Tower Of God: Life As Hoaqin

134th Floor, Zahard's Royal Castle. Commonly referred to as the "Capital of the Tower."

Naturally, the royal castle where King Zahard resides isn't a place just anyone can enter. If it were, fanatics from FUG or other groups would probably be carrying out bomb attacks at least once a month. Of course, that doesn't mean it's simply a lone castle surrounded by Zahard's army either.

This place is called the "Capital of the Tower."

Long ago, natives of the 134th Floor and those who migrated here gathered around the royal castle. Over time, a population of over a million formed villages, built cities, and established a society.

"Items from a prestigious blacksmith family from the 100th Floor! Perfect for giving your kids before sending them as Regulars!"

"Fresh Red Thorn Bass just came in! Come take a look!"

From the 133rd–134th Floor gate all the way here, I had only seen endless stretches of harsh, crimson-black mountains. Yet deep within such rugged terrain existed a place this peaceful and lively. In a way, being surrounded by such steep mountain ranges made this place a natural fortress.

The city formed around the royal castle felt quite different from the Arie main family's domain.

In the Arie main house, everyone belonged to the highest class by the Tower's standards. Poverty and misfortune were nonexistent, and economic activity was practically absent—goods were simply brought in from territories under Arie control, while residents themselves didn't engage in trade.

But this place was different.

There were the poor, the middle class, and the wealthy, all living together. Because of that, people imported and exported goods, actively participating in economic activity.

In many ways, despite being ruled by a king, this city felt far more natural and full of humanity than the Arie main house.

"Um… would you buy a flower? It only grows on the 134th Floor…"

For example, like this.

A young boy carrying a basket full of flowers approached me cautiously. He must've thought I was an outsider, even though I belonged to the Arie family.

A flower, huh… Maybe I could give it to Maschenny as a congratulatory gift.

"Sure, I'll buy as many as you want."

"Thank you…!"

Watching the boy run off with his now-empty basket in light, quick steps, I held a bundle of flowers, along with the identification Maschenny had given me and the emblem proving I was a branch leader of the Arie family, as I made my way toward the royal castle at the center of the city.

.....

"Princess Maschenny Zahard, preparations for the investiture ceremony are complete."

Surrounded by attendants who were carefully dressing her up, Maschenny turned her gaze to the messenger.

"I see. But it seems I'm not ready yet, so wait."

"…Understood."

As the messenger withdrew, the attendants who had been working on her quickly stepped back.

One of them asked with a worried expression, "Princess, the preparations are already complete. If we delay further, the royal retainers—"

"Don't presume. If I think it's not done, then redo it."

"M-My apologies!"

Of course, she was trying to buy time.

She wanted Hoaquin to arrive before it was too late. But she had already reached the limit of how much she could delay. She could push it further if she wanted, but she wasn't foolish enough to ignore the importance of the situation.

If Hoaquin failed to arrive in time, she would be somewhat disappointed—but forcing a delay would be far more foolish.

"…This should be enough. Let's go. Time for the ceremony."

"We shall escort you."

Dozens of maids followed behind her, and Zahard's royal guards knelt before her in utmost respect before opening the gates wide.

"Princess Maschenny Zahard enters!!"

Rumble—

The massive doors slowly opened, and once they fully reached the walls, her footsteps resumed.

Click, click—

As she stepped into the hall, the captain of the guards shouted loudly:

"Show your respect to Princess Maschenny Zahard, a member of the great Zahard royal family!"

Thud—

At once, all the guards, retainers, corps commanders, and everyone present in the hall bowed deeply in respect. The same applied to the external guests invited to observe.

While everyone had their heads lowered, Maschenny glanced toward the area where the observers were gathered.

If Hoaquin wasn't there, it meant he hadn't made it.

"..."

And then, a faint smile formed on her lips.

Because among the sea of blue, there was a single figure in white that stood out clearly.

....

"Identity confirmed. Branch Leader Arie Hoaquin. Entry permitted. However, if you enter any area outside the designated path to the hall, you will be judged on the spot and executed. Keep that in mind."

"I understand."

The guard's arrogant tone turned respectful the moment he confirmed that I was a branch leader. Still, his warning sent a chill down my spine. Not that it mattered—I had no intention of doing anything unnecessary.

Walking along the designated path through the royal corridors, I soon arrived at a massive door.

The guards pushed it open, leaving just enough space for one person to pass through.

And the moment I stepped inside—

Good. I made it in time.

Judging by the fact that only the royal retainers bearing the red three-eyed emblem, the royal guards, high-ranking officials of administration, ritual, law, and military, along with observers like myself were present, the ceremony hadn't started yet.

Tap, tap—

"Yo, Hoaquin. Long time no see."

"…? Ah."

Hearing an unexpected voice, I turned around to see a man from the Khun family smiling slyly.

"Lucas, it's been a while. How's Ar doing?"

He was the branch leader of the Khun family whom Maschenny had brought along—someone who had been a great help during the Arie main house conflict.

Lucas was smiling brightly.

"I couldn't bring Ar since she'd be treated as a weapon. I don't like the fact that our cute Ar is classified as one… but honestly, I think it was the right decision not to bring her. I'm not sure how that child, who carries even a faint trace of ancient blood, would react if she entered Zahard's royal castle."

"…I see."

Since the atmosphere was extremely quiet, we didn't continue the conversation any further. After exchanging brief greetings, I closed my mouth again and took the opportunity to look around the "Hall of Glory," where the investiture ceremony would take place.

If the Arie family's altar embodied elegance and beauty through the single color of white, then the Hall of Glory was dazzlingly extravagant, as if meant to display the king's overwhelming authority.

A red backdrop adorned with countless golden decorations. Even the walls and floors were engraved with gold patterns. Seeing such excessive luxury, I couldn't help but click my tongue.

Of course, the outdoor sword altar was larger in scale, but this hall was by no means small. Even with this many people inside, there was still plenty of space left.

Comparing it to when I ascended to branch leader was oddly amusing, so I continued observing the hall's lavish interior and the participants—

Then suddenly, a guard shouted loudly:

"Princess Maschenny Zahard enters!!"

Ah, finally.

The eyes of everyone present—including myself, the Khun family observers, and the royal members—gradually turned toward the opening doors.

At last, the massive doors opened wide, and I was able to see Maschenny, whom I had been waiting for.

Wow… if there had been an Observer, I would've taken hundreds, thousands of pictures.

She wasn't wearing her usual blue dress, but instead a royal outfit of red, gold, and white bearing the three-eyed emblem. And yet, she was still breathtaking.

No—having been specially prepared for the ceremony, she looked more beautiful than ever.

Before I could even take in her appearance properly, the guard shouted again:

"Show your respect to Princess Maschenny Zahard, a member of the great Zahard royal family!!"

At those words, everyone bowed deeply at once—the royal members and the observers alike.

I quickly lowered my head as well, showing her the proper respect.

Click, click—

In a situation where no one dared to look directly at Maschenny and all eyes were fixed on the ground, I had no intention of being foolish enough to stare straight ahead, so I quietly followed suit and kept my gaze lowered.

The only sound was that of her glass heels.

Then, it stopped.

Which likely meant she had reached the very top of the hall after ascending all the steps.

Soon after, the voice of an old man echoed.

His voice carried deep experience and an unwavering conviction.

"Princess Maschenny Zahard."

At his call, Maschenny responded.

"Yes."

"Do you swear eternal loyalty to the royal family?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear, in the name of the King, to stand at the forefront in purging the darkness that threatens the Tower and deliver judgment upon your enemies?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to use the power granted to you by the great King Zahard for the glory of the royal family?"

"I swear."

After a brief pause, the old man asked what was likely his final question.

"Do you swear to faithfully fulfill the duties, roles, and responsibilities bestowed upon you as a Princess of Zahard?"

The duties, roles, and responsibilities of a Zahard Princess.

What he meant was obvious.

The ultimate purpose, duty, and role of a Zahard Princess was to gather all 13 Months and earn the qualification to bear Zahard's child.

Ha… after pulling that kind of trick with the 13 Months, they still make her swear to this? Ridiculous.

Even as I thought that, Maschenny answered without hesitation.

"I swear."

"Hmm."

The old man let out a satisfied breath and continued:

"With this, the oath of loyalty is eternally engraved. From this moment, the official royal investiture ceremony of Princess Maschenny Zahard—"

At that moment—

"Well done, my daughter."

"...!!"

Just hearing that voice made my entire body tremble.

It was directed at Maschenny—similar to my father's presence, yet far more transcendent. The pressure, the weight… and above all—

That same feeling I had sensed from Zahard's data in the Hidden Floor.

The owner of that voice was unmistakable.

"Raise your heads."

At those words, everyone slowly lifted their heads.

And then—

We saw him.

The King of the Tower.

No one present, except me, could withstand the overwhelming divinity emanating from him.

"WE GREET THE GREAT KING ZAHARD!!!"

The corps commanders of Zahard's army were the first to drop to their knees, their thunderous voices filling the hall. The impact of their knees hitting the ground echoed loudly.

Following them, the royal retainers and guards all knelt, bowing their heads as if they might slam them into the floor.

"ENDLESS GLORY TO THE ZAHARD ROYAL FAMILY!!"

Watching them instantly turn into fanatics, we observers remained silent.

We followed the Ten Great Families rather than Zahard himself. If we had followed the king, we would have already joined the army and stood among those zealots.

Still, no one dared to take the King of the Tower lightly.

After the royal members knelt, the Khun family observers also knelt, showing sincere respect to the king.

I did the same.

Then, I raised my gaze toward Zahard, who stood beneath the massive red three-eyed emblem at the top of the hall.

After all, he was the one who told us to raise our heads.

Black armor. A crimson cloak. The three-eyed emblem. Golden hair. And eyes that shimmered with a blend of blue and red—

"..."

As I looked at him, for some reason, I felt as if Zahard was looking at me as well.

As if our gazes had met.

[Master.]

'Yeah, Baekya.'

[That being… is looking at you.]

My bad premonition was confirmed by Baekya.

Those golden eyes—so deep they seemed impossible to fathom, as if they contained an immeasurable abyss—

Were observing me.