remarks persisted, as it was widely understood that the King would never approve of a person deemed to be a waste as a suitable match for his beloved daughter.

As the crowd ridiculed the young man, a sudden glimmer flickered in his eyes, accompanied by a hint of frustration. Despite being labeled as incompetent by the masses, they had no understanding of his true capabilities.

If it wasn't for the promise of his grandfather, he would've already left this place in anger.

The circumstances seemed to be against him at that moment. Nonetheless, at that very moment, the Eldest Princess stood up!