"Alright, I trust you."
If you have that, what's the point of taking a bath? Is Maria taking advantage of me? Does she just want to see me nude? Hehe…
While I was thinking of something (lewd), faint light appeared and surrounding Maria's hands. Her fingers then touched my skin, and this light travelled from her hand to my skin, covering my entire body.
I feel a soothing chill envelope me. When the magic spell was done, I've never felt cleaner!
"That was amazing, Maria." I couldn't help but praise.
Maria looked extremely honored and proud.
"It is the least I can do for the Great Hero."
Also, I know I already asked this, but why did I still take a bath? But I didn't voice out my question. I want to refrain from talking as much as possible and focus more on listening. I have to remind myself I am in a new world with a possibly wildly different culture. I don't want to say something that will lead me to my grave.
After taking a bath, Maria led me to the dressing room. Yeah, they have an entirely different room where they dress up. Rich people, am I right?
But when I entered the dressing room, I immediately understood why they needed a separate room for it. Their wardrobe is large. It seemed to be for the entire castle, not for the Royal Family alone. There are closets like it's the city library, and there are lines and lines of clothing in a neat formation.
Maria worked robotically as if she had done this a million times already. She took my measurements and nodded with satisfaction. Why does she have such a relieved expression?
My question was soon answered when Maria went to the largest and most prominent closet door in the dressing room. With respect and care, she opened the door and revealed a uniform in a glass casing.
It felt like an art piece you see displayed in a museum. There is light illuminating the casing, making it seem majestic. I figured these lights were tied to magic, not electricity. They don't seem to have the technology for that yet.
Anyway, the uniform itself is grand and awe-inspiring. It is most likely a uniform readied for the Hero, which is me, hehe.
"Great Hero, this is the one and only World Grade Armor in the whole Elethis Kingdom, specifically tailored for you, which we call the Hero's Garb. We hope that it suits your preference." Maria spoke with pride as she took out a key and opened the casing.
The other maids walked up in unison to aid Maria in taking the so-called World Grade Armor, while the others took off my purple bathrobe. I was already wearing underwear that Maria offered me right after taking a bath, so I let them be.
The maids were emotionless as they undressed me, ignoring my chiseled body. I kind of want to see them get embarrassed like how Maria does, but I guess they are keeping a straight face out of respect.
I felt like Tonie Stark getting my metal armor on by machine. These maids work fast and efficient and it just took me a single breath before I have completely dressed with the Hero's Garb.
The Hero's Garb is light and pristine. When under the sunlight, it reflects metallic gold faintly. It's like I'm a saint in a military uniform. I'm so fucking hype!
However, I have to keep a straight face as well. Then, of course, I gave a smile of satisfaction.
"This is impressive," I commented.
"That's wonderful to hear, Great Hero."
Maria and the other maids bowed as if they were giving respect to the king. I wonder if the title of the hero exceeds the title of the king? Wouldn't that be awesome? But, yeah, don't get ahead of yourself- I reminded myself.
While they are welcoming and show great respect to me, it is mainly directed to the title of the Hero and not me specifically. The title of the Hero should mean more, like being the only one to pull out the holy sword or being blessed by the Gods. Until then, getting ahead of myself is the worst thing I can do.
"Great Hero, you are now ready to meet the Royal Family and the Royal Officers at the feast. Please follow me."
Time to see the princess- I mean, the whole Royal Family and the story of why I am here!
Shortly after, I arrived at the venue. Before I could enter, I heard an announcer within the huge building call out my name.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome our Great Hero, Aust!"
The double door filled with ornaments opened, and there was a red carpet for me to walk on. Lines of servants on both sides bowed to greet me.
"Welcome, Great Hero!"
I nodded. Honestly, I'm at a loss. Should I wave my hand or do I act nonchalant? Well, I just know that I shouldn't act shy so I brought up my most confident walk ever. I didn't forget to wear a bright smile that seemed to captivate the people.
Why wouldn't it? I have the most handsome face any man could hope for, hehe. What a wonderful transmigration.
As I walked into the hall, I could hear whispers and praises.
"Befitting a hero!"
"This kingdom is blessed to have Hero Aust!"
"Welcome, oh Great Hero!"
There are men in elegant suits and ladies in beautiful dresses. In the middle of the hall lay lines of tables with white clothing and ornaments. This looks like a party more than a meeting.
Maria led me up to the front of the raised platform where the table of the royal family resides. I see the familiar king along with a beautiful lady beside him. Is that the queen? Holy fuck! She looks like his granddaughter or something. Is that magic?
My eyes drifted to the two men with smaller crowns and then a girl with a similar headwear. They are obviously the princess and the two princes. The princess looks like the queen but is more innocent-looking. She looked at me with a dreamy face. Is she the type to romanticize the hero? You wouldn't find me complaining!
I hope the queen does too. I absolutely despise NTR unless I'm doing the NTR (just kidding… or not).
Anyway, enough with the lecherous thoughts. I followed Maria's lead and knelt in front of the platform to show my respect. I wonder why they didn't orient me. Maybe they expected me to follow lead?
"Please, Hero, no need for that. You are too humble." the king stated but wasn't bothered by it.
Oh, I get it. They didn't stop me so they could show the other guests or other subjects that I still bow my head to the king. At the same time, the king would show his humility by stopping me. Cunning.
I'm starting to understand the power dynamic between the Hero and the King here.
It is also possible that I am overanalyzing things. I've read too many novels. But you can never be too careful, right?
"Let the Hero sit beside us."
The king ordered, and Maria led me to the spot between the king and the princess. I am sitting on the same table as the royal family?
"Greetings, again, Your Majesty." I bowed again to the king, which he was very pleased with. Yeah, be as pleased as you want. Then, I turned to the princess, "Excuse me, you must be the princess."
The innocent-looking princess nodded and calmly introduced herself.
"It is my blessing to meet the Hero in my lifetime. My name is Aliciani, you may call me Alice, Great Hero."
"Nice to meet you, Princess Alice."
Alice replied with a friendly smile before looking away bashfully. So cute. I haven't seen anyone as pretty as the princess. Even those models or idols back on Earth couldn't start to compare. This is another benefit of another world.
"Since you have met the princess, let me introduce you to my beautiful wife and talented sons."
Of course, I'll meet the princess first with this seating arrangement. It seems that the king wants the princess to be acquainted with me first. Very suspicious, don't you think?