🍁Nine Ancient Obelisks

The grandeur of the current royal residence increased with every step, raising the level of excitement, and so the young scholar quickly got lost in this solemn labyrinth. If it weren't for the cat-guardian accompanying him, he probably wouldn't have reached the chambers at all.

"We'll see!" he said, forcing a smile as the departing guardian walked away, and tried to give his appearance a semblance of calm. King Asugukh is, of course, not a goddess-empress, and some of his acquaintances could boast of long-standing friendly relations with the latter, but for a recent school graduate, this didn't change much.

Glancing briefly at his decidedly unceremonious travel clothes, the young man took a deep breath and followed the invitation of the female voice.

Inside, Asmidul met the expected face of the commander of the royal guard. The room itself was distinguished by its high ceilings and spaciousness, but judging by the furnishings, it was not in constant use. If this were not the royal chambers, but the room of a lonely commoner, it would certainly have gathered dust. The sovereign's dwelling did not suffer from a lack of interior, being filled with a variety of items, both of Asugukhian production and foreign origin. Among them were both expensive-looking items, probably gifts from "colleagues," monarchs of other states, and inexpensive-looking items that the young man could quite expect to see even in his own home.
- Greetings. - Up close, it became clear that Ikusa was above average height, and her movements and posture combined serenity and strength, which was not typical for her attractive appearance. - Ikusa Sizki, I am glad to meet you.
Although this didn't make much sense from a logical point of view, since her name should have been known anyway, she still introduced herself and extended her hand to the guest - but not for a kiss, as one might think, but for a handshake.
- Welcome to my chambers. - In another part of the room, the king himself was visible, sitting in an armchair near a coffee table. This time he was dressed more simply and without his headdress, which created a completely different image. - I suppose I should apologize for the fact that the meeting I promised made you wait so long?