The Kingdom of Elarion was located on the Sarin Continent, the second-largest continent on Dwarka. It bordered two kingdoms to the east—Morlen in the northeast and Redmere in the southeast—while the endlessly stretching Forbidden Forest dominated the west.
To the south lay the Unhinged Lands, scarred by the recent fall of the Helion Empire, and to the north stood the formidable Drakari Empire.
The Arcane Citadel, which Fiora hoped to attend, was located within the Drakari Empire and was renowned throughout the continent.
Regardless, in the novel The Return of the Emperor, it was described that Queen Seraphine Vaeloria of the Kingdom of Elarion was secretly an elf.
She seemed to have a deadly feud with the Drakari Empire due to her banishment from their royal bloodline—a secret she kept hidden from the world.
And from what Liam knew, she was extremely scheming, ruthless in ambition, and terrifyingly patient.
She could do anything to attain her goals, even if it meant killing her own husband to remove an obstacle or seize more power.
'And it seems it was because of her that my father decided to start a coup that almost succeeded.'
Liam recalled while looking at the broad back of his father, Duke Edward Cromwell.
In fact, although he had read about this world in the novel The Return Of The Emperor, it was from the perspective of the protagonist Adrian.
So, he wasn't sure about many intricacies around him.
"Duke Cromwell, you are here? Ah, please come this way, Her Majesty the Queen is waiting for you."
Just when Liam was busy musing over things, a sweet voice from the maid in front brought his attention back. It seemed they had finally arrived at the place.
"Please."
Duke Edward walked ahead with the head maid, while Liam followed behind toward the audience chamber—a grand hall in the palace where the Queen held her hearings.
"Your Majesty!"
As soon as Duke Edward entered the chamber, he immediately lowered his head and displayed noble courtesy. Liam also followed his father's example, bowing respectfully, when he heard a crisp female voice from the front, filled with interest.
"So, is this the son who dared to kidnap a bride of the Greymont family in full view of the public?"
The voice was sweet and slightly mature, laced with a hint of laziness. However, Liam could clearly sense the amusement hidden within it.
"Yes, Your Majesty. My son acted recklessly, without considering the consequences. I sincerely apologize that this fiasco has reached your ears."
Duke Cromwell said, rising to his feet and offering an honest apology to Queen Seraphine. Then, he turned to Liam and subtly signaled with his eyes for him to do the same.
However, before Liam could do what his father asked, Queen Seraphine suddenly laughed and waved her hand from her throne,
"Haha… no need, no need. It isn't that serious. I am just intrigued by his guts. Your son is really something else, huh?"
She said while giggling a little, not taking it to heart. Seeing her smiling, Duke Cromwell also visibly relaxed as that meant the issue had already been resolved.
"It is just a reckless youth. Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will definitely teach him discipline after we return."
Duke Cromwell said, placing his hand on his chest.
While they were busy talking with each other, Liam finally lifted his head and saw Queen Seraphine for the first time.
She sat gracefully on the throne, her platinum-blue hair cascading in soft waves, calm emerald-green eyes paired with a beautiful smile, and her slender, voluptuous figure draped in flowing silver-white robes that shimmered faintly under the light.
'She looks breathtaking!'
Liam couldn't help but have this thought seeing such a beautiful mature woman for the first time in his life.
Now he understood why people love MILF in his previous life.
Although Fiora had her own charm, in front of Queen Seraphine, she was a few points below.
'With that smile and her amiable look, who would have thought she was a villainess who wants to usurp the throne?'
Liam thought and was about to divert his eyes away from the Queen when, suddenly, Seraphine's emerald-green eyes looked directly at him.
It was so instantaneous that it seemed she had sensed his gaze even without looking—or even what he was thinking.
"Hehe… you are right. He is indeed reckless."
Queen Seraphine suddenly giggled after seeing a surprised look on Liam's face. However, there was also some interest in her eyes that was hard for anyone to detect.
'Damn! Did I shoot myself in the foot?'
Liam couldn't help but curse himself when he saw Seraphine looking at him with interest. If she found something odd with him, he might not survive today.
"Liam Cromwell, it seems you haven't awakened your class yet."
Fortunately for him, Seraphine asked about his class after scanning his body. It seemed she was just amused by his gaze, nothing more.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I have yet to awaken my class."
Liam breathed a sigh of relief and quickly responded, trying to calm himself. Although it was a false alarm, he had already decided to be careful when in the presence of a powerful figure from now on.
"Hmm… I can see, come here!"
Queen Seraphine nodded and suddenly waved her hand, adorned with intricate silver rings, signaling Liam to come closer.
"Excuse me?"
However, Liam was confused and blurted out a question just as a sharp slap landed on his shoulder, followed by his father's stern voice—
"Ouch!"
"Your Majesty is asking you to come close. Why are you questioning her?"
Duke Cromwell gnashed his teeth in frustration, seeing his son's stupid look, and pushed him directly towards the throne, causing Queen Seraphine to giggle lightly.
"Hehe… It's okay, Duke Cromwell. No need to be so strict with me."
She lightly brushed off the situation, looked at Liam, who was caressing his shoulder in pain, and said with a smile,
"Come closer, and I will check your body to see if you are ready to awaken your class."
Her calm eyes settled on Liam, refusing to reveal her true thoughts.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
This time, Liam hurriedly nodded and made his way forward, not wanting to endure another slap on his shoulder.
'Can't this geezer slap lightly? Damn old man, I've already written this in my book. Just wait…'
He cursed the old man and finally made his way to the throne, where the mature figure of Seraphine was waiting for him.
"Give me your hand."
As soon as Liam came closer, Queen Seraphine suddenly lifted her fair arm and asked him to place his hand on hers with a smile.
Liam noticed that up close, Queen Seraphine was even more beautiful—her flawless skin glowed softly, and her voluptuous body, though regal and composed, had a devilish allure that was filled with temptation.
Honestly, she was the embodiment of M…
Fortunately, this time Liam was prepared and didn't let any thoughts slip through his mind.
Instead, he quickly placed his hand atop hers, feeling a little awkward.
'Why do I feel weird? Isn't it supposed to be the opposite?'
Liam couldn't stop his thoughts as he felt the softness and warmth against his skin, his gaze falling on their perfectly aligned hands—almost like that of a couple.
Just when Liam had that thought, a crisp sound suddenly rang out, followed by a transparent panel appearing in his mind, filled with streams of information.
[Ding!]
[You have been asked by Queen Seraphina to place your hand atop hers. As a carrier of the Unstoppable System, you cannot be lame.]
[Congratulations! A new Quest has been activated: Your Hand Belongs To Me!]
[Your Hand Belongs To Me! – Instead of allowing Queen Seraphina to grab your hand in submission, grab hers instead and show her that you are truly unstoppable.]
[Condition: Hold Queen Seraphina Vaeloria's hand and don't let go for at least one minute. The longer you hold, the greater the reward you get.]
[Reward: ??]
[Penalty for Failure: Permanent disappearance of the Unstoppable System.]
[Quest Progress: 2/3]
'Oh come on!'