The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Chapter 95 Suddenly Setting Out?

Turns that when he went to take the bath, Lira manipulatively sent the other maids leave early.

He cast a glance back at the bathroom, where Serelith and Lira had insisted on joining him halfway through. It wasn't even a peaceful interruption—the two women had spent the entire time bickering. Lira's sarcasm and Serelith's mischievous remarks had filled the air as they argued over who would "assist" him with his bath.

They had been so busy going at each other that they barely even noticed him in the tub.

<It's all your own fault, Mikhailis.>

"Yes, yes, Rodion. Thank you very much for the reminder," Mikhailis muttered under his breath, shaking his head. He couldn't help but grin despite himself. Rodion was right, after all. He had a way of getting himself into these situations.

He turned to grab his clothes, but paused mid-motion, his eyes widening slightly. Lira and Serelith had stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped only in towels, their skin glistening with moisture. They moved with a casual ease, not even bothering to glance in his direction as they busied themselves with drying off.

Their bare shoulders and toned legs were on full display, and the towels they wore left very little to the imagination.

Mikhailis swallowed, his eyes flicking between the two women. Lira's elegance shone through even now—her movements graceful as she wrung out her long black hair, the towel barely clinging to her curves. Serelith, on the other hand, looked completely carefree, her mischievous eyes catching his for just a moment before she gave him a playful smirk, as if daring him to look longer.

He let out a breath, shaking his head.

Well, I can't say I dislike this kind of heaven.

Just as he thought that, a sharp knock echoed through the room. All three of them froze, their eyes widening. Mikhailis quickly pulled on his clothes, his heart pounding in his chest. The knock came again, louder this time.

"Your Highness, are you in there?" The voice was cold, almost stern. Mikhailis recognized it immediately—Cerys, the "Lone Wolf," known for her unwavering loyalty to Elowen.

Lira and Serelith exchanged a panicked look before scrambling to get dressed, their movements hurried. Mikhailis couldn't help but find it amusing, watching the two women—normally so composed—now fumbling with their clothes in a rush. He had just finished buttoning his shirt when the door creaked open.

"I'll be taking the liberty to check," Cerys announced from the other side.

The door swung open, and there stood Cerys, her piercing red eyes scanning the room. Mikhailis stood in the center, fully dressed, while Lira and Serelith were hastily adjusting their clothes, their breaths slightly ragged. Cerys's gaze lingered on them for a moment, but she didn't seem to notice anything amiss. Instead, her eyes landed squarely on Mikhailis.

"I see that you've already prepared, Your Highness," she said, her tone flat.

"Uh, yes?" Mikhailis replied, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

Cerys nodded curtly, then stepped forward, handing him a deep green cloak.

"It's time for departure. Please use this." She handed similar cloaks to Lira and Serelith, her expression unreadable.

Mikhailis took the cloak, draping it over his shoulders. He glanced at the two women, who were both still catching their breath. Cerys, however, seemed oblivious to their state.

"Lady Serelith, it's rare for you to be on time," Cerys remarked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.

Serelith smiled smoothly, not missing a beat.

"I just happened to want to check on the magic cultivation of the Prince Consort. Turns out it's going quite well."

Mikhailis fought back a grin. Smooth, Serelith. Very smooth. He could almost hear Rodion's voice in his head.

Impressive quick thinking, Serelith.

Cerys raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to Lira, who visibly stiffened.

"Is there anything wrong, Lady Lira?" Cerys asked, her voice calm but carrying an edge.

Lira straightened, forcing a smile.

"Of course not, Lady Cerys. Everything is perfectly fine."

Cerys studied her for a moment longer, then nodded.

"Very well. Let us proceed. I'll be counting on you, Lady Lira."

There was a polite distance in her tone, but it was clear from her gaze that she held little respect for Lira. Serelith, on the other hand, seemed to command her full regard. Mikhailis glanced at Lira, who kept her expression composed, though he could see the tension in her posture.

Well, damn right I am, Mikhailis thought, barely suppressing a sigh.

Cerys turned on her heel, leading the way out of the room. Mikhailis followed, with Lira and Serelith falling into step beside him. The green cloaks fluttered slightly as they moved, and Mikhailis couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within him.

Today was the day he had been waiting for—an incognito adventure through the capital. It was something he had always wanted to do, a chance to see the city without the weight of titles or responsibilities. He had always imagined it would be thrilling, a chance to explore freely. But now, with Cerys leading the way and the tension between the three women practically palpable, he wasn't so sure.

"So, Cerys," Mikhailis began, trying to lighten the mood, "any particular reason we're using these cloaks?"

Cerys glanced back at him, her expression serious.

"These cloaks are enchanted to mask our presence. They will help us blend in with the crowd and avoid drawing attention."

Mikhailis nodded, impressed.

"I see. Quite handy."

Cerys gave a curt nod, then turned her attention back to the path ahead. They moved through the castle corridors, their footsteps echoing softly. The morning light filtered through the windows, casting long shadows on the stone floor. Mikhailis glanced at Serelith, who was walking beside him, her eyes darting around as if she were still on edge from the earlier encounter.

He leaned in slightly, his voice barely a whisper.

"Nice save back there, Serelith."

Serelith shot him a sly smile, her eyes glinting with mischief.

"I told you, Your Highness, I'm quite good at improvising."

Mikhailis chuckled softly.

"That you are."

Ahead of them, Cerys's sharp gaze scanned the surroundings, her posture rigid. She moved with a confidence that spoke of years of training, her every step deliberate and calculated. Mikhailis watched her for a moment, his curiosity piqued.

"You seem particularly serious today, Cerys," he remarked, his tone light.

Cerys glanced at him, her expression unreadable.

"It is my duty to ensure your safety, Your Highness. I take that duty very seriously."

Mikhailis nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"I appreciate that. But, you know, we're just going for a stroll through the city. No need to be so tense."

Cerys's eyes narrowed slightly.

"With all due respect, Your Highness, the capital can be unpredictable. We must remain vigilant."

Mikhailis sighed, shaking his head.

"Always so serious, Cerys. But I suppose that's why they call you such a great knight."

Cerys didn't respond, her attention already back on the path ahead. Mikhailis exchanged a glance with Serelith, who rolled her eyes, clearly amused.

As they made their way through the castle gates, Mikhailis stopped for a while, before turning his back, immersing himself in the sight of the grand castle of Silvarion Thalor. It was the first time he truly took in the full view of the castle, with its sprawling structure rising up before him.

The castle was an awe-inspiring blend of natural beauty and regal architecture, its stone towers entwined with the massive branches of an ancient tree that formed the backbone of the entire structure. Thick roots sprawled along the ground, some twisting up to merge with the castle walls, while vibrant green leaves canopied over the highest spires.

Flowers of all colors seemed to bloom at every corner, trailing up the stone and nestled between branches, adding life and vibrancy to the otherwise austere castle design.

The way the castle fused seamlessly with the tree, almost as if it had grown from within the tree itself, was unlike anything Mikhailis had ever seen. The bark of the ancient tree formed walls that were smooth in some places, jagged in others, the texture constantly shifting like the flow of nature itself.

Windows were embedded within the living wood, the glass glinting as sunlight broke through the foliage.

The castle exuded both majesty and tranquility—a reminder that it wasn't just a seat of power, but a symbol of the unity between the kingdom and the enchanted forest that sustained it. Even though he had lived here for some time, seeing it like this made him appreciate the uniqueness of the place all over again.

He let his gaze sweep across the castle grounds, taking in the lush gardens, the small pools with crystal-clear water, the graceful arches that connected various sections of the castle. It all felt surreal.

"It's beautiful..."